MD G R E AT E R A U S T I N
NSIDE
SUPPORT FOR NEONATAL FAMILIES HAND TO HOLD REVAMP YOUR HOLIDAY GIVING TIPS FROM CITIZEN GENERATION
NOVEMBER.DECEMBER 2012
THE WHOLE PACKAGE
SUPERIOR SENIOR CARE WELLMED MEDICAL GROUP
DR. SIMONE SCUMPIA NSIDE AUSTIN MD
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We fight frivolous claims. We smash shady litigants. We over-prepare, and our lawyers do, too. We defend your good name. We face every claim like it’s the heavyweight championship. We don’t give up. We are not just your insurer. We are your legal defense army. We are The Doctors Company.
The Doctors Company built its reputation on the aggressive defense of our member physicians’ good names and livelihoods. And we do it well: Over 82 percent of all malpractice cases against our members are won without a settlement or trial, and we win 87 percent of the cases that do go to court. So what do you get for your money? More than a fighting chance, for starters. To learn more about our medical professional liability program, call (800) 686-2734 or visit www.thedoctors.com.
N S I D E AD. U S TFrancis IN MD 4 Robert Chief Operating Officer, The Doctors Company
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nsidethisissue november/december 2012
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cover story Dr. simone scumpia
NSIDE NSIDE Austin MD Magazine November/December 2012
PUBLISHER Angela Strickland
executive EDITOR Erin O’Brien
creative director Elisa Giordano
graphic designer David Hassmann
account executives Stephanie Hawley Dianna Kumm Mandy McFarland
contributing writers Bailey Bounds Dan Calderón Dr. Allison K. Chase Taylor Davis Jody Joseph Marmel
PHOTOGRAPHY
Gregg Cestaro Jonathan Garza Michael Giordano Deann Hoeft Mark Matson Rueben Morales
events marketing manager Martha Morales
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collegiate assistant Kat DelGrande
Dr. Simone Scumpia
editorial intern
The founder and clinical leader of Austin Thyroid and Endocrinology Center with more than 30 years of experience under her belt takes a whole-body, one-stop-shop approach to healing and wellness.
Katrina Torres
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NSIDE is a proud member of the Austin Chamber of Commerce.
WellMed Medical Group
Led by Drs. Allen Mauldin, Kenneth Armstrong and Carlos Navarro and N.P. Katie Nelson, the organization’s three new senior-focused clinics bring superior senior care to Central Texas.
departments 06 08 10 22 24 26
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feature nonprofit events medical arts patient health & wellness
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AUSTIN NSIDE Publications Austin • San Antonio • Corpus Christi Copyright © by NSIDE Magazine Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited.
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Interim Homecare 800.678.5711 / 512.454.5711 AustinN S I D E A U S T I N M D
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Fragile Babies, Strong Support
Through the hard work and dedication of Kelli Kelley and Dr. Sonny Rivera, Hand to Hold has become a national resource that brings much-needed support to neonatal families. by Jody Joseph Marmel
This is a story about how one woman went through the hardships of giving birth to preemies and the aftermath. Kelli Kelley has worked hard to provide support and services for many other families as a result of her trials and has reaped the rewards of success. Twelve years after her son was born at 24 weeks gestation (16 weeks premature is considered a micropreemie), she is founder and executive director of Hand to Hold. This is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) program that has become a national resource for parents across the country in need of support following the birth of a preemie or a baby born with a special health care need. Kelley explains how her defining moment came on a hot summer day in 2000. “My son, Jackson, was born by an emergency C-section. He weighed 1 pound and 8 ounces. I could not have known then the extent of the impact this experience would have on my life, but I knew nothing would ever be the same.” Jackson spent four months in the hospital and endured three surgeries before his first birthday. He has received extensive occupational, physical and speech therapies most of his life. A little more than two years after his birth, his “sweet baby sister” was born at 34 weeks gestation. Lauren
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was a healthy weight, but suffered from a blood disorder. Once again, Kelley was forced to leave the hospital without a baby in her arms. While Lauren recovered quickly, she has experienced challenges associated with auditory and visual processing disorders that are directly related to her preterm birth. “Having a baby in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) causes a constant state of severe emotional
parents have fewer opportunities to work through emotions and fears, as they find themselves physically and emotionally drained from daily hospital visits. Many parents of preemies (the percentages are alarming) are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Enter Dr. Sonny Rivera, medical director of the NICU at St. David’s Medical Center. “I owe a great deal to Dr. Rivera, from the lives of both of my children to the birth and success of Hand to Hold,” Kelley says. “I will never be able to repay him for not only believing in my micro-preemie and his ability to overcome some tremendous challenges, but also his belief in me. I took an idea, and it grew into a program that could potentially touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of NICU parents. As I was working to establish the foundation for Hand to Hold, Dr. Rivera was simultaneously bringing his vision for a high-risk developmental clinic to life.” Rivera created what is now known as Austin’s First Steps High Risk Follow-up Clinic located on the campus of St. David’s Medical Center. He gave Kelley the office space needed to help Hand to Hold flourish and become the success story it is today. According to Kelley, “It was a natural partnership and truly exemplifies a family-centered care model because the needs of the entire family are addressed at the clinic – not just those of the baby.” Having had the privilege of speak-
We knew these little guys did better with mothers’ milk. The outcomes were better, and we felt that it was important to create Mother Nature in a bottle. “Giving preemies formula or IV nutrition was not the optimal answer. One out of five babies will die due to being fed formula. It was not acceptable to us. We needed a community resource (nonprofit). And that is exactly what we achieved.” Seeing a dramatic increase over the last 20 years with preemies has become a reasonable concern in America. “What we take in as foods greatly enhances prematurity,” Rivera says. “The rate of premature births mirrors the obesity rate. Young mothers in today’s economy will opt for the fast-food meal instead of getting the fruits and vegetables they need because of the prices. “When Kelli approached me, she emphasized how physicians have always dealt with the babies and there was no one to take care of the parents. Without support from others, parents can be scarred for the rest of their lives. The missing link was PTSD.” Being cognizant of this, Kelley has built Hand to Hold with her personal knowledge and a great deal of research over the years. Rivera knew it was a win-win situation. It is no wonder this caring and intelligent physician was named the 2010 Frist Humanitarian Award recipient. The annual awards honor an HCA physician, volunteer and employee for
“Having a baby in the NICU causes a constant state of severe emotional stress.” stress. At the hospital, many witness the suffering of their baby, and when they are home, they worry that the next phone call will be devastating news. These traumas may continue if their baby has chronic health problems.” Exasperating the problem is that
ing with Rivera, the medical knowledge and current research in the field of neonatology was shared. Forming the Mothers’ Milk Bank in Austin post the late 1970s concerns about infectious disease (primarily HIV), Rivera explains, “a lot of milk banks were closed during that time period.
their outstanding humanitarian and volunteer activities. Kelley refers to Rivera as her champion. After talking with him, it is clear that he is a progressive physician who cares about the “little guys” and will do everything he can to ensure a healthier life for all of them. It is ap-
parent that he is a champion to all of his patients and their families. As for Kelley, she, too, has become a champion. Through her experiences, she knew the void had to be filled. “Feeling so alone, I struggled to identify doctors and therapists. I searched for support groups and participated in online discussions. There had to be more. I longed for someone to hold my hand and light my way. Thus came the inspiration for Hand to Hold.” St. David’s Healthcare has played an integral part in the success of Hand to Hold. “We have piloted our programs within their hospitals and relied on them for input and direction as we have fine-tuned our products and services for families. From the very beginning, they understood and supported that Hand to Hold is meant to be community-based.” St. David’s has facilitated the introduction of Hand to Hold to other hospitals, and has contributed time and resources to ensure its success not only in Austin, but across the country. “Just as in the NICU, there have been many ups and downs, starts and stops, challenges and setbacks,” Kelley says. “But just as I knew Jackson and Lauren would someday grow up to be healthy, happy children, I knew Hand to Hold would one day be a na-
tional resource for parents across the country in need of this support.” At the National Perinatal Association’s annual conference (October 2012), Hand to Hold received the Family Support Award. “While Hand to Hold is still experiencing typical growing pains of a young nonprofit, the feedback we receive daily from parents and professionals underscores the need for our unique services and the impact we are having in the lives of NICU families across the country.” It has been said that passion and experience yield the best results. Kelley’s story proves this is a reality.
For more information on Hand to Hold, call 512-293-0165 or visit www.handtohold.org. NSIDE AUSTIN MD
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With the increase of socially responsible companies in recent years, there are many great holiday gift options that give back. One other meaningful holiday gift that often gets overlooked is a monetary donation to a local nonprofit. For many organizations, holidays and winter months are the toughest financially, as key donors are traveling and client numbers increase with harsh weather. Not to mention, this is a great gift option for that friend, co-worker or family member who is notoriously difficult to shop for, or who you miss out on seeing in person over the holidays.
Make it Meaningful
Revamp your holiday giving and make it count more than ever this season by buying local and contributing to worthy nonprofits. by Taylor Davis I recently attended a birthday dinner at which the honoree received several gifts, including one very large bag from a close family member that contained an assortment of random items. Afterward, the birthday guy seemed disappointed in the gift. When I asked why, he said, “It’s not that the gift didn’t cost much … I don’t care about that. It’s that it didn’t mean anything.” That got me thinking about how often we scramble at the last minute to purchase birthday and holiday presents for our loved ones, choosing something out of convenience rather than because the gift truly reflects the recipient’s taste or has sentimental value. The good news is it’s easier than ever now to revamp your holiday giving and make it a little more meaningful. Meaningful holiday gifts With the increase of socially responsible companies in recent years, there are many great holiday gift options that give back. One of my favorite local sources is Give As You Get, a website where you can choose gifts from national companies such as 1-800-Flowers, the Disney Store, Cabela’s, Amazon and more, with various percentages going to an
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Austin area nonprofit of your choice. With the wide selection of well-known companies to shop from and local beneficiaries, this is a fantastic gift option for the busy local philanthropist. Another online shopping website that gives back is Gifts That Give, which offers online shoppers everything from home décor and jewelry to pet and tech accessories, with 20 percent of each gift benefiting a charity of the purchaser’s choice from a selection of more than a million GuideStar-registered nonprofits from around the nation. You can search products and the benefiting organization by category, based on your recipients’ interests. With this site offering men’s, women’s and children’s items, it’s the perfect gift option for those-long distance friends and relatives. Another great holiday gift that gives back is a pair of TOMS shoes, from the company that became famous for giving one pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased. Now that TOMS has expanded its brand to include adorable baby shoes, women’s wedges and eyewear that also gives back glasses to help the visually impaired, this company’s products are great for that fashionforward friend.
Other ways to give back There are plenty of ways to give back during the holidays that don’t include gift buying. Consider volunteering at a local nonprofit, either in Austin or a city you’re visiting, by yourself or as a group activity with friends and family. Organizations that serve meals during holidays are always in need of extra hands this time of year. Participating in walks and races is another great holiday group activity that most often benefits a worthy cause. If you’re staying in town, there is always the opportunity to foster a dog or cat from a local shelter. Staying local In addition to giving back to nonprofits, simply keeping your business local, especially during the holiday season, is a great way to give back to the community. This can include buying gifts at local boutiques and shops. A few of my favorite local companies whose products can make great stocking stuffers include Kendra Scott jewelry, Fara coffee, Deep Eddy vodka, Delish cupcakes and more. Also consider dining out at local restaurants for holiday meals. Not only does this give your visiting guests a taste of Austin’s foodie scene, but you won’t have to worry about perfectly cooking that turkey. Local arts attractions can also be fun activities to enjoy with visiting out-of-towners, such as seeing a Ballet Austin performance or a ZACH Topfer Theatre play, or visiting the Mexic-Arte Museum, all of which are nonprofits themselves. The key to meaningful holiday giving is to be creative and explore the options that are unique to the city, whether it’s Austin or a place you’ll be visiting. With so many worthy nonprofits, there is surely a meaningful way to give back this holiday season that’s just right for you.
For more information, visit Citizen Generation online at www.citizengeneration.org.
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[ nside / events ]
A Whole New Vantage Point
The Capitol City celebrates the grand opening of Austin Helicopter Tours, an opportunity for any adventurous spirit to experience the city in an unforgettable way.  On Oct. 4, Bud Dryden Airport, along with family and friends, celebrated the grand opening of Austin Helicopter Tours, now available to anyone with an adventurous spirit. While guests enjoyed their day filled with exciting entertainment, some jumped in the cockpit of a helicopter or the driver’s seat of an exotic car for an exhilarating photograph.
Photography by deann hoeft
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Honoring the Most Beautiful
The 2012 Key to the Cure launch party celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the fashionistas of Saks.  Saks Fifth Avenue and NSIDE Publications hosted the 2012 Key to the Cure launch party benefiting Susan G. Komen’s Cure for Cancer on Oct. 18, as guests enjoyed live entertainment throughout the evening and bid in a silent auction benefiting the charity. Photography by deann hoeft and jonathan garza
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The Power to Be Heard
The Young Women’s Alliance kicks off Texas Women’s Week and encourages all women to make informed decisions at the polls. The Young Women’s Alliance and NSIDE Publications, along with Austin community leaders, joined forces to kick off Texas Women’s Week on Oct. 22. Together they answered inquisitive questions regarding current political issues and candidates so all young women may be able to make informed decisions this voting season. Photography by deann hoeft
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Dreams Becoming Reality
The new Topfer Theatre serves as the centerpiece of a new performance campus where the renowned ZACH Theatre will continue lifting spirits and igniting imaginations. special to nside photography by deann hoeft
In a unique fashion, nationally recognized ZACH Theatre and the Austin community celebrated a new milestone in the theatre’s 78-year history with the official groundbreaking (without a shovel in sight) for the new 26,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Topfer Theatre, the centerpiece of a new performance campus on the shores of Lady Bird Lake. “We’re celebrating the creation of a new and special place for Austin to gather – a place where dreams are being realized,” said Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley. “The Topfer Theatre will be the heart and home for ZACH to fulfill its mission of igniting the imagination, lifting the spirit and engaging our community with great artistic performances every day.” Founded in 1933 and named for Austinreared actor Zachary Scott, ZACH Theatre is celebrated for producing innovative, dramatic, musical and comedic entertainment of the highest quality. The Topfer Theatre will feature numerous improvements and additions, including an 80-foot-wide stage, a fly tower, 20-foot wings
and much more, giving the 300-plus artists employed by ZACH each year a new home to create a place where the community gathers for a collective imaginative journey. “I’ve seen the great impact ZACH’s education programs have on young students and families throughout our community, and I know ZACH goes above and beyond, all the time, to have a positive community presence,” said City of Austin Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez. “This new facility will be a community resource that really belongs to all of us.” Although the groundbreaking was marked by the coldest temperatures of the season, more than 250 people participated in the ceremony, which featured live performances from many of ZACH’s most acclaimed artists, as well as 50 ZACH actors singing a gospel medley with rewritten lyrics for “Down By the Riverside” in honor of the occasion. Ceremony participants also tossed a cup of wildflower seeds to mark the new era at ZACH, where dreams are becoming reality.
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september nside networking event at w austin benefiting komen austin Photography by rueben morales
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Health as a Whole Veteran physician Dr. Simone Scumpia takes a whole-body evaluation approach and brings diagnosis and testing together under one roof at Austin Thyroid and Endocrinology Center.
by Bailey Bounds photography by GREGG CESTARO
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There is no computer that can keep up with the endocrine system’s complexity.
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verything we do from birth to death involves hormones, which are constantly changing substances released by the endocrine glands that regulate virtually every cell in your body. A person conceives by compatible hormones. Babies form with another set of hormones, and are born by yet another set, which signal birth. Even daily human activities such as standing up straight, eating and drinking are governed by hormones, which place calcium in our bones and signals thirst and appetite. The science of hormones, termed endocrinology, is an extremely complex study. In fact, there is no computer that can keep up with the endocrine system’s complexity. Because hormones make up such a large part of the body and are so essential to human existence and survival, hormonal problems are extremely
common. Men and women have the same hormones with different functions, and are equally capable of experiencing a hormonal problem. Both have estrogen and testosterone, for example – just at varying levels. Hormonal evaluations are necessary at some point in a person’s life because such problems are well hidden, often mimicking other illnesses. In order to function well from a medical viewpoint, patients should have their hormones tested for normalcy; if they don’t, diagnoses can be skewed. Someone could present with symptoms such as weight loss or gain, excessive thirst, hair loss or gain or chest pains. These symptoms may not actually pertain to corresponding individual systems, and could really be the result of an endocrine disease like a thyroid condition. The thyroid gland is located in the lower neck
and provides the body with thyroid hormones, chemicals that are essential for the normal function of each cell organ in the body. If there is a problem with the thyroid gland, it will not distribute hormones correctly, and symptoms could present in many different ways. Other examples of common endocrine diseases include metabolic syndrome and obesity, osteoporosis, pituitary and adrenal pathology and diabetes. Dr. Simone Scumpia, founder and clinical leader of Austin Thyroid and Endocrinology Center, is intrigued by endocrinology because she “really has to work with the body as a whole and be familiar with the pathology of the whole body since hormones affect every part of it.” Scumpia believes the science of hormones is “one of the most fascinating subspecialties in medicine,” and views herself as a kind of detective who is always trying to put the medical pieces together. One problem in medicine, and especially in endocrinology, is that “there is no vertically integrated clinic,” Scumpia says. Patients go from test to test at different places. This gap between clinical diagnosis and testing and imaging sparked her idea for a new clinic – one that would “bring diagnosis and testing together under one roof, with a doctor who would evaluate everything at one time and help the patient make treatment decisions.” In 2002, Scumpia founded Austin Thyroid and Endocrinology Center, a clinic which offers a “one-stop” approach to thyroid and endocrinology care, ensuring that patients can make appointments quickly and receive thyroid testing and imaging under the same roof where the initial diagnosis was made. The center’s mission is “to provide excellent care to Central Austin regarding hormonal imbalances NSIDE AUSTIN MD
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with an emphasis on thyroid, osteoporosis and cholesterol,” Scumpia says. Austin Thyroid is continually growing, treating thousands of patients who are happy to experience expedited evaluation and have a physician physically interpret scans and results. Austin Thyroid also provides medical services for Graves’ disease, hypothyroidism, Hashimoto, thyroid cancer, thyroid ultrasound, thyroid uptake, radioactive iodine, bone density, body fat analysis, adrenal and pituitary, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Austin Thyroid contributes to the community by investing in things it believes are invaluable. The center sponsors KUT and KMFA radio, as well as Osteoporosis and Thyroid Month, while providing services for the uninsured and organizing events such as free public lectures. Scumpia’s future goal for Austin Thyroid is to continue providing high-quality patient care, while ensuring that each step of a patient’s treatment takes place under one roof. Before Scumpia could become a specialist in endocrinology, she had to complete 13 years of schooling. She first graduated medical school, then completed post-graduate training in Toronto and eventually moved to Pittsburgh to complete her endocrinology specialty.
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Scumpia views herself as a kind of detective who is always trying to put the medical pieces together.
Scumpia now has more than 30 years of experience working in thyroid pathology and endocrinology, and is “board certified in endocrinology, metabolism, diabetes, internal medicine and lipidology (the science of cholesterol).” In fact, she says, “I’m the first board-certified lipidologist in Austin.” She is also a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of Physicians of Canada and the American College of Endocrinology. Scumpia’s personal mission as a physician has changed with experience. “Most physicians, including myself, come out of medical school want-
ing to heal patients,” she explains. “However, as I became more experienced, I realized that what patients need most, besides the healing of a particular problem, is someone to look at them as a whole and ensure that everything is working well.” As a result of this gradual realization, Scumpia has made it part of her mission to take an aggressive approach in identifying the biological age of a particular person. She performs a whole-body evaluation to find the different connections between symptoms and determine the kinds of medical problems the person is – or is prone to – experiencing.
By determining a person’s biological age, Scumpia is able to account for and help improve upon what is already wrong, as well as identify other issues the patient may not have known about. Scumpia feels like a pioneer in this aspect because she realizes that many times, “one’s biological age doesn’t match their actual age.” Someone who is 40 years old may have the biological age of a 70-year-old, for example, and should receive treatment accordingly. With her “one-stop” style clinic and whole-body evaluation approach, Scumpia has taken strides in
making a trip to the doctor as easy an experience as possible for her patients. “I love what I’m doing and am a very happy person because I happen to have chosen a profession that is dear to me,” she says. “I love to come to work where I get to be a medical detective.”
Austin Thyroid and Endocrinology is located at 2200 Park Bend Drive, No. 3-300, Austin, Texas 78758. For more information, call 512-467-2727 or visit www. austinthyroid.com. NSIDE AUSTIN MD
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Dr. Allen Mauldin, board certified in family medicine, joined WellMed Medical Group as the lead physician of WellMed at Leander, formerly Leander Healthcare Center. He has been practicing medicine in the Central Texas community for a quarter century.
Quality Care for Older Texans Drs. Allen Mauldin, Kenneth Armstrong and Carlos Navarro and N.P. Katie Nelson lead three new senior-focused WellMed clinics in Central Texas.
by Dan Calder贸n photography by mark matson
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Dr. Allen Mauldin cuts the ribbon during a ceremony with the Greater Leander Chamber of Commerce at the new WellMed at Leander clinic. As a WellMed physician, Mauldin will have more support and resources to better serve senior patients.
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ellMed is closing out 2012 in Central Texas with an eye toward accelerated growth. In October, WellMed opened three new primary care clinics – in Leander, Kyle and Round Rock. Earlier this year, WellMed opened a new clinic in Austin just north of the Williamson County line off North 183. With these clinics, WellMed now operates nine clinics in Central Texas, including one in San Marcos. The growing health care company expects to announce more clinics coming to Central Texas in the near future. All WellMed clinics focus on the care of Medicare-eligible seniors. With that in mind, providers at these clinics are often very experienced in the special health care needs of an older population. Formerly Leander Healthcare Center, WellMed at Leander is a 3,800-square-foot facility at 2701 S. Highway 183 in the heart of Leander. WellMed at Leander is equipped with an onsite lab, a minor surgery room and seven exam rooms. The Leander clinic will be led by Dr. Allen Mauldin, board certified in family medicine. He has practiced medicine for a quarter century in Leander. Mauldin earned his undergraduate biology degree from McMurray University in 1977. He graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 1982 and completed his residency at Texas Tech Regional Academic Health Science Center in Amarillo. To the east of Leander, WellMed at Round Rock is led by Dr. Kenneth Armstrong. A graduate of Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Armstrong completed his family practice residency at John
Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. For nearly three decades, Armstrong has been a practicing physician in the Round Rock area. His clinic, which features an onsite lab, is at 511 Oakwood Blvd., Ste. 103, in the Oakwood Medical Plaza. South of Austin off Interstate 35 is WellMed at Kyle, led by Dr. Carlos Navarro, board certified in family medicine. Navarro graduated from the Autonomous University of Medical Sciences of Central America in Costa Rica. He completed his family practice residency through the Austin Medical Education Program at Brackenridge Hospital, where he was selected as chief resident. Joining Navarro in treating WellMed seniors is nurse practitioner Katie Nelson, who is certified in family practice by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Before joining WellMed, she taught nursing at San Antonio College, including instruction to R.N. students in clinical and didactic medical/surgical courses. The Kyle clinic, located at 902 Rebel Drive, features an onsite lab. As providers in the WellMed Medical Group, these Central Texas health care professionals will provide care for patients utilizing the nationally recognized WellMed Care Model, which emphasizes preventive care for Medicare-eligible seniors. Their patients with certain chronic disease states – such as diabetes, heart disease and chronic emphysema – will have access to a disease management program with resources designed to help patients better manage their disease. Health coaches will also work with the physicians to develop a plan of care for patients implementing evidence-based strategies for promoting health, wellness and effective disease management.
The WellMed Care Model was the subject of a study by the Robert Graham Center, the research arm of the American Academy of Family Physicians. In 2011, the center published findings of its independent, federally funded study in the Journal of Ambulatory Care Management based on data involving more than 18,000 San Antonio-area WellMed seniors. The Graham Center found that WellMed patients reported better health outcomes (such as reducing so-called “bad” cholesterol levels), and on average, lived significantly longer than their 65-and-older peers across Texas. WellMed is opening new primary care clinics for seniors at a time when providers willing to accept patients on Medicare are becoming scarce. In Hays County, where WellMed at Kyle is based, nearly 9 percent of the population is seniors, according to U.S. Census data. In Williamson County, where the Leander and Round Rock clinics reside, more than 9 percent of the population is over the age of 65. “We know that Medicare providers are hard to find in Central Texas, so we are very excited that Dr. Mauldin, Dr. Navarro, Dr. Armstrong and N.P. Nelson are joining the WellMed Medical Group,” said Dr. George M. Rapier III, founder and chairman of WellMed Medical Group. “These clinics are concrete examples of our commitment to expand access to quality primary care for older Texans, and to change the face of health care delivery for seniors.”
If you are a senior interested in learning more about WellMed, call 866-781-WELL (9355) or visit www. wellmedmedicalgroup.com. NSIDE AUSTIN MD
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[ nside / medical arts ]
The Art of Giving Cedar Springs Austin hosts an event to support People’s Community Clinic with the goal of giving back to the medically underserved and uninsured of Austin.
special to nside photography by michael giordano
On Nov. 28, 2012, Cedar Springs Austin will host an event to benefit People’s Community Clinic (PCC). One hundred percent of the proceeds will go toward PCC. The event will be held at Malverde from 6 to 8 p.m. Brad Kennington, executive director and chief operating officer of Cedar Springs Austin, believes the kind act of giving goes a long way. And PCC, an important part of the Austin community since 1970, is grateful for the support and much-needed funding it will receive. Cedar Springs Austin is an eating disorder treatment center with the only day hospital for eating disorders in the Austin area. “We treat adolescents and adults, females and males, who are struggling with anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder,” Kennington says. In addition to his administrative role at Cedar Springs Austin, Kennington is a therapist who specializes in eating disorders, with a special focus on male eating disorders. Prior to entering the behavioral health field, Kennington worked as a chief of staff to a state legislator for several years. “I learned that government plays an important role in helping others, but that we, as individuals, have a responsibility to reach out, as well.” Kennington learned early on the value of giving back to one’s community. “My great-grandfather and grandfather both held public office in their local communities; my mother taught in public schools for many years; and my father, before entering the corporate world after graduating from college, served in the U.S. Army as a cryptographer. You could say that the value of giving back to my community is in my DNA.” Kennington also gives credit to his faith that
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taught him the importance of giving back and tending to those in need. “As Cedar Springs Austin continues to grow, I want to instill this same value in our organization. I want Cedar Springs Austin to be an active corporate citizen by helping other organizations that help the individuals and families that belong to our diverse community.” Kennington emphasizes Cedar Springs Austin’s excitement in sponsoring a benefit where 100 percent of the proceeds will go toward PCC. “This clinic is an Austin institution whose programs offer high-quality medical and integrated behavioral health services to those who are underserved or uninsured,” he says. “I believe we all deserve to be able to live healthy lives. The doctors, nurses, social workers, administrators and the entire team at People’s work every day to ensure that quality medical and mental health is within reach for those less financially fortunate.” PCC is the only independent clinic in Austin offering comprehensive health and wellness care to improve the health of the uninsured and underserved. Being a nonprofit organization, it is privately funded. Sixty percent of its $8 million budget comes from private sources. This includes individual donations, grants, gifts and special events. Five percent comes directly from the patients, 20 percent is government funded and the remaining 14 percent is from reimbursements from Medicaid, Medicare and CHIP. The clinic maintains financial stability through the generous support of the Central Texas community and constant efforts to increase efficiency. The services provided are endless. Some of these include primary health and wellness services, prenatal, pediatric and adult care and specialized adolescent care. The clinic also provides immuniza-
tions, testing and screenings, social work and mental health services. Another important area PCC addresses is nutritional and healthy lifestyle counseling. Having an onsite pharmacy and lab is an extra bonus for all of the clinic’s patients. Caring for approximately 10,000 patients last year who face the challenges of attaining affordable health care is an amazing and commendable achievement. More programs PCC engages in can be found on the clinic’s website. Kennington is particularly excited about the clinic’s Reach Out and Read program. “My mother was an educator, and her father was the president of a school board, so education was always front and center in my family,” Kennington says. “I’m excited to see parents being taught just how important reading is to young, developing brains, and how to incorporate reading time with their children. “Not only does this better prepare the child for success in school and beyond, but this quality time spent with children helps foster the parent-child bond. In turn, this helps the child develop a healthy self-esteem. “At this time of year especially, I think it is important to remember just how blessed we have been, and to recognize our responsibility to others, and even to ourselves, to give back.” Kennington has certainly made sure Cedar Springs Austin will make a difference on Nov. 28. Just by taking these steps, Cedar Springs already has.
For more information on People’s Community Clinic, visit www.austinpcc.org. To learn more about Cedar Springs Austin, go to www.cedarspringsaustin.com.
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[ nside / patient ] teria to get into the bloodstream and wreak havoc on the organs. This is known as the oral systemic connection. Studies have shown a strong correlation with heart disease, diabetes, pancreatic cancer, arthritis, premature and low birth weight babies, sexual dysfunction and a host of other disorders. Scientists are linking more and more health problems in connection with the oral system.
Q:
Ask the
Doctor
Dr. Michael Moossy answers some common questions about dental health and hygiene.
Special to NSIDE
Q:
I know I have a lot of dental work to be done. What are some of my options for getting all of the treatment completed in a more affordable way? Our office, along with many medical offices, offers thirdparty financing options. One such company is Care Credit, which allows the patient to make payments in nointerest monthly installments. Our office currently offers six- or 12-month no-interest plans. Another option is phasing your dental treatment into a more manageable time frame, allowing you to pay as you go along. If you plan to go this route, it is a good idea to take care of the highest priority dental work first or do quadrant dentistry. Quadrant dentistry is when your dentist takes care of one quarter of your mouth at a time. Your dentist should be able to assist with the prioritization of treatment. At times, established patients may request special financial arrangements from the office manager to have treatment paid out in two or three installments.
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Q:
I’ve had professional whitening done before, and I am noticing that my teeth are getting a little dark. What would you recommend for touchup whitening? There are several different ways for touchup whitening; it all depends on your preferred method. If you already have take-home trays customfit by your dental provider, you can purchase additional whitening gel to place inside the trays and whiten when convenient for you. There are also over-the-counter products such as Crest Whitestrips, as well as whitening toothpaste products, that can work well to remove surface stains. One new product we are currently offering at our office is TekWhite, a combination whitening pen/lip plumper gloss. The whitening applicator can be used to apply the whitening gel to the teeth a few times a day with no need for trays. The gel will dissipate as it continues to whiten. Perfect for the person who is always on the go.
Q:
I went to my doctor, who told me that my gum health can affect my heart health. What is the connection, and what should I be doing? The mouth is full of bacteria that naturally resides. When the patient has healthy gums, the bacteria pose no threat. With unhealthy bleeding gums, it acts as a portal for the bac-
I am a 40-year-old man who has already had full orthodontics when I was young. I don’t want to do the metal braces route. What are some of my options for tooth movement? It is very common for teeth to shift as we age. This is a natural occurrence, which, contrary to what was originally thought, really has nothing to do with the third molars pushing teeth forward. Modern dentistry allows us to straighten the teeth with clear aligners known as Invisalign. Invisalign is a series of trays designed to move the teeth incrementally over a period of time. These trays enable the patient to have their teeth straightened without metal brackets. Those who don’t want to wear the trays or want quicker results can get porcelain veneers, also known as instant orthodontics. Veneers are a thin shell of porcelain that fits over the tooth much like a fake fingernail. Changes such as length, rotations, color, etc., can be corrected in just two visits.
Q:
My 6-year-old child has adult teeth coming in behind the
Scientists are connecting more and more health problems, including heart disease and diabetes, to the oral system.
baby teeth. The baby teeth are loose, but don’t seem to be budging. What should I do? It is common for a young child to have their lower front permanent teeth come in behind the primary front teeth due to the lack of room needed for them to erupt. In this case, it is necessary for the dentist to remove the two or sometimes four remaining baby teeth to allow the permanent teeth to erupt properly and lessen the likelihood of the child needing orthodontics in the future. If you notice that this is the case, you can encourage your child to try to wiggle and loosen the baby teeth and help them along. If the teeth do not seem to be budging, call your child’s dentist, and he or she will be able to use anesthetics and extract the baby teeth.
Dr. Michael Moossy’s practice is located at 4200 N. Lamar, Ste. 145, Austin, Texas 78756. For more information, call 512-459-5437 or visit www.drmoossy.com.
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[ nside / health & wellness ] your child might be able to address the issue. For a young child, it may mean they need to try to talk to a teacher about their concerns. For an older adolescent, it may require them to have their own meeting with the teacher or administrators before you are willing to step in. 2. Peer issues: If your child is confronted with conflicts among peer relationships, offer your child guidance in talking directly with the peer or peers with whom there is an issue. This experience provides skills in communication and tolerance in dealing with uncomfortable situations, all of which are valuable skills for numerous other life experiences.
Curing Entitled Children
In “Generation Me,” altering your child-rearing techniques and teaching your children to take responsibility can turn them into healthier, more successful human beings. by Dr. Allison K. Chase
Are today’s children more entitled than previous generations? Yes, they are. Being an entitled generation is not a positive thing. However, there is a silver lining. By altering child-rearing skills, parents can raise more competent and successful children. Parents want the best for their children. They hope for them to be happy and successful, and aim for them to stay one step ahead in this competitive environment of academics and extracurricular activities. However, in an attempt to promote their children, they are, in fact, working for – not working with – their kids. When parents are taking care of tasks their children can manage or solving issues so that their child will not be upset or bothered, parents are the ones “doing the work” instead of their children. This pattern of parenting is creating a generation
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of children who are neither learning the value of hard work, nor learning to tolerate feeling bad. The cumulative effect is delaying both their emotional growth and independence. In reflecting on generations past, children have withstood hard work and responsibilities within their households. How many times have we heard the old adage from our own parent or grandparent about walking barefoot in 10 feet of snow to get to who knows where? While the height of snow may be an exaggeration, the reality is that children gain strength, both physically and emotionally, from enduring work and responsibility. Here are a few tips for parents to consider: 1. Academic issues: Before attempting to fix a problem at your child’s school, re-evaluate how
3. Family or home life issues: Most parents would agree that it can be easier to take care of household tasks like cleaning a teenager’s room or making sure the dog gets fed themselves. However, children need to learn about helping out around the house. There are household tasks appropriate for even preschool children. Learning to take care of their belongings and participate in teamwork is an invaluable skill, without which children will be at a disadvantage when it is time to live among others than their family. Children are wizards at finding time to do all sorts of tasks like texting, playing video games and deciding what outfit to wear to an event. There is no reason they can’t find time to take care of age-appropriate household responsibilities. Please note, academics and schoolwork are a priority; however, learning life skills and how to manage multiple life demands is also essential. 4. Giving to others: Encourage your child to participate in giving to those less fortunate. While raising funds for a cause is admirable and helpful, children gain the most from “doing” or “taking action.” Have your child find an organization that is meaningful to them. With your support, research the local needs for that cause. Examples include volunteering at a fundraising event or helping deliver the services or goods to those in need. Children, particularly adolescents, tend to focus primarily on themselves and their own needs; therefore, making a focused effort to help them recognize the needs of others creates a healthier human being. The holiday season is a perfect time to teach your child or adolescent the value of giving. Parenting is a tough job with one central goal: to provide your children with the necessary skills and strengths so they are able to successfully take care of themselves when they reach young adulthood and “fly the nest.”
Allison K. Chase, Ph.D., CEDS, is a psychologist and certified eating disorder specialist in Austin who specializes in working with children, adolescents and their families. Chase facilitates the parent education group at Cedar Springs Austin, an eating disorder treatment center located in Westlake. For more information, please call 512-732-2400 or visit www.cedarspringsaustin.com.
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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