Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine Medical July/Aug 2019 by Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

SUMMER SUN SAFETY TIPS FROM CHRISTUS PROMPTU URGENT CARE

COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE

COMMUNITY CORNER WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEEN HAPPENING IN THE COASTAL BEND

HOPE AND HEALING

SOUTH TEXAS MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATES

JULY/AUG 2019

DRS. JOHN LUSINS AND MEGAN TALLEY I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Dr. Mathew Alexander

We passionately aim to raise the standard of care in Corpus Christi. Our goal is to offer an elevated level of service comparable to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading cancer centers by improving the quality of life of our patients right here in Corpus Christi.

Minimally invasive brain Minimally invasive spine Dr. Melissa Macias

Carpal tunnel Ulnar nerve Total disc replacement Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

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

All-Star Neurology Specializing in: • Spine • Cranial • Peripheral Nerve • Surgical Plan Modalities

1227 3rd. Street, Corpus Christi, TX

www.southtexasbrainandspinecenter.com

361-883-4324

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Neuro Rehabilitation Program

Led by a board certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, our team of experts will design an individualized treatment plan for each patient in our neuro rehabilitation program. We focus on addressing: • • • • • • • • • •

Medical care and monitoring needs Strength and endurance Coordination, balance, and sensation Cognition and swallowing Vision Mobility and transfers Self-care activities and safety Eating and nutrition Medication management Family support and education needs

If you, your patient, or a loved one is in need of a comprehensive approach to regaining functional mobility and independence, please contact us at 361.906.3700.

CCRH.ERNESTHEALTH.COM

8451 Pearl St. • Thornton, CO 80229 P: 303.301.8700 • www.vrhdenver.com5726 Esplanade Drive • Corpus Christi, TX 78414 4

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

361.906.3700

361.906.3797

6002 S. Staples St. Corpus Christi, TX TreaTing all eye Care needs!

 LASIK/PRK  Cataract  Eyelids  Glaucoma  Retina  Diabetes  Dry Eye  What you need!

Highly experienced, specialty trained, dedicated to you treating all of your eye care needs!

Schedule your eye care to be seen same day, next day, or as you request

Call 361.334.2625 or schedule online www.TexasEye.care

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

CONTENTS JULY.AUGUST 2019

COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTOS BY: TWINS MEDIA

18 COVER STORY

SOUTH TEXAS MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATES Drs. John Lusins and Megan Talley lead a stellar support team for South Texas patients, offering hope, healing and personalized care.

22 PROFILE CHRISTUS PROMPTU URGENT CARE Practice effective sun and heat safety this summer with these tips from CHRISTUS Promptu.

18 PATIENT 10 No More Gooey Impressions 12 Best Possible Outcomes 14 Designer Brows HEALTH & WELLNESS 26 Which Life Are You Designing? 28 Questions and Answers COASTAL BEND COMMUNITY CORNER 30 Celebrating the Areaï¿½s Best Community Events

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

MEET THE STAFF COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE

JULY. AUGUST 2019

ADRIAN GARZA PUBLISHER & SALES adrian@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 361.548.1044

PUBLISHER & SALES Adrian Garza

PUBLISHER & OPERATIONS Holly Lewis

EDITOR Erin O’Brien

ART DIRECTOR Elisa Giordano

HOLLY LEWIS PUBLISHER & OPERATIONS holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 479.935.0868

SOCIAL MEDIA Morgan Bartel

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jessica Dusek Dr. Michael Fuentes Angelica Mendez Casey Mihalik Erin Wilder Lisa Wright

PHOTOGRAPHY

ERIN O'BRIEN

Fonzie Munoz Photography Debbie Noble TWINS Media

EDITOR erin.editorial@gmail.com

ELISA GIORDANO ART DIRECTOR elisa@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 210.716.5320

www.inspirecoastalbendmag.com For advertising information, please call 361.548.1044 or email adrian@inspirecoastalbendmag.com. For editorial comments and suggestions, please call 479.935.0868 or email holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com.

MORGAN BARTEL SOCIAL MEDIA morgan@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 620.417.5392

PELICAN

MEDIA GROUP

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

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

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Celebrate getting younger. At CHRISTUS Spohn Health System, we believe the sooner you take care of your heart, the longer it will take care of you. Our free online heart age assessment measures your real heart age, so youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll know where your heart health really stands, not to mention steps you can take to improve it. Try it today.

MyRealHeartAge.com

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

PATIENT

NO MORE GOOEY IMPRESSIONS New tech brings ultimate patient comfort at CC Braces. By: CASEY MIHALIK

technology eliminates the risk of less-than-perfect impressions that will need to be taken again in a way that patients are sure to love. Once the iTero Element has completed the scan, the image will be adjusted and sent to the SprintRay Pro 3-D printer, one of the fastest and most accurate 3-D printers on the market. In just a few short minutes, the printer will produce an exact resin duplicate of your teeth and bite, ready to be used to create any orthodontic appliance or retainer. These scans and models can even be used to chart a personalized, precise clear aligner treatment!

THE iTERO ELEMENT PROVIDES A SIGNIFICANTLY MORE COMFORTABLE PATIENT EXPERIENCE.

At CC Braces, our foremost concern is the experience of the patients that we adore. Want to learn more about the cutting-edge technology coming soon to CC Braces? Visit us online at www.ccbraces.com, or call 361-992-4746 for more information.

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 CC BRACES

ost orthodontic patients have been there: stuck waiting with that uncomfortable putty tray in your mouth for the impression to set. It’s cold, gooey and sometimes runny, and every now and then, it makes you gag. At CC Braces, this will soon be a thing of the past! Dr. Mihalik is always committed to bringing his patients the utmost in comfort, often relying on cutting-edge technology to ensure your best possible experience. By using his iTero Element and a brandnew SprintRay-Pro 3-D printer, Dr. Mihalik will be able to scan your mouth and print a model of your teeth with ease – all without those goopy impression materials. The iTero Element is a digital scanner that replaces messy, unpleasant and sometimes inaccurate putty impressions. The iTero Element does more than just save patients time and mess – it also is a significantly more comfortable experience. With a few simple passes of the slim wand, iTero Element is able to capture an accurate 3-D image of your teeth and bite in just a couple of minutes. This

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

BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOMES Living with Parkinson’s disease By: DR. MICHAEL FUENTES

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

while others are hard to detect. Symptoms often begin on one side of the body, but eventually will affect both sides as the disease progresses. Signs of Parkinson’s disease can include: • • • • • • • •

Tremors or shaking of a body part Slowness of movements Difficulty with walking or balance Muscle stiffness or rigidity Voice softening or slurring of words Loss of automatic movements such as eye blinking or smiling Handwriting becoming smaller Stooping or hunching over

While there is no known cause or cure for Parkinson’s disease, individuals can take an active role in their health to help control symptoms and manage the disease. Research has shown that a combined focus on medication management and intensive rehabilitation in an inpatient rehabilitation setting can dramatically improve function and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Individuals treated through inpatient rehabilitation facilities are offered the latest in rehabilitative technology and a multidisciplinary approach that provides the expertise of numerous health care

FRESHIDEA/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

arkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive movement disorder. One of the first steps to living with the disease is to understand it. When an individual has Parkinson’s disease, vital nerve cells in the brain – called neurons – malfunction and die. Some of these dying neurons produce dopamine, a chemical that sends messages to the part of the brain that controls the body’s movement and coordination. The amount of dopamine decreases as Parkinson’s disease progresses, which causes difficulty for individuals to control their body movements. More than one million people in the United States live with Parkinson’s disease, with symptoms varying from person to person. Some symptoms of the disease are easy to see,

MORE THAN ONE MILLION PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES LIVE WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE.

CAROLINA PRADERIO M.D., P.L.L.C.

Interstate All Battery Center Corpus Christi

Gynecology & Women’s Health

Medical supply batteries...We got it! professionals, including physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians, case managers, nurses and more. Members of the health care team work with the individual, family members and his or her physician to develop a customized plan of care to meet needs and goals. Treatments provided by the multidisciplinary team can address a number of issues, including: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Medication management Muscle tone/tremor management Balance Walking difficulty Speed of movements Fatigue and endurance Use of adaptive equipment Swallowing Deep brain stimulator monitoring Posture Impaired memory, problem-solving and behavior Communication Self-care skills, such as feeding and dressing Bowel and bladder training Depression management Education on fall prevention and home safety Voice and speech impairments Range of motion, trunk mobility and rigidity reduction

Members of the health care team remain aware of each other, communicate regularly and coordinate treatments and medications to allow for the best possible outcome.

If you would like to learn more about Parkinson’s treatments available at Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, call 361906-3700. You may also go online to www. ccrh.ernesthealth.com or visit the hospital at 5726 Esplanade Drive in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Providing Personal and Comprehensive Care Woman to Woman

4903 Ambassador Row, Corpus Christi Texas 361.854.5000

• Board Certified OB/GYN • Specializing in Menopause • Bio-identical Hormone Pellet Therapy (BHRT) • Performing minimally invasive gynecological surgeries & procedures • Medically Supervised Weight Loss

InterstateBatteriesCorpus.com Store Hours Mon-Fri 7:30am – 6pm Sat 8:30am – 2:30pm Sun Closed Facebook.com/interstatebatteriescorpus Instagram@interstatebatteries_cc

Corpus Christi Spohn South 5920 Saratoga Blvd., Suite 110

361-991-9356

www.DrPraderio.com Accepting New Patients

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

PATIENT

DESIGNER BROWS

Take your brows to the next level. By: ANGELICA MENDEZ

ll brows are not made the same! As most of us know, cookie-cutter brows are not the way to go. This is why it’s so hard to find someone we trust when it’s time to get them done. Every individual’s brows are different and should be cleaned up and shaped accordingly. Thankfully, there are now brow experts out in the world, including here at the Corpus Christi Institute of Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery! There is an art to brow shaping. It is more than just a quick slap of wax to your face. Our brow specialist takes the time to measure out your brows according to your specific features. Time and effort are put into the measuring and shaping portion to assure that the end result is perfect for you specifically. To add to this standard of care, this measuring step is performed every time you come to get your brows done. Whether it is your first time or your 15th time, your brows will be expertly shaped before being waxed. Another very important key point our brow specialist emphasizes is that there should only be a big difference in the size and shape of your brows after your first appointment. They shouldn’t become thinner and thinner after every appointment. Your unique shape should be established after your first appointment and maintained from then on. Tinting your brows is another service you can add to take your brows to a whole other level. Tinting your brows allows your hairs to be darker and more defined for up to four weeks. The tint our brow specialist uses is a gentle, vegetable-based tint that will not ruin the integrity of your brow hairs. The tint color is customizable, allowing the perfect shade to be mixed for each client. Your brows can truly impact the overall aesthetic of your face. A little more time and effort really go a long way when it comes to your brows. Let’s get your brows to their fullest potential!

For more information, visit the CORPUS CHRISTI INSTITUTE OF COSMETIC & PLASTIC SURGERY at www.corpusplasticsurgery.com.

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

PUHHHA/STOCK.ADOBE.COM, FLYINTOSPACE/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

YOUR BROWS CAN TRULY IMPACT THE OVERALL AESTHETIC OF YOUR FACE.

Compassionate, Caring, Comprehensive Psychiatry SPECIALIZING IN BRACES AND INVISALIGN FOR ALL AGES

We want to make you ... SMILE

Kalypso Ketamine treatments for Chronic Pain, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, & other conditions

Now offering Spravato

(intranasal ketamine)

for depression Covered by most insurance!

South Texas Mental Health Associates Board Certified Psychiatrists

COLIN MIHALIK, DDS, MS Board Certified Orthodontist, Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel

SAME Price for Invisalign or Braces Megan Talley MD

John Lusins MD

Exclusive Corpus Christi Psychiatric Practice Offering Concierge Services

Only orthodontic office to offer retainer subscription through the Retainer Club* *find more info at retainerclub.com

TEXT OR CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION de

361-992-4746 www.ccbraces.com

5525 S. Staples, Bldg. C, Corpus Christi Managed Services by

STMHA

6625 Wooldridge Rd., Suite 101, Corpus Christi 361-356-6441 www.stmha.com 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

COVER STORY

THE ROAD TO A BETTER LIFE 20

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South Texas Mental Health Associates: improving mental health and wellness in the Coastal Bend By: JESSICA DUSEK Photos by: TWINS MEDIA

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

e’ve seen a lot of incredible things,” says Dr. John Lusins of his practice at South Texas Mental Health Associates. Unveiling mental health conditions and creating a safe place for patients, he and his team treat a variety of mental health illnesses, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression, as well as help patients overcome addictions to substances.

As with all things, mental health is both conditional and circumstantial to each patient’s needs. In his practice, Lusins lends his ear and attention to being truly present for his patients. He has found offering his full attention has helped with their long-term success. “I’m not just holistic; I’m whole-person,” he describes of his approach. Since July 2013, South Texas Mental Health Associates has been serving the community with treatments and resources toward enhanced and improved mental health. Recently joining the team is Corpus Christi native Dr. Megan Talley, who brings her passion for helping residents of the community. “When you treat someone’s depression, you are really improving their life,” Talley explains compassionately. “Relationships improve, and family life improves.” Assessing mental health needs and making the decision to start psychotherapy is essential with the multiple-pronged approach to healing. “You have to get therapy while getting psychiatric treatment – then come the lifestyle changes,” explains Lusins on the road to a better life. For many experiencing milder cases of depression, working with behavioral therapists, doing motivational therapy with a therapist and engaging in mindfulness can help. Changing one’s environment and new exposure to things and places can help engage the senses. A support team is incredibly helpful – something South Texas Health

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Associates provides through care and treatments. Daily habit changes are encouraged, including: • • • •

Exercise and movement Getting outside into nature and sunlight Listening to uplifting music or enjoying a good book Laughing and connecting with loved ones (embracing your inner-child)

“I tell all of my patients that I’m proud of them for opening up and taking that first step of coming to talk with me. It’s not easy,” Lusins explains of the courage it takes to ask for help. With a shortage of mental health professionals throughout the Coastal Bend, doctors from varying practices help support one another. “Knowing that there is a shortage of psychiatrists is an issue we have been able to rally around (together),” he describes the professional support throughout the community. Ketamine: a new form of treatment For more severe and chronic treatment-resistant states of depression, treatments such as Ketamine have shown tremendous improvements. With small doses, Ketamine is administered by your doctor on a “two to three times a week” schedule initially, then on a weekly or even monthly basis. The treatment increases the activity of glutamate, a neu-

mental health, he points out that compassion is essential in understanding patients, especially their struggles and triumphs with their condition. “It’s still about the stories. It’s almost a lyrical field,” he describes. After earning his psychology degree from Connecticut College, he went on to complete his master’s of science and medical degree at American University of the Caribbean Medical School in St. Maarten. He continued on to complete a residency in psychiatry and a fellowship in forensic psychiatry at West Virginia University. Prior to medical school, he worked as mental health technician in Dripping Springs, Texas, and later was part of a research team at the University of Chicago. Exposing him to patients with long-term psychiatry care and brain injuries, he visited the homes of low-income patients on the Southside of Chicago. It was there he witnessed the debilitating effects of dementia on low-income patients and their families. This hit close to home, as he grew up with his sister, Noelle, who had severe intellectual disability induced by a brain tumor. “I saw how it affected my family,” he recalls. The impact left a lifelong imprint to help others improve their mental struggles to the best of his ability and access of resources. A Flour Bluff native, Talley knew she wanted to be a doctor from a young age. “When I was in kindergarten, I knew that I wanted to become a doctor,” she explains of her calling early on. “There is a shortage of physicians (locally). I always loved the idea of coming home back to the community I grew up in.” She attended University of Texas at San Antonio as an undergrad, and later went on to complete medical school at the University of Texas, Houston Medical School. Completing her psychiatry residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, she and her husband recently moved back to the Corpus Christi community.

“You are the captain of your emotional well-being.”

rotransmitter in associated with improvement of these abnormal states of the frontal cortex of the brain. Both Serotonin levels and the patient’s outlook on life have shown impactful changes with the treatment. Although it is still viewed with caution by some in the medical field, the treatment is administered by two safe methods. The first method is via IV infusion by the doctors at South Texas Mental Health Associates in partnership with Kalypso Ketamine Wellness Centers, who have performed over 5,000 infusions nationwide. The second and newest method is via Spravato (eskatamine), a nasal inhalation device created by Janssen. Ketamine treatments allow the patient to restore their life much more rapidly within a shorter timeframe. “It’s really incredible to see patients get better. As a doctor, seeing that is really rewarding,” Lusins describes. This treatment is especially helpful for those who have undergone

multiple depression treatments and have been unresponsive. Ketamine provides a route to lift the depression as an alternative therapy approach. Ketamine is now also used to treat chronic pain, bipolar mania conditions, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, cancer pain, anxiety disorders and PTSD trauma. Applied to help populations experiencing high rates of PTSD, according to Lusins, “we’ve been able to treat and have better safer responses with Ketamine than using anti-psychotics in veterans.” More on Drs. Lusins and Talley Originally born in New York City, Lusins’ father was a neurologist with a successful practice on the Upper Eastside, but his love of family and the hectic city life caused his father to move to them to the college town of Oneonta in Upstate New York. “I’ve loved science since I was a child,” Lusins explains. Pulled to

If you are or a loved one is facing mental health struggle, there is hope and professional care available in Corpus Christi. New patients, especially those interested in or needing Ketamine treatment, are welcome if they are looking for personalized and customized care. “You are the captain of your emotional well-being,” Lusins reminds new and existing patients of the journey back to empowerment and an uplifted life.

For more information on treatments and services available at South Texas Mental Associates, please visit www.stmha.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

DON’T LET THE SUN CHRISTUS Promptu Urgent Care has some tips for dealing with sun- and heat-related issues. Compliments of CHRISTUS Promptu Urgent Care

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 CHRISTUS PROMPTU URGENT CARE

Cloud your fun

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ummertime is prime time for outdoor activities – relaxing on the beach, biking or strolling city streets or simply mowing the lawn. But even as the summer months beckon us to head outside, an unpleasant surprise could be in store, including sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion or even skin cancer. Why are the risks higher during the summer months? The truth is, we’re exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays year-round, so why is two hours of sun in summer more harmful than in winter? In short, it’s because of the tilt of the earth’s axis. In summer, those glorious rays of sunlight are hitting the earth – and us – at a much steeper and more direct angle than they do in winter, meaning more concentrated energy, heat and UV rays beaming down on us in the same amount of exposure time. And, with longer days, chances are you’ll be spending even more hours outdoors. How can I avoid having a problem? Although the sun does provide healthful benefits to our body, such as vitamin D, we must also be aware of the risks and take proper measures to avoid its ill effects. The Centers for Disease Control recommends the following:

•

Limit exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest, even on cloudy days. Reflection off water or sand increases sun exposure.

•

Wear appropriate clothing to protect exposed skin, including a wide-brim hat to shade the face, head, ears and neck.

•

Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or sports drinks; avoid alcoholic beverages.

•

Wear sunglasses that block both UVB rays (cause of skin reddening and sunburn) and UVA rays (deeper penetration causing skin aging and wrinkles).

•

Apply a minimum SPF 15 “broad spectrum” sunscreen (UVA and UVB) at least 20 minutes before exposure, and reapply every two hours, including ears, scalp, lips, neck, tops of feet and backs of hands.

•

Toss out/replace sunscreen after one to two years.

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LEFT UNTREATED, HEAT EXHAUSTION CAN ESCALATE INTO HEAT STROKE AND POSSIBLY DEATH.

What could possibly go wrong? Although outdoor activities are fun, things sometimes don’t go as planned. The medical staff at CHRISTUS Promptu Urgent Care knows all too well, treating patients each year for sun- and heat-related issues. Be aware of the potential dangers and know what to do if a situation arises, particularly when it’s serious enough to require medical attention. • Sunburn: Sunburns are fairly common and can usually be treated at home with topical creams or aloe, acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain, headache and slight fever, and by drinking plenty of water. If the sunburn blisters, lightly bandage or cover the area with gauze to prevent infection. If the blisters break, apply antiseptic ointment.

Seek medical attention if a severe burn covers more than 15 percent of the body, if it is accompanied by a fever of 101 degrees or higher or if the pain is severe and lasts more than 48 hours. • Dehydration: Prolonged sun exposure and sweating can cause the levels of salt and sugar to change, throwing the body’s function out of balance. Early signs of dehydration are thirst and dry mouth, lightheadedness, dark-colored urine (urine should be pale straw-colored) or urinating less frequently and feeling tired. It’s always best to drink water or electrolyte drinks frequently during outdoor activity, avoiding sugary or caffeinated beverages.

Seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve, worsen or include a rapid heartbeat, even after ingesting plenty of fluids. • Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke: Sometimes signs of dehydration can escalate into something more serious, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Symptoms are similar to dehydration, but generally also include cool, moist skin with goose bumps, even while still in the heat; muscle cramps; feeling faint; and a weak, rapid heartbeat. A person suffering from possible heat exhaustion should immediately find an air-conditioned building, or at the very least, a shaded area or fan; drink cool water or sports drinks; and loosen/remove clothing as needed. Left untreated, heat exhaustion can escalate into heat stroke and possibly death.

Seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve, or if they are accompanied by vomiting or loss of consciousness.

• Skin Cancer: Although too much sun can have a more immediate negative effect, it can also quietly sneak up in the form of skin cancer. There are three types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, with all three linked to UV ray exposure, including tanning beds. A study by Brown University found that as few as five serious sunburns between ages 15 to 20 can increase a woman’s chance of being diagnosed with melanoma by as much as 80 percent. Although basal cell and squamous cell are highly curable when treated early, and even melanoma can be treated if caught early enough, prevention is still the best medicine. Limit sun exposure, use sunscreen every day and keep an eye out for unusual changes to skin.

Seek medical attention if you have concerns about a new – or existing – growth or mole. Remember ABCDE: • • • • •

Asymmetry (the two halves don’t match) Border (edges or blurred or jagged) Color (various shades of brown, tan, black, red, white or even blue) Diameter (there has been a change in size) Evolving (any new spot or a mole changing shape, size or color; itches or bleeds; or is painful)

You can’t plan when or where a health problem occurs, so when it does, the medical team at CHRISTUS Promptu Urgent Care is there to help with two convenient locations in Corpus Christi. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, go online to www.promptucare.com. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

HEALTH & WELLNESS

WHICH LIFE ARE YOU DESIGNING? Making a case for functional longevity, part II By: LISA WRIGHT

n the last issue of Inspire, I asked you, “Which life are you designing?” I began making a case for functional longevity, what it is and how to ensure that we will have this as we age. You were invited to consider three aging paradigm shifts to help you first understand how possible it is to be healthy, robust, energetic, vibrant and functional well into your 80s, 90s and even 100s. We began to have a conversation. AGING ISN’T THE BAD GUY Extensive studies have made it very clear that most of the negative aspects associated with the aging process are due to secondary, not primary, aging. Poor health, chronic disease, functional decline, poor strength, falls, lagging libido, fatigue, I could go on, are mostly due to our lifestyle rather than our biological age. Aging doesn’t have to mean old, frail, senile, tired and boring. These are stereotypes of aging. Gross caricatures. They are only true if we allow them to be. Do you want to be described as any of these things? Of course not! The great thing is that aging can be a healthy, rewarding experience, just like 94-year-old rowing champion, Dr. Charles Eugster. It can be the best time in your life – a time of exploration, of reinvention, of repurposing. We need to start thinking about the amazing possibilities of life as we get older. For example, if you have grandchildren, congratulations! You get to have grandchildren because you are older. It is awfully difficult to have

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

grandkids when you are only 20 or 30 years old. And even if you could, you really wouldn’t appreciate them as you do now. 2. “OLD” ISN’T A NUMBER Let me ask you: At what age does someone become “old”? Would it shock you to find out that many young adults in their 20s and 30s think 50 is old? What do you think about that? Have you found that the age you consider “old” keeps moving? I bet that when those 20-year-olds turn 50, it won’t seem so old anymore. When they turn 65, their concept of “old” will change even more. And when they turn 80, they might not think old is even a possibility anymore. “Old” isn’t a number. It is a state of mind. If you look at yourself as old, then you will be. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Ever heard the phrase, “You don’t stop playing because you get old; you get old because you stop playing”? 3. WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR HOW WE AGE Bertrand Russell was a noted British philosopher, mathematician and Nobel Laureate in the mid-1900s. His famous

quote was telling children to “Choose your parents wisely” in his collection of papers titled “On the Recipe for Longevity.” This obviously meant that, in his opinion, you needed the right genes to live a long life. We now know that Mr. Russell was unequivocally wrong! Genetics only accounts for about one-fourth of our longevity. In certain groups such as the supercentenarians (those who live over 110), genetics seems to play a much bigger role (you either have the super longevity genes or you don’t). But for the rest of us, the overwhelming majority, our genetics only makes up a fraction of how long we live and how well we age. The rest, as they say, is up to you. In the image above, does the woman on the left have better genes than the woman on the right? No. What she does have is a history of regular exercise. Her name is Ernestine Shepherd, and she holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s oldest competitive female bodybuilder. She made a point of taking charge of her life through a daily routine of calisthenics, weight lifting, jogging (she runs 10 miles most mornings at 4 a.m.), prayer and healthy eating. The most in-

“OLD” ISN’T A NUMBER. IT IS A STATE OF MIND.

Where Beautiful Results & Experience Meet.

teresting part of her story is that she never exercised until the age of 56. She was (quote) “too prissy” as a girl to engage in exercise and athletics. She is now 79 and still going strong. Her famous quote is, “Age is nothing but a number.” Ernestine has successfully turned back the clock on her own body, and she didn’t even start until her mid-50s. It is never too early to start exercising. And it is never too late to start exercising, either. Doing so can dramatically alter your aging trajectory. So let me ask you again: “Which life are you designing?” Dr. Cassidy Hinojosa & Dr. Vijay Bindingnavele

To find a certified FAS near you, visit https://functionalaginginstitute. com/find-a-registered-professional/. You may also contact Lisa Wright, FAS, at Your Personal Best Training Studio. Call 361-8575087 or visit www.ypbtrainingstudio.com. Wright’s full “How do We Ensure Functional Longevity” presentation is now available to watch online at https://youtu.be/Alnz1SaXv5M.

CONNECT WITH US corpusplasticsurgery Dr. Vijay Bindingnavele

MEET LISA Lisa Grace Wright, CFT, FAS, is the CEO of L.G.W. Fitness Inc., a published author, a functional aging specialist and business coach for the Functional Aging Institute. Through strategic planning and marketing consulting, she helps fitness business owners, from small studios to big-box gyms, create a compelling and effective business plan to inspire an aging population to take action toward their health. Over the last 20 years, she has built her brand, Your Personal Best, in Corpus Christi, Texas, and has expanded her influence across the nation and Canada, equipping others like herself who want to change lives and promote aging actively.

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361-888-7417 5642 Esplanade Dr., Corpus Christi, TX www.corpusplasticsurgery.com I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

HEALTH & WELLNESS

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS How to keep kids and teens from smoking and vaping By: ERIN WILDER

Kids are still smoking. Every day in America, more than 3,200 teenagers smoke their first cigarette, and an additional 2,100 youths and young adults become daily cigarette smokers.

Smoking is dangerous. According to the Surgeon General, 5.6 million Americans younger than 18 today will die early from smoking-related diseases.

Most smokers start young. If young people don’t start using tobacco by age 26, they almost certainly will never start.

It’s not just cigarettes. Kids today are exposed to cigars, cigarillos, e-cigarettes (vaping and juuling), hookah (water pipe) and smokeless tobacco (snuff, chew and dissolvable tobacco). Several of these forms of tobacco are “flavored,” increasing their appeal to young people.

What’s working? Tobacco companies are targeting young people with ads, price discounts and en-

 Raising cigarette prices: Most teens are sensitive to pricing. Higher prices can dissuade would-be smokers.

EVERY DAY IN AMERICA, MORE THAN

3,200

TEENAGERS SMOKE THEIR FIRST CIGARETTE

 Restricting access: The American Heart Association advocates adopting Tobacco 21 laws nationwide – setting the minimum legal sale age at 21 for every state.  Limiting tobacco marketing: Regulatory initiatives that ban youth-focused marketing efforts have helped curb smoking’s appeal to young people.  Conducting media campaigns: Education campaigns (such as Truth Initiative) have helped teens understand how tobacco companies exploit them. These campaigns are even more effective when supported by schooland family-based programs.  Providing quit-smoking programs: Affordable and accessible smoking cessation programs can help young smokers quit, as well as parents and caregivers who want to model healthier behavior.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

ticing new products such as e-cigs designed to look like sleek gadgets. Many teens and young adults exposed to these efforts are highly impressionable and dealing with social pressures to “fit in” with peers. Here are some approaches that have worked to counteract those forces:

t’s a burning question for parents and public health officials alike: How do you keep a new generation from starting to smoke? We already know some strategies that have worked. Public health campaigns aimed at young people and consistent reinforcement from parents help keep them from striking up the dangerous habit. But first, a basic question: Why? Why is it so vital that we continue to discourage America’s youth from using tobacco? Four facts to know:

What parents can do As a parent, you’re a powerful influence, even if your teenager seems to disagree with everything you say. Here are some of the most effective ways you can steer your kids away from tobacco:  Maintain a dialogue. Start early – begin talking with your kids about smoking and vaping in kindergarten. Be honest and open to seeing things from your child’s point of view. And don’t stop. Keep the conversation going as kids get older.  Think more than cigarettes. Explain that smokeless tobacco, hookah and e-cigarettes all have dangers, including nicotine addiction.  Prepare your kids for peer pressure. Discuss what they might say if a friend offers a cigarette or e-cigarette.  Set a good example. If you smoke or vape, the best thing you can do is quit. At a minimum, don’t smoke around your children.

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 Establish a smoke-free home. Don’t allow family members or friends to smoke in your home or car. Make sure the places your child spends a lot of time are tobacco-free. If your child has started smoking or vaping, try to learn why. This may help you talk with him or her more effectively. Instead of punishment, offer understanding and help to resist the dangerous lure of tobacco use and addiction.

*Sources: Youth And Tobacco Use, CDC website, updated June 2018 https://www.cdc. gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/ youth_data/tobacco_use/index.htm E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults, A Report of the Surgeon General, 2016 https://www.surgeongeneral.gov/ library/2016ecigarettes/index.html

Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

Congratulations on 10 years in publishing! From Jay Wise

To learn more, visit the American Heart Association online at www.heart.org.

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Go Red For Women Luncheon May 9 The American Heart Association, Corpus Christi, hosted its annual luncheon at the American Bank Center. The guests, mostly clad in red attire, enjoyed a heart-healthy lunch while learning more about the Go Red for Women Campaign and how they can become a beacon for change among the women in their own lives. Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. Photos by TWINS Media

Mural Mixer May 29 The CC Downtown Management District (Marina Arts District) hosted this event to announce a “Call for Artists” for the 2019 Electrical Box Mural Program. The opportunity was for local artists to submit artwork for consideration to appear on six electrical boxes along Mesquite Street. The submissions were due by June 12. All the submissions were open to the public to vote on. The event took place at House of Rock, and many came out to enjoy and support the DMD. Photos by Debbie Noble

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Commencement of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project May 29 The Port of Corpus Christi Authority celebrated nearly 20 years of progress with a great crowd at the Solomon P. Ortiz Center. They had a great lineup of distinguished local and guest dignitaries present on the project that began in April to deepen the channel from 47 to 54 feet and widen it from 400 to 530 feet. The project will also extend the channel from the Gulf of Mexico to the Viola Turning Basin and construct barge shelves. Photos by Fonzie Munoz Photography

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State of the County May 30 The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce hosted this annual event, presented by CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery, at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds in Robstown. Nueces County’s first female county judge, Barbara Canales, presented her inaugural county address to over 750 guests. Photos by Debbie Noble

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Women’s Entrepreneur Society of Corpus Christi Annual Spring Gift Market June 1 The second annual WES: CC Spring Gift Market was held on Saturday, June 1. The event returned to BUS in beautiful downtown Corpus Christi, with 25 incredible women-owned businesses! Guests had fun doing some spring sipping and shopping. Photos by Debbie Noble

artRageous Manes and Markings June 8 The Art Museum of South Texas hosted its annual artRageous, presented by AEP. This year’s theme was “Manes and Markings,” celebrating skin, scales, furs, feathers, tusks and tatts! Shape, texture and color within the animal kingdom served as unique identifiers. The idea came from artists who have studied the morphology of pattern and surface since the dawn of the dinosaur, and have often taken inspiration from wondrous animal life. The event’s committee was inspired by wildlife and created a rare and spirited event that delivered a roaring good time. Photos compliments of event guests

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