Carlos Elizondo, MD- MD Monthly by MD Monthly

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE Eliot Garza PUBLISHER Jessie Moore PROJECT MANAGERS Aymie Larralde Tyler Williams DIGITAL AD MANAGERS Tyrone Loud Heather Riley GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Vanessa Bolanos Stephanie Rodriguez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES ZZ Mylar

VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS GIVING TIME 54

PHOTOGRAPHERS Erik Alaniz Carlos Tamez-Mendez Saulo Rodriguez EDITOR Jody Marmel WRITERS Rudy Arispe Jody Marmel Kiko Martinez CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Michael Fuentes Dr. Kukena Karkhanis Dr. Melanie Carreon Marcela Freeman Eric Kala Melissa Muse Wiggans Kennedy Dental Care CREATIVE AGENCY The Design House

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contents

DR. SALVATORE BARBARO HAS A HEART FOR EDUCATION AS EL REY FEO LXXI

26 COVER FEATURE

CHILDREN’S HEALTH Common Children’s Tooth Injuries That Happen at Home

Provided by Kennedy Dental Care

INFORMED PATIENT Heads Up on Preventing Brain Injuries By Dr. Michael Fuentes What You Need to Know About Food Allergies and Your Child

By Lukena Karkhanis, MD

How to Ensure Success After Weight Loss Surgery Provided by DHR Health Bariatric and Metabolic Institute

MD LIFESTYLE Real Estate Muses: Introducing Medical Professionals to The Alamo City By Rudy Arispe

WELLNESS Use the Spring Months to Create Your Summer Body Provided by Burn It In 30

BUSINESS

How to Protect Yourself and Your Partners: The Value of a Properly Funded Buy-Sell Agreement Provided By: Eric Kala CPWA®, CIMA®, CFP®, AEP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CRPS® Wealth Management & Business Planning Advisor, Avid Wealth Partners

Dr. Carlos Elizondo Continues a Legacy at Primary Care and Wellness in Corpus Christi

ST CE R RT OK IFI E E D

Recognize a Concussion Any bump or blow to the head has concussion potential. Concussion symptoms may occur immediately or days/weeks later and can include: • Headache

• Concentration or memory issues

• Nausea

• Change in sleep habits

• Dizziness

• Feeling sluggish/”foggy”

• Blurred vision

• Light sensitivity

If you suspect someone may be experiencing a concussion after a blow to the head, ask these questions immediately, and then again a few minutes later. If the individual doesn’t know the answers or seems confused, consult a healthcare professional immediately. • What day is it? • What month is it? • Repeat these words: Girl, dog, green (ask to repeat again a few minutes later) • Repeat the days of the week backward

To learn more about Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital’s brain injury services, call 361-906-3700.

CCRH.ERNESTHEALTH.COM

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

N O P U S D G A N HE EVENTI PR AIN BR URIES J N I tes uen F l ae

Mi Dr.

INFOR

IENT T A P MED

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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 is 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: Difficulty thinking clearly, concentrating, or remembering things Feeling “slowed down,” tired, having no energy Blurry vision Headaches Nausea or vomiting (close to when the injury occurs) Dizziness and balance problems Sensitivity to light Irritability, sadness, nervousness, or in general, more emotional than usual Change in sleeping habits - more or less than usual, or having trouble falling asleep 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 healthcare 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: 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. Follow the Rules of the Road - by 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. 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. 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, 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 first-hand. By using these safety precautions, you can help prevent brain injuries in not only your child, but yourself, as well.

Board-certified in physical medicine & 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. For more information, visit CCRH.ernesthealth.com, call 361-906-3700 or visit the hospital at 5726 Esplanade Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas. Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital provides specialized rehabilitation services to patients recovering from or living with 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 CCRH.ernesthealth.com. 5726 Esplanade Dr • Corpus Christi, Texas 78414 • (P) 361.906.3700 • (F) 361.906.3797

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Family Man First, Physician Second: DR. CARLOS CONTINUES A PRIMARY CARE IN ALICE AND

ELIZONDO LEGACY AT AND WELLNESS CORPUS CHRISTI

COVER FEATURE By Rudy Arispe

Like his father before him, Dr. Carlos Elizondo knows the values of family, which is exemplified daily while treating and caring for his patients at his family medicine practice, Primary Care and Wellness. Dr. Elizondo treats his patients just like they are members of his own family. 16

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“I want to grow old with my patients,” Dr. Elizondo said, explaining why he chose family medicine. “There’s something about being able to treat the whole family, such as delivering a baby or caring for a woman during her pregnancy. I want to be that old school doctor who can do everything, and I want to be there for my patients for everything they will go through.”

an internist for 32 years in private practice. Dr. Elizondo is continuing his father’s legacy. “Alice was our first office and to us this is the most important, giving back to our community where my husband was raised and taking over his father’s long-term patients,” Mari said.

And, on occasion, that includes offering words of encouragement or a warm embrace. “Sometimes, a patient can be depressed, and I’ll tell them that I think you need a hug. It’s those little things that go a long way as part of the healing process. We never let anyone leave unless they have a smile on their face.”

Some of the primary care services offered at the Alice clinic range from treatment for fevers, coughs, the common cold, sprained ankles, respiratory and sinus infections and the flu, to name a few. They also diagnose and treat chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, just to name a few. Wellness visits are important to detect and prevent breast, colon or cervical cancer, and to treat people who are diabetic.

Dr. Elizondo and his wife of 16 years, Mari, who is the office director at Primary Care and Wellness, recently acquired the Corpus Christi medical office at 5710 Esplanade Drive after purchasing it from the family of the previous owner, Dr. Luis Mackrizz, who passed away in June 2018.

“We try to do as much in the office as possible like draining an abscess, injecting knees or shoulders to relieve pain, or removing a cyst, so that patients in Alice don’t have to go to Corpus because some patients have transportation issues,” Dr. Elizondo said.

Now, Dr. Elizondo wants to carry on Dr. Mackrizz’s legacy of endearing care. The late physician practiced in Corpus Christi for more than 20 years. “He had a very loyal patient base,” he said. “We still have his nurse practitioners, Jami Dodson, FNP-C, and Nancy McDowell, FNP-C, whom he trained very well, and we see about 50 to 80 patients a day and added another nurse practitioner to our group, Jeremiah Williams NP-C, to keep up with the high demand of patients needing primary care.”

Growing up in Alice and later working alongside his father for a short time until he retired in the fall of 2016, Dr. Elizondo quickly realized that rural areas are often underserved, which is why he’s committed to caring for patients in his hometown. Because of Alice having a shortage of medical providers, he needed to expand his group to keep up with the high demand.

Primary Care and Wellness of Alice The couple also operates their Primary Care and Wellness practice in Alice, where Dr. Elizondo was raised and where his father, Andres A. Elizondo, M.D. practiced medicine as

Veronica A. Martinez, PA-C, joined his practice in May 2018 and Dr. Cara Hartquist joined in January 2019. “As we expanded into Corpus, that’s when I realized that all of South Texas is underserved regarding primary care,” he said. “That’s what motivates me, and in the next few years we hope to grow so that we can serve even more people.”

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Reflecting on the father-son relationship that he had with his dad, who passed away not long ago, Dr. Elizondo spoke of the “pearls of knowledge” that his father imparted on him, which set the foundation that prepared the family medicine doctor to treat patients. “They’re not something you learn in books or in medical school, but things you learn over time treating patients,” he said. “It could be about learning to anticipate things, such as being aware that elderly patients tend to get sick more easily with pneumonia or constipation, for instance, and how to prevent them.” For being so young, one could say that the 37-year-old doctor is indeed old-fashioned in terms of emulating doctors of long ago who used to make house calls. While as a resident in the Christus Spohn Memorial Family Residency Program from 2013 to 2016, that’s exactly what Dr. Elizondo did on the side for extra income. “I saw up to 30 patients doing home visits in Alice and Corpus Christi. It’s a great business model. We provide highquality care to patients who have difficulty leaving home,” he said. “It’s something I’d like to continue in the future and incorporate house visits back into the practice. My experience has taught me that when you see 85 to 90-year-olds once a month, they’re less likely to get ill because of the preventive medicine you provide them.” At the end of the day after seeing patients at the Primary Care and Wellness clinics in Alice or Corpus Christi, Dr. Elizondo is grateful for the sense of family values that both his parents instilled in him. “They come from humble backgrounds,” he said. “My mom used to make purses and sell candy apples, but they created their own opportunities. I’m also grateful for the support I’ve had from my wife, Mari and my sons, Carlos (18) and Diego (13). They have been with me through the whole process of going to medical school, residency, and now being in private practice.” Dr. Elizondo graduated from Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara Medical School in 2012. He attended residency at Christus Spohn Memorial Family Residency Program in 2013. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Texas Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Academy, and the Texas Medical Association. To make an appointment at the Primary Care and Wellness clinic in Corpus Christi, call (361) 991-8000 and in Alice at (361) 664-0303.

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REAL ESTATE MUSES:

MD LIFESTYLE

Introducing Medical Professionals to The Alamo City By: Melissa Muse Wiggans of Real Estate Muses

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ocal San Antonians can easily give you the names of multiple authentic Mexican food restaurants, great retail spots, the best sports bars to watch a Spurs game. They know how long it takes to get to the airport in rush hour from any part of the city and what an Uber costs to catch a ride to the Pearl Farmers Market. Most locals know who the hottest new builders are, what new restaurants are coming to the city and where the worst traffic around town is. Detailed knowledge of old and new neighborhoods of interest can also be added to the list. But, what about if someone is new to the city? Who can explain what “outside the loop” really means? Who will introduce them to the deliciousness that is a refreshing Chispa or why people walk around the entire month of April with jingling medals dripping off their brightly colored clothing? How will they know how to pronounce “Huebner” road or where Alamo Heights begins and ends. Insert Real Estate Muses. These “experienced realtors with a client service focus” can help a newcomer learn the ins and outs of the city– and do it with the charm and commitment that will win over even the most unsure potential transplant! The personalized concierge-style service provided may include an airport greeting and pick up, and hotel check-in. Also included, might be city history, local eats, neighborhood tours and discussion of important details that most relocation clients want and need to know, but don’t know to ask! The benefits of this service? One, getting to know San Antonio and the surrounding areas can help to build the bridge and give you the extra edge to sign your new executive or medical recruit or get the “buy-in” of a reluctant significant other. Two, experiencing a positive “immersion” into a new city is more likely to provide a potential employee with the ability to “see” him or herself there. Three, you don’t have to miss time in the office to introduce and sell San Antonio-let someone else does it! Do you like the idea of having a friendly, professional and local agent on your team to provide your prospect with a unique introduction to the city? Contact Melissa Muse Wiggans and her team at Real Estate Muses to learn how you can partner with a top-notch agent to create just the right impression you need to get the employment contract signed!

To learn more visit: www.realestatemuses.com mdmonthly.com

PRACTICAL APPROACH SERVICES

Pediatrics, Pediatric Dentistry & Pediatric Urgent Care

Pediatric Care You can find the best pediatrician San Antonio has to offer right here at Practical Approach. From day one, Practical Approach Pediatrics helps children lead healthy and happy lives through a comprehensive approach to healthcare. Pediatric Dentistry From the first tooth to wisdom teeth, the pediatric dentists at Practical Approach are committed to providing beautiful and healthy smiles. When should your child have their first trip to the dentist? We provide all general pediatric dentist services.

9480 Huebner Road, Suite 400 | San Antonio, TX 78240 210.697.3900 | practicalapproachpediatrics.com

Pediatric Urgent Care San Antonioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only Pediatric Medical and Pediatric Dental Urgent Care! Our practitioners at Practical Approach are fully trained to handle pediatric emergencies. Your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safety is very important to us and we take great pride in ensuring the quality of our pediatric emergency services!

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DR. SALVATORE

BARBARO

has a Heart

COVER FEATURE

for Education as

EL REY

FEO LXXI

HE RAISED

$250,000 for College Scholarships

To be crowned “The People’s King” By Rudy Arispe

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hen Fiesta 2019 kicks off on April 18th for 10 days of city-wide fun, food, parades, and exchanging shiny medals, Dr. Salvatore Barbaro III will represent the citizens of San Antonio as “The People’s King,” or, as he is more affectionately known, by his official title of El Rey Feo LXXI. Looking regal in his white and pristine royal uniform with a bejeweled crown atop his head, Dr. Barbaro, who is this year’s Rey Feo LXXI (71), carries a message about the importance of an education to thousands of school children as part of his official duties. “What I like best about being Rey Feo LXXI are the school visits,” he said, adding that he and his royal court will visit more than 70 schools by the time Fiesta is over. “These young kids get so excited. They think you’re a real king. We go into those classrooms and pass on positive messages to them.” In fact, you could say Dr. Barbaro has a huge heart for education, especially since he raised $250,000 that will

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be distributed to college-bound students through the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation. He doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve; he has a glittering red heart in the center of his crown, which gives a clue to what he does when he’s not making appearances at schools, hospitals or nursing homes in his role as Rey Feo. Dr. Barbaro is a cardiologist. The Rey Feo is a year-round LULAC Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation ambassador and Fiesta royalty who is crowned by raising at least $225,000 for scholarships in a friendly competition against another candidate, according to his website. “Since 1987, we have raised more than $7 million,” Dr. Barbaro said. “Every August, we hand out roughly $300,000 to $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students who can’t afford to go to college.” Dr. Barbaro has a strong connection to the Rey Feo lineage. His father-in-law, Johnny Gabriel Sr., as well as his brother-in-law, Ronnie Gabriel, also once held the title of El Rey Feo by raising hundreds of thousands of dollars. His daughter, Gabriel, was Feria de Las Flores Queen.

Another joy of being Rey Feo LXXI is having a peer, Dr. Gerardo Ortega, serving on his court in the official function of Wellness Minister. “I’m a cardiologist, and he’s a vascular surgeon, so we’ve become incredibly good friends,” Dr. Barbaro said. “We now share patients together, and we talk about medicine together.” Dr. Ortega is happy to be working with Dr. Barbaro on behalf of raising scholarship funds and spreading the message of getting an education. “I encourage everyone to donate to the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation,” Dr. Ortega said. “Education is the best way to improve the health of our community, and it’s the key to success. Viva Fiesta!”

Since 1987, we have raised more than $7 million

To donate or for more information, visit www.reyfeosalbarbaro.com.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

ABOUT

FOOD

ALLERGIES & YOUR CHILD INFORMED PATIENT By Lukena Karkhanis, MD

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o parent wants to see their child suffer. As a parent, one of the worst fears is that your child will or has developed a food allergy. Whether inherited or not, food allergies are more common in children, with research showing that about 40% of children with food allergies are usually allergic to multiple foods. If you suspect that your child might have food allergies, then you need to have them tested as soon as possible by scheduling an appointment. The earlier the detection the better in improving your child’s quality of life. The three most common food allergies are milk, eggs, and peanuts, in that order. Symptoms of food allergies will vary from person to person, and according to which food was consumed. Some common symptoms include vomiting, upset stomach, hives, rashes, itching, and tingling lips. Severe life-threatening symptoms can sometimes occur, and if difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or fainting is experienced, immediate medical attention needs to be sought. Identifying food allergies can sometimes be complicated, especially if symptoms are relatively mild. Many parents

experiment with elimination diets to identify specific food allergies, but this can sometimes be dangerous without a doctor’s guidance. Testing by a board-certified allergist is recommended because the process will be performed in the safety of a doctor’s office. Testing is done by obtaining blood samples or by performing skin testing. If you suspect your child has an allergy, schedule your appointment today to see an allergist. Start a diary before the appointment and keep track of what symptoms your child experiences and what you think causes them. Unfortunately, antihistamines like Benadryl won’t treat food allergies. When one or more food allergies have been confirmed, you need to ensure that your child avoids any contact with those particular foods. This will entail reading labels thoroughly, informing your child’s school of these specific restrictions, and teaching your child the importance of avoiding the offending foods. Reading food labels can sometimes be confusing because food ingredients can be listed in other forms. For instance, “natural flavorings” may contain allergens, even though that particular allergen isn’t listed in the ingredients. However, more and more food manufacturers are placing allergy warnings on their labels that alert consumers that their products contain one or more common allergens. If you’re ever unsure whether or not a food contains one of your child’s allergens, it’s better to be safe and call the manufacturer. Food allergies occur frequently in children, and if one or more allergies are identified in your child, then he or she can still live a high-quality life. As long as you ensure that the food allergens are strictly avoided at all times, your child should be healthy and happy. To make allergy avoidance even easier, manufacturers are introducing new and improved allergy-free products. This can make snacking and eating on-the-go easy, regardless of what your child might be allergic to. Our board-certified allergists are the best-qualified specialists to determine the sources of your child’s potential allergen. Schedule your appointment today.

TO LEARN MORE VISIT: WWW.MYALLERGYSA.COM

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COVER FEATURE

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LASER COSMETIC SOLUTIONSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

MEDICAL SPA-EXPERIENCE is T he

Difference By Jody Joseph Marmel

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efore Dr. Melanie Carreon was born, her parents decided that she would become a doctor. Dr. Carreon explains, “My father was an Electrical Engineer and my mother was a teacher. Since they decided that I would be a doctor, I was born with the passion to be a doctor. I am very grateful that my parents supported my career path from the very beginning. I can honestly say that I can’t see myself being anything else but a Doctor. I love helping people feel and look better.” In 2004, Dr. Carreon opened LCS-Laser Cosmetic Solutions Medical Spa in Seguin, Texas. She wanted to be in a prime location for all of her patients and Dr. Carreon also realized that there was a need for her services in the area and surrounding areas including San Antonio, Houston, Austin, New Braunfels, San Marcos, and Seguin and the smaller cities nearby. LCS Medical Spa is the only AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care) accredited Medical Spa in Seguin and surrounding areas that offers surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures for the face, body, and skin. “This credential sets our Med Spa apart because it means that we have met rigorous and nationally ranked standards of safety and quality.” All of the treatments and procedures offered at LCS are performed in the AAAHC accredited outpatient medical facility. Dr. Carreon is on site on a full time basis, so she is able to supervise her staff and ensure that her patients are getting the best quality of care. She explains, “Accreditation is not mandatory for any medical spa, but we feel that our patients deserve the best possible experience for safety and efficacy. And that is why we chose to be an accredited medical facility.” Laser Cosmetic Solutions Medical Spa focuses primarily in liposuction, SmarLipo, EmSculpt for non-invasive butt lifts and fat reduction, laser treatments, microneedling with PRP therapy, Botox, fillers, Ultherapy (skin tightening and lifting), Vanquish ME, CoolSculpting, HydraFacial, Micro Laser Peel, BBL/IPL, Skin Resurfacing, TRL Contour, Chemical Peels and more. These are the most popular services that are in high demand. Dr. Carreon says, “We believe that you deserve the best and we continuously work to provide our patients with an exceptional cosmetic experience, using many and ‘only’ FDA cleared laser equipment. Our team listens to what our clients want, and our cosmetic results are results that our patients are happy with and that we are proud of.” Dr. Carreon has been performing liposuction for over 13 years and she has been doing nonsurgical cosmetic treatments for over 14 years. To date, she has conducted

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over 3,000 liposuction surgeries. Her medical expertise has earned her prestigious distinction including the Patients’ Choice Award and Compassionate Doctor Recognition by Vitals. Dr. Carreon is passionate about helping men and women “regain their self-confidence and acquire a newfound love for their body.” If you are seeking to lose fat from unwanted areas, there is Tumescent liposuction and SmartLipo. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat from various areas of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, and chest via a cannula. SmartLipo Triplex is a minimally invasive body contouring procedure that utilizes advanced laser technology to shrink and eliminate fat cells. These procedures are in high demand because liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia. Tumescent Liposuction combined with SmartLipo Triplex melts fat and stimulates collagen formation as well as helping to tighten the skin. The combined procedures provide the patient with the best possible outcome, based on over 13 years of experience by Dr. Carreon. Candidates for this procedure are patients that have fat that they are unable to get rid of in spite of diet and exercise. “The ideal candidate is the healthy person with localized deposits of fat that are out of proportion to the rest of their body,” explains Dr. Carreon. “Liposuction should not be considered as a weight loss method, but rather as a method to improve areas resistant to diet and exercise.” Below are the two different procedures and how they differ.

SMARTLIPO • • • • • •

Minimally-invasive laser lipo Uses local anesthesia Expect minimal bruising Requires a smaller incision than traditional liposuction Little downtime (2 - 4 days) Recommended for patients seeking to melt and remove unwanted fat

TRADITIONAL LIPOSUCTION: • • • • •

Cosmetic surgery treatment Uses IV sedation or general anesthesia Expect moderate to significant bruising Usually requires larger incisions than SmartLipo Has a longer recovery time (several weeks)

EmSculpt is another cosmetic procedure that is in high demand at LCS Medical Spa. EmSculpt transmits

electromagnetic energy into your abdomen, thighs or buttock. This energy causes the muscles to contract and the fat cells to burst. The procedure burns fat while your muscles grow larger. There is no other technology that accomplishes these goals. A typical treatment takes approximately 30 minutes and a patient needs a total of four sessions over a two week period. There is no down time and no discomfort involved. Positive results are reported between two to four weeks after treatment. EmSculpt feels like you went through an intensive workout. Afterall, your body did the equivalent of 20,000 crunches. Dr. Carreon explains, “EmSculpt is a great alternative to noninvasive butt lifts.” “Since we are located in a smaller city surrounded by larger cities such as San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, we are able to provide reasonable pricing for all of our treatments,”

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Her medical expertise has earned her prestigious distinction including the Patients’ Choice Award and Compassionate Doctor Recognition by Vitals

states Dr. Carreon. She adds, “This is especially true for the EmSculpt procedure.” Not all Medical Spas are the same. When it comes to your skin, face, and body, it is important to have confidence in the doctor and the team. At LCS Medical Spa, you can trust this physician owned and operated Medical Spa. Under Dr. Carreon’s supervision and leadership, the team is experienced in the field of minimal to non-invasive aesthetic rejuvenation. Dr. Carreon adds, “If you have been looking for a laser and cosmetic team that can help you improve not only the quality of your skin and the shape of your body, but also your complete well-being, then you have arrived at the right place.” Dr. Carreon and her staff take pride in the fact that they spend the time with each patient and address their concerns to custom tailor their medical aesthetic treatment plan. “We give people hope and that makes our patients happy. They want to look good and feel good and that is exactly what we strive to do for every one of our patients.” “We believe that a combination of treatment modalities, or a stackable approach, is the most effective way to treat almost every concern that you may have. By being on site full time, using state-of-the-art technology, FDA approved

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equipment and AAAHC Accredited Medical Facility, this gives each patient the best possible quality of care and the best possible results,” emphasizes Dr. Carreon. She continues, “Most importantly, when you leave our office, you are satisfied with how your body or face looks and feels.” When talking to her patients, Dr. Carreon says, “You are your own walking billboard; present yourself in the best possible way.” The personal connection that the LCS Medical Spa team makes with each patient is an integral component to patient satisfaction. “I treat each one of my patients like they are a member of my family and that makes a difference to them. I honestly feel like they are a part of my family once we start working together. And with my 15 years of experience in the field, I know that I have had so many happy patients. In fact, many of my new patients come from referrals.” Seguin may be a small city in the Lone Star State, but LCS Medical Spa is truly one of the city’s rare gems. For More Information Call (830) 202-8714 Visit: /LcsMedicalSpa

www.doctorcarreon.com

San Antonio Location

210.255.1400

4823 Fredericksburg Rd San Antonio, TX 78229 New Braunfels Location

830.312.4466

1433 Hanz Dr #105, New Braunfels, TX 78130 www.gruenehousemedspa.com EQ gruenehousemedspa

ANTI-AGING CENTER: FACIALS,BOTOX, LIP ENHANCEMENTS AND MORE

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Dr. Z. Shah, MD, Medical Director

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IF YOU WANT A SUMMER BODY, YOU DON’T WANT TO WAIT UNTIL JUNE HITS TO GET STARTED WITH YOUR HEALTHY EATING AND WORKOUT PLANS. THE TIME TO BEGIN IS THE MONTHS PRIOR TO SUMMER. HERE ARE FOUR WAYS YOU CAN START CREATING YOUR SUMMER BODY NOW.

1. Swap The Sugary Drinks for Water If there’s one habit you change, swapping the sugary, calorie-laden drinks for water should be it. If you consume coffee, specialty coffee drinks, juices, or energy drinks, you are consuming extra calories that are not benefiting your body. These drinks are contributing to your inability to lose weight. Before you decide to drink something, it’s a good idea to know how much sugar and calories it contains. Y o u m i g ht think fruit juice is a good choice because it contains fruit, but they often have added sugar. Even without added sugar, contains sugar, so you don’t want to have more than one proper portion of fruit juice per day. Limit your coffee to one a day and properly portion the sugar you add to it. Don’t pour sugar into your drink until it is your desired sweetness because this is extra calories you don’t want. If your goal is to lose some weight and tone your body for summer, making water your number one drink of choice is one of the best choices you can make.

2. Move Your Every Day

fruit

itself

Body

Even if you don’t hit the gym, lift weights, or run three miles every day. Moving your body every day is crucial for creating your summer body. Moving daily is important not only for your intended weight loss, but for your overall health and wellness as well. Set a goal to walk a specific number of steps each day. 10,000 is the recommended amount of steps you should walk every day, but if you’re not used to walking, start with 5,000 or 6,000 and work your way up. Moving your body regularly will help you achieve the summer body you want. Don’t use moving your body more as an excuse to eat more or drink more of the calorie-filled drinks you enjoy. You’re not trying to maintain your current body weight, rather you are trying to improve it.

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3. Try Intermittent Fasting Intermittent fasting can help you successfully achieve the summer body you want. If you tend to overeat, intermittent fasting will help you control the hours that you eat. Intermittent fasting is a pattern of eating where you cycle between fasting and eating. There are different variations on intermittent fasting. You may choose to fast for sixteen hours or just ten hours. Either one will benefit your body by helping you to consume fewer calories and give your body the chance to burn off what you have consumed. It’s important you also learn proper portions. Whether you choose to intermittent fast or not, if you eat portions that are too large, weight loss will be difficult. Intermittent fasting is also not an excuse to fill the shorter hours with more food. You will eat as normal or better.

4. Stay Inspired It’s easy to be inspired during the first week of your new plan to create a summer body, but as the days go on, you will find the will to continue slipping. You’ll begin to have cravings for the foods you love. You’ll want to sleep in instead of getting up for your morning walk or gym session. It would be easy to stop and go back to your old habits, but you need to constantly remind yourself of what you are working for and the summer body you want . Think ahead to summer and how you want to feel about yourself and how you want to look. If it helps to keep images of your dream body around, do that. If you have friends who are fitness and health-minded, spend more time talking to them and looking at their social media to keep yourself inspired. Creating your summer body is possible. You need to start before summer hits because it will take time. Give yourself at least a few months of implementing new habits and you will see the positive results.

For more information on the Burn It In 30 Program and their new location, please visit burnitin30.com.

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PRO HOW TO TECT YOURSELF AND YOUR PARTNERS The Value of a Properly Funded Buy-Sell Agreement Provided By: Eric Kala CPWA®, CIMA®, CFP®, AEP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CRPS® Wealth Management & Business Planning Advisor Avid Wealth Partners 17802 W Interstate 10, Ste. 114, San Antonio, TX 78257 210.446.5755 AvidWealthPartners.com

BUSINESS

s an entrepreneur, you know that starting a business is challenging. What you may not have considered is how difficult continuing that business can become, especially if one of your co-owners retires, gets divorced, or suddenly becomes disabled or dies. A business may face significant cash flow problems and internal strife should an owner unexpectedly leave. You might, for example, need to quickly raise money to purchase a retiring owner’s interests or, in the case of an owner’s divorce, disability or death, you could suddenly find yourself in business with his or her family. Because you have the best selection of options for creating a desired exit strategy before you or another owner leaves, now is the best time to begin planning.

Planning for Contingencies A well-crafted buy-sell agreement helps ensure the smooth transition of business interests. It should clearly define what happens if you or another owner retires, gets divorced or becomes disabled or dies. Several types of buy-sell agreements are available to accommodate variations among businesses, including organizational structure, number of owners, whether the

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owners are related and who the will be.

purchasers

Selecting an Agreement Three common methods for transferring business interests include a cross purchase agreement, an entity purchase agreement and a wait-and-see agreement. Each offers unique advantages along with considerations to keep in mind when selecting an agreement. With a cross purchase agreement, the remaining owners purchase the departing owner’s interest. Remaining owners obtain an increased basis that can result in tax savings if the interest is later sold. With an entity purchase agreement, the business purchases the departing owner’s interest. Because the funding is provided through the business rather than the owners, as in a cross purchase, the overall process is made simpler, particularly if there are three or more owners. And with a wait-and-see purchase agreement, there is a sequence through which an interest is made available for purchase. In a typical wait-and-see agreement, the business has a

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All types of agreements offer flexibility in how the business is valued and how interests can be transferred. An agreement, for example, can set a fixed purchase price, define a formula or call for an appraisal to determine fair market value. Similarly, the agreement can stipulate that the payout must be made in a lump sum or in installments. An agreement can also address divorce. Qualification for ownership, for example, could exclude former spouses of owners. It can provide the business or the owners with an option to buy a former spouse’s interest. It could also stipulate the creation and adequate funding of a contingency fund that would provide the assets needed to purchase the interest of the divorced owner’s former spouse. Another way for owners to protect their interests is through a pre- or post-nuptial agreement, which should be coordinated with the buy-sell agreement. Pre- and post-nuptial agreements can specify whether the owner’s spouse will have any right to the business on divorce and, if so, the manner in which the business will be valued and divided. Regardless of the terms, however, the ultimate goal of any agreement is to avoid conflict and confusion by correctly transferring business interests in a timely manner to the desired people with the least possible conflict, expense and delay.

Where’s the Money? No matter how well it’s written, a buy-sell agreement is only as good as the funding, which makes the actual purchase of a departing owner’s interest possible.

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Flexibility is Central

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first option to buy all or a portion of a departing owner’s interest. Second, after the business has had the opportunity to buy, the remaining owners have the option to buy any remaining interest. Finally, any interest not purchased by the remaining owners must then be purchased by the business. Because this approach is a combination of a cross purchase and entity purchase, the advantages of both are available, and the business and the owners can decide which option is optimal when a buyout is triggered.

Options include using existing assets, borrowing the money, creating a cash reserve fund, making installment payments and purchasing insurance. The key is to select the combination that meets evolving business needs and provides the required certainty. Of these options, disability and life insurance are two of the more effective choices for a number of reasons. Both can be more cost effective and easier to administer. Each can protect working capital and help provide the correct amount of financing at exactly the time it’s needed. Life insurance helps assure funding is available to purchase an interest if an owner dies, while disability insurance helps assure funding is available if an owner becomes totally disabled. A totally disabled owner may become more concerned with his or her family and personal well- being and less concerned with his or her participation in the business. Buying out the disabled owner’s interest often becomes the logical choice for the remaining owners. Benefits paid from the policies are generally income tax free, and the cash value of permanent life insurance grows tax deferred and is available to help meet other business needs. Life insurance can also be used to equalize property distribution in the event of divorce. How the insurance is structured, meaning who will be the applicant, owner, insured, beneficiary and payer, is determined by the type of agreement selected.

Protecting You, Protecting Your Business You and your partners are working hard to build your business. A properly drafted and funded buy-sell agreement can help protect that vital asset should the unexpected happen. Think of it as a formal exit strategy that can give you options that might not otherwise be available after the retirement, divorce, disability or death of an owner. If you haven’t already, begin working with legal, accounting and financial professionals who are experienced in the field of business valuation and succession planning. The right team of advisors can help you access your readiness and create an exit strategy so that, when the time comes, you will be well positioned to transition your business on your terms.

Eric Ilmari Kala uses Avid Wealth Partners as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Avid Wealth Partners is not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, insurance agency or federal savings bank. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Eric Ilmari Kala is a Representative of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC), Milwaukee, WI (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), a subsidiary of NM and federal savings bank. All NMWMC products and services are offered only by properly credentialed Representatives who operate from agency offices of NMWMC. Representative is an Insurance Agent of NM and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, (long-term care insurance) a subsidiary of NM, and a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), a subsidiary of NM, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and member FINRA and SIPC. This publication is not intended as legal or tax advice. Financial Representatives do not give legal or tax advice. Taxpayers should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss.

ALTUS HOSPICE CARE

Volunteer Coordinators ACROSS TEXAS

SHARE THEIR STORIES ABOUT Changing

Lives By Kiko Martinez

COMPASSIONATE GIFTS The personal care that the team at Altus Hospice provides would not be possible without the heartfelt contributions from the countless volunteers who step through their doors each year. Volunteers bring a personal touch to hospice patients and their families who are in need during the most difficult time of their lives. Leading the Altus volunteers is a team of volunteer coordinators from all seven Altus locations in Texas. Each one has the communication and organizational skills and leadership abilities to make the Altus Hospice volunteer program one of compassion and kindness. Through the volunteer program at Altus, individuals and groups have the opportunity to share their time in a number of ways. This includes direct and indirect patient care, companionship and administrative support, planning special events or serving as a household helper, member of the correspondence team or as a speaker making presentations on behalf of Altus Hospice around their community.

HEARTS OF GOLD At Altus Hospice in Corpus Christi, Katy Hernandez has been the Volunteer Coordinator since 2013. She started as a college intern studying social work when she saw firsthand the affection that the staff had for their patients. She sees that affection in her volunteers, too. “The thing I love most about working with my volunteers is their dedication to our patients,” Hernandez said. “I like to work side by side with my volunteers. Every time I do, I feel so blessed and honored to have such a fantastic team who is always willing to go above and beyond what is expected of them.” For Hernandez, being a volunteer means that someone is willing to give their time back to society and make a difference in someone’s life by bringing a smile to their face. “It’s a simple gesture to make time to make a visit,” she said. “I advocate as much as possible for my volunteers because I feel as if they are unrecognized sometimes. I believe volunteers have hearts of gold.” At Altus, Hernandez knows she has found a home. “The impression that the staff has made on me has made me realize this is what I want to do,” Hernandez said. “I look forward for the years to come.” Katy Hernandez

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A LIFE-CHANGING ENDEAVOR Volunteerism has always been important to Katherine Lopez, Altus Hospice Volunteer Coordinator in San Antonio. She started volunteering at an early age and attended a university where volunteering was a requirement to graduate. “I think volunteering is a way of getting involved by serving the community with the intent of making a difference,” Lopez said. “It has shaped me into who I am today.” The volunteers from the San Antonio area that Lopez has worked with do everything with their patients – from grocery shopping to arts and crafts and everything in between. “Patients just need someone to talk to and to share their stories with,” Hernandez said. “Volunteers get to help someone fulfill their last wishes and have quality of life for whatever time they have available in life. They help the patient check off final items off their bucket list.” Lopez considers working with her volunteers the most rewarding part of her job. It has given her the chance to meet and interact with amazing people who have taken time out of their busy schedules to make a difference in the lives of others. “Volunteering can be life changing, not only for the person receiving the service, but also for the volunteer,” she said. “The benefits are endless.” These benefits, she said, include giving volunteers the power to learn significant skills like leadership, patience and compassion. Katherine Lopez

“Everyone should find something they are passionate about and spread the importance of volunteering,” Lopez said. “It is always rewarding to lend a helping hand.”

UNDERSTANDING SACRIFICE As the Volunteer Coordinator for Altus Hospice in Austin, Jessica Santos said her volunteers offer her patients a sense of community. “Visitors can mean so much for our patients,” Santos said. “For patients who may have no family or friends nearby, having someone want to visit them, not out of obligation but as a choice, provides great joy and can increase the quality of the patient’s life.” Volunteers who work with patients often describe their relationships with them as friendships. They look forward to the time they spend with them and their families. “Volunteers enjoy entering into these new friendships and feel their work is extremely valuable,” Santos said. “I believe the reason most choose to volunteer is the desire to be engaged in a community and have a sense of purpose.” Santos considers each one of her volunteers as a treasure. Two, in particular, hold a special place in her heart. The first is a woman who joined the volunteer program a year after she lost her adult son. “This volunteer has shown up faithfully each Monday and Wednesday, helping with our bereavement program, sharing words of encouragement with our staff each

Jessica Santos

week and working so diligently,” Santos said. The second volunteer is a Vietnam War veteran who asked to serve fellow Vietnam vets who are patients at Altus. “He has visited with seven different veterans since he began volunteering,” Santos said. “To this day, he visits with a Vietnam veteran every Monday for four hours to share his friendship.” Aside from her full-time job with Altus, Santos continues to volunteer on her own time with other organizations. This, she said, allows her to understand the sacrifice people make when individuals choose to volunteer. “I could not advocate for volunteering so strongly unless I lived it out in my own life,” she said. “Volunteerism is simply each person taking responsibility for their own small corner of this life and doing what they can to serve their space well.”

MAKING AN IMPRESSION Melisa Fountain was initially hired as an office coordinator two years ago before moving to her current position as Volunteer Coordinator at the Altus Hospice in Beaumont. She said she loves that she gets to “work with people that genuinely care about helping others.” “Volunteering is giving of your time and talents and comes from the heart because you’re not getting paid to do it,” Fountain said. “You’re doing it out of love and wanting to give back.” Although she admits it would be hard for her to single out any one of her volunteers for the great work they do, there is one young man that has inspired her personally. “One of my volunteers who has made an impression on me is a young man with special needs,” Fountain said. “Although he has disabilities of his own, he wants to volunteer and help others. That really touched my heart.” Most of Fountain’s volunteers keep the patients company when their family and friends are not able to be there. Having company there does wonders for the patient, she said. “Volunteers get a deeper appreciation for life when volunteering with hospice patients,” Fountain said. “They feel a deep sense of satisfaction helping someone during this season of their life. They also make deep connections with patients and their families.” Fountain hopes more people realize how critical volunteers are to places like Altus.

Melisa Fountain

“If people have the opportunity to volunteer somewhere, they should,” she said. “Volunteering is so rewarding for the patient and the volunteer. It’s a great way to give back.”

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Companion Read books Take a walk Play games Crafts and memory makers Reminiscence Pet care – Vet techs, students of veterans medicine Walk the dog Attend vet appointments Dog grooming Personal grooming – Cosmetology artists and students Hair Manicure Photography – students and aspiring photographers Family pictures Memorial photos – Veterans Musicians Individual requests Memorial service Family gatherings Meals – Culinary student and aspiring chefs Meal prep Special occasions and requests 11th Hour Angels End of life bedside vigil

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A SPECIAL CALLING Bobbie Liggins has been the Volunteer Coordinator for the North Houston location since April, 2016. She started at Altus as an intern and admits she was not sure how she felt about working with patients who were nearing the end of their lives. “I was hesitant, but I decided to give it a try,” Liggins said. “I have always been the person who likes to bring joy to others. The day I decided to walk into Altus Hospice was the day I walked into a ‘special calling’.” As the Volunteer Coordinator, one of the things Liggins likes most about her job is getting to meet volunteers from all walks of life. This includes an 85-year-old gentleman, who volunteers his time to play the piano for Altus patients. “There is nothing more rewarding than getting calls from families to say how much they appreciate having volunteers visit their loved ones,” she said. “Working with volunteers makes me a better person. My volunteers are my family.” Along with volunteers who play music for patients, Liggins even has a cosmetology volunteer who styles patients’ hair. Bobbie Liggins

“This is something that is important to a lot of our female patients who were accustomed to getting their hair done regularly,” Liggins said. “It makes them feel good about themselves despite their end of life journeys.” Liggins believes volunteering is one of the greatest give in life. She finds fulfillment when she serves

gifts one can others.

“The wonderful thing about volunteering is that it doesn’t have grand deed,” she said. “It can be something small, but it makes a grand impact.”

to be a

GIVING FREELY OF YOURSELF Anel Hernandez was a volunteer at Altus Hospice herself before she became a permanent part of the team in Laredo. She enjoys recruiting volunteers for direct patient care because she feels these volunteers want to do something life affirming and provide companionship for someone in need. “A patient and their family just want a friend to share in the good times,” Hernandez said. “They are looking for companionship and to make a difference in someone’s life.” Hernandez remembers one volunteer who would go to a patient’s home and spend time playing cards and board games. She would also go out of her way to stop at the library and check out books on geology, which was a subject of interest to the patient. “Volunteerism means to give freely of yourself,” she said. “It means giving your time and your expertise in service to others.”

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Anel Hernandez

A SELFLESS ACT “It takes a special person to be a volunteer,” said Kim Keefer, Volunteer Coordinator at Altus Hospice in Houston. “I consider volunteerism as one of the greatest gifts a person can offer.” The sentiment was especially true two years ago when Keefer witnessed one of the most compassionate and supportive things a volunteer had ever done. During a volunteer’s visit with one of Altus’ long-term patients, the patient began to decline during her visit. Keefer met the volunteer to relieve her and the patient passed away soon after. The volunteer, who had never experienced death with a patient, remained calm and offered to stay until the RN Case Manager from Altus arrived. The weather, however, was bad that afternoon and the Case Manager was having a difficult time getting to the nursing home. “The volunteer sat with me as she held the patient’s hand until the RN arrived,” Keefer said. “She handled the situation with grace. She is now an RN for a hospice in North Carolina.” In Keefer’s experience, hospice patients and their family members always appreciate even the short visits, especially if the patient is residing in a nursing home facility.

Kim Keefer

“Many times, family members work and visits are sometimes challenging,” Keefer said. “By having a volunteer making short visits provides comfort and peace of mind for family members as well as the patient themselves. Volunteers seem to grow and benefit from the bonds they make with patients and families.”

Keefer said giving of one’s time and not expecting any monetary reciprocation and little recognition is one of the most selfless acts anyone can do. “I have worked with so many volunteers that have gone above and beyond and exceeded my expectations,” she said. “I hope that after reading many wonderful, inspiring stories, readers will be motivated to contact Altus and ask for information regarding volunteer opportunities.”

VOLUNTEER AT ALTUS HOSPICE Although most people may think one needs to be comfortable around “death” to be a hospice volunteer, this is not the case. There are countless ways one can help a person nearing their end of life. From doing laundry to reading books to sharing in conversation, there is always a special way you can volunteer at the Altus Hospice near you.

For more information on how to volunteer at one of the seven Altus locations in Texas, visit altushospicecare.com.

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INFORMED PATIENT

Provided by DHR Health Bariatric and Metabolic Institute

utting your body through a weight loss procedure is a major adjustment. There are going to be some significant changes taking place. You will need to follow certain guidelines and take particular measures to ensure success after weight loss surgery. As you begin to see results in your transformation process, things will become easier. You will find it less difficult to continue on your journey. There will be differences for each individual, but some aspects will be the same for all involved in the post weight loss procedure healing process. It is absolutely imperative that you follow any instructions set forth for you by your physician. Not doing so can expose you to unnecessary risks. It can also prevent you from seeing the best possible results. Adhere strictly to your physician’s treatment plan and keep your scheduled follow up appointments. Remain on your liquid diet until you have been given the go-ahead to move on to semi-solid foods and eventually to solid foods. In order to allow your new stomach pouch to adjust and heal properly, it is extremely important to follow the right timeline for moving from a liquid diet back to a healthy solid food diet. During this time you will learn to eat less and gain an understanding of the new “full feeling” you will be experiencing. Those who try to move too quickly may become prone to vomiting. It is also possible to stretch your new stomach pouch and cause your overall results to be affected. Once you are set to return to a solid food diet, you will still need to follow certain precautions to ensure you achieve the best results. First of all, be sure you eat two to three meals each day. This may seem difficult at first, but you should be able to reach this goal. If you continue to have trouble in this area, you will need to call or pay your doctor a visit. Your diet should be comprised of lean proteins such as white meats and fish, lean ground beef, low-fat dairy items, and eggs. Fatty foods such as gravies, mayonnaise, sauces, butter and margarine, and sweets should be avoided. Another no-no is snacking or drinking carbonated beverages like soda (even diet varieties) between meals. Steer clear of caffeine unless you have had at least 64 fluid ounces of water beforehand. Your treatment plan will undoubtedly include a recommended exercise regime. It is in your best interest to follow it to the letter. After all, you have come so far. Not taking the necessary steps to ensure the success of your weight loss surgery would be a shameful waste in many ways.

TO LEARN MORE VISIT: WWW.RGVWEIGHTLOSS.COM mdmonthly.com

COMMON CHILDREN’S

TOOTH INJURIES

That Happen at Home

Almost half of all children will sustain some sort of tooth injury during childhood, most of which are preventable. Here’s some common tooth injuries that a child can have at home, and how to prevent them. KID’S HEALTH

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Provided by Kennedy Dental Care

PREMATURELY LOST BABY TOOTH

The most common injury to primary teeth is the premature loss of the front teeth. Typically, children can lose their front teeth by tripping and falling onto their face, or while playing sports with friends. If your child prematurely loses a baby tooth, then visit your dentist immediately so they can repair or replace your child’s lost tooth.

BROKEN TOOTH

Broken teeth are incredibly common and are the result of a high impact force on the face or jaw. If your child breaks a tooth, then preserve the broken bit in a bag of water or milk and visit the dentist immediately. Damaged blood vessels and nerves commonly accompany broken teeth, so your child needs to see their dentist as soon as possible.

PREVENT TRIPPING

Tripping is one of the leading causes of prematurely lost teeth, and dislocated permanent teeth. To help your children avoid tripping at home, walk around your house and identify any uneven surfaces in your home, and check for wires or cords that cut across high traffic areas. Try to make sure that any rugs are securely in place, and that their edges are firmly on the ground. By identifying potential problem areas in your house, you have the power to prevent unnecessary oral injuries at home.

DISLOCATED PERMANENT TOOTH

A dislocated permanent tooth is a dental emergency that requires your dentist’s immediate attention. If possible, have your child place the lost tooth back

in its socket immediately. At least 85 percent of teeth that are put back in the tooth socket within five minutes survive, compared to very few teeth that are stored dry and re-implanted after one hour.

PREVENTING COMMON DENTAL INJURIES AT HOME WITH SAFER STAIRS

You can make stairs much safer for your infant by placing baby gates at the top and bottom of any stairway in your house. This can help prevent your child from accidentally falling and injuring themselves.

MAKE YOUR FIREPLACE SAFE

If you have a fireplace, be sure to buy a sturdy safety gate to protect your baby from crawling into unsafe territory. If you have fireplace tools, be sure to keep them behind the fireplace safety gate.

PROTECT YOUR ATHLETE’S TEETH

Did you know that your child is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to their teeth when they aren’t wearing a mouth guard? And did you know that dental injuries account for nearly 20% of all sports related injuries? If your child is a bit more grown up and playing sports, then get them an athletic mouth guard to help prevent oral injuries while they’re playing.

VISIT OUR OFFICE

Children’s tooth injuries are very common, but most need the attention of a pediatric dentist. If your child experiences any of the tooth injuries above, then call our office and explain your situation. We will help you manage the situation and do what’s best for your child’s long-term dental health.

To Learn more visit: www.paulkennedydds.com

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