Inspire Coastal Bend Medical Mar/Apr 2017 by Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

BLAZING TRAILS BIOTECHNOLOGY AT DEL MAR COLLEGE CANCER CARE CLOSE TO HOME THE NEW CHRISTUS SPOHN CANCER CENTER-KLEBERG COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

A JOB WELL DONE CHRISTUS SPOHN EARNS NRC HEALTH HONORS

CULTURE OF CARE

AADI HOME HEALTHAND AGENCY CORNERSTONE HOME HEALTH

MAR.APR 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

Caring for a Loved One with a Brain Injury When a loved one has suffered a brain injury, a much-anticipated moment usually occurs when he or she is discharged from the hospital. It’s often a time of relief and excitement. It also will lead to a time of adjustment and change. To help your loved one with a return home, Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital suggests: • Educate yourself about brain injuries. Look for local resources and join a family support group. • Provide structure and normalcy to everyday life. Establish and maintain routines. • Keep your loved one involved in family activities and communication. Treat him or her naturally. • Encourage your loved one to rest frequently to prevent fatigue. • Be respectful. Don’t talk down to your loved one. Value his or her opinions and preferences. • Talk simply. Use short and concise sentences. • Don’t compare current abilities to past abilities. Recognize present achievements. • Create a safe home environment. Remove loose rugs, clutter and electrical wires from walking paths. • Make sure rooms are well-lit, especially at night.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CORPUS CHRISTI REHABILITATION HOSPITAL’S BRAIN INJURY SERVICES, PLEASE CALL 361.906.3700.

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5726 Esplanade Drive • Corpus Christi, TX 78414 • ph: 361.906.3700

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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.

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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

SKAthlete: Kristian Segura Personal Trainer Smoothie of Choice: Chocolate Gladiator with kale, almonds, super grain and light peanut butter

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

CONTENTS

PATIENT

16 Quest for Understanding 18 Better Safe Than Sorry 20 Survival Skills

HEALTH & WELLNESS

MARCH.APRIL 2017

36 Going for Gold 38 Why CrossFit?

EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION 40 GROW ing a Community

COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTOS BY: WILLIAM RUSSELL

22 COVER STORY

AADI HOME HEALTH AGENCY AND CORNERSTONE HOME HEALTH Southern sisters Kathy James and Jane Rowley bring a unique - and effective blend of hard work and old-fashioned family values to these well-respected Coastal Bend home health agencies.

26 PROFILE

BIOTECHNOLOGY AT DEL MAR COLLEGE Thanks to a dream team of professors in the biotechnology program, students at Del Mar are really getting hooked on science, having discovered over 100 new viruses to date.

30 PROFILE

NONPROFIT 42 We’re in This Together 44 Good Time for a Good Cause 46 Haven for Heart Health

CHRISTUS SPOHN CANCER CENTER-KINGSVILLE This brand-new cancer center brings nationally recognized cancer care to the Kleberg community, increasing both convenience and early detection possibilities for patients.

32 PROFILE

CHRISTUS SPOHN NRC AWARD Shoreline and South receive the prestigious NRC Consumer Choice Award, underscoring CHRISTUS Spohn Health System’s commitment to providing patients with the highest level of care and compassion.

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MEET THE STAFF

COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

ADRIAN GARZA

Interstate All Battery Center Corpus Christi

CO-PUBLISHER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SALES adrian@ inspirecoastalbendmag.com 361.548.1044

MARCH.APRIL 2017 CO-PUBLISHER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SALES Adrian Garza

Medical supply batteries...We got it!

HOLLY DUVALL

CO-PUBLISHER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS holly@ inspirecoastalbendmag.com 479.935.0868

CO-PUBLISHER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Holly Duvall

EDITOR Erin O’Brien

ART DIRECTOR Elisa Giordano

SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Greg Duvall

SOCIAL MEDIA Morgan Bartel

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EDITOR erin.editorial@gmail.com

ELISA GIORDANO ART DIRECTOR hello@elisagcreative.com 210.716.5320

4903 Ambassador Row, Corpus Christi Texas 361.854.5000

GREG DUVALL

SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT greg@ inspirecoastalbendmag.com 361.944.7336

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

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michael Bratten Kaitlin Calk Kate Douglass Dr. James Duncan Alexis Mays Kathleen Naderer Dr. Nick Nilest Dr. Nestor H. Praderio Paul Romans Bailey Starnes Erin Wilder

PHOTOGRAPHY Debbie Noble William Russell

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

MORGAN BARTEL SOCIAL MEDIA morgan@ inspirecoastalbendmag.com 620.417.5392

7957 Wolverine Corpus Christi, Texas 78414 Phone: 361.548.1044 Copyright 2017 © Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

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:

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PORTLAND 114 Lang Rd. • 361.643.8243

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

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

QUEST FOR UNDERSTANDING A brief history of the laser, which has revolutionized treatment in the medical sciences By: DR. JAMES DUNCAN

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

JUST OVER 100 YEARS AGO, Albert Einstein, with his great mathematical mind, postulated the process of stimulating portions of the electromagnetic field and producing amplified light. This was the beginning of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, or the laser. This may seem such a long time ago, but just 30-plus years prior to Einsteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s axiom, a fellow named Thomas Edison had invented the light bulb. After Einstein and a few other brilliant physicists figured out the math behind particle activity of the electromagnetic spectrum, the first lasers arrived in 1951. Immediately, scientists in medicine, dentistry and other fields began playing with lasers to study their potential usefulness. Over the years, a multitude of lasers have been designed and tested for a wide variety of uses on the human body. The first laser used clinically in dentistry was back in 1966, when it was tested on tooth structure enamel and dentin, the hard structures of the

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PATIENT

tooth. During the 1970s and ‘80s, ongoing research was conducted, and designs of many different lasers were used to perform a variety of different procedures mostly pertaining to oral surgery. During the research and development of lasers in the 1990s and 2000s, laser use broadened into using lasers in treatment ranging from gum disease to tooth whitening. Fast-forward to today: Technology in lasers has helped revolutionize treatment in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and many other industries. It is the medium, or the material used inside the laser, that produces the different wavelengths. It is these differences in wavelengths that give each laser its unique capabilities and allow it to perform. Treatments can include things like pain management of Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, discomfort after surgery and reduction of cold sores. And with a few adjustments to the laser’s settings, teeth can be whitened. Certain wavelengths allow the dentist to remove tooth decay and place fillings, and to treat gum disease and even biopsy tissue if needed. Yes, lasers can even be used during root canals to remove tissue within the tooth’s canals and aid in sterilization. Lasers have also proven helpful

LASER RADIATION IS EXTREMELY SAFE.

when treating younger patients and some patients with dental anxieties. Know anyone who is tongue-tied or experiencing gingival recession (receding gum lines)? Both of these instances can sometimes be attributed to low or excessive frenum attachments (which cause the gums to pull away from the teeth or tie the tongue to the floor of our mouth). With a quick visit to the dentist and use of a dental laser, these attachments can be easily removed with little to no discomfort and with minimal healing time. In some instances, anesthesia can be reduced or completely eliminated for certain procedures. How fun is that? So what about safety? Laser radiation is extremely safe. However, lasers are light producers, so safety precautions must consider the behaviors of light. Ever touch a light bulb after it has been on for a minute? Light can get quite warm, so heat is monitored continuously. Also, light can be damaging to the eyes, so specific protective eyewear is used to safeguard our delicate eyesight. Only time will tell where technology and the continuing quest for understanding the science behind lasers and the human body will be in the years to come. We have only scratched the surface in laser technology over the last 100 years.

For more information, visit Duncan Dental Studio online at www.duncandentalstudio.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

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY

h no, here it comes again: the cough, the sore throat, the stuffy nose. It’s that time of year when the cold and flu are prevalent. But how can you tell the difference? “A common cold and the flu are similar because they’re both respiratory illnesses,” says Dr. Michael Fuentes, medical director of Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital. “Even though they’re caused by different viruses, they share many of the same symptoms. This makes it hard to know for sure which you may have unless you visit your doctor.” Symptoms for both illnesses can include a cough, a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, fever, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. However, flu symptoms tend to be worse than cold symptoms, and people with colds are more likely to have runny or stuffy noses. “A cold usually doesn’t result in serious health problems, but the flu can,” Fuentes says. “While most folks can recover from the flu in less than a couple weeks, it can lead to respiratory complications like bronchitis, pneumonia and bacterial infections. In the worst cases, these complications can lead to hospitalization.” While anyone can get severely sick from the flu, groups at higher risk for complications include adults older than 65, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions and individuals with compromised immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu typically is seasonal, unlike a cold, which can be caught year-round. The United States experiences seasonal flu epidemics every year, with flu viruses being most common during the fall and winter months. Flu activity peaks between December and March, and usually lasts throughout May. “Prevention is essential to avoiding the flu or a cold,” Fuentes says. “With the flu, I always recommend a flu vaccination as your best form of defense – especially for those who are at higher risk for complications. Beyond that, many of the same techniques work in avoiding the cold or flu.” But what if, despite your best efforts, you still manage to catch a cold or the flu? “With either, my recommendation would be to stay home: Drink plenty of fluids, and rest up,” Fuentes says. “For a cold, use over-the-counter medications like antihistamines or decongestants to help relieve some of the symptoms. For the flu, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug to help shorten the duration of the illness and prevent complications. “And with both, always contact your physician if your symptoms persist or worsen. You know your body best. If it doesn’t feel right, get it checked out. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.”

FUENTES SUGGESTS THE FOLLOWING TO HELP AVOID A COLD OR THE FLU:  Stay away from anyone who is sick, and stay away from others when you are sick.  Wash your hands thoroughly and often throughout the day with hot water and soap. Use an alcohol-based sanitizer if handwashing isn’t possible.  Don’t share utensils, cups, toothbrushes, towels or any other personal items.  Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes and mouth.  Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inside of your elbow.  Limit what you touch when in public, such as stairway rails. Wash your hands soon after touching.  Get plenty of sleep, eat right and exercise regularly.

PEOPLE WITH COLDS ARE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE RUNNY OR STUFFY NOSES.

Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital provides specialized physical rehabilitation services to patients recovering from strokes, brain, spinal cord and orthopedic injuries and other impairments as a result of injury or illness. The hospital’s patient care is ranked among the top 10 percent in the nation, and its stroke rehabilitation program is certified by The Joint Commission. For more information, go online to www.ccrh.ernesthealth.com, call 361-906-3700 or visit the hospital at 5726 Esplanade Drive in Corpus Christi, Texas.

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How to tell if you have a cold or the flu – and how to help prevent contracting either one By: DR. NICK NILEST

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PATIENT

Preparing for the physical and emotional challenges of being a caregiver

ho prepares us to be a caregiver? Where do we learn how to care for others? Likewise, we can contemplate who prepares us to be parents? Who is a caregiver? Usually, it is a family member; however, it could also be someone who is not a relative. Then there are the professional and nonprofessional caregivers. In most cases, a family caregiver is “thrown into this role.” Once you find yourself in this role, there are survival skills that one must develop. You quickly learn that there are daily risks and recognize that you are not made of steel. We are not always going to be well. We may not always be loved. Sometimes we will feel abandoned. My interactions with patients and their family members, staff, clinicians and all others in the continuum of care inspire me. Monthly sessions at our “Time of Reflection” meeting are filled with deeply rich and insightful exchanges with attending caregivers. This small, intimate group setting allows caregivers to interact and share the experience of their individual caregiver journey. The caregivers trust each other with their innermost thoughts and feelings. The uniqueness and commonality of their caregiving roles is most intriguing. The outcome is often classified as a “very powerful experience.” The most common caregiver association is wife to husband, husband to wife, daughter or son and on rare occasions, a sibling and then non-relatives. According to the group, a caregiver is “an angel, protector, helper, counsel-

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

CAREGIVERS MUST MASTER THE FLEXIBILITY TO ACCEPT UNPREDICTABILITY.

By: DR. NESTOR H. PRADERIO

or, nurse, doctor, friend, banker, planner and advocate.” It is an honor to facilitate these sessions hosted by the Caregiver SOS – WellMed Foundation. The group was asked to offer their advice on how to prepare for the unpredictable. The consensus was that you cannot. I likened diabetes to a hurricane and Alzheimer’s to a tornado. Caregivers must master the flexibility to accept unpredictability. They should not carry the burden of attempting to guess the unpredictable. Flexibility is the remedy for unpredictable behavior. How do we respond when a crisis with our loved one is evolving? The caregivers suggested that you should first take a step back from it and realize what is really going on. Evaluate the situation – don’t react. Next, make sure that your loved one is ready and then respond in a calm manner. The first step is to accept that our loved one has dementia. Caregiving has a funny way of dealing with the denial of your loved one having dementia. We must acknowledge who we are as we engage and commit to our role. We must assess how we feel and how we react to a variety of sensations. Then there are the practical considerations such as finances, support (emotional, physical, spiritual), environmental constraints, transportation and more. As a caregiver, you also master “self-treatment”/self-care and appraise what stays with you at the end of the day. You begin to consider what you can do next, and you track your loved one’s prog-

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SURVIVAL SKILLS

ress or lack thereof and in the abilities that your loved one still has. Sometimes you may feel like you become the person with dementia. In order to care for your loved one, you become him/her. It is a case of self-integration to the task such as what a teacher may do. This is not abnormal, but it may elicit uncomfortable feelings. You must separate from it – such as through exercise. The caregiver in you can only relax at the end of the day when you have assured yourself that your loved one is resting comfortably. Usually, you have been on guard throughout the day due to fear and apprehension of the unknown. Your loved one calls out to you, and you don’t know what they are going to say, need or do. Imagine the amount of energy involved in how and what to try to prepare for what is going to happen next. It is a daunting process. There will be errors; there will be mistakes. Then you give gratitude that the day is over, and you can say, “I did it!” From there, you begin to find a balance and may allow yourself to relax. Create a compartment of space that you reserve for yourself and return to who you are at the end of the day. For effective self-treatment, we must accept our role and discover the full package of feelings and acknowledge them. There is no magic pill or drink. Develop your own interventions for self-treatment. At the end of the day, enjoy being with your loved one, give thanks to God that the day is over and get ready for tomorrow. We invite you to join us in our upcoming Face to Face Family and Friends Caregiver Festival on July 28 at the American Bank Center Henry Garrett Ballroom from 8 a.m. to noon. This free event offers an education and training session for family caregivers to learn more about their roles in providing care for loved ones with dementia. At the conclusion of the educational sessions, we will host a luncheon and a dance festival from noon to 2:30 p.m. in celebration of caregiving and Alzheimer’s awareness.

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COVER STORY

Dedication to Duty With hope, humility and Southern hospitality, sisters Kathy James and Jane Rowley foster a culture of care at AAdi Home Health Agency and Cornerstone Home Health. By: PAUL ROMANS Photos by: WILLIAM RUSSELL

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

any given weekend, you’ll find Kathy James entertaining friends, dancing or playing cards (mostly poker). You’ll find her sister, Jane Rowley (“the quiet one”), gardening, cooking or sitting on her deck watching the sunset. These girls take their leisure time seriously, as they should, because Mondays find them hard at work running successful businesses here in the Coastal Bend. Kathy James, R.N., and Jane Rowley are owners/administrators of AAdi Home Health Agency here in Corpus Christi. They are sisters with an upbringing rooted in humility, hope and Southern hospitality. James is also owner/administrator of Cornerstone Home Health in Rockport. James has an abundance of experience in the medical field as a registered nurse and was instrumental in the startup of several home health agencies in the early 1990s. Rowley, who has a 30-year background working with people with developmental disabilities, spent the 1980s and ‘90s helping transition people from state institutions into community settings. Together, they bring their unique blend of strength, caring and graciousness to the running of two well-respected home health agencies in this area. As girls raised in the South, the sisters bring a blend of old-fashioned family values and hard work to their agencies. These sisters were blessed with a Southern upbringing that, early on, instilled in them compassion, honesty and hard work. A compassionate servant attitude was ever present in the home they shared with their parents, four sisters and one brother. They were Southern girls who took care of elderly family members when needed. Their parents taught them to meet life and life’s trials head on and to be self-reliant. The girls were taught to be compassionate about the things they do, and to always remember how those things will affect others. When they worked around the farm, they worked. They were taught to give 110 percent no matter what they were doing, and to never be afraid to go after what they wanted. It was an upbringing that would make their career choices later in life an obvious perfect fit.

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

Beginnings The early ‘90s saw the girls burning up the highway from Texas to Arkansas. Their father was ill, and in-home services were, for the most part, unavailable. The sisters spent a good part of their time looking for reliable community resources. As their father’s illness progressed, the girls began to talk about how services were being provided to the elderly and how those services could be expanded. They saw firsthand many elderly people in facilities who would benefit from the expansion of community home health services. Like the gardens of their youth, the seeds were planted – but it would be 10 years before Rowley would join with James to create what would become AAdi Home Health. During those intervening years, James had opened and sold a successful home health agency in Aransas Pass and Rowley was ending a 30-year career in community services. The sisters had not forgotten their commitment to help expand home-based services in their community, and they promised each other that one day, they would work together. Influenced by the teachings of their childhood, the goal was always to give back. Born as a tribute to their father, AAdi (meaning “new beginnings” in Hindi) was launched in 2006 in Orange Grove, Texas. The early agency provided medical and psychiatric home health services. The new agency thrived with James running the medical and Rowley overseeing the financial operations. According to James, “Jane and I have always helped each other and worked together; what one doesn’t know, the other one does.” Women of the South tend to be strong-willed, and this boded well for the sisters, as they have mastered the art of running successful agencies while navigating the intricacies of state and federal regulations. AAdi Home Health has evolved into one of the largest, most respected agencies in the Corpus Christi area; it continues to provide medical and psychiatric, and it recently added hospice services. “We want to participate as an active part of the community,” Rowley says, “by expanding and continuously improving the home health services we provide to our patients.” And that’s just what they have done: The agency has an excellent reputation in the medical community, as evidenced by its continued growth. James’ tremendous success with AAdi led to her opening her third agency in her own backyard, Rockport. Her agency is one of the largest in that area with an impeccable reputation.

Cornerstone Home Health is imbued with the same family values, dedication to hard work and “can do” spirit. These girls from the South pride themselves in taking care of patients regardless of the situation. They sometimes fill the gaps where funding is lacking. They don’t turn anyone down; it’s giving back or even paying it forward. They reside in communities that have helped them prosper; therefore, giving back just seems practical to them. They are fortunate to have assembled an excellent staff of energetic, compassionate caregivers. It is a staff that goes above and beyond not only by providing the best health care, but also by caring deeply about those patients they serve. Sometimes the only person their patients see each week is the home health care provider. This dedication to duty goes from the top to the bottom. James and Rowley are not

only the owners and administrators; their Southern upbringing compels them to do whatever tasks are required. Rowley and James find true joy in helping others. Through volunteer work, community service or lay reading through their church, helping individuals find joy, comfort and self-validation is paramount to their core being, as well as part of their mission statement. They employ a culture of care that not only is present in the administration and staff, but permeates through to every employee at both AAdi Home Health and Cornerstone Home Health. Both agencies are Joint Commission accredited, reflecting the sisters’ dedication to continuous compliance with the highest standards of quality patient care. For these Southern sisters, the success of their agencies has been a remarkable tribute to their mother and

The goal has always been to give back. father, and to their true Southern upbringing. With kindness, strength and graciousness, these ladies have built agencies that are dedicated to the care of the elderly, committed to home-based services and well-respected by their peers in the community.

For more information, contact AAdi Home Health & Psychiatric Services in Corpus Christi at 361-452-3384 or Cornerstone Home Health in Rockport at 361-727-2131.

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

 DAIYUAN “DAISY” ZHANG, PHD AND JOHN “ROB” HATHERILL, PHD, PROFESSORS IN DEL MAR COLLEGE’S DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL SCIENCES, EXAMINE A BACTERIAL SAMPLE IN A DEL MAR LABORATORY. 26

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 DEL MAR COLLEGE

PROFILE

NEW FRONTIER GUIDED BY PASSIONATE PROFESSORS, DEL MAR COLLEGE STUDENTS DISCOVER VIRUSES THAT ARE NEW TO SCIENCE. BY: MICHAEL BRATTEN

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JOHN RAMIREZ’S TALENT FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH HAS TAKEN HIM FROM DEL MAR COLLEGE TO THE MIDDLE EAST. LAST NOVEMBER, HE WAS SELECTED TO PRESENT HIS RESEARCH – SOME OF WHICH HAS LED TO THE DISCOVERY OF NEW VIRUSES – DURING THE WORLD CONGRESS ON UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH IN DOHA, QATAR. “It was a rollercoaster of emotions,” said Ramirez, 30, a biotechnology major and teaching assistant at Del Mar. “It was bright and hot, and I was there with students and professors from all over the world.” Ramirez credits his scientific achievements to a dream team at Del Mar: Daiyuan “Daisy” Zhang and John “Rob” Hatherill, both PhDs and professors in the department of natural sciences. Under their guidance, students who may have never considered careers in scientific research are doing just that. One area that’s really getting students hooked on science is the search for previously unknown viruses. Zhang and Hatherill’s students have discovered more than 100 so far. “When students discover something that’s new to science, it’s really transformative to them,” Hatherill said. “They just show this excitement that you never see in a traditional classroom. They’re the first person to look at that virus. It’s a new frontier, almost like landing on the moon.” The invisible viruses, called bacteriophages, attack bacteria that live around us and inside us. Some of those bacteria can be harmful, such as E. coli, Vibrio and antibiotic-resistant “superbugs,” so the discovery of organisms that affect them could lead to significant advances in science and medicine. Last fall alone, Zhang and Hatherill estimate their students discovered about 22 new bacteriophages. Students’ names are forever attached to their discoveries, which they give names like “Chupacabra,” “Scorpia” and “Draco.” “What we’re doing is turning students on to science before somebody else turns them off,” Zhang said. “In their first class, we’re doing graduate-level research. It’s a unique story for a two-year school.” Before Zhang and Hatherill came along, it was a rarity for students at Del Mar to conduct advanced laboratory research. Now they’re exposed to research on the fast track, starting in Del Mar’s state-of-the-art lab. Other opportunities come in the form of research internships, which can take place at Del Mar, nearby schools such as Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC) and at prestigious institutions like the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, Calif. The research can potentially benefit the local community. Last summer, during an internship at TAMUCC, Del Mar biotechnology major Danial Azadani discovered a bacteriophage associated with Enterococcus faecalis, a bacterium that can cause infection in humans. It is also sometimes found in elevated levels in coastal waters.

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

 JOHN RAMIREZ, A BIOTECHNOLOGY MAJOR AT DEL MAR COLLEGE, RECENTLY PRESENTED HIS RESEARCH AT A CONFERENCE IN DOHA, QATAR.

“I’ve been to different universities in Canada, and I’ve never seen something like this research program,” Azadani said. “Del Mar has the potential to be one of the top biotechnology schools in the country.” After further studies, Azadani’s discovery could lead to the development of treatment for Enterococcus faecalis, as well as the improvement of water quality in the Coastal Bend, Zhang said. “Any (bacteriophage) they discover is a contribution to the scientific community. The viruses will be archived in three different locations in the United States, and studies on them will continue.” With the recent rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, it’s more important than ever to find new tools to fight them, according to Jeff Turner, assistant professor of marine biology at TAMUCC, who supervised Azadani’s research. “Bacteriophage represent a new frontier in the search for treatment of antibiotic-resistant (bacteria) strains,” he said. “This isn’t looking at colored water in a tube. This is something that can have an impact on society.” Students typically author papers on their research that appear in scientific journals, Zhang said. They also take pride in posting their discoveries on a website, phagesdb.org, along with scientists and researchers from around the world. The site currently contains 106 bacteriophages discovered by Del Mar students. Like most students who come under the wings of Zhang and Hatherill, Ramirez plans to pursue a career in research. “I originally started college to be a mental health counselor. I’m now planning to do cutting-edge research to help treat some of the problems we have in society, like antibiotics being overly used and improperly diagnosed.” “We give students these opportunities, they light on fire and take off, and at that point, we stand back because suddenly they’ve got this career track in front of them,” Hatherill said. “We love to see that.” “When they’ve found something they love to do and they can make a living doing it – a very decent living – that’s the best part,” Zhang said.

 JOHN RAMIREZ, A BIOTECHNOLOGY MAJOR AND TEACHING ASSISTANT, IS JOINED BY DAIYUAN “DAISY” ZHANG, PHD, DURING THE FALL 2016 NATURAL SCIENCES STUDENT POSTER SESSION AT DEL MAR COLLEGE, WHERE STUDENTS PRESENTED RESULTS OF THEIR RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS.

 JOHN “ROB” HATHERILL, PHD, PROFESSOR IN DEL MAR COLLEGE’S DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL SCIENCES, WAS INTERVIEWED BY A LOCAL TV STATION LAST SEPTEMBER DURING THE FALL 2016 NATURAL SCIENCES STUDENT POSTER SESSION, WHERE STUDENTS PRESENTED RESULTS OF THEIR RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS.

 DEL MAR COLLEGE STUDENTS HAVE DISCOVERED MORE THAN 100 NEW VIRUSES UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF DRS. DAIYUAN “DAISY” ZHANG AND JOHN “ROB” HATHERILL, PROFESSORS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL SCIENCES.

For information on the biotechnology program at Del Mar College, call the department of natural sciences at 361-698-1229 or visit www.delmar.edu/biotechnology/biotechnology.aspx. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PROFILE

EXPANDING SERVICES

With the opening of the new CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center-Kleberg, Kingsville residents can now receive the cancer care they need, close to home. By: Alexis Mays

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 SPOHN

cancer diagnosis presents challenges and difficulties, but traveling out of town for your medical needs doesn’t have to be one of them. CHRISTUS Spohn is proud to have expanded its nationally recognized cancer program into the Kleberg community. The CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center-Kleberg, which opened in January 2017, is located inside CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg. That’s where patients can now have many of their needs met by oncologists right in Kingsville. The CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center-Kleberg is staffed by two board-certified oncologists: Drs. Shantan G. Reddy and Swetha Panati. Reddy is fluent in English, Spanish, Telugu and Hindi, and is board certified in internal medicine, palliative medicine and medical oncology. Panati practices hematology and oncology, and has a special interest in treating gynecologic cancers. “We are excited to offer services that patients previously had to travel out of town for,” Reddy said. “This includes initial screenings and consultations, follow-up appointments, diagnostic services and appointments for patients on oral chemotherapy.” This cancer center is not just an addition for CHRISTUS Spohn Kleberg, but also for the community of Kingsville, because having a cancer program  Left: Dr. Shantan close to home provides many Reddy; Right: benefits, according to Tom Dr. Swetha Panati Enright, director of CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center. “A cancer center in Kingsville allows us the opportunity to provide many services close to home,” Enright added. “A major issue that patients reported to us was transportation.” Close physical access to care is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, Enright explained. “In the 1970s, the National Cancer Institute reported that there was a correlation between how far you

were from a cancer treatment center and your sur vivability,” he said. “That Community members, leaders and associates at CHRISTUS Spohn and premise is still true today, the Kingsville Chamber of Commerce as it was then.” celebrated the grand opening with a Previously, several ribbon-cutting ceremony. of Reddy’s patients had been traveling about an hour to other cities just for initial consultations and quick follow-up services, he said. “To ease the burden of traveling for care, we can now do so many services in their hometown,” he added. “A lot of services are now being done locally.” Close access to care relates to another important tool for fighting cancer: early detection. A cancer center in Kingsville creates a seamless transition from screening to treatment, according to Panati. An advocate of early detection, she says having a cancer center in the same town as your primary care physician is ideal. “When a doctor finds something in a screening, Kingsville patients can come to the CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center-Kleberg to be evaluated,” Panati said. “And that means we have more opportunity to catch the cancer early. Catching cancer early is the best way to fight it.” And the team is proud to point out that the Kingsville community is not just getting a new cancer center, but a nationally recognized one at that. “We have the only cancer center in South Texas that is approved by the American College of Surgeons, and we’re really happy to expand our services to the Kingsville community,” Enright said. According to David LeMonte, president of CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg and CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice, the hospital is thrilled to offer a range of services to their patients. “We are excited to offer this new service to Kingsville and the surrounding communities,” he said.

“

WE NOW HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITY TO CATCH CANCERS EARLY. CATCHING CANCER EARLY IS THE BEST WAY TO FIGHT IT.”

About CHRISTUS Spohn Health System CHRISTUS Spohn Health System is the region’s largest hospital system in South Texas, consisting of six hospital campuses throughout the Coastal Bend. The health system is consistently ranked a health care leader in the area, and it has received national recognition for several pioneering programs, including trauma, cardiac care, clinical excellence and oncology. For more than 100 years, CHRISTUS Spohn has been distinguished by its high-caliber staff and affiliated physicians, its comprehensive and innovative services and its long history of responding to the needs of the community it serves. For additional information, visit www.christusspohn.org.

Drs. Reddy and Panati are both accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment today, call 361-737-0600. And to learn more about the CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center, visit www.christusspohn.org/cancercenter. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PROFILE

In recognition of their commitment to quality patient care and a job well done, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline and South receive the prestigious NRC Consumer Choice Award. By: Alexis Mays CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline and South have received the 2016/2017 Consumer Choice Award from National Research Corporation (NRC) Health, which means they have been ranked among the highest facilities in the nation by the very people they serve each day. The NRC conducts the largest survey of its kind. The Consumer Choice Award is based upon more than 310,000 patient reviews and health care

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market comparisons. Shoreline and South were recognized by the NRC for providing high-quality health care and promoting positive patient relationships. CHRISTUS Spohn leaders say itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an honor to be recognized by their own patients and visitors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is such a privilege to be recognized by the people of South Texas for excellence in quality of care and patient expe-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTUS SPOHN

THE HIGHEST LEVEL

“

WE TRY TO ENSURE THAT PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE TREATED WITH CARE AND COMPASSION.”

rience,” says Mark Casanova, president of CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-South. “This award has a significant meaning for our associates, physicians and volunteers. We strive each day to make every patient encounter one that exhibits our mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.” According to Brian Connor, president of CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline and Memorial, “The responsibility of caring for an individual at their most vulnerable time is a huge responsibility that we take seriously. We make every effort to ensure that patients and their families are treated with the highest level of care and compassion.” This is the 21st year the NRC has awarded hospitals whose consumers classify them as the best. Winners are determined by multiple quality ratings collected by the annual NRC

Health Care Market Guide study. The 2016/2017 NRC Health Care Market Guide study surveyed consumers in 300 markets. CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline and South are both recipients of the award based on consumers’ answers regarding best doctors, nurses, image and reputation and overall quality. This recognition means that CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital-Shoreline and South have reached a level of service that is highly valued by consumers in the Coastal Bend market. The prestigious award was bestowed to only 277 hospitals across the country, while the NRC is recognized by Modern Healthcare Magazine as one of the largest patient satisfaction measurement firms in the United States. Organizers say the awards represent the growing role that consumer

choice plays in the health care field, with a range of factors contributing to patients’ preferences of where to receive care. By participating in the survey, hospitals gain insight into their customers’ perceptions of the quality of the health system’s care. Each year, participating hospitals can better follow public perceptions of their care, health data and more, which adds up to better hospitals, more informed associates and better care for patients. “For each of the past 21 years, winning hospitals have provided outstanding experiences that have transcended their four walls to drive consumer preference, trust and loyalty in their markets,” says Brian Wynne, market insights general manager at NRC. “We are honored to congratulate this year’s winners on a job well done.”

Learn more about CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-South at www.christusspohn.org/south. And learn more about CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline at www.christusspohn.org/shoreline. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

• DEPRESSION

• ADHD

• ADOLESCENT CONDUCT DISORDERS • ALCOHOLISM

• ANXIETY

• DRUG ABUSE

• EATING DISORDERS

• SCHOOL FAILURE

• STRESS

Raul R. Capitaine, MD, PA Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry 6000 S. Staples St., Suite 406 (361) 993-4835 Additional Offices in Alice - Beeville - Victoria 1-800-217-9238

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Compassion & Excellence

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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

GOING FOR GOLD

Twyla Gold:

“

PAIN IS JUST WEAKNESS LEAVING YOUR BODY.”

Growing up, I was always labeled as the “skinny girl.” Although I’ve always been a strong-willed person, my body never reflected what was on the inside. I was good at sports, but I wasn’t the best, and as an adult, I finally found something that I wasn’t just mediocre at. Turns out I was really good at it! As a woman, I thought that lifting weights would make me look manly, and after many years of my father asking to be workout partners, I finally gave in and began training with him. At first it was extremely difficult. At only 95 pounds, I couldn’t even accomplish one push-up or pull-up. It was discouraging, but I didn’t stop and my dad’s voice resonated in my head: “Pain is just weakness leaving your body.” After experiencing the pain, I grew stronger; one pull-up turned into five and five, turned into 10. What was once a hobby became a necessity and eventually a lifestyle. In 2014, I competed in my first show, placing second in my class. Hitting the stage for the very first time was exhilarating, and I was immediately hooked! I’ve competed in a total of six shows, and with hard work and determination, I have placed in every show. I am nationally qualified and strive to compete at a national level soon. Sharing the stage with my sister, Tyanna, makes competing easier. We are able to share ideas and turn to each other if when we need encouragement. If my story can inspire and motivate one person to workout and eat healthy, then all that pain is worth it.

Tyanna Gold:

I was around the age of 14, not being consistent, in and out of the gym months at a time. Didn’t really have any real goals. Even during the time when I wasn’t consistent with the gym, my family and I have always been “team Smoothie King.” We love our smoothies and have always been very loyal customers for years.

For more information, email jessicasalinas@smoothiekingstx.com.

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As I got a little older, I started hitting the gym with my dad. He wanted me to lift all these weights, and my initial thoughts were, This is hard. I don’t want to get big, and I’ll just do cardio. I thought for sure I could get the body I wanted by just doing cardio. In November of 2014, my older sister, Twyla, competed in her first bodybuilding competition, which I attended. I had no idea what this sport was about. I just remember sitting in the audience thinking, Man, these sure are really long shows (if you’ve attended a show, you know what I’m talking about). But [I was] amazed with these men and women’s physiques. It takes a lot of dedication and discipline to get up on that stage, but I was ready for the challenge. I started training for my first competition, Battle on the Bay, in April of 2015, where I competed in the bikini division. During this time is when I became a sponsored Smoothie King Corpus Christi athlete. I am very blessed and thankful for all the love and support my Smoothie King family has shown me. This past year, I competed in four shows, one being NPC National Championships in Miami, Fla. I wouldn’t have gotten there without the help from my amazing sponsors. I have fallen in love with the sport of bodybuilding. I really do love the process and the feeling of pushing my body to its limits. Fitness is now my lifestyle. Lifting and the gym is my outlet. I just want to encourage everyone out there: It’s never too late to start your journey.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SMOOTHIE KING

Sisters and competitive bodybuilders Twyla and Tyanna Gold share their inspirational fitness journeys. SPECIAL TO INSPIRE COASTAL BEND

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

WHY CROSSFIT? It’s more than just a fullbody workout – it’s a community. By: KATE DOUGLASS

time. Most of us had no idea what we were doing, and we would quit when it started to burn or we got distracted with our phones. An hour on the elliptical didn’t seem to get us anywhere, and following a workout plan out of a magazine wasn’t as easy as we thought. I truly believe that CrossFit has become so popular because there is a coach who teaches you what to do and watches you do it. You are surrounded by other athletes enduring the same pain you are, so the encouragement to keep going is there, and you receive the personal attention from the staff. I am not knocking traditional gyms; I still go to one

I LOVE CROSSFIT BECAUSE ANYONE CAN DO IT. to lift from time to time. What I’m trying to say is that for those of us who need the push, who thrive on beating our last time or who need that one hour to think about nothing but workout survival, CrossFit is a good fit. Many of my athletes have become friends with each other, have switched to healthier lifestyles, have lost inches, have gained muscle and have added years to their lives. It’s more than a full-body workout – it’s a community. No matter how old you are, how out of shape you are, how busy you are or how intimidated you are, you can do CrossFit. We are so fortunate to have the CrossFit Community and Boxes we have here in Corpus Christi; they’re all great! Pick one and try it. Take a friend with you. You will get stronger, become for flexible, lose weight, tone and get mentally stronger, too. The beginning is always the hardest, but just remember that we all started from the beginning.

Kate Douglass is an L-1 CF coach and owner of CrossFit Gorilla Den in Corpus Christi, Texas. For more information, visit www.crossfitgorilladen.com.

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

AMMENTORP/BIGSTOCK.COM

have been athletic all my life, but finding CrossFit at 34 years old was a life changer. CrossFit has gained an incredible amount of recognition in the fitness community. Athletes are pushing the human body to new limits every day! It’s mind blowing to see the amount of weight CrossFit athletes can move, but it’s even more impressive when you see how fast they can run, walk on their hands, jump on boxes, pull themselves up on the rings and so on. As a CrossFit Box owner, I love CrossFit because anyone can do it. The beauty of CrossFit is that any movement can be modified to simplest form and for any fitness level. CrossFit workouts typically include some weightlifting, body weight movements and cardio. You get a full body workout all in one, and usually in less than one hour. What I have enjoyed most about being a CrossFit coach is seeing the progress the individuals achieve inside and out. Not only do their bodies transform, but their confidence, mental toughness and determination do, too. CrossFit athletes are relentless. Many of us have tried to workout in a regular gym lifting weights with one body part at a

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

EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION

GROW ing a Community How GROW Local South Texas gives a voice to Corpus Christi farmers and growers By: KATHLEEN NADERER Photos by: DEBBIE NOBLE

hile farmers’ markets and community-driven agriculture are far from new concepts, they have experienced a surge of popularity in recent decades as many Americans have joined the “food revolution” in an effort to improve their health. Interest in healthy food choices continues to increase as more scientific studies reveal the impact artificial chemicals, processed foods and industrial farming have on the human body, the environment and the economy. In a city where heavily processed food is extremely convenient and widely available, GROW Local South Texas Founder and Executive Director Aislynn Campbell has worked hard for the past five years to strengthen the local food movement in Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend. Many local residents have seen her at the weekly Corpus Christi Downtown Farmers’ Market and the Learning Garden at Tom Graham Park. However, most do not realize the obstacles she and the members of her organization have faced in order to make locally sourced food, as well as food education, more accessible. Gardening and agriculture have influenced Campbell’s life since she was a young girl growing up in Taft. “Both of my grandmothers were strong gardeners,” she recalls. “And in school, I had about 13 years of 4H club.” But her passion for nutritional, local food did not truly ignite until 17 years ago when she gave birth to her son. As she elaborates in her 2012 TEDx Talk, Campbell was shocked to learn the amount of hydrogenated corn syrup and other chemicals used in baby formula. Additionally, Campbell’s work in public relations at Driscoll Children’s Hospital put her in close contact with pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Stephen Ponder, who promotes awareness of the childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes epidemics in Corpus Christi. His emphasis on the necessity of healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle encouraged Campbell to make greater changes in her own life. So Campbell decided to provide fresher and cleaner food options for her son (and, later, her daughter) by creating a seasonal home garden, raising chickens for eggs and meat, collaborating with friends on a cow share and, of course, visiting local farmers’ markets in Rockport and Corpus Christi. However, the farmers’ market in Rockport dwindled down, eventually dying out, and the Southside Farmers’ Market was bogged down by regulations

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

“

WE HAVE TO WORK FOR A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE.”

and appeared to have plateaued. She knew local farmers and backyard gardeners needed a new way to network and space to expand. “Local food growers needed a voice,” Campbell says. “I knew that come hell or high water, I was going to make this happen!” Using her connections and public relations background, she organized the first Downtown Farmers’ Market outside the former Tango Tearoom in March 2012. “There were over 500 people at our first event, and we sold out in 15 minutes.” The regulations that held back the Southside Farmers’ Market soon hampered the burgeoning one downtown. The local health department was not familiar with laws regarding farmers’ markets, which led to a massive amount of confusion. More challenges emerged after the Downtown Farmers’ Market made national news for all the wrong reasons: A misunderstanding led reporters to state that purchasing meat from the market was dangerous due to the extreme summertime heat, despite sellers taking proper measures to keep the meat at safe temperatures. Although all of these obstacles happened within the first six months of its inception, the Downtown Farmers’ Market continued to grow thanks to the hard work of Campbell and other grassroots volunteers. “There are plenty of opportunities to do things – to start things – in our community,” she says. “But it’s not always easy. We have to work for a better quality of life rather than resign ourselves.” Familiarized with farmers’ market regulations and cottage food laws, she reached out to local leaders and the health department to begin a dialogue. By opening up the conversation about permits and regulations, she helped streamline the process for farmers’ markets in the Coastal Bend. These experiences sparked a transformation. The Downtown Farmers’ Market grew from a gathering of local growers to an

advocacy group for the local food revolution. “Clean food, good food, pure food is as necessary to life as clean, good, pure water,” Campbell explains. “We can’t feed everyone, but we can reach a significant portion. We can help people understand how seasons and weather affect what you grow, how to have backyard gardens, how to raise chickens. And we can teach people to cook again.” Thus, GROW Local South Texas emerged and began offering monthly education workshops, a community garden, BAWKtoberfest and other programs to the public. Developing and offering these educational programs comes with a price, however. GROW now requires more funds to hire staff, develop programs and purchase garden supplies than their annual Farm to Table Dinner can raise. So far, the organization (which received official nonprofit status in January 2015) has been able to offset these additional costs with grant money provided by the Coastal Bend Diabetes Initiative and Port Industries. After five years of impressive growth, Campbell has decided that GROW will spend 2017 fo-

cusing on the best ways to sustain and maintain what it has accomplished. She also plans to delegate more responsibilities to other staff members this year. “If you want something to become a reality, you have to create it, grow it, help it reach sustainability and then pass it on,” Campbell says. “GROW needed a face for a while, but it’s now moving beyond that.” Campbell will, however, make sure that the branding and vibe of GROW continue to be that of fellowship and community.

Support local growers and get the freshest, most nutritious food by visiting the Downtown Farmers’ Market at the Art Center (100 N. Shoreline Blvd.) every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information about GROW, email Aislynn Campbell at info@growlocalstx.com or visit the website at www.growlocalstx.com. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

NONPROFIT

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER

hen Marisol Trevino was sent to the hospital from work one day due to numbness in the entire left side of her body, she thought she was having a stroke. As she had never heard of multiple sclerosis (MS) and it was not in her family’s medical history at all, the diagnosis was a complete shock. “I was in disbelief,” Trevino said. “I started to cry as I researched the disease and felt so scared of all the unknowns. Was I going to be in a wheelchair? Will I be able to walk a few days from now?” MS is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. The cause of MS is still unknown – scientists believe the disease is triggered by an as-yet-unidentified environmental factor in a person who is genetically predisposed to respond. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted. Although Trevino’s diagnosis came quickly following a computerized tomography (CT) scan and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to the severe numbness in the left side of her body, MS, in many other cases, has proven to be a challenging disease to diagnose. In early MS, symptoms may be non-specific and suggestive of several disorders of the nervous system. Early symptoms that come and go may be ignored. While no single laboratory test is yet available to prove or rule out MS, the MRI is a great help in reaching a definitive diagnosis. Diagnostic criteria that incorporate MRI findings have been developed and revised by experts in the field and have helped providers make an accurate and timely diagnosis. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to

“

TOGETHER, WE ARE ACCELERATING PROGRESS IN MAKING LIFECHANGING BREAKTHROUGHS.”

three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. Since Trevino was 32, her diagnosis age fit the average profile. As a district parole officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Trevino works every day on managing the stress of her job as not to exacerbate her symptoms. MS symptoms occur when the immune system produces inflammation within the central nervous system. The inflammatory attack damages myelin (the protective insulation surrounding nerve fibers), oligodendrocytes (cells that make central nervous system myelin) and sometimes the underlying nerve fiber. The damage caused by inflammation can produce symptoms that resolve over weeks to months or symptoms that are permanent. “MS has tremendously impacted my life,” Trevino said. “Getting informed through the National MS Society has taught me that life can still go on, and it’s not the end of the world.” Through one of the National MS Society’s signature events, Walk MS, Trevino has gotten to connect locally with others who are living with the disease and form a community bond through participation with her Walk MS team, SOL PATROL. More than 1,000 people are expected to raise more than $150,000 at Walk MS: Corpus Christi on April 1, 2017. Walk MS is an opportunity for people living with MS and those who care about them to connect, join together and be inspired. In 2016 alone, nearly 300,000 people at more than 550 locations across the country walked to create a world free of MS, raising nearly $50 million. This year, the cumulative total of Walk MS is expected to surpass $1 billion. “Walk MS is a joyous gathering with a wonderful ‘we’re in this together’ feeling,” said Cyndi Zagieboylo, president and CEO of the National MS Society. “Every participant, volunteer, donor and sponsor is helping to drive us toward this exciting $1 billion milestone. Together, we are accelerating progress in making life-changing breakthroughs so that each person with MS can live her or his best life.”

To get involved or learn more, visit www.walkms.org, call 855-372-1331 or email fundraisingsupport@nmss.org.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF MS SOCIETY

Walk to create a world free of multiple sclerosis at the upcoming Walk MS. By: BAILEY STARNES

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GOOD TIME FOR A GOOD CAUSE

The Gulf Coast Humane Society is set to host the 19th Annual Tom Keeler Memorial Golf Tournament Scramble. By: KAITLIN CALK

he Gulf Coast Humane Society (GCHS) was founded in 1945 by a group of animal lovers, with Frances and Harvey Weil leading the cause. From its inception, the men and women of the society acted as humane officers for Nueces and the surrounding counties. In Corpus Christi, the society members worked closely with the police officers assigned to humane duties and the City Pound. We have expanded and changed in many ways since then, with the humane treatment of the homeless dogs and cats of the Coastal Bend being our constant mission. For 50 years, we operated out of what is now the PALS Animal Shelter. That all changed in April 1998 when Tom and Cora Keeler very generously donated the state-of-the-art facility that we operate from now. This building is double the size of our old home, which allows us to help more animals and offer expanded education and services to the public. As a no-kill, nonprofit organization, we depend solely on donations to care for the orphaned animals under our roof. Thus, without the kindness of the Keelers, the acquisition of this beautiful

building would never have been possible. The annual golf tournament is our way of expressing our gratitude to the Keelers – and the fact that it is a fantastic time is icing on the cake! The 19th Annual Tom Keeler Memorial Golf Tournament will take place at the Corpus Christi Country Club on March 24. There are many sponsorship opportunities for you or your business, ranging in price in order to give both large and small businesses a chance to participate. As a Great Dane Partner ($5,000), you will receive a banner onsite and inclusion as a tournament partner on radio and television, and your logo will be on commemorative promotional items. You will also receive recognition on a hole and a golf cart, and this fee also includes the entry of two four-player teams. For a minimum sponsorship of $200, you will receive recognition on a hole, which is a great way to get your business’s name out there. These are just a few sponsorship opportunities available; for the full list, please visit our website (listed at the end of the article). On top of a round of 18 holes, there will also be food, drinks and amazing silent auction items. Not only does participating in this tournament get your business’s name out there, it is obviously quite a bit of fun. As stated before, GCHS is a not-for-profit, no-kill shelter. Every single one of the many animals currently in our care will stay here, safe and sound, until they find a loving, responsible home. As you can imagine, the cost of feeding and providing proper veterinary care for all of these animals is very high. While we hold fundraisers throughout the year, the golf tournament is one of our biggest sources of income. All of our animals are spayed/neutered, fully vaccinated and microchipped. We also send all of our dogs home with a six-month supply of heartworm prevention, and we provide heartworm treatment to all heartworm-positive dogs upon adoption at no extra cost to their new family. All of this, in addition to the care provided to the animals while they are here, is made possible in a large way by the funds raised during the Tom Keeler Memorial Golf Tournament. We believe that this is the biggest benefit for our golf tournament sponsors: the knowledge that their company’s participation is feeding the dogs and cats of GCHS.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, or to find out how you can become a sponsor, please visit our website at www.gchscc.org/golf-tournament, call us at 361-225-0845 or contact Priscilla at pramirez@gchscc.org.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF GULF COAST HUMANE SOCIETY

NONPROFIT

happiness is why. Everyone has a reason to live a longer and healthier life. What is yours?

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NONPROFIT HOW MUCH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SHOULD I BE GETTING TO STAY HEALTHY?

HAVEN FOR HEART HEALTH The American Heart Association hopes to create a culture of health in the Coastal Bend. By: ERIN WILDER

To improve overall cardiovascular health, AHA suggest adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise (or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity). Thirty minutes a day, five times a week is an easy goal to remember. AHA recommends children and adolescents get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity every day. Examples include bike riding, swimming and brisk walking. Vigorous activities include jogging, soccer, aerobics and dancing. And yes, plain-old going outside and playing hard also counts as an example of a heart-healthy activity that can produce overall physical, psychological and social benefits.

HOW CAN I MAKE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PART OF MY FAMILY’S ROUTINE AT HOME?  Go outside and play instead of watching TV or sitting down and playing games on the computer.  Try brisk walking, dancing or biking for some fun physical activity.

pring has sprung! Put down the smart phone. Turn off the TV. Grab the hand (or leash) of the person (or animal) next to you, and go outside for a brisk walk and a laugh. Your heart, and the heart of the person (or animal) you take with you, will thank you for it. While walking is one of the best forms of physical exercise, our Coastal Bend lends itself to some of the most exciting outdoor physical activities in the state of Texas. Just outside our backdoor lies a haven for heart health. Wind and water sports, camping, walking or jogging along the beach, hike and bike trails and dozens of easy-to-access parks are all ours for the taking – we just have to open the door and literally put one foot in front of the other. The American Heart Association (AHA) hopes families throughout our community realize that exercise doesn’t have to be boring, overwhelming or costly. The hard part is making the decision to get off the couch (or to put down the phone) and be active. You don’t have to exercise until you’re exhausted. Just get your body up and get moving today!

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 Work in the garden or mow the grass. Using a riding mower doesn’t count! Rake, prune, dig and pick up trash.

HOW CAN OUR COASTAL BEND COMMUNITY HELP ENSURE KIDS GET ENOUGH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN SCHOOL? Physical education, or P.E., has been taught in American schools for more than a century – teaching students what it means to live a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity is as-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

 Don’t fast-forward through TV commercials. Instead, do jumping jacks or sit-ups throughout your favorite show.

sociated with a healthier, longer life and with a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, mental health problems and even some cancers. These benefits extend into the classroom, too. Studies have shown that active children perform better in school, behave better in the classroom and have a greater ability to focus. Because physical activity improves academic performance, it can also become an important strategy to address health disparities like childhood obesity and

ELEVATE YOUR IMAGE

ELEVATE YOUR BUSINESS

WALKING IS ONE OF THE BEST FORMS OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE. the achievement gap. Despite these benefits, P.E. programs have been decreasing around the country. The AHA recommends strong quality P.E. in elementary schools for a minimum of 150 minutes per week and 225 minutes a week for middle schools, as well as accountability reporting on P.E. programs in elementary, middle and high schools. The time for action, both at home and in our schools, is now. Together, the AHA, our volunteers and the community can create a culture of health in our Coastal Bend community where the healthy choice is the easy choice. Now get out there and move!

Erin Wilder is the executive director for the American Heart Association, Corpus Christi. You can encourage legislative, educational and community leaders to support effective P.E. programs by joining our You’re the Cure grassroots advocacy network at www.yourethecure. org. And for healthier living resources, recipes and guides the whole family can enjoy, visit www.heart.org/healthyliving.

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