may + june 2021
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Now Scheduling VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON Appointments – at Your Place or Ours!
Whether you’re new to the Kelsey-Seybold family or a longtime patient, you have a choice of where you can safely get care. Call our 24/7 Contact Center at 713-442-0000 to schedule a same-day or next-day virtual Video Visit or, for non-respiratory illnesses, an in-person appointment at our Downtown at The Shops at 4 Houston Center location.
OUR SPECIALTIES • Cosmetic Services
• Internal Medicine
• Podiatry
• Dermatology
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Schedule your appointment today – 713-442-0000!
Downtown at The Shops at 4 Houston Center: 1200 McKinney, Suite 473 ● Houston, TX 77010 ● 713-442-4700 ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS and more than 50 HEALTH PLANS, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare. kelsey-seybold.com/downtown |
may + june 2021 Send comments, thoughts or ideas to intownmagazine@gmail.com
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8 PUBLISHER’S LETTER 12-16 18-19
YOUR HEALTH QUESTIONS ANSWERED
22-23
HOUSTON HOMICIDE RATE SOARS FINANCIAL FOCUS
DR. PETER HOTEZ: MEDICAL PERSON OF THE YEAR
PRODUCTION
PUBLISHER
M. A. Haines EDITOR
Lisa June
bestofheights.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Lindsay Mowad William Hanover Marene Gustin Evans Attwell Philip Berquist Minnie Payne
Web Design CSS Art & Design Layout & Graphic Design CSS Art & Design
For advertising rates and information: 713.525.8607 intownmagazine@gmail.com Space reservation deadline is 15 days prior to publication.
Graphic Designer Cris Bell Photographer Wells Brown
Intown Magazine is published bi-monthly by SNS Media. Articles are welcome and will be given careful consideration for possible publication. Intown magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolicited materials. Materials submitted will be returned if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Box 980757 Houston, TX 77098. You can also e-mail intownmagazine@ gmail.com or call 713.525.8607. Copyright 2021 by Intown magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or reproduced without permission from Intown Magazine.
6 | HEIGHTS | May + June 2021
4521 N. Main in June 2021
$555,000
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$415,000
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lot ge r a L
$574,000
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$220,000
$345,000
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$450,000
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713-408-3185
713-408-3185
Publisher’s Letter
Health of Our City ur goal is like most businesses to make a healthy profit and fulfill a need in the community. Part of our mission is to help improve the lives and well-being of the people of Houston. Intown Magazine and now www.houstonintown.com was spawned from the Intown Chamber of Commerce and the Upper Kirby Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) over 20 years ago. Intown has morphed into a more city-wide media venture with 8 tiles serving over 30 neighborhoods in Houston. There are four accompanying growing websites increasing our digital presence and hopefully making our neighborhoods more interesting, safe, exciting, and livable. The last year has made it tough on so many people’s lives here and around the world. So many businesses and families’ lives are forever changed. It seems fitting to reflect on the many sacrifices of so many first responders, teachers, health care professionals, and the frontline doctors who have risked their lives to save others. Houston has faired relatively well overall according to an interview with Intown’s Medical Person Of The Year, Dr. Peter Hotez. Also, many of your health questions are answered by our group of specialists from KelseySeybold Clinic. Our city’s cancer research, pollution, crime, and community policing seem to be regular topics in our pages. With the death of Miguel Vasquez, I feel a growing concern over the rapid increase in murders
8 | HEIGHTS | May + June 2021
in Houston and due to how close to home it was. This and other senseless acts put our city on edge. A family should be able to go to a movie theater and not be worried about being accosted or robbed and murdered going out to the movies. Adequate security cameras, security officers, and better awareness of our surroundings are a few of the most fundamental deterrents. We all hope the police will work hard to find and prosecute the assailants because that is all the family can hope for. Bringing these and other criminals to justice will help deter others from thinking they can get away with such heinous crimes. Remember policing ourselves, our neighborhoods, and our places of business are fundamental to fighting this rampant crime and maintaining a healthy city. We all have a part in improving the health of our city.
Val Arbona
REALTOR, CLHMS, CRS
RE/MAX Vintage (713) 562-4903 valarbona.com
David Michael Young Broker Associate, CLHMS, CNE, GREEN
Compass RE Texas
(713) 320-6453 www.youngrealtyhouston.com
Beverly Smith
CLHMS Lake Conroe Specialist
Coldwell Banker Realty
(713) 569-2113 www.lakeconroebeverlysmith.com
Carrie Ousley CIC, CISR
Luxury Home Insurance (281) 224-0762 www.carrieousley.com
10 Magnolia Woods Dr. | Kingwood
13246 Snow Lane | Lake Conroe
Grand 12,708 SF estate on 3.85 acre lot in guard gated Deer Ridge Estates with guest house and pool house. Grounds include huge pool, secluded hot hub, many covered patios, two kitchens, fountains, fire pits, palapas and a walking trail through the woods. David M. Young | Compass RE Texas | 713-320-6453
Lake Conroe Waterfront with approximately 240' of water frontage with a boat slip and a boat ramp. This 4.94 acres is unrestricted with trees and a 1000 square foot cabin with electricity, kitchen and bathroom, 2 bedrooms and a bunk room that sleeps seven. Open water with views from the vista out over the lake and deeper water depths off the bulkhead. Beverly Smith | Coldwell Banker Realty | 713-569-2113
List Price $3,200,000 | MLS #91653116
List Price $1,075,000 | MLS #91218580
Real Estate Professionals Serving the Houston Luxury Home Community w w w. g r e a t e r h o u s t o n l u x u r y. c o m
Mariana Saldana Broker Associate
Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan
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Ken Jacobson
Lisa Fay
CMPS NMLS# 215044 Branch Manager
CLHMS, GRI, ABR, The Woodlands Specialist
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(832) 447-7718 lisafayrealestate.net
Republic State Mortgage
Coldwell Banker Realty
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CARRIE OUSLEY, CIC, CISR
VICE PRESIDENT 281.224.0762 | www.carrieousley.com carrie.ousley@hubinternational.com
12 | HEIGHTS | March + April 2021
Th e G r e at e r H o u s t o n L u x u ry H o m e C o n n e c t i o n w w w. g r e a t e r h o u s t o n l u x u r y. c o m
Donielle (Don) Davis Designated Broker
Don Davis Luxe Realty
(936) 494-5500 www.dondavisrealtygroup.com
Dan Monson
Branch Manager/ Mortgage Banker/NMLS 302692
Sente Mortgage
(713) 480-1061 dan.monson@sentemortgage.com
Genevieve Rowland
REALTOR, MCNE, CLHMS Multimillion Dollar Producer, ILHM
Keller Williams Memorial
(281) 904-7014 www.rowland-properties.com
Marilyn Arendt
Joanne Naponic Broker/Owner
Naponic Properties
(713) 515-3805 JoanneNaponicProperties.com
Michelle Hinton
Broker - Owner
Realtor®, CRS, MCNE, CLHMS
(281) 433-9113 mma@castle2sell.com
(832) 795-2246 www.hintonhometeam.com
Marilyn Arendt Properties
Compass Real Estate
6213 San Felipe | BriarGrove
2619 Roy Circle | Greater Heights
Timeless elegance coupled with Modern sophistication appeals to all who enter. This Magnificent Retreat boasts a spacious floorplan w/a resort-style pool & spa w/an outdoor kitchen & remote-controlled canopy system that will allow you to entertain outside all year 'round. Minutes from fine dining, shopping, excellent schools & more. Genevieve Rowland | Keller Williams Memorial | 281-904-7014
One-story custom Craftsman home built in 2017 in Greater Heights has open living, high-end finishes, gourmet island kitchen, study, covered outdoor living with fireplace, and a yard. David M. Young | Compass RE Texas | 713-320-6453
List Price $1,200,000 | MLS#24373040
List Price $785,000 | MLS #42221682
Your Health Questions Are Answered GENERAL Michelle Udayamurthy, M.D., Internal Medicine Is there any benefit to taking a daily vitamin or nutritional supplements such as vitamins C and D, or is it better to get these essential nutrients from foods? The only vitamin I recommend to patients is vitamin D, usually 2000 IU per day. For other vitamins and supplements, we can usually get these from eating a normal, nutritious diet. If you have specific dietary restrictions or certain medical conditions, it’s best to consult with your doctor before starting any other supplements or vitamins. Is taking a small dose of aspirin daily recommended for better heart and overall health? It’s recommended for certain individuals at higher risk for cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks and strokes. However, an aspirin regimen isn’t advisable unless directed by your doctor because of the potential risk of damage to the stomach and intestinal linings. Is testosterone replacement or enhancement therapy a good strategy for more energy and better health? Not necessarily. If you believe you have symptoms due to low testosterone, it’s best to be evaluated by a urologist or endocrinologist. They can determine if testosterone replacement is needed. There are multiple factors that can contribute to low energy levels and worsening health. Moreover, testosterone replacement can lead to serious adverse side effects.
DIET Shane Magee, M.D., Internal Medicine Do prebiotics and probiotics supplements work, or is eating healthy better? It’s important to remember that the everyday things we eat affect the bacteria in and on our body. Therefore, it’s more important to eat a well-balanced, plant-based diet. Most evidence to support probiotics centers around digestive problems. Is fasting a good way to lose weight? Fasting will help some people lose weight quickly, but there is a high rate of weight regain. Although intermittent fasting may improve insulin sensitivity and prevent diabetes, I would rather my patients 12 | HEIGHTS | May + June 2021
by our group of specialists from Kelsey-Seybold Clinic
make sustainable lifestyle changes and remember that slow but steady weight loss usually is longer lasting. Is detoxing your body regularly a good idea? There is no evidence to support detoxing. Detoxing can refer to many different procedures people often try to rid their bodies of toxins, but to the best of my knowledge, I know of no specific health benefits. I attribute any positive changes from a detox to a healthier diet rather than a so-called detox regimen. People who eat healthy do feel better. How important is your BMI (body mass index) to your overall health? The BMI offers a quick insight into your body composition. It’s easy use makes it slightly error prone. Fortunately, for the vast majority of nonprofessional athletes, it is a good marker. There is a negative correlation between increasing BMI and obesity-related conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and abdominal cancers, not to mention increased mortality.
SKIN Anita Mehta, M.D., F.A.A.D., Dermatology Are there certain foods or creams that enhance or reduce your skin’s aging process? Eating more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods (fast food, white sugar, candy, soda, etc.) is definitely good for your skin. They are less inflammatory, and the less inflammation you have in your body, the better for skin will look. Using sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 will decrease the amount of sun damage you develop, which will help decrease sunspots, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Products that have retinol in them also decrease fine lines, wrinkles, and help even out skin tone. In that way, retinol products can slow the aging process of your skin.
WORTHWHILE CONVERSATIONS
RE-THINKING ROTH IRAS…
J. Harold Williams, CPA/PFS, CFP®, and Jessica Banitt, CPA, CFP®, weigh the differences between traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs, and the importance of having a team of professionals to determine the right choice for you. ROTH IRAS ARE NOT EXACTLY NEW. WHAT IS THERE TO “RETHINK?” More to the point: Some people should re-think the use of Roth IRAs. Start by remembering two key differences between Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs. First, money contributed to a Roth has already been taxed. BUT, if you conform to the rules, everything you ever withdraw, including earnings that might be many times what was contributed, is completely tax-free. Second, unlike traditional IRAs, there is NO requirement to withdraw minimum distributions from a Roth IRA after reaching age 70-1/2.
YOU SAID “SOME PEOPLE” MIGHT NEED A RE-THINK. WHO SPECIFICALLY? After 50 years of working with clients, we’ve now advised through the full cycle of IRA drawdowns for some of our longer-tenured families.
Oftentimes, we encounter meaningful balances left in these IRA accounts when the estate passes to the next generation. Those clients were well enough positioned for retirement that they did not “need” all the funds in their IRA. That is the opportunity.
some tax now is counter-intuitive, but the savings accumulated over many years can be substantial.” Each person’s situation is unique, and running the numbers is critical.
WHAT ARE THE PITFALLS? SO, HOW DOES THAT CONNECT TO THE ROTH IRA? Phillip Hamman, CFA, CFP®, chairs our Wealth Planning Committee, a group of our professionals with multiple professional backgrounds, including attorneys and CPAs. He summarized the connection in this way: “Clients approaching or just starting retirement may forecast that IRA accounts will not be fully withdrawn during their lifetime, leaving a balance for heirs. Until seeing the numbers, it is difficult for them to imagine the potential wealth enhancement from a Roth conversion. The strategy of converting all or a portion of a traditional IRA and paying
Make sure you have experienced and well-trained eyes preparing the analysis. This is an area where it is essential to rely upon an advisor who is 100% committed to the fiduciary business model, which puts the client’s interest first. Do not rely on “analysis” from anyone with a product selling motivation. Our experienced team of financial professionals are ready to sit down to visit about the potential, either virtually, or in person, from any of our locations. For more information, or a copy of our Form ADV, Part II, with all of our disclosures, call Grant Williams at 713 840 1000 or visit www.linscomb-williams.com.
Linscomb & Williams is located at 1400 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 1000 in Houston, TX For more information call 713 840 1000 or visit www.linscomb-williams.com. Linscomb & Williams is not an accounting firm.
Is there really anything that cures psoriasis without side effects? We do not have a cure for psoriasis. However, there are treatments available that can help patients keep their psoriasis quite clear and minimize the number of flare-ups they have. We have treatments ranging from creams to light treatments to pills to injections. These treatments come with various side effects with creams and light treatments having the fewest side effects. Steroidal creams, which are often used when treating psoriasis, are well tolerated. However, if overused, they can thin or lighten the skin. Light treatments consistent of specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light, so their main side effects are similar to getting too much sun – mainly a sunburn-like reaction such as itching and dryness. Pills and injections often come with more potential side effects, such as lowering the immune system and an increased risk of infection, but overall the risk is low and the medications are well tolerated by most patients.
AGING Desiree Bobino Thomas, M.D., Neurology Is there scientific evidence that brain and memory supplements help improve memory? Most supplements have not been clinically proven to help memory, and the ones with “proven benefits” only make a small difference. Supplements are not regulated and can have unexpected ingredients that interact and adversely affect other medications you are taking. Proceed with caution and talk to you doctor before taking any supplements. Does playing puzzle games help with memory retention/strength? Yes. Puzzles, cards, mind teasers, and other games can help to improve memory. The use of memory phone apps may also help preserve brain function. Is loneliness a risk factor for dementia? Yes. Humans are social beings. Lack of social interaction is harmful to our brains. It’s important to stay connected to family, friends, or even pets to help our emotional well-being, which in turn helps our thinking/memory.
SLEEP Puneet Patni, M.D., Pulmonary Medicine Sleep doesn’t come easily for nearly half of older Americans, and more than a third have resorted to medication to help them doze off at night, according to new results from the National Poll on Healthy Aging. But most poll respondents said they hadn’t talked to their doctor about their sleep, even though more than a third said their sleep posed a problem. Half believe — incorrectly — that sleep problems just come naturally with age. Are melatonin or sleep aids a safe, long-term solution? Many believe sleep problems come naturally with age, but this is not true. Some older adults may need slightly less sleep than when they were younger and some may experience a little bit of a circadian phase shift. If you’re having difficulty sleeping or you’re experiencing frequent awakenings or excessive daytime sleepiness, you should discuss this with your doctor or a sleep specialist. Fortunately, Kelsey-Seybold has a dedicated Sleep Center to diagnose and treat individuals dealing with sleep deprivation. 14 | HEIGHTS | May + June 2021
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10 Magnolia Woods Dr/Kingwood $3,200,000 MLS# 91653116
20614 Autumn Shore Dr/Kelliwood Lakes $995,500 MLS# 15810960
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$989,900 MLS# 83001999
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2619 Newman St/Upper Kirby $799,900 MLS# 56369829
4019 Driscoll St/Montrose $749,900 MLS# 66254848
D L SO 2619 Roy Cir/Greater Heights $785,000 MLS# 42221682
1302 Riverine Ct/Spring Branch $667,500 MLS# 24538430
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42 Blooming Grove Ln/Parkway Villages $625,000 MLS# 76199292
38 Blooming Grove Ln/Parkway Villages $650,000 MLS# 26183074
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49 Briar Hollow Ln #1805/Park Square $500,000 MLS# 24421282
2200 Willowick Rd #2J/River Oaks $498,000 MLS# 3560042
David M Young Houston Real Estate is Broker Associate
713-320-6453 David.Young@Compass.com www.youngrealtyhouston.com Proven Performance – Year After Year Over 18 years experience working with buyers and sellers of residential real estate in the Greater Houston Area.
Do you need a cool new home? May + June 2021
| HEIGHTS | 15
Melatonin and other sleep aids are acceptable for long-term use and can have a small benefit for insomnia but shouldn’t be used alone. These supplements can have a beneficial role when used in a more comprehensive approach that may include cognitive and behavioral strategies, addressing other medical and psychological issues, and improving sleep hygiene. Melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone the brain makes to naturally control sleep cycle. Melatonin levels, which rise after the onset of darkness, are tenfold higher at night than during the daytime. Studies show that melatonin can have an effect on the time it takes to fall asleep and total sleep time.
CANCER PREVENTION John Colen, M.D., Urology Prostate cancer is among the most common types of cancer in American men. The American Cancer Society estimates 248,530 new cases in 2021. As serious as prostate cancer can be, it’s treatable and survivable when detected in the early stages. Educating men on the condition and having regular checkups are important for optimal outcomes. How often and at what age should you be tested for prostate cancer? Prostate cancer screening is a fairly controversial topic. Most importantly, before screening for prostate cancer, it’s important for each man to have a thorough discussion with their physician regarding the pros and cons of prostate 16 | HEIGHTS | May + June 2021
cancer screening. Currently, the American Urological Association recommends men at a higher risk begin screening at age of 40. This higher-risk group may include African Americans or men who have a family history of prostate cancer. For men at average risk, screening should start at age 55. The screening process involves a blood test called the PSA and a digital rectal examination to evaluate the prostate for nodules. Testing should be performed every one to two years. Is testicular cancer more common now than it was 20-30 years ago? What are the signs to look for? The incidence of testicular cancer has been increasing over the last several decades, but this increase has begun to slow down. It’s not entirely clear why the rate of new cases has increased. The most common sign of testicular cancer is a palpable, firm mass in the testicle. For
this reason, it is important for a man to do monthly testicular exams. If any new masses are detected, an appointment should be made with a urologist. Many lumps in the scrotum are not cancer, but this determination should always be made by a medical professional. Is regular sex or masturbation recommended for a healthy prostate? Although some men would prefer regular sex or masturbation to help with prostate health, this is simply a preferred truth or urban legend and should not be taken as medical advice. There is no evidence to suggest that regular ejaculation will lead to a decreased risk of prostate cancer or other benign prostate associat-
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Intown’s Medical Person Of The Year
Peter Hotez His leadership in trying to halt the spread of the coronavirus is a tough job and Dr. Hotez has been up to the task
T
he Covid-19 vaccine was developed in record time which is a good thing. However, for many people this fact has also made them skeptical of the vaccine. The quick turnaround time from development to approval to having shots into arms happened due to a lengthy program of research and development according to Houston virologist Dr. Peter Hotez, one of the world’s foremost authorities on disease and vaccines. Peter Hotez M.D., Ph.D is an advocate for science and vaccines for a healthier society. His beliefs are trumpeted in the book spawned from his autistic daughter’s 2018 book, Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel’s Autism. Dr. Hotez is Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and Professor of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine where he is also the Co-director of the Texas Children’s Center for Vaccine Development. Hotez is an internationally recognized physician-scientist in neglected tropical diseases and vaccine development and received the Abraham Horwitz Award for Excellence in Leadership in 18 20 | HEIGHTS | May + June 2021
Inter-American Health from the World Health Organization. Fortune Magazine named him one of the thirty-four most influential people in health care. During the previous ten years prior to the pandemic Hotez and his colleagues have provided a basis for the development of Operation Warp Speed. Despite the rather quick to market vaccines that have provided some fuel for vaccine hesitancy. When posed the question of whether the Covid-19 vaccines can be for real he responds, that the answer is it didn’t. “ It’s been a 10 year R&D program just like any other vaccine. When people hear that, that actually builds confidence”, status Hotez. Despite some vaccine hesitancy the higher percentage of vaccinated people have shown a drastic reduction in Covid cases, hospitalizations and deaths. He has been a pioneer in treatments and education to the public about the benefits of vaccines. Hotez has been maintaining all along to rid ourselves of this pandemic that has killed over a half a million people and to get back to a nomal life like in 2019 prior to the public we must have a much greater percentage of people vaccinated.
“With the anti-vaccine lobby we have had to prove to the public that it is a safe and effective vaccine that was built on our research, and my colleagues’ research over the last decade and is the same approach that we used for SARS and MERS, explains Hotez. He has gone on African American talk radio shows, conservative talk radio shows and TV stations. “I’ve done Newsmax, and back on Fox News. It’s great. I really enjoy being able to talk to different groups of people, and really understand what the basis of their hesitancy is, says Hotez. All that work over the last decade has laid the groundwork for the current generation of Covid-19 vaccines and Hotez and his team has used that same playbook in the development of his own Covid-19 vaccine that’s now being scaled up for production in India. With over a billion doses being made and tested in India, his development of a low cost Covid-19 vaccine for global health can fill an enormous hole right now. Hotez maintains his relentless pursuit of education, research and vaccine safety awareness in his goal toward a healthier society.
Q A &
with
Dr. Peter Hotez How has Houston fared overall thus far in battling the pandemic? I think that Houston has done better than most metropolitan areas, because of the commitment of our two local health departments — Houston Health Dept and Harris County — to make vaccines and vaccinations accessible. Also our amazing Texas Medical Center hospitals had the capacity and heft to ensure that we could handle deadly Covid surges on ICUs. What guidelines should we look for to keep ourselves safe now that most of us are vaccinated and ready to move on with our lives? The current guidelines are placeholders in a sense until we fully vaccinate the population of Texas. If we can achieve this by the summer, then our quality of life improves and starts to resemble what life was like in 2019. The exception is that our air travel will be limited to domestic flights and just a few countries such as Canada, UK, Israel, some Western European nations where people are fully vaccinated.
For pregnant women and kids, what should they do with regards to vaccinations? Emerging safety data shows that the vaccines are likely to be safe in pregnant women, and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology has endorsed vaccines. For good reason, pregnant women don’t do well with Covid and have higher hospitalization rates, ICU admissions, and deaths compared to non-pregnant women. We now also have some safety and efficacy data in 12-15 year olds for the Pfizer Biontech vaccine and others to follow, so that hopefully we can vaccinate adolescents by the fall school year. The younger kids will likely have to wait longer, possibly not until 2022. Is it safe to assume that there will be a booster of some sort fairly soon to further protect against infection? I think a booster (third dose of Pfizer Biontech or Moderna) is likely later this year or next year, to not only increase virus neutralizing antibodies and durability of protection but also to target some of the additional emerging variants of concern. For our vaccine developed at Baylor and Texas Children’s Hospital we are also looking at the potential for a booster. Our vaccine is now being scaled for production by Biological E in Hyderabad, India.
May + June 2021
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Houston Homicide Rate Soars Another side effect of the pandemic
A
pril 4 was a deadly day in Houston. Brianna Navarro, the 22-year-old pregnant mother of two, was shot in the back and killed as she and her boyfriend were trying to leave a convenience store after an altercation. Hours later, a robbery turned deadly left 37-year-old Miguel Vasquez shot and dying in the parking lot of an entertainment complex as his daughter watched. At press time neither homicide had been solved. It was not just the random violence that made that Easter weekend tragic, it was also the fact that the murders pushed Houston’s homicide numbers over 100, on pace to match or surpass 2020’s 405 murders, which was an increase of 42 percent over 2019 murders and the most in a decade for the Bayou City. Former Houston Police Department (HPD) Chief Art Acevedo, in his final press conference before leaving for a higher-paying job in Miami, said “Get ready for 500 murders.” But that still wouldn’t make Houston the murder capital of the country. Last year Chicago recorded more than 700 homicides and Philadelphia was close to 500 murders. The trend upwards is nationwide and one of the main causes is the Covid-19 pandemic. 20 | HEIGHTS | May + June 2021
by Marene Gustin
Victim Miguel Vasquez, and a sketch of the suspect released by the police
“Unprecedented losses for people, the stress and anxiety,” explains HPD Homicide Division Commander Belinda Null. Dr. Michael Kane, director of the Criminology, Law and Society program at the University of St. Thomas (the only program of its kind in Texas), concurs. “The stress of the lockdown and the economic downturn that came with the pandemic made more arguments turn deadly,” says Dr. Kane. “That was the leading cause of homicides in 2020.
Also, the slowdown of the Harris County court system. The pandemic caused fewer trials because of social distancing. If a person has been arrested and hasn’t gone to trial, they feel like they’ve beaten the system. Also, the release of violent offenders when the pandemic started because they had to keep the jail population down, so more were released on lower bond and personal recognizance bonds.” Historically, major events have contributed to spikes in homicide rates in Houston and other major U.S. cities. The early ’70s saw an increase with the rise of American serial killers think Houston’s Dean Corll who tortured and murdered at least 28 teenagers and young men between 1970 and 1973. And, again in the early 80’s when Houston recorded 701 homicides for 1981 which Dr. Kane attributes to the influx of crack cocaine in major cities nationwide. A trend that continued into the early ’90s. And now Covid-19 is taking its murderous toll across the country. “We’re not as bad as other cities,” says Dr. Kane, “but we’re bad.” Dr. Kane says most murders can’t be prevented by the police. “Often it’s people who are known to each other and the crime is committed in private areas.
What we need are more courtrooms and trials.” Commander Null agrees with the sentiment but adds there are things Houston can do to keep murders down. “Under new Chief Troy Finner we are focused on violent crime,” she says. But she adds that citizens need to be vigilant. “People need to be aware of their surroundings. If someone cuts you off
in traffic let it go. You don’t know what kind of day they’ve had, and people are quick to pull out a gun when stressed. And if you have a gun, keep it secured. Leaving it in your car overnight is not secured, if someone knows or sees you do that, they can break in and take it. “We really need to get the police, the court system, and the community on
the same page,” she says. If history is any indication, homicide rates will go back down, eventually. In the meantime, add being aware of your surroundings, not engaging with angry people, and reporting crimes to the police to your toolkit of vaccines, masks, and social distancing to keep you safe this year.
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3801 Kirby Drive, Suite 100 Houston, TX (713) 520-6090 | qctailors.com May + June 2021
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Financial
FOCUS
I
HOW LONG
s $1 million enough to live on? For that matter, how can one know that any amount is “enough?” The answer may surprise you. There are several factors that can determine how long – or how short – $1 million (or any amount for that matter) will actually last. Some studies conclude it’s around 20 years, on average. The real answer? It depends. If not managed properly, a golden nest egg can become a short-lived payday. Despite how long it took you to amass this much, $1 million can disappear very quickly. When determining how much a client needs to retire, our team at Linscomb & Williams looks at several factors.
by Lauren Rich, CFP®
Wealth Advisor, Linscomb & Williams
22 | HEIGHTS | May + June 2021
YOUR SPENDING HABITS
As you probably guessed, your spending habits are one of the most important inputs to estimating your probability of financial success. If you can keep your spending under control, your nest egg will last longer. Obviously, the more you spend, the more you’ll need. Further, when you take this money from your retirement plan, the more it costs.. When you withdraw from your retirement accounts, not only are you depleting your reserves from the direct withdrawals themselves, but you are also diminishing the ability to accumulate more investment earnings by selling off some of your capital. Certain spending is necessary. The biggest expenses for retirees are hous-
ing, transportation, and healthcare. For most families, it is not the necessities of spending that create a problem; more often, it is the discretionary decisions about spending.
YOUR CITY
Location, location, location. Like real estate, the value of your $1 million can be greatly affected by where you live. The cost of living you experience in the area where you live and ultimately retire influences your spending, tax picture and your overall savings. A high-cost address can take a serious bite out of your financial longevity. For example, a budget of $50,000 in Atlanta, Georgia, could decrease to $45,407 in Houston, Texas. Cost of living in Houston is lower, allowing your available dollars to go further. These considerations are more important now that employers are increasingly more open to remote work arrangements. Locations such as California or New York can make an even bigger difference, with higher costs for housing alone. Think wisely about the long-term financial ramifications of where you choose to live, especially during retirement.
THE LENGTH OF RETIREMENT
The general consensus is that the sooner you can retire, the better. That may be true, but this is not necessarily the case for your finances. A longer retirement requires careful financial manage-
WILL $1 MILLION LAST?
ment, and potentially, a larger nest egg. So, while your spending in retirement is very important, the actual length of your retirement is the other side of your spending coin. There are financial planning strategies that can help stretch your money, such as waiting to receive Social Security benefits until later, if you can, or even working a part-time job you enjoy during retirement to give yourself an additional financial cushion.
YOUR PLANS FOR YOUR GOLDEN YEARS
Likely, the most enjoyable part of planning your retirement is deciding how you will spend it. Will you spend quality time with family and friends, simply enjoying the opportunity to live life without work? Or will you
travel the world, checking off destinations as you circle the globe? Although your Golden Years are meant to be enjoyed, this time period can burn through your savings if you’re not careful. Discuss your plans with a financial advisor so your savings adequately reflects the spending associated with your lifestyle goals.
YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS
No matter what financial trends are occurring or what demographic statistics say, remember that your personal financial situation is unique and specific. A million dollars can seem like a lot or a little, depending on your financial goals. One thing we’ve learned in working with hundreds of families over 50 years is that this planning is not a “one size fits all!”
Are you looking to donate more to charity? Pay for your grandchildren’s higher education? Is your goal to leave a sizable legacy to your family? Each of your goals has important implications for how your funds should be saved and invested, as well as their tax consequences.
YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR
As you can see, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind when considering your financial longevity. The more money you have, the more you can lose. This can make working with a financial advisor even more important for your financial goals. A financial advisor can take an in-depth look at your goals, needs, financial habits and more to create a plan that maximizes your financial health and ultimately prolongs your asset base. Your spending, investment choices, and retirement and tax planning can have major effects on your nest egg. Having the right relationship with your financial advisor can make that $1 million of yours, or whatever your individual number happens to be, last a very, very long time. Linscomb & Williams is a Houstonbased wealth management firm established in 1971.
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