Inspire Coastal Bend Medical Aug/Sept 2016 by Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

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COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER OF NUECES COUNTY GET BACK TO HEALTHY

TRUE INSPIRATION CASSIDY LANGE, CORPUS CHRISTI ICERAYS

PROMPTU IMMEDIATE CARE

URGENT CARE VS. EMERGENCY CARE

EXPANDING THE FOCUS THE NEW HEALTHY AGING SERIES

THE NEUROSURGEONS OF

SOUTH TEXAS BRAIN AND SPINE CENTER AUG/SEPT 2016 I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Kingsville, Texas www.neessenautomotive.com

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Great Selection. Great Prices. Great Service. Now 7 Brands to Choose From

Phil Neessen is proud to announce he has acquired the existing Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in Kingsville, Texas. This makes seven franchises under the Neessen Automotive name! Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram. There is no question that the

automotive dealership business runs in the Neessen blood. In 1960 Philâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father opened a Chevrolet dealership in El Paso and 20 years later Phil started his car business here in the Coastal Bend. Since opening his doors, Phil vowed to treat his customers like neighbors. When you walk in the doors of a Neessen dealership, you receive a warm welcome and a smile. The staff there

works with every customer individually to assure they are providing the best deal on every vehicle. He knows that the customer deserves choices and he can give the best prices by providing a large selection of vehicles. Phil has been growing the Neessen Family of customers for 36 years, proudly serving the Coastal Bend and surrounding areas. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

River City Hospice offers high quality, compassionate care to persons who can no longer benefit from curative treatment. Services are provided by a team of trained professionals that include: physicians, nurses, counselors, social workers, therapists, chaplains, nurse aides and volunteers.

ALICE

171 Medical Center Blvd., Building E Alice, TX 78332

361.664.4888

CORPUS CHRISTI

4646 Corona Dr., Suite 160 Corpus Christi, TX 78411

361.882.5900

w ww.r i verci t y hos pice.co m I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

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FASTEST GROWING

CHEERLEADING AND TUMBLING

GYM IN THE COASTAL BEND!

Call now for more details!

361.452.4712

www.modernamericancheer.com 6

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Cornerstone Home Health Cornerstone Home Health can provide a service or a combination of services in your HOME. Along with your physician and our qualified staff, we plan, coordinate, and provide care tailored to your needs.

Services we offered include: Skilled nursing, Physical therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Social Worker, and CNA

If you have any questions or want to make a referral, contact our office at 361-727-2131 or Toll free 1-855-328-2131

2600 Lakeview Dr. Suite 2C | Rockport, Tx 78382

AAdi Home Health is a full service home health agency. We provide quality nursing services and outstanding support services. The staff at AAdi Home Health has the experience, dedication and compassion needed to provide care in a home environment without sacrificing quality or safety.

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Compassionate care for your special deliveries. Providing the best for mommy and baby. Sophia Ommani, M.D., FACOG

Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Located at Bay Area Hospital 7121 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 200, Corpus Christi, TX Call for your appointment today 361.993.6000 ext. 7201 Accepting New Patients 8

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Emergency Room Now Open

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It’s not just what you do, it’s who you do it for.

I’m here to help you plan for the future so you can continue all the good you do in your life.

Annie J. Castro, LUTCF, CLU® Agent, New York Life Insurance Company 4466 S. Staples Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 (361) 986-1321 ajcastro@ft.newyorklife.com www.anniejcastro.com Registered Representative offering investments through NYLIFE Securities LLC (Member FINRA/ SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency.

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Welcome to the SOUTH TEXAS BRAIN AND SPINE CENTER. Our surgeons provide neurosurgical care in many of the major hospitals in Corpus Christi, Texas. Our surgeons and staff provide individual and conservative treatment using the most effective and modern technologies available in the world.

SOUTH TEXAS BRAIN AND SPINE CENTER 1227 3rd Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78404

361.883.4323

www.southtexasbrainandspine.net I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

AUGUST.SEPTEMBER 2016

PUBLISHER/SALES ADRIAN GARZA EDITOR Allison Alvarado

ART DIRECTOR Liv Madison

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PRODUCTION Holly Duvall

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

One-of-a-kind home furnishings, apparel, accessories & more

Steven Alford Jessica Dusek Dr. George L. Franklin Dr. Nestor H. Praderio Dayna Worchel

PHOTOGRAPHY

LIFETIME WARRANTY

Heather Arjona Edgar de la Garza Mark Joseph/Darklab Photography Paul Marshall Debbie Noble

Extensive local and name brand product lines and collections 25 YEAR WARRANTY

Family owned, in business since 2005 • Mon.-Sat. 9-5

www.inspirecoastalbendmag.com For advertising information, please call 361.548.1044 or email adrian@inspirecoastalbendmag.com. For editorial comments and suggestions, please email adrian@inspirecoastalbendmag.com.

7957 Wolverine Corpus Christi, Texas 78414 Phone: 361.548.1044

Located at Old Town Six Points 1710 S. Alameda St., Corpus Christi

361.881.1091 www.bleufrog.com

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

CONTENTS AUGUST.SEPTEMBER 2016

PATIENT

14 Urgent Care vs.

Emergency Care

16 Multifaceted Approach

COVER STORY

18 SOUTH TEXAS BRAIN

AND SPINE CENTER

The three neurosurgeons of the area’s only neurosurgery practice work their magic every day, helping patients of all ages to become pain free and live full lives again.

PROFILE

24 PROMPTU IMMEDIATE CARE

With decades of medical experience, a “spa-like” atmosphere and a focus on customer service, this walk-in health care clinic is truly raising the bar.

PROFILE

30 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER OF NUECES COUNTY

This new addition to the CHRISTUS Spohn Robstown Family Center brings mental health services close to home for Nueces County families, providing them with a full spectrum of care.

EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION 38 True Inspiration

EVENTS

42 Mixing Things Up in the

Coastal Bend

COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTOS BY: PAUL MARSHALL

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PATIENT

URGENT CARE VS. EMERGENCY CARE Where should you go? By: DR. GEORGE L. FRANKLIN

URGENT CARE CENTERS PROVIDE A COST-EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO A LENGTHY ER VISIT.

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LOCATIONS In Kohl’s shopping center near Smallcakes 5638 Saratoga Blvd., Ste. 114 Corpus Christi, Texas 78414 P: 361-444-5280 Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Across from the mall near Chipotle 4938 S. Staples St., Ste. E-8 Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 P: 361-452-9620 Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

see the doctor. Urgent care centers provide a cost-effective alternative to a lengthy ER visit, and supplement your primary care physician’s services with longer hours and the ability to see walk-ins immediately. This keeps costs down for the patient, improves the delivery of high-quality care and reduces wait times for those patients who truly need the services an ER provides. Here at Promptu Immediate Care, we offer high-quality urgent medical care at a significant cost reduction over an emergency room, and generally much quicker, too. Good, fast and cheap – great combination.

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GEORGE L. FRANKLIN, D.O., is the medical director for Promptu Immediate Care. For more information, please call, come in or visit our website at www. promptucare.com.

THE CONCEPT OF URGENT CARE CLINICS is a fairly new one that has gained popularity within the past 25 or so years. Consequently, there is often confusion regarding where one should go: the urgent care center or the emergency room. Unfortunately, there are no hard-and-fast rules to follow, but I hope this article will provide some guidelines. Typically, urgent care centers are staffed with generalists, doctors or mid-level providers with a breadth of training that prepares them to treat a wide-ranging set of health problems in the pediatric, adult and geriatric populations. Most urgent care centers are open late, on weekends and most holidays, and offer onsite laboratory and X-ray services. Some, like Promptu, also offer supplemental services such as occupational health and workers’ compensation, sports physicals and immunizations. For small lacerations, simple sprains or fractures with no protruding bones, fevers, flu and many instances of nausea or diarrhea, the urgent care center will ably diagnose and treat you, often with less wait and lower costs than a trip to the ER. Conversely, emergency rooms are staffed with physicians who are trained to evaluate and treat serious life- or limb-threatening illnesses or injuries, and equipped with an expansive assortment of apparatus to diagnose those types of ailments. Emergency rooms are also generally open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While the physicians and staff at the ER are certainly capable of treating a wide range of complaints from minor to life-threatening, you pay a premium for that kind of access and availability that is, on average, three times higher than what you can expect to pay at an urgent care center. While you should not go to an urgent care facility solely to save a few dollars, you also should not have to choose between your physical and financial well-being when you need to

WE WILL PUT YOU BACK IN THE GAME OF LIFE

TREATMENTS AND PROGRAMS FOR: Musculoskeletal Injuries Pregnancy (Pre/Post Natal Care) Diabetes Fall Prevention Neuropathy Cardiovascular Therapy Osteoarthritis Vertigo (Dizziness) Osteoporosis Athletic Rehab (Sport Specific) Thoracic-Outlet Syndrome Orthotic Evaluation/Fabriation Pre-Op/Post-Operative Therapy

ALL 6 LOCATIONS OFFER CAREFULLY DESIGNED AND SUPERVISED EXERCISE PROGRAMS IN STATE OF THE ART GYMS AND LARGE INDOOR HEATED POOLS:

CORPUS CHRISTI

CALALLEN

ALICE

5026 Deepwood Cir. • 361.854.2278 4040 Five Points Rd. • 361.241.7399 1302 E. 5th St. • 361.664.9675

PORTLAND 114 Lang Rd. • 361.643.8243

ARANSAS PASS 2150 W. Wheeler Ave. • 361.758.5199

ROCKPORT 1811 Broadway (a.k.a. Fulton Beach Rd.) 361.729.8777

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PATIENT

MULTIFACETED APPROACH

The new Healthy Aging Series tackles important topics such as brain-boosting foods and the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s, providing caregivers, professionals and more with practical training and information. By: DR. NESTOR H. PRADERIO • Apraxia (inability to perform motor tasks or activities of daily living such as brushing teeth or dressing)

ur individual interpretations of “healthy” lead us down many paths in the pursuit of long and active lifestyles, and the complex facets of aging well in today’s society can be overwhelming. Learning as much as possible about your or a loved one’s specific illness or disease can be essential to managing the quality of your health as you age. The Healthy Aging Series, presented by Face to Face LLC, was created to enhance our existing community education focus. It is a new educational forum in which we can accommodate issues that are in direct response to the interests and desires of our community. Each session includes an expanded focus beyond the field of brain health that will envelop all aspects of adopting a lifestyle complementary to achieving our individual goals for healthy aging. It was an honor to present the first

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topic of the inaugural Healthy Aging Series, entitled “Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s – Discerning the Difference.” The confusion surrounding dementia and Alzheimer’s is not uncommon. Families often suspect that “something is not right with mom’s memory” and may erroneously assume that it is Alzheimer’s. There is a definite distinction between dementia and Alzheimer’s. Dementia is the development of multiple cognitive deficits that include memory impairment and at least one of the following: Left to right: Grete McCoy, Dr. Nestor H. Praderio, Elsa Munoz, Billy Scoggins and Pastor Greg Hackett

• Aphasia (inability to communicate effectively) • Agnosia (inability to correctly recognize familiar people or objects)

“

REGARDLESS OF AGE OR RELIGION, IT IS ABOUT SERVING THE SPIRITUAL NEEDS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.”

The second topic, entitled “Brain-Boosting Foods,” was presented by Grete McCoy, registered dietitian. McCoy shared with us the top brain-healthy foods and also discussed barriers to proper nutrition. Brain-healthy foods: • Fatty fish with omega-3 fatty acids • Leafy green and cruciferous

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FOTOSEARCH, GROUP PHOTO BY LISA OLIVER FOR FACE TO FACE, LLC

I often describe dementia as the umbrella that makes up a group of symptoms and can be caused by a variety of disorders that affect the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other key mental functions and influences behavioral changes. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and it is the most common cause of dementia. Thus, Alzheimer’s is one of the types under the dementia umbrella. Other types of dementia are vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal, Parkinson’s and alcohol-related.

vegetables (contain antioxidants) • Avocado, oils, nuts and seeds • Chocolate, especially dark varieties (contain flavonoids linked to brain health) • Curry • Berries • Whole grains • Water • Alcohol (in moderation) • Coffee Barriers to proper nutrition: • Poor dentition • Depression • Loneliness • Preparing food for one • Changes in taste • Increased need for nutrients •Access to fresh foods

Each presentation was followed by a robust question and answer period. “Dr. Praderio’s presentation on differentiating between dementia and Alzheimer’s was sensitive, informative and easily understood,” said Greg Hackett, pastor of the First United Methodist Church. “Over 150 participants, including approximately 75 church members, took away a deeper understanding of the dynamics of cognitive illness, and the importance of prevention and early diagnosis. I recommend any future Healthy Aging events for anyone with aging parents or having concerns with a partner or friend.” “I would say that churches are often a point of reference within many urban and rural communities within the Coastal Bend,” said Billy Scoggins, R.N., Wesley nurse with Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc. “The collaboration with First United Methodist Corpus Christi and the Face to Face organization in providing educational programs on ALZ and dementia help to bring a holistic perspective to a tender subject. The church can provide a comfortable and nonjudgmental environment to discuss the emotional subject of family and caregivers dealing with cognitive changes in a loved one. Regardless of age or religion, it is about serving the spiritual needs of the local community.” We are grateful for our partnership with Hackett and First United Methodist Church, and Scoggins and Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, as well as the entire staff for making the event on June 30 possible. We appreciate the Community Resource and Business Products/ Services exhibitors for their participation and community support. It is my pleasure and a privilege to work with such dedicated individuals. Our hope is for the community to embrace our multifaceted approach in conveying practical training and knowledge to caregivers, professionals and other interested participants. We invite workplace business and corporate CEOs, HR executives, local and state government administrators and other general decision-makers to consider adopting healthy aging strategies for their workforce.

For more information about the next Healthy Aging Series session or other events from Face to Face, call 361-238-7777, visit our website at www.texasfacetoface.com or follow us at www.facebook.com/texasfacetoface. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

COVER STORY

WORKING THEIR

magic THE THREE NEUROSURGEONS AT SOUTH TEXAS BRAIN AND SPINE CENTER ARE ON A MISSION OF HEALING. BY: DAYNA WORCHEL PHOTOS BY: EDGAR DE LA GARZA AND PAUL MARSHALL

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he three doctors of South Texas Brain and Spine Center in Corpus Christi are on a special healing mission for their patients. They have helped children to see again and patients of all ages to walk again – to become pain free and live full lives again. And since they are the only neurosurgery practice in existence for 100 miles in all directions around the city, Drs. Matthew Alexander, Howard Smith and P. Langham Gleason stay extremely busy working their magic. All three physicians perform the most minimally invasive surgeries, using a scope and imaging, necessary to get their patients back up to speed. They have a clinic in Victoria, and Gleason, who is a pediatric neurosurgeon, travels to the Rio Grande Valley to see patients there. Alexander’s specialty is adult brain and spine surgery. “I do complex brain and spine surgery on adults, mainly,” Alexander said. “My expertise is in minimally invasive complex spine surgery, such as fractures.” He treats Parkinson’s disease, handles pain management and performs carpal tunnel surgeries. Alexander also performs deep brain stimulation surgery for Parkinson’s disease, where the patient is wide-awake during surgery to tell doctors what he or she is experiencing. Doctors insert electrodes into the brain to control the tremors. “It’s really pretty cool,” Alexander said. “It can be very effective, but it’s not for everybody. It really improves a patient’s quality of life.” The most rewarding part of being a neurosurgeon for Alexander is seeing how he can change someone’s life, he said. For instance, the patient may have been paralyzed, but is able to walk again. He cautions, however, that results aren’t always optimal and that patients can’t always get the results they want. “But the patient is happy that they are pain free,” he said. “I see that on an almost daily or weekly basis where patients are happy with the outcomes and can get back to their normal lives.” Alexander began the group practice in Corpus Christi in 2004 after moving to the city to be closer to his brother, Dr. Thomas Alexander, a cardiologist in town, and a sister who is a neurologist in Houston. He grew up in Louisville, Ky., with his dad, now a retired general surgeon. It was his

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father, who often brought young Matthew to the operating room, who inspired Alexander to become a surgeon. His parents have since moved to Corpus Christi. “Now we’re all Texas natives, I guess,” he said with a smile. Alexander performs the most minimally invasive type of surgery as possible on patients who have been in car accidents or falls, or who have a type of degenerative disease associated with aging. “Sometimes we treat people with scoliosis or correct someone’s unstable fracture, but if we can do something with a scope, I try to do that more often than the more complicated surgeries if it’s applicable for the patient,” he said. He also performs cyber knife radio surgery. It’s a cutting-edge type of treatment for cancerous tumors that are metastatic or can’t be easily accessible for surgery, according to Alexander. “I work with a radiation doctor, typically over at Spohn Shoreline, and I map out the lesion and she figures how to dose it. It’s a very cool technology,” said Alexander, who also serves as chairman of surgery and neurosurgery for CHRISTUS Spohn Health System in Corpus Christi. “I have many roles in helping to provide the best care for our patients,” he added. But the most important piece of information

“HELPING A CHILD SEE AGAIN – THAT’S POWERFUL MAGIC.” Alexander wants to get across to the public is that the quality of medical care the practice offers rivals that of any big city. “There’s nothing here that we don’t offer that is offered in any other city like Houston or San Antonio,” he said. “We offer the same care here, so that if there are any problems, we can deal with that here.”

DR. HOWARD SMITH

Smith didn’t hesitate to say what his motivation was for becoming a neurosurgeon. “I had an uncle and a cousin die of brain tumors. That’s what inspired me,” he said as he took a quick break in his office between a morning of seeing patients and heading off to the hospital.

Smith typically treats degenerative diseases and injuries of the brain, spine and head, along with broken necks. “Most of the work we do is not trauma, but treating conditions such as degenerative disease, herniated disk, cervical or lumbar stenosis, brain tumors and brain infections,” said Smith, who hails from Bartlesville, Okla. He’s had good luck with using more minimally invasive methods treating those conditions, he said. Years ago, the types of surgery he performs were much more complicated. “Patients used to be in the hospital three or four days and need a blood transfusion,” he said. “Now they can go home the same day.” Smith also has a unique perspective on practicing medicine. He earned his law degree from Loyola University in 2002 and worked as a medical malpractice defense attorney in Mississippi for a time after injuring his knee in 1994. The knee injury meant he couldn’t stand for long periods and operate on patients, and his caseload had dropped considerably. Smith said his wife suggested law school because she thought he was bored after he had quit operating. “I went to night law school in New Orleans after working from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” he said. “It took me four years. It was a two-hour trip there and two-hour drive home.”  I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Interstate All Battery Center Corpus Christi Medical supply batteries...We got it!

But once his knee healed, he went back to being a surgeon. “I always liked being a doctor better,” he said with a smile.

DR. P. LANGHAM GLEASON

4903 Ambassador Row, Corpus Christi Texas 361.854.5000 InterstateBatteriesCorpus.com Store Hours Mon-Fri 7:30am – 6pm Sat 8:30am – 2:30pm Sun Closed Facebook.com/interstatebatteriescorpus Instagram@interstatebatteries_cc

Gleason decided he would specialize in pediatric neurosurgery after he watched a surgery in which a 14-year-old girl’s pituitary tumor was removed and she regained her eyesight. It was during his pediatric neurology rotation at Massachusetts General Hospital, and one of the neurosurgeons there had seen his workup on the young patient. He inspired Gleason to choose a career in pediatric neurosurgery, and Gleason was sold. “That’s powerful magic, helping a child see again,” Gleason said. He likened the feeling of helping a child and the gratitude of the parents to “hitting the walk-off homerun in the World Series.” The most common surgery he performs is on children born with hydrocephalus, or extra fluid in the brain. It’s frequently seen in children who are born premature or who have a type of block-

age in the brain, which prevents circulation of spinal fluid, Gleason said. The head can swell to an amazing size, and a shunt must be placed in the brain to drain the excess fluid. The latest treatments for children with hydrocephalus involve using an endoscope to make an opening at the base of the brain to drain the fluid, Gleason said. There are now programmable shunts with magnetically adjustable valves that can be used to drain the excess fluid, he said. Shunts are generally in place permanently and must be replaced if a problem develops, he said. There are some challenges in operating on children, according to Gleason. “Being a pediatric neurosurgeon is the most difficult when a child can’t be saved. That never gets easier,” he said. “I rely on my faith, and explain that my own belief is that it’s always been God’s plan for that child to return home at that time. Explaining things in physiological terms to parents doesn’t help in those situations.” Gleason trained at Harvard’s Children’s Hospital of Boston, the only neurosurgery residency based at a children’s hospital. He said the main reason he came to Corpus Christi is the reputation of Driscoll General Hospital, and that he is thrilled to work with his two partners. “They are very dedicated individuals; one of us is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he said. “Dr. Smith and Dr. Alexander are warm, patient and committed doctors.”

For more information, visit www.southtexasbrainandspinecenter.com.

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Loss of inches

on the waist, hips and thighs

Smooth, firm

skin

Reduction in the appearance of cellulite

1752 Santa Fe St., Corpus Christi Call 361.452.2637 to request an appointment Visit our website to see our full line of services available www.halcyonmedspa.com

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PROFILE

E H T G N SI

I A R

Promptu Immediate Care provides a unique and thoughtful approach to health care that keeps patients coming back. By: Jessica Dusek Photos by: Mark Joseph/ Darklab Photography

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R A B

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A WALK-IN HEALTH CARE CLINIC WITH A “SPA-LIKE” ATMOSPHERE AND A TURNAROUND TIME OF UNDER AN HOUR? YES, PLEASE! Promptu Immediate Care is not only impacting the Corpus Christi community with their attentive patient care, they are raising the bar for customer service for walk-in health care clinics. Their key focus: “Our goal is to treat patients as customers,” explains Marketing Coordinator Derek Adkins. “With customer service and kindness,” he adds. The clinic has a thoughtful approach. Upon arrival, customers are greeted with calm music and can check-in on the clinic’s technologically enhanced iPads. “You sign in and submit information digitally,” Adkins describes. A front-desk staff member is also there to guide patients through the process, if needed. And games are available for kids of sick parents. Promptu’s unique approach is earning them positive feedback from patients that keeps them coming back. “It is our goal to get you back to healthy in 30 to 45 minutes from the time you walk in – we have been pretty successful at that goal,” describes Adkins with a pleased tone in his voice. “Our onsite lab and X-ray capability gives patients a quick, one-stop shop for their diagnosis and treatment. We have a friendly staff that cares about your well-being.” He references a satisfied customer who was seen for a dog bite. “She even sent a thank-you letter, and noted that she looked forward to seeing us for future needs. For the most part, people are just so grateful that they were seen today and didn’t have to wait in the lobby for hours.” The clinic addresses a variety of ailments from fractures right down to the common cold. With nurses on staff, as well as a radiology technician, the clinic houses four different physicians covering shifts throughout the week. “We are here to treat flu, nausea, sprains, lacerations, colds – something that is bothering you right now,” Adkins explains. Promptu Immediate Care substitutes a crowded emergency room with a warm and inviting clinic. Bringing his own kids to the clinic, Atkins explains, “My daughter had the flu, and my son scraped his knee. I didn’t have to go to three different places with unhappy kids or sit for five hours in a crowded emergency room. I was in and out in 30 minutes.” The walk-in based clinic is open seven days a week, and operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during

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“IT IS OUR GOAL TO GET YOU BACK TO HEALTHY IN 30 TO 45 MINUTES FROM THE TIME YOU WALK IN.” I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

the week, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekend. “We don’t break for lunch,” he adds. The clinic currently has two locations in Corpus Christi, located on Saratoga near Kohl’s as well as South Staples, near Dick’s Sporting Goods. With providers, Drs. Christopher Brown, Guy Racette (director of occupational medical services), Jorge Ramirez and George Franklin (medical director), Promptu boasts decades of experience and medical expertise. Working with other physicians in the Corpus Christi area, Adkins sheds light on the supportive nature of the local medical community. “We find that many primary care physicians are happy to refer patients for immediate care who might have otherwise had to wait.” With many local doctors booked for weeks, the clinic receives referrals to ensure immediate patient care. Working with CCISD to do sports physicals for local students, this year, they serviced approximately 1,000 students in the month of May. Uniquely, the clinic offers occupational health and workers’ compensation services including pre-employment drug screens, TB tests, DOT physicals, DOT breath alcohol testing and injury care. Providing onsite labs, they also offer onsite X-rays. “Other than Medicaid, we do our very best to take just about every kind of insurance,” Adkins explains. Cash visits are also welcome. Promptu recently held a grand opening event welcoming more than 400 members of the Corpus Christi community to the clinic. The Beach and La Caliente were on hand live with giveaways for local amusement parks, and Tailfin food truck provided delicious food and drinks. Supporting the local community, the clinic recently participated in Beach to Bay this summer, and it sponsors local little league and highschool teams and the Dress for Success program. Adkins’ role as marketing coordinator is to inform the community of what Promptu does, and that they are here to benefit the community. “We want the public to know that Promptu is here to get you back to healthy quickly, compassionately and economically.”

LOCATIONS In Kohl’s shopping center near Smallcakes 5638 Saratoga Blvd., Ste. 114 Corpus Christi, Texas 78414 P: 361-444-5280 Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Across from the mall near Chipotle 4938 S. Staples St., Ste. E-8 Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 P: 361-452-9620 Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Promptu is looking forward to serving new patients! For more information, please visit www.promptucare.com.

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At the Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, we specialize in rehabilitative services for patients with functional deficits, such as stroke, trauma, spinal cord injury, brain injuries, cardiac, orthopedic, complex medical conditions and other disabling impairments. Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for its Stroke Program by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in disease-specific care. The certification award recognizes CCRH’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards. Learn more at CCRH.ernesthealth.com.

To learn more about CCRH and our services, visit our website at

I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M 5726 Esplanade Drive • Corpus Christi, TX 78414I N S•P361.906.3700

PROFILE

CONTINUUM OF CARE

The new Behavioral Health Center of Nueces County: bringing mental health services close to home for Robstown and area residents By: Steven Alford A FULL SPECTRUM OF CARE for mind, body and spirit is now just a few steps away for families in Robstown. The CHRISTUS Spohn Robstown Family Health Center is excited to welcome Behavioral Health Center of Nueces County to its facility, for the first time bringing counseling and mental health services under one roof. “Now Robstown and area residents can get the care they need, right next door,” said Diane Lowrance, chief executive officer for Behavioral Health Center of Nueces County. “It’s a one-stop-shop for the community to meet their needs.” Behavioral Health Center of Nueces County is staffed by a psychiatrist, a licensed professional counselor, four case managers and nursing staff who specialize in both adult and youth care. Their office is located next door to the clinic – a relief for those patients with transportation needs who previously had to shuttle across town between appointments, Lowrance added. The Behavioral Health Center is overseen by Dr. Michael Hernandez, who works in concert with the health clinic’s Dr. Marco Elizondo and Peggy Heine, P.A., providing a continuum of care for Nueces County families. The partnership means increased coordination between a patient’s primary care provider and mental health services counselors. “We’re excited to be here,” said Ana Salazar, supervisor for the Robstown Behavioral Health Center. “This is a great opportunity for our clients to get all the care they need in one place. It’s much more convenient.” The Behavioral Health Center counselors also provide outpatient case management and skills training services in the community, including student visits at their schools or homes. That might be a better option for those who are concerned about any stigma associated with seeking mental health services, Lowrance said. “Often that’s the No. 1 reason people don’t seek help,” Lowrance said. “But we’re here to help with those services and provide them in a way that is most convenient and comfortable for our patients.”

“

THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR CLIENTS TO GET ALL THE CARE THEY NEED IN ONE PLACE.”

About CHRISTUS Spohn Health System CHRISTUS Spohn Health System is the region’s largest charity care provider and not-for-profit health care system consisting of six hospital campuses: CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi (Shoreline, Memorial and South), CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Beeville and CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg (Kingsville). The health system is consistently ranked a leading health system in the area, and it has received national recognition for several pioneering programs, including trauma, cardiac care, clinical excellence and oncology. For more than 100 years, CHRISTUS Spohn has been distinguished by its high-caliber staff and affiliated physicians, its comprehensive and innovative services and its long history of responding to the needs of the community it serves. For additional information, visit www. christusspohn.org.

Walk-ins are welcome, and the clinic serves patients Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The clinic is located next door to the CHRISTUS Spohn Robstown Family Health Center, located at 1038 Texas Yes Blvd., right next to the Robstown Fairgrounds. For appointments, call 361-886-1445 or use the After Hours Crisis Hotline at 1-888-767-4498.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTUS SPOHN

 Pictured left to right: Diane Lowrance, chief executive officer for Behavioral Health Center of Nueces County; Krystyn Koch, behavioral health counselor; Ana Salazar, Behavioral Health Center supervisor; Christina Riojas, behavioral health counselor; and Esmerelda Lopez, behavioral health counselor

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EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION

“

I LOVE THE FAST-PACED ACTION. HOCKEY IS NOT A BORING SPORT.”

TRUE INSPIRATION Meet Cassidy Lange, the newly promoted assistant general manager of the Corpus Christi IceRays.

hen Cassidy Lange has a goal to reach, he doesn’t let anything get in the way. The 26 year-old, newly promoted assistant general manager of the Corpus Christi IceRays hockey team, walked into the IceRays office at the American Bank Center on a recent weekday morning ready to get to work. He greeted coworkers, and then checked the upcoming schedule for the North American Hockey League team, while he joked around with Scott McClarren, the director of special events for the IceRays. The season begins in October. The atmosphere seemed relaxed, and so did Lange, who walks with two canes and has dealt with cerebral palsy all of his life. The condition affects muscle tone, movement and motor skills. “It’s a multi-layered thing,” said Lange of the cerebral palsy. “I don’t let anything get in my way. It’s hard to get up in the morning because

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my legs and body feel tight. My hamstrings get real tight, but I always get up in the morning and go to work. I try to act like a normal human being. I am 26, and have had it all my life.” Lange, who graduated from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi with a bachelor’s degree in communications, was recently promoted from account executive to assistant general manager of the organization. And he makes no secret about his love for ice hockey, which he has had since he was a very young boy. “I love the fast-paced action. It’s not a boring sport. It’s a sport that keeps you on your toes, and on each of your seat. What I pride myself on is that once a customer comes to the game, they are hooked and might even see a fight,” he said with a grin. He started working with the team as an intern back in 2007, when they were called the Rayz, under the previous ownership. “They

gladly welcomed me in, gave me some experience in sales and got my feet wet,” Lange said. But in 2008, it was decided that the team would go away because the Central Hockey League was no longer a fit for the Corpus Christi market, and the owner decided to sell. Lange was heartbroken, said Pat Dunn, IceRays general manager. “Cass got sick. He was down because hockey was going away,” said Dunn, who left the city shortly after the Rayz were put up for sale to go to the East Coast. But Tim Lange, who is Cassidy Lange’s dad and a Corpus Christi businessman, stepped up in the 24th hour to purchase the team as a high school graduation gift for his son. He told his family the news over a special dinner to celebrate. Lange has a twin brother, Zackry Lange, who does not have cerebral palsy and works as the general manager at Get Air Corpus Christi, a trampoline park in town.

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“It’s here because of Cass,” said Dunn, who came back to the team at Tim Lange’s request. Dunn says Tim Lange is very modest, humble and generous, and is not one to want attention. Some people might say Cassidy Lange is spoiled to receive such a gift for a high school graduation, but anyone who knows him realizes that is not true, Dunn said. “He’s passionate and a true inspiration,” Dunn said. “When you travel with him, you realize what he is going through just to put his shoes on.” Dunn considers him to be more than a coworker. “He’s my friend, and we want the best for him,” Dunn said. Cassidy Lange has worked at a few different positions within the IceRays organization, including as an account executive and in community relations. He was promoted to assistant general manager in June. “I help Pat Dunn oversee the business,” he said. “I set up all the hockey camps, help the coaches do trades, help with player transactions and I assist in hockey operations. I help him in whatever he needs, and I do a lot of league administrative stuff.” What he loves the most about his job is getting out and interacting with clients. “I like public relations and marketing,” he said. “I like to communicate with people, and I like the face-to-face interaction and shaking their hands. Some of my clients have become my friends. You never know who you will come across.”

Lange doesn’t allow his disability to affect his job. He was involved in Special Olympics from the third grade until his sophomore year in high school, and he competed in bowling, swimming, shot put and track.

He was born and raised in Corpus Christi. “It was difficult to compete, but it was fun,” he said. “It was a great atmosphere and environment. Not everyone gets that experience. I’m grateful for the experience.”

For more information, email clange@goicerays.com.

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