Inspire Coastal Bend Medical June/July 2015 by Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

A NEW CHAPTER IN HEALTH CARE CHRISTUS SPOHN TRAUMA CENTER

LIFTING SPIRITS

COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

TEDDY BEAR COLLECTION DRIVE

PROMOTION THROUGH CHANGE CHARLIE’S PLACE RECOVERY CENTER CORPUS CHRISTI’S OWN SUPERSTAR Clint Gresham THE CHAIN OF SURVIVAL AHA’S CPR IN SCHOOLS INITIATIVE

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HOSPICE

JUNE.JULY 2015

TLC MEDICAL CENTER AND TLC COMPLETE CARE 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

The Doctor will see you NOW! Get In FAST, Get Better FASTER

From high temps, to sprains, we’re here to get your family back to the very best.

HOURS

DAYS A WEEK

• Flu & Flu-like Symptoms • Sports Injury Treatment • Adult & Pediatric Services • Allergy & Cold Treatment • Strep • Bronchitis • Earaches

T L C COMPLETE CARE EMERGENCY CARE FACILITY

You don’t need an appointment. You just need care. 7330 South Staples Rd. | Corpus Christi, TX 78413

361.336.0136

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

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

ALICE

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

361.664.4888

CORPUS CHRISTI

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

361.882.5900

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

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

JUNE.JULY 2015

PUBLISHER ADRIAN GARZA EDITOR Allison Alvarado

ART DIRECTOR Liv Madison

SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR Holly Duvall

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

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steven Alford Liz Boatwright Sarah Fecht Mark K. Jordan Stephanie Kusy Rosalyn Mandola Dr. Salim Surani Sarah Tindall

PHOTOGRAPHY Steven Alford Paul Marshall

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Morgan Bartel Brittanie Robertson

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

www.k9cars.org / facebook.com/doggierehab I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

DNA Paternity Testing: Legal or Informational Employment Drug Screening  Urine and Hair  Immediate Results Using ICup  Testing for K2 Synthetic

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

361.980.0833

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

PATIENT 10 A Holistic Approach 12 Why All the Fuss? 14 Sleep Wisely

PROFILES

22 CHARLIE’S PLACE

JUNE.JULY2015

RECOVERY CENTER

As the only standalone medical detoxification center serving the Coastal Bend and the only longterm treatment service for homeless individuals in South Texas, this organization is dedicated to promoting recovery through change.

26 TEDDY BEAR

COLLECTION DRIVE

Pediatric patients receive plush toys and lifted spirits thanks to Texas A&M University-Kingsville Police, which collects plush toys from the community and donates them to CHRISTUS Spohn Health System.

28 CHRISTUS SPOHN

TRAUMA CENTER

The trauma team at the region’s only Level II Trauma Center provides firstclass service to the community – and with a second state-of-the-art center on the way, it is truly an exciting time for the Coastal Bend.

SPECIAL FEATURE

CO VE

30 The True Pillars of Success

ORY ST

HEALTH & WELLNESS 32 How to ‘Work it Out’

TLC MEDICAL CENTER AND TLC COMPLETE CARE With their top-notch urgent and emergency care facilities and commitment to quality care, Drs. Daniel Wagner and Brian Rich have patients cheering throughout the Coastal Bend.

EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION 34 Down Right Perfect

NONPROFIT 36 The Chain of Survival

EVENTS 38 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

APPAREL



HOME



DESIGN SERVICES

1700 State Highway 361, Suite E | Port Aransas, TX 78373 | 361.749.1881 www.coastalclosetportaransas.com 8

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

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

361.883.4323

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

PATIENT

A HOLISTIC APPROACH

hree religious sisters had a vision and traveled from France and settled in Galveston. It was there they founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and opened the first Catholic hospital in Texas. This was the beginning of CHRISTUS and the beginning of CHRISTUS HomeCare and Hospice-Spohn. In 1983, Corpus Christi opened the first hospice in the community. It would not only be the first hospice in the community, but the first and only faith-based. The mission and values are to call and respect the faith and beliefs of patients and families. For that reason, CHRISTUS Hospice-Spohn believes in the holistic approach when managing pain and symptoms. More and more hospice programs are recognizing the therapies and integrating the holistic approach in addition to the conventional medical care. The complementary therapies are designed to nurture the body, mind and spirit, but most importantly, to help the patients and families promote comfort on a holistic level. It is not intended to replace the medical director, the social worker or the spiritual care of the team, but rather, to increase participation and communication between the team, patient and family. Once therapy begins, patients often feel more in control of their lives even while on hospice care, because they engage more with their families, and they are more relaxed and pain free. Hospice patients most often experience a high level of pain and discomfort, which can cause a disconnection between them and their loved ones. Fortunately, there are several forms of therapy designed for hospice patients. Therapists have used different and specific types to help reduce pain or alleviate a patient’s symptoms. Through gentle and specialized care by highly trained professionals, patients coping

ONCE THERAPY BEGINS, PATIENTS OFTEN FEEL MORE IN CONTROL OF THEIR LIVES EVEN WHILE ON HOSPICE CARE.

with pain can restore the experience of touch through massage therapy, reflexology, healing touch, Reiki and aromatherapy. Through these forms of therapies, clinicians can reduce the pain, anxiety and other symptoms for patients with a life-limiting illness. Comfort touch therapy is a form of nurturing therapy designed for the elderly, ill or frail patients. The techniques are a gentle touch to help soothe the nerves system, ease stress and promote deep relaxation. Palliative massage/touch therapy is a therapeutic massage technique provided by a licensed massage therapist to relieve pain, muscle tension and other specific symptoms such as nausea or constipation. Reiki is a technique for stress reduction and relaxation and also known to promote healing. Exercised by “laying on hands,” it is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through the body. It promotes happiness and the feeling of being healthy, and it reduces stress when the person’s energy is lifted. Aromatherapy is defined as the art and science of naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the body, mind and spirit. The purpose of this therapy is to unite the physiological, psychological and spiritual being to improve the patient’s healing process. Other forms of therapy are music and pet therapy. The sound of music and the presence of pets can bring peace and comfort at bedside. It’s important to remember hospice patients could use any form of companionship, even if it’s discussing an old tune or the unconditional love of a four-legged friend. The popularity of complementary therapy is increasing each year. Few hospice agencies are incorporating such therapy into their programs to relieve suffering and improve quality of life, but it won’t be long before all agencies begin to recognize the importance of the holistic value of end-of-life care. CHRISTUS Hospice and Palliative Care-Spohn recognized the importance in 2005. Since then, our hospice patients have experienced the benefits of massage therapy. The value of quality of life is our mission. We stand behind our purpose and our mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ at CHRISTUS for our patients and our families.

For more information, please call 361-994-3400, send a fax to 361-994-3498 or visit www.christushomecare.org.

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

MICHAELJUNG/BIGSTOCK.COM

CHRISTUS HomeCare and Hospice-Spohn nurtures the mind, body and spirit of hospice patients and their families and promotes comfort on a holistic level. By: LIZ BOATWRIGHT

Offering care right in your community as an alternative to congested hospital ERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Where our doctors wait on you

Hours: 24/7 365 days a year

Map data ÂŠ2015 Google

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PATIENT

WHY ALL THE FUSS?

Smoking and vaping: why you should say “no” the first time and every time

aping, smoking, puffing, sniffing, chewing and snorting seems like an adrenaline-pumping and exhilarating activity – at least, that’s what the tobacco and e-cigarette producers would like for consumers to believe. Cigarette smoking kills 480,000 Americans each year. This is equivalent to four jumbo jets crashing every single day, with no survivors. If we consider tobacco issues worldwide, every six seconds, a person dies due to tobacco-related illnesses, and one in 10 people dies due to smoking. Unfortunately, this is not just limited to adults. In the United States, every day,

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

2,800 children try their first cigarette, leading to more than 250,000 new underage smokers per year. Surprisingly, 90 percent of adult smokers began smoking while they were in their teens and younger. Tobacco industries spend almost $9 billion a year on tobacco marketing. According to research, 90.7 percent of middle-school children and 92.9 percent of high school children are exposed to tobacco advertising and marketing in some form. Smoking-related health care expenditures are $260 million a day and $260 million a day in loss of productivity. Worldwide tobacco use killed 100 million people in the 20th century. If

EVERY SIX SECONDS, A PERSON DIES DUE TO TOBACCORELATED ILLNESSES, AND ONE IN 10 PEOPLE DIES DUE TO SMOKING.

current trends continue, it will kill one billion people in the 21st century. With this data in hand, it is no surprise that the United States still ranks in the top five tobacco-consuming countries worldwide. Enormous effort has been made to educate the community worldwide regarding the hazards of smoking, ranging from chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) to lung cancer. A new wave of e-cigarettes has taken over the nation. Whether it is helpful (which it may be in some cases) or harmful all depends on how it is used. Those who make e-cigarettes claim that e-cigarettes are safe; however, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA)

PIKSEL/BIGSTOCK.COM

By: DR. SALIM SURANI

says, prove it. The marketing and advertisements for e-cigarettes are growing exponentially, with e-cigarette makers spending $60 million in promotion and advertisement. To date, e-cigarette sales have hit $2 billion. Companies are increasing their marketing budgets by 300-plus percent, with major marketing strategies revolving around the idea that it is safe (which is an unproven claim). The FDA has not yet approved e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation device, but e-cigarettes have been widely used. The major concern that has shaken the health care workers is the potential for nicotine addiction, which is the most addictogenic substance, and the drastic increase in the numbers of new users, including teens, who feel the product is safe. The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as several medical organizations, have raised their concern regarding the increased youth addiction on nicotine due to e-cigarette usage. In some of the e-cigarette cartridges of liquid, they have found 18mg or more of nicotine. For children, 10mg or more of nicotine can be dangerous. The International Respiratory Society forum has also advocated against the use of e-cigarettes and suggested that it should be banned, at least until more information is available. Now, how does an e-cigarette work? When the user inhales the e-cigarette, it activates the heating element. The e-cigarette solutions, which are composed of nicotine (the most addictogenic substance), liquid solvent (as propylene glycol) and the flavoring agent, are vaporized at that high temperature and inhaled by the person. A recent study published in a major journal showed that high-voltage vaping creates formaldehyde, which is a cancer-producing substance. The risk of cancer from this substance was felt to be much greater than conventional cigarettes. Since e-cigarettes are not regulated, it is tough to know if the premier brand may be using higher voltage to give an extra nicotine kick and inadvertently increase the risk of cancer. Despite the possible benefit to help in reducing the cigarette usage, the e-cigarette has not been approved as a smoking cessation measure, and it has been a potential route for creating more future smokers. In essence, tobacco and nicotine in any form may be habit forming and harmful. The best measure is to say “no” to smoking – the first time and every time.

DAILY DRINK FEATURES: MEDICAL MONDAY » $2 Pints TUESDAY TUESDAY » 1/2 Price Bottles of Wine is WEDNESDAY » Happy Hour All Day Prime Rib THURSDAY » $5 Any Martini Night! FRIDAY » $3.50 House Margaritas SATURDAY » 10% Military Discount SUNDAY » $2 Bottles / $3 Mimosas / $3.50 Bloody Marys

THE BEST HAPPY HOUR IN TOWN Everyday from 3pm-7pm, featuring

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14254 S.P.I.D. ON THE ISLAND! (361) 949-6769 11am -11pm Sun-Thurs Fri & Sat 11am - Midnight For details on programs to combat smoking among children, visit www.itsyourlifefoundation.org.

Visit us at www.scuttlebuttsbarandgrill.com Like us on Facebook! I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PATIENT tion also has severe health consequences. For example, it can cause:  An increase in blood pressure  A higher risk of heart attack, stroke, depression, gastrointestinal disturbances, mood disturbances and falls in the elderly  A greater likelihood of poor school performance among children

Snails can sleep for three years, and dolphins never sleep. What about us? By: DR. SALIM SURANI

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

“

DROWSY DRIVING IS RESPONSIBLE FOR 76,000 TO 100,000 CRASHES PER YEAR IN THE UNITED STATES.

WAVEBREAK MEDIA LTD/BIGSTOCK.COM

SLEEP WISELY

SLEEP, DREAM, SIESTA, snooze, tranquility, downtime, break, quietude and quiescence have become a second priority in this technology-driven society. The research and data have shown that humans are the only mammals who willingly delay sleep. Most people can survive for up to two months without eating, but only 11 days without sleeping. Even the marginal sleep they get is distracted by phone calls, text messages, Facebook messages and tweets. The technologies have imprisoned the developed society, and people feel threatened to be disconnected. Though not stigmatized, caffeine is the most popular drug worldwide. People consume caffeine in the form of coffee, tea, cocoa and energy drinks that can help block the adenosine receptor in brain to keep them up. Before the advent of electric bulb by Thomas Edison in 1879, the work schedule had been centered on human circadian rhythm with people working in the daytime and resting at nighttime. But following the Industrial Revolution, we have come to live in a 24-hour, technologically driven society. Sleep deprivation has been linked to several major accidents, including the Exxon Valdez oil spin and the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, as well as accidents related to drowsy driving. Drowsy driving is responsible for 76,000 to 100,000 crashes per year in the United States – which is considered to be an underestimation, as drivers’ inattention may be due to sleep deprivation. One of the studies has shown that almost 55 percent of drivers have driven while sleepy in a year, and 23 percent have dosed off while driving at some point in their life. Besides causing accidents and industrial hazards, sleep depriva-

Studies have also shown that sleeping less than seven hours every night can result in weight gain and may reduce your life expectancy. In the United States, 50 million adults have difficulty with sleep, and only one-fifth of them discuss their problems with physicians. Sleep need is variable throughout life. Studies have shown that only 15 percent of teens report sleeping eight-and-a-half hours on school nights. This can impair their ability to concentrate, potentially bringing about a decline in their grades, health issues, inattention and behavior challenges. Technological advances like social media outlets have been major challenges contributing to the compromising of teen sleep. Moreover, adults and older folks are also getting hooked to social media and compromising their sleep, thus making the United States one of the most sleep-deprived nations in the world. There are some basic sleep hygiene principles that have been helpful in combating sleep issues. It is important that individuals try to implement one or two pointers at any given time, rather than implementing all of them at the same time.

HEALTHY SLEEP TIPS  Avoid daytime naps.  Avoid stimulants like caffeine, tee and energy drinks, especially after noontime.  Avoid alcohol within four to six hours of bedtime, as alcohol helps you go to sleep, but then causes fragmentation throughout the night.  Establish regular times for going to bed and waking up.  Avoid watching TV or working on computers while in bed.  Exercise regularly, but avoid vigorous exercise three to four hours prior to bedtime.  Keep the room dark and quiet while you are sleeping.  Avoid large meals before bedtime; however, eating a light snack may help promote sleep.  Avoid extremes of temperature in the bedroom.  Ensure that you have a good mattress.  Avoid smoking, as nicotine is a stimulant that may disturb your sleep.

AVERAGE SLEEP REQUIREMENT Newborns Infants Toddlers Pre-school children School-age children Teenagers Adults Older Adults

14-17 hours/day 12-14 hours/day 11-14 hours/day 10-13 hours/day 9-11 hours/day 8-10 hours/day 7-9 hours/day 7-8 hours/day

Sleep, in essence, is an integral part of adequate functioning of human body. For details about iConquer: Sleep Wisely, to combat teen sleep and to view/download the 3-D animated movie for free, please visit www. itsyourlifefoundation.org.

2033 S. Airline Rd., Ste. D-1, Corpus Christi, TX M-Sat 8am-6pm • Sun 9am-Noon Find us on Facebook: Yolanda's Specialty Cakes

Salim Surani, M.D., has written the first complete book on sleep deprivation risks, “Sleep & Safety,” as well as several manuscripts that have been published in major journals worldwide.

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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

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

“

MORE THAN ONCE, PEOPLE SAID, ‘YOU CAN’T DO THAT,’ AND WE DID IT SUCCESSFULLY.”

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The urgent and emergency care options just got a lot better for Corpus Christi patients, thanks to DRS. DANIEL WAGNER and BRIAN RICH and their focus on providing solutions at TLC Medical Center and TLC Complete Care. By: Sarah Tindall Photos by: Paul Marshall

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT IS SOMETHING THAT CANNOT BE TAUGHT, BUT INSTEAD IS INNATE IN THOSE WHO DETERMINE TO STRIKE OUT ON THEIR OWN, ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGES AND FOREVER STRIVING FOR NEW REALMS TO CONQUER AND PROBLEMS TO SOLVE. That spirit is what drives Drs. Daniel Wagner and Brian Rich to continue to innovate at their local medical clinics, TLC Medical Center, located at 4117 S. Staples St., Ste. 140, in Parkdale Plaza, and TLC Complete Care at 7330 S. Staples St. between Lipes and Yorktown on the city’s bustling south side. It started in a duck blind. On a cold and dreary day in a duck blind in an El Campo rice field, Wagner

shared his vision with Rich. He wanted to bring true urgent care to Corpus Christi – that is, unscheduled care owned and operated by board-certified emergency physicians and emergency staff. That was 2008, and at the time, only a dream, as both physicians worked fulltime in the emergency departments of Corpus Christi hospitals. “We just realized that there were so many problems with how emergency rooms were run in large hospitals,” Wagner says, “and we knew that we could streamline the process, put a special emphasis on timely patient care, and make the experience so much better for our clients.” The two doctors spent two years kicking the idea around, until a Laguna Madre duck hunting trip in early 2010 had them together again, this time committed to getting the project off the ground. “We were lying there in the mud, talking it out,” Wagner says. “The economy was terrible, everyone told it us it was the worst time to start a business, but we saw an opportunity and knew the time was now. I gave Brian an ultimatum: I needed to know by the end of the hunting trip if he was with me or not.” “The birds started flying, the excitement intensified and after a few high fives, I said, ‘I’m in!’” Rich says. “We went to work on the project the remainder of 2010.” On Jan. 3, 2011, TLC opened its doors at its first location at 7326 South Staples, starting with just one patient I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

that whole day. “We took the best care of that lady! We fluffed her pillow, gave her a blanket … I bet she still remembers the individual care she got that day,” laugh the doctors. With its emphasis on streamlining the process and getting patients in and out quickly and with excellent customer service at every stage, from when they walk in the door until they are discharged, TLC quickly developed a reputation for service with patients and the practice grew rapidly. The first year was tough, as the doctors continued to work their day jobs in local hospitals and also worked fulltime in the clinic, but their hard work and dedication paid off, as the fledgling business, the first of its kind in Corpus Christi, prospered. By 2013, the doctors were ready for another leap: opening the second location at 4117 S. Staples in Parkdale Plaza to serve the city’s Midtown region. Urgent care was an important service for TLC to provide, but never to stagnate and always looking for new opportunities to better serve their patients, the doctors realized that emergency care was also needed. “With our background in emergency medicine, we realized there was a need here that was not being accommodated,” Rich says. “ER overcrowding was stressing our local health care systems, and we knew that we could expand our business model to accommodate those patients who needed emergency care.” “In early 2013, we met the physicians of Complete Care in San Antonio through a mutual friend, Dr. Ruddy Hilliard,” Wagner says. “They are Air Force guys, and they were like us: emergency physicians who started their own urgent care facility and transitioned it to a standalone emergency department. They were very successful with this model, so we partnered with them, transitioning our first clinic from an urgent care facility to a freestanding emergency room, which opened on Dec. 16, 2014.” The result has patients cheering. Customer service is the hallmark of the TLC brand, and the doctors train every single staff position, from front desk all the way to checkout, to ensure that the patient’s experience is the best possible. The doctors work hard to ensure that every interaction with customers is as accurate, pleasant and efficient as possible. The result is a world-class facility featuring ultrasound, X-ray and CAT scan machines, top-notch trained

THE DOCTORS WORK HARD TO ENSURE THAT EVERY INTERACTION WITH CUSTOMERS IS AS ACCURATE, PLEASANT AND EFFICIENT AS POSSIBLE.

staff and unbelievably short wait times. The average time for urgent care patients, from when they walk in the door until they are discharged, is 45 minutes, and for ER patients, it is 65 minutes. Most doctors’ offices can’t compete with those times, much less hospitals. TLC is providing a viable, affordable alternative to traditional medicine, and patients couldn’t be happier. “There’s more than one time people said, ‘You can’t do that,’ and we’ve done it successfully,” Rich says. “There are significant challenges up ahead for ER patient care – access, ER overcrowding, turnaround times, patient satisfaction; we are part of the solution to that problem.” And they have managed to find this solution in a cost-effective manner: They take all forms of insurance, and they have out-of-pocket expenses that are consistent with any other ER and doctor’s office. So for patients, whether they are seeking treatment for a cough or a heart attack, their options just got a whole lot better. And TLC is expanding, starting construction on a second ER at the Parkdale Plaza location this summer. Soon both locations will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing urgent and ER care to patients whenever they find themselves in need of it. “The entrepreneurial bug just keeps biting me,” Wagner says. “New businesses, new goals; I’m just not comfortable getting the patients in the door. I want them to enjoy this business we’ve created and for it to be there for whatever their needs are, from a kid with a broken bone to an adult with chest congestion – getting them in and out so they are getting the best care possible without wasting their time.” These two local doctors, who are dedicated to serving their local community and love living here where they grew up, are so proud to bring such a high level of care to each patient who enters their clinics, giving them the TLC treatment seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

For more information about TLC Complete Care and TLC Medical Center, visit www.tlcmedicalcenter.com or call 361-993-0188.

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

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

PROFILE

A Better Place PROMOTING RECOVERY THROUGH CHANGE: CHARLIE’S PLACE RECOVERY CENTER CHANGES THOUSANDS OF LIVES IN SOUTH TEXAS. By: SARAH FECHT

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

he best way to show pride in your community is by investing in its people. Charlie’s Place Recovery Center has done that every day for the past 50 years, but it needs your help to continue making the Coastal Bend a better place for everyone. More than 1.7 million people abuse or are dependent on drugs and alcohol in Texas annually, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and more than 1.6 million Texans fail to seek treatment for their addiction each year. Having served more than 40,000 people since opening in 1965, Charlie’s Place is a haven for those in need of quality care. Established by a group of men with firsthand experiences with recovery, including the namesake Charlie Acklen, Charlie’s Place promotes recovery from addiction through change. Its unique, modern facility and qualified staff offer comprehen-

sive treatment and case management to individuals diagnosed as chemically dependent. Charlie’s Place works to help clients understand their addiction, teaches them how to rebuild their live and gives them the skills required to lead a successful life in recovery. Originally a 24-hour-a-day Alcoholics Anonymous Club, Charlie’s Place has grown to offer the only standalone medical detoxification center serving the Coastal Bend. Also serving as the only long-term treatment service for homeless individuals in South Texas, Charlie’s Place cares for more than 110 patients each day and more than 2,000 each year through inpatient services. Charlie’s Place offers inpatient detoxification treatment and intensive inpatient programs, as well as outpatient services and family counseling. The largest nonprofit residential treatment facility in South Texas, it is licensed to serve men and women aged 18 and

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHARLIE’S PLACE RECOVERY CENTER

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

Sarah Fecht is a development assistant for Charlie’s Place Recovery Center. For more information on Charlie’s Place, visit www.charliesplaceonline.com or call 361-826-5350.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLIE’S PLACE RECOVERY CENTER

CHARLIE’S PLACE CARES FOR MORE THAN 110 PATIENTS EACH DAY AND MORE THAN 2,000 EACH YEAR THROUGH INPATIENT SERVICES.

older. Located on several acres in a renovated former hotel along IH-37, it provides privacy for those in need so they may focus on their recovery and successfully rebuild their lives. The average cost for a client in detoxification is $1,750 and $4,500 for inpatient treatment. Even though Charlie’s Place is one of the most affordable treatment facilities in Texas, most clients don’t have the funds to meet the cost of treatment. This is why donations and sponsorships are always needed. For every dollar invested in treatment services, the community saves up to $10 in future services such as legal, criminal, health care and social services, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Charlie’s Place holds several fundraisers each year and accepts donations through its website, www.charliesplaceonline.com. CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery, a corporate sponsor, donated $1.5 million and more than 2,000 volunteer hours to help Charlie’s Place move to its current facility in 2009. Their continued support helps individuals not only rejoin their families, but also become productive members of society, thus helping the community. Contributing to treatment can help provide individuals with an opportunity at a brand-new life. Charlie’s Place, with the support of CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery, plans to hold A Night in Vegas, a casino-themed fundraiser, on Aug. 29, 2015. The event will include a silent auction, casino tables, Vegas-style acts and more. Tickets are available online at www.charliesplaceonline.com. Individual tickets start at $75, and sponsorships are still available. Proceeds from the event will help people addicted to drugs or alcohol as they recover and rebuild their lives. Help make your community a better place for everyone by opening your hearts and providing hope with a financial contribution.

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PROFILE

HUGE JOY

Lifting spirits: the annual Teddy Bear Collection Drive, benefiting pediatric patients at CHRISTUS Spohn Health System By: Steven Alford / Photos by: Steven Alford

VISITING THE HOSPITAL can be a stressful experience for anyone, especially for the youngest patients and their families. That’s why pediatric patients at CHRISTUS Spohn Health System are given a plush toy of their choosing when they visit the hospital. It’s something soft and cuddly to hold onto during their stay for comfort. It’s all thanks to the annual Teddy Bear Collection Drive by Texas A&M University-Kingsville Police for CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg pediatric patients. Each year, the group collects so many plush toys from the Kingsville community that they are able to share with other CHRISTUS Spohn hospitals in the Coastal Bend. “These teddy bears and gifts our patients receive brings them a huge joy,” said Rick Morin, chief nursing officer at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg. “It’s a time in their life where they desperately need something to lift their spirits, not only just physically, but spiritually and mentally.” Hospital associates with university staff held an event on April 30 to hand out the stuffed animals to pediatric patients in Kingsville. It’s the seventh year for the program, which has grown each year with support from the community. It made a noticeable difference in the day for some of the hospital’s youngest patients and their families, who visibly brightened up as nurses and university staff entered their rooms, arms full of teddy bears. According to Lt. Hiram Perez of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, it always warms the hearts of those involved in the teddy bear drive to see how much it cheers up the pediatric patients. “This is what it’s all about and why we do what we do,” Perez said. “We enjoy doing this for the kids because we know what it’s like to be in the hospital, too.”

CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg associates, along with Texas A&M University-Kingsville staff, held an event on April 30 to hand out the stuffed animals to pediatric patients in Kingsville. It’s the seventh year for the program, which has grown each year with support from the community.

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WE ENJOY DOING THIS FOR THE KIDS BECAUSE WE KNOW WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE IN THE HOSPITAL, TOO.”

MIDDLE: CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg Nurse Manager Melissa Falcon delivers plush toys to excited pediatric patients in Kingsville during the community’s annual teddy bear drive. BOTTOM: The annual teddy bear drive at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg made a noticeable difference in the day for some of the hospital’s youngest patients and their families, who visibly brightened up as nurses and university staff entered their rooms, arms full of teddy bears.

For more information about the teddy bear drive, visit www.christusspohn.org.

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PROFILE

FIRST-CLASS SERVICE

The CHRISTUS Spohn Trauma Center: bringing the cutting edge to South Texas

By: Steven Alford / Photo by: Steven Alford

WHEN THREE MEMBERS of the Corpus Christi SWAT Team were shot while serving a warrant at a home, emergency responders rushed them to the CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Memorial Trauma Center. There, trauma surgeons, emergency room physicians and nurses leapt into action to care for the officers as their fellow police and family rushed to the region’s lead trauma center to be by their side. Because of the high-quality care they received, all three officers were released within days and have since recovered. Corpus Christi Police officials were so grateful that they returned a week later with flowers and “thank you” cards, and took time to pose for pictures with the clinicians who saved the officers’ lives. “The level of care displayed by the CHRISTUS Spohn Trauma team was outstanding

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THE LEVEL OF CARE DISPLAYED BY THE CHRISTUS SPOHN TRAUMA TEAM WAS OUTSTANDING AND VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.”

The CHRISTUS Spohn Trauma Team surgeons: David Johnson, M.D.; Jimie D. Owsley, M.D.; Rishi Dholakia, M.D.; Matthew Ficenec, M.D.; Osbert Blow, M.D.; David Kerek, D.O.; and Ann McCracken, M.D.

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and very much appreciated,” said Commander Michael Alanis of the Corpus Christi Police Department. “Not only did they care for our officers, they explained everything to our command staff. We cannot thank them enough for their concern of our officers.” While CHRISTUS Spohn Health System provides emergency services at each of its six hospitals in the Coastal Bend, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Memorial is the region’s only Level II Trauma Center, offering 24-hour coverage of all injuries by board-certified trauma surgeons and specialists. “Being able to deliver first-class service to our community is our mission, and the Corpus Christi Police Department is an integral part of our community,” said CHRISTUS Spohn Trauma medical director, Dr. Osbert Blow.

The CHRISTUS Spohn Trauma Center is more than just a leader in providing care to injured patients; it also provides ongoing educational opportunities for health care professionals and the public, and implements injury prevention programs. This past year, the trauma center has hosted the Annual Trauma Awareness Conference and the National Advanced Trauma Life Support course, bringing surgeons, emergency physicians, nurses and pre-hospital personnel from around the state to discuss the latest in trauma techniques and technology. The CHRISTUS Spohn Trauma Team also works with area students, giving them an inside peek into what trauma surgeons and nurses experience with the hopes of inspiring the next generation of trauma surgeons in South Texas. But there is certainly more to come for the CHRISTUS Spohn Trauma Center. With the expansion of CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline, an unprecedented $275 million investment from CHRISTUS Health and local philanthropists, the Coastal Bend will receive a new, state-of-the-art Level II Trauma Center located right on Ocean Drive. “We look forward to the consolidation and being able to continue to provide the highest level of trauma care at our new state-of-the-art trauma center,” Blow said. It’s an exciting time for the Coastal Bend, and CHRISTUS Spohn Health System is enthusiastic about this new chapter in health care for the Coastal Bend as the project gets underway this summer. To learn more about the CHRISTUS Spohn Trauma team, please visit www.christusspohn. org/traumaemergencyservices.

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

SPECIAL FEATURE

THE TRUE PILLARS OF SUCCESS Clint Gresham: Corpus Christi’s own superstar

lint Gresham is Corpus Christi’s own superstar. The Seattle Seahawks long snapper has a Super Bowl ring, but before the NFL came calling, the 28-year-old grew up in Lamar Park and attended St. James Episcopal School. No. 49, a Seahawk since 2010, started playing football as a student at Hamlin Middle School, where he and his team won the city championship, and then followed it by playing on the powerhouse Ray High School football and track teams before going on to play for Texas Christian University during his college career. The road to the NFL has been an interesting one for Gresham, who credits all of his success as a gift from God, whom he has seen steering his life as he navigates the ups and downs of his highly competitive field. In high school, he was encouraged to quit playing football because he suffered so many injuries, including a bro-

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ken ankle, broken arms and even heart trouble. But Gresham was determined to continue to play, so he learned to snap by watching a VHS tape, and he and his dad worked tirelessly in the backyard honing his skills. He graduated from Ray in 2005, deciding on Oklahoma as his first choice for college ball. “I turned down a scholarship at TCU to walk on at Oklahoma,” Gresham says. “I thought it was the better opportunity, but they told me they’d put me on scholarship and never did, and after a year of a tough experience, I transferred to TCU and spent a great four years there.” The NFL draft began with a bang: Gresham was the only snapper invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in 2010. But just as with his college choice, his first team wouldn’t last. He spent three months in the fall of 2010 with the New Orleans Saints before being dropped – and thinking his whole career was over. “When I was driving back to my home in Fort Worth after New Orleans

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I’M SO GRATEFUL TO EVERYONE IN MY COMMUNITY WHO HAS HELPED ME GET TO THIS PLACE. I COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT ON MY OWN.”

let me go, I thought I had missed the opportunity to play professional ball,” he recalls. “I was dejected and trying to figure out what God had planned for me.” But the disappointment only lasted a few days. The day after returning home, the call came that changed his life. It was Coach Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks, offering him a spot on the team. “I went from the lowest low to the highest high,” Gresham says. “It was such a whirlwind. I packed a bag and flew out there that afternoon, and the coach’s son picked me up at 12:30 at night from the airport. Coach called my cell phone when we were down in baggage claim, welcoming me to the team.” It was a surreal moment for Gresham, who wanted to play for Carroll at USC and was now getting his chance in Seattle, but he has always seen it as all part of God’s plan for him. The rest is history. Gresham has now played five seasons for the Seahawks, and he just resigned for another three years with the team. During his time

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CLINT GRESHAM

By: SARAH TINDALL

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CLINT GRESHAM

there, he has added a Super Bowl ring to his list of accomplishments, playing on the 2013 winning Seahawks team. “I always had the dream of playing football professionally, going to the Super Bowl, but it was such a lofty dream – like going to the moon or something,” Gresham admits. “But I credit the sacrifice of my parents and the influence of so many great coaches, teachers and mentors for the success I’ve enjoyed. I’m so grateful to everyone in my community who has helped me get to this place. I couldn’t have done it on my own.” He also credits his faith as a major influence in his life. “My faith is huge to me,” he says. “I get teary-eyed thinking about the person I was before I knew Jesus. It was a pivotal moment for me when I discovered who he was and that he cared about me as a person, really loved me and wanted to get to know me as a person.” The pivotal moment came for him right before his senior year of college, when he had a serious emotional breakdown and moved out to California to take a discipleship class at a church where a relative was working. “It changed my life,” he says. “I walked away from that experience a totally different person.” And he admits that he needed that experience to weather the pressure that comes from playing professional football. “Those first couple of years, I couldn’t have done it without my faith, friends and family to support me,” he explains. “One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that you have to have good people around you – people you can show your weaknesses to, and who will go to bat for you. That is hugely important.” Now he’s focused on continuing to better himself as an athlete and teammate, as a testament of Jesus to his teammates and also in setting personal goals. He made a “Making of a Champion” film that churches and other youth-focused groups use as part of their youth outreach, and he spends his time in the off season doing public speaking and working as a leader in the Young Life Christian Youth Program. This spring, he also experienced what he calls the proudest and happiest moment of his life: marrying the love of his life and starting their new life together. He may be our own Corpus Christi Superstar, but through his achievements, Gresham has shown that hard work, diligence and a focus on faith and family are the true pillars of success. For more information about Clint Gresham, check out www.clintgresham.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

HOW TO ‘WORK IT OUT’

The exercise component: taking the next step toward better health By: MARK K. JORDAN

t’s that time of year when being outdoors is most common. Warmer weather brings with it many more outdoor activities. Whether you are working with a personal trainer, working out at a gym, pursuing an enjoyable outdoor activity or following an exercise program online, the ability to break it down into increments can be most helpful toward establishing consistent health and wellness habits. I say this because my 40-plus years of experience has shown me that whether you’re exercising on your own or with a group, with a certified expert or guided by online recommendations, the desired goal can be more readily achieved when you do two things: 1. Consider the exercise plan as one part of the overall wellness approach. 2. Approach the plan in steps. In the previous article, we mentioned exercise as one part of the overall wellness approach. We

said that the wellness approach makes one more likely to reach goals related to well-being. In this article, we will focus on the exercise portion – step by step. No matter your source for an exercise or activity plan, it is usually designed to be integrated into your given week or seven-day timeframe. Examples include walking three to four times a week, or going to the gym and training upper body on Monday, legs on Tuesday and cardio on Wednesday, then repeating that routine on Thursday Friday and Saturday. It might be playing ball with the kids on Tuesday and Thursday, doing yard work on Saturday and going to the beach to swim on Sunday. There are a variety of routines that people undertake as the weather gets warmer. Many seem to be centered on what you do within a

given week. Having an exercise routine or activity plan within a seven-day timeframe allows you to look at each week as a step you can take toward better health. Some group these timeframes into two-, four- or six-week cycles for their clients. I’m referring to a cycle as a period of time during which the routines or activities remain consistent without much change. I have had the best results with three-week cycles (i.e. repeating a one week routine three times while lasting three weeks). This is relative to what I mentioned in the previous article when I said, “We can do anything if it’s only going to last three weeks.” This is why it works: When you start your exercise routine in that first week, your body is adjusting to the new activities. When you’re in the second week, it’s easier than the first because your body is familiar with the routine. The third week serves as a mini celebration toward completing your first cycle: Your body is familiar with it; you’ve already done it twice (during the first two weeks), so you know you can complete this third week. Depending upon the results, you might change things a little to enhance your results, or you might just say, “I got these results after one three-week cycle. I wonder what the next cycle will provide – and the next cycle after that?” This approach allows you to look at the results after each cycle and decide what changes can be made to maintain or improve your results. You start to say things like, “I can repeat that cycle for another three weeks because I know how it feels and I know the results it gives me.” You start looking at the overall exercise/ activity plan as a series of cycles or steps that provide results. It is no longer an endless experience of day-to-day activities with no change in sight. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel every three weeks! Since the exercise routine is only one part of the overall wellness approach, we will cover other parts that are important for you to reach your wellness potential and experience optimal well-being. This will be done in my next series of articles. In the meantime, have fun and congratulate yourself on your achievements each step of the way. Make your three weeks interesting!

Mark Jordan was recently certified as the Guinness World Record Title Holder for most pull-ups within 24 hours (competing against 4,321 people at age 54). He also 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.

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EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION

DOWN RIGHT PERFECT An Alice family pursues a normal life while embracing a son with special needs. By: STEPHANIE KUSY Photos by: PAUL MARSHALL

iego Zambrano is a wonder to look at with his thoughtful, dark-brown eyes and matching thick head of hair. He’s a sweet baby boy – just ask his mother and father, Juan and Carla Medina-Zambrano, who celebrate their little miracle every day. Born Oct. 8, 2014, Diego is a splitting image of his father in all aspects except one. Diego has an extra chromosome – Trisomy 21, most commonly known as Down syndrome. Carla and Juan say they were content with the size of their family – Elizabeth, 20, Mariel, 14, and Jon, 9. However, in 2014, Carla surprisingly found out she was expecting which she now calls a blessing in disguise. She went through routine testing for abnormalities. As she was 38, doctors said she faced a high-risk pregnancy. She dealt with similar issues with her daughter, Mariel, and knew conceiving again would be difficult. However, doctors never questioned her baby’s health. It wasn’t until she gave birth that doctors expressed concern. Diego, weighing at 6 pounds, 1 ounce, had three holes in his heart. These congenital heart defects are familiar traits for children with Down syndrome, the most common chromosomal disorder in America. Carla, who has a medical background, never once questioned the future her family would now face. “There was no hesitation,” she says. “There was an instant acceptance. I never once questioned God about it. I knew he had prepared me for it.” By “prepared,” she’s referring to her son, Jon, who initially opened their eyes to what it is like to care for a special needs child. She cared for him while he battled a bone marrow autoimmune disorder. Thankfully, he’s been in remission the past six years. However, at 3, he was also diagnosed with autism. Carla believes caring for Jon helped her and her husband, Juan, prepare for their journey with Diego, who tested positive for Down syndrome. At just 5 weeks old, Diego underwent surgery at Driscoll Children’s Hospital to close one of the holes in his heart, a medical condition known as Patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA. In PDA, abnormal blood flow occurs between two of the major arteries connected to the heart. Doctors said he would stay in ICU for a few days before moving to a regular room. Diego, though, proved them wrong, coming out of the surgery stronger than expected. “Twenty-four hours later, he was ready to go home. He did so well,” his mom adds. These days, the Zambranos live their own kind of normal at their home in Alice. Mariel plays sports and is a junior honor society member. Jon loves playing videogames. Di-

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DIEGO HAS TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES. HE HAS NO IDEA HOW MANY LIVES HE’S TOUCHED. IT IS SUCH AN HONOR TO BE A MOMMY TO HIM.”

ego just said his first words, “da-da.” “He baby talks like there’s no tomorrow,” Carla proclaims. She says he loves to play patty cake and enjoys listening to music, especially when she sings, “You are My Sunshine,” to him. “To this day, I don’t what I did to deserve such an awesome gift from God,” she says. “Diego has touched so many lives. He has no idea how many lives he’s touched. It is such an honor to be a mommy to him.” Diego faces a long road ahead of him, though. Marking milestones like walking and speech may be delayed. He receives some form of physical and occupational therapy to help with low muscle tone. A deep crease across the center of his palm and extra space between his big toe and second toe all serve as physical reminders of his genetic disorder. And

Diego recently became a proud owner of stylish eyeglasses to help him with his vision. Even though he deals with these daily struggles, his family wants him to live a life that’s as close to normal as possible. This means he will one day attend public school just like his brother and sister. Carla wants Diego to try new things like his peers as he gets older. While she admits she will be an especially protective mother, the sky’s the limit for her son. “I don’t want to have unrealistic expectations,” she says, “but I do want to have goals for him.” Nowadays, children with special needs are more exposed to other students and mainstreamed in the classroom. She says her daughter occasionally deals with negative comments

made by classmates directed toward her younger brother. Carla believes parents should educate their children about kids with disabilities. “It’s not easy for some of these children to live everyday life like their peers. Their challenges may stem from behaviors, disabilities or the way they look, so I think that it’s really important to share that with your children. They both breathe like you and I do. They have a heart that beats just like yours and mine. And they still have feelings like you and I do,” she says, tearing up. “They may not be able to understand everything that’s going on, but they are human just like you and I.” Faith plays a strong role in the family’s journey. “I couldn’t get through it without God,” Carla says. “He gives me the strength every day and the peace that I need and the faith that I need to carry on. I can honestly tell you that if God wasn’t in my life, it wouldn’t be easy for me.” The couple hopes to share their story and reach out to other families with special needs children and let them know they are not alone. Carla created a Facebook page, “Diego’s Journey,” after receiving an outpouring of love and support from the community. She updates family, friends and supporters on Diego’s life, often showing off photos of his happy smile while dressed in a cute T-shirt. #eldiegoisfamous has become a popular hashtag for him – and it’s true. He’s garnered more than 1,200 fans on his page. The couple hopes the page will help spread awareness about Down syndrome as supporters watch Diego grow through photos and videos. Pure love is how Carla would describe her unique connection with her son. “And I don’t mean just loving him as my child. His personality, his eyes, his expressions – it’s all love.” And that love will continue on through Diego’s journey. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

NONPROFIT

THE CHAIN OF SURVIVAL Thanks to the American Heart Association’s CPR in Schools initiative and its focus on hands-only CPR, several hundred thousand new lifesavers will be trained in Texas every year. By: ROSALYN MANDOLA see a teen or adult suddenly collapse, 1) call 911, and 2) push hard and fast in the center of the chest. And if you’ve seen heard the TV or radio PSAs circulating for the last few years, you know AHA recommends that you push to the beat of the Bee Gees’ classic disco song, “Stayin’ Alive,” a song that is close to a perfect 100 beats per minute. That’s the rate you should perform chest compressions during CPR. Hands-only CPR has been proven as effective as conventional CPR for sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospital settings. If performed immediately, effective bystander CPR can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival. So before you and your family head out to enjoy fun in the sun this summer, take a minute to learn hands-only CPR.

t’s a hot Saturday afternoon, and the whole family is on the beach, enjoying the water. You came prepared – sunscreen, a hat, a first-aid kit in case of scrapes or stings and extra water to stay hydrated. You lean back onto your beach towel and adjust your sunglasses when a scream pierces the sultry calm. “Mom!” Someone has collapsed. Someone isn’t breathing. When there is a cardiac emergency, do you know what to do? Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, but sadly, most people don’t know what to do in a crisis. In fact, 70 percent of Americans report feeling helpless to act during a cardiac emergency because they don’t know how to do CPR, they are afraid they will hurt the victim or they are worried about germs from mouth-to-mouth. This alarming statistic could hit close to home, because home is where more than 80 percent of cardiac arrests occur – outside of the hospital setting. Put very simply: The life you save with CPR is mostly likely to be someone you love.

HANDS-ONLY CPR

Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which has actually been around since the mid-1700s,

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

has evolved over the years from a specialized technique used exclusively by physicians or health care professionals to be a lifesaving skill that is simple enough for anyone to learn. Now, the American Heart Association (AHA) endorses hands-only CPR, a way to teach people how to save a life in two simple steps: If you

Thanks to the work of the AHA and other CPR advocates, Texas – and 21 other states – now requires all students be trained in skillbased CPR before graduating from high school. Because immediate bystander response is such a critical link in the chain of survival, the AHA is helping prepare students, their teachers and their families with its CPR in Schools initiative, a more advanced 30-minute hands-on training. The training introduces and reinforces the importance of recognizing a possible cardiac arrest, calling 911 and providing high-quality chest compressions with minimal interruptions. Studies have shown that trainees, including schoolchildren, can achieve skills proficiency in adult CPR in 30 minutes or less. Arming kids with the knowledge and skills to perform CPR in an emergency situation increases the chance that victims of cardiac arrest have the help they need until paramedics arrive. Ultimately, the CPR in Schools initiative means several hundred thousand new lifesavers will be trained in CPR in Texas every year. The first high school students to receive this new required training will graduate in 2016.

To learn more about CPR in Schools legislation, go to www.becprsmart.org.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

THE CPR IN SCHOOLS INITIATIVE

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EVENTS

MIXING THINGS UP

in the Coastal Bend

Networking with Inspire, April 2015 Photos by: PAUL MARSHALL

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Calallen 13310 Leopard St., #22

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Alice 601 E. Main St., #275

Beeville

Kingsville

2012 N. St Mary’s St.

216 S. 14th St., Ste. D

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2601 HOSPITAL BOULEVARD - SUITE 211 - CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78405

361.883.5955

BOARD CERTIFIED IN FOOT SURGERY WITH THE AMERICAN BOARD OF PODIATRIC SURGERY FELLOW OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEONS MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION AUTHOR OF “AN UNFORGETTABLE SALUTE,” AVAILABLE AT IUNIVERSE.COM AND BARNES NOBLE I N AND SPIRE C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M 43

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BRATING 10 YEARS E L CE

2004

2014

A HOME HEALTH AGENCY YOU AND YOUR DOCTOR CAN TRUST! BENAVIDES

119 W. Railroad Ave. Benavides, Texas 78341 Ph: (361) 256-3980 Fax: (361) 256-3981

CORPUS CHRISTI

6262 Weber Rd. Ste. 302 Corpus Christi, Texas 78413 Ph: (361) 853-3971 Fax: (361) 853-4309

2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

E C N E I SC ER OF SOCC

Clarissa Esparza

DO L A R I G BOL T Ú F ELITE

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