Inspire Coastal Bend Medical Aug/Sept 2015 by Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

WAYS TO KEEP CREATING MEMORIES COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

Your guide to post-summer fun in the sun

TEAM SPIRIT CHRISTUS SPOHN REHABILITATION SERVICES

A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE

CHRISTUS SPOHN WELCOMES

DON'T GIVE UP THE GOODS Why hackers want your medical records

TAKE A WALK TO TAKE A STAND THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION'S HEART WALK, 2015

AUG.SEPT 2015

LET'S TAKE STEPS FOR CROHN'S AND COLITIS I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

THE COASTAL BENDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NUMBER 1 VOLUME FORD DEALER samesford.net 2

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

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on 2014 Total New Retail Sales from Ford Motor Co. Sales Report.

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

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Our mission is to provide medical

transport for critically ill or injured persons requiring medical or trauma facilities within our South Texas service area. Emergency assistance is provided to all persons regardless of their ability to pay.

www.haloflight.org 361.265.0509 I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

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

WE TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN

KEEPING YOUR SMILE BEAUTIFUL For 30 years, over 30,000 patients have placed their trust in the Vela Dental Centers. With three offices in the South Texas area, we make sure excellent dental care is convenient, accessible and affordable. Vela Dental Crosstown, near Spohn Memorial Hospital, serves our downtown, Callalen, Robstown, and Portland areas. Vela Dental Southside, located at Holly and Everhart, serves as our flagship office, providing complex implant and dental rehabilitation for all of South Texas. Vela Dental Kingsville, located at 14th and Henrietta, serves all of Kingsville and the surrounding community. Our highly skilled team of dentists and staff take pride in keeping your smile beautiful or restoring your smile to the way you deserve.

WE HAVE THE ANSWER TO ALL OF YOUR DENTAL NEEDS • Fix damaged or painful teeth • Replace single or multiple missing teeth • Enhance your smile • Remove wisdom teeth & other bad teeth • Clean and prevent gum disease

BEFORE

AFTER - 6-unit bridge and fillings

AFTER - full arch rehabilitation with 11 porcelain crowns and 2 implants

AFTER - full mouth rehabilitation with 24 porcelain crowns

Benjamin Vela DDS & Associates • General Dentistry

SOUTHSIDE - 361.994.4900 CROSSTOWN - 361.884.2266 KINGSVILLE - 361.592.4373

veladental.com

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

got rehab?

we do!

DISCOUNT LAB TESTING Are you underinsured? Dealing with high deductibles?

COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

AUGUST. SEPTEMBER 2015

PUBLISHER ADRIAN GARZA EDITOR Allison Alvarado

ART DIRECTOR Liv Madison

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PRODUCTION Holly Duvall

Does your pooch need a doggie wheelchair? We can build one or order the perfect size to fit.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steven Alford Jessica Dusek Christopher Hegg Mark K. Jordan Samantha Koepp-Stemplinger Alexis Mays Kim A. Novak Sylvia Slezak Erin Wilder

PHOTOGRAPHY Steven Alford Paul Marshall

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Morgan Bartel Brittanie Robertson

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Morgan Bartel

If your dog needs some conditioning, we can help: Arthritis / Overweight / Old Age / Boredom K9 Cars is your dog’s one stop tune up shop. Whether your dog has a flat tire (torn ligament) or a loose rear end (neurological issue), we can provide the rehabilitative services and aids to help. We have the latest modalities: Cold Laser / E-Stim / Ultrasound / PEMF

K9 Conditioning and Rehab Services, LLC. 2901 West Surfside Blvd., Corpus Christi 361.947.7297

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COASTAL BEND PARAMEDS 5722 Esplanade Drive, Suite 101 Corpus Christi, TX

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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 Copyright © Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

CONTENTS AUGUST.SEPTEMBER 2015

FEATURES 10 Keep Creating Memories 12 Get Up and Move

PATIENT 16 Concept of Caring

COVER STORY

18 DR. SHANTAN REDDY

The CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Program welcomes this stellar oncologist, who’s excited to continue the fight against cancer for patients in the Coastal Bend.

PROFILE

22 CHRISTUS SPOHN

REHABILITATION SERVICES

The health system’s highly skilled rehab team uses a team spirit to provide patients with a full continuum of care to get them up and moving again.

HEALTH & WELLNESS 26 Take the Steps

ENERGY & TECHNOLOGY 30 Don’t Give Up the Goods

EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION 34 Giving Grace

NONPROFIT 38 Breaking the Cycle of Abuse 40 Let’s Take Steps 42 Take a Walk

EVENTS 44 Mixing Things Up in the

Coastal Bend

COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTOS BY: PAUL MARSHALL

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

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

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

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

FEATURE

KEEP CREATING MEMORIES Four ways to continue your fun summer adventures – even after school starts! By: SYLVIA SLEZAK

Do you have mixed feelings about going back to school? Feel like the summer fun you had will end when school begins? Well, you don’t have to stop having fun while school is in session. Here are four ways to continue your fun adventures – even after school starts:

2. Go-kart racing

3. Surfing the waves

4. Jet skiing

Horseback riding on the beach

Go-kart racing

Surfing the waves

Jet skiing

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, this is a great way to spend time at the beach with family and friends. The fun begins on North Padre Island in Corpus Christi at Horses on the Beach. Enjoy the sound of the gulls, the waves and the breeze as your horse takes you for a ride along the water on the sand. No need to be concerned about the type of horse you’re on, because the staff knows their horses well and will match your experience to the horse’s personality. Safety is a large part of the day at Horses on the Beach. They are focused on offering the unique experience of riding horseback on the beach to both young and old, both beginner to advanced and anyone in between. It is their hope and desire to help you create a memorable experience.

If you enjoy being with family and friends, love adventure and get a thrill from riding and go-kart racing, Funtrackers Family Fun Center is the place to create fun memories. Their attractions include go-karts, mini golf, Himalaya, bumper boats, a new ropes course, batting cages and an arcade. Go-karts offer several levels, from a leisurely ride for the less adventurous to the more hopped version for those who need a thrill. You can also ride the bumper boats, play mini-golf and “hang around” their new rope course. With all this excitement and fun, you’re bound to get hungry. No need to go far – get your orders in at the Raceway Café, and fill your tummy up for the next round of fun. Wish to share your fun with family and friends? This is the place to have your party and/or special event. They offer packages for groups from schools and teams to churches and scouts and all organizations in between.

Love the waves? Wish you could do some surfing? Padre Island Surf Camp offers camps, lessons and group events for all ages that are available year-round in the Coastal Bend. There are a variety of surfboards to choose from for all skill levels, including standard shortboards, retro and modern fish shapes, longboards and stand-up paddle boats, in addition to kayaks, skim boards and beach games for more fun in the sun. These are fun and adventurous activities to enhance your school schedule. They help build confidence and self-esteem in kids who want to take in all the beach fun with new friends in a supervised, safe and fun atmosphere.

The great thing about living in the Coastal Bend is the warm, sunny weather and coastal waters year-round. Another way to continue the summer fun is hitting the water waves with some jet skiing. Get out with family and friends, and have an adventure of a lifetime. Always remember, “safety first,” and that a jet ski doesn’t have any “brakes” to rely on. Newton’s first law of motion, “a body in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted on by an outside force,” will become real if you are not an experienced rider. If riding with someone, make sure your partner is experienced and practices safety.

JET SKIING IS A GREAT WAY TO GET OUT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS, AND HAVE AN ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME.

Sylvia Slezak is the director of marketing and social media for CityOf.com. For more adventures and year-round fun, visit www.cityof.com/corpuschristi or www.facebook.com/cityofcom.

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CYNOCLUB/BIGSTOCK.COM, JGAUNION/BIGSTOCK.COM, DUDAREV MIKHAIL/BIGSTOCK.COM, NEJRON PHOTO/BIGSTOCK.COM

1. Horseback riding on the beach

Offering care right in your community as an alternative to congested hospital ER’s. Where our doctors wait on you

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Hours: 24/7 365 days a year

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

FEATURE

AND

GET UP MOVE Cage rest is for the birds – rehab is for dogs.

HAVE YOU EVER driven by the Laguna Madre and lost your breath because of the stench? The water is calm; the air is pungent. Why does it stink so badly? We could get scientific, but we won’t. It is simply because the water is not circulating. No fresh water is rushing in. The old water is not flowing out. The body is the same way. Our vessels are the pathways of circulation. The heart is a pump that pushes the blood and lymph around the body through the vessels. Muscles help by squeezing and milking the fluid along. If we get stagnant, we start “stinking.” We are less likely to carry the good stuff in and the bad stuff out to encourage healing. Dogs need to circulate, too. For many, many years we have all heard or been told to “cage rest” our dogs. Why, though? The best answer I can come up with would be protection from injury/re-injury. Have you been in the hospital for a stay or known someone who has? If so, you know the physical therapist is knocking on the door shortly after surgery to evaluate you and get you up. If you only have one arm to push yourself up with, the therapist will do the rest for you, but you will be sitting up at the edge of the bed to circulate and start strengthening. Dogs are not like humans in that the first five to 10 minutes of the therapy visit is spent convincing the patient how good it is for them to move. Dogs like to move forward and do not dwell in the past. The problem is that they are driven by crazy squirrels, silly games and treats that can override their sensibilities. What if you had someone sensible to protect the dog while it moved? Let’s say a certified canine rehab practitioner (CCRP)? Now Fido can move and

circulate safely and sensibly. Even better, the CCRP has physical therapy equipment just for dogs! Imagine a doggie gym or rehab facility. Corpus Christi, Texas, has just that: K9CARS! Now you may be thinking that “My dog doesn’t need to be doing too much. He just had surgery on his femur.” You are probably correct. There needs to be time to heal the bone properly. What about the joints and the rest of the body, though? The femur bone may have a plate on it that needs to not be disturbed, but the knee joint still needs to move so it doesn’t get stiff. The quadricep muscles need to lengthen so they don’t get contracted and “stuck” to the femur, causing the knee to stay straight (contracted in extension). The heart, lungs and other three legs still need their normal activity. Another thing: Have you thought about pain management? CCRPs have ways to manage pain like E-stim, TENS, ultrasound, cold laser, heat and cold, massage, range of motion and stretching? Who wouldn’t want gentle manual techniques to decrease swelling, manage pain and improve range of motion early. K9 rehab and fitness is a rapidly growing field. Sixty percent of dogs are obese. Twenty percent will have osteoarthritis by age 5. Eighty percent are euthanized because they cannot walk. What would our population be if we euthanized our non-ambulatory citizens? What?! Why euthanize them when you can put them in a wheelchair? What if grandpa had a stroke and couldn’t clear his

right foot from the ground very well? We would fit him in an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) that helps him do that. Did you know that they have similar devices for dogs? How about a missing limb? Grandma would get a prosthetic leg. So could Fido! When you have back surgery and want some support, there are back braces for dogs. Dogs are recovering from strokes, broken bones, back surgeries and paralysis through carefully structured rehab programs by CCRPs who work with your veterinarian. The days of lying in a cast for months are over. Bodies need to circulate. It is time to get up and move, dogs included. Cage rest is for the birds (but even birds need to fly).

Kim Novak, B.S., LPTA, CCRP, is the owner of K9 Conditioning & Rehab Services. For more information, call 361-947-7297, email K9CARS@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/doggierehab or www.k9cars.org.

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

BOCHIMSANG/BIGSTOCK.COM, PHOTOS COURTESY OF K9 CONDITIONING & REHAB SERVICES

By: KIM A. NOVAK

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

BOCHIMSANG/BIGSTOCK.COM, PHOTOS COURTESY OF K9 CONDITIONING & REHAB SERVICES

TOTAL JOINT SURGERY

HAND SURGERY

SPECIALIZING IN COMPREHENSIVE ORTHOPAEDIC CARE

SPINE SURGERY

SPORTS MEDICINE

6118 Parkway Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas 361-883-2000 www.orthocentercc.com

QUALITY ORTHOPAEDIC CARE SINCE 1978 I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

James R. Dinn, M.D.,P.A. Robert Q. Lewis, M.D., P.A. Jeffrey R. Schlimmer, M.D., P.A. Miguel A. Berastain, Jr., M.D., P.A. Charles S. Clark, Jr., M.D., P.A. Brian L. Patterson, M.D., P.A. Aimee L. Schimizzi, M.D., P.A. Andrew A. Indresano, M.D., P.A. Camille M. Barton, PA-C Christian P. Ehrhard, PA-C Edward B. Zey, FNP-C

CCRH is the

only free-standing

Acute Rehabilitation Hospital in the Coastal Bend Area You have a choice We understand that YOU HAVE A CHOICE when it comes to your rehabilitative care. At Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital (CCRH) we value teamwork and are connected at our core by the treatment needs of our patients. We are proud to be a freestanding acute rehabilitation hospital serving Corpus Christi, providing attentive and compassionate patient care to the community in which we serve.

Brain Injury • Amputations • Stroke • Neuro • Orthopedic CCRH is now part of the Ernest Health network of facilities. Eight of Ernest’s rehabilitation hospitals have consistently ranked in the top 10% of Inpatient Rehab Facilities in the United States by UDSMR®. Ernest Health strives for all their hospitals to receive this recognition. To learn more about CCRH and our services, visit our website at

CCRH.ernesthealth.com

5726 Esplanade Drive • Corpus Christi, TX 78414 • 361.906.3700 I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PATIENT

Hospice facts:

Hospice care focuses on comfort, dignity and quality of life for patients and support for their families. SPECIAL TO INSPIRE COASTAL BEND

ospice is a concept of caring that brings comfort and support to people facing a terminal illness, and to their families. Hospice addresses all the symptoms of the disease with special emphasis on controlling pain and discomfort, thus allowing the patient and family to focus on maintaining quality of life. Hospice also deals with the emotional, social and spiritual impact of the disease on the patient, the patient’s family and significant others. Hospice care brings this comfort and support directly into the family’s home, enabling the patient to spend his or her final days in a familiar and loving environment. A hospice team consists of physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, spiritual care givers, counselors, therapists and volunteers – all of whom are specially trained to provide pain and symptom management for the patient and support for the family or other intimate network. Physicians who have been active in the patient’s care are encouraged to be part of this interdisciplinary team.

Because each person’s needs are unique, the hospice team works with the patient and family to develop a personalized care plan, which ensures that the patient and family are at the center of all decision making. Always, the focus is on controlling pain, managing symptoms and providing comfort, dignity and quality of life. A unique characteristic of hospice care is the availability of bereavement resources that are an integral part of the hospice philosophy. Hospices have trained professionals working to assist the patient and family with the many aspects of grief that are present during the illness and then continue to provide bereavement services to the family for at least one year following the death. Their experience and understanding of the issues relating to grief, loss and bereavement have led many hospices to serve as bereavement resources for their local community. Many hospices have support groups and other bereavement services available to serve people in need who have not been hospice clients.

DATA SHOWS THAT HOSPICE CARE IS LESS COSTLY THAN CARE IN A HOSPITAL.

 Whenever possible, patients are cared for in their own, or a family member’s, home. However, many hospices have facilities that provide the same care for hospice patients and their support networks. Hospice care is also available in nursing homes and other assisted living settings.

 Hospice workers provide the patient and family with information and opportunities to participate in the decision-making process.  Data shows that hospice care is less costly than care in a hospital.  The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers 100 percent of hospice services. Many private insurance plans, HMOs and Medicaid in many states also offer hospice benefits.  Bereavement care and resources are available to the family for at least one year. No other health care delivery system offers such support.  The patient, family and/ or physician can initiate an information/referral call or visit as soon as a terminal disease is diagnosed, or at the time a patient decides to move from a treatment plan focused on curing the disease to a plan focused on providing comfort and pain relief.

This article was contributed by Gloria Gooding, executive director of River City Hospice. For more information, visit www.rivercityhospice.com.

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

KASIA BIALASIEWICZ/BIGSTOCK.COM, LEAF/BIGSTOCK.COM

CONCEPT OF CARING

 Hospice is an aggressive medical choice that focuses on symptom management, comfort, dignity and quality of life. Hospice neither lengthens life nor hastens death.

KASIA BIALASIEWICZ/BIGSTOCK.COM, LEAF/BIGSTOCK.COM

Specializing in New Construction and Renovations

ART RAMIREZ President /Builder

R.O. Construction Group  (361) 813-6520 www.roconstructiongroup.com  www.facebook.com/artthebuilder

There is an Art to building your dream home, let’s do it together! 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

THE SKILLS TO

HEAL The CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Program welcomes DR. SHANTAN REDDY, an oncologist whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to do a lot for the cancer patients of the Coastal Bend. By: Steven Alford Photos by: Paul Marshall

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

“WE’RE REALLY EXCITED TO HAVE DR. REDDY ON OUR TEAM HERE AT CHRISTUS SPOHN.”

THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE CHRISTUS SPOHN CANCER TEAM HAS BEEN AROUND THE WORLD AND BACK. NOW, DR. SHANTAN G. REDDY AND HIS FAMILY HAVE CHOSEN CORPUS CHRISTI AS THEIR HOME TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY.

Born in India, raised in Australia and trained at Tulane University and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Reddy brings a wealth of knowledge to the Coastal Bend as he continues his fight against cancer. “We were looking for a place with a lot of opportunity to grow, and we found Corpus Christi,” Reddy said. “We love it. The people here are friendly, and the patients are appreciative. You can’t ask for more.” Reddy joins the region’s only nationally accredited cancer program at CHRISTUS Spohn Health System, which uses cutting-edge technology and the latest therapies to not only treat cancer close to home, but improve quality of life for its patients. It’s his deep understanding of oncology, his willingness to listen to his patients’ needs and his passion for research into the next successful cancer treatments that Reddy brings to the table with his fellow physicians. “I find practicing oncology an emotionally rewarding experience,” he said. “There is no other field in medicine that is changing so rapidly. New research and information is pouring out on a daily basis. It is exciting to be a part of.” When he’s not busy battling cancer in the region, Reddy is chasing after his 5-year-old and 2-year-old daughters or dreaming of being back on the golf course, a hobby he is passionate about, but has little time for. That’s because the Reddy family is a busy and dynamic one. Reddy’s wife, Thretha, also just began her new role at Radiology and Imaging of South Texas. They are a family that is fighting cancer on two fronts, a passion Reddy said he’s had since medical school. His mother is also a physician who practices in Sydney, Australia. Reddy’s patients love his outgoing attitude and smile, and his colleagues respect his experience with cancer, honed from years of training at the best schools and hospitals in the country. “We’re really excited to have Dr. Reddy on our team here at CHRISTUS Spohn,” said Thomas Enright, executive director of the CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Program. “He’s going to do a lot for our patients here in the Coastal Bend.” Looking to the future, Reddy envisions a world where the population is better educated about the disease and how to avoid high-risk behaviors that can lead to cancer such as using tobacco and alcohol. It’s his and his colleagues’ hope that one day, cancer can be eradicated or become viewed as a chronic, treatable disease like diabetes. “In 20 or 30 years,” he said, “I hope most cancers have been cured and there aren’t any left to fight.”

CHRISTUS Spohn Health System is the region’s largest hospital system in South Texas, consisting of six hospital campuses throughout the Coastal Bend. The health system is consistently ranked a health care leader 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.

To learn more about the CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Program, please visit www.christusspohn.org/cancercenter.

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

“

I FIND PRACTICING ONCOLOGY AN EMOTIONALLY REWARDING EXPERIENCE.”

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

PROFILE Magda Cabrera works on strengthening her mobility during exercises with Lead Therapist Christina Castillo at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline.

A TOUCH OF CARE CHRISTUS Spohn Rehabilitation Services helps patients get moving again. By: Steven Alford / Photos by: Steven Alford

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

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE – brushing your teeth, walking to the car or putting on a shirt – that can become big hurdles after a stroke or injury. Every day, rehabilitation services teams at CHRISTUS Spohn Health System work with their patients to get them back to their daily routine on their own, but it’s no easy task. The compassionate care they provide requires a whole team of specialized therapists who provide a continuum of care from the moment a patient arrives at a CHRISTUS Spohn hospital in the Coastal Bend. This September, known as National Rehabilitation Awareness Month, the health

system is taking time Thanks to her work to recognize the therwith the Rehabilitation apists and patients Services team at who make this proCHRISTUS Spohn, Corpus Christi resident gram so rewarding. Magda Cabrera has “Our patients are regained much of a big inspiration to her mobility lost to us,” said Christina a rare neurological syndrome. Castillo, lead therapist at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline. “Seeing them making progress and helping them get back to their normal life is why we are here.” Depending on a patient’s diagnosis and needs, highly skilled health care professionals coordinate physical, occupational, speech and recreational therapies. The CHRISTUS Spohn Rehab Services team works closely with patients, their families and their physicians to achieve specific goals to best prepare patients for their return home and back to normal life. Corpus Christi resident, Magda Cabrera, lost much of her mobility with the onset of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare occurrence where the immune system attacks the body’s nerves. Since her work with Castillo and the CHRISTUS Spohn team, Cabrera has gotten back to walking and enjoys exercising during her weekly rehabilitation sessions. She says the bonds forged with her team have helped

“

OUR PATIENTS ARE A BIG INSPIRATION TO US. OUR TEAM FEELS LIKE IT’S A HUMBLING EXPERIENCE TO WORK WITH THEM.”

Lead Therapist Christina Castillo works with patient Magda Cabrera at the Rehabilitation Services gym at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline.

speed up her recovery. “It’s all about the relationships you build while you are getting your rehab,” Cabrera said. “I have found not just workers here, but friends.” Cabrera said equally special is the way the CHRISTUS Spohn team also supports her spiritual growth through its mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. “God is the main source of my strength, courage and wisdom to be able to handle the challenges and obstacles my family and I have had to face on this journey of regaining my body and life,” she added. While the CHRISTUS Spohn Rehabilitation Services Program is a diverse one, it’s the health system’s specialization in serving neurological patients, such as those who have suffered a stroke, that really sets them apart, according to Cindy Carson, director of rehabilitation at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline. “We serve all diagnoses here, but we really specialize in the neurological population that other free-standing clinics typically do not,” Carson said. “Many of our associates are

neuro-certified and are able to provide that continuum of care from inpatient to outpatient.” Even after discharge, many “graduated patients” continue rehab at the hospital through the Rehab Edge Program. They prefer to exercise with the CHRISTUS Spohn rehab team in the hospital’s gym setting during normal business hours to continue their recommended exercise program. And they are an inspiration to other patients because they show that recovery is real and attainable, Castillo said. It’s that team spirit that makes the CHRISTUS Spohn rehab program a success and a great place to come to work each day, according to Castillo. As a former collegiate cross-country runner, Castillo enjoys sharing her knowledge with her patients and working alongside her dedicated therapists. “Our team feels like it’s a humbling experience to work with our patients,” Castillo added. “We get to learn so much from them, and each day, they teach us and we all get better.”

To learn more about the CHRISTUS Spohn Rehabilitation team, please visit www.christusspohn.org/rehabilitationservices or call 361-881-3515.

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

SIX POINTS PHYSICAL THERAPY PROMOTING HEALING AND WELLNESS

Our mission is to return the patient to a productive lifestyle by offering individualized therapy promoting healing and wellness

TREATMENT PROGRAMS Pain Management // Orthopedic Rehabilitation // Pre and Post Operative Rehabilitation Neurological Injuries // Respiratory Therapy // Fibromyalgia // Wellness Maintenance // Arthritis Tendon Repair // Sports Injuries // Carpal Tunnel // Sprains/Strains

Jaime Pato Moreno PT

Monica Lucido-Clay PT, DPT

701 Park Avenue Corpus Christi, Texas 78401 Phone: (361) 879-0006 // Fax: (361) 879-0702

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

Brad Walker MSPT

5017 Saratoga, Suite 139 Corpus Christi, Texas 78413 Phone: (361) 993-0441 // Fax: (361) 993-0452

Local, Family-Owned, Corpus Christi’s Original

We have a wide variety of A/C filters, standard and specialty • Residential and Business • Ceiling & wall grills and registers • Standard and custom sizes • Polystrand

• Poly Rolls • Pleated Allergy • Merv11 • 1” 2” 4” 5” 6” Glasfloss Filters

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

TAKE THE STEPS Diet and exercise: Is that all? By: MARK K. JORDAN

APPROACH THE RELAXATION ACTIVITIES AS A SERIES OF CYCLES OR STEPS THAT PROVIDE IMPACTFUL RESULTS.

 A lack of interruption during that time  Relative calmness, if not quietness, during that time Examples include meditation, prayer and leisure read-

ing, as well as sitting and listening to calming music. People who do this actually live longer healthier lives than those who don’t. It can enhance the results from your efforts in the areas of healthy food intake and physical activity. If people tell me that they do not have 20 minutes in their day to relax, I ask them if their days are pretty hectic. They usually say that their days are very hectic. I ask them, “If there was a way to make your day less hectic, more productive and more enjoyable, would you consider doing it?” They usually say, “Yes.” That’s when I let them know what 20 minutes in their day can provide. Like the previous articles I’ve written, consider trying this relaxation approach for a three-week cycle, at least during the weekdays. After the first week, you’ll know how it feels and how it impacts each day. The second week is more helpful because you are familiar with the activity. The third week serves as a mini-celebration toward completing the cycle. Approach the relaxation activities as a series of cycles or steps that provide impactful results. This keeps you from thinking of it as an endless experience of day-to-day activities that need to be done for the rest of your life, with no change in sight. Instead, you will see the light at the end of the tunnel every three weeks! Make things interesting with your 20 minutes, and enjoy the results it can provide!

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

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARK K. JORDAN

MARK JORDAN received a certificate for setting a Guinness World Record for most pull-ups done within 24 hours – he did 4,321 of them, at age 54! He appeared on Dr. Oz in recognition of his wellness accomplishments. For more information about wellness consultations, coaching services or speaking engagements, contact Jordan at info@markkjordan. com, or visit www. markkjordan.com.

WHEN PEOPLE HEAR “health and wellness,” many think of diet and exercise. Some stop short and say, “I don’t have time to cut out convenient fast foods and replace them with time-requiring nutritionally rich cooked meals,” or “I don’t have time to go to a gym for a few hours per week.” If you agree with these, consider this approach: Consider the transition towards eating more nutritious foods as compared to fast foods, and consider additional physical activity (not necessarily a gym membership) as steps toward better health and wellness. This allows you to focus on the increased variety of things you can do and consume in the areas of healthy food intake and activity, instead of only emphasizing what you should reduce or eliminate. Yet, it doesn’t stop there. My 40-plus years of experience have shown me that the need to minimize stress while enhancing relaxation and sleep is important for improving overall health and well-being. If this isn’t managed, it can become counter-productive to the benefits of healthy nutrition and physical activity. Some experts have said that stress triggers and sleeplessness are so prevalent that we, as a society, have just gotten used to them. The long-term manifestations tell us that our bodies don’t necessarily accept what our minds have gotten used to experiencing. We can experience compromises in our attention span, creativity and problem-solving abilities. It can also negatively impact our immune system and cardiovascular functions. All of these are definitely related to overall health and wellness and support the need to address changing high stress levels, increasing relaxation time and reducing lack of high quality sleep. So, how do we address this in the name of health and wellness? While appearing on the Dr. Oz show, I was able to talk with a longevity expert about the benefits of having 20 minutes every day as your relaxation time. Relaxation takes on many forms, but there are a couple of consistencies:

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ENERGY & TECHNOLOGY

DON’T GIVE UP THE GOODS

MANY HACKERS consider your medical records to be low-risk, high-value targets. These records can be obtained fairly easily and are sought-after on the underground cyber exchanges, and the chance of the hacker being exposed is minimal. Even though millions of medical records have been stolen in the United States recently, analysts are predicting a sharp increase in cyber-attacks on hospitals and doctors’ offices. Hackers already know identity theft is the most lucrative of all cybercrimes. They also know the best way to effectively hijack an identity is by having as much information on the victim as possible. Medical records are the best way to have a complete profile on someone. Personal information that can be mined from an individual’s medical record can include name, address, birth date, Social Security number, employment information, financial records and much more. Armed with this kind of information, the criminal can do every30

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

By: CHRISTOPHER HEGG

thing from apply for loans to drain the equity out of a person’s home. Criminals are willing to pay 20 times more for stolen medical records than they are for stolen credit card numbers. However, this is not the only reason hackers have turned to this specific theft in such large and growing numbers. Medical systems in hospitals and clinics are often outdated and easier to break into. Security was never of primary concern to the original software designers to begin with, and the sophisticated techniques hackers use today easily exploit the vulnerabilities of these medical databases. For these reasons, the time it takes to discover a breach of security is greatly increased. This gives hackers a comfortable window of opportunity to take what they want and gives the stolen merchandise a longer shelf life before the victimized parties are alerted. Thus, we now have a situation where the medical community is in a race to modernize these systems before more

CRIMINALS ARE WILLING TO PAY 20 TIMES MORE FOR STOLEN MEDICAL RECORDS THAN THEY ARE FOR STOLEN CREDIT CARD NUMBERS.

damage is done. However, the process is slow and tedious, and more cyber criminals are getting in on this kind of crime in record numbers. Identity theft is especially prevalent in Arizona, which had more victims per capita than any other state in 2010, with about 149 victims for every 100,000 residents. California, Florida, Texas and Nevada also were leading states for identity theft, according to Federal Trade Commission data. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy and Security Rules establish federal requirements for keeping health information secure. The HIPAA Breach Notification Rule requires most doctors, hospitals, other health care providers and health insurance companies to notify if a “breach” of unsecured information about a patient is seen by someone who is not supposed to see it. This federal law also requires health care providers and insurance companies to promptly notify the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if there is any breach of unsecured protected health information and notify the media and public if the breach affects more than 500 people. This requirement helps patients know if unsecured protected health information has been breached and helps keep providers accountable for the protection of their health information. Conducting an accurate and thorough assessment of the potential risks and vulnerabilities to the confidentiality, integrity and availability of electronic protected health information held by an organization is a requirement of HIPAA. Taking this first step proactively helps protect your practice from these malicious attackers, and helps you keep the confidence of your patients.

For more information, call 800-9552596 or visit www.corerecon.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CORE RECON

Why hackers want your medical records

PHOTO COURTESY OF CORE RECON

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EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION

GIVING GRACE

Moving mountains: Corpus Christi Metro Ministries By: JESSICA DUSEK Photos by: PAUL MARSHALL

“We are here and we are ready when you are – my mother used to say that,” said Patty Clark, CEO of Corpus Christi Metro Ministries and their mission. The organization has reached milestones in the Corpus Christi community by conducting an integration program helping homeless women and children back into society. The national average homeless person is 9 years old, explains Clark – a growing statistic that tends to go unnoticed. The organization’s Loaves and Fishes program serves 400 to 600 meals per day at noon and from 5 to 6 p.m. to residents and community members needing a warm meal. “The family dining really spoke to me – knowing how much can happen in a very positive way at the dinner table,” Clark said. “I don’t want those kids standing in the line to think that that is their only future.” Clark was amazed by their impact when she saw several different families out walking near the property. “I thought, how nice that families still get out and walk around together,” she said. A coworker corrected her and said, “Patty, they are coming over here to eat.” Clark realized an opportunity to reinforce family unity and self-expression at the dinner table – icebreakers with favorite superhero discussions are encouraged at the Gathering Place on campus. “No matter what is going on in their lives,” she said, “they have the peace and quiet to sit down and enjoy a meal together.” CC Metro Ministries was established in 1982 as a collective effort on behalf of churches and synagogues to find a better way to feed the hungry. “All churches didn’t have ways to respond in a significant way,” Clark explained. Celebrating her third year with the ministries, Clark maintains an enthusiastic and uplifting reputation, fueling the program toward their purpose. In 2013, their Rainbow House Program for Women and Children housed 137 families. The same year, their Rustic House for Senior and Disabled Men served 35 residents. Clark credits her employees and the community for the organization’s momentum: “The terrific staff brings their heart to work every day,” she said. “We get some of our best ideas from people who come on our tours. We do a lot of collaboration to serve similar population(s) … When you think of a woman who says, ‘I haven’t had a place of my own in 34

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

10 years,’ you are doing something right. When it changes the trajectory of a child’s life, you are doing something right.” CC Metro Ministries allows residents to stay up to two years. Case managers meet with residents that need help and life goals. They help mothers find work, fund schooling and save money. Program graduates are guided toward job stabilization, as well as integration into independent housing. Delores, a recent graduate and former Rainbow House resident, was integrated within a year-and-a-half. She was homeless and without work or support when a local business directed her to CC Metro

Ministries. “I felt taken care of – safe and secure,” she explained. “They helped me to save money and to really build myself up. The things you take for granted [such as] having your own home, your own car, having a job – that should be the norm, but for me, it was the exception.” Delores was dedicated to going to Texas Workforce, learning computer programs and taking Excel courses. She began taking classes at Del Mar College, and underwent the three-month Christian Women’s Job Corp program, an in-depth curriculum on spiritual foundation, job information and life skills. After finding short-term

“

IF WE CAN GET A BOOK INTO THE HANDS OF CHILDREN, WE COULD CHANGE THEIR LIVES.”

employment, her perseverance and the support of CC Metro Ministries staff helped her gain fulltime employment. The year-and-a-half it took Delores, has taken others several months or the full two years. Delores recalls watching other residents become stable with fulltime employment, yet remembers engaging each step of the process, including education of financial savings. But above all, having faith in the process and one’s potential is a common thread among the success stories. “It is like a relationship,” Delores said. “You have to find a relationship. Something you can live with. Something that is good for you.”

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COMMUNITY PROJECTS

CC Metro Ministries involvement matriculates into the community, launching a Little Free Library project that it allows community members around Corpus Christi to “take a book, read a book, return a book.” According to Clark, “With the help of volunteers, including a club scout troop, we constructed and planted three little libraries around Corpus Christi.” They have five requests to have additional locations in front of schools and businesses around the community. “If we can get a book into the hands of children, we could change their lives.” CC Metro Ministries continues to move mountains. In 2014-15, generous scholarship money from a local Corpus Christi donor has already helped nine families, serving a total of 23 people. This covered rent and utilities up to 12 months – and one of those families went from homeless to owners. Their 24th Annual Poor Man’s Supper will take place this November, which donors and supporters of the community attend. “Guests que up to receive a meal as a reminder of the humble meal many receive each day,” Clark said. Stew is served in a bread bowl. Guest speakers have included Holocaust survivors, celebrities, authors and fellow humanitarians. So what fuels Clark’s passion to bring the ministries to new heights? “My simple response is God’s grace,” she said, as she recalled having the “heart” for the work that makes all the difference.

To learn more about Corpus Christi Metro Ministries, visit www.ccmetro.org, or join a Tuesday with Metro Tour, held the second Tuesday each month, at 1919 Leopard St. You may also email aramirez@ccmetro.org.

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NONPROFIT

In his role as a frequent Court Appointed Special Advocates volunteer, Corpus Christi Police Commander John Houston is dedicated to helping the kids of the Coastal Bend who need it most. By: SAMANTHA KOEPP-STEMPLINGER

n 1980, when John Houston first joined the Corpus Christi Police Department as a police officer, his goal was to work everywhere he could within the department and go up the ranks before he left. Fast-forward to 2015: He is now the police commander for Corpus Christi, overseeing 220 non-police employees in the administration department, which involves managing budgets, grant writing, buildings, fleet, building projects and grant compliance. He also works with the police founda-

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

whose class I taught 10 years ago, and they go, ‘You know, commander, that class you taught us when I had this case, and I went in there, and I saw exactly what you told us, and I was able to put it in the report, and we were able to do something good for the kid.’ I’ve seen so much of it; I am just so glad that people step up and stick around for a year or two or three and help as many kids as they can help.” Houston has witnessed the cycle in families with a history of abuse, working with the first generation 35 years ago and throughout the years being involved with their children and now their grandchildren for the same situations. “Before CASA came along, the kids didn’t have a voice,” he says. “You’ve got to break the cycle, break that connection to give the kid a chance, so when CASA steps in with these kids, it does give them a future that they can see there is something different. As long as I am a cop, I will keep coming back to CASA. I support CASA 100 percent.” Houston’s next presentation at CASA will be on Aug. 6 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the CASA office located on 2602 Prescott. The presentation is open to the public with an RSVP required to attend; email samantha@coastalbendcasa.org to reserve a seat.

“

AS LONG AS I AM A COP, I WILL KEEP COMING BACK TO CASA. I SUPPORT CASA 100 PERCENT.”

CASA of the Coastal Bend offers free monthly trainings for new volunteers, with the next training starting on Aug. 18 and the following training starting on Sept. 8. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a CASA or how you can support the organization, please visit www.casaofthecoastalbend.org or call Diana Booth, outreach director, at 361-884-2272.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CASA OF THE COASTAL BEND

BREAKING THE CYCLE OF ABUSE

tion and the citizen’s police academy and serves as a liaison with organizations that work closely with the police department. “It’s everything that makes the PD – supports the mission of the men and women in the field, “says Houston in regards to the administration department. “Here we have the ability to buy the people the equipment to do their job better. The key is looking at the trends in the nation, seeing where we are going and then doing what’s right for Corpus Christi.” Community presence is highly regarded within the police department – officers being connected to their neighborhoods, knowing the people and being involved. “You don’t see the issues that the rest of the country is having, here in our city,” Houston says. “It’s a very different environment from city to city, but I look at Corpus Christi, and our people respect the police and we respect the citizens. We have a great relationship with them.” Most police officers attend community meetings, are involved with nonprofit organizations and/or serve as team coaches or mentors. Houston has been giving community education presentations several times a year to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers for 23 years – missing only one presentation. Houston’s wife was a volunteer in the first CASA class, who had served as a volunteer for two-anda-half years when she recruited him to share his community knowledge with volunteers to prepare them for what they may witness during their cases. During his presentations, Houston speaks about what is going on in the streets and explains how drug and alcohol use attribute to child abuse and neglect. “It’s always great to run into a CASA volunteer, sometimes people

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CASA OF THE COASTAL BEND

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

NONPROFIT

LET’S TAKE STEPS

here are nearly 70,000 patients in South Texas battling a disease that many have never heard of. In Corpus Christi, statistics tell us that 1,500 residents are suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Colitis affects the large intestine (colon), and Crohn’s disease can be found in any part of the GI tract. Even though 70,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States every year, many still don’t know they have an IBD. Crohn’s and Colitis affects men, women and children, it is not medically curable, it affects your daily life and it can be fatal. The fight against inflammatory bowel diseases is led by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). Since 1967, they have remained at the forefront of research for a cure. CCFA-supported research studies have found more than 160 genes associates with IBD, important information that will help form the basis for discovering new drugs and diagnostics. They have also helped determine the gut microbiome that links genetics with the progression of IBD. The CCFA also provides a series of educational programs, resources, support services and advocacy initiatives. And you can get involved with several local events on the calendar for this year. On Thursday, Aug. 27, the CCFA will have a free kick-off event at Kid’s Ultimate Party Zone at 1216 Waldron Road. Check-in is at 6:30 p.m., and the presentation starts at 7 p.m. Kids will have a blast with the indoor bouncy houses, and families will receive support and education. To attend, just RSVP to rkingham@ccfa.org. This event is the opening act for the 2015 Corpus Christi Take Steps for Crohn’s

IN CORPUS CHRISTI, 1,500 RESIDENTS ARE SUFFERING FROM INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES.

and Colitis Walk. On Oct. 24, starting at 9 a.m., Cole Park will be covered in orange to raise awareness and funds to further the foundation’s mission. It’s much more than a walk! There will be food, music, festivities, kid’s activities, local entertainment and fellowship with your neighbors who understand the impact of these diseases. And then, at 10 a.m., we will all Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis. Take Steps is the foundation’s largest fundraising event, and it is fun for the whole family. There are many ways to get involved right now. Sign up for the walk, form a team, register to be a vendor in the Take Steps festivities, collect donations or make one yourself. Eighty-two cents of every dollar raised at this event goes straight toward breakthrough research, public and professional education and patient support services. Show your support by making a $25 donation, and you will receive a free window decal! Make plans to be at Cole Park on Oct. 24 because it’s the only time in our community for patients and their families impacted by IBD to know we’re not alone. In addition to the festivities and camaraderie, we will also have our honored heroes speak. Every year, we showcase brave, local patients to share their story of diagnosis, how they combat the condition and words of hope and inspiration. Together, let’s Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis on Oct. 24 at Cole Park.

For more information, contact Robin Kingham, assistant national manager for Take Steps and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, at 504-408-2119 or rkingham@ccfa.org, or visit www.cctakesteps.org/corpuschristi.

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF TAKE STEPS FOR CROHN’S & COLITIS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

Tens of thousands of South Texas residents are suffering silently with deadly inflammatory bowel diseases, and thousands more have been diagnosed with Crohn’s and Colitis this year. And there’s only one event in our area fighting these diseases. By: ALEXIS MAYS

PHOTO COURTESY OF TAKE STEPS FOR CROHN’S & COLITIS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

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TAKE A WALK The American Heart Association’s annual Heart Walk provides a fun, family-friendly way for citizens to raise awareness of heart disease – our country’s No. 1 killer. By: ERIN WILDER

besity. Hypertension. Heart disease. What if the answer to some of the top health problems that plague the Coastal Bend area was as simple as putting one foot in front of the other and taking a walk? Every year, hundreds of Corpus Christi-area residents do just that: They come together for the annual American Heart Association Heart Walk, a non-competitive 5K walk (that’s about three miles) that raises awareness of heart disease, our country’s No. 1 killer. Walking may seem too simple an answer, but studies prove that just 30 minutes a day can put you on the path to a healthier lifestyle and combat those risk factors like high blood pressure and being overweight. The annual Heart Walk is one of the American Heart Association’s primary fundraisers in the area, and it supports cutting-edge research and educational programs. The event is also designed to promote physical activity and hearthealthy living to the community in an environment that’s fun, family-friendly and rewarding. Many local businesses participate as fundraising teams and see the added benefit of a healthier workforce, boosted morale and camaraderie. Walkers can participate as individuals, join a team or start their own team with family, friends or neighbors. Often, people walk in honor of a heart disease or stroke survivor or a lost loved one. When you join the Heart Walk, you join more than a million people in 300plus cities across America in taking a stand against heart disease and helping save lives. This year’s Corpus Christi Heart Walk, presented by H-E-B, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Whataburger Field from 8 a.m. to noon. The Heart Walk is sponsored nationally by Subway and with major local support from the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and AEP.

Our Sponsors (to Date): Corpus Christi IceRays, Andrews Distributing, B-C Equipment Sales, CHRISTUS Spohn Health System, Kiewit Offshore Services, Mattress Firm, Mike Shaw Automotive, Port of Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Atlas Tubular LLC, BMW of Corpus Christi, C&J Energy Services, Carlisle Insurance Agency, CC Distributors Inc., Citgo, Corpus Christi Medical Center, Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, Driscoll Children's Hospital, Ed Hicks Family of Dealerships, KIII TV, Navy Army Community Credit Union, PlainsCapital Bank, Port Royal Ocean Resort, SCC Service Solutions, Security Service Federal Credit Union and Valero For more information or to start or join an existing Heart Walk Team, please visit www.corpuschristiheartwalk.org or contact Brittany Sandbach, Heart Walk director, at 361-445-3192 or brittany.sandbach@heart.org.

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

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

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