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SUFFERING FROM COPD? PULMONAIR’S

LIFE CHANGING HOME THERAPY

“My husband has been using Pulmonair’s Breathing Device for years. I truly believe it has saved his life. Prior to using the machine, he was hospitalized multiple times for pneumonia (5 times in one year)! The breathing machine protocol, along with his medications has helped him deal with his COPD and remain a healthy, active 81 year old!” – Patti, 63 Lawrenceville, Georgia

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contents Apri l 2018 Production Media Digital Source Chief Executive Officer Eliot Garza Co-Publisher Jessie Moore Project Manager Alejandra Bermea Account Executives Rebekah Washington & Justin Zundt Digital Marketing Coordinator Kristy Pierce Assistant Project Manager Sarah Washington Creative Services Designer Aurora Balderas Cover Designer Michael Mancha Editor Jody Marmel Writers Rudy Arispe Jody Marmel Jessie Moore Contributors Alexa Cyr Dr. Michael Fuentes Nicole Lewis Dr. Maria Palafox Dr. Jennifer Walden

Cover Feature

Eric Kala Avid Wealth Partners CEO

Cover Feature

Altus Hospice Care Celebrating The Executive Directors That Give Patients The Best Rest of Their Life

Photographers Trinity Greer Alberto Vazquez FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 210.373.2599 OR EMAIL HELLO@MDMONTHLY.COM FOR EDITORIAL COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS, EMAIL EDITOR@MDMONTHLY.COM

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contents 10 Children’s Health

General Tips For Students

12 Women’s Health

Breast Cancer Scar Dr. Maria Palafox

16 Children’s Health

6 Tips to Avoid Cavities

50 Health & Wellness

The Science That Inspired Cool Sculpting

18 Informed Patient

Biking Safety

20 Health & Wellness

Did You Say Bikini Bod?

38 Cover Feature

Pulmonair

44 Cover Feature

DHR

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CHILDRENS HEALTH

GENERAL TIPS

for Students to Stay Healthy by Nicole Lewis

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tudent life can be quite fun and chaotic at the same time. From early morning classes and formidable tests to the general struggle of keeping up with the set standards, it’s very easy for one to forget himself. But, this is dangerous because a student’s health is vital to his positive performance in his studies. It is no secret that there are times when health and education seem at loggerheads in a person’s life. But, it is possible to strike a balance between these two. With the proper health tips for college students, studying can become fun and even more productive as opposed to studying in a poor state of health. Many students go to classes looking tired, stressed and sometimes twice their age. While there are a large number of reasons why their appearance might be that way, nutrition can be a great influence. If you are a student and you are

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finding it difficult to stay healthy, here are a few tips that can have a measurable effect once you apply them.

Take it easy on the fast foods Fast foods like burgers, fries, and pizza are high in carbs and saturated fats from cheese and sauces used in their preparation. This is not to say that you should lay off fast foods completely; these foods are best indulged in “once in a while”. They should never take the place of your main meal for the day, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. When craving, try getting fruits or just drink water. It won’t be easy, so get ready to consciously apply efforts.

Drink, drink, drink As a student, you must have heard sometime in your Biology class that the human body is 60-72% water. This is true since water has an important role in most of the metabolic reactions

that help the body function. Cut down on soda, fizzy drinks, and even some juices. Besides containing a lot of sugar, they also contain artificial sweeteners that are not beneficial to your body. Keep a bottle of water in your bag each day before going to class, and drink water in the morning when you wake up. Now, we know how tasty most of these drinks are. Switching to water might require you to do it with discipline and consistency.

Breakfast is important A cup of tea, two slices of bread with jam or an egg are just a few examples of what you can eat for breakfast. You should never leave your room without eating something. Breakfast gives your brain the major boost it needs to get active and assimilate what you are being taught. Having breakfast also reduces your chances of overeating later due to excess hunger. Some experts recommend that your breakfast

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CHILDRENS HEALTH

should be the heaviest meal of the day. Since you are about to have an extremely active schedule, you will feel more sated and energized. We think this is a good idea, but don’t overdo it. Besides, students have days when they wake up late. For days like that, an egg should do.

tend to abuse coffee in a bid to stay awake. Because caffeine brings about an activation of the nervous system (in order to keep you awake), it can account for a disruption in sleep cycles. And when the body doesn’t rest enough, it gets stressed and worn out faster. Keep your coffee consumption at its lowest, and take a cup or two when necessary.

Sleep The brain works for a bigger part of the day in a student’s life. It needs to rest so it can get its energy replenished after a day of cramming in the periodic table. An average of seven hours of sleep is recommended for every student. We know some students love to read at night. Do not stretch it more than necessary; read for an hour or two, or three at most and try to get rest before another school day. An even more efficient idea is to plan your time judiciously. If we ask many students to sit down and make a list of

Whether you are in or out of college, health is an important factor that determines a number of things in your life. Keep your health on your priority list. And oh, don’t forget to occasionally hit the gym!

what they did in the last 24 hours, you will discover that most of these things can be done away with to make time for study. We support having a bit of relaxation after school hours, but do not stretch it to unnecessary hours.

Cut down on caffeine Now, don’t get us wrong. Coffee has awesome health benefits, especially when taken black. But a lot of students

Nicole Lewis works as a freelance writer at Edubirdy. She interacts with students occasionally and loves to help them achieve more. Nicole has a Master’s degree in English language and currently is working as a writer and researcher.

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WOMEN’S HEALTH | SAN ANTONIO

The One Thing Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You

About Your Breast Cancer Scar by Dr. Maria Palafox

Just Google “dating after breast cancer surgery” to cry your eyes out.

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Google search on “breast cancer scars” results in everything from home remedies to reducing the appearance of your mastectomy or lumpectomy scar- to how to prepare a new love for what he is going to see the first time you disrobe. If you want to cry your eyes out, Google “dating after breast cancer surgery”. The first article that came up for me was a Match.com article where one patient stated, “The first time I was intimate with someone after reconstruction...the look on his face was devastating.” Or another patient that stated, “He didn’t try to explore my scars or my boobs.” Worse still, breastcancer.org has a post that suggests breast cancer patients “buy an irresistible dog or a quirky, irresistible car” to improve their likelihood of finding a partner. The things I read went from bad to worse, with a doctor from Memorial Sloan-Kettering preparing her patients for breast cancer surgery by saying, “... None of us gets through life without emotional and physical scars and all of

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us are going to end up being scarred.” Ladies - this is crazy! You are not damaged goods!

easiest way for us to see what we were doing. Yes, it’s that simple. You get a huge scar right where your breast used to be because quite frankly, it is easiest for us.

The Emotional Toil of Breast Cancer Surgery Is Real The emotional toil of breast cancer So even if you get reconstruction diagnosis and treatment is one of the after your mastectomy (a “boob job” most challenging things a woman can after your breast removal), you still face in her life. The struggle is have a huge scar right across your real, the treatment is tough, breast that you have to stare and it takes more guts and at in the mirror every day. chutzpah than an MMA And that your lover has to Breast cancer fighter toughing it out stare at. And if your lover survivors leave in his biggest battle. happens to be a “boob the ring with battle guy”, matters get worse Breast cancer survivors scars...literally. But, fast. Hmmm....Have you everywhere get it. The battle is long and drawn ever met a lover that they shouldn’t. out, your opponent is a wasn’t a “boob guy”? beast, you lose your hair, Yeah. That’s my point. The. and you end up getting pretty Huge. Scar. Totally. Sucks. beat up. Breast cancer survivors leave the ring with battle scars...literally. But, things have changed. We But, they shouldn’t. now have incredible tools that allow us to operate with amazing clarity and Surgeons Are Trained To Create A vision regardless of where we make Huge Scar Right Across Your Breast the incision. That’s right, my sweet I am a surgeon. I specialize in breast ladies. We have the option to hide your cancer surgery. We are trained to make scar and leave your breasts looking the incision directly over the cancer perfectly...perfect. mass without regard for the appearance of the breast. Why? Because it is the The second I heard about the

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possibility to train and perform surgeries with a hidden scar, I was all over it. In fact, I was one of the first surgeons in Texas to become Hidden Scar certified. I think this training and certification is imperative for our nation’s breast cancer surgeons. The training is intense and it takes a mastery of the technique to perform it well, but it is worth every second when you can look your patient in the eye and tell them that their scar is not something they or their partners will ever have to worry about.

of your tumor, I also use Hidden Scar nipple sparing mastectomy techniques as well as alternate incision locations (along the border of the areola or in your armpit) when the scar is better hidden there. I then use this great technology by a company called Invuity that allows me to see with extreme clarity during your surgery. This procedure hands down provides patients with the best possible outcomes both clinically and aesthetically.

During the Hidden Scar surgical procedure, I typically make the surgical incision right along the natural fold underneath your breast. This is called the inframammary fold. This is where most plastic surgeons have made breast augmentation incisions for years - no one thinks a woman with a boob job is damaged goods! Why? Because no one ever sees the scar!

My goal is to scream from the mountains: “Ladies, don’t let your breast cancer surgeon scar you for life!” When new technology comes out that allows us as surgeons to make a change in people’s lives that is this significant, I don’t feel that it can be overlooked. In fact, I think it should be screamed from the mountains. Things happen so fast after a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer. So fast, in fact, that often surgery

Depending on the location and size

and chemotherapy are scheduled within mere weeks of a diagnosis. This is why I love breast cancer awareness month. It gives women everywhere the opportunity to know their options and what to say no to in the event they or a loved one is ever diagnosed. Ladies, say no to a big scar. Please read this and share it with the women in your life. Men, please read this for the sake of your wives, mothers, daughters and lovers. This is important stuff. Don’t let you surgeon scar you for life.

Dr. Maria Palafox is a Texas surgeon who specializes in breast cancer surgery and the Hidden Scar technique at South Texas Breast Surgery. She can be reached at MariaPalafoxMD.com

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SECTION / CITY HEALTHY LIVING / REGIONAL

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CHILDRENS HEALTH | CORPUS CHRISTI

6 TIPS

TO AVOID EARLY

CHILDHOOD CAVITIES Provided by Kennedy Dental Care

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arly childhood cavities are defined as cavities or decayed tooth surfaces that occur in a child under the age of 6. But there’s good news: cavities are nearly 100% preventable. You can help prevent cavities in your family by employing some of our favorite oral-health tips!

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Avoid Sugary Liquids Baby bottles give toddlers great comfort, but misusing them can cause tooth decay and other oral problems. To avoid cavities, never put juice or sugary liquids in their baby bottle. If your child is accustomed to sugary liquids in their bottle, try diluting the drink with water, and gradually increase the amount of water until they are only drinking water.

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Establish a Dental Home Pediatric dental offices like ours seek to foster a fun and inviting environment that is specifically designed for children. Pediatric dentists have had 2-3 years of special training to care for young children and adolescents. Choose a pediatric dental home for your child before their first birthday to establish a consistent oral care routine, and prevent cavities.

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Say ‘No’ to the Bedtime Bottle While a bedtime bottle may comfort your infant, it can be very destructive for their gums and developing teeth. When left in your children’s mouth, sugar from breast milk, formula and milk can lead to infection and pain. Try to establish a bedtime routine that doesn’t involve a baby bottle. If your child must have a bottle to go to sleep, then send them to bed with a bottle full of water.

progress and brush time. Additionally, it helps everyone involved become more accountable for their mouth care!

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Build a Mouth Healthy Diet It can be easy to improve your child’s diet, and help them get a healthier mouth. Try building a diet for your children that includes a lot of fruits and vegetables, which are high in fiber and clean teeth as they are eaten. Also, find good sources of calcium like milk to help improve your child’s enamel, which is the first line of defense against cavities.

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Pediatric Dentists Understand Children’s Teeth Tooth decay is painful and can affect the overall health of developing mouths, which is why early treatment is the best way to handle cavities. Routine checkups every six months are the best way to stay on top of your child’s oral health. Visit our office today to begin a treatment plan that helps your child prevent cavities as they grow up.

Begin a Good Cleaning Routine Early Just because your infant doesn’t have teeth doesn’t mean you shouldn’t clean their mouth! You can clean your infant’s gums with a clean, damp cloth by gently rubbing away residual food. By doing this, you are actually improving the health of the baby teeth that will soon erupt, and familiarizing them with oral care early in their life. Brush and Floss Together A great way to get your children to brush and floss is by brushing with them! It’s a fun way for you to guide them into a healthy brushing routine, and it also gives you the chance to monitor their

To learn more visit online www.paulkennedydds.com

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INFORMED PATIENT | CORPUS CHRISTI

HEADS UP

ON PREVENTING BRAIN INJURIES by Dr. Michael Fuentes

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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

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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

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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.

every time you and your child ride a bike is the main way to prevent brain injury.

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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.

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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. 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 the 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

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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HEALTH & WELLNESS | HOUSTON

Did You Say Bikini Bod? by Alexa Cyr

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ummer is approaching, and it’s coming fast! During the limbo season between spring and summer, one of the most daunting thoughts that will inevitably hit you is having the perfect beach body. Will you be ready to hit the water wearing a bathing suit that completely exposes whether or not the gym has been your friend or foe? Well, if the answer is the latter, do not fret because there is still time to tighten up the weak areas of your body with a few of these tips! First and foremost, if you’re like most people, a problem area is always the lower abdomen, which is much more difficult to get in shape than your upper abdomen. The reasoning for this unfortunate fact is simply that lower abs are mainly a product of diet, while upper abs are less high-maintenance and can be attained through strict workouts. While spot-reducing (solely working out one specific area of the body) is not effective, a strict routing of cardio and abdomen exercises, coupled with dieting, should help you

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in your endeavor to get picture-worthy muscles. Dieting has a negative connotation, but eating clean truly does make your body feel and look great. Try creating some fun, healthy snacks so you won’t be tempted to reach for the Daiquiri! Freezing fruit is one of the best things you can do to curb your hunger cravings. Use it to make smoothies, acai bowls, or just eat it the way it is! Remember to eat everything in moderation though; too much of one thing is never healthy. If you’re on the way to do something active and need some energy, salads with light or no dressing or some vegetables with organic guacamole will sustain you for hours, and make sure that you don’t feel or look bloated. The more natural something is, the better it is for you. To ensure that the foods you purchase will really benefit your body, read every ingredient, and if you can’t pronounce one, don’t buy it! This tip will help in the long run.

Lastly, the summer heat can be unforgiving, which is the perfect opportunity to fill up on lots of water! The daily recommended amount is only 8 cups, but if you frequently participate in physical activity, drink at least two liters a day. Water clears up the skin, makes you feel full, and removes toxins in the body, helping to decrease bloatedness. Following these suggestions and working out at least 4 times a week should help you on your journey to the perfect bikini bod. Now go and live healthy!

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COSMETICS | AUSTIN

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ERIC KALA THE

CPWA®, CIMA®, CFP®, AEP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CRPS®

CEO AVID WEALTH PARTNERS

HELPING PHYSICIANS

NAVIGATE THEIR FINANCIAL PLANNING by Rudy Arispe

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ith more than 10 years of experience as a wealth management advisor, Eric Kala is an expert in helping clients, many of them physicians and business owners, navigate through the sometimes daunting and seemingly complex world of financial planning. Education is the cornerstone of building a relationship of trust and confidence with each client. Kala believes an educated client is an empowered client. “It is important for us to provide a baseline of knowledge to our clients, so they can become not only informed about their situation, but also feel comfortable talking about their money and how it will be used to efficiently hit their goals and objectives,” said Kala, founder of Avid Wealth Partners which he established in 2017. “Once the baseline is established, we can then build upon it, and the crucial conversations become easier over time. At the end of the day, our goal is to make sure our clients feel at ease, and have the information needed to take the actions necessary to advance their situation.” Avid Wealth Partners knows that education is not only a cornerstone for their clients, but for the entire team as well. Continuous education is imperative to have the breadth and depth of knowledge needed in this industry. In addition to receiving the financial guidance and expertise of company founder Kala, clients’ portfolios are managed by a team that hold designations such as Certified Private Wealth Advisor, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, Certified Investment Management Analyst Consultant and Certified Retirement Plan Specialist. Based on his experience, Kala has

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found that many people don’t have a clear picture of what is possible, and what opportunities there are to build efficiencies in their plan. “Our clients are busy. Physicians, for example, get out of medical school, complete their residencies and fellowships and immediately jump into practice. The more affluent they become, the more complex their financial life may become. That’s where we come in; we’re able to create a

“I’ve worked with Eric Kala and his team for almost 2 years and it’s been a 5 Star experience. Eric and his team have always given us sound advice and respond in a timely manner with any questions or concerns. I highly recommend him!” Dr. Miguel Ayala, Internal Medicine

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“I met Eric after seeking company benefit and life insurance information. Eric met with our management team on several occasions to ensure that he fully understood our current situation as well as our financial forecasts and plans for the company. Eric’s team facilitated a complicated installation of a 401k plan and provides significant oversight to make sure our company launched the plan correctly and remains in compliance. I was so impressed with the guidance and 401k implementation, I trusted Avid with my personal financial planning. I feel that Avid makes recommendations based on my families best interest instead of pushing products that create commission opportunities. I am happy to recommend Avid Wealth Partners for company and personal financial planning.” David Dunne Business Owner

retirement, they have more flexibility and options. Taxes are naturally exacerbated in retirement so there needs to be a strategy in place.”

“In the past I’ve been screwed over by many advisers I found Eric to be an awesome compliment to my future endeavors. He understood exactly what I needed and he is diligent about making sure that I stay on track. I’ve never been let down by him or his team at Avid Wealth Partners!” Thomas T Jeneby MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

comprehensive plan to set them on the right path to achieving their goals and objectives.” “We look at how we can reduce debt, in addition to growing their assets to fund goals like retirement, their children’s education, or even a lake house.” Kala continues, “We not only look at what can be done to mitigate their tax liability currently, but also have the foresight to do planning so once they begin to withdraw money in

The first order of business, Kala said, is to have a conversation to understand the client’s goals and objectives and what’s important to them. No two clients are alike, which is why no two plans are alike. “We understand how hard clients work for their money and we want to help them obtain the goals they have. Once we understand where they want to go, we then unveil their current financial information so we can begin to create a road map of how to get there.” The second step involves creating 2018 - APRIL

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a sound financial plan drafted by Kala and his team of financial and investment experts. “We’re auditing all insurance, investments, trusts and estate planning documents. We can then look at their goals and recognize what gaps need to be addressed to find the best and most efficient use of each dollar for each one of those goals,” Kala said. Finally, Kala and his team sit down with the client to present their financial plan, which allows the client to see the whole picture. “We then begin implementing the solutions to get to those goals and objectives,” he said. “Then annually, we will work with the client to update the plan and make sure they are still on track and make any changes necessary.” Kala, who served four years in the U.S. Air Force as an avionics technician aboard military aircraft elaborates on how he has found his niche in wealth management. “The thing that drives me is that each financial picture is like a puzzle.” He explains, “Each type of account, each insurance contract, trust or philanthropic strategy is a piece of the puzzle. You must understand how the IRS treats each account from a tax standpoint, as well as how each account is treated from a legal liability standpoint. It’s being able to handle these puzzle pieces in an active environment to create an actual plan and strategy that is going to impact someone’s life. That’s what is awesome.” The vision for Avid Wealth Partners, which is affiliated with Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, began with Kala’s realization that a firm should have multiple advisors with different areas of expertise. This assures that the clients will be well taken care of for all of their financial needs.

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“After a series of disappointing results and little personal attention from other financial planners, I decided to meet with Eric Kala after a financially-savvy friend recommended him. From our first meeting Eric has demonstrated that he is absolutely committed to helping me achieve all of my long-term financial goals! He has formulated and implemented specific road map for Everything from optimizing my retirement investments, and life and disability insurance, to getting growth accounts set up for my daughters (besides just their college planning). He spent a lot of time reviewing all my financial needs and desires and sat down with me on multiple occasions to generate a very specific, actionable plan for my family’s needs. He is exactly what I needed to help me achieve financial security for my family. With Eric focused on my investment needs, I can focus on being the best doctor, mother, wife and friend that I can be. He has truly been a blessing to my family. “ Dr. Wendy Askew OB/GYN

For more information, visit www.avidwealthpartners.com or call (210) 446-5755.

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What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think hospice? Be honest. You may think only of someone who is terminally ill and the emotional journey that goes with it.

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t Altus Hospice Care, their objective is to change that perspective you have and provide the most unique and authentic experience for their patients and loved ones. While highlighting seven Altus Hospice Care sites throughout Texas and the individuals pushing this message, we dive deeper into this new concept of living while you’re dying. “It’s about how you live and the memories you make,” explains Jessica Taylor, the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Altus Hospice Care. Each Altus Hospice Care site has an Executive Director driving the team and message throughout their region. Taylor continues, “Each Executive Director’s job is to make sure that our patients have the best rest of their life we can provide.” Their role is similar to that of a CEO, and they are responsible for executing the company goal. Never overlooked, the Executive Directors are being honored for their hard work, devotion, dedication, endless compassion, and the remarkable skill sets they bring. Like an orchestra conductor, they streamline the company vision for their team and patients.

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Altus Hospice Care celebrates each one of their Executive Directors for their excellent care of creating memories and lasting moments with the highest level of quality care,

The policies and procedures are the same throughout the Altus Hospice system. They all believe in offering the Hospice Benefit to all people. All of the sites deliver compassionate, high quality care to patients and clients in their homes or places of residence including long term care facilities and assisted living environments. Each team focuses on each unique patient to deliver the appropriate care and emotional support to their patients and their families.

Executive Directors are prepared to take patients on the unique and authentic journey of the ‘best rest of your life’. Taylor says, “The Executive Directors want the patients to make memories and enjoy those last moments. Each one of the Executive Directors pad those moments softly and with time, this helps the patient as well as the family.” Hospice care has had a negative connotation for decades, but the Altus

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Austin

Jennifer Prescott, RN

Jennifer Prescott describes her role as an air traffic controller or better known as Executive Director of Altus HospiceAustin and Burnet sites. Short and simple Prescott says, “Hospice is a gift at the end of life.” The team is there for loved ones and patients ready to shepherd them through the transition. Hospice Care team is committed to educating their communities and putting an emphasis on the last and lasting memories that can be created for all of those involved with the patient and their care. “It is not about how you die,” states Taylor. “It is about how you Live.”. Altus Hospice Care wants to create those memories that you may think are not even feasible. Go fishing one last time with a grandson, greet a newborn family member, enjoy a few more sunsets and sunrises…with the leadership of the Executive Directors, those are the memories Altus Hospice Care can provide for a patient. The loved ones of patients are right there to travel on the journey as well. To celebrate creating memories and lasting moments with the highest level of quality care, Altus Hospice Care applauds each one of the Executive Directors for their excellent care that is extended to each patient and their families. In fact, 80 percent of the families that deal with hospice care wish that they had known about hospice care sooner. Taylor ends, “Our focus is on what we can do for our patients and their families. For the Altus team, we all believe that when the curing stops, the caring begins.” Executive Directors continue to focus on living, compassionate caring, and creating those beautiful memories for the patients and families; those memories that last a lifetime.

Altus Hospice of Austin is comprised of a strong team of experienced hospice care professionals. Prescott explains, “Our capacity is endless. We are a forward thinking office with leadership that plans for growth. Staffing is based on a model that allows for census growth and all managers are Registered Nurses. We strive to keep our nurses at a ratio of one RN to 13-15 patients. This allows to give individualized attention and care to each of our hospice patients.” Over the past two years, Altus Hospice-Austin has seen the number of patients they serve double. Prescott believes that they have achieved this growth due to the way “we provide professional care with a personal touch and our excellent care. Our care model is based on three areasCommunication, Response Time, and Presence.” Prescott continues, “Providing hospice and end of life care has been a passion for me. It is honestly more of a calling. I feel that God has called me to be a hospice nurse, and my mission work is serving our community.” Prescott has spent the past ten years focused on hospice and palliative care. She feels that being a hospice nurse is a privilege. “We are allowed to enter someone’s

home when they are experiencing the end of their lives. This time can be filled with many emotions. This role allows me to set the direction of care with a team of dedicated professionals that share my passion. We have seen a profound impact on the community with our care. Every day, I receive calls and letters praising the care that this team provides.” This is one message Prescott received: “I could not have kept my husband at home had it not been for hospice. The whole hospice team gave me the comfort and assurance that I had to maintain in order to face those last months once he was bedridden. Could not ask for a more caring team.” Prescott shares her visions for Altus. “My vision is to broaden the reach of serving our diverse community. We are shifting the focus from curing to caring and allowing people to live out the end of their lives on their terms. We focus on creating memories and quality moments.”

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Beaumont

Crystal Brottem, RN

Crystal Brottem is the Interim Executive Director* at Altus Hospice-Beaumont. She makes it clear that the focus is about making it easier for the patient and the family. When asked what quality of life meant to her and her team in Beaumont she said, “Making sure each patient has quality of life and living what time is left to the fullest.” The bereavement program includes multiple support groups and activities to outreach the entire population. They provide care to patients 18 years of age and older. The patients can have Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, non-funded and self-pay. Patients can have cancer and noncancer diagnoses, including, but not limited to, dementia, Alzheimer’s, lung diseases, cardiovascular disease, stroke

North Houston

Meredith highlights what makes the North Houston site unique. “Our RN Case Managers have lower caseloads which allows more one on one time with the patients and their families/ caregivers. We also strive to hire Registered Nurses and CNAs in the area in which there are heavier case loads are located. This allows for less drive time and again, more time to spend with the patient.” MD Monthly

The Beaumont team prides themselves on their nurse to patient ratio. It is low so that the best care can be provided to all of the patients they serve. Brottem states, “The Beaumont site is well below the national average for staff turnover indicating staff satisfaction. We have over 100 years of hospice experience at this site.” She elaborates, “I’m like a coach, directing and managing a team to provide the best care.” As of this year, the Beaumont site has been Joint Commission accredited. They have also been recognized as “Hospice Honors” the past two years for their championing customer service. Brottem ends with, “It’s important to

remember that with hospice we are all a part of the team striving for the same end result of excellent patient care.”

*Summer Miller is the current Executive Director of Altus Hospice of Beaumont, out on leave.

Melissa Meredith

Melissa Meredith, the Executive Director at the North Houston site opens up with telling us that, “Once you get that diagnosis and have the hospice conversation, families need to think MORE. Hospice is about more! More care, more support, more time. Hospice is a journey and at the end of life, you will receive MORE love and support.”

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and coma, renal disease, liver disease, HIV, and ALS.

Meredith said, “We follow Medicare hospice guidelines and regulations all while meeting the patient and family where they are. After all, this is their journey. We strive to provide the best end of life care and support so that hospice is a positive experience for the patient and their family.” She started with Altus Hospice North Houston in October, 2011, and became the Executive Director in 2016. She describes her leadership style as follows, “I’m like a quarterback managing a team of professionals and getting to help patients and their families through the journey.” Meredith strives for positive, healthy growth in the Altus Hospice system. “As a provider of hospice care, we only have

one chance to get it right. There are no do-overs; we must do it right. This is the patient/family’s end of life journey. We are here to provide support and education to ensure the Hospice experience is a positive one for all involved.” Meredith and her team focus on providing the patient with the best rest of their life and ensuring that the moments have a positive impact for the patient and their family.

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Corpus Christi and Laredo Yvonne Garcia Yvonne Garcia is the Executive Director of Altus Hospice-Corpus Christi and Laredo. “Customer service is the core or our approach. We are a very seasoned team with a focused work ethic and dedication to patient outcomes and educating both patients and their families.” Garcia explains that the experience and tenure of the interdisciplinary and support team is excellent. “The core team has been together for four years and is comprised of diverse and seasoned levels of expertise including doctorate, master’s levels, and

certifications in thanatology, as well as medical directors certified in hospice and palliative care. We are a circle of excellent and hard-working individuals that are dedicated to the best patient outcome.” The Altus team is focused on patient care and “it’s about how you live.” Garcia says, “The gratitude that our families display for the compassionate care that our team gives 24/7 is the most rewarding part of our jobs.” Having been the Executive Director of Altus Hospice-Corpus Christi and

Laredo for the past four years, Garcia wants to educate the community about the benefits of bringing in patients earlier. She wants to emphasize, “It is not the end of life care; it’s about respecting life with dignity.”

San Antonio Karla Lopez-Guerra, RN Karla Lopez Guerra RN, BA is the Executive Director at the San Antonio site. She tells us, “It’s all about the quality of life at the end of life and choosing how to live your last days.” Not only do they focus on the patient, but she notes the family is just as important for that end of life time. Each patient holds a special place in the Altus family heart, but one patient in particular stands out; Lopez-Guerra elaborates, “He was a former sheriff and wanted one last ride in a police car. We were able to give him that.” The team consists of only Registered Nurses as case managers. The rest of the team includes Social Workers with Master Degrees, Certified Nursing Assistants, Licensed Vocational Nurses as Intake Coordinators, and Chaplains

of all religious backgrounds, Community Educators, Administrative Assistants and a Bereavement/Volunteer Coordinator that works closely with volunteers for community outreach. The Director of Nursing is Andrew Silva. Team members such as Barbara Collins and Reynaldo Rios who are Certified Nursing Assistants have been helping patients on Hospice with tasks of daily living for 25 plus years. Lopez-Guerra’s role as the Executive Director at Altus Hospice San Antonio was initiated in May of 2017. Prior to accepting the ED position, she worked as needed as a Registered Nurse Case Manager for three years. “Being an RN is a second career for me. It’s most importantly about touching lives, providing advocacy for patients and leadership to a team

of individuals that are providing these services.” Lopez-Guerra concludes, “Our San Antonio Team puts the lives of others before theirs without thinking twice about it. It’s not about a six-month prognosis; it’s about providing quality at the end of life and giving each patient the best rest of their life by creating memories and loving moments with their loved ones.”

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South Houston Judy Meek, RN Judy Socha Meek RN is the Executive Director at the South Houston site. “The philosophy at our site is to provide the care needed to give the patient the best rest of their life that they may have. Our team works hard to provide the best quality of life for the time they do have left. We treat our patients as if they were our own loved ones.” Meek explains that they work together as a team of health care professionals and volunteers to provide medical, psychological, and spiritual support to the patient and the family. “Our goal is to provide end of life care to the patients and allow them to have peace, dignity and comfort as they come to the end of their life.” “Our team works in collaboration with the patient and the caregivers while navigating the terminal illness as well as management of symptoms

and pain, while providing the best quality care. The volunteers provide companionship and the chaplains and social workers provide multiple levels of psychosocial support to the patient and family throughout bereavement.” The South Houston approach is that they become a team with the patient and their family. They explain to the patient that they are the Captain of their care. Meek adds, “We want them to feel confident and comfortable that they are in control and making the decisions related to their hospice care, or in cases where the patient is not able to be the decision maker, then the Captain becomes the primary care giver. Patient/family education is of the utmost importance in hospice.” She began working for Altus approximately one year ago as the Director of Clinical Services, and as

of March 1, 2018, she became the Executive Director. “If a patient comes on services when diagnosed, we are able to provide the patient and family with a much more comprehensive plan of care. We then have the time to effectively treat, teach, comfort, and symptom manage, where all involved are comfortable at their or their loved one’s end of life.” Meek concludes, “We truly strive to provide the patient with the best rest of their life.”

For More Information Call Us

888.873.1822

Altus Hospice professionals are available for patient and family consultations at any time. There is absolutely no obligation or charge to the patient. Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance carriers.

altushospicecare Altus Hospice Care Altus_Care

Visit us online altushospicecare.com

altushospicecare altus-hospice-care

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Gloria Loos, 77, used to enjoy playing tennis, running and exercising. However, her active lifestyle was derailed when she was diagnosed with emphysema in 2009. In March 2014, she was hospitalized when her condition worsened. Doctors informed her family that there is an end stage to every disease and Gloria was near, if not there.

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his conversation with her doctor moved Gloria’s son, Jason, to immediately call Dr. Raimondo, President/CEO of Pulmonair to seek assistance. Jason stated, “Dr. Raimondo said, ‘We’re going to make arrangements with the hospital and her doctor for the equipment to be delivered, so that she can get IPV (intrapulmonary percussive ventilation) treatments as prescribed’.” Jason’s mother was transferred to Warm Springs Specialty Hospital, currently known as PAM in New Braunfels, Texas because several respiratory therapists were experienced with IPV from SAMC formerly known as BAMC’s ISR Burn Unit. Mrs. Loos was very sick before she received her first IPV treatment. She was disoriented x3. When you are disoriented x3 you do not know who you are, where you are and what time or day it is. Mrs. Loos’ confusion was a direct consequence of her hypercapnia or high blood CO2, which makes the blood acidic and affects the performance of all the other organs in your body. IPV was administered noninvasively via a non-vented mask because she was unable to hold the mouthpiece in her mouth. After a 12 minute treatment with IPV, she had regained her mental status. She

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immediately began to talk about how her lungs felt great like fresh sparks of oxygen were entering her body and it was a good feeling. During her stay and recovery, the physicians at Warm Springs continued her IPV therapy sessions several times per day and within a month she was released and has continued IPV treatments at home to date. It has been four years since her release from the hospital. In a video interview following her release and continued usage of IPV on a daily basis at home, Mrs. Loos stated “I was able to go without using my nebulizer a lot longer and was able to breathe better.” She also included, “I’m actually walking farther than I did before I went into the hospital. It will give you a feeling of wanting to live more because you’re not so exhausted.” Dr. Raimondo believes that Mrs. Loos’s last statement is very important because “IPV gave her HOPE and hope is a powerful word.” Patients who suffer from chronic diseases begin to lose hope as their disease progresses. Depression, anxiety, fear and a general loss of hope undermines the patient’s persona. Since 2010, Pulmonair has been providing IPV (Intrapulmonary Percussive Ventilation) to patients suffering from various forms of lung disease including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). IPV is a lung conditioning therapy that sends small and fast bursts of air into the lungs. It also gently percusses and opens up the airways. These bursts of air make it down to the alveoli, which are the structures where gas exchange occurs, and loosen and free mucus from airway walls to return the mucus and debris from the deep part of the lungs to the upper airways where the patient can cough it up or be suctioned if the patient is intubated.

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My experience has been exceptional. I use my IPV machine with my breathing treatments. I take a treatment in the morning and evening before bed. I am amazed at how it opens the bronchial tube’s and how much function it has allowed me to have. I have severe COPD and am so happy I now have this machine in my home.The sales rep was helpful and courteous and making sure I understood how to work it. Thanks for introducing me to this machine with my stay in the hospital. Kathy Connolly Drake, Patient Story

A rudimentary visual explanation follows: Imagine placing an empty glass in your sink directly below the faucet. Turn on the water and the water will hit the bottom of the glass and the water will come back up the sides of the glass. This occurs in our airways when we use IPV. According to the inventor, Forest Bird, IPV generates 55% less mean airway pressure when compared to other conventional ventilators with respect to attaining the same blood gases. For more than 20 years, IPV has been proven safe and effective for patients of all ages. IPV is being used in very prestigious medical hospitals in Texas including MD Anderson in Houston. Our military has used it here in San Antonio to transport our wounded soldiers over from Iraq and Afghanistan when involved in explosions. In addition, a few local

hospitals that are currently using IPV include University Hospital, CHOSA, Methodist, Baptist and Guadalupe Regional hospitals. Those who benefit from IPV treatments, Dr. Raimondo added, are individuals suffering from any chronic lung disease including, but not limited to emphysema, cystic fibrosis, acute pneumonia, neuromuscular patients, premature lungs, chronic bronchitis, acute and chronic asthma, ALS, post thoracic surgery, etc. Eric Van Hell, 26, is another Pulmonair patient whose health has dramatically improved from IPV treatments. “He was frightened of being put on a ventilator,” Eric’s mother, Yvonne said. “Putting him on the IPV was like patting him to sleep. It would calm him down, and it’s been part of his respiratory care ever since. His lungs are clear and get more oxygen, and he’s more alert. Every year, we lose a little something (with Eric), but IPV helps us maintain what we do have.” Dr. Raimondo knows all too well the devastating effects of COPD. His motivation to bring IPV out of the shadows of the hospital’s ICUs, NICUs and the Burn Units started before he even heard the acronym IPV. Early in 2005, he watched helplessly as his father succumbed to his lung diseasesemphysema and small oat cell cancer. Dr. Raimondo stated, “I remember sleeping in my dad’s hospital room every night and being woken up at all hours of the night for different breathing therapies and blood tests. I remember at one point when my father knew it was coming to the end before he blacked out. He told me he loved me which was not something he said often and he also told me he was scared and he regretted smoking all those years even though he had quit 15 years prior.” “My father was never offered IPV as

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a treatment option at Spohn Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. I do not blame the doctors or the hospital for not knowing; this technology has been misunderstood in the U.S. market almost since its onset. We have the best medical system in the world, but every system has its weakness. Recently a wise Pulmonologist in Corpus Christi asked me why IPV was not more mainstream? I’ve asked myself this question a thousand times. The only answer I have is HOW does a therapy like IPV thrive for 20 plus years in our medical model without a consistent reimbursement. No reimbursement typically would be the death of a product line. Things are starting to come around for IPV because of these incredible patient outcomes. The reason it’s still around is because IPV saves lives and improves outcomes.”

He continues, “ I was told a long time ago that Forest Bird, the inventor was asked to do more studies on IPV and he told the doctor to stick to the kidneys and he would take care of the lungs so IPV was given a reimbursement code with zero reimbursement. This is a second hand story, but it does explain why we have a code with zero dollars for the reimbursement. Knowing what I know and seeing what I’ve seen makes this ridiculous because if more patients were treated with IPV, then millions if not hundreds of millions of dollars could be saved annually. The reason is because IPV can reduce hospital readmissions, reduce length of stay in the hospital, can reduce the usage of antibiotics, and can slow down the progression of chronic lung disease. Pulmonair’s mission is to help patients and their families breathe

I was diagnosed with Type A Flu on January 13th, then on January 19th, I was diagnosed with pneumonia. I am convinced that without my IPV from Pulmonair machine, at the very least, I would have been in the hospital. Donna Griffith Sweet, Patient Story

easier by providing innovative respiratory solutions.” In review of why IPV is so unique: 2018 - APRIL

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My husband has been using an IPV mchine from Pulmonair for years. I truly believe it has saved his life. Prior to using the machine he was hospitalized multiple times for pneumonia (5 times in one year!). The breathing machine protocol, along with his medications has helped him deal with this COPD and remain a healthy, active 81 year old!. At Pulmonair your health is our priority

IPV is the only home and/or hospital therapy device to do these three tasks simultaneously with or without the cooperation of the patient. This translates into the fact that the patient can be in a coma or conscience. IPV ventilates and oxygenates the patient, IPV effectively and gently resolves atelectasis, which means opens up airways, and lastly IPV mobilizes secretions from the alveoli to the upper airways where it can be coughed up or suctioned. There are other devices that do one of these three tasks, but there is no other device that does these three unique functions at the same time, which make IPV the most misunderstood and underutilized respiratory therapy device in the United States. IPV works through Bernoulli and Venturi laws that are built into the phasitron. This is what gives a lung protective strategy. IPV has an automatic clutch inherently built in that decreases the flow as resistance is applied to it and will increase flow as resistance is reduced to it. IPV treatments generally last between 20 to 30 minutes. IPV has a humidifier that uses physiological saline

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to help humidify the high flow and simple bronchodilators can be used as well. Many patients report significant improvements in activities of daily living and increased vitality when they

Patti Orsi, Patient Story

incorporate IPV in their daily lives.

For more information about IPV treatments, visit www.pulmonair.org or call (210) 923-9500.

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fter more than 30 years as a diabetic, Gerardo Hernandez, 57, started dialysis in 2016 to help salvage his kidneys. So three times a week, his daughter, Janett Arambula, took him to the dialysis center for his four-hour treatments. “It would break my heart to drop him off and see him in pain,” said Arambula, a 33-year-old mother of three. Her heartache turned to hope, however, when her father’s cardiologist told them about Doctors Hospital at Renaissance (DHR) Health Transplant Institute and asked if they wanted to register with the hospital’s Kidney Transplant Program. After Arambula learned she was a match for her father, she decided to donate a kidney to her dad. “I was scared,” she said. “I wasn’t scared of the surgery. I was afraid that my father’s body would reject the new kidney.” On March 7, 2017, Hernandez became the first kidney transplant recipient at the DHR Health Transplant Institute in Edinburg headed by the highly skilled transplant team consisting of Dr. Philip Thomas, transplant surgeon; Dr. Jose Almeda, transplant surgeon; Dr. Mourad Alsabbagh, transplant nephrologist; and Dr. Gaudencio Olgin, transplant urologist. Since establishing the DHR Health Transplant Institute in 2016, DHR has performed seven kidney transplants. Recently, DHR Health was officially certified as an Adult Kidney Transplant Program by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) in recognition of its quality, experience, and excellence in the delivery of kidney transplant medical services. CMS certification is the highest

quality indicator for a transplant program, and DHR is the only health system south of San Antonio to receive this seal of approval. This certification will greatly expand access to life-saving kidney transplants for many patients in the Rio Grande Valley who are Medicare beneficiaries and suffering from endstage kidney failure, according to DHR Health. “The CMS certification is in line with the hospital which is to bring a high level of care to the Valley so that patients don’t have to leave the Valley to get the kind of specialty services they might require,” Dr. Thomas said. The DHR Health Transplant Institute, Dr. Thomas explained, centers on the team approach during a kidney transplant operation. “The whole concept of providing medical care is different when it comes to transplants,” he said.

“For instance, if you go to a plastic surgeon or a cardiac surgeon, it’s all up to the surgeon and his operating team. But with transplants, you are using an organ donated by somebody to heal another patient. So we have a very high standard to reach to be good custodians of that precious gift of life.” Dr. Thomas elaborates, “This means the donor is healing the recipient and we’re trying to make that happen, so it involves a lot more teamwork apart 2018 - APRIL

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from doctors, starting with the nurse coordinator, and the social workers who have to evaluate donor and recipient to make sure the whole process is likely to achieve success. And there are very strict standards that CMS enforces to make sure you are meeting those expectations.” Two transplant surgeons are always in the operating room during a kidney transplant, Dr. Almeda added, unlike many other hospitals. “It’s our requirement because we want to step up the quality of service,” he said. “It adds an extra layer of expertise and safety for patients, and it ensures that everyone is doing their job correctly.” Dr. Almeda said he is proud to be part of the transplant team and believes the DHR Health Transplant Institute is

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the Rio Grande Valley’s “medical gem.” And it doesn’t just serve patients from Edinburg, McAllen or Brownsville, for instance, but also from San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Laredo, Lubbock, San Angelo and even some from Houston.

“There’s almost 1.5 million people in the area,” he said. “The hospital is progressive and is dedicated to quality of service and a commitment to our patients.”

Being a transplant surgeon and working with the transplant team is especially gratifying, he said, knowing that they are helping someone have a better quality of life. “You’re always looking for that moment when you reconnect the kidney from cold to hot,” Dr. Almeda said, “and that’s why we have a slogan, ‘Bringing New Life to the Valley.’ It’s a pivotal moment when you unclamp the artery and unclamp the vein and let the blood rush into the new kidney and bring new life to the patient. It’s a great moment.” Another critical member of the team is Dr. Alsabbagh, the transplant nephrologist who makes the decision whether a patient is an ideal candidate for a transplant. His role, he said, begins with an initial meeting with a patient, whose kidney function is below 20

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percent to discuss available options regarding kidney transplants following a thorough physical examination. After a full examination, Dr. Alsabbagh makes a preliminary decision whether the patient will be a candidate for a kidney transplant or not. If yes, the patient moves to the next step where they undergo numerous laboratory tests including blood work and CT scans, and an evaluation of the patient’s heart to make sure it is strong enough for surgery.

“After the evaluation of laboratory work, we decide if a patient is a good candidate to be put on the kidney transplant list,” he said. “If they are a qualified candidate, we send them a letter and we keep them on the list until we get a kidney offer for the patient.” One option that Dr. Alsabbagh discusses with a prospective kidney recipient is a living donor kidney transplant. “This is where the patient has someone like a son, a daughter, a relative or a friend who might be a potential donor. If this is the case, we can evaluate that person, and, if everything works out, we will move forward with the surgery.” Dr. Alsabbagh wants previous kidney transplant recipients in the Valley and throughout South Texas to know the DHR Health Transplant Institute can treat and care for them even if they had

a transplant elsewhere. “A patient who had a transplant in San Antonio or Houston but now lives in the Valley doesn’t need to drive six hours every week, or month or two months to see their transplant surgeon. As long as they’re stable,” he said, “we can see them. On occasion we have managed even the early surgical and medical problems following transplant done elsewhere for patients returning to the Valley. We have inherited a lot of transplant patients, and they are happy there is someone in the Valley who can take care of them.” Rounding out the transplant team is transplant urologist Dr. Olgin, who also oversees the Living Donor Program. “As a urologist, I do a lot of surgeries on kidneys for cancer or removal of kidney tumors,” he said. “Because of that, I

know complexities of the anatomy of the kidneys very well. I help the transplant team remove the kidney safely from the donor. That’s my main role.” Among his other important responsibilities, Dr. Olgin assists with any medical issues that might arise posttransplant procedure. “I also help evaluate people who are going to receive a kidney, such as those on dialysis, and those who have been on dialysis for a while to see if their bladder function is good enough to accept a new kidney.” Dr. Olgin echoes the sentiment shared by his colleagues that the Kidney Transplant Program will bring the gift of life to people in the Valley and throughout Texas. “We’ve built a really good group from all aspects, including surgeons, specialists, nutritionists and pharmacists,” he said. 2018 - APRIL

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“We all focus on the patient because, on one hand, you have patients giving up a part of their body out of the kindness of their heart, and, on the other hand, you have patients who are fairly ill and the only way they are able to live is through artificial means.”

Now that the DHR Kidney Transplant Program is firmly established with seven transplants to date with the most recent one being performed in February, along with its highly valued CMS certification, the transplant team already is looking to the future. The hope is

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that one day the DHR Health Transplant Institute can perform multi-organ transplants that will greatly benefit the Rio Grande Valley community. “A major goal is to do different organs,” Dr. Almeda said. “Most programs start off with kidneys first. If I had my wish, in the next five years, we would start liver transplants.” For now, the focus of the DHR Health Transplant Institute is kidney transplants, which all began with the first operation between Gerardo Hernandez and his daughter. “That transplant went very well, and they were happy with the care they received,” Dr. Thomas said. It also got the momentum going that would move the Kidney Transplant Program forward with seven successful transplants thus far that eventually led to a major milestone, the CMS certification. The program also first had to be recognized by the Virginia-based United

Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). “(UNOS) went over the credentials of all the physicians working on transplant patients and the abilities of the hospital before giving us recognition,” Dr. Thomas said, adding that the next stage was applying for CMS certification. “When (CMS officials) came, they examined in great detail all the records of the transplants we had done, and they were very happy with what had been adhered to,” he said. And just like the rest of the transplant team, Dr. Olgin has high hopes for the DHR Health Transplant Institute. “We’ve been doing a good job,” he said. “I can’t wait to see what the future holds being able to help people.”

For more information, visit dhr-rgv.com or call (956) 362-8677.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS | MCALLEN

THE SCIENCE THAT INSPIRED

COOL SCULPTING Provided by Cryo Body Perfections

C

ool Sculpting is the body contouring phenomenon sweeping the nation. Known as the newest, most effective, and non-invasive aesthetic option for smoothing unwanted bulges of fat, Cool Sculpting is the go-to option for men and women alike. Although freezing your fat may sound too good to be true, it is based on sound science and medical observations. Cryolipolysis is the term most often used when referring to modern-day fat freezing (e.g., Cool Sculpting), but back in the 1970s, it was popsicle panniculitis that started the concept of targeted fat freezing. In 1970, Epstein and Oren1 first reported a case of popsicle panniculitis in an infant, and in 1976, Rajkumar et al.2 found similar results in cheeks from the sucking of cold objects. These foundational studies, which were incidental observations that

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could be explained by science, laid the groundwork for targeted fat freezing. If sucking on a cold object, like a popsicle could destroy fat cells in the cheek, leaving an indentation, without permanently damaging the skin or tissue, perhaps this methodology could be applied to other parts of the body. And so, the premise of Cool Sculpting was born. Fat freezing is ideal for specific fat tissue--submental fat that lies just under the skin. For example, the fat that can be pinched on an abdomen is ideal for freezing as compared to the fat deep within the abdominal cavity (visceral fat). More fibrous submental fat, like that found in the thighs and below the buttocks, appears to respond slightly differently to cryolipolysis, but results have still been found using the current Cool Sculpting techniques. This is the

reason, however, that Cool Sculpting was initially approved for the abdomen and approved much later for more fibrous areas. A great deal of research toward techniques, methods, and implementation of Cool Sculpting have led to safe and effective treatments for the general public. Both male and female patients spanning a large age range are ideal candidates for the quick procedure. However, the simplicity of the concept has led to some mishaps when individuals lacking a medical degree or certification take it upon themselves to perform at-home cryolipolysis. The use of dry ice is strongly discouraged, as it can cause severe burns to the skin. Cool Sculpting is able to achieve such below-freezing temperatures safely because it employs a thin barrier between the applicator and the skin and

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HEALTH & WELLNESS | MCALLEN

because the technique cycles the temperature up and down throughout the procedure. This is not easily replicated at home. Technique adjustments were made when researching how to treat more fibrous fat tissue (e.g., saddle bags) that could not fit well with the contoured vacuum applicators on the market at the time. Practitioners learned to double the time exposure (from 60 minutes to 120 minutes) to the cold temperature in lieu of a vacuum applicator. Results were achieved.

Cool Sculpting may seem like magic, but it is based on sound science and research. The consumer can feel confident in the technique; however, they should also be realistic about the results. Cryolipolysis is not a weight loss method, rather it is a body contouring method. A patient will not be losing pounds, instead they will lose a small amount of fat cells in a targeted location. In summary, Cool Sculpting is a safe, reliable method for reducing fat bulges in many locations of the body. 2018 - APRIL

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LOSE WEIGHT, NOT HOPE.

Nilesh A. Patel, MD, FACS

Subhash Reddy, MD

Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery •

WLS may improve obesity related health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and obstructive sleep apnea, among others.

• Diabetes cured in 80% of patients and resolved or improved in 90% of patients. •

Hypertension is cured in 62% of patients and resolved or improved in 78.5%

• Obstructive sleep apnea is cured in 86% of patients • Risk of death is decreased by 89% • Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) can enhance fertility and lead to successful full term pregnancies. • Average weight loss is 50-70% of excess body weight • Improvement in arthritis with reduction in pain and increased mobility. • WLS is covered by 80% of insurances •

Texas Bariatric Specialists accepts most major insurances including Medicare.

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San Antonio | Austin | Corpus Christi | San Angelo Kileen | New Braunfels | Del Rio | Laredo

GOOD-BYE DIABETES GOOD-BYE SLEEP APNEA HELLO WEIGHT LOSS MDMONTHLY.COM


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