Inspire Coastal Bend Medical November/December 2017 by Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

CUTTING-EDGE CANCER CARE COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

BRINGING THE BEST

DR. ADRIANA POP-MOODY

DR. EDWIN WATTS

SPIRIT OF GIVING CHRISTUS SPOHN ASSOCIATES STEP UP TO HELP AFTER HARVEY

INSPIRED STYLE

MELANIE JENNINGS

NOV.DEC 2017 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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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 is a full service home health and hospice 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.

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ST CE R RT OK IFI E E D

Treating Chronic Pain through Physical Therapy Physical therapy is a safe and effective way to treat chronic pain and its underlying cause(s). Physical therapy can help decrease pain, increase mobility, and improve overall mood. Physical therapists may help patients manage pain through:

• Low-impact aerobics • Massage • Stretching • Modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation • Strengthening exercises, movement therapy, and other types of exercises such as aquatic therapy , depending upon individual abilities. Therapeutic treatments are designed to help increase muscle strength, endurance, joint stability, and flexibility. In addition, physical therapy also aids in reducing inflammation, stiffness, and soreness. It encourages the body to heal itself by boosting production of the body’s natural painrelieving chemicals. To learn more about Corpus Christi Regional Rehabilitation Hospital’s physical therapy program, call 361-906-3700.

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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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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 NOVEMBER.DECEMBER 2017

PATIENT 14 Weigh Your Options NONPROFIT 28 Every Step of the Way INSPIRED STYLE 30 Melanie Jennings

18 COVER STORY

DR. ADRIANA POP-MOODY Trying to be the best by doing the best, this rheumatologist is dedicated to relieving human suffering and improving the quality of life for her patients.

22 PROFILE

CHRISTUS SPOHN ASSOCIATES STEP UP Honoring the health systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission of caring, CHRISTUS Spohn associates rolled up their sleeves and got to work when Harvey hit, helping rebuild lives across the Coastal Bend.

24 PROFILE

DR. EDWIN WATTS Using non-invasive and stateof-the-art technologies, this radiation oncologist and his team at CHRISTUS Spohn are on the forefront of cancer care in the Coastal Bend.

18 COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTOS BY: MC STUDIO WORKZ

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Serving Corpus Christi, Texas Est. 2006

COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER.DECEMBER 2017 CO-PUBLISHER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SALES Adrian Garza

Find the path to wellness by working with a dependable physical therapist at Therapy First. We’re conveniently located inside the Corpus Christi Athletic Club. Call us today for more information or to set up your first appointment.

CO-PUBLISHER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Holly Lewis Duvall

EDITOR Erin O’Brien

ART DIRECTOR Elisa Giordano

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PHOTOGRAPHY

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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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It’s not just what you do, it’s who you do it for.

I’m here to help you plan for the future so you can continue all the good you do in your life.

Annie J. Castro, LUTCF, CLU® Agent, New York Life Insurance Company 4466 S. Staples Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 (361) 986-1321 ajcastro@ft.newyorklife.com www.anniejcastro.com Registered Representative offering investments through NYLIFE Securities LLC (Member FINRA/ SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency.

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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?:

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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

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WEIGH YOUR OPTIONS Physical therapy vs. opioids in treating chronic pain MANY OF US HAVE EXPERIENCED the nuisance of a minor pain. If allergies cause a sinus headache, a decongestant can help. If you have an aching back from a weekend spend doing yard work, ibuprofen may do the trick. But what about those who suffer from chronic pain that lasts longer than six months? No one wants to live in pain, but we also have to be careful not to put our health at risk to be pain-free. When used properly, certain drugs – such as opioids – can help relieve pain. But they can be dangerous if misused or abused. Americans have increasingly been prescribed opioids like Vicodin, OxyContin, Opana and methadone, as well as combination drugs like Percocet, to help relieve pain. The use of these prescription drugs has quadrupled since 1999, although there hasn’t been an increase in the amount of pain Americans report. In 2012, health care providers wrote 259 million

By: LETICIA MORALES

opioid prescriptions, enough for every adult in the United States to have a bottle of pills. According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as one in four people who receive prescription opioids long-term for non-cancer pain in a primary care center struggles with addiction. When taken as directed, opioids can manage pain effectively for a short amount of time. But with longterm use, there is a possibility it can lead to physical dependence or even an addiction disorder. Along with addiction, opioid risks include depression, overdose and withdrawal symptoms when usage is stopped. In response to a growing opioid epidemic, the CDC released opioid prescription guidelines last year recognizing that opioids are appropriate in certain cases such as cancer treatment, palliative care and end-oflife care, as well as in certain acute care situations – if properly dosed. But for other pain management, the

PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP DECREASE PAIN, INCREASE MOBILITY AND IMPROVE OVERALL MOOD.

CDC recommends non-opioid alternatives such as physical therapy to cope with chronic pain. Physical therapy is a safe and effective way to treat long-term pain. Physical therapists can provide evidence-based treatments that help treat not only the pain, but the underlying cause of the pain. They can play a valuable role in educating patients about alternative options and setting realistic expectations for recovery without opioids. While it may feel counterintuitive, the more a person who has chronic pain moves, the better he or she usually will feel. One of the goals of physical therapy is to help patients suffering with chronic pain become stronger because they’re usually weak from lack of movement. A physical therapist will work with a patient – typically as part of a medical team – to understand the pain and what’s causing it. This allows the therapist to determine how best to treat and manage it. Physical therapy can help decrease pain, increase mobility and improve overall mood. There are a number of ways that a therapist may help a patient manage pain. These can include low-impact aerobics, massage, stretching, use of modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation, strengthening exercises, movement therapy and other types of exercises depending upon individual abilities. Therapeutic treatments are designed to help a person increase muscle strength, endurance, joint stability and flexibility. In addition, physical therapy aids in reducing inflammation, stiffness and soreness. It encourages the body to heal itself by boosting the production of the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. Overall, when it comes to chronic pain, physical therapists often can help people move safely and functionally in ways they haven’t been able to for a while. So in my opinion, it’s wise to consult with your physician to discuss your options for a non-opioid treatment before agreeing to an opioid prescription for chronic pain.

Leticia Morales is director of therapy operations at Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital. The hospital provides specialized rehabilitative care to patients recovering from disabilities caused by injuries, illnesses or chronic medical conditions. It is certified nationally by the Joint Commission for Stroke Rehabilitation. For more information, visit www.ccrh.ernesthealth.com, call 361-906-3700 or visit the hospital at 5726 Esplanade Drive in Corpus Christi, Texas.

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Walk to End Alzheimer’s Saturday, September 9, 2017

Postponed due to Hurricane Harvey:

December 3rd at Cole Park

7:30 am Check-In / 8:30 am Ceremony 9:00 am Walk To Start a New Team: 1. www.alz.org/walk 2. Enter your Zip Code 3. Click on Corpus Christi, TX 4. Click the yellow “Register” button 5. Click the “Start a Team” button 6. Follow the registration process online To Join a Team: 1. www.alz.org/walk 2. Enter your Zip Code 3. Click on Corpus Christi, TX 4. Click the yellow “Register” button 5. Click the “Join a Team” button 6. Click the “Search for a Team” button 7. Look up your team and click “Join” 8. Follow the registration process online

For more information contact us at 361-445-9764 or mamoseley@alz.org

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COVER STORY

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PIONEER IN PRACTICE Being the best by doing the best: Dr. Adriana Pop-Moody By: DAYNA MAZZEI WORCHEL Photos by: MC STUDIO WORKZ

Relieving human suffering is what Dr. Adriana Pop-Moody’s rheumatology practice in Corpus Christi is all about. Whether it’s an injury that needs healing, autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis or other problems with bones and joints, finding a solution for the patient is the mission for PopMoody, who has been in practice in Corpus Christi since 2000. More often than not, patients with certain joint or soft-tissue conditions can be healed without going through surgery, she said. “I have a state-of-the-art office, I’m using the most modern treatments in my field and I’m developing advanced procedures in my field.” Also, the office is well organized due to her awesome office manager. “The most advanced methods to treat and diagnose rheumatology conditions,” she added, “are via ultrasound usage for diagnosis and procedures, the use of platelet rich plasma treatments and stem cell extraction and treatments.” Pop-Moody also has an in-office research department exploring new medications produced in the rheumatology field. Patients are involved in double-blind studies with FDA-approved medicines, and none are given placebos, she explained. “We compare the medicines with each other to see what works the best. We are able to study the medications more in-depth, especially looking at effectiveness and adverse effects. It’s a clinical study for rheumatoid arthritis patients and psoriatic arthritis.” The patients receive lab work and frequent exams if they are involved in the clinical studies. “We do regenerative medicine, which is the future of medicine. We can save joints without surgery, and that’s the trend,” she said, adding that she is always studying and learning to stay on top of what is happening in the rheumatology field. Pop-Moody also has an IV infusion suite where patients can receive vitamin infusions to treat fatigue and

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“

According to Pop-Moody, patients get better and more accurate diagnoses when this ultrasound is performed, and they get more relief. Even big cities don’t often have physicians certified in this procedure, called MSK US. PopMoody is also board-certified in rheumatology and internal medicine. It was Pop-Moody’s childhood dream to become a doctor. She never wanted to be anything else. “For example, as a child playing ‘cowboys and Indians’ with my brother, I used to pick up each killed action figure and breathe life into them,” she said. “It drove my brother crazy, and I use to tell him, ‘everyone deserves life.’ The medical field was a passion, and that’s where my heart was.” Living in Communist Romania, she served a system that didn’t value individual thinking, and it was often hard to advance, even with educated parents, she said. “They wanted to keep everyone thinking and behaving the same. It was a rough trip to become a doctor. Determination and passion got me there.”

I USE ALL MY ABILITIES AND ENERGY TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR MY PATIENTS.”

fibromyalgia. It’s also used to boost the immune system, she said, adding that her practice is diversified. “I’ve used ultrasound for 10 years now to diagnose early joint inflammation, shoulder, knee conditions,” she said. “(I) also treat them by ultrasound-guided injections, including nerve entrapments (carpal tunnel syndrome and others).” She prescribes traditional treatments, as well as medications such as physical therapy and nerve blocks, and she treats athletic injuries using platelet-rich plasma injections. “Many times, it’s an alternative to surgery, and the tendons will get repaired,” she added. “It’s like a tissue transplant.” She is most proud of being named a pioneer in the field of musculoskeletal ultrasound, and was one of the first physicians in the United States to receive that certification. This ultrasound uses sound waves to diagnose sprains, strains, tears and other soft-tissue conditions.

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She graduated from University Timisoara of Timisoara, Romania, and then went on to do a residency at Michigan State University. She was also a professor of rheumatology and internal medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. She is still teaching, presently as a member of the core faculty for UNT Health Science Center at Forth Worth – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Pop-Moody said she lived in Canada for a while, after defecting from Romania in 1985 and completing her residency. “While Canada is a great country, the medical system is far more limited and not that friendly to foreign medical

graduates,” she said. Pop-Moody loves the United States, and she is a citizen of both the United States and Canada. She came to Corpus Christi for family reasons, but decided to stay after falling in love with the climate, the friendly people and the more relaxed way of life. She also said the area is medically underserved, especially in rheumatology. “Although I looked at Houston and Galveston, I felt that my mission of helping people in pain can be achieved more readily in Corpus Christi than in other areas.” The laidback life in the Coastal Bend and friendly people differ greatly from the other places where she used to work and live, said the doctor who also enjoys kayaking at the Bird Island Basin. Although she works 12-hour days at her practice, she also takes ballroom dancing, oil painting and piano lessons, and she loves to swim and travel. PopMoody said everyone needs some fun in their lives and can’t just be a working machine. Each year, she takes her entire staff of 15 people on an all-expense-paid trip to places like Hawaii, the Bahamas and New York City, or on a cruise. “I train my staff well, and I treat everyone with respect, appreciating the work what they do for our patients,” said Pop-Moody, who added that she has a high employee retention rate. My people enable our practice to be what it is. She has won numerous awards, in-

“

I BELIEVE IN TREATING THE PATIENT AS I WOULD TREAT MYSELF OR A MEMBER OF MY FAMILY.”

cluding being named a “Super Doctor” by Texas Monthly for three years (2005, 2006 and 2007), and she was named America’s Top Physician in 2006 and 2007 by the Consumer Research Council of America. Pop-Moody is passionate about helping her patients feel better. “I un-

derstand human suffering, and I am willing to use all my abilities and energy to improve the quality of life in my patients,” she said. “I study a lot to be up-to-date with all new medical knowledge for every treatment that is done. I understand the needs of each patient. I also believe in treating the patient as I would treat myself or a member of my family, and I train my staff to think same way. I try to be the best by doing the best.”

For more information or to schedule your appointment, contact Dr. Adriana Pop-Moody at 361-885-0010 or visit www.corpuschristirheumatology.com.

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PROFILE

ANSWERING THE CALL CHRISTUS Spohn rebuilds lives and homes after Hurricane Harvey. Special to Inspire Coastal Bend

urricane Harvey will likely go down as one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history, but Coastal Bend residents also will remember how the community banded together in the days following. Among the thousands of South Texans who rolled up their sleeves were the associates of CHRISTUS Spohn who pitched in any way they could. Thousands of associates were on hand to help before, during and after the Category 4 hurricane made landfall in late August. Justin Doss, president for CHRISTUS Spohn Health System, said due to annual training and associates’ spirits of going above and beyond, they

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were ready to assist. “During the hurricane, our associates served more than 300 patients and were proud to be the only provider to keep our doors open,” Doss shared. “We were honored to care for our neighbors under the most difficult conditions and support our EMS partners risking their lives in the storm to help others.” After making sure their own families were safe, clinicians and support staff cared for patients in the height of the wind and rain, many sleeping in hallways or spare rooms just to be available to provide care around the clock. CHRISTUS Spohn associates even delivered babies during the early morning hours, the stories of which made broadcasts across the country.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTUS SPOHN

Dozens of CHRISTUS Spohn associates rolled up their sleeves and assisted their neighbors during hurricane relief in the Coastal Bend.

CHRISTUS Spohn President Justin Doss and VP of Mission Integration Steve Kazanjian assist alongside their team in cleanup efforts in Aransas Pass following Hurricane Harvey.

Steve Kazanjian, vice president of mission integration for the health system, said it’s a duty and a calling for CHRISTUS Spohn associates to provide care. “It’s our mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to all that we are privileged to serve,” Kazanjian added. “We’re very proud of the way they answer the call.” Once the storm passed, work continued as CHRISTUS Spohn associates aided in cleanup and relief efforts. Funds were set up to help those who had been affected by the storm, a blessing for some who lost everything. In Rockport, Aransas Pass and Refugio, dozens of CHRISTUS Spohn associates rolled up their sleeves to clean up debris and mend fences. Doss said he was honored to participate in cleanup efforts and see firsthand how the CHRISTUS Spohn team stepped up. The CHRISTUS Spohn Care Van also distributed hundreds of

“

WHEN IT CAME TO HURRICANE HARVEY, OUR MISSION EXTENDED BEYOND THE HOSPITAL WALLS.”

The CHRISTUS Spohn CareVan delivered hundreds of free flu and tetanus shots to South Texas residents and volunteers after Hurricane Harvey.

free flu shots to cleanup volunteers and residents to ensure they stayed healthy as they assisted others. That spirit of giving comes from the health system’s dedication to the Coastal Bend and its mission of caring, which is more than a century old, Doss added. And thanks to the Diocese of Corpus Christi, CHRISTUS Spohn board members and corporate assistance from CHRISTUS Health, CHRISTUS Spohn was able be there when the community was most in need, he added. “When it came to Hurricane Harvey, our mission extended beyond the hospital walls,” Doss shared. “We’re proud to call South Texas home, and we’re here to help our neighbors any way we can for years to come.”

To see video of the cleanup efforts, visit www.christushealth.org/spohn/about.

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REAL DOCTORS HELPING REAL PEOPLE BY: JESSICA DUSEK

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTUS SPOHN

PROFILE

HOW RADIATION ONCOLOGIST, DR. EDWIN WATTS, AND CHRISTUS SPOHN’S ADVANCED CANCER TECHNOLOGIES ARE RESHAPING LIVES Corpus Christi welcomes radiation oncologist, Dr. Edwin Watts, with open arms. Utilizing non-invasive and state-of-the-art technologies, CHRISTUS Spohn’s cancer treatment technologies advance Watts and his team to the forefront of cancer treatment options for the Coastal Bend. “I’m more ambitious to be on the cutting edge,” explains Watts of his passion to apply advanced technologies to serve his patients’ needs. “I see a lot of tears; (patients) are not ready to throw in the towel.” Expressing concern for his patients, “I tell them, ‘I think we can do some good and give you some quality time.’” The University of Oklahoma graduate received his doctoral degree from the Oklahoma Health and Sciences Center. He later completed his internship at Queens Medical Center at the University of Hawaii. Watts brings his talent for precision and passion to isolate cancer cells with less-invasive treatments, including stereotactic radiosurgery via Cyberknife, and treatments delivered utilizing Tomotherapy. “Cancer is supposed to overtake heart disease in the country,” Watts explains of the rapidly growing statistic. So what can we do about it for our loved ones facing life’s most altering challenges? Become educated. Research our options. “The easier it is to educate everyone, the better it is for anyone who may need those services,” he says. Specifically, patients or loved ones seeking knowledge on cancer-treatment technologies that help improve their case. Whether a patient is dealing with cancer of the liver, prostate or other organs, “each site comes with its own set of challenges,” Watts explains. “Having that kind of (pin-point) precision has less disruption in their lifestyle.” As a specialist in radiation oncology, Watts’ expertise resides on the radiation side of cancer treatment. “We treat every disease; there is no sub-way to categorize it down,” he explains, hav-

ing cared for patients with many different kinds of cancer diagnoses. Specifically, his focus remains in more complex sites of the body, including the care and treatment of gastro-intestinal tumors and gynecologic cancers. More importantly for Watts and his staff, they find it is essential that the Coastal Bend residents know about the options available at their facility. “We can carve out radiation around the heart in breast cancer patients,” he explains. For patients dealing with this life-altering cancer, it’s important to decrease the exposure of radiation to the heart during treatments. “There is a direct correlation of women getting heart attacks, having had radiation,” he explains of former case studies. Decreasing the exposure of radiation to major organs is essential to prevent weakening of these organs down the road. Today, hospitals such as CHRISTUS Spohn can offer this specialized care to their patients. “You can’t really spare the (heart and organs) unless you have the right technologies – and we have that here at Spohn.”

Did you know?

State-of-the-art cancer treatments available locally at CHRISTUS Spohn include: • CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery: a treatment option with no incisions, reducing pain and improving patient recovery time. “It’s so precise and pinpoint,” Watts explains. “We can use ablative doses, and it can be only in a single treatment.” • Tomotherapy: modality with the ability to sculpt powerful radiation, and isolate targeted areas containing the tumor or cancer areas • External Beam Radiation: high-energy radiation beams delivered to the tumor target via a linear accelerator

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Patient success story

“I had a patient who unfortunately was fairly young and a single mom doing her best to deal with the fact that she had breast cancer that spread to her brain,” Watts says. As the breast cancer spread to this patient’s brain, the patient developed an obstruction (tumor) behind her eye. Watts describes, “If breast cancer is in one area, it can spread.” Yet an approach he specializes in helped this young patient. “One of the unique things I do is called radiosurgery (Cyberknife treatment) that allows you to design an accurate pinpoint treatment. Now, with something like this, I was able to offer her the treatment where the tumor eventually disappeared.” Joining his team at CHRISTUS Spohn, he recalls how he even found himself in South Texas. Working in Oklahoma, “I was working with a couple of folks that really understood strong medical practice,” he explains. It was actually CHRISTUS Spohn’s current president, Brian Connor, leading the former Oklahoma team at that time. When Connor left his role in Oklahoma for the opportunity with Spohn, his absence was felt by their team and colleagues. “I randomly received a text message from him saying, ‘Are you ready to move to Corpus Christi and work for me?’” Having respected Connor’s leadership in medicine, Watts chose the opportunity to practice in South Texas in the Coastal Bend to help improve the lives of residents. Collaborating with his new administration from the clinical and medical sides, Watts looks forward to being part of a hospital that is looking for the best interest of the patient. A willingness to invest in treatments that will offer the patient comfort and options is critical. “You just have the right people that understand that and are thinking outside of the box a bit. I’ve talked to people that understand that correlation – and it gets me somewhere,” he notes with a smile.

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“WE TREAT EVERY DISEASE.”

CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center - Shoreline 1415 Santa Fe St. Corpus Christi, Texas 78404

To learn more about Dr. Edwin Watts at CHRISTUS Spohn, please visit www.christushealth.org, call 361-737-0600 or email walter.watts@christushealth.org.

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EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

Celebrate Eat Smart Month with the American Heart Association this November. By: ERIN WILDER

ur Coastal Bend region is a thriving and inspiring community. We’ve seen the Coastal Bend area come together and grow together in the recovery from Harvey. At the American Heart Association, we were so heartened by all those who came out to our Coastal Bend Heart Walk in early October to join us in the battle against cardiovascular disease and stroke. We’re committed with each of you to win that battle. We’re excited to have kicked off this year’s World Stroke Day Campaign in October, as well. Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and a leading cause of long-term disability. As we gather together this Thanksgiving, in great gratitude and thankfulness, we know there are still many more steps to take to ensure our longterm community health. One of the things we will never waver in is our commitment toward offering programs including CPR training, nutrition education, high blood pressure management programs and walking and corporate fitness programs. As obesity rates rise, part of the American Heart Association’s focus is on empowering good nutrition and heart-healthy eating. Did you know that consuming the right amounts of the proper foods may be the single most important thing you can do to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke? When shopping for those Thanksgiving and December holiday meals, compare nutrition information on package labels and select products with the lowest amounts of sodium, added sugars, saturated fat and trans fat, and no partially hydrogenated oils. Remember to look for the American Heart Association’s HeartCheck mark to easily identify foods

that can be part of an overall healthy diet. Learn more at heartcheck.org. And along with the start of the holiday season, we invite you to join our November Eat Smart Month celebration. You, your company and your employees can take a big step toward a healthier lifestyle by making small changes to incorporate healthier food choices. Making healthier food choices is easier when you use the resources of the American Heart Association’s Eat Smart Month toolkit. (In previous years, this was known as National Eating Healthy Day.) Throughout the month, we are aiming to inspire Americans to take simple steps to eat healthier. Celebrating Eat Smart Month is fun and easy! We provide a complete toolkit of materials and how-to information for workplaces, schools, individuals and communities. Use these resources to kick off a new wellness campaign for your employees or add to an existing one. When companies make a pledge to

increase their employees’ health, it helps the company and the community. We pledge to be there with you each step of the way.

If you would like to learn more about how the American Heart Association is taking on the challenges of transforming the health of our community and the nation, visit www.heart.org.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

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INSPIRED STYLE

Melanie Jennings Vice President of G&M Oilfield Services Inc.

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PHOTOGRAPHY MC STUDIO WORKZ HAIR BIANCA ELIAS , ANTHONY’S AVEDA SALON MAKEUP GINA MONTALVO RUPENSKI SPRAY TAN THIRD COAST SPRAY TANS FINE JEWELRY SUSANN’S CUSTOM JEWELERS

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My philosophy: There are only a few things that really matter: God, family and true friends!

Why I love doing what I do: I am so grateful to create this crazy thing we call life, together with my husband, Gary. Building a family and a business has been rewarding and trying all at the same time. I am especially appreciative to have a flexible schedule so I can fulfill my passion for philanthropy. Giving back to our community is an essential way I show my gratitude for all of the blessings I have received. I still remember the days I prayed for the things I have now. It is vital to have balance of family, work and charity. I pray I am creating that balance!Â Â

Words to live by: Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do, but someone you raise.Â Being a mom is truly the hardest, most important job I have ever had. I cherish the gift of being a mother! If I can be half the mom my mom is, I will be doing good!

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Compassion & Excellence

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