Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine Medical May/June 2018 by Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

THE GAME-CHANGER

DR. LYNAE CANALES MAY.JUNE 2018

NEW TO INSPIRE: COASTAL BEND COMMUNITY CORNER

LEADING THE WAY THOMAS MCKINNEY NEW LIFE CHRISTUS SPOHN HEART INSTITUTE

TAKING CHARGE AHAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GO RED FOR WOMEN MOVEMENT I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M 1

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

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Top 10% in Nation

1,095 Days (and counting) For 3 years, Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital has been ranked in the Top 10% of inpatient rehabilitation facilities nationwide. This means that our patients receive the highest level of rehabilitative care available anywhere in the United States right here in our own community. The care we provide our patients has been nationally recognized as being: • Patient-centered • Effective • Efficient • Timely We consider it a privilege to be able to serve our community with this higher level of care, and plan to continue to do so for all our days to come. Learn more about our services at CCRH.ernesthealth.com

*Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital was ranked from among 870 inpatient rehabilitation facilities in 2017 by the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation (UDSMR), a non-profit corporation that maintains the world’s largest database for medical rehabilitation outcomes.

CCRH.ERNESTHEALTH.COM 5726 Esplanade Drive • Corpus Christi, TX 78414

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361.906.3700

361.906.3797

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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

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

CORPUS CHRISTI

CALALLEN

ALICE

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

PORTLAND 114 Lang Rd. • 361.643.8243

ARANSAS PASS 2150 W. Wheeler Ave. • 361.758.5199

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

CONTENTS MAY.JUNE 2018

14 COVER STORY DR. LYNAE CANALES Maintaining integrity in all aspects of her life, this physician, entrepreneur and family woman is living proof that women can be game-changers.

22 PROFILE THOMAS MCKINNEY As the new president of CHRISTUS Spohn Hospitals Alice and Kleberg, this longtime CHRISTUS leader plans to elevate care for South Texas familes.

24 PROFILE CHRISTUS SPOHN HEART INSTITUTE Using the revolutionary new micro pacemaker procedure, the institute brings world-class cardiology care close to home.

PATIENT 10 Full Transformation 12 Heads Up! EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION 28 Taking Charge

COASTAL BEND COMMUNITY CORNER 30 Celebrating the areaï¿½s best community events

NONPROFIT 36 Leading the Charge

COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTOS BY: MC STUDIO WORKZ

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MEET THE STAFF COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

MAY.JUNE 2018

ADRIAN GARZA

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

CO-PUBLISHER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SALES Adrian Garza

CO-PUBLISHER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Holly Lewis Duvall

EDITOR Erin O’Brien

HOLLY LEWIS DUVALL

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

ART DIRECTOR Elisa Giordano

SOCIAL MEDIA Morgan Bartel

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steven Alford Jessica Dusek Dr. Michael Fuentes Erin Wilder Ashley Wilson

Team Silverback Training & Wellness by Hershel Shoats

Physique training Fitness consulting Nutritional guidance Functional movements (athletes) • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

PHOTOGRAPHY

ERIN O’BRIEN

EDITOR erin.editorial@gmail.com

ELISA GIORDANO ART DIRECTOR thatgirl@elisagiordano.com 210.716.5320

• • • •

silverbackwellness@gmail.com

361-960-0534 6

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MC Studio Workz Fonzie Munoz Photography Debbie Noble Jason Page

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

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Take a Minute to Save a Life! #CPRSAVESLIVES

It’s easy to learn this lifesaving skill.

Watch the 60-second demonstration video on Hands-Only CPR at heart.org/handsonlycpr and share it with the important people in your life. For resources in Spanish, go to heart.org/rcp.

If you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of someone you love: a child, a spouse, a parent or a friend.

CPR CAN: WHY?:

:60

When a person has a cardiac arrest, survival d e p e n d s on getting

immediate CPR from someone nearby.

DOUBLE or even TRIPLE a victim’s chance of survival. Chest compressions push oxygen-rich blood through the body to keep vital organs alive. Hands-Only CPR buys time until EMS arrives.

The American Heart Association’s Hands-Only CPR campaign is supported by an educational grant from the Anthem Foundation.

The AHA still recommends CPR with compressions and breaths for infants and children and victims of drowning, drug overdose, or people who collapse due to breathing problems. Hands-Only CPR training does not result in an AHA Course Completion Card. ©2017, American Heart Association. DS-12068 4/17

PATIENT

FULL TRANSFORMATION

Say goodbye to sagging skin with Ultherapy, the non-invasive lift for face, neck and décolletage.

fter our 20s fly by, we find the youthfulness of our skin is just on a slow slide with gravity that leaves our faces and all below sagging heavy with wrinkles. Ultherapy is the only non-invasive, FDA-cleared procedure that tightens the skin on areas of the face, including around the eyes, under the chin, jowls, the neck and décolletage. Ultherapy has been proven effective and safe in clinical studies and in more than a million treatments worldwide. The Ultherapy procedure works with the power of focused ultrasound. Ultrasound technology has been used for over 50 years in multiple specialties in medicine. We recognize mostly from obstetrics, body scans and physical therapy. Ultrasound sound waves can now be used aesthetically as a micro lift without undergoing the surgical knife! Using ultrasound to see the layers of tissue, Ultherapy stimulates collagen by focusing energy down to the muscular level, same as with surgery, but without disrupting the skin’s surface. Trained medical providers are able to use this visualization to customize the treatment for each patient and deliver the energy where it will be most beneficial. The collagen is heated to a very specific temperature, resulting in immediate contraction and denaturation. This initiates neocollagenesis (new collagen formation) and long-term tissue remodeling. Ultherapy is very different from other devices; it is not a laser or radio frequency. But what makes Ultherapy so unique and effective is that providers can see exactly where to treat! While many patients will feel an immediate tightening, the actual results begin showing

ULTHERAPY WORKS WITH THE POWER OF FOCUSED ULTRASOUND. within three months and continue to improve over the next six and even nine months. Patients can expect a natural lift without looking

“pulled.” Eyebrow lifts, tightening at the jowls and the “turkey waddle” under the chin can all take years off a person’s appearance. A complete treatment will also address the loose skin on the neck and wrinkles to the décolletage areas for a full transformation. The results of Ultherapy depend entirely upon each individual’s natural breakdown of collagen, but most patients can expect two years before touch up or re-treatment is needed. While Ultherapy will not duplicate the results of a surgical facelift, it is a safe, proven alternative for those not wanting surgery, or those who wish to extend the effects of their previous surgical facelift. The time for Ultherapy can range from a single 30- to 90-minute treatment depending on the number of areas being treated. It is a zero-downtime procedure, meaning patients resume all normal activities immediately after. It is expected to experience moderate discomfort of heat during the actual treatment, and redness can usually last for a few hours. Other side effects can be swelling, tingling or tenderness to the treated areas. Less common may include temporary bruising or numbness. There are no incisions, and there is no scarring or anesthesia. Patient selection is critical, as not all are candidates. This is why an initial consult with your medical professional is key. Aside from numerous medical journals, Ultherapy has been praised in magazines as the anti-aging secret of celebrities such as Christie Brinkley, Courtney Cox and Kim Kardashian. Ultherapy has been featured on “The Today Show,” “Dr. Oz” and “The Doctors.”

ASHLEY WILSON, MSN, CRNA, is an advanced practice registered nurse and co-owner of Coastal Spa MD. For more information or to book a free Ultherapy consult, please call Coastal Spa MD at 361-336-6464. Current pictures of Ultherapy results can be found at www.coastalspamd.com, and on Coastal Spa MD’s Facebook page.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF COASTAL SPA MD

By: ASHLEY WILSON

Health, Beauty & Confidence

NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME!

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PATIENT

 Difficulty thinking clearly, concentrating or remembering things  Feeling “slowed down” or tired; having no energy  Blurry vision  Headaches  Nausea or vomiting (close to when the injury occurs)  Dizziness and balance problems  Sensitivity to light  Feeling irritability, sadness, nervousness or, in general, more emotional than usual

If you suspect your child has a concussion, contact your physician and give him or her plenty of rest. A concussion causes torn or stretched brain cells that need the body’s energy to heal. So rest is essential. Beyond rest, the most beneficial treatment of a concussion is to slowly reintroduce simple physical and cognitive activities into your child’s life with the help of a health care professional. Even if your child is a daredevil, there are several easy ways to help prevent concussions and other brain injuries while your child is riding a bike:

HEADS UP!

How to prevent traumatic brain injuries while bike riding By: DR. MICHAEL FUENTES

rom paper boys hustling through their paper routes at the crack of dawn to families taking a Sunday afternoon cruise through the neighborhood, bike riding is one of America’s favorite past times. But every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26,000 bicycle-related injuries to children and adolescents result in traumatic brain injuries. A brain injury suffered by a child has a more devastating impact than the same severity of brain injury suffered by an adult. Unlike an adult’s brain, a child’s brain is continuously undergoing development, so it’s more susceptible to injury. When a child experiences a brain injury, it can alter, or even halt, certain developments of the brain. A lot of times, however, the effects of a brain injury suffered by a child don’t become apparent until later in life when more critical thinking and social interaction are required. A brain injury is any disruption of the normal function of the brain, usually caused by a blow or jolt to the head. The most common brain injury, especially in children, is a concussion. Symptoms of a concussion may include:

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IF YOUR CHILD DOESN’T WANT TO WEAR A HELMET, TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHY.

1. Wear a properly fitted helmet: Wearing a properly fitted helmet every time you and your child ride a bike is the main way to prevent brain injury. 2. Follow the rules of the road: Teaching your child to go with the flow of traffic on the right side of the road, what hand signals to use and when and what the different traffic signs and signals mean can help your child stay safe.

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 Change in sleeping habits (more or less than usual, or having trouble falling asleep)

EVERY YEAR, 26,000 BICYCLERELATED INJURIES TO CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS RESULT IN TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES.

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Board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, DR. MICHAEL FUENTES is the medical director of CORPUS CHRISTI REHABILITATION HOSPITAL. The hospital provides specialized rehabilitative care to patients recovering from disabilities caused by injuries, illnesses or chronic medical conditions. The hospital has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for its stroke rehabilitation program. For more information, visit www.ccrh. ernesthealth.com, call 361-906-3700 or visit the hospital at 5726 Esplanade Drive in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Reflections at the End of Life Presented by AAdi Home Health & Hospice

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If your child doesn’t want to wear a helmet, try to figure out why. He or she may be uncomfortable with the helmet because of its size or unattractiveness, or if it’s too hot. If so, find a helmet that your child is comfortable wearing. Be a role model to your child. Go biking as a family, and practice biking skills and safety together. Wear your properly fitted helmet, follow the rules of the road and attach reflectors to your own bike so that your child can witness biking safety firsthand. By using these safety precautions, you can help prevent brain injuries in not only your child, but yourself, as well.

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3. Use reflectors: Attach a front headlight and a rear red reflector to your child’s bike. If your child is riding beyond daylight hours, have him or her wear reflective clothing, as well.

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Del Mar College is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Texas Nurses Association - Approver, an accredited approver with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. 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

ealthy habits, healthy self

Game-changer DR. LYNAE CANALES balances life as a physician, entrepreneur and family woman. By: Jessica Dusek Photos by: MC Studio Workz

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“Women come from the place of passion and heart. I think women can be game-changers,” says local pediatrician and executive Rodan + Fields independent consultant, Dr. Lynae Canales. Her dual career has allowed her to spend more time with family and do what she loves. “I really love people,” she says endearingly. With her medical background, she became impressed with Rodan + Fields products, their business model and their mentoring approach. Joining the company in 2011, she’s successfully grown her business alongside her medical practice. “I’ve learned more about business with Rodan + Fields than I have my entire medical career,” she laughs. Rodan + Fields has gained a reputation as a woman-owned skincare powerhouse, landing a spot on the Forbes list in 2016. “It’s an empowering line of work,” Canales adds. Both attention to detail and organization have helped drive Canales’ entrepreneurial efforts and mentorship. “I like to help other people find balance,” she says. “I’m a little on the type-A side. Women tend to be all things to

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all people,” she explains candidly. “Truthfully, one of the things I love most about mentoring people is you watch them grow and evolve as a person. It’s baby steps.” “There is something that happens to people when they start a new business – they get excited all over again!” she adds about the road to personal business growth. “You start to dream bigger.” Growing up on the East Coast, she graduated from Dartmouth College in 1995. “I was always a math and science person,” Canales explains. Planning on a career in engineering and science, her sights shifted when she began considering the medical profession. “What introduced me to medicine was my husband,” she explains. “His grandmother was a known physician.” Dr. Clotilde Garcia was one of the first Mexican-American physicians in the state of Texas, an inspiration and role model to so many women in medicine. “I really liked that balance of people and science,” she explains. As a pediatrician, she found she loved not only the work, but also connecting to her patients and their parents. In

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2002, Canales completed her graduate coursework and residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. She and her husband moved to Corpus Christi soon thereafter. “I love being a part of families,” she adds with sincerity. “That’s one of the things I love about pediatrics: I feel like a member of the family.” As pediatrics has evolved over the years, she empathizes with the parents of her patients. For her personally, the demands of her fulltime position started to take over, causing her to become a bit off-kilter. “I was working long hours and feeling extremely stressed,” she explains. “The level of stress in my life was extremely high, and I wasn’t able to be present for my family.” While working to regain her balance, a business opportunity was presented to her with Rodan + Fields. She didn’t realize it would evolve to where it is today. “I saw a great com-

in working with people. “It’s really incredible,” she says of building up and coaching other consultants. “You don’t fully understand all of the obstacles that other people face.” Working with young, stay-at-home moms and professionals, she helps navigate others toward their potential. She plays an instrumental role in coaching others, guiding them toward a close look at their own internal business obstacles. “I work with so many women who fear failure,” she explains. Some wisdom she has picked up along the way (and didn’t mind sharing with us):

“ONE OF THE THINGS I LOVE MOST ABOUT MENTORING PEOPLE IS YOU WATCH THEM GROW AND EVOLVE.”

 Discipline. The buck stops with you – you have to be disciplined.

pany and quality product, and I decided to jump in,” she says. “It’s an empowering business. It’s a part of health.” “Being able to make a change later in life is so daunting – but so fun! Women don’t usually branch out into business and entrepreneurialism. It can feel overwhelming.” Seven years later, Canales has been able to restore balance and develop her other talents

 Learn to teach others and help them reach their potential.  Get comfortable with goal-setting, getting out of your comfort zone and growing within your industry.  Make time to read the book, “Miracle Morning.”

 Add a reflective practice to reduce stress, such as meditation, journaling or positive personal affirmations. The doctor is in. In Canales’ medical practice, health remains a continual focus. As a parent of three teenage boys, she remains empathetic toward her patients and their parents. As she describes, “learning healthy lifestyles” reinforces healthy habits from early childhood stages. “As we are seeing the health deteriorate (in many cases), those patterns are set up from early childhood,” she explains. “People don’t often take it as a priority. Over the long term, their exercise, nutrition and emotional well-being are so critical to their health.” Always curious to learn and improve the lives of those she treats, Canales is an asset to

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the community of Corpus Christi. Her due diligence in studying and learning valid methods is a continual process. Pursuing a recent culinary medicine course, Canales shares her latest interest: researching how nutrition can be used to achieve optimal health. “Let’s really put some effort in prevention,” she says enthusiastically. “I think that is the direction we need to move in medicine, instead of just treatment of disease. We need to focus an effort on helping people prevent disease through healthy lifestyles and nutrition.” Maintaining integrity in all aspects of her life, personally and professionally, Canales continues to keep her eyes on the next goals. “The thing that has guided me throughout my whole life is I do work hard. I’m a little stubborn, and I don’t give up.” Her tenacity and perseverance have demonstrated her success in several aspects: tools for herself and those she mentors. Above all, as a mother, entrepreneur and medical physician, Canales divulges the keys to her success and happiness all go hand-in-hand: “being a present parent, a present spouse and present in your community.” In a nutshell.

“LET‘S REALLY PUT SOME EFFORT IN PREVENTION. I THINK THAT‘S THE DIRECTION WE NEED TO MOVE IN MEDICINE." 20

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PROFILE

ELEVATING CARE Longtime CHRISTUS Spohn leader THOMAS MCKINNEY takes the helm as president of Hospitals Alice and Kleberg. By: Steven Alford

“I am very excited to join the team in both Alice and Kingsville,” McKinney said. “I believe in our mission and look forward to working alongside our associates and physicians to provide the highest level of care for those we are privileged to serve.” What has kept McKinney in the CHRISTUS Health System for over two decades is his commitment to the mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ set forth by the health system’s founders, the Sisters of the Charity of the Incarnate Word. CHRISTUS Spohn Health System President Justin Doss says Alice and Kingsville are in great hands under McKinney’s leadership. He is an experienced hospital administrator who has seen much success in elevating patient satisfaction scores at the facilities he serves. “Thomas brings a dynamic leadership style to the Alice and Kleberg ministries and will truly elevate the care we provide for the community,” Doss said.

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McKinney holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from the University of North Texas and a master’s in health care administration from the Seton Hall University of South Orange, New Jersey. He also received a certificate of completion in medical technology from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and is board certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology. McKinney, along with his wife of 20 years, Julie, and their two daughters, Katie (12) and Lily (7), love camping and fishing, and look forward to making the Coastal Bend their new home. “I have a passion for community hospitals, and I know how important they are the people living in the community and the growth of the economy,” McKinney said, “and I’m just excited to be here and get to work.”

THOMAS MCKINNEY brings nearly 20 years of health care experience to his new role as president of both CHRISTUS Spohn Hospitals Alice and Kleberg.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTUS SPOHN

homas McKinney is excited to trade the Piney Woods for the Coastal Bend as he heads to South Texas to take the helm as president for both CHRISTUS Spohn Hospitals Alice and Kleberg. He brings nearly 20 years of health care experience to his new role, having served in a variety of leadership positions in the CHRISTUS St. Michael ministry in Atlanta, Texas, near Texarkana. As president, he will manage day-to-day operations at both facilities, working in concert with local leadership to elevate care for South Texas families.

From top: CHRISTUS Spohn volunteers spend time with Thomas McKinney, the new president of both CHRISTUS Spohn Hospitals Alice and Kleberg, as he rounds the hospitals on his first day. As president, Thomas McKinney will manage day-to-day operations at both CHRISTUS Spohn Hospitals Alice and Kleberg, working in concert with local leadership to elevate care for South Texas families.

For more information, visit www.christushealth.org.

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PROFILE

CHRISTUS Spohn Heart Institute is the first in the region to perform the new micro pacemaker procedure, bringing world-class cardiology care to South Texas.

By: Steven Alford

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTUS SPOHN HEART INSTITUTE

CLOSE TO HOME

 Cardiologist DR. RAMESH HARIHARAN uses a model of a heart to show how the new micro pacemaker is placed inside a cardiac patient’s heart. Doctors can communicate with the device wirelessly to check on the patient’s progress.

revolutionary new cardiac procedure is happening right here at the CHRISTUS Spohn Heart Institute, helping patients receive world-class cardiology care close to home. The micro pacemaker is a smaller version of its older counterpart, about the size of a nickel, which is implantable, does not require a lead and runs on a tiny battery. For more than 40 years, cardiac patients in need of a pacemaker required complicated surgeries and a long recovery. This exciting new procedure is faster and easier than ever before, and for the first time, it is offered in South Texas. “This is amazing technology that we are able to now offer,” said Dr. Srikanth Damaraju, a cardiologist who practices at the CHRISTUS Spohn Heart Institute at Shoreline Hospital. “I’ve been in this business for over 30 years and honestly never thought I would see something like this.” As people age over time, their heart and pulse will begin to slow down, causing them to become lethargic and cause health problems, Damaraju explained. A pacemaker helps regulate the rhythm of the heart, giving new energy and life to heart patients. However, traditional pacemakers are required to be placed under the skin, bringing a risk of infection. They also require a lead or wire to provide power, which patients must live with for the rest of their lives. This new micro version is implanted directly into the heart valve, and does not require additional support. Technicians can even communicate with the pacemaker wirelessly to monitor the patient’s progress. “This device has the ability to transmit information directly to the doctor’s office on a regular basis,” said Dr. Ramesh Hariharan, a cardiologist. “It’s really quite amazing.” While a traditional pacemaker procedure could take hours, the new micro pacemaker can be placed inside a patient’s heart and begin working in less than half an hour, Hariharan added. “They spend less time here in the hospital, and can get back to their daily lives and families much faster.” The CHRISTUS Spohn Heart Institute has already performed several micro pacemaker procedures with great success, adding years of healthy living to South Texas cardiac patients without having to send them to larger cities for care.

“

THIS DEVICE HAS THE ABILITY TO TRANSMIT INFORMATION DIRECTLY TO THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE ON A REGULAR BASIS.”

 From top: The new micro pacemaker is about the size of a nickel, and is inserted into the patient’s heart in just under half an hour. Cardiologist DR. SRIKANTH DAMARAJU holds a version of the new micro pacemaker, which is placed directly into a patient’s heart and does not require a lead or wire.

For more information about the CHRISTUS Spohn Heart Institute, please visit www.christushealth.org/spohn/shoreline/services-treatments/heart-care. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

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EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION

TAKING CHARGE

American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Movement celebrates its 14th year of empowering women to improve their heart health. By: ERIN WILDER

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 CIRCLE OF RED

id you know that 2018 is the 14th anniversary of the “Go Red” movement to fight heart disease in women? Each year, the annual event of Go Red For Women, the health expo and luncheon, ensures that thousands of women across the nation are educated about the risks of heart and cardiovascular disease and the steps they can take to prevent it. This annual event is vital in protecting women who could be at risk for cardiovascular disease. Every 80 seconds, a woman loses her life to heart disease, yet we know that 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases can be attributed to preventable factors. At this year’s Corpus Christi Go Red For Women event, we will continue to educate women and help them improve their health, and make positive lifestyle changes in their lives. While the threat of cardiovascular disease is daunting, the Go Red movement has positively affected 650,000 lives and continues to grow in its educational initiatives to help women take powerful steps toward embracing healthier lifestyles. The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women is a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health. As we all know, one of the most important steps you can take in your own community is to volunteer and help others live healthier lives. We are grateful that in Corpus Christi, we have 130 women in our Go Red For Women’s Circle of Red volunteer group. Our group is a powerful, passionate group of women dedicated to making an impact in the Coastal Bend’s fight against heart disease and stroke. The Circle of Red is a dynamic environment to build professional relationships and gain personal, long-lasting friendships. Circle of Red members use their influence and resources to successfully continue to help rally women in taking charge of their health. As part of the Circle of Red, members take part in exclusive, educational-focused gatherings and hear firsthand what their dollars are doing to make a difference in Corpus Christi. These events include learning how to do CPR and operate an AED;

learning the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and stroke; and learning how to prevent them. Circle of Red members also take part in an educational event focused on “Financing your future: Planning for the Unexpected,” which is presented by South Texas Money Management. This year, the Circle of Red members took a private, physician-led tour of CHRISTUS Spohn’s Hybrid Suite to learn about cardiovascular care. These educational opportunities are focused on empowering our members’ health, as well as the health initiatives of the American Heart Association. In addition, Circle of Red gatherings have featured talks on stress reduction, children and heart disease at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, effects of hypertension/vision and even curating your wardrobe to reduce stress. Circle of Red members become lifelong friends as we gather together for festive member-only events, including visiting a major private

car collection, learning how to prepare Indian cuisine, going to a museum to see a bird show together and traveling to see a show at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio. And each month, we celebrate each member’s birthday and gather together to celebrate our continued successes. We are so grateful and proud that in the last three years, we have increased our Circle of Red membership total and the number of activities we participate in. Our 130 Circle of Red members live in Corpus Christi, Rockport and the surrounding areas. Our 2017-18 Circle of Red co-chairs are Alka Ahuja and Phyllis Roseman. We are also growing our Men Go Red group and currently have over 31 men who participate in member events on behalf of the American Heart Association and gather together to help positively impact the community’s heart health. This diverse group is co-chaired by Dr. Srikanth Damaraju, Sam L. Susser and Dr. Ross Ungerleider.

EIGHTY PERCENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO PREVENTABLE FACTORS.

JOIN CIRCLE OF RED We hope that you might join our Circle of Red. We are recruiting members for the 2018-19 year, which runs July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019. Our new Circle of Red leadership is Chris Adler, Kymberley Oshman, Hugo Berlanga and Dr. Gregg Silverman. Membership is $1,000 a year and can be paid in up to four payments. Members receive invitations to private events, monthly birthday celebrations and tickets to the 2019 Go Red For Women Luncheon. To become a Circle of Red member, contact Marcy Rodriguez at marcy.rodriguez@heart.org or call 361-445-3191.

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COASTAL BEND COMMUNITY CORNER

Barefoot Mardi Gras King & Queens Ball

This event is part of the Barefoot Mardi Gras Annual Celebration, held the Saturday prior to Fat Tuesday on Padre Island. The event proceeds benefited the Island Foundation (Seashore Charter Schools) and the Port Aransas Schools. Photos by: Debbie Noble

Heart Ball

The American Heart Association hosts this event annually to support the mission of heart health, research and education. This year, the event honored local luminaries, Janie and Wes Hoskins and Patti and Mark Morales, M.D., for their heartfelt contributions to the Coastal Bend community. Photos by: Jason Page

Rockport Warriors United Purpose & Passion Party

This event was the kick-off opening for the nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to give back to veterans by providing a retreat-style sanctuary including activities and relaxation. Photos by: Debbie Noble

Feb. 10, 2018

Feb. 17, 2018

March 9, 2018

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State of the City, Corpus Christi

Hosted by the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Joe McComb addressed guests at the annual State of the City about the latest city news and developments. Photos by: Debbie Noble

Texas State Aquarium’s Rising Tide Society Fin & Tonic Event

This event was put on to share and drive membership for the Rising Tide Society, a dynamic group of young leaders and professionals in our community who are committed to service, education, conservation and furthering the mission of the Texas State Aquarium through fun and engaging events. Photos by: Debbie Noble

CCUnder40

An affiliate of the Young Business Professionals of the Coastal Bend, CCUnder40 is an event honoring the accomplishments of men and women under 40 years of age who have made significant contributions in their professional fields, as well as through service in the community. Photos by: Debbie Noble

April 1, 2018

March 28, 2018

April 4, 2018

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COASTAL BEND COMMUNITY CORNER

Cattle Baron's Ball

The 32nd Annual Cattle Baron’s Ball benefited the American Cancer Society, along with local and national cancer research. Wynona Judd performed at the event. Photos by: Fonzie Munoz Photography

Padre Island April Luncheon

PIBA hosts a monthly business luncheon with a keynote speaker. The April luncheon featured Col. Allan H. Lanceta, commander of the Corpus Christi Army Depot, who spoke on the impact of Hurricane Harvey. PIBA promotes the business community of Padre Island. Photos by: Debbie Noble April

Men Who Cook

Some of Corpus Christi’s most competitive cooks were hand-selected for this annual one-of-a-kind competition. The competition benefited the Ronald McDonald House of Corpus Christi to support its mission of providing a home-away-fromhome for families who must travel to fulfill their children’s health care needs.

12, 2018

April 7, 2018

April 13, 2018

For more information on CB Community Corner's promotional & branding opportunites, please call 479-935-0868 or email holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com.

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NONPROFIT

LEADING THE CHARGE

The Triumph Over Kid Cancer Foundation continues to fight for pediatric cancer research. SPECIAL TO INSPIRE COASTAL BEND

he Triumph Over Kid Cancer (TOKC) Foundation is a local, homegrown organization that arose from the efforts of a Corpus Christi teenager who was diagnosed with a deadly form of bone cancer. In 2006, James Ragan was like any other junior high school student. An active athlete, James was a nationally ranked junior tennis player at the age of 13 when he developed pain and swelling in his left knee. A routine check-up with a medical specialist led to his diagnosis with Osteosarcoma, a deadly form of bone cancer. He left the seventh grade as a strong, healthy athlete and returned the following year bald and in a wheelchair. Despite grueling surgeries and devastating chemotherapy treatments, James

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remained positive and kept a productive attitude. When James and his sister, Mecklin, learned there was neither a cure for his disease nor research being done to find one, they made it their mission to raise money to fund pediatric cancer research. In 2007, one year after James’ diagnosis, James and Mecklin hosted a toga party with the theme, “Triumph Over Kid Cancer.” The event garnered $40,000, which was split between Driscoll Children’s Hospital and M.D. Anderson and grew into the TOKC Foundation. The following year, they combined the toga party weekend with a golf tournament, the James A. Ragan Triumph Scramble, and donated all of the proceeds to an Osteosarcoma research project at M.D. Anderson. In 2009, with the

TOKC HAS CARRIED ON JAMES’ LEGACY AND HOPE THAT PEDIATRIC CANCER WOULD END WITH HIM.

help of James’ friends in New Orleans, they added the Big Easy Fundraiser to their charitable efforts, as well. Due to their success, they met with the head of pediatrics at M.D. Anderson and reached an agreement where they pledged to raise $1.5 million to fund the Children’s Sarcoma Initiative, which is a pool of funds that would be utilized toward new ideas in pediatric research. In return, M.D. Anderson would match funds raised with a like amount for Osteosarcoma research. Over the next four years, TOKC not only met their goal, but also spent time on other cancer fronts. The organization lobbied government entities like the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas and Congress to devote more money toward pediatric cancer

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRIUMPH OVER KID CANCER FOUNDATION

Group photo in front of the “TOKC” sign at the 2017 Triumph Over Kid Cancer TOGA event.

 Hashtag collage with pediatric cancer patients  DoThatOneThing! student council members prepping 2018 Easter Baskets for pediatric cancer patients.

research, aside from hosting events and visiting patients at children’s hospitals to bring them some joy and respite from cancer treatments. Throughout those nearly eight years, James himself dealt with multiple surgeries, chemotherapies and experimental treatments, which gradually eroded his health and quality of life. On Feb. 17, 2014, shortly after meeting their first goal of $1.5 million toward the Children’s Sarcoma Initiative, James passed away. Since then, TOKC has carried on James’ legacy and hope that pediatric cancer would end with him. The organization has helped fund the Genomic Research and Sequencing Project for Pediatrics with the $1.5 million in donations that was matched by M.D. Anderson. These funds have also assisted in the development of two new projects: a Phase II drug trial at M.D. Anderson and an immunotherapy initiative at Texas Children’s Hospital. The TOKC Foundation’s mission to raise awareness and support for pediatric cancer research continues through the many additional community initiatives, including holiday programs at children’s hospitals and the launch of the #DoThatOneThing Councils in high schools across the Coastal Bend. Participating students educate themselves and their peers on pediatric cancer issues while actively volunteering throughout the year to help families impacted by this disease.

This article was provided by the TRIUMPH OVER KID CANCER FOUNDATION. To learn more about TOKC, the impact of James’ original toga party on other kids just like him and ways you can make a difference, visit www.triumphoverkidcancer.org. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

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SEA 18th Annual Fundraising Banquet

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