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Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” History has shown that with diligence comes prosperity. Think of Einstein’s theory of relativity or Steve Jobs’s Apple computer. These were not “overnight ideas,” but rather took a great deal of time and attention to become the powerhouse contributions they are today. In the end, these men’s diligence was worth it. Not only did each of them profit financially and professionally, they also enriched the world for others. At RGVision, we celebrate diligence. We share profiles and stories of those members of our community who show us what hard work can do. In this issue, look for individuals, organizations, and programs that have shown diligence in their efforts to improve life here in the Rio Grande Valley. For our September/October 2015 issue, we’re taking a look at the product of many peoples’ diligence: the new UTRGV Medical School. Years ago, an idea was
born - bring a medical school to the Valley. Let it be a place where great doctors are trained, where patients are well cared for, and where the whole community can improve their understanding of health and medicine. Next year, that idea will become a reality. But until then, we hope for continued diligence throughout the last hurdles of building the school, specifically, recruiting talented students and professors to make the school excellent. Take a look at our feature article to see what we can do to ensure we’re drawing the best and the brightest to UTRGV Medical School. Thank you again for picking up this issue! We’re glad to help you stay informed on the topics that affect your community. We hope you enjoy reading this issue and highly encourage you to stay up-to-date, educated, and inspired. Remember, you can always read online at www. rgvisionmagazine and follow us on Facebook.
Copyright by rgVision Publications Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The opinions and views expressed in the magazine don’t necessarily reflect those of our advertisers or collaborators. rgVision magazine is published bi-monthly and circulates 12,000 copies across the Rio Grande Valley in 389 locations with a direct mail distribution to major hospitals and Superintendents within Region 1. The rgVision office is located at 1100 E. Jasmine McAllen, TX 78501 ste 201. To receive an annual subscription of RgVision publications for $29.99, email info@rgVisionMagazine.com.
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SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER KEVIN MARTINEZ
HEALTH CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR DAVID SAUCEDA, M.D.
TABLE OF CONTENTS EDUCATION Early Beginnings
12
As IDEA Public Schools’ growing Pre-K program develops, new data surfaces reinforcing their purpose.
ON THE COVER Dell Med School
Texas Med Baylor College A New Era of Medical Education Branch at of Medicine
Utrgv Med School
Southwestern Medical Center
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A reflection on Texas’s two newest medical schools, UTRGV Medical School in the Rio Grande Valley and Dell Medical School in Austin. Galveston
By Annie Sykes | Cover Illustration by Mariela Pena
One-Stop Shop
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PSJA’s bold back-to-school expo covers all bases across the district in a single day.
Collaborating For Health
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Designing Our Engineers
22
A Nursing Dream
24
Harlingen CISD partners up with the new UTRGV to form a youth program that calls attention to health disparities in the RGV.
A new partnership between Texas A&M and Texas Southmost College aims to educate engineers from our community, for our community.
Anahí Cantú is a nurse in the making at South Texas College.
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2015
BUSINESS
HEALTH
Santa Fe Wine Classic
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A toast for education development and enrichment in McAllen.
Ghosts & Candy Corn
What does it take to get ready for the Halloween Holiday?
5 Tips To Consider
Business Content Contributor, Bill Martin, explains how to create a dispute-proof estate plan.
Quality You Can’t Rush
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30
Never a Dull Moment
QUALITY OF LIFE 48
The life of Dr. Gary Snook and his work as leading orthopedic specialist.
Achohol and Mental Health
Lessons in longevity and success by Rios Of Mercedes, one of the oldest and most succesfull businesses in the RGV.
52
Health Contributor, Dr. Alfonso Mercado, gives his perspective on the physical and mental effects of alcohol consumption.
Stress at Homework Time 32
54
Health Contributor, Dr. David Sauceda, helps parents understand how to ease their child’s stress when it comes to getting homework done.
The Vein Doctor
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An insight into vegetable production in the RGV at Speedling.
Dr. William Kalchoff is the founder of the Vein Treatment Center in Edinburg and perfected his work for more that 15 years.
Finding Success in the Grind 38
Resuming a Tremor-Free Lifestyle 58
Start Strong, End Strong
36
While explaining their foundation, Luis Beltran also gives us a glimpse into what it took to make MoonBeans Coffee the successful business it is today.
VOLUME 7 ISSUE 5 September/October
Día de los Muertos
62
Few festivals in the world are as colorful, lively, and full of culture as Día de los Muertos in Mexico.
Above And Beyond
70
A look into how the volunteers at IMAS give their time and effort into the subjects they are most passionate about.
Palmfest
72
PalmFest International Folklife Celebration or more commonly known as just PalmFest is now on its 10th consecutive year of fun festivities, good food, and awesome experiences.
Fortifying Athletic Success
76
Trainer Jaime Cavazos has made it his duty to prepare student athletes all over the Rio Grande Valley to be successful, and now he has even bigger plans.
As a Neurologist specializing in Deep Brain Stimulation devices, Dr. Miguel Gutierrez explains what the device is and how to attain it. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
RGVISIONMAGAZINE.COM
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EDUCATION
In 2013, Texas ranked 30/50 in state spending for Pre-K programs. Of the funds K-12th grade levels receive from the state of Texas per student, Pre-K students generally receive half of that amount.
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By: Nidia Cavazos
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
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EDUCATION
W
hen Kindergarten teachers across the United States welcome a new school year, they also face an unfortunate reality. Rather than focusing on a strong curriculum to further develop their students’ skills, they must accept that not all students will have a pre-kindergarten education; some will know how to read, while others are being exposed to English for the first time in a class setting. It is a fact. Schools across the US are not required to provide students with a Pre-K grade level. It is largely due to the lack of state funds allocated to 3 and 4 year olds. In 2013, Texas ranked 30/50 in state spending for Pre-K programs. Texas school districts are only required to provide the program if there are 15 or more eligible 4-year olds. To be eligible, these students must either qualify for free or reduced lunch, be English learners, or participate in foster care among other “risk” factors. Parents of children who do not pertain to these categories are usually required to pay tuition. Middle-class students are then at risk as some may not qualify for government-run programs, but may not be able to pay tuition. Establishing Pre-K as a requirement in schools across the United States is becoming more popular. In fact, there is a term for it: Universal Pre-K. It is a movement calling to make early education across the nation accessible to all regardless of socioeconomic factors. The potential benefits of early education is a trending topic as there is an increase in the demand amongst low income communities. Pre-K provides children with a head start, allowing kindergarten teachers to focus on introducing concepts rather than skills. The earlier a student begins to read, the earlier a teacher can begin advancing students’ skills in other subjects. According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, Pre-K programs provide students with the opportunity to acquire the necessary social skills to interact with peers and teachers. It’s not just words and numbers that students can get a head start on. In the Rio Grande Valley, IDEA Public Schools can attest to the growing demand for Pre-Kindergarten. In 2014, IDEA Public Schools launched a Pre-K pilot program in their Pharr campus to ensure 100% of their students are reading at or above proficiency level by the time they finish Kindergarten. Dolores Gonzalez, Chief Program Officer, has taken the lead at IDEA to meet the current demand, while keeping in mind her students’ demographics; given that most students are in need of a free program. “About 90% of the kindergartners at IDEA Pharr come in as English language learners. Spanish is their first language and some even come in not knowing any English.” The literacy component to the pilot program is a central
focus, as according to Gonzalez, literacy is the foundation to any content. If students can’t read, they certainly can’t solve a math word problem or grasp science concepts. “Data is tracked on a daily basis,” Gonzalez said. “Teachers are tracking what lessons they do, test scores, and timing students’ reading fluency.” Teachers must submit their results on a weekly basis to their respective leaders. They will get further coaching on how to improve their results and performance. Constant evaluation is IDEA’s way to ensure teachers are always at clarity with the curriculum and the goal to get 100% of students to college. Sonia Aguilar, IDEA Pharr Principal, helped lead the pilot program as she saw a strong need for an early start. “If kids don’t read at their level by third grade, it will be difficult to catch them up later,” Aguilar said. It did not take Aguilar long to begin seeing results once the program launched in 2014. “Within the first month we started seeing kids learn. The kids can sit down and really listen,” Aguilar said. “In December, children were already communicating well [in English] with each other.” According to the 2013 National Assessment of Education Progress Reading Test, 66% of all U.S. fourth graders scored below proficiency. 80% of these students come from low-income communities like the RGV. 75% of Aguilar’s Pre-K students, however, tested at a proficiency level. The students who were not up to par made up the extra work during summer classes to catch up. While carrying across curriculum concepts is a priority for leaders taking on the pilot program, there are operational costs that are to be taken into consideration before expanding it at a full scale. Funding can be a major obstacle for many Pre-K programs across the US. Of the funds K-12th grade levels receive from the state of Texas per student, Pre-K students generally receive half of that amount. Meanwhile, IDEA will continue to grow its program at a steady pace allowing leaders to learn from mistakes and fully perfect the program. 2 more IDEA campuses, Alamo and Riverview in Brownsville, will host the pilot Pre-K program this upcoming school year. As for Gonzalez and Aguilar, 2015-2016 is the year to follow the first group of students in the pilot program onto Kindergarten. Students’ performance and results will indicate the success of the program. There are undisputable facts though. This group of students won’t be introduced to the English language for their first time in kindergarten. They wont be introduced to words for the first time either. They are ready to move on to concepts and add on to their Pre-K-learned-skills.
Sources
http://nieer.org/sites/nieer/files/yearbook2013.pdf
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/subject/publications/main2013/pdf/2014451.pdf https://www.studentsfirst.org/pages/the-stats
http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/fact-sheets/2005/06/15/why-all-children-benefit-from-prek
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According to the 2013 National Assessment of Education Progress Reading Test, 66% of all U.S. fourth graders scored below proficiency. 80% of these students come from low-income communities like the RGV.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
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EDUCATION
ONE-STOP SHOP The Back to School Exposition at PSJA By: Audry Ocañas
T
he campus of PSJA Memorial is abuzz! Parents and students dart from cafeteria to gymnasium, registering for classes, purchasing uniforms and signing up for clubs. It’s PSJA’s fourth annual Back to School Expo, and it’s in full swing. PSJA’s Director of Communications and Public Information, Arianna Vazquez-Hernandez, is allhands-on-deck for the Back to School Expo. She aids parents and teachers with questions, ensuring everything runs smoothly. She does this at four different campuses, as all four PSJA high schools now hold an Expo. Vasquez-Hernandez doesn’t mind the travel. “We’d like to think of this as a one-stop shop for parents,” said Vazquez-Hernandez. “We’re reaching out to the community, reaching out to new parents, preparing the little ones and showing students and parents the possibilities, and programs they can get involved in.” The Expo is not just for high school students and families. Each PSJA high school dedicates space for their feeder elementary and middle schools, allowing those parents to register their kids, buy uniforms and chat with principals and teachers. At the Expo, parents with children of varying ages can get everything done in one place – a literal one-stop-shop. To top it off, many schools offer raffles for their students with prizes such as backpacks full of brand new school supplies. In addition to registration and prize booths, PSJA offers parents and students amenities like free haircuts and a Health Fair where nurses provide discounted or even free immunizations. One nurse, Sulema Flores, was adamant that all parents participate in the Expo for this reason.
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“We have a clinic here as well as at the three other high schools. State-mandated immunizations are so important. If students don’t have them, they can’t start school,” said Flores. “We also want to make sure all of our kids are insured. We have a quite a few resources to help parents sign up for CHIP, Medicaid and the Healthcare Marketplace. That’s a priority for us because we know healthy children learn better.” Flores went on to name the other resources available for students, which included eyesight and hearing tests, along with diabetes and scoliosis screenings. Nearly all of these services are free. Immunizations are the only thing that incur a cost ($5/shot), unless the student is insured with CHIP or Medicaid or the parent can’t afford the payment. The immunizations are free with insurance, and the county will cover the cost for any parent who doesn’t have the money. One parent at the Expo was surprised at how quickly things were getting done. Denise Garcia, parent to an incoming 6th grade girl and a little boy entering prekindergarten, explained how the Expo made things easier for her and her children: “My girl was already registered online in April. It was just easier and I skipped the lines for the registration process and buying uniforms,” said Garcia. “The fact that they have everything handy here makes it so easy. I love how they can make copies and fax everything if they need to – it helps me because my little boy
wasn’t registered yet. I’ve been here maybe 20 minutes and I’m already almost done! More people from the community should come to the Expo!” The Back to School Expo at PSJA is held every year in early August. It’s an all-day event, lasting from 10am to 4pm. The Expo provides an opportunity for parents or older students to become more involved “WE’D LIKE TO THINK OF in their schools. While registration is THIS AS A ONE-STOP SHOP available online, free FOR PARENTS,” SAID immunizations aren’t. Club booths and VAZQUEZ-HERNANDEZ. performances aren’t “WE’RE REACHING OUT either. Interacting with your fellow TO THE COMMUNITY, classmates and having REACHING OUT TO NEW your questions answers by present educators PARENTS, PREPARING THE isn’t. So when the new LITTLE ONES AND SHOWING school year rolls around next August, don’t just STUDENTS AND PARENTS stick to your computer, THE POSSIBILITIES AND come out and meet your school! You may PROGRAMS THEY CAN GET be surprised with what INVOLVED IN.” it has to offer.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
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EDUCATION
HCISD, UTRGV youth program calls attention to health disparities in the RGV By: Adriana Dominguez
D
iet and exercise are known to play a big part when it comes to health, but these factors alone aren’t the only determinants of health – especially when it applies to certain groups of people. From economic status to physician shortages, and geographic location, many other factors can affect health as well. During the first Future of Health Disparities Summer Program held at the Harlingen School of Health Professions on August 10, students learned about health disparities – differences in health between groups of people – that are prevalent in the Rio Grande Valley. Hosted by a partnership between the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the event gave students the opportunity to hear from various speakers, participate in activities, and conduct group research on how to improve health disparities in the area. “My group presented on physician shortages. In Cameron County there is one primary care doctor for every 1,351 patients,” said Katlyn Grant, a sophomore at HSHP. “I didn’t realize that there was such a need for health professions in our area. I think that one of the reasons that we don’t have enough physicians in the Valley is because we don’t currently have a school of medicine, but that will soon change with the new UTRGV School of Medicine.”
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Texas ranks 46 in the nation in terms of primary care physicians to patient ratio, according to a report released by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) in 2013. Attendees from HSHP, Harlingen High School, and Harlingen High School South also presented on additional topics affecting health disparities such as nutrition, exercise, and obesity. “We hope to take on the responsibility of educating the public about changes they can make to improve their lifestyle and diet,” said Haley Farias, junior at Harlingen High School South. On closing day, students were awarded certificates by program organizer, Santiago Diaz, and they also received a special visit from Inaugural Dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine, Francisco Fernandez, M.D.
“We are in the most exciting place right now in the entire country, and I can tell you that it’s also people from the global programs and the world health organizations are keeping an eye on us,” - Dr. Fernandez.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
“We’re here because you’re here and because someone like Mrs. Garza is here to lead this incredible enterprise. I want to thank all of the students for participating, and we celebrate your success today.” Diaz, a medical student at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, created the program as a summer project to create awareness about health disparities. Though he had the option of running a program in Chicago, as a former Valley resident, he felt that there was a greater need for a service project in the RGV. “After learning what a health disparity is, I started to look up some statistics and articles,” said Diaz. “That’s when I realized that here in the Valley there is a great need for physicians, and we
suffer one of the greatest disparities in the country. I didn’t know that even though I’m from the area. I think that’s because we’re so used to our lifestyle that we don’t step back and think about what’s going on. I wanted to come back to my community and provide a service that hopefully will impact the future.” Diaz plans to return to practice internal medicine in the RGV after completing his residency. HSHP is a state-of-the-art campus that allows students from 8th – 12th grade to access medically focused curriculum and real-life application opportunities. Accepting incoming 8th grade students from across the RGV, visit www.hcisd.org/HSHP or call 956-430-4078 to find out how to enroll.
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Does Your Hand Shake When You… Drink a glass of water? Write a note? Dial a phone number? If so, you may be suffering from Essential Tremor. Dr. Miguel Gutierrez from the Neurology Institute at Renaissance Medpoint in McAllen, TX, has successfully helped treat many patients using Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy.
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Learn more about Essential Tremor and find out if Medtronic DBS treatment is right for you. Dr. Miguel Gutierrez MD. PA.
Neurology Institute at Renaissance Medpoint 2108 South “M” St., McAllen, TX 78503 (956)686-8100
EDUCATION
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A New Engineering Academy from Texas Southmost College and Texas A&M Educating engineers from our community, for our community By Annie Sykes
T
exas is going to need more engineers. Between 39,000 and 43,000 more over the next few years, to be exact. And we’re not the only state getting ready for massive growth in engineering and similar fields - the White House wants one million Americans to graduate with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) degrees by the year 2020. Why the sudden push for more engineers? Because a strong, local STEM industry leads to prosperity and stability. For Texas, the coming wave of engineering jobs is a powerful economic opportunity. Here in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas Southmost College plans to seize it. Texas Southmost College recently announced the launch of a brand-new engineering program, the Texas A&M-Chevron Engineering Academy. Students in the four-year Academy will be co-enrolled at Texas Southmost College and Texas A&M. They’ll spend the first two years at TSC and the final two at A&M’s Dwight Look College of Engineering, ranked 12th in the nation. The program, funded in part by a $5 million donation from Chevron, is still in the development phase, but is slated to kick off in the near future. We sat down with a group of community and college stakeholders to learn more about the program. Francisco “Kiko” Rendon and Dr. Lily Tercero, Chairman of the TSC Board and President of the College, respectively, discussed how the Engineering Academy came to be. “We thought about the fact that engineers will soon be even more in demand, and how we could ensure TSC students were part of that,” explains Mr. Rendon. “Too often, students in our community get overlooked. We think this program can change that.” Dr. Tercero agrees. “Our goal is to reduce major obstacles that keep RGV students from being competitive for engineering jobs,” she tells us, “and this program addresses those obstacles.” For example, some students have trouble transitioning from living at home to living at college. TSC students, the large majority of whom are local, will have a full two years to adjust to college life
before heading to A&M in College Station. Tuition and time are other major college roadblocks that students encounter. Texas Southmost College is tackling these challenges head-on. While other colleges inch their fees up year after year, TSC has brought costs significantly down. For example, in 2013, the board at TSC approved a 37% reduction in tuition - a number unheard of in the higher education world. “Giving students access to a college education is a top priority for us,” says Dr. Tercero, “We’ll continue to take bold steps as needed to expand educational opportunities for those we serve. We also spoke with Mike Gonzalez, the executive director of United Brownsville, a collaborative movement to bring prosperity to the city. Gonzalez echoed the TSC team’s excitement about the new Academy. “A local pipeline of talented, well-educated engineers is going to be huge for Brownsville,” he says. “Companies are more likely to invest in places with strong, local workforces.” Brownsville is already drawing its fair share of big name companies. The SpaceX launch site is a primary example, as well as the oil and gas companies eyeing involvement with the proposed Rio Bravo Pipeline. “We don’t want these firms or others like them to import their employees,” explains Gonzalez. “We want them to hire locally, so we support programs that make our workforce more competitive, like the TSC Engineering Academy .”
Engineering jobs are the wave of the future. TSC’s Texas A&M-Chevron Engineering Academy is making sure the Rio Grande Valley is ready for it. Hopeful engineers stay tuned. The future looks bright for you.
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EDUCATION
Some children sit their toys in rows to play school. Others put them on opposing sides for an epic battle. Anahí Cantú did neither. In her corner of the playground, toys received critical care from worldfamous physicians and nurses. Dolls were saved from traumatic injuries, teddy bears recovered from rare diseases, and G.I. Joes were carried on gurneys to the emergency room near the sandbox. Anahí’s imaginary hospital was more than just pretend play - it was a childhood dream acted out. From the start, Anahí knew she wanted to be a nurse. She wasn’t afraid of blood or other bodily functions, she loved taking care of others, and she showed an aptitude for science. Anahí’s goal was clear. The only question was how to achieve it. Anahí made her first move toward becoming a nurse in high school. She took a dual-enrollment course in medical terminology through nearby South Texas College (STC). This course made two things clear. First, Anahí was fully capable of academic excellence at the college level, and second, her interest in nursing had not changed. So far, so good. Next stop, college. Anahí wanted a school with strong healthcare programs, a local campus, an affordable price tag, and a small student body. No one in Anahí’s family had ever 26
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worked in the medical field, so while their support was steadfast, they couldn’t offer much guidance. She would need to rely on professors, and she couldn’t do that if she was just another face in the crowd in a giant campus. After giving it some thought, Anahí realized that not only did she know a school that fit this bill, she had already attended it: South Texas College, the school from her high school dual-enrollment class. She enrolled without hesitation. This future nurse’s career journey kicked into high gear at South Texas College. On her advisor’s recommendation, she first enrolled in STC’s Patient Care Assistant program. The course offered what they call “bang for your buck” - it allowed Anahí to survey different aspects of nursing, helped her determine her speciality, and left her as a certified nursing assistant. After just one course, Anahí was able to get a job in the coronary care unit at a local heart hospital. During this time, she honed her nursing skills through extensive practice with EKG machines, drawing patients’ blood, and working as a team with other nurses and patient care technicians. In addition, she was able to earn money for the next phase in her career. Anahí was soon back at STC, this time in the Vocational Nursing program. This brings us to the present. Anahí has been a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) since last October. She currently works at a day center for the elderly, a job she’s long wanted. “I’ve always loved caring for older people,” gushes Anahí. “I love to hear their stories.” And her patients love her back. Anahí shares a story about her patient “Mr. X,” an elderly gentleman who comes to the center each day. “At first, he refused to let me help him. He kept saying that I was way too young
to be a nurse - that I couldn’t possibly know how to do my job.” With patience, persistence, experience, and an STC education on her side, Anahí soon showed Mr. X that she was more than capable. “Now, he lights up when he sees me. If any other patients give me trouble, he defends me. It’s been amazing.” Even though she’s reached her dream of being a nurse, Anahí isn’t stopping. She plans to return to STC in the near future to pursue her registered nurse (RN) degree. As a licensed RN, Anahí can keep doing the work she loves but with greater skill and a heftier salary. For Anahí, the ability to build her career in phases (“baby steps,” as she calls it) has been the best thing about South Texas College. The college makes it easy for her to transition between school and the workplace with its unique combination of flexible scheduling, low cost, and high support. Anahí never fears falling short of her ultimate career goal of becoming an RN. Her professors see potential in her, and they won’t let her stop before she fulfills it. But they also see the value of going back to work between degrees, both in terms of gaining nursing experience and ensuring financial security. At STC, Anahí feels free to enjoy the best of both worlds. For most of us, life looks pretty different from how we thought it would as children. This is remarkably not the case for Anahí Cantú. Of course these days her Barbies are real people and she uses thermometers instead of twigs, but her passion for taking care of others hasn’t changed. That passion, combined with solid work experience and an excellent education from South Texas College, makes Anahí what she is today: a dream-career success story.
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BUSINESS
Gerry Garcia and Albert Rego
S
A TOAST TO EDUCATION BY: NIDIA CAVAZOS
anta Fe Steakhouse has gained a reputation over the course of the years by providing a wide range of amazingly prepared food and exclusive wine you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Co-owners Sony and Albert Rego, along with Fred Harms, have continuously been recognized as their restaurant ranks the best in the Rio Grande Valley. Their commitment to excellence is evident as they strive to offer fresh steak and seafood in an atmosphere of tranquility. Not only is Santa Fe Steakhouse rated high among the many restaurants in the Valley, but they also care for and strive to give back to their community. All three owners have combined the idea of hosting a festival featuring food and wine while benefiting a charity or organization. Together with Gerry Garcia, Vice President of special projects at the chamber, it was determined
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that education would be the charity cause of the wine festival. “What better way is there to help the chamber than with its endeavor to give scholarships to students?” Garcia said. For seven years, Santa Fe has partnered with the McAllen Chamber of Commerce to raise funds for the chamber’s scholarship programs. The top graduating students from each of the three McAllen High Schools and the Achieve Early College high school are awarded scholarships for their academic performance. “We’ve always looked for a way to support the community and what better way than to support higher education,” Rego said. It was through this partnership that The Wine Classic, a fundraiser that would benefit the kids that not only worked hard throughout the years, but had high hopes and dreams as well, was born.
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“For seven years we have been helping this nonprofit organization and over 200,000 have been raised, when you put it all together and after all the work that has been done, I feel very proud.” - Sony Rego
The fundraiser is hosted once a year at the nature reserve Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen. During this night, wine vendors are invited to offer samples, local restaurants to serve their best of the best pieces, and invitees to enjoy the night while contributing to the scholarship endeavors. The fundraising nights have been a success for the past years. “For seven years we have been helping this nonprofit organization and over 200,000 have been raised,” Sony said. “When you put it all together and after all the work that has been done, I feel very proud.” The 2014 Wine Classic brought in a whopping $26,000 dollars, making Santa Fe the main contributor to the Chamber's education initiatives. The top four students from McAllen high schools and the top two from Achieve Early College were awarded $1,000 dollars each. According to Rego, the festival’s experience is something worth remembering as invitees are lavished with attention from wine and restaurant vendors. Every vendor invited to the festival is expected to offer the highest quality possible. “Vega Sicilia is the top wine in the world and we were offering samples,” Rego said. Only 300 tickets are sold for this night, and all of them sell out. This is promising, since it shows that not only are supporters interested in fine dining and wine tasting, but they are also willing to help the future of their community. By the way, Vega Sicilia is not cheap, and it is one of the rarest wines you can get your hands on. The Santa Fe Wine Classic is a great chance to taste such fine wine, all while benefiting your community. The next Wine Classic is slated to happen October 16th at Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen.
HO STON DAILY NON-STOPS ONLY VIA HARLINGEN
*
BUSH & HOBBY
* Bush – United.com
Hobby – Southwest.com
BUSINESS
By: Nidia Cavazos
I
t’s that time of the year again! Its the day when asking strangers for candy and dressing up as ghosts isn’t odd. It’s Halloween for Americans. How exactly did this particular day become an annual tradition? The “spooky” in American Halloween has its historical roots in the ancient celtic territories. Samhain (Celtic for Halloween) marked the end of a good harvest and the time for the spirits of deceased loved ones to return home and celebrate. Food and drinks were left for the spirits along with candles to light their way home. Do the jack-o-lanterns and offering of candy sound familiar? As Christianity spread to the Celtic territories in 800 A.D, it intended to create a holier holiday to honor saints. Therefore, Samhain was was renamed All Saints Day. All Saints Day became All Hallows, then All Hallows Eve, and eventually shortened into Halloween. Present day Halloween resulted from the combination of different holidays across several regions by immigrants coming into America. America is big on Halloween and the spending says it all as it is the leading commercial holiday behind Christmas. It’s not thousands or millions that are spent annually, but billions. According to the National Retail Federation Consumer Spending Survey, data estimated 7.4 billion would be spent on
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preparations for Halloween in 2014. On average, Americans have spent 6 billion per year for the past eight years. Halloween is the day to escape reality and be absolutely anybody or anything. Adults buy costumes for themselves, their children, and even their pets. Children dress up as their favorite superhero or princess, trick or treat at night, and eat as much candy as they can possibly grasp. Across the Rio Grande Valley, city officials partake in hosting Halloween festivities to bring the community together in a night of fun for all ages. As trick-or-treating is the typical way families will spend the night, the city of McAllen has a partnership with the Fire and Police Department to provide a safe way to celebrate Halloween. Along with the Parks and Recreation department, McAllen hosts a Halloween festival at the Municipal Park and Pool. According to Leslie Howland, McAllen marketing and events coordinator, these festivities ensure children are kept off the streets while providing fun for the entire family. At this festival, little ones can have a ride through a haunted pool or walk through a haunted house. With games to play and costume contests, parents do not have to worry about accidents on the streets. If trick-or-treating is on the to-do list, the fire and police department is there to educate
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Costumes Treats Tricks
children on how to proceed with safety. According to Howland, last year's festival brought in 4,000 people throughout the night. “It’s a real cultural event,” Howland said. Most Halloween celebrations in the Valley will even lead into Dia de los Muertos festivities. The turnout the city of McAllen has received over the past years has made the preparations a success. It takes a team to make these events happen, but there is also fun in store for staff members. “We get to see the amount of time people put into costumes and how unique they get is always interesting to see.” says Howland. Whether they go to festivals or trickor-treat at neighborhoods, Americans will definitely find a way to have fun on October 31st and be who they want to be for a day.
Costumes: $2.8 billion Candy: $2.2 billion Decorations: $2 billion Pet Costumes: $350 million
Total money spent on Halloween products: $7.4 billion
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Making Your Estate Plan
Dispute Proof By : Wealth Management Systems Inc. Courtesy of : Bill Martin, CFP® Vice President, 1845 Group at Morgan Stanley Branch Name : Morgan Stanley, McAllen, TX
W
hat do Howard Hughes, Leona Helmsley and J. Howard Marshall (of Anna Nicole Smith fame) have in common? All had estates that were hotly contested by named or would-be beneficiaries. In fact, disputes over a Last Will and Testament (a “Will”) or an estate plan are common and can cause permanent rifts among family members. They can also cost the estate lots of money. While it is impossible to completely prevent any dispute of your estate, you can take certain steps today that can anticipate and forestall challenges after you die. Consider these useful and time-proven strategies for minimizing potential conflict over your estate.
Choose an executor or trustee wisely The standard choice for executor--an oldest or nearest child-may not always be the best. If that person is also a benefactor of the estate, there can be a conflict of interests. It can also create resentments among other family members. If your estate is large and your family prone to conflict, you should consider appointing a trusted outsider who is not a beneficiary of the estate, a professional trustee who has the time, expertise, impartiality, continuity, administrative skills and resources to properly manage a trust. Professional Trustees can make decisions without selfinterest and independently referee on inheritance disputes.
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Keep account beneficiaries up to date and in sync with your will Some financial assets, such as IRAs, 401(k) plans and insurance policies, let you name beneficiaries. These beneficiary designations take precedence over designated beneficiaries named in your Will, meaning that the assets are distributed to the named beneficiaries of the account, not the beneficiaries named in your Will. . Make sure your beneficiary designations are in sync with your current Will and your intentions. Otherwise, you could unintentionally end up leaving much more--or less--to some beneficiaries than others, fomenting resentments from the outset.
Think through a distribution method: per stirpes vs. per capita In addition to naming principal heirs, your estate plan should also name contingent beneficiaries --those who inherit in the event a principal beneficiary dies before you do. The two most commonly used distribution methods are called per stirpes and per capita. With a per stirpes distribution, the primary beneficiary’s closest descendants receive the share of the estate that the primary beneficiary would have received had he been alive. Under a per capita distribution, if a primary beneficiary predeceases you, his or her share is split among the other primary beneficiaries, not his or her descendants. Whether you choose per stirpes, per capita or a different distribution method, the important point is to think through thoroughly these secondtier distributions and make sure they are clear and express your wishes.
Consider using a living trust instead of a Will While both Wills and living trusts are legally recognized structures for distributing an estate’s assets, a living trust offers a notable benefit when it comes to preventing challenges: it avoids probate. Unlike a Will, there is no formal opportunity for a disgruntled beneficiary to challenge a trust, since the trust is
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not admitted to probate. This makes it harder to get into court with a trust challenge. What’s more, challenges to a trust present a higher hurdle for a would-be trust challenger than a Will, reducing the likelihood of success except in cases of clear fraud or forgery.
Ask family members for their input Most estate disagreements involve family members, and most disagreements are over the distribution of possessions. While major assets are typically liquidated and distributed according to the estate’s terms, smaller possessions are often divided among family members. Many have sentimental value for certain individuals, creating lifelong resentments if they are appropriated by another. The best way to forestall such battles is to simply ask family members what items they specifically cherish, then include a list of such items and who you wish to have them with your will. If two heirs covet the same item, you can resolve the conflict before it happens. And if the items in question carry a high monetary value, you can always specify that family members be permitted to “buy” them from the estate. Preventing a disagreement, costly challenge, or family rift can be just as important as who you name as beneficiaries. Let me work with you and your legal advisor to make sure your estate plan minimizes the potential for dispute.
If you’d like to learn more, please contact Bill Martin, CFP®. Article by Wealth Management Systems Inc. and provided courtesy of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor. The author(s) are not employees of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC ("Morgan Stanley"). The opinions expressed by the authors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley. The information and data in the article or publication has been obtained from sources outside of Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley makes no representations or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of information or data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation by Morgan Stanley with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, investment, strategy or product that may be mentioned. Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor(s) engaged RGVision Magazine to feature this article. Bill Martin, CFP® may only transact business in states where he is registered or excluded or exempted from registration http://www.morganstanleyfa. com/1845group/.Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Bill Martin, CFP® is not registered or excluded or exempt from registration. © 2014 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 1051959 [11/14]
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HOW TO BUILD A BUSINESS THAT L ASTS LESSONS IN LONGEVIT Y FROM RIOS OF MERCEDES
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1. Make the best product you can. Here’s what you can expect from a Rios of Mercedes boot: stitching that, though delicate, doesn’t fray, supple yet sturdy leather, and soles that hold up in both city slicker and ranch hand environments. This is because at Rios of Mercedes, quality is a way of life. Rios craftsmen hand make every pair of boots with artist-like devotion, ensuring no boot leaves the workshop unless it’s perfect. In fact, Rios is so serious about quality that they hesitate to hire boot-makers from other companies lest they bring any “bad habits” with them. The result of all this? An extraordinary product. The payoff ? Legendary customer loyalty, sales at nearly 500 retailers, endorsements by performance horse greats and musicians alike, and frequent commissions from fine Western wear retailers like Kemo Sabe, Pinto Ranch, and more. As Mr. Evans says, “you get out what you put in.” 2. Also, be sure that product is useful. When deciding what to produce, heed this cautionary tale. Remember the cupcake
craze from earlier this decade? Across America, candy-colored “cupcakeries” popped up on every corner. It seemed like a great idea - who doesn’t love cupcakes? - but the little stores have not lasted. We’re no experts, but we imagine that as the economy dipped and our healthconsciousness grew, spending $5 on a cupcake suddenly seemed… impractical. This would never happen with cowboy boots. Here we have the second lesson from Rios of Mercedes: focus on a product that people will use for years to come. 3. Adapt with integrity. This mantra has protected Rios throughout the decades. Here’s an example: For many years, Rios made most of its income by handstitching custom boots, a tedious and time-consuming process. Things were going well until the mid-1970s when a machine was invented that could out-stich even the finest craftsman in a fraction of the time. Good news for large-scale boot producers, bad news for Rios. Rather than fading into obscurity, Rios of Mercedes surprised the boot world by
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buying one of the new machines (Evans swears it’s the only technology he’s ever known to do the job better than a human). With the machine on stitching duty, the legendary Rios craftsmen could devote their skills to all other aspects of boot-building. The result? Increased production without sacrificing quality. This change ultimately allowed Rios to create their other best-selling boot lines: Anderson Bean, Macie Bean, and Horse Power Boots. By adapting their business model - not their product - Rios of Mercedes positioned itself to reach new markets and gain more loyal customers. Are you taking notes yet? 4. Treat your people well. The average Rios of Mercedes employee has worked there for 18 years. By contrast, today’s average worker stays at his or her job for less than five years. Why do people stay at Rios for so long? Perhaps it’s the potent combination of loving your work and being recognized for it. The leadership at Rios has been known to name the individual who made a boot just by looking at it. Or maybe it’s the company’s pervasive family vibe. This is literal - Rios is both family-owned and given to hiring family members of current employees - as well as figurative. Communities become families when they share a common passion (in this case, boots) and spend lots of time together. Whatever the reason, the team at Rios of Mercedes is like a family, and families stick together over time. 5. Be a good guy. Talking to Trainor Evans, it’s immediately clear that Rios of Mercedes has its priorities in the right place. The company gives credit where credit is due: Evans named the Anderson Bean line after his mother and mother-in-law because he wanted to recognize their critical behind-the-scenes work. They give back to the town of Mercedes with steady employment and community engagement campaigns. And they don’t play dirty with the competition. In fact, to hear Evans talk of it, the boot industry seems downright chummy. It was Sam Lucchese of Lucchese Boots who warned Evans about the stitching machine. Later, the team at Tony Lama boots would pay in full for Lucchese’s medical bills when he fell ill. Rios of Mercedes keeps to the same code. If good guys finish first in the boot world, Rios of Mercedes is right at the front of the line.
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BUSINESS
Start Strong End Strong By: Nidia Cavazos
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H
ave you ever wondered how vegetables from grocery stores are really produced? If you think they are just grown in fields from start to finish, you are in for a surprise! Fruit and produce destined to be sold in local markets here in the Valley actually start of in Speedling in Alamo. Speedling is one of the world’s largest producers of containerized transplants. What exactly is a containerized transplant? They are seeds planted in trays. Their germination process is closely monitored and their ideal growth condition is created by controlling the amount of light, water, fertilizer, and temperature. Farmers provide the specifications they want for their vegetable transplants and after 30-45 days, the small plants are ready to be taken to the fields. The small transplants have been cultivated to be strong and withstand environmental challenges. Engineer and Grower Manager at Speedling, Abraham Cavazos, says the growing process is very detailed and requires constant monitoring. There are many challenges in producing strong transplants year round especially because of the high temperatures reached in the Valley. Every vegetable has a set optimal growth environment. Cavazos’ job is to replicate these conditions by manually controlling factors. Humidity, water, light, and temperature are controlled in a germinating room. Once the seeds sprout, they are moved to large greenhouses where fertilizers, fungicides, and insecticides are applied to prepare the small plants for external challenges. “Challenges come all year round because of the high temperatures in the Valley from July to October and low temperatures in December and January,” Cavazos said. During summers, greenhouses can reach an average temperature of 110 degrees. This is beyond the optimal temperature for most vegetable plants and shade cloths must be added to greenhouses along with cooling systems. In the winter, Cavazos and his team must be ready for sudden drops in temperature and ensure heaters are turned on in case of low cool temperatures. Plants are more
“ We take pride in delivering maximum value to our customers while providing consistent quality” prone to disease in the winter as they are likely to remain humid for longer periods of time. Having seeds sprout and monitored at Speedling is a way for farmers to ensure they will have a good harvest. If they start off strong, they can produce quality vegetables to provide to Valley residents. “This is a way for farmers to avoid uncontrollable conditions in the field in order to have a good seed germination,” Cavazos said. Speedling has been operating for over 40 years with 8 facilities across the United States. The Alamo facility serves farmers in Mexico, the state of Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Production at Speedling includes a full line of vegetable transplants ranging from onions, hot and sweet peppers, cabbage, watermelon, cantaloupes, tomatoes, broccoli, squash, eggplant, and collards. Aside from vegetables, Speedling also grows the poinsettias that are sold at Costco in Pharr. Poinsettia cuttings come from El Salvador, rooted in Georgia’s Speedling facility, and finally sent to Alamo in July. Greenhouses become a complete eye soother when they are replete with red color during the holidays. “We take pride in delivering maximum value to our customers ,while providing consistent quality,” Cavazos said. If a seed is allowed to sprout under optimal conditions and the small plant is set to thrive in the fields, thenValley residents are likely to get more juice out of their produce!
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BUSINESS
By: Nidia Cavazos
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The soothing, warm, and steamy drink is loyal when you most need it. It has the power to energize your morning and get you through the day. It can even be served with ice. It’s coffee.
According to a 2010 National Coffee Association Annual Drinking Trends Survey, 56% of the adult population in the United States drinks coffee. 40% of the total consumption is specialty coffee, like the kind sold in coffee shops. Convenience store coffee is often not up to snuff for discerning taste buds. Coffee shops offer more than just deliciously delivered caffeine. They offer a cozy and friendly place where people can meet for dates, work meetings, or study for an exam, making them a to-go place. Locally, Moonbeans turns out to be one of those places and an alternative to the leading global chain of coffee shops, Starbucks. In metropolitan cities, coffee shops including Starbucks, are accessible at every other corner. That is not the case in the Rio Grande Valley. There are not many coffee shops and the small ones that pop up tend to not last very long. MoonBeans owner, Luis Beltran, has made it his goal to bring that experience to Rio Grande Valley residents. “Everyone wants to open up a coffee shop, but they don’t realize it’s going to be a lot of work, time, and tremendous SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
sacrifice,” Beltran said. “They’re going to be open during holidays as well.” According to Beltran, the coffee shop business has an 80% failure rate during the first year in the Valley. MoonBeans has been one of the lucky surviving shops and continues to experience success as it has expanded to Edinburg and Pharr. “We are the largest local coffee shop,” Beltran said. Beltran credits the success of his coffee shops to the extensive research done prior to selecting McAllen as the first location. Beltran traveled across the United States to major coffee chains and smaller coffee shops to take note of what worked and what he wanted to incorporate. It took eighteen months of research and collaboration with experts in business, such as the Small Business Association and advisors from The University of Texas Pan American. Research included learning about potential customers: their demographics, their preferred locations, and more. Beltran recalls the skepticism he experienced when he first introduced his business to the Valley. RGVISIONMAGAZINE.COM
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“People would ask, what’s the difference between this coffee and Circle K’s?” Beltran said. “They would try it and then come in a week later for more.” MoonBeans serves specialty coffee sourced from farmers who grow coffee beans across the world. It is in fact MoonBeans’s goal to move toward direct trade in the upcoming years. Rather than importing from sourcing companies, Beltran wants to begin building relationships with farmers in Guatemala, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Panama. Beltran continuously strives to distinguish his business from others. However, where he intents to get his coffee beans from in the upcoming years is not the only aspect to note. It is important to notice the details at every MoonBeans coffee shop. Every aspect of the design and location of a MoonBeans is purposeful, from the furniture to the building itself. A large communal table sits in the middle of the recently renovated McAllen location and it is not only for aesthetic purposes. It forces customers to sit next to “strangers,” creating the possibility of forming relationships through a simple conversation. Back in 1928, there was a building that served as a firehouse and county jail in the city of Pharr. Today, it serves as the location for Moonbeans. Mere coincidence? No. It was in fact this building’s history that made it appealing to Beltran and even the mention of potential ghosts. 42
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“As soon as he said firehouse I said well lets go look at it!” Beltran said. “When I saw the firehouse, I went inside and I said ‘this is it’. This is who we are.” If you’re wondering why things are set up the way they are, feel free to ask the owner. You’re in for a great story and surprise. The stories and success tips are something Beltran is more than willing to share to those who ask. His intention is to SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
provide an experience to residents rather than dominating the coffee industry in the Valley. The new University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley medical school opening up in 2016 will certainly bring in people to the Valley from around the world. Beltran hopes this will mean new customers and an opportunity to provide a Moonbeans experience to visitors.
HEALTH
A NEW ERA OF
MEDICAL
EDUCATION IN TEXAS
Reflecting on Texas’s two newest medical schools, UTRGV Medical School in the Rio Grande Valley and Dell Medical School in Austin BY ANNIE SYKES
DELL MED SCHOOL DOCTORS MUST BE THIS
GREAT TO ENTER
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N
ew medical schools are rare in this state. The last Texas med school, Texas Tech’s Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, was founded over seven years ago in 2008. Before that, Texas hadn’t seen a new medical school since 1977. Clearly, our state likes to stick with the medical school status quo. That’s why it’s surprising that not one but two Texas medical schools are opening their doors next year: Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Medical School. Both were founded in 2013, and both plan to admit their first class of students in the fall of next year. UTRGV and Dell are essentially medical school twins. Like any twin will tell you, sharing a birthday with someone just like you inevitably invites comparison. UTRGV and Dell do have many similarities, but they’re also very different. These differences have major implications in the establishment and growth of both schools.
IMPORTANT REGIONAL DIFFERENCES As far as regions in Texas go, Austin and the Valley are about as different as it gets. Lifestyle, population, size, and environment - all drastically dissimilar. The medical landscapes are different, too, with each region offering a unique health experience. All these factors will influence recruitment of students and professors. The lifestyle differences between Austin and the Valley are sure to influence potential students and professors. In Austin, meeting an actual local is like spotting a unicorn. The city is a magnet for transplants looking for a buzzworthy city that isn’t New York or San Francisco. In the Valley, “local” is a way of life. Nearly everyone down here is from here, resulting in a tight-knit, familial community. There are other differences as well: Where Austin is urban and crowded, the Valley is rural and spacious; where Austin is commercially saturated, the Valley is still developing. And - importantly - where Austin is expensive, the Valley is affordable.
UTRGV MED SCHOOL DOCTORS D MUST BE THIS
GREAT TO T ENTER
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DIABETES RESEARCH CENTER
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In the Valley, diabetes and obesity are a major public health issue. If there’s any silver lining to this health crisis, it’s that it makes the RGV an excellent research environment. The two regions also differ on what they mean for the medical community. In the Valley, diabetes and obesity are a major public health issue. If there’s any silver lining to this health crisis, it’s that it makes the RGV an excellent research environment. Francisco Fernandez, the new dean of UTRGV Medical School, says he’s already fielded calls from researchers all over the world interested in conducting diabetes research. Dell Medical School doesn’t offer a focus on any particular disease or disorder. Both schools will offer a top-notch general medical education, but students and professors interested in specific research topics may be more drawn to UTRGV. Another major difference between Austin and the Rio Grande Valley is their respective medical communities. Austin has what’s called a “hospital district” - a web of medical centers - that includes the Seton and Dell hospital systems. Hospital districts are a great resource, hosting medical school residents and encouraging collaboration among health professionals, among other things. There’s no such district in the Valley. Some local politicians, such as State Senator Chuy Hinojosa and Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia, are pushing for one. Other local leaders are against it, such as Mission’s Mayor Beto Salinas.
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What does this mean for medical schools? It means that Dell Medical School students will have access to an established hospital district, while UTRGV students will not. However, if the Valley’s hospital district does takes off, UTRGV students, professors, and staff will have the opportunity to pioneer it. There are pros and cons to both scenarios, which anyone looking to get involved in either school will certainly take into account.
THE SCHOOLS THEMSELVES Dell Medical and UTRGV have the same ultimate goal - to train capable and compassionate physicians. UTRGV, however, appears slightly more researchoriented (although Dell has research branches as well). From its South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute to its $30 million dollar research budget, UTRGV may become one of the state’s premier research institutions. This is purposeful. According to Dean Fernandez, a research focus will narrow the STEM education gap that Valley students have faced in the past. Most of UTRGV’s stated goals have that community-oriented vibe. UTRGV is all about
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the Valley. Dell Medical, on the other hand, paints broader strokes in its mission statement. It aims to graduate doctors who are committed to creating a “vital, inclusive health ecosystem” - but it doesn’t specify where. Students who want to feel part of a community may be more drawn to UTRGV; students who aren’t sure where they want to make their home yet may prefer Dell. Curricula is another big difference between these schools. Dell’s curriculum is decidedly modern. It was created in-house, and integrates a focus on clinical skills and professional ethics throughout all four years. UTRGV has adopted the CIRCLE curriculum that UTSA’s medical school uses. CIRCLE stands for “curriculum. integration, researchers, clinicians, leaders, and educators” - it’s a quicker way to say that you’re getting a well-rounded medical education. The UTRGV curriculum is more traditional. Take quick visit to each school’s website, and you’ll get a good sense of their schools’ marketing approaches. Dell Medical’s website is flashy and sleek - a reflection of its deep pockets and a nod to Austin’s status as the tech capital of Texas. UTRGV’s site, on the other hand, is sparse. It gets the relevant information across, but that’s about it. Perhaps they’re just allocating their resources differently, but as a recruitment tool, it falls short.
LOOKING AHEAD As Fall 2016 grows nearer, both schools can be seen gearing up to start off their inaugural year on the right foot. One major milestone will be finalizing their facilities - both schools are building state-of-the-art medical education buildings. UTRGV’s is slated to be in Edinburg, and Dell’s Medical School is near UT Austin’s campus in the heart of downtown Austin. The biggest finish line to cross will be filling those facilities with students, professors, and staff. Both schools want the best and the brightest to help them reach their goals. Recruitment is already underway,
and will likely become more intense as the year goes on. From community to curriculum, research to recruitment, it’s clear that Texas’s two medical schools are unique places to be. We can expect both to prepare excellent doctors, but to go about it in very distinct ways. However, as different as the UTRGV Medical School and Dell Medical School will be, one similarity is certain: they’re going to be good for Texas.
Most of UTRGV’s stated goals have that
COMMUNITY ORIENTED VIBE. UTRGV is all about the Valley.
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(956) 664-0106
Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability, or any other legally protected status in employment or provision of services, programs, or activities.
HEALTH
Never a Dull Moment: The Life of Dr. Gary Snook By : Annie Sykes
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“I tell patients to plan on walking a mile every day for the rest of their lives,” he explains. “The pain leaves faster, the function returns sooner, and your overall health will increase.”
Dr. Snook When he’s not operating, our local Most Interesting Man in the World is enjoying his return to the Rio Grande Valley.
D
r. Snook’s friends joke that he’s the reallife version of the Dos Equis commercials’ “Most Interesting Man in the World.” Really, they’re not far off - the man’s life story is a veritable tall tale. Chapters include growing up without electricity in rural Colorado, traversing the Rocky Mountains on a bike, nailing his med school interview by filling in the interview committee on some breaking biotechnology, lecturing to audiences in Los Angeles and Manhattan… you get the picture. Dr. Snook looks the part too. He’s got twinkling blue eyes and a leathery voice that’s more intrepid explorer than scrubbed-in surgeon. To top it all off, he’s one of the Rio Grande Valley’s leading orthopedic specialists. He gets patients back on their feet (and back to their lives) quickly and safely. So, if not the most interesting man in the world, Dr. Snook is certainly up there. Long before he was a surgeon in the Rio Grande Valley, Gary Snook was a miner’s son in Colorado’s wild Western Slope. Calling the Snooks’ lifestyle was “rustic” is putting it mildly - think Colorado winters without indoor plumbing and only a wood-burning stove for heat. At age fifteen, looking to trade in the
country life for stability (and running water), Dr. Snook headed for Green River, UT and enrolled in the local high school. Senior year, unsure of his future, the young Dr. Snook got an extraordinary offer from a friend’s father: “If you drive my son to and from college, I’ll pay for you to attend, too.” College wasn’t on Dr. Snook’s radar - the idea of an income was more appealing - but he accepted. Before long, the ambivalence turned to dedication as Dr. Snook realized that the world’s decision-makers were college educated. He knew he wanted that option for himself. Dr. Snook’s entry to medicine was somewhat unconventional. He started out in chemical engineering but soon switched to medicine because “when it came to talking to pretty girls at parties, ‘chemical engineering’ wasn’t quite getting the response I wanted.” To be fair, he also enjoyed the courses. After college, Dr. Snook headed to medical school at the University of Utah College of Medicine. He jumped head-first into his medical education, completing an exchange term at Harvard, a rotation in trauma at Chicago’s famous Cook County Hospital, and a thoracic surgery training period in Dallas. All
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that, and Dr. Snook graduated six months early with hardly any debt. Dr. Snook’s next move landed him at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He had many options for this career phase, but he chose UTMB, partly because it’s a strong program and partly because of the Glen Campbell song “Galveston.” However, after several robberies and one outdoor tennis match in July, Dr. Snook began to wonder whether Mr. Campbell had painted an inaccurate picture.... Soon enough though, he and his wife were off to Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, TX for his residency in orthopedic surgery. Dr. Snook remembers these years with great fondness - the teaching was spectacular and the community was welcoming. After that, the. Snooks moved down to Corpus Christi for a welcome break from the roving lifestyle of a physician-in-training. The Corpus years, like his time in Temple, were a rich experience for Dr. Snook. “Back then, medicine was led by doctors. There wasn’t so much bureaucracy, which made it easier to do what you needed to do for your patients,” he recalls. After over two decades in the beach town, Dr. Snook felt ready for a change. The Big Change was in fact: retirement. So the 55-year-old Dr. Snook moved with his wife to the Colorado resort
town of Steamboat Springs. There, the new retiree really relaxed with activities like building a farmhouse from the ground up and joining a new orthopedic surgery practice (at this point in the interview, Mrs. Snook pipes in: “He’s a failure at retirement!”). Her husband does not disagree. A year-long battle with cancer is what finally convinced Dr. Snook to slow down. Well, sort of - he did bike 950 miles from Denver to Las Vegas along a Rocky Mountain trail (in 9 days). But he also took an offer from Dr. Raul Marquez that allowed him to perform his specialty, minimally invasive surgery, at a pace that suits him. These days, Dr. Snook can be found at the Marquez Robotic Orthopedic Institute, where he operates two days per week. He spends the rest of his time making sure his patients are informed, involved, and - most importantly - active. “I tell patients to plan on walking a mile every day for the rest of their lives,” he explains. “The pain leaves faster, the function returns sooner, and your overall health will increase.” When he’s not operating, our local Most Interesting Man in the World is enjoying his return to the Rio Grande Valley. At age 72, he’s more active than many people half his age. He’s never far from a fishing rod, a sailboat, or a bike path; he even still builds his own furniture. For any other person, such a lifestyle at such an age might raise some eyebrows. But for Dr. Gary Snook, it’s exactly what you’d expect.
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HEALTH
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By: Dr. Mercado
M
any people often reach for a drink because they want to change the way they feel. For others, drinking alcohol is nothing more than a pleasant way to relax, to celebrate or simply forget a bad day at work and unwind. However, of great concern is that many people drink to try and mask internalizing symptoms of depression and anxiety, or other mental health problems. Although alcohol can have a very temporary positive impact on our mood, in the long term problematic drinking can cause big problems for our mental health and it has been associated with a range of issues from depression to memory loss and suicidality. According to the American Psychological Association, for most adults, moderate alcohol use, which is no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women, is relatively harmless. In fact, some research postulates that small amounts of alcohol may have beneficial cardiovascular effects. Nonetheless, there is a widespread agreement that heavier drinking can cause multiple health problems and substantial damage to individuals, their families, relationships, and the community. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that 1 in 12 American adults is an alcohol abuser or has alcoholism. They reported that young adults aged 18-29 are the most likely to have alcohol problems and another survey illustrated that adults aged 18-25 engage in binge drinking. Alcohol abuse vs. alcoholism Alcohol abuse occurs when significant and recurrent adverse consequences follow. This is when people may fail to fulfill school, work, and family duties and have relationship problems. Legal problems also arise, such as repeated driving while intoxicated arrests. Individuals with alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, have lost reliable control of their alcohol use and are unable to stop drinking once they start. This state is characterized by tolerance and withdrawal symptoms if drinking is suddenly ceased. These symptoms include nausea, sweating, restlessness, irritability, tremors, hallucinations and convulsions. Causes of alcohol related disorders The causes of problematic drinking behavior range from genetic, physiological, psychological and social factors. It is important to note that every individual is affected differently by each etiological factor. For instance, for some people, psychological traits like neuroticism, this includes impulsivity, low self-esteem, and need for approval prompt inappropriate drinking (APA, 2015). There are some individuals who consume alcohol in order to cope and end up “self-medicating” their emotional problems. Although certain symptoms do dissipate for the time being, they run the risk of being dependent on the substance and the symptoms will worsen over time. Genetic factors also make some individuals vulnerable to alcoholism and dependence. However, simply having a family history of alcohol problems does not mean that person will grow up to have same problems nor does the absence of family drinking problems necessarily protects children from developing alcohol problems. Additionally, social and environmental factors also play a role, such as, the availability of alcohol, peer pressure, poverty, and physical or sexual abuse, which can also increase the risk of alcohol dependency (APA, 2015).
Alcohol effects The short-term effect of alcohol includes memory loss, hangovers, and blackouts whereas the long-term effects are linked to heaving drinking include heart ailments, stomach problems, brain damage including memory loss and cirrhosis of the liver. Alcohol is also a risk factor for homicide, suicide, and vehicular accidents. Alcohol is a depressant. It alters one’s brain chemistry as an imbalance of neurotransmitter activity occurs thus affecting ones thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Drinking heavily can also affect relationships with partners, family, and fiends. It can impact productivity and performance at work and school. Alcohol can worsen existing conditions of depression and anxiety or induce new problems. Family members are also affected by alcohol via family violence and children may suffer abuse and neglect and may develop psychological problems. Women who are pregnant and drink alcohol run a serious risk of prenatal damage as the toxins can cause fetal alcohol syndrome. Loved ones and strangers can be injured or killed in alcoholrelated accidents and assaults (APA, 2015). Psychologists and mental health professionals who are trained and experienced in treating alcohol problems can be helpful in many ways. Utilizing one or more of the various psychological therapies, we can help people address the underlying psychological issues involved in problematic drinking. For instance, cognitivebehavioral coping skills and motivational enhancement therapy along with quality supplemental treatment like 12 step programs can help people increase their motivation to stop drinking, identify circumstances that trigger drinking and learn new methods of coping and develop a solid social support system. Please contact your local mental health provider for support. For immediate psychiatric emergency assistance please contact 1-877-289-7199 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
Alfonso Mercado, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist Valley Psychological Services Assistant Professor-Department of Psychology At The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 1201 West University Drive Edinburg, Texas 78539 www.utpa.edu/psychology
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e h t g n i Eas f o s s e Str s ' d l i h C r u o Y k r o w e m Ho By:
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a d e c u Dr. Sa
A As we approach another school year, both students and parents will have to begin dealing with that dreaded thing known as homework. If it’s anything like my kid’s last school year, we are talking about a good 2-3 hours per night. Perhaps it could be done in a shorter time frame but it does come with stress and distractions. When I was in medical school, I had plenty of homework and it did get very stressful at times. Looking back on it now as I write this article, I wish I had someone review these tips with me. Reducing homework stress can turn homework into a positive experience that teaches your child lifelong skills. When homework is too extensive and time consuming, it can have a negative impact on the entire family. Stress can get in the way of the ability to learn and retain information. If your child ends up crying, sleep deprived or quitting activities to have more time to complete assignments, they may be experiencing stress overload. Breaking down assignments for your child sets smaller goals to complete at a time and you can then reward your child with a break. This seems to work best for my youngest child. We will set a timer to alert them that their break is over. This helps eliminate power struggles and it empowers children. It is important to encourage children to review work each night so that when it is time for a test they are not overloaded with information. Also use affirmations or positive statements and set up an area in your home dedicated to homework and studying. An area clear of chaos makes it easier to focus and feel calm. Some studies have also suggested using aroma therapy to help calm children and help them focus with studying. A diffuser with Peppermint can help children focus and concentrate. As a medical student, I used to consume plenty of peppermint candy, and did find that it had a calming effect that helped me study, and they were allowed during tests as well which also helps. Teaching children relaxation techniques is also found to help. Teach your children to take a deep breath in and say “Ahhhhh” to release anger and frustration. Stress management should be introduced during calm moments so they can be implemented
when needed. As I learned the hard way, learning stress management when you are super stressed doesn’t work too well. It is difficult to concentrate and feel balanced when hungry or eating sugar. Try to have a healthy snack available or even a meal before homework. I have seen that when my kids get a snack or small meal as soon as they get home and before they sit down for homework , there is a huge difference. Don’t expect children to be able to sit still for long periods of time. Let them move as needed. Give their brains a break as well. Also, deep breathing brings oxygen to your child’s brain and reduces stress. As a parent, it is also important that you stay positive during homework. Children listen and internalize negative statements and movements. A positive hopeful attitude is contagious. Essentially, if you believe they can do it, they will believe they can do it. This next one is a vital one. Help your child understand directions, organize, and create a time management plan. Many children waste time by doing the homework incorrectly because they did not understand the directions. Going over them ahead of time saves time and frustration. Learn good study habits at a young age will go a long way for them as they get further into higher education. It’s better to learn these good habits at a young age than to break them of them when they are older. Finally, and this was a big one for me since I require it to study, ask your children what type of music helps them to feel more relaxed when they work. Allow them to find what works for them. Some children need complete quiet and some do better with background noise. Let them learn what works best for them and honor it. I use all these tips with my children and I hope they can help ease your child’s homework stress, and in the end help reduce your parental stress. And if all these fail, don’t forget the power of prayer in dealing with stress, which can sometimes work the best Psalm 34:17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.
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(956) 423-6030
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Dr. William Kalchoff:
A Leader in Varicose Vein Treatment By: Lauri Revilla
D
id you know that those unsightly veins that show up on legs could lead to complications? Although, most people have seen or experienced varicose veins, few people know that they are a medical condition that requires treatment. If left untreated, varicose veins can result in superficial ulcers, phlebitis, chronic venous insufficiency, and even leg amputation. “Varicose veins are very common. About 4050% of women will have some kind of a varicose vein, ranging from spider veins to big, protruding, and enlarged varicose veins,” explains Dr. William Kalchoff, a Cardiovascular Surgeon who specializes in
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vein treatment. “About 10% of men will suffer from varicose veins as well.” The problem with varicose veins begins when they lose elasticity or become damaged due to age, pregnancy, prolonged standing, obesity, chronic straining, or physiological abnormalities. As these veins weaken, blood that should flow towards the heart ends up flowing backwards. This causes the blood to collect inside these veins, leading them to become enlarged. Dr. William Kalchoff, founder of the Vein Treatment Center, has spent over 15 years of his career studying and treating these troublesome varicose veins. After completing his medical school training at St. Louis
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“The first thing that we do is a physical examination focusing on the venous system” -Dr. William Kalchoff
University Medical School in St. Louis, Missouri, he completed his general surgical training at Baylor University in Houston, Texas and Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgical Training in New Orleans. It was after many years of practicing thoracic and cardiovascular surgery in Houston, Texas that he developed a keen interest in vein treatment. Dr. Kalchoff found that although varicose veins cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms and serious medical conditions, few medical establishments were focused on treating them. This led him to establish a vein treatment center in Brownsville, Texas that would focus solely on treating these varicose veins. Dr. Kalchoff also serves Rio Grande Valley residents at the Center for Pain Management in Edinburg and at Premier Laser & Aesthetics in Harlingen, Texas. He also has offices in Houston, Woodlands, Katy, and San Antonio. He has helped establish vein clinics in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Lima, Peru. Although many people suffer from varicose veins, some are hesitant to seek treatment as they think it is risky and expensive. “For the most part, it’s an educational process to get people to treat their varicose veins,” explains Dr. Kalchoff. “Some patients -and even some physicians -still do not understand that you can treat veins with local anesthesia and with minimal risk.” “There are four different things that we do for varicose veins when a patient comes in for an appointment,” explains Kalchoff. “The first thing that
we do is a physical examination focusing on the venous system. We do an ultrasound which tells us what the appropriate treatment for the patient will be.” Patients who suffer from superficial spider veins can be treated onsite without anesthesia. When a person has protruding or painful veins with a normal ultrasound, they can be treated with a phlebectomy – a procedure that is also done in the office under local anesthetic. When a patient has an abnormal ultrasound indicating that there is a venous problem, EVLT® laser treatment is available. This laser procedure requires no sedation and can be done in less than an hour in the office. The success rate is over 95 percent and patients may soon return to their normal activities. Most insurance companies and Medicare will cover varicose vein treatment if patient is experiencing symptoms. In cases where the procedure is not covered or the patient does not have insurance, Vein Treatment Center offers several payment options. Treating varicose veins early can prevent serious conditions that require more invasive procedures in the future. For more information regarding varicose vein treatment in Edinburg, Texas, visit http://cfpm.net or call (956) 631-9041. For more information on the other locations for The Vein Treatment Center in Harlingen, Brownsville, Houston, The Woodlands, Katy, and San Antonio visit www.justveins.net or call (713) 533-0535.
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Resuming a Tremor-free D Lifestyle HEALTH
By: Nidia Cavazos Deep Brain Stimulation is a surgical procedure used to treat a variety of movement disorders. 60
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r. Miguel Gutierrez’s mother-in-law suffered from tremors. The condition was so severe that she could not even walk, much less complete her day-to-day tasks. Tremors drastically altered her lifestyle and her family’s as well. Today, Dr. Gutierrez’s mother-in-law has a different story. She walks with ease and her hands are steady. In short, she’s back to normal. What caused such a miraculous change? A surgery called Deep Brain Stimulation. Now, her family watches in awe as their matriarch lives tremor-free. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure used to treat a variety of movement disorders. Among the most common disorders it helps are Parkinson’s disease, tremor, and dystonia. DBS involves implanting a neurostimulator or ,“brain pacemaker”, that sends electrical impulses along wires into the brain. The impulses help block the electrical signals that impair movement. Dr. Gutierrez, a neurologist with 36 years of experience, is an advocate for Deep Brain Stimulation. He recommends the procedure to patients after personally witnessing the good it can do. “Every patient who knew my mother-in-law, wanted the procedure,” Gutierrez said. “They saw what a huge change it makes.” Gutierrez has seen improvement in all his patients who have undergone DBS. However, he cautions that the surgical procedure is not for everyone. A variety of factors determine whether DBS is a good fit for a patient. Doctors first look at patients’ response to their current treatment plans. DBS is best for patients who no longer feel the effects of their medications. Neurologists also consider patients’ ages, cognitive abilities, and the severity of their movement disorders If after all this patients are deemed good candidates for DBS, the procedure becomes an option for resuming a tremor-free lifestyle.
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When you show them how big a difference it’s actually making, they know it has worked. Regaining the ability to do the simplest tasks in a day can be life changing. Currently, only two hospitals in the Valley are equipped to offer DBS: Edinburg Regional Medical Center and Valley Baptist Medical Center. These hospitals are home to Dr. Jose Dones and Dr. Alejandro Betancourt, the only neurosurgeons with the training to implant neurotransmitters in the Rio Grande Valley. Together they have implanted over 100 lead placements. DBS is a simple, but very effectivAfter the device is implanted, it will be programmed by physicians to control the symptoms and side effects of tremors. The patient should then be able to enjoy doing routine without the tremor. The surgery does not necessarily mean a patient will be taken off of their medications – it may just be that their dosage will change. According to Dr. Gutierrez, the surgery is so effective that he’s seen the shaking stop as soon as the wires are inserted into the brain. By stimulating the parts of the brain that produce tremor symptoms, DBS can immediately cause a response in patients. Of course, no medical procedure has a perfect track record. Gutierrez has had patients who feel they are not improving, even with the implanted device. His response to this is to turn off the device momentarily. As soon as the neurotransmitter is turned off, patients begin to shake and experience a sense of their lifestyle before the surgery. Patients invariably ask for the device to be turned on. “When you show them how big a difference it’s actually making, they know it has worked,” Gutierrez said. Deep Brain Stimulation has been life-changing for many patients. Regaining the ability to do the simplest tasks in a day can be life changing. Deep Brain Stimulation is the key to this miracle, giving freedom and hope to movement disorder patients. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
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Edinburg Vision Center was established June 11, 1968 by
Dr. Gary L. Ahlman. A full surfacing lab was added in 1976. It is the largest optometric practice in Edinburg. It is with pride that we boast of the success of Edinburg Vision Center through our loyal patient base via referrals from family, friends, co-workers, and other health care professionals.
COME SEE US AT 2301 S. Hwy 281 | Edinburg, TX 78539 Ph: (956) 383-5581 | Fax: (956) 381-1218 Services : Diabetic Eye Exams, Contact Lens Fittings, Presbyopic Eye Exams, Treatment of Red Eyes and Irritations, Pediatric Eye Exams, Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment
Dr. Luis S. Navaro
Diplomate, American Board of Optometry, Optometric Glaucoma Specialist, Therapeutic Optometry
Dr. Kriselda Garza
Optometric Glaucoma Specialist Therapeutic Optometry
Dr. Lorena Flores Hernandez
Optometric Glaucoma Specialist Therapeutic Optometry
Providing a Lifetime of Quality Service 5801 N. 10th St. Ste 400 McAllen, TX Give us a call at (956) 971 - 0326 Follow us on
DavenportIns.com
Raymond R. (Rip) Jr. CLU ChFC & Wilson R. (Dusty) Davenport
The Vein Treatment Center COME VISIT US
We have offices at VTC at Premiere Laser and Aesthetics 2107 Haine Dr, Harlingen, TX 78550
956.412.FACE(3223)
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
"THE VEIN TREATMENT CENTER IN HARLINGEN"
VTC at Springman Vein Therapy Center 425 E. Los Ebanos, Suite 202 A Brownsville, TX 78520
956.574.9880
VTC at Center for Pain Management 2637 Cornerstone Blvd Edinburg TX, 78539
956.631.9041
Dr. William Kalchoff graduated from St. Louis University School of Medicine and has been practicing professionally for over 25 years. Dr. Kalchoff practiced Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgery before focusing his expertize on the treatment of varicose veins.
William P. Kalchoff, M.D.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.JUST VEINS.NET
LIFE
A young boy waits for his school comparsa to begin in the Oaxaca historic district wearing traditional costume and face paint. 64
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DIA DE LOS MUERTOS One of the Most Unique Celebrations in the World By: Lauri Revilla
F
ew festivals in the world are as colorful, lively, and full of culture as Día de los Muertos in Mexico. The celebration, which comes from both Aztec and Catholic traditions, celebrates that the dead are awakened from their slumber and join their loved ones for one day each year. Every October 31st – November 2nd, communities throughout Mexico and other Latin American countries take part in vibrant festivities that include comparsas, or carnival-like processions, colorful masks, sugar-spun candy shaped into calaveras, or skulls, and plenty of food and drink. Although no Día de los Muertos festivity lacks color or energy, each community celebrates this day with their own traditions. Rio Grande Valley-based commercial photographer, John Faulk, has had the opportunity to imbibe the uniqueness with which each town celebrates this very special holiday. He has traveled to the Mexican states of Michoacán, Oaxaca, and Chiapas on over six occasions to photograph Día de los Muertos festivities in different communities. John Faulk started his media career in network television production for many years beginning in production for MTV, freelance assistant director for professional sports with ABC sports, CBS sports, and ESPN, and most recently as a technical production manager with the Animal Planet Network. He currently serves commercial clients and publications throughout Texas with photography and video production services. He had always been fascinated by Mexico and its beautiful traditions so he moved back to the Rio Grande Valley and opened his production company, Frontera Media, with the goal of expanding his production work in Mexico. From the first time Faulk was able to experience this celebration, he was fascinated by it. “The first time I ever shot Día de los Muertos I was completely captivated,” recalls Faulk. “Walking into a cemetery in the middle of nowhere in Michoacán and seeing this amazing light emitting from thousands of Mexican candles. Shooting in that soft beautiful light for the first time was overwhelming. Not only is it something that you’ll never forget, it’s something you look forward to seeing again.” The result is a collection of photographs that truly reflects the heritage, beliefs, and sentiment behind this tradition. Each one of Faulk’s photographs has its unique story behind it and display traditional elements of the celebrations. For example, several pictures display the golden cempazúchitl and purple cockscomb flowers. These flowers are used to decorate altars that honor the
deceased or are sprinkled into a path that helps the dead find their way back home. Every photograph is meaningful because it has its own story behind it. “The picture of the little boy was taken very early one morning,” relates Faulk. “That little boy is outside of his school waiting for his “comparsa” to start. It’s a perfect example of parents putting some thought in their child’s Día de los Muertos costume.” Faulk also recalls the sadness of the man wearing a plaid shirt in one of his photographs. He was standing at his wife’s gravesite near Patzcuaro, Michoacán. Faulk hopes that his photographs will expose the public to the richness and meaning behind Día de los Muertos and other Mexican traditions. He also wants people to experience the beauty of this country by traveling to areas like Oaxaca that are full of history, natural wonders, and warm and welcoming residents. Although the Día de los Muertos tradition has become widespread in some areas of the United States, few people truly understand how symbolic and important this celebration is for Mexicans.
“Día de los Muertos is not a morbid tradition,” informs John Faulk. “ On the contrary, it is a time to come together as a family and community to celebrate and remember the lives of those who have died before us.”
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A woman stands in a graveyard near Pátzcuaro, Michoacán surrounded by locally-produced candles, baskets, and the traditional cempazúchitl and cockscomb flowers. Día de los Muertos baskets typically include some of the deceased person’s favorite foods and drinks.
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An elderly woman leans over a grave in a remote village in the Oaxaca Valley. In this village, sliced apples, bananas, and roasted peanuts are used as gifts for the dead and to decorate graves in addition to flowers.
A man stands by his wife’s grave on a chilly November morning near Patzcuáro, Michoacán while sunrise mass is being prepared in the background.
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Flower vendors harvest their own cempazúchitl flowers near Oaxaca, which they will later sell in the city.
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A man sleeps by a grave during the night vigil in a Michoacán cemetery. The crosses and decorated arches in the background are very traditional of the Día de los Muertos celebration in this region.
A young boy lights a candle in a cemetery near Oaxaca City. DĂa de los Muertos is a family celebration where the whole family - from the youngest to the oldest generations - participates in welcoming their deceased loved ones.
A man ponders while sitting on a grave in a colorful Oaxaca Valley cemetery. In this flower-growing region, the community is so busy harvesting flowers that DĂa de los Muertos is celebrated on November 3rd. 69
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LIFE
Above and Beyond By: Kevin Martinez
E
very time there is an event at the International Museum of Art and Science, there are volunteers ready to help visitors get the full IMAS experience. These volunteers are not just there to show you to an art installation, read off a pamphlet, or tell you a prewritten statement about the reptiles slithering around in their incubators. The volunteers at IMAS go above and beyond so that the visitor comes out of the museum with newfound information on subjects that the volunteers themselves are passionate about. Think about all of the times you’ve been walking around the grocery store and wondered about a certain product’s contents. Well, a volunteer at IMAS would give you those contents, where they came from, and insights about the surrounding products! With subjects ranging from natural sciences & astronomy, to art appreciation, volunteers are a positive reinforcement to the entirety of the IMAS background. According to Gabby Jones, a representative at IMAS, “The Mission of the International Museum of Art & Science is to
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promote a deeper appreciation for the arts and sciences through its exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs; and to preserve, expand and display its permanent art and science collections. If it weren’t for our volunteers, our events wouldn’t be as successful as they are. “ They are able to execute this by making sure that their volunteers are placed in “Communities” that the museum has put in place to do different jobs. The volunteers are usually late high school, and college students seeking that real world experience of working at a museum, and the museum encourages everyone to go and volunteer. Viviana Caballero, Volunteer Coordinator at IMAS, explained “A lot of students do not know that they can come to IMAS for a range of credit hours.” Students interested in the arts, sciences, media, and general museum services can all go and apply for a volunteer position, which in turn gives them hours to exchange for credits. To learn more about the IMAS volunteer program, visit www. imas.org or call (956)- 682-0123
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
OUR HISTORY CAN EDUCATE THEIR FUTURE
FIND IT ALL ...
Discover a passage through time in bilingual, state-of-the-art multimedia settings. View educational videos in integrated theaters. Stand in the shadow of a full-sized mammoth, explore our steamboat replica and Museum Store, learn about the old Hidalgo County Jail built in 1910 and more. To learn more or book a tour call +1-956-383-6911 or visit MOSTHistory.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
Museum of South Texas History H 200 N Closner Blvd H Edinburg, TX 78541 H USA
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By: Kevin Martinez
P
almFest International Folklife Celebration or more commonly known as just PalmFest is now on its 10th consecutive year of fun festivities, good food, and awesome experiences. Here’s the breakdown on how PalmFest started; Long ago in 2004 the McAllen Centennial Celebration commemorated the city’s founding in 1904 and there was a large celebration. Following said event, the vision was created for an annual festival that would celebrate deep and unique cultures found only in McAllen and Deep South Texas. Thus, PalmFest was born in 2006 and has been going strong every year. This year’s PalmFest will prove to be very special, because not only are they having historical displays, shopping, art, family games, rides, a classic car show, and live entertainment, but they are also teaming up with the Sunset Live series. That means six live entertainment stages that will feature an array of local musical acts, and dance groups that will be performing classic folkloric dances. In addition to the collaboration between Sunset Live and PalmFest, the PalmFest Farmers Market will be making its debut and will have a range of local farmers and vendors showcasing their best products. The festival is slated to be held at McAllen Convention Center on Ware Road and Expressway 83, on October 3rd and 4th.
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LIFE
Fortifying
Athletic Success Cierra Peña will be running for UTSA in this upcoming school year. Brendan Rivera will be performing his high jumps at the University of Arkansas.
By: Nidia Cavazos
A
side from reaching excellence in the athletic realm, these three RGV stars all share one similarity. They have trained at Cavazos Sports Institute. Trainer Jaime Cavazos has made it his goal to bring in student athletes from across Rio Grande Valley high schools and prepare them to exert their full potential in the competitive arena. While there can be different reasons to train, training to reach fatigue, for fitness, or to simply look good, Cavazos trains his athletes to perform better. “There’s a lot of science involved in peaking athletes at their right time so they can run faster, jump higher, and lower their chances of injuries,” Cavazos said. Every student athlete who wishes to train at CSI has to undergo 78
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Nora Monie will be throwing at the University of Houston. a physical assessment. Speed, power, core strength, running mechanics, flexibility are amongst the tested components. According to Cavazos, student’s performance in this examination will allow him to see which way to push athletes and what needs to be improved for their sport. Training is customized to the need of every athlete and their individual goals and sport. Although pushing athletes to reach their full potential may not always be easy, Cavazos says motivating them is not a difficult task at all. “All the kids that come here want to be here. I try to build their confidence,” Cavazos said. “I don’t have bad attitudes and laziness. Everybody just comes to work.” In fact, CSI student athletes trust they are getting the best out of their time and effort. Their numerous athletic scholarship
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“A year ago I promised her that big things were going to happen. We were going to get the beast out of her and we did it.” Peña is now set to run Track and Field for UTSA in the fall of 2015 after breaking the have had over RGV record in the 100 meter at 11.97 (fully automatic timing) and 19 feet and 8 inches in long. have been to “I can’t just give myself all the credit,” Peña said. “I give a lot of credit to offers to universities proved that intensive Jaime.” and dedicated work indeed pays off. Since Nora Monie, another star athlete who 2004, Cavazos’ students have had over 80 received training from Cavazos will be scholarship offers and 33 have been to running for the University of Houston. Division I schools. She was not recruited by one single school, After training for two years at CSI, but had the luxury of choosing from a list Brendan Rivera will be performing his of schools. best for the University of Arkansas after Part of Cavazos’ job is to showcase CSI breaking the RGV record in high jumps at athletes to as many recruiters as possible. 7 feet and 3 inches. The success of CSI has outgrown their “Training is different here,” Rivera said. current location so much that a new “You come in here with a purpose. He has multi-million dollars facility is set to open his master plan and he knows what he’s late 2015.. talking about. He knows what to do and The new facility set to open in McAllen he focuses on you and what events you are will have many amenities along with training for.” volleyball courts, basketball courts, Cavazos says his job comes with many batting cages, as well as an indoor track. benefits. But the most satisfying are We will bring in coaches to evaluate getting to see his CSI athletes recruited by athletes, camps, clinics, to gauge their universities and reach goals they thought improvement. unattainable. “We hope to bring the whole valley His work with CSI athlete Cierra Peña and help our kids get the exposure they is one of the many examples that showcase deserve,” Cavazos said. “We need to keep hard work pays off. up with those San Antonio and Houston schools and see more successful student athletes competing at the next level.”
80 33Division I schools Cavazos’ students SCHOLARSHIP offers and
“There’s a lot of science involved in peaking athletes at their right time so they can run faster, jump higher, and lower their chances of injuries”
UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 + "A Vivir" con Odyn Dupeyron McAllen Civic Auditorium
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2015 + Blissful Baby’s BIG Baby Shower
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2015 + College Admissions Assistance + Diocese of Brownsville- Diocesean Annual Catechetical Convocation
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2015 + MISD College & Career Night
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 + South Texas Wedding & Quinceañera Fair
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2015 + Sunset Live Outdoor Concert Series + PalmFest International Folklife Celebration
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2015 + Ted X McAllen
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2015 + North American Jewelry & Gift Show 2015
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 + 2015 Apostolic Assembly Conference + Saxet Gun Show
For More Info:
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MCALLEN CONVENTION CENTER
700 Convention Center B McAllen, Texas 78501 Phone: (956) 681-3800 Fax: (956) 681-3840
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