G R E AT E R A U S T I N
NSIDE
MD
A PERSONAL TOUCH DR. AARON J. WHITE SUPERIOR SENIOR CARE DR. ABHILASHA GUPTA
MARCH.APRIL 2013
SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT
LEGEND DENTAL NSIDE AUSTIN MD
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Surprisingly more than what you’d expect from a dental visit
4200 North Lamar, Suite 145 (next to Uchiko) Austin, Texas 512.459.5437 / www.drmoossy.com
NSIDE AUSTIN MD
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NSIDE
nsidethisissue march/april 2013
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NSIDE Austin MD Magazine March/April 2013
cover story legend dental
ceo/nside media productions Eliot Garza
PUBLISHER Angela Strickland
executive EDITOR Erin O’Brien
creative director Elisa Giordano
graphic designers Damaris Fike Cristina Villa Hazar
account executives Stephanie Hawley Mandy McFarland
contributing writers Kailyn Cavanaugh Lenore Kaiser Brian Kelly Jody Joseph Marmel Alex Winkleman
Drs. Bryan Hassler, Roddy Castells, Priscila Donangelo, John Bozanich and Mahya Farnia care for both their patients and their communities at large by providing top-quality care and focusing on philanthropy.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Gregg Cestaro Michael Giordano Mark Matson
events marketing manager Martha Morales
collegiate assistant
profiles
14 Dr. Aaron J. White
Kat DelGrande
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editorial intern Katrina Torres
With his outstanding credentials and skilled, patient-oriented staff, this orthodontist and his team provide patients with the most advanced orthodontic technology available and stand at the forefront of their field at South Texas Orthodontics.
NSIDE is a proud member of the Austin Chamber of Commerce.
18 Dr. Abhilasha Gupta
A pioneer in more ways than one, this certified internal medicine provider heads the first WellMed Medical Group clinic in Williamson County and continues to provide the best care for patients according to the WellMed model of care.
departments 08 Nonprofit 22 Patient 26 Health & Wellness
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NSIDE Publications Austin • San Antonio • Corpus Christi Copyright © by NSIDE Media Productions. All rights reserved. Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited.
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[ nside / nonprofit ]
Why Not Philanthropy? Get inspired and get involved! Connect with Citizen Generation to participate in the
organization’s many opportunities for fun philanthropy, as well as to receive updates on other opportunities to give back in the Capitol City. by Alex Winkelman
People often ask me, “Why philanthropy?” I don’t know if they are testing me or really want to know. The first and shortest answer I provide is that I was influenced and inspired at a young age to give. Growing up, I saw myself in many other professions from child psychologist and veterinarian to clothing designer and retailer. I still see myself in another profession or two, but philanthropy is definitely a calling of mine. I’d like to turn the question around and ask, “Why not philanthropy?” I don’t think I am alone in saying that the benefits outweigh all of the negatives and misconceptions about the philanthropic sector, especially for young people right out of college. The philanthropic sector and young profession-
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als have so much to offer one another. From a fresh look, a different perspective, an understanding of technology and innovative practices, young professionals have so much to give. And the philanthropic sector gives right back. The experiences, relationships, education, opportunities for ownership and growth and good karma are so valuable. A huge emphasis in our philanthropic community right now is the giving of time, talent and/or treasure. Everyone can do some of this, so why not make a profession out of it, at least for a short time? To be rewarded for making a difference in someone else’s life is not a crime. You’re still doing good. The same goes for attending fundraisers, volunteer days and community events. The people we all call philanthropists – those who give thousands of
dollars each year – are constantly getting rewarded. They are getting entertained at galas, they are making business contacts and new friends, they are getting their name on a founder’s wall or in a thank-you letter and they are definitely getting that warm-hearted feeling. Why can’t young professionals do the same without being questioned? We young professionals are making a huge difference and having fun at the same time. So what? It’s nothing new. Instead of questioning young people on why they chose this route, let’s encourage them. They don’t have to stay in the philanthropic field forever; there will be plenty of opportunities to make a few more dollars in the future. A speaker at the Nobelity Project gala recently summed it up for me in a
A Wealth of Opportunity In addition to Citizen Generation’s monthly programming (CharityBash, CharityLadies, CharityLunch and CharityVolunteers), there are many other opportunities for young professionals to get involved. Here are a few of those ways I recommend:
Join a young professionals organization. These groups are a great way to get plugged into the community, be philanthropic and make friends. GivingCity Austin provides a great list in their current issue: www.givingcityaustin.com.
quote by Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” We young philanthropists certainly gave a lot at Citizen Generation’s Third Annual CharityBash Masquerade Ball on Feb. 9. The evening raised $40,000 split into 80 percent for Creative Action and 20 percent for Citizen Generation. As part of Citizen Generation’s monthly programming, the CharityBash Masquerade Ball is our only black-tie event of the year with a slightly higher ticket price. Neither of these “hurdles” stopped our audience from attending and giving, with a record number of 550 individuals at the fundraiser. Creative Action, Citizen Generation’s February ben-
Since Citizen Generation’s launch in 2009, we have collected 12,000 donations and raised more than
$600,000.
eficiary, provides high-quality arts education to Austin’s youth through schools, nonprofit partnerships and community events. Their programming inspires thousands of young people to become “creative artists, courageous allies, critical thinkers and confident leaders.” Since Citizen Generation’s launch in 2009, we’ve collected 12,000 donations. This has resulted in more than $600,000 raised, hundreds of volunteer hours donated and hundreds of in-kind donations collected. We’ve introduced our audience to more than 50 other organizations in our community doing valuable work. Stay up-to-date on what Citizen Generation is doing in the community by connecting with us online. We will also keep you posted on other giving opportunities in Austin. Be inspired.
To learn more about Citizen Generation, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@HabitofGiving) or sign up for our email list at www.citizengeneration.org.
Become a member of Austin Involved. Through this program, individuals donate their money, vote where the money goes and volunteer with the winning organization. Find out more at www.ilivehereigivehere. org.
List your skill sets with Austin Probono. From there, you will be matched with a nonprofit project so you can lend your time and talent to make a difference in the community. Easily sign up at www.austinprobono. org.
GivePulse, a new addition to Austin, is an online community promoting volunteering. Sign up today at www. givepulse.com to easily find fun volunteer opportunities.
Find a nonprofit group that calls to you such as the RuffTail Runners program at Austin Pets Alive! Previously known as Jog a Dog, you will get your exercise in, as well as give some much-needed exercise to a loveable and adoptable pet. How can it get better than that? Find out more at www.austinpetsalive. org.
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Caring for the
Community At Legend Dental, top-quality care expands way beyond three locations and into the communities at large, thanks to Dr. Bryan Hassler and his dedicated team of dentists who focus on providing both quality care and quality service. by Jody Joseph Marmel Photography by gregg cestaro
B
orn and raised in El Paso, Dr. Bryan Hassler graced Austin with his presence when he opened Legend Dental in August 2011. After working in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area as an associate dentist, Hassler had a vision to start his own practice. Attending Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2009. After working for a few years in Dallas, Hassler wanted to start Legend Dental in a thriving city, and thus, he chose Austin. It was a wise choice for him and the four dentists on staff in both the Austin and the Georgetown facilities. And it was certainly a wise decision for those of us lucky enough to live in or nearby these
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two cities. All five dentists truly care about each of their patients and give back to the community in endless ways. “We maintain advanced procedures and equipment to help accomplish our goal that each patient may achieve healthy and beautiful teeth. Our patients gain an education about oral hygiene and maintenance while also understanding their specific needs and how we are going to reach these goals as a team.” Hassler emphasizes that all patients must find a dentist who works for them, and the trust factor has to be present at all times. “Mutual trust and understanding are the keys to a successful doctor-patient relationship that will last for many years. Educating our patients in all facets of their treatment helps
them not only learn what we are doing, but why we are doing the necessary procedure for long-term dental and overall health care.” Dr. Roddy Castells brings his expertise to Legend Dental after graduating from Baylor College of Dentistry. Being a University of Texas at Austin graduate, Castells always wanted to move back to the Austin area to practice. He is extremely happy to be back in Central Texas. “One thing that is different about our offices is the significant amount of time spend with our patients during their initial visit and with treatment planning,” he says. “We want to be able to answer all of our patients’ questions and want them to know what to expect next in their treatment plan.” Periodontist and general dentist Dr. Priscila
Donangelo first received her DDS in Brazil at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in 1999. Practicing mainly periodontics, she worked in Brazil for eight years and did volunteer work in a kindergarten of underserved children. She married, moved to the United States and attained her second DDS so she could practice here. Legend Dental is her first job in Texas post dental school. “We care about our patients above everything else and take pleasure in serving our patients not only in the office, but outside the office through community work and events.” Donangelo emphasizes community work because Legend Dental provides so many services to the community. Visiting local schools, the dentists talk to the various nurses and spread the word that
Legend Dental is available to help students who might not otherwise be able to afford dental care. According to Hassler, “We have adopted some of the schools in the area to help these children, and in turn, the nurses have been a wonderful referral base for us.” Seeing patients for free and for emergency care is indeed an act of caring for the community’s well-being. To add to their outreach services, all dentists at Legend Dental are providers for the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM), and they have adjusted their contract rates for the Caring Place, both nonprofit entities. Other benevolent services include Cap City Kids (oral hygiene classes for the Empowerment Academy and Back to School Bash), the Georgetown Proj-
“Our practices try to get involved with the community in many ways.” NSIDE AUSTIN MD
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“We care about our patients above everything else.” ect, Adopted Schools (Georgetown oral hygiene classes, free emergency care and free care once a month based on need), the American Heart Association (they supported the “Go Red” campaign and are advocates for heart/oral health) and the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber Foundation Health & Wellness Committee (member and public health advocates). They are active members of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, as well as Autism Bike sponsors and strong supporters of ASGA, free oral hygiene screenings at H-E-B “Second Saturdays” and the ECHO-Homeless Resource Fair (oral health screenings). They have also been active in many charitable donations at all three of their locations. It is quite obvious that Legend Dental (Austin and Georgetown) and Vida Dental (part of the Legend Dental group) play an integral role in the communities and surrounding areas. Dr. John Bozanich, a graduate of Baylor Dental School, joined Legend Dental when the doors opened in August 2011. He currently works at Vida Dental, which is located in South Austin. “Our practices try to get involved with the community in many ways,” he says. “Around Thanksgiving time, every office chooses to sponsor a family for Thanksgiving. The families appreciate this, and we are grateful to have them as patients. We accept the HAAM program, and the patients who have HAAM are very happy. “This is the Live Music Capitol of the World, and we strongly support the musicians and local artists in Austin. Recently, I attended the ECHO-Homeless Resource Fair, where I provided oral health screenings. We strongly care about our patients and our community.” At Legend Dental, their expertise, skills, knowledge and humanitarian ways extend beyond their three locations, which is indicative of how much this team cares about oral health care and taking care of as many people as they possibly can. “We provide premier care for our patients and create beautiful, healthy smiles,” says Dr. Mahya Farnia, the orthodontist at Legend Dental. Upon receiving her master’s in biomedical engineering from the University of Irvine – California, she continued her education at the University of Nevada, where she attained her dental degree. “I continued my education at the University of Indiana, where I received my orthodontic specialty degree and master’s in dentistry.” Farnia emphasizes that all three locations have a friendly staff and doctors who love to make a difference in patients’ lives by providing what is the best for their health and their smile. Welcoming all patients from pediatrics to geriatrics, Legend Dental has no limits on whom they are able to provide
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with the highest standard of dental care and how they can serve their patients best. All five dentists love the practice of dentistry and are committed to continuing education. Hassler’s stated goal is to provide quality dental care in the most comfortable conditions possible. He believes well-educated patients make the best patients. They all encourage their patients to ask questions and bring all of their dental concerns to them whenever the need arises. All services of general dentistry, crowns, bridges, dentures, implants, cosmetic surgery, gum disease treatments, root canals, extractions and orthodontics are provided. The best part of their day is knowing that they are able to comfort patients and remove any fears. “When you do a good job of preparing the patient for what is about to happen next,” Castells says, “it helps to achieve a pleasant and successful dental visit for them.” While Legend Dental is fairly new to the area, their customer base is growing. “We will
Legend Dental – Austin
2525 W. Anderson Lane Building 3, Ste. 300 Austin, Texas 78757 512-420-0050
continue to grow and expand our practice,” Hassler says. “As we become more integrated in the community, we hope to become an essential fabric of Austin’s medical and dental arena.” With the extensive list of what Legend Dental and Vida Dental can do for their patients and the added bonus of customer satisfaction in every aspect of dentistry, there is no doubt that Legend Dental is making their namesake a worthy one. Add in all of the extra community outreach programs they are involved with and all of the people they help, and it seems that they have already started a very magical legend.
To learn more about Legend Dental, please visit www.legenddental.com, www.myvidadental. com, www.facebook.com/legenddentalaustin, www.facebook.com/legenddentalgeorgetown or www.facebook.com/myvidadental. You may also follow them on Twitter (@Legenddental).
Legend Dental – Georgetown
1013 W. University Ave. Ste. 345 Georgetown, Texas 78628 512-869-4850
Vida Dental
1901 West William Cannon Drive Ste. 143 Austin, Texas 78745 512-444-4867 NSIDE AUSTIN MD
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Bringing Beautiful
Smiles to Austin
Standing on the cutting edge of orthodontics, Dr. Aaron J. White offers his patients a new realm of possibilities with the most advanced technology available at South Texas Orthodontics. by Jody Joseph Marmel Photography By michael giordano
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n July 2012, South Texas Orthodontics opened their doors in Austin. Having three locations throughout San Antonio, the group also has an office in Schertz. Deciding to expand into the Capitol City, South Texas Orthodontics and Dr. Aaron J. White developed a joint venture that was mutually beneficial. “South Texas Orthodontics found a wonderful practice for sale in Austin,” White says. “I wanted to settle in Austin and work with a group that offered the most advanced orthodontic technology available. I joined the group in July 2012.” The thriving practice is growing, as its presence is getting well recognized throughout the city by dental referrals and patient advocates. White practices in the Austin office fulltime, and he is enjoying every moment of his career. He sees the office as a smaller solo practice that has all of the benefits and offerings of a larger group practice. And with his personal touches and his friendly, skilled and patient-oriented staff, White envisions that the practice will keep growing while still maintaining the “small office” ambience. He emphasizes that the most important aspect of the practice is the staff. “We have an amazing team that works very well together to give every patient the best, most personalized experience possible. We also offer all of the latest technology in the orthodontic field that makes treatment time faster and more efficient.” An extremely focused man, White decided to become an orthodontist when he was 10 years old. “When I started going to my orthodontist, Dr. James Evans, he was exactly the kind of man that I wanted to become. He was always happy, very caring with his patients, kind to his staff and successful. That decision was solidified when I was 14 and got my braces off. My new smile was lifechanging, and I knew that I wanted to give people that same gift for the rest of my life.” Growing up on a ranch near Sturgis, S.D., the
years White worked on the ranch instilled in him a tremendous work ethic. Since he knew what he wanted, “I didn’t have time to mess around.” He was accepted into dental school at the early age of 20, and he joined the Air Force while in dental school. He became the youngest orthodontist ever in the U.S. military. With outstanding credentials and a dogged determination, White is at the forefront of all orthodontic treatments and technological advances in the field. One factor that sets South Texas Orthodontics apart from the rest is that “we offer all of the latest treatment advances in orthodontics. Examples are self-ligating braces, clear braces, Invisalign (we are an Elite Preferred Provider) and SureSmile. The latter is a robotically engineered archwire system for substantially decreased treatment time.” White also offers bleaching at the end of orthodontic treatment in appropriate cases to put the finishing touch on a newly perfect smile. Seeing patients from 7 years old through late adulthood, White says, “the age group that we see the most is 8 to 14 years old because that is the most common age for orthodontic treatment. But I have had Invisalign patients in their 70s and 80s, as well. You are never too old for orthodontics.” “Advanced solutions for your best smile” is the logo that is carried throughout South Texas Orthodontics. Explaining the most advanced solutions in orthodontics today, White elaborates on each option. “SureSmile reduces treatment time by 30 percent on average. Instead of bending archwires by hand, we use advanced 3-D imaging, virtual simulations and robotically bent archwires customized for your treatment. Your teeth don’t move faster; they move with precision that was never before possible.” The next solution is Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, the newest generation of which was just NSIDE AUSTIN MD
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“We have an amazing team that works well together to give every patient the best, most personalized experience possible.” released in January 2013. Invisalign is the most esthetic clear alternative to metal braces. “These clear aligners are virtually invisible, as well as removable, so patients can still eat whatever they want and have a much easier time cleaning their teeth. They also allow us to reverse-engineer a patient’s treatment on a computer, maximizing efficiency and reducing overall treatment time.” Other advanced options include self-ligating braces. These braces have a special nickel-titanium clip that holds the wire in place rather than an elastic O-ring. This decreases friction, reduces patient discomfort and makes tooth movement more efficient. Clear braces have also improved a great deal esthetically. South Texas Orthodontics has an esthetic option for everyone – even patients who want Invisalign, but are not good candidates. Another advancement is temporary anchorage devices. These are mini-screws to aid in difficult tooth movement. “We don’t need them very often, but when we do, they make possible tooth movement that would otherwise be impossible,” White
says. “They’ve opened up a whole new realm of possibility in orthodontics.” From a health standpoint, there has been a lot of research in the last few years showing the benefits of straight teeth in overall health. Recent studies have shown that dental crowding is a contributing factor in periodontal disease, which in turn, has been shown to be a contributing factor in cardiovascular disease. “Patients are typically stunned when I tell them that. It is not just about a pretty smile anymore.” In regards to the benefits of orthodontics in children, there is a common misconception about orthodontists – that they only straighten teeth (ortho means straight, and dontics means teeth). “However, the other part of our specialty that gets dropped from our name because it would make it too cumbersome is dentofacial orthopedics (dentofacial means teeth and face, ortho means straight and pedics means children). Dentofacial orthopedics is one of the main reasons we want to see children at 7 years old. At this time, we have the ability to diagnose any abnormalities in
the developing jaws and facial structures and redirect growth, if necessary, to correct them. If we don’t catch them early enough, a jaw discrepancy becomes permanent and may require jaw surgery at a later time.” While South Texas Orthodontists is one of the most “fun orthodontic teams in town,” they are also on the cutting edge in the orthodontic field. The plethora of knowledge White shares is only a glimpse of what can be done, what should be done and the education you will receive to make wellinformed decisions for now and for the future. “Kids love coming to our practice because we are just big kids ourselves. We can relate to them, joke with them and make their time in braces a much more enjoyable experience.”
South Texas Orthodontics is located at 3421 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. 143. For more information, call 512-892-5511 or visit www.southtexasorthodontics.com.
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Dr. Abhilasha Gupta, center right, and Dr. Chen Zhou, center left, with the staff of WellMed at North 183, at North 183 and Hymeadow. It is one of nine WellMed clinics in the Greater Austin area catering to primary care for older Central Texas residents.
leading the way With nearly a decade of experience providing superior senior care in the area, Dr. Abhilasha Gupta leads the WellMed push into Williamson County. by Jody Joseph Marmel photography by Mark Matson
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r. Abhilasha Gupta may not think of herself as a pioneer, but she certainly fits the definition. Born and raised in India, she grew up to become the first woman professional on both side of her family. A little more than a year ago, she helped open a new clinic as the first provider in Williamson County for WellMed Medical Group. Recently, a new physician – Dr. Chen Zhou – joined Gupta at her clinic, WellMed at North 183 just inside the northern edge of Austin. And WellMed has added two more Williamson County clinics in recent months: WellMed at Leander and WellMed at Round Rock. With nine WellMed clinics in Greater Austin, all focused on primary care for seniors, WellMed is making a push to fill the need for quality health care for Medicare-eligible patients north into Central Texas. And leading the way is Gupta, a board-certified internal medicine provider with nearly a decade of experience in treating senior patients in the area. Gupta explains the WellMed at North 183 vision is “providing patientcentered, high-quality collaborative care with efficiency and teamwork to improve outcomes.” Although WellMed at North 183 was a brandnew clinic (one of 50-plus WellMed clinics in Texas and Florida), Gupta was impressed from the start with the efficiency with which the team set up the office. She also shares the same vision as the WellMed model. “It is unique because it focuses on keeping the patients healthy or stable if they have chronic illnesses in contrast to treating
Dr. Abhilasha Gupta is the first WellMed physician to open a clinic in Williamson County. Many of Gupta’s patients from her private practice in Georgetown have chosen to follow her to her new clinic.
quantitative measures and review processes to ensure superior quality of care.” Gupta was born and raised in Raipur in Central India as the oldest of three children. Her father, Ram Krishna Mahawar, was a chartered public accountant, while her mother raised the children at home and taught Gupta and her siblings to become involved in the community. As president of the Lions Club in Raipur, Mrs. Ranjana Mahawar helped open a school for the blind, and, Gupta notes proudly, her mother is currently working toward opening a physiotherapy center for policemen and the disabled. Motivated by her parents, Gupta decided to become a professional in her early middle school years. “I preferred to be a doctor above all other
finishing the U.S. medical licensing exams, she completed her internal medicine residency in 2002 at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield, N.J., which is affiliated with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. “At the end of my residency, we chose to settle down in Austin since my husband and I had liked the area a lot during our previous visit.” Since most of her family lives in Houston, Austin was a perfect fit. Gupta started practicing medicine in Georgetown in 2003, focusing on geriatrics, women’s health, hypertension, high cholesterol, cardiac disease and diabetes. “My main focus in the practice of medicine has been prevention and stabilization of chronic illnesses and doing my best to address the patient’s concerns. I believe
To achieve the continuity of care she believes in, she cared for her patients at Wesleyan Nursing Home and St. David’s Georgetown Hospital and was associate medical director at the hospital’s inpatient rehabilitation center, along with her regular practice hours. Today, she serves as an associate medical director for Resolution Hospice. Working long hours in various settings shows how strongly Gupta cares about her patients. In 2011, she joined WellMed after meeting with WellMed Medical Group President Dr. Carlos Hernandez. While Gupta enjoyed her practice in Georgetown, the opportunity to join WellMed was exciting, and she embraced it fully – and many of her former patients followed her to
“The WellMed care model of focusing on prevention is something I truly believe in as a physician.” the patients after they become ill,” she said. “The focus is on pre-emptive action to prevent diseases and chronic illnesses. We also use a variety of
professions, and this is how I wanted to contribute to society.” She graduated in 1994 from Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Ravishankar University, in Raipur. After
in continuity of care and therefore, provided care to patients in my office, the hospital, nursing homes, longterm care and if needed, end-of-life care.”
WellMed. “The WellMed care model of focusing on prevention is something I truly believe in as a physician,” she said. “This opportunity gave me the chance NSIDE AUSTIN MD
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Dr. Abhilasha Gupta, left, confers with Dr. Chen Zhou, who recently joined the WellMed at North 183 clinic. WellMed at North 183 opened in December 2012 on the far northern edge of Austin as a primary care clinic serving Medicare-elibible patients.
to do what I believe in with established support systems and processes, but without the administrative and other business headaches of running a private practice. I am fortunate to have this opportunity to serve our growing geriatric population, who need the specialized care with all the support WellMed provides.” WellMed’s presence in this community has definitely been noticed and welcomed by many seniors who have had difficulty finding physicians willing to accept new Medicare patients. “During the past year, we have been steadily increasing the number of new Medicare, as well as Medicare Advantage plan patients,” Gupta said. “In addition to a few marketing events and open houses, I believe word-of-mouth has also been one of the major factors in keeping us busy during the initial year of the clinic.” Most patients live within the surrounding areas of Cedar Park, North Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Liberty Hill, Georgetown and Lago Vista. WellMed ensures that the clinic is not overbooked so the physicians can spend the time needed to address patient concerns. The clinic also sets aside time daily to accommodate urgent visits. To help with the influx of patients, Zhou joined the staff of WellMed at 183 in December 2012. A former staff physician at the Center for Diagnostic Medicine, Scott & White Hospital and Clinics, as well as a solo practitioner in Austin, Zhou completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch Austin Residency Program. Her electives included cardiology, infectious disease, medical consult, gastroenterology, hematol-
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ogy/oncology and ambulatory care. New patients at all WellMed clinics receive a full assessment of their current conditions. The physician and staff develop an appropriate treatment plan and discuss recommended preventative screenings and immunizations. The clinics also
Dr. Abhilasha Gupta examines patient Gerri Aubert at WellMed at North 183. Aubert describes Gupta as the best doctor she has ever had, noting the time she invests in understanding her health concerns.
provide common immunizations such as tetanus, pneumonia vaccines and influenza and shingles vaccinations. For convenience, medical assistants are trained to draw blood for labs. They can also perform screening tests like EKGs (heart disease), spirometry (lung function), arterial brachial index (vascular disease), nerve conduction velocity (neuropathy), depression screening, memory tests (dementia) and functional assessments to check for fall risks. “If necessary, we refer our patients to appropriate specialists or facilities for more specialized testing like sleep study, stress test, colonoscopy, eye exams, mammograms, bone mineral density, X-rays, CT and MRIs,” Gupta said. “We can also refer our patients to home health care when appropriate. In complex cases, WellMed also provides a case manager and a social worker to provide extra support and education to the patient.” Gupta’s short- and long-term goals are very much aligned. “I want to achieve the stated yearly goals for the clinic consistently and do my part to get WellMed recognized at a national level. Continually improving our efficiency and processes at the clinic is essential in order to deliver the best care to our patients. We hope to exceed our patients’ expectations in every facet of their medical care.”
WellMed at North 183 is located at 12505 Hymeadow Drive, Ste. 2C, Austin, Texas 78750. For more information, call 512-219-0129 or visit www.wellmedmedicalgroup.com/patients/texas/locations/austin/williamson-county/north-183.
Austin (512) 292-4929
BAnderA (830) 796-7979
sAn Antonio (210) 858-9138
1-877-53-riVer (74837)
www.rivercityhospice.com 路 info@rivercityhospice.com NSIDE AUSTIN MD
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[ nside / patient ]
There are tax programs in place to offset some of the costs of individual health insurance.
» Premiums and cost sharing »
An Alternative Approach Prepare for the 2014 health insurance coverage reform by knowing your options for family health insurance coverage. by Lenore Kaiser
With all of the changes going on with health insurance coverage, most Americans need to start thinking outside the box. Most of us depend on our employer to provide health insurance coverage, but with many Americans unemployed, between jobs or with outrageously high deductibles, it is easy to understand why some feel compelled to search for alternatives for themselves and their family. In addition, many employers are now denying coverage to spouses to save on annual premiums due to the new fees that went into effect as part of the Affordable Care Act. In 2014, companies will have to pay $65 on average per life covered on its plan
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compared to this year’s $1 to $2 per life. That is a huge difference! Health law guidelines proposed recently mandate coverage of employees’ dependent children up to age 26, but spouses are optional. The percentage trend in dropping spousecovered insurance coverage plans has increased each year since 2010. Purchasing non-employer-based health insurance coverage can be expensive, especially independent policies. Insurance companies give greater savings to group type packages with companies because their potential profits are much smaller with individual insurance plans. This is true (more so) if an indi-
vidual or someone in their immediate family has a history of preexisting conditions, which makes them a higher liability of future major health insurance claims. The good news is that there are tax programs in place to offset some of the costs of individual health insurance, so make sure to look into these programs if you are considering that path. If choosing non-employerbased health insurance coverage, individuals should examine the scope of the coverage:
» Benefit coverage and limitations » Visit limits and dollar limits
(including co-payments and deductibles) Waiting periods for coverage
Consider talking to a private health insurance agent, as this can be a great way to cut down on the cost of your policy while ensuring that you’re paying for a quality plan. Many physicians throughout the United States are looking into alternative health care options for their patients. You will start seeing more of a trend of “cash-based” or “VIP” doctor care. Doctors doing such a practice only accept so many patients on an annual basis to provide better one-on-one care to those who sign up with them. Those patients pay monthly dues directly to the physician for such VIP care, removing health insurance from the equation. Other alternatives to consider for basic health care needs are telehealth providers such as Healthcare On Call, CallMD and RingADoc, which provide physician and nurse consultations and basic health care. This is ideal for families who are relatively healthy with no major health concerns. The cost varies, but overall, it is extremely affordable to give you peace of mind.
Lenore Kaiser is the wellness director and owner of Kaiser Medical Management. For more information, call 1-800764-0418 or visit www.kaisermedicalmanagement.com.
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Improving Survivorship
With the advancements in prostate cancer treatment provided by Austin CyberKnife, patients can enjoy shorter treatment time, fewer side effects and a better quality of life. Special to NSIDE
One in six men will face a prostate cancer diagnosis in his lifetime. The American Cancer Society predicts nearly 240,000 new cases annually, 16,000 of which will be diagnosed in Texas. Fortunately, advancements in cancer treatment have allowed nearly eight times as many men to count themselves as survivors of the pervasive disease. Prostate cancer is the single most diagnosed cancer in men, and it typically doesn’t exhibit
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symptoms in its early stages. In advanced stages, prostate cancer can spread to surrounding bones, causing pain. Once detected, treatment for prostate cancer can include surgery, external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy or stereotactic body radiation therapy. However, some patients choose to forgo treatment and follow a “watchful waiting” approach instead, which involves carefully monitoring the de-
velopment or spreading of prostate cancer, rather than actively treating the cancer. “Advancements in prostate cancer treatment have given patients the ability to take control of their diagnoses,” said Dr. Doug Rivera, Austin CyberKnife medical director. “Choosing which treatment approach is most appropriate for your specific case and best suits your lifestyle is pivotal not only for the long-term outcome of treatment, but also your quality of life.” Prostate cancer surgery, or radical prostatectomy, is a standard treatment that involves removing the entire prostate gland and in some cases, surrounding tissue. The procedure usually takes three to four hours, requiring general anesthesia and a three-day hospital stay. Recovery at home usually lasts a few weeks. Potential long-term side effects include a low risk of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. External-beam radiation therapy involves treatment courses that usually are delivered five days a week over a period of seven to eight weeks. With brachytherapy, doctors insert small radioactive “seeds” or metal pellets into the prostate. The seeds are inserted with a needle, and over the course of several months, radiation is emitted to the surrounding area to kill the cancer cells.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy for prostate cancer is a newer, noninvasive treatment option performed with highly advanced radiosurgical technology. CyberKnife is a robotic radiosurgical system that delivers this form of treatment in a unique way. It tracks the motion of the prostate during treatment and automatically corrects the aim of the machine’s radiation beam when movement is detected. The advanced technology has the ability to compensate for normal patient movements such as breathing, precisely targeting the tumor location during the entire procedure and minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. With few or no side effects, patients typically return to their normal routines immediately after treatment. In recent years, advanced treatment options like CyberKnife have gained awareness among prostate cancer patients in particular. Many men are drawn to the convenience of shorter treatment and fewer side effects. Treatment is completed in five or fewer sessions compared to about 40 treatments typically required with conventional radiation therapy. Recent five-year clinical data has proven the efficacy of CyberKnife treatment, with outcomes comparable to the five-year outcomes for other prostate cancer treatments, including surgery and conventional radiation therapy. According to the results of a multi-center study, 93 percent of low-risk prostate cancer patients treated with the CyberKnife had no recurrence of their cancer five years later. Moreover, the study
Prostate cancer is the single most diagnosed cancer in men. confirmed that CyberKnife’s ability to spare healthy tissue reduces side effects associated with other prostate cancer treatments. As awareness of CyberKnife grows and clinical studies continue to support its efficacy, patient access to the cutting-edge treatment is increasing. In January 2012, Austin CyberKnife achieved a milestone in providing prostate cancer treatment when the state’s regional Medicare contractor agreed to expand prostate cancer coverage to include CyberKnife treatment, provided patients are enrolled in a clinical study. The policy revision expanded Texans’ access to a treatment that was approved by the Food & Drug Administration more than a decade ago and has been covered by the other 46 states outside of the Medicare regional contractor’s territory, which include Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado and New Mexico.
According to Rivera, the policy change was important, as some prostate cancer patients may refuse standard treatment like surgery because of the potential side effects that can impact quality of life. In addition to treating prostate cancer, Austin CyberKnife treats malignant and benign tumors in the brain, spine, lung, liver, pancreas, kidney and eye. CyberKnife may not be appropriate for all prostate cancer patients, and men are encouraged to consult with their doctor to determine the best course of treatment for their individual diagnosis.
Austin CyberKnife is a department of University Medical Center Brackenridge and a member of the Seton Healthcare Family that is located at 1400 N. IH-35 in Austin, Texas. For more information, call 512-3248060 or visit www.austincyberknife.com.
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Keep Austin Active
Stay active in a healthy way and excel in your exercise performance with the help of a sports chiropractor. special to nside
It’s no secret that Austin is an active city. All you have to do is look out your window to witness the joggers, cyclists, swimmers and paddleboarders in motion. Maybe this can be attributed to the beautiful atmosphere, more than tolerable weather or simply the motivated individuals who populate the city. Whatever the reasons may be, it is important to know how to stay active in a healthy way. It is essential to take care of your body not only to stay injury-free, but also to ensure that you excel and progress in your exercise. This philosophy is one of the main principles of sports chiropractic. Running, cycling and different forms of water sports are three of the most popular fitness activities in our city. Each hobby exposes you to different, specific types of injuries. To understand the mechanisms of these injuries, we must realize that everything in the musculoskeletal system of the human body is connected. When there is a problem in one area, it places compensational stress in another. Sports chiropractic not only focuses on the part of the body that is experiencing symptoms, but examines the body as a whole to determine what is causing an increased workload on a particular joint or muscle.
›› Jogging and running Three of the most common ailments to be aware of as a runner are Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and low back pain. Low back pain has numerous causes, but in runners (and cyclists), is often caused by a muscular imbalance in the pelvis. The majority of today’s population has over-developed hip flexors because of the excessive amount of time we spend in the seated position. When we are sitting down, the hip flexors are constantly in a tight or flexed state. Unless soft tis-
sue therapy and adequate stretching release this group of muscles, altered biomechanics in the pelvis (commonly known as an anterior pelvic tilt) develop. Anterior pelvic tilt causes the gluteals, or the pelvic stabilizers, and the abdominals to be weak and difficult to activate. Whenever the body is in motion and the pelvic stabilizers are weak, it places added stress on the sacroiliac joints of the pelvis and the facet joints of the lower back. This can eventually lead to a condition called facet syndrome. Facet syndrome is defined as irritation and inflammation of the facet joints of the spine due to increased stress put on the joints. This increased stress causes pain in the lower back. You are placing repetitive stress on the lumbar spine with every step you take during a run, aggravating this condition. Having a physical exam performed by a sports chiropractor helps expose biomechanical faults, which can treat and prevent this condition, as well as other sports injuries. Other frequent sports injuries seen in runners are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. They are often grouped together because they are caused by similar mechanisms. Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis are overuse, or repetitive stress, injuries. Constant use with inadequate recovery is one way to develop these conditions, but altered biomechanics in joints or muscular imbalances that place added stress on these structures are the common culprit. The posterior chain (or the collection of the gluteal, hamstring and calf muscles) is all connected. This means that if one part of the chain is tight or in spasm, it affects the chain in a different location. The weakest length in this chain is often found at the Achilles tendon or the plantar fascia. Structurally, they aren’t nearly as strong or durable as NSIDE AUSTIN MD
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the above larger muscles. Abnormal biomechanics in the foot can cause pes planus, or a flat foot, which can also place added stress on the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon. Pelvic un-leveling, which is visible in leg length discrepancies, may also be present. When one leg is longer than the other, more body weight is placed on the shorter leg, which causes more stress on the joints and muscles. This alone increases the chance of developing different types of repetitive stress injuries. It is important to seek treatment early once you start experiencing symptoms to prevent repetitive stress syndrome and the formation of scar tissue, which takes much longer to alleviate and delays recovery. Also realize that pain is merely a symptom – meaning you don’t necessarily need to be experience discomfort to have an underlying problem that can potentially cause symptoms in the future. Visiting a sports chiropractor can help not only treat certain muscle and joint complaints, but also determine which types of injuries or conditions your body is prone to developing in the future.
›› Cycling One of the most common injuries for cyclists is also lower back pain, which can also be the result of an anterior pelvic tilt. Two other ailments that are commonly seen among cyclists are handlebar palsy and IT band friction syndrome, as well as other related knee injuries. Our knees have significant involvement in the majority of sports and activities. This particularly rings true for bicycling. In cyclists, one common form of knee pain is iliotibial band friction syndrome. The IT band is a thick band of connective tissue on the outside portion of the upper leg that extends from the outside of the pelvis and over the hip and knee, and inserts just below the knee. This band of connective tissue plays an important role in stabilizing the knee during dynamic leg exercises. When the IT band has increased tension, it continuously rubs on the lateral femoral epicondyle with flexion and extension of the knee, causing the area to become inflamed and cause pain. A condition that often correlates with this syndrome is patellar-tracking disorder. This occurs when an abnormally tight IT band pulls the kneecap laterally over the lateral epicondyle and out of its normal groove. These prolonged abnormal biomechanics can lead to tearing of the cartilage on the under surface of the patella, causing a condition called chondromalacia patellae, which literally translates to “bad cartilage of the kneecap.” Once cartilage in the body is torn or degenerated, the body does not repair or regenerate it very efficiently. For this reason, it is important to seek treatment as soon as you experience symptoms. As mentioned before, a muscular imbalance anywhere in the body will place added stress on particular joints. The knee is no different. It is easy to see if you have an imbalance while performing some types of compound movements of the lower extremity, examples being squats, lunges, leg presses, etc. During these compound leg movements, if the knee feels unstable and shaky or bows inwards or
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outwards, there is a strong possibility that a muscular imbalance is present. This can cause knee pain or predispose the knee to a more serious complication. Handlebar palsy is another common condition seen in cyclists. Also known as ulnar nerve neuropathy, handlebar palsy is the inflammation of the ulnar nerve that runs through the entire arm to the hand. When you ride a bike, your arm is continuously absorbing shock and vibration from different terrains, which places added stress on the lower arm, especially the ulnar nerve. This causes numbness, tingling, pain and inflammation of nerve. Any type of neuropathy can lead to permanent nerve damage, degeneration of muscle tissue and other long-term complications, so it is always important to address it quickly.
›› Water sports Water skiing and wake boarding are two of the most popular sports during the spring and summer. Even though these activities are a lot of fun, they can be dangerous. While there are many different injuries and ailments that can occur on the water such as tendonitis and upper back pain, whiplash of the cervical spine is one injury that often goes overlooked. Having a bad spill can be compared to a moderate motor vehicle accident of equivalent speed. When a traumatic force is placed on the neck, there are many different complications that can occur. Sprains of ligaments, strains of muscles and tendons, disc herniations and altered biomechanics of the cervical spine are just a few of these possible problems. In the majority of whiplash cases, abnormal curves and rotations of vertebrae in the neck are common. It is also fairly common for patients with traumatic neck injuries to experience neurological symptoms in other areas of their body. As mentioned before, nerve irritation anywhere in the body is a serious matter because it can lead to more complex, possibly debilitating complications. Also, when the neck isn’t functioning properly, the degeneration process can progress at a faster pace, increasing the likelihood of arthritis development at an earlier age. Concussions often go hand-in-hand with whiplash, occurring when a traumatic head injury causes the brain to violently hit the inner surface of the skull. The brain becomes inflamed and increases intracranial pressure in the head, which can lead to severe, irreversible side effects. Common symptoms of a concussion include headaches, nausea, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, amnesia and mood disruption. If any of these symptoms are present after a traumatic blow to the head, seek immediate medical attention. Another common water sport injury is tendonitis. During water activities such as water skiing, there is a constant contraction of muscles, as well as constant stress placed on tendons from gripping the rope and maintaining the body’s upright position. Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon caused by overuse and inadequate mobility. Dull
and achy symptoms may occur when you utilize the affected muscle. It is important to seek treatment early once tendonitis symptoms occur to prevent the development of tendinosis, which is formation of scar tissue in the tendon that involves a much longer recovery process. As exercise enthusiasts, sports chiropractors want you to continue performing your fitness routine not only pain-free, but also efficiently and productively. Sports chiropractic takes all aspects of the body into account, ranging from biomechanics and imbalances to nutrition. Sports chiropractors ensure that each athlete can achieve an optimum level of performance. Chiropractic is more than adjustments, soft tissue work, rehabilitation, passive modalities and kinesiotape. It is the difference you feel when you are using your body and pushing it to its limits without discomfort and fatigue. It is fine-tuning your body to make it function more efficiently at all levels. Any musculoskeletal complaint that is not a complete tear of a ligament, tendon or muscle and/or a fracture in a bone can be treated through chiropractic. How can chiropractic help you stay active? Come into Espinoza Chiropractic Concepts today to find out.
To get your quality of life back, visit www.drespinozacc. com. You may also call 512-302-4773 or email Dr. Arturo Espinoza at drarturo@drespinozacc.com.
Dr. Abiel Gonzalez is a born and raised Houstonian who completed all of his academics in the greater Houston vicinity. Before relocating to Austin, Gonzalez practiced as a sports chiropractor in The Woodlands, Texas, specializing in sports injuries and exercise physiology. Gonzalez graduated from the University of Houston at Clear Lake with a B.S. in Fitness and Human Performance. For his graduate studies, he attended Texas Chiropractic College, where he graduated with a B.S. in Human Biology and received his Doctorate Chiropractic degree. During his last year of clinical training, Gonzalez was selected as a chiropractic intern for the Rice University Athletic Department. At the time of his undergraduate studies, he worked as a certified personal trainer for three years, helping motivate and educate individuals about fitness and lifestyle modifications. He also has experience serving as the medical staff advisor for Nike Football SPARQ Combines, where he has treated and prevented various sports injuries in high school athletes. Gonzalez completed his diplomate as a certified chiropractic sports practitioner (CCSP), and he is certified and licensed through the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
MORE CLINICS. MORE PHYSICIANS. MORE FOR SENIORS.
Allen Mauldin, M.D.
WellMed is a healthcare delivery system with a mission to change the face of health care delivery for seniors through a comprehensive network of contracted and employed physicians and multiple Medicare Advantage Health Plans. Doctors in the WellMed network focus on the health and well-being of Seniors, and believe preventive care is the key to keeping patients healthy.
Carlos Navarro, M.D.
Kenneth Armstrong, M.D.
Through the WellMed Care Model, primary care physicians coordinate patient care with specialists, hospitalists, and other healthcare providers ensuring our patients receive the care they need and deserve. For more information about WellMed, please call 1-888-781-WELL (9355)
WellMed is proud to announce the opening of three new clinics to the Austin area.
WellMed at Leander Allen Mauldin, M.D. Family Practice 2701 South Highway 183 Suite B Leander, TX 78641 (512) 259-5111
WellMed at Kyle Carlos Navarro, M.D. Family Practice 902 Rebel Dr. Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 268-2613
WellMed at Round Rock Kenneth Armstrong, M.D. Family Practice 511 Oakwood Blvd. Suite 103 Round Rock, TX 78681 (512) 388-9495
www.WellMedMedicalGroup.com
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TJ110512
[ nside / health & wellness ] Spring is in the air! If you suffer from pollen allergies, you don’t need anyone to remind you what time of year it is. You know spring has arrived the moment the sneezing and wheezing begin. Other common symptoms that make it difficult to enjoy the great outdoors at this time of year include: runny nose; headache; fatigue; coughing; itchy, watery eyes; and red eyes. Sure, allergy medications and outdoor avoidance are good measures to take to ward off these symptoms, but did you know that what you’re eating might play a role in managing your pollen allergies? The way food plays a role in seasonal allergy management can be put into four groups: raw foods that cross-react with pollen, foods that thicken mucus, foods that promote histamine and antihistamine foods.
Raw foods that cross-react
Avoiding some raw foods during allergy season may help lessen the severity of your symptoms, but did you know having seasonal allergies could result in mild food allergies to some of these foods? This condition is called oral allergy syndrome, also known as pollen-food syndrome, and it may affect one in three seasonal allergy sufferers. Oral allergy syndrome is when certain raw foods consumed by pollen allergy sufferers cause food allergy responses immediately following consumption. Symptoms associated with this response are typically tingling, itching or scratching of the mouth, tongue and throat. This allergic response happens when the proteins in some foods cross-react with pollen. The body’s immune system mistakes the plant proteins in certain foods, which then triggers the cross-reaction. Most often, people with oral allergy syndrome are able to tolerate these foods cooked because the proteins are sensitive to high temperatures and deconstruct during cooking. Still, an allergy to pollen does not mean avoidance of all raw foods is the answer. Knowing more specifically what type of pollen you are allergic to will determine which raw foods to steer clear of. The following tables may help further identify which foods you should avoid during allergy season:
Food’s Role in Seasonal Allergies What you need to know to help alleviate your symptoms this spring by Kailyn Cavanaugh
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Tree Pollen
Cross Reactor
Alder pollen
Almond Apple Celery Cherry
Hazelnuts Peach Pear Parsley
Birch pollen
Almond Apple Carrot Celery Cherry Coriander Fennel Hazelnut Kiwifruit Lychee fruit Nectarine Orange
Parsley Parsnip Peach Pear Pepper Persimmon Plum Potato Prune Soy Wheat
Other Pollens Cross Reactor Grass pollen
Melon Tomato
Orange
Mugwort (weed) pollen
Carrot Celery Coriander Fennel
Parsley Pepper Sunflower
Ragweed pollen
Banana Cantaloupe Zucchini
Honeydew Watermelon Chamomile tea
Avoiding some raw foods during allergy season may help lessen the severity of your symptoms. Foods that thicken mucus
Mucus is an important substance produced by the body to help keep membranes moist and protect against harmful bacteria and viruses. In order for mucus to do its job, it should be thin and clear to allow for harmful toxins to easily exit through the mouth and nose. Some foods, including milk and other dairy products, can thicken mucus, making it harder for it to travel through the body. This, in turn, can make it easier for pollen to get trapped inside, which may worsen and prolong allergy symptoms. Avoiding dairy products during allergy season may help lessen the effects of pollen; however, more research is needed to know how much of a role these foods play.
Foods that promote histamine
Have you ever thought about why most allergy medications have antihistamines in them? It is because histamine is a compound involved in the body’s immune function that triggers the inflammatory response. Because your body sees pollen as a harmful toxin, the immune system increases the body’s production of histamine. And that increased production of histamine is the primary contributor behind symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose. There are many foods that contain histamine or promote the body’s release of histamine, which can worsen allergy symptoms. Some of these foods include alcoholic beverages; aged cheeses; fermented dairy products (e.g. kefir, buttermilk and sour cream); dried, cured or smoked meats; canned fish; soy sauce; and vinegar-based foods. Avoiding these foods during allergy season may help lessen the severity of your allergy symptoms.
Antihistamine foods
Finally: foods you can and should eat during allergy season! There are many foods that contain similar properties found in your antihistamine medications that can help promote a healthy internal environment for your body to fight those allergies all season long. Omega 3 fatty acids found in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, flaxseed and walnuts can help by promoting an anti-inflammatory response to combat the effects of histamine. Compounds in green tea, chamomile tea, garlic, thyme and fennel may help lower the secretion of histamine. Foods rich in flavonoids that function as antioxidants such as citrus fruits, broccoli, berries, onions and apples can inhibit histamine release, but check the cross-reactor list before including these foods in your diet.
Kailyn Cavanaugh, M.S., R.D., L.D., is a dietitian at Cedar Springs Austin. For more information, please call 512-732-2400 or visit www.cedarspringsaustin.com NSIDE AUSTIN MD
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“When I make good physical choices, I benefit from increased confidence and a self-esteem boost.” for their health. “I love medicine, but I hate the system,” Cady says. “Patients often have expectations that we can fix everything, but sometimes, it’s the patient that needs a lifestyle fix.”
Why Cady makes time to be fit
Living Fit Doctor, entrepreneur, community leader, fitness expert and 2012 Austin Fit Company Challenge Fittest Doctor runner-up Melissa Cady, D.O., has a passion for changing lives.
by Brian Kelly
“My physical state is very intimately tied to my mental state,” she says. “So when I make good physical choices, I benefit from increased confidence and a self-esteem boost. When I put good food in my body, my mind works better. When I’m more active, I get endorphins running through my body. This all ties together so that by making smart and healthy daily decisions, I am a better leader and a better person.” As Cady talks, it becomes clear that she truly believes making the commitment to living fit is well worth the effort, and that is not as complicated as most people make it. “I get a sense of accomplishment when I make a good choice, which sets me up for another good choice and so on, which has a snowball effect.” Cady makes it clear that this snowball effect works just as effectively for people who make a negative choice, which makes it easier to make another negative choice, and it’s important to realize this to prevent the snowball from getting too large.
How Cady lives fit In 2012, Melissa Cady, D.O., was the runner-up for Fittest Doctor in the Austin Fit Company Challenge. She then went on to win Fittest Doctor in the San Antonio Fit Company Challenge. With the 2013 Austin Fit Company Challenge approaching, we sat down with Cady to learn about her passion for helping others, leading by example and helping grow a movement of doctors who believe the most important kind of health is the one developed from within.
Melissa Cady, D.O. Doctor, entrepreneur, community leader and fitness expert are all hats Cady wears on any given day. Cady is
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an osteopathic physician, a board-certified anesthesiologist and a boardcertified pain medicine specialist. She spends her time as an anesthesiologist with the Westlake Anesthesia Group, as an entrepreneur with Visalus, a weight management and nutrition company, and as a community fitness leader on the advisory board of the Mayor’s Fitness Council. Cady also manages www.challengedoctor.com, which provides valuable information on living fit and healthy. But the underlying energy that drives her from one task to another is her passion to help change lives by leading through her daily habits and preaching to others about the importance of making the right choices
“I go by the principle start low and go slow,” says Cady, who continues to explain that this is also the principle for anyone making a healthy change in their life to reduce the risk of injury and increase the chance for long-term success. Cady finds the time to workout six times a week, and her guiding principle for days where she doesn’t want to workout is to “force myself to do at least 10 minutes of working out,” which always ends up being more. Outside of running, cycling and workouts at her local gym, Cady is also known to do lunges around work, squats while blow drying her hair at home and other tasks she uses throughout the day to keep up her
strength and energy.
Keeping a heart rate monitor on her stick shift When asked how she gets motivated for a workout, Cady says she has two ways: “I keep my heart rate monitor on the stick shift in my car. I use my heart rate monitor to motivate me to work harder, and I listen to upbeat, energetic music.”
No meat or cheese Cady started a challenge at the beginning of 2013: no meat or cheese. It’s simple, but it has had a deep impact on her nutrition. On an average day at the hospital, she takes dehydrated vegan soup, apples, nuts and shakes. Just adding water to her soup or shakes provides her with a very quick and healthy meal.
Managing weight is like flying a plane from LA to NYC An analogy Cady loves to use is that managing weight and life is like flying a plane from LA to NYC. “When you start out on the flight and your flight path is only a degree off, it doesn’t seem like you are far off course. But if you don’t keep making adjustments from time to time, you will end up way off course and never get to your final destination.” Cady has seen family members and friends go down this path and end up overweight and unhappy based on their small decisions repeated over time.
Final fitness tip “Start low, go slow. Physically, nutritionally, add something to your life; add a salad, greens, something healthy, and get an expert to guide you.”
Does your doctor preach fitness and health and live by example? Nominate him or her for the Fit Company Fittest Doctor Challenge in Austin at www.fitcompany.com.
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