How-To Guide by The Eagle Advertising Department

How-To

GUIDE

2 0 1 1

HOW -TO... Choose a Caterer................. 2

Find What You Need Online ..................... 12

Choose a Bank .................... 4

Know When Physical Therapy is Needed ............ 14

Choose Farm Equipment...... 7

Choose a Podiatrist ........... 16

Select Active Adult Communities...................... 8

Choose Educational Toys.... 18

Know When Foundation Repair is Needed............... 10

Choose the Right Salon, Spa and Massage .............. 19

BANK TRAC TORS F O U N D AT I O N R E PA I R

C AT E R E R E D U C AT I O N A L TOYS

PHYSICAL THERAPY A C T I V E A D U LT COMMUNITIES

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FOOD How To Quick Tips

brought to you by:

S u n day, Ma r c H 27, 2011

Buppy’s Catering 1.

Get references from friends and people in the community. Chances are reputable names will overlap.

Make sure you let them know the venue since location makes a difference.

Don’t neglect the importance of the quality of the food. Make sure to sample several dishes that you will be serving at your event.

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Get everything in writing. Make sure that your contract details every individual aspect of your event.

Find out if there is a deposit required and when the balance is due.

Check if they can also supply the china, linens , tables and chairs so you can get everything from one provider.

979-779-6417

506 Sulpher Springs, Bryan www.buppys.com

How to Select a Caterer Selecting a caterer for your reception is probably the most important choice you will have to make after deciding where and when to have the ceremony. The truth is many of your guests won’t recall all the details of your wedding dress, but they will remember if the food was bad. Once you have decided on a reception site, your choices may be simpler. If you are holding the event at a hotel or country club that hosts wedding receptions frequently, they may have a caterer on staff who can assist you with everything from planning to food choices and seating arrangements. Ask friends and business associates for their recommendations, or call your Chamber of Commerce for the names of caterers. Consider the best restaurants in your area. Many restaurants also provide catering services. If you are working with a wedding planner, she can probably recommend several different caterers who offer the type of service you need within your price range. She will also be able to steer you away from caterers who have gained reputations for bad service. When you meet with the caterers for an estimate you should be prepared to tell them how many guests you will be serving and what type of food and presentation you have in mind. Be receptive to creative and money-saving ideas the caterer may suggest. Instead of formal dinners with several courses, many couples are choosing to offer buffet-style food stations at their receptions. Ask the caterer for a breakdown per menu item based on the number of guests you expect. Remember to ask if condiments, garnishes, salad dressings, etc. are included in the estimate. One advantage of food stations is that it allows you to reduce the number of waiters needed to service each table. Ask if the caterer specializes in certain types of food. For example, one caterer might specialize in prime rib, roast beef and turkey with appropriate side dishes while another might offer an international array of foods including Asian, Italian, Mexican, etc. Stations allow you to be a little more creative with food

Buppy Simank, owner of Buppy’s Catering choices. If the reception will be a brunch, stations might include an omelette bar, crepes, or stir-fry options. You may choose to offer a dessert station that includes ice cream and sundae toppings, cheesecakes or an assortment of French pastries. Keep in mind that if you opt for food stations, the caterer will charge you for plate rental. The traditional seated dinner service doesn’t have to consist of chicken or prime rib. Most caterers have a few special dishes in their repertoire that can be individually served without seeming like they were produced on an assembly line. Ask for suggestions from the caterer on what courses he would recommend. Be careful about going overboard with appetizers. You don’t want your guests to be so stuffed that they have no appetite for the main course. If you are having a small ceremony and want to keep the reception within an affordable budget, it is perfectly ﬁne to offer your guests cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres at the reception rather than a full meal. This type of reception usually

includes small stations with finger foods, dips and vegetables as well as waiters passing around trays of food. The finale is the cutting of the wedding cake followed by coffee, tea or after dinner drinks. Keep in mind that providing free-flowing cocktails at this type of reception can really make your liquor budget escalate. As an alternative, your caterer may suggest serving champagne or a few varieties of wine. Depending on when and where your wedding reception will be, you can be as creative as you like with the catering. A tea could be the perfect complement to a Victorian wedding, or you might consider brunch at a seaside restaurant following a ceremony on the beach. A revolving skyscraper lounge with a spectacular city view could be the perfect spot for a cocktail and hors d’oeuvre reception. If your reception will be held in a home, garden, or backyard, the caterer will have to make special arrangements to make sure foods are kept cool or hot and covered from insects. Make

sure the caterer knows well in advance if the reception will be outdoors and what time of day it will be. Always have an alternative in mind in case of inclement weather. Interview a few different caterers, look over their menus, and sample some of their specialties. Popular caterers need to be reserved several months in advance. Most require a deposit to reserve the time and date. Remember that services offered and fees can vary widely. Some caterers only provide food, while others may handle every detail from the tables, chairs, and food preparation to the wait staff and centerpieces. Most caterers that specialize in wedding receptions will also be great to consider for any catered event. They have the experience from small intimate gatherings to large elaborate functions. So the next time you are faced with planning a major event, seek the help of an experienced caterer and you will be amazed at how much they can help make your event a big success.

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Buppy’s Catering in Bryan is an award-winning catering service recognized for dependability and excellence in catering all over the state of Texas.As a full catering service, we provide any food, any time! Buppy’s Catering strives for 100% customer satisfaction, and we are committed to delivering quality food and quality customer service.

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We cook. We serve. You get the raves.

Any food. Any time.

Any Event Any Size • Buﬀet to Plated • We do it ALL! 506 Sulphur Springs | Bryan, Texas 77801 Phone: 979.779.6417 Fax: 979.779.8097

Voted “Best Caterer”Ten Years in a Row!

www.buppys.com

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FINANCIAL How To Quick Tips

S u n day, Ma r c H 27, 2011

brought to you by:

Glen A. Davis, Regional President Commerce National Bank

Is your bank a community bank? Community banks make decisions locally. Large publically traded banks are not as ﬂexible, even on the small-but importantthings like ﬂexible payment and terms.

Develop a relationship with your banker. Have a relationship with your bank and banker who can understand your situation and needs.

How to Choose a Bank Choosing the right bank that fits your needs is much easier today because there are many more options available to consumers. The first thing you may want to consider is the type of banking business that fits your needs. Most people place an emphasis on customer services and like the idea of personally knowing the personnel at the bank. A lot of times, people prefer banks for their friendliness. Building a one-on-one relationship with your banker reinforces your trust and confidence in your bank. Look for a bank that is close geographically to where you live or work and offers the same or similar services as other banks in town. Or you may want to gauge your choice on the bank’s accessibility. If you are on the road every day, for example, and a bank is located in a convenient spot along your

regular travel routine, that might be the best one for you. Most banks have similar services these days, but there are some differences. A good way to check the services a bank offers is to look up its website. That will supply you with information about the types of checking and savings accounts that are offered, interest rates on loans, what special services might be available, etc. Know ahead of time what kinds of things you are looking for in terms of service, penalties and perks. Does the bank you have in mind offer online banking and/or ATM service? Does it offer good checking account products? Does it offer direct deposit? Are the bank’s interest rates competitive? Answers to these and other pertinent questions can usually be found online. If you have narrowed your choice down to two or three banks in terms of convenience and the type of banking business you

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Does your bank offer a full array of products and services? Community banks are more likely to customize products and services to better meet your individual needs.

Does your bank have the latest in online banking technology? Make sure your bank offers the latest and user friendly online banking featuring electronic bill pay as well as mobile banking for on-the-go users.

University Drive Location

979-260-5982

1221 Unversity Dr. East

979-696-1425

1800 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South, Suite A

979-776-0819

3020 East 29th Street

Opening in April

1198 William D. Fitch Parkway commercenb.com

William D. Fitch Parkway Location (opening in April)

Harvey Mitchell Parkway Location do, then visiting the websites of the banks could help you make your ﬁnal decision. If you have researched online and have evaluated potential banks in terms of convenience and service and still aren’t sure which one to choose, then take the time to make a personal visit. Are the tellers friendly to you? Are they professional?

Do you think you would feel comfortable coming to the bank office and sitting down with a loan officer? Different banks sometimes have different hours when the lobby is open to customers. Which bank offers hours that work best with your work schedule? If you have just moved to a new location, you may want to ask neighbors which bank they would recommend. Use that to narrow your choices, and then do your own research based upon the factors listed above. Something else that is important in terms of choosing a bank is to know yourself. What is your purpose in opening an account? Do you have a plan to build a savings account or do you just want an account so that you have a place to have your paycheck deposited or where you can get your paycheck cashed? Is earning interest important to you? Answering these questions honestly can help you not just in choosing a bank, but in gauging your own personality in terms of finances. If you’re serious about savings, then you will want a bank that offers the best opportunities to its customers for keeping money deposited there. But beware before you make any arrangements, and what the penalties are for early withdrawals. If you know you might have difficulty leaving the money untouched, then you may want to consider a contract where the penalties are less severe even though the interest is not as high. Your banker can help you with these decisions, but in the long run, it is best to know yourself and make decisions accordingly.

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IL!

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COME SEE WHAT GREAT BANKING HAS TO OFFER.

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How to pick the right tractor for your needs Buying a tractor can be confusing! Features and options vary greatly from brand to brand. How do you know you are buying the right tractor? First, check the models and horsepower range you are seeking. Second, check the specs and the extra options or attachments you are looking for. Third, tap into the knowledge of your sales staff at the tractor dealership.

Simply tell the dealership what you need your tractor to do. An expert sales staff will put its years of tractor experience to work for you and match you with the tractor you need. The sales staff should be dedicated to helping you understand as much as possible about the tractor you are considering before you make your purchase! It is recommended that you ﬁnd out as much as you can about the choices you have before you settle on one particular tractor model.

How To Quick Tips brought to you by:

CoufalPrater

Available Financing To make tractors and attachments easier to buy, many dealerships offer retail installment ﬁnancing and lease deals. Make sure the dealer you choose has a payment plan that will ﬁt your budget. The best tractor may not always be the least expensive, but the dealer should work with you to make your tractor very affordable. Check to see how easy it can be to get your tractor on its

1. Features and

way to you.

Service After the Sale

When you buy a new tractor you don’t expect to have problems. However, if one appears, the service department at your dealership should ﬁx it. It is always worth going with a certiﬁed

service center. Factory trained mechanics with years of experience should be well qualiﬁed to service everything the dealership sells. When you buy a tractor you’re not just buying a machine, you’re starting a working partnership.

options vary greatly from brand to brand.

2. Check the

S u n day, Ma r c H 27, 2011

As you prepare to buy a tractor there are several factors you need to consider. For instance: • How to pick the right tractor. • What am I going to use the tractor for? (Right now, as well as in the future.) • Am I buying a tractor large enough for my needs? • What features are important to me? • How will I pay for it? • What about parts? • What about service?

AGRICULTURE

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How to Choose Tractors and Farm Equipment

specs and options you are looking for.

3. Find out as

4. The

sweetness of low price is soon replaced by the bitterness of low quality.

T H e e aG l e • T H e e aG l e.co M

much as you can before you settle on one model.

Quality and Integrity at Prices You Can Afford 979-822-7684 3110 HWY 21 W @ FM 2818 • Bryan

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FAMILY How To Quick Tips brought to you by:

S u n day, Ma r c H 27, 2011

Watercrest At Bryan

Community should have a calendar full of activities including dances, games, pool parties, social gatherings, trips and themed parties.

Community should have a licensed exercise trainer, water aerobics and dance instructor.

Community should offer Chef-prepared meals and housekeeping choices.

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Community should have a staff that is compassionate, fun and genuinely loves being part of the family.

Community should have beautiful landscape and outdoor sitting areas, enclosed dog park and walking areas.

Community should be a gated, controlled access community and be very well lit.

Community should have a movie theatre and business center with brain ﬁtness classes.

Community should have individual garages available.

Community should have a neighborhood atmosphere that is ﬁlled with warmth and happiness and smiles galore.

979-703-7088

3801 East Crest Dr. www.watercrestbryan.com

How to Select Active Adult Communities As people are living longer and healthier lives, many are facing retirement with a lot of energy. Many are looking for communities which offer them a great deal of activity, autonomy, and flexibility. Communities with the convenience of onsite options such as meal plans, housekeeping, and therapeutic services such as water aerobics, fitness classes, yoga classes, and massages. They are looking for the benefit of living in a resortstyle neighborhood with all the amenities at their front door. Choosing one of these communities often comes down to two simple factors, the features offered and the overall cost. Do you like the area where the community is located? Are the choices of accommodations in line with your desires? Are there various pricing options to fit your needs? You should find out what’s included in the various choices you are offered for a price. One of the most important things to consider is how you can transition in the community as your needs change. Many communities offer the potential to move

along a scale from completely independent living to assisted living to nursing home facilities. Once they feel conﬁdent that all their questions have been answered, many ﬁnd that living in an active adult community is one of the best decisions they’ve ever made. Statistics show that living with peers of similar age and background in an environment providing

a variety of social and recreational services often leads to a longer, happier, and more productive life. These communities provide adults with a maintenance and stress-free lifestyle, without sacriﬁcing the choice and independence they’ve come to enjoy, and deserve. Active Adult Living is a term used to describe living communities for residents who are 55 years and better. It

is a wonderful place for people to live and enjoy life. Social opportunities easily ﬂourish through casual conversation in the coffee shop, bridge games, water aerobics, and travel excursions. There will be memories to share and time to build new memories. Through simplifying your schedule, you can focus on the important things like physical health, social experiences, and your overall well-being.

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For the Time of Your Life... in the Prime of Your Life!

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Call for a complimentary lunch and tour to hear about our fantastic move in specials, including:

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Let us simplify your life by taking care of the hassles of moving and everyday life so you can begin enjoying the pleasures and beneﬁts of Watercrest at Bryan. Watercrest at Bryan is truly a destination for those seeking a spirited and carefree active adult lifestyle. Outings, gambling trips, parties, friendship, just fun everyday. Onsite ﬁtness trainer, water aerobics, hair, nail and massage salons, move theatre, wellness center... something for everyone.

• Free Packing Service • Free Moving Service • Free Unpacking Service • Free Guest Suite

Call for Current Specials. Tours available Mon. through Sat. 9:00am - 5:00pm or by appointment. 3801 E. Crest Drive, Bryan TX 77802 979.703.7088 • www.watercrestbryan.com

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HOME How To Quick Tips

S u n day, Ma r c H 27, 2011

brought to you by:

Brazos Valley Solutions 1.

Watering: 90% of all foundation failure is caused by too much or the lack of water. To know how much water is enough, ask an expert.

Drainage: The proper slope of soil away from the foundation is roughly 2 inches of drop for every 6 ft.

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Drainage systems: Never install a system without obtaining a soils report and/or checking with a professional that studies your concern and gives you an understandable and reasonable plan of action (proper drainage work is expensive if done right; avoid the cheap plan, it seldom works).

Knowledge is everything: Ask questions until you are completely satisﬁed that you understand what is to be expected upon the completion of work.

Trees: The proper distance from a structure is determined by the following equation: d/ h= 2> (d= distance from structure, h= height of tree upon maturing) should d/h= <2 upon the tree maturing, foundation failure will occur.

979-739-8288

429 Shady Creek Drive Bryan www.bvsolutions.info

How to Tell When Foundation Repair is Needed The foundation of a home impacts almost every other structural and architectural element. If movement associated with settling or upheaval compromises the foundation, the damage will trickle up through the rest of the structure. In order to avoid long-term problems, it is essential to take care of any foundation repairs immediately and keep the foundation in good shape with preemptive steps and maintenance. Doing so will save time and money in the long term and help keep your home in prime condition. When repairing a foundation, there are more than 1,600 patented foundation repair methods. When choosing the proper method for homes in the Brazos Valley, one needs to select a method designed speciﬁcally for the soil upon which the structure is placed. Most of us probably take foundations for granted. When something is amiss, we may not know the warning signs. As a homeowner, it’s essential to become well informed on this matter so that you can keep an eye out for symptoms of foundation problems. Do you think you need foundation repair for your home? Symptoms of a bad foundation can be found on the interior and exterior of your home. One exterior sign is cracks in bricks or mortar, or brick separation around windows and doors. Walk around your home and look for bricks that

have separated and large cracks in the mortar. If you ﬁnd them, chances are you need some work. Check for curvature of the brick line. This can be easily checked by looking along the sides of your home to see if the bricklines are straight, not curved. Another exterior sign is large gaps in exterior doors. Look at your garage door. Is it sitting as level as it used to? Also check the front and back door to see if they are square and they open and close smoothly. If they do not, you might have some issues. One interior symptom that is pretty obvious is cracks in drywall. Look at your

ceiling and walls and note any cracks. Small cracks may be from minor settling, but large ones may be a bigger problem. Next look at your floors. Are they no longer level? Also look at your cabinets and fireplace to see if they no longer sit flush. This indicates some kind of shifting with the walls. Lastly examine your interior doors. Do they no longer close or open properly? If so you might need foundation work. Any of these symptoms may be a sign that your foundation is degenerating. If you see any of these warning signs, don’t panic. Remember that these are just symptoms of foundation problems. Your problems may not require attention but a professional should examine them. If you do need foundation repair, don’t delay

fixing it. It will only get worse with time and more expensive to repair. If you think you might have problems call a professional today. The reality is, a building foundation will likely need repair at some point because changes in soil conditions, hydrostatic pressure and a variety of other outside forces can create stress on a foundation. Luckily, there are experts who specialize in just this type of work. The expert should provide you with a detailed elevation survey with a topographical contour drawing, detailing differential foundation movement and a solution that is simple for you to understand. Foundation contractors are not licensed by the state and are typically self-trained or self-educated. It is imperative to research any contractor you are considering. The one you choose should be professional and qualified to do the best job possible. That contractor will be able to determine the cause of the problem and will have the tools and knowledge to find a solution for your problem. Foundation inspection and repair is a science of its own. Know your contractor.

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Brazos Valley SolutionS 35 YearS experience

EDUCATION (Total Education Credit hours of over 700) • University of Texas Arlington (UTA) • American Home Inspectors Training Institute, Ltd • Texas A&M University-Commerce • North Texas State University PROFESSIONAL

Free

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The founder of Brazos Valley Solutions LLC, Walter (Walt) Childers is highly educated in the construction industry and currently holds a license as a Professional Inspector by the Texas Real Estate Commission. Walt has inspected over 9,500 foundations and has 35 years general construction experience and knowledge. The following is a list of his various credits:

EstimatEs

to HomE ownErs

• UTA Construction Research Advisory Executive Committee, Chairman 2004 • UTA Construction Research Center, Research Committee, Chairman 2002-Present • UTA Construction Research Center, Topic Selection Committee, Board Member 2004-Present • Building Professionals Institute, UTA, 2003-2004, Instructor of Remedial Foundation Repair & Design presented by Building Officials Association of Texas & the Construction Research Center UTA. • National Science Foundation, UTA, 2002-Present, Project Chairman, Tracking remedial foundation methods used in the 26 states which have expansive clay soils. Upon many years of researching methods used in foundation repair, repairing failed foundations, and examining failed systems, Walt developed the state-of-the-art system exclusively used by Brazos Valley Solutions LLC, Pro-Max™.

Limited

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• UTA Construction Research Center, Continuing Education Committee, Board Member 2004-Present

The Pro-Max™ piling system is a highly superior method of repairing reinforced concrete slab on grade or reinforced concrete beam foundations placed upon expansive clay soils (typically found in the Bryan/College Station area), utilizing a lead pilot piling designed to insert deeper than the typical concrete piling. When the pilot is driven it displaces the lateral pressurized soils due to pressurization of compacting soils during the driving process. This release enables deeper penetration of the piling column & plausible permanent lock. The ﬁnal result is a piling system which by design will reach a load bearing strata (soil capable of supporting 9K, PSI) that typically is not affected by seasonal weather conditions or transpiration caused by trees.

LiFetime transfErrablE warranty

Walter R. Childers, Professional Inspector, TREC#8806

429 Shady Creek Dr ★ Bryan ★ 979.739.8288 ★ www.bvsolutions.info 11

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SHOPPING How To Quick Tips brought to you by:

S u n day, Ma r c H 27, 2011

Shopbrazos 1.

Looking for a place to eat or get some drinks in the Brazos Valley? Click on the restaurants or menu tabs on www.shopbrazos.com for a list of restaurants, their locations and menus.

Save money on eating out or going to happy hour by viewing local specials. http:// www.shopbrazos.com/ specials/

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Follow Shopbrazos. com on Twitter (http:// twitter.com/shopbrazos) or the Shopbrazos. com Facebook fanpage (http://www.facebook. com/shopbrazos).

If you’re looking for a speciﬁc type of business in the Brazos Valley, view the business categories on the site (arts and entertainment, real estate, weddings, etc.) or use the search box engine at the top of the site.

Own a business? Search for it on Shopbrazos and click ‘claim business’ to submit any information that should be added or updated for free.

Interested in becoming a featured listing on Shopbrazos, that would allow you to add pictures or video, store hours and more? Call 979-731-4660 or 979-731-4665 for details.

979-731-4665

juliet.mccarthy@theeagle.com

www.ShopBrazos.com

How to Find What You Need Online Whether you’re looking for deals on happy hours, restaurant specials, garage sales or coupons, Shopbrazos. com has it. The Web site, www.shopbrazos.com, is a comprehensive listing of services including restaurants, arts and entertainment, legal, medical, banking, contractors, weddings, real estate, education, home and garden, salons, spas, automotive and agricultural. Click on the “Specials” tab for a listing of daily specials from local bars and restaurant. The specials include happy hours, early bird specials and when certain restaurants let kids eat free. Shoppers can also get alerts on these specials via Twitter (http://twitter. com/shopbrazos) or the Shopbrazos.com Facebook fanpage (http://www. facebook.com/shopbrazos). Several restaurants have menus on the sites, where you can check out their pricing and options. Click on the entertainment tab to view where to take vocal, instrument, songwriting or art lessons, where to hear live music, drink a cold beverage,

see movies, go to golf, play Bingo, go ice skating, catch a baseball game, go dancing, take a swim, see car races, go sky diving or even where to hire a clown. Before heading to the grocery store shoppers can

also print out coupons from the Shopbrazos, garnering savings on items such as toilet paper, bandages, pet products, food items, over-the-counter medicines and shoes. Click on the real estate tab to a list of local realtors.

The home and garden section has services ranging from pest control to glass service, plumbing and carpeting. For those planning to get married or who are going to be in a wedding, there is also a listing of wedding facilities, catering and ﬂorists, along with information on planning for the big day. Businesses can get the most from their advertising dollars with Shopbrazos because it uses search engine optimization, meaning it provides content, keywords and links in such a way that search engines like Google, Yahoo and Ask can identify, index and rank the site for users. This means more people will see the business’ microsites. Developers are able to use a search engine optimization campaign based on information that is provided in the business write-ups along with keyword tagging. So with a consumer’s search for an auto insurance company, for example, local advertisers will appear in the listings for auto insurance. Businesses can contact juliet.mccarthy@theeagle.com for more details.

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Tell Consumers everything you want them to know about your business as they are searching for it!

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HEALTH How To Quick Tips

S u n day, Ma r c H 27, 2011

brought to you by:

Allen Therapies Inc. 1.

Choose a physical therapist you feel comfortable with. You will need to be able to trust your therapist as he or she puts you through the exercise routines that will beneﬁt you.

Make sure your therapist is certiﬁed and trained in the latest treatment techniques.

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Physical therapy can be helpful for children with physical development problems. Ask your family doctor or the child’s physician if physical therapy could be a beneﬁt.

Stay positive about your physical therapy. Attitude can be one of the most important factors in the success of your therapy.

Stick with the program. Put in your work even when you don’t feel like it, or think you don’t need it. Your therapist will know when you’re really ready to end treatment.

936-870-3475

1904 Dove Crossing Ste. A&B Navasota 77868

How to Know When Physical Therapy is Needed Physical therapy is a traditional treatment methodology aimed at the treatment and management of certain ailments that alter mobility. While pain may be the initial and most prominent reason for the referral to physical therapy, other limitations may be associated with cardiopulmonary and neurological diseases. The primary aim is to bring the patient back to his normal self, free of pain or limitations. It is very important to quickly limit the impact of an injury and the pain it can have on a normal life. Physical therapy may be prescribed to address permanent disabilities, for those recuperating from an injury or accident, or for those with more chronic conditions like arthritis or low back pain. In certain cases, some conditions impair the patient so much that it becomes necessary to teach the patient to function optimally within the limitations of the condition. This often includes concepts such as coping, biomechanical modifications, and extensive education. With these difficult situations, a physical therapist may work closely with other health care professionals to address the many physical, social and biological concerns of the patient. Physical therapists are trained to identify deficiencies in the biomechanics of the body. Working with a physical therapist can target specific areas of weakness in the way our bodies work. They can

relieve stress and help the body function without pain. Physical therapists practice in many settings, such as outpatient clinics or offices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, extended care facilities, private homes, education and research centers, schools, hospices, industrial workplaces or other occupational environments, fitness centers and sports training facilities. The physical therapist’s extensive knowledge of the body, its movement needs and potential is central to determining strategies for diagnosis and intervention. The practice settings will vary according to whether the physical therapy is concerned with health promotion, prevention, treatment/ intervention, habilitation or rehabilitation. Physical therapy is also very effective in aiding children with special needs to progress through gross motor and fine motor development. The ability to interact and move within the environment is very important for their overall development. Again, the physical therapist will use activities that challenge strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, sequencing and manual techniques to encourage optimal development. Physical therapists are knowledgeable about surgical procedures and treatment goals, and can tailor their efforts to improve your well being. After surgical procedures, it is important

that therapy is guided by the surgical procedure. Physical therapists are knowledgeable about your body’s limitations after surgery and can help ensure a successful outcome. People should not ignore pain or hope it will go away on its own. Pain, especially prolonged pain, is a sign that something is not right with the body. It is important to consult a physician and/ or physical therapist to see if treatment from a physical therapy profession is needed. Treatment is implemented and modiﬁed in order to reach agreed goals and may include manual handling; movement enhancement; physical, electro-therapeutic and mechanical agents; functional training; provision of assistive technologies; patient related instruction and counseling; documentation and coordination, and communication. Treatment may also be aimed at prevention of impairments, activity limitations, participatory restrictions, disability and injury

including the promotion and maintenance of health, quality of life, workability and fitness in all ages and populations. Regardless of the setting, patient motivation and confidences are very important. Physical therapy is educational and supportive. There is continually growing evidence, that the mind and body cannot be treated independently. Patient beliefs often determine the overall outcome of rehabilitation. One of the most important purposes of physical therapy may be providing realistic expectations and time frames for the patient as they work through the therapy process. Finally, it is important for the patient to remember, that often the keys to rehabilitation are time and patience. Many times people expect healing to occur too quickly and resume activities too soon, some may even give up, never seeing the real benefit of physical therapy. It is important to communicate with your physical therapist and physician continuously throughout the therapy process, especially if you do not feel your recovery is progressing as expected. Recovery is often an extended process that requires diligence and dedication from the physical therapist and most of all from the patient.

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S u n day, Ma r c H 27, 2011

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HEALTH How To Quick Tips

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brought to you by:

Diagnostic Foot Specialists Choose a Podiatrist that:

Spends time with their patients.

Answers each patient’s questions and concerns.

Has a friendly and helpful ofﬁce staff

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Is a Board Certiﬁed Specialist.

Has a small group practice.

Ofﬁce is conveniently located.

979-774-3668 (FOOT

The Physician’s Centre 3201 University Dr. East, Suite 100 • Bryan www.diagnosticfootspecialists.com

How to Choose a Podiatrist What is a podiatrist?

A podiatrist, DPM, doctor of podiatric medicine, is the only health care professional whose total training focuses on the foot and related body systems. As a specialist in foot care, the podiatrist receives extensive training in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot disorders by medical and surgical means. After obtaining an undergraduate degree, the podiatric doctor spends four years in a College of Podiatric Medicine to obtain a doctorate degree. Many podiatrists further their education by participating in a postgraduate residency program at an approved hospital or university. Following their doctorate degree, each podiatrist must pass national and state examinations in order to be licensed by the state in which he or she will practice. The podiatric physician cares for people of all ages, treating any foot problem. The common disorders include bunions, heel pain/spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns and calluses. The podiatric physician also renders care of sprains, infections and injuries to the foot and heel. If your podiatric surgeon is certiﬁed by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, he or she has successfully completed a credentialing and examination process and has demonstrated a knowledge of podiatric surgery, including the diagnosis of general foot diseases, deformities and trauma of the foot and related structures.

Pay careful attention to details

The foot is a complex structure made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles and tendons. All of them deserve the focused attention and care that a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) can provide. For feet of all ages, the members of APMA provide high quality health care. Details are carefully attended to in meeting the requirements of the health care needs of your feet. Good foot health is vital to your overall health. Podiatrists provide the vast majority of foot health care services in the United States. The primary mission of the APMA is to improve the quality of foot care in the nation. This mission includes attracting qualified young men and women to the field and increasing the awareness of the importance of foot health among the general public and other health professionals. The APMA is located in Bethesda, Maryland, just outside Washington, DC, and the Association has component societies in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the federal service. APMA represents its member podiatric physicians from across the country. The APMA also has more than 20 affiliated and related organizations. These organizations focus their attention on education, research, and specialty areas of interest, such as dermatology, pediatrics, radiology, and sports

medicine, among others. The Association’s Internet presence allows APMA to disseminate more foot health information to serve the public better.

Choosing A Podiatrist

One of the most common ways to choose a Podiatrist is to ask for recommendations from family and friends. Geographical location may be another means, it may be easier for you to see a Podiatrist close to your work rather than home, for example. When choosing a Podiatrist and making the ﬁrst appointment, consider the following

points. Communication: You must be able to feel comfortable about speaking freely and openly with your Podiatrist. Every piece of information you provide will help the Podiatrist to make a diagnosis. Things you talk about with your Podiatrist are confidential. Billing: Ask how the practice bills when you make an appointment. Ask if the practice accepts your particular insurance. Consultations: If you feel that your health concerns may take longer than the average appointment time, ask for a longer appointment when you book. This ensures consultations do not run over-time and hold up other patients. Be well informed: It is important that you do not leave your consultation with unanswered questions. If you think you may not remember questions you want to ask or the answers the Podiatrist gives, take a pen and paper with you. You can note down important points you want to cover and get your Podiatrist to write the main points you need to remember. Language & culture: If English is not your first language and you would feel more comfortable with someone who speaks your first language, contact the office to see if they have a staff member you will be able to communicate with.

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Foot Care to Improve your Quality of Life Dr. Robert Leisten, DPM • Dr. Amy Haase, DPM Podiatrists - Foot Specialists

FOOT HEALTH TIPS Ingrown toenails cause pain from toenail pressing into skin aggravated by shoe gear. They are caused by the thickening or increased curvature of toenail. They can be progressively more painful with possible infection. They can be cured permanently with a minor office procedure.

BUNION

HAMMERTOE Hammertoes are a contracture of the toe caused by an inherited muscle imbalance or too short of shoes. Painful corns form when these toes rub against the tops of shoes. These can be corrected by an office procedure in less than one hour.

An innovative treatment for soft tissue injuries of the foot, using the patients own blood. This procedure offers a safer, less expensive and more effective alternative to invasive foot surgeries. This promising treatment will revolutionize the treatment of stubborn soft tissue injuries. There are various applications for this in the foot including planter fasciitis, shin splints, tendonitis, ankle sprains and Achilles tendonitis. This treatment is extremely safe with minimal risk, can be done in our office resulting in faster healing and recovery.

• Covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid • Board certified foot specialist • No hospitalization required • Treatment of bunions, heel pain, corns, calluses and all foot problems • Call for free brochure on your foot problems at no obligation

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Bunions are an unsightly bump of bone on the side of the foot near the big toe. They can become painful because of tight fitting shoes. This condition tends to run in families and can be corrected with an office procedure.

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S u n day, Ma r c H 27, 2011

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Located in The Physician’s Centre • 3201 University Dr. East, #100 • Bryan

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EDUCATION How To Quick Tips

brought to you by:

Jacque’s Toys S u n day, Ma r c H 27, 2011

Toys and games should be appealing and interesting to the child.

Toys and games should offer many opportunities for success.

Toys should be well constructed, shatterproof, strong enough to hold the child’s weight, and safe for the age of the child.

979-846-8660

4301 South Texas Ave. Bryan

How to Choose Educational Toys Educational children’s toys are a popular addition to playrooms due to their multifaceted ability to teach and occupy kids. Children’s toys can teach simple concepts from colors and shapes to complex skills like tying shoes and reading books. Due to the vast amount of children’s toys on the market, ﬁnding toys that educate is easy. Think about the types of toys that are right for your children before you select them. Everything is new for a baby and can provide educational experiences. For newborns, look for toys in bright, contrasting colors because a baby’s eyes aren’t yet ready to see the full spectrum of colors. An activity mat goes on the ﬂoor and has many things for the baby to look at and play with. It’s a good tool for tummy time, which helps a baby build his neck muscles. Keep educational toys for infants soft and huggable with cloth alphabet and color blocks. Babies that can barely crawl will marvel at the

bright colors and solid shapes. Blocks encourage crawling and movement when placed just out of an infant’s reach. As babies get older, they need toys that can help teach motor skills. Older toddlers can learn fine motor skills and shapes with a shape cube--a toy that allows them to insert pieces of different shapes into the proper holes. Toys that make music can help toddlers learn and generate a love for music. Choose educational toys for toddlers that are challenging but easy enough to master. Select puzzles, toys and games a few months in advance just in case your child masters skills quickly and gets bored. Kids in the 4-year-old to 9-year-old range enjoy learning about different things. Choose a toy that reflects his interests. Dinosaurs, for example, are popular, so you could purchase dinosaur toys that come with information cards. You can also find science toys designed for this age group, such as toy

microscopes or telescopes. Toys that teach a craft are also a smart choice--they help practice ﬁne motor skills and encourage creativity. You can purchase classic games for kids, such as Blockus, which teaches critical thinking and sportsmanship. Pre-teens may enjoy toys that allow them to create science experiments, such as a chemistry set made for kids. They can also beneﬁt from small Lego blocks, which allow them to construct complex structures and improve creativity. Crafting toys are also popular with this age group – they like to make things. Choose toys that you can use again, such as a weaving loom or paints. A competitive and fun game for pre-teens is Settlers of Catan, which helps teach critical thinking and strategy skills. Find real items that children can use to explore their world. If you have a budding veterinarian, pick up a stethoscope and a book about animal anatomy. If you’re looking for educational

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GAMES & TOYS

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Settlers of Catan

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toys for a kid who likes to cook, ﬁnd mixing bowls, a kids cook book and a set of padded oven mitts. With enough time on their hands, children can learn to play musical instruments even without lessons, and if they never play a single song, understanding the workings of the instrument on an intimate level is a great practical physics lesson. Keep your eyes open for wooden toys. These often spark hours and hours of creative play for children. Whether it’s a play kitchen set, a wooden dollhouse or even an assortment of wooden blocks in geometric shapes, children have been playing with wooden toys for generations. All children love to play with toys and if you choose the right ones, they will be learning as they play. From babies to teenagers, there are toys designed to teach skills for that age level. Choose a toy that matches your child’s interest and you will provide hours of learning.

Shopping at it’s Best with Fun Educational Toys & Games 979-846-8660 • 4301 South Texas Ave. • Bryan

Salon & Spa

feel most comfortable with, leave you feeling fresher, more who’s taken the time to listen relaxed and ready to face the and who seems to understand day. Choosing a massage that finding the right look is a therapist is like choosing professional process. a style of massage: it takes some experimentation to find There is one way that you what works best. Selecting a can mimic the celebrities therapist is a private decision and that is, wherever you based on personal criteria, can, take advantage of professional advice. Your local a “customized” choice. The right therapist fits your needs salon and spa, along with the and preferences, treats you hairdresser you trust, are effectively, and provides a absolutely itching to wash out that gray, update your cut to something more contemporary and help you find a skin care and makeup regiment that you can live with, right down to treating yourself to a regular manicure and pedicure. This applies more and more to men as well. If you’re beginning to feel the 20 and 30-somethings breathing down your neck at the office, ask your stylist about a subtle change in color that can brighten your face, or a haircut Celebrity Spa & Salon Owners Laura Atkinson (Redken that makes you Certified Colorist), Leah Lucas and Cindy Atkinson look fresh and positive experience. While updated. Also things like some soreness is normal after facials and manicures, as a massage, choose a therapist well as a good exfoliant, who leaves you feeling great. astringent and moisturizer, It should be someone with along with knowing how to use them, can go a long way to a gift for massage, and an creating a whole new you. It’s intuitive understanding of your body. The right worth the few extra dollars a therapist provides a positive week or month that putting and relaxed experience. You your image in the hands of should feel the immense professionals will cost you. benefits of personalized care Finally, don’t despair. You and progress with regular don’t have to look younger, treatment. or even older, to succeed. A massage is one of the Remember that grooming, great affordable luxuries in basic skin care and makeup life. There’s nothing like the can help accentuate what’s relaxation that comes from most youthful and attractive about you. But renewing your trained hands kneading away all of your daily stress. appearance with the help of A massage, facial or other a professional continually treatment can often provide training and learning the just what you need to relieve newest trends and products, the stress and anxiety of your is going to give you not only everyday life. Most of us a fresher look but also a never take the time to really fresher attitude to meet the relax and be pampered. competition toe-to-toe, and take advantage of all the A gift card to a spa is a opportunities for work and wonderful and easy way to play that the world has to give a gift to that someone offer. special, that they can use for any desired celebrity Massage treatment. Regular massages will also

How To Quick Tips brought to you by:

Celebrity Spa & BOUTIQUE 1.

Make time for “yourself” with a facial, manicure, pedicure or even a massage, all beneﬁcial for your wellness and relaxation.

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world, appearance wise, if only for the sake of your future happiness and success you need to make some time to concentrate on a search for the perfect stylist. Even for someone who is considering a makeover in many ways it’s really more about you, the client, than it is about the stylist. Talk to your friends and check out selected salons/ spas online and choose a place you have heard wonderful things about with certified professionals. Choose a salon that is recognized as “elite” by the supplier of the products that they use and provide for purchase. Tell your stylist what you are looking for in a product and get their recommendation based off of your needs. When certain people go to a salon/ spa they like to go all out with manicures, pedicures, highlights, perm, massage, makeup, facials and much more. If you are one of these people, make sure the one you are looking into offers all of these services. Next, set up an appointment for you to go in for a consultation before making your final decision. Before you go, have at least some idea of what you absolutely do not want (like a buzzcut with green highlights.) Not only will this rule out the salons that seem to be turning out rainbow hairdos on a regular basis, but also you’ll at least be able to communicate the outer limits of your imagination to the stylist even if you don’t know what you do want. You can research what you are looking for in fashion magazines. You can find your “celebrity twin” whose facial features and coloring most closely match your own and mimic their obviously expensively purchased “look,” but ultimately you need to create that bond of trust with a hairdresser that stands the test of time and fashion, so communication is the key. In your consultation, be honest with the stylist about everything. If they are the stylist you’re looking for, they will be more than capable of using the information you give them to convince you to do the right thing for your new look. Choose the stylist you

S u n day, Ma r c H 27, 2011

Most beauty salons now offer a menu of spa and/ or beauty services designed to complete the look that starts with a good haircut. Check out the offerings your favorite salon can provide, from manicures to facials to makeup and skin care advice and products. These include items such as aromatherapy, massage, microcurrent facial and other treatments designed to reduce stress. You will ﬁnd that your salon professional is a vastly underused resource, particularly for men, when it comes to creating a whole new you. If you have lost your stylist, or have never really found one who rocks your

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