change Magazine - September 2012 - Health & Wellness Issue by Publication Printer

magazine’s annual Health & Wellness issue!

September 2012

Special Expanded Wellness Section!

Health Myths Outdoor Fitness Sports Injury Prevention Drug-free Depression Treatment Healthy Highways Avoid Burnout and more...

HOUSTON PHYSICIANS’ HOSPITAL A personal approach to specialty care

E R S’ D A E R ICEicles CHO rt azine A

ag ! Best M he Bay Area in t

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Cosmetic and Family Dentistry

CHAIRSIDE WITH Dr. Tracie DeVault and Dr. Stacie Holt

Your Guide to Fluoride

Part III in Our Oral Health and Disease Prevention Series Brushing and flossing are crucial to preventing tooth decay and gum disease, but adding one more element to your prevention program can really keep your smile cavity-free. Research has shown that the greatest decrease in tooth decay has come from the use of fluorides. There are many sources of fluoride available today. DRINKING WATER Most community water supplies have added fluoride. Studies show that 1 part per million (ppm) is the optimal amount of fluoride needed to reduce tooth decay. Water with over 5 ppm will cause fluorosis—white to brownish staining and pitting in enamel, mentioned in an earlier article. Most community water supplies are adjusted to 1 ppm. Well water supplies can vary greatly in fluoride concentration, even if located only several feet apart. You can have your well water tested to determine its fluoride concentration. TOOTHPASTE Fluoride toothpastes have been shown to reduce decay 25% to 60% as compared to non-fluoride types. Many different brands of toothpastes claim to be cavity fighting, but the only active cavity reducing agent in toothpaste is fluoride. FLUORIDE GEL, FOAM, VARNISH Your dentist also provides fluoride when necessary. High concentration fluoride gel, foam or varnish is applied to children’s and adult’s teeth, in the office, twice a year. These fluorides are flavored with everything from fruit to mint; even bubble gum. The gels and foams are either brushed on or placed in small flexible trays, and are left on the teeth for approximately four minutes. While these treatments are very effective in reducing decay, they require use of suction, air-drying the teeth and trays that may trigger gag reflexes. In more recent years, fluoride varnish has become a very popular alternative to foam and gel. Fluoride varnish offers

several advantages over other professionally applied fluorides: It can be applied very quickly and easily in any setting and does not require the use of dental equipment or instruments. The varnish sets quickly in the presence of saliva, and remains active on the teeth for many hours after application, due to its adhesive properties. This makes it easy to use and fast to apply, and therefore, more easily tolerated, especially by infants, toddlers and developmentally disabled patients. It is safe and poses less risk of an adverse reaction because only a small amount is used and less is swallowed. Additionally, patients may eat and drink after fluoride varnish application, while gels and foams require a minimum 30 minute waiting period. The 2006 ADA clinical recommendations suggest that people at high risk for decay may obtain improved caries prevention from applications at three-month intervals. Patients with poor oral hygiene or high sugar or soft drink consumption are at high risk. Patients in orthodontics, patients with worn enamel from clenching, grinding, or aggressive brushing, and patients with gum tissue recession are also at high risk. Unfortunately, many dental insurance companies have not updated their philosophy on the use of fluorides. Their belief, still, is that fluoride application is only important for children. The reality is that baby teeth are present in the mouth for 6-12 years while permanent teeth may be present for 80 plus years and should be protected as much as, if not more than, our baby teeth. There are some groups that attack the use of fluoride; they claim that fluoride causes anything from cancer to hair loss to rashes. There is no evidence to support any of these theories, only biased information. For decades, fluoride has been proven to be extremely safe and effective in reducing tooth decay. Next month we will conclude our prevention series with a discussion of dental sealants.

About Dr. Holt, Dr. DeVault and Your Perfect Smile Twin sisters, Dr. Stacie Holt and Dr. Tracie DeVault named their practice to best reflect their philosophy for patient care. Your Perfect Smile is about just that! “We truly believe that everyone can have a healthy, happy smile” that is perfect for just that person. It isn’t about everyone else’s idea of a perfect smile. It’s about yours, the one you see for yourself. Whether you are looking for the smile you have always dreamed of, or you already have it and are looking for a dental home to help you keep that smile healthy for a lifetime, we look forward to meeting you and helping you to have your perfect smile.”

YOUR PERFECT SMILE COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY Tracie L. DeVault D.D.S. Stacie L. Holt D.D.S.

281.538.9300

www.yourperfectsmiledentistry.com 1939 Lawrence Road, Kemah, TX 77565

You’re Invited to CROSSFIT UNITY’S BEAST WARS

Benefiting local animal rescue groups and shelters September 22, 2012 Activities begin at 8am! The Beast Wars is a CrossFit Unity team competition being held to raise money for four local rescue groups and shelters: Friendswood Animal Advocates, Second Chance Pets, Forgotten Pets, and Homeless Placement League. These non-profit animal welfare organizations are dedicated to providing unwanted pets with a second chance through foster care and pet adoption programs. They provide education

to the public about proper care for their own animals and about animal welfare issues and work with the public, other rescue groups, and public officials to help resolve the problem of animal overpopulation. Teams of two will compete in two events in an attempt to qualify for the third and final event. The top three teams from each division will continue the battle to claim the title of “Top Dog.” Prizes will be awarded

to the top male, female and co-ed teams. In addition to the competition, animals will be on-site for adoption, food will be available for purchase (with proceeds going to these organizations), complimentary chiropractic care (stretching and injury evaluations) will be available, and much, much more! It’s going to be a great day for a great cause. Make sure to mark your calenders!

MEET THREE BEAST WARS COMPETITORS! AMY FALCONI Distance runner

I started CrossFit because my neighbor, Rita, convinced me to try her workout with her. I have been going to CrossFit Unity ever since. I am a distance runner and I like that CrossFit is totally different training. It has introduced me to so many different exercises that I would never have done in a gym (dead lifts, wall balls, burpees, kettle bell swings, etc). Crossfit Unity’s trainers are all very knowledgeable and teach you the basics and proper form for each exercise. The CrossFit payoff? My core is stronger, my arms are finally getting toned, and the cardio helps me maintain my running distance stamina. I have never competed in a CrossFit event, Beast Wars will be my first. I love puppies and kittens and I am interested in seeing what a CrossFit competition is all about.

MARY TRENOLONE Interval training/cardio-junkie

I’ve always been active and played on soccer teams, but after injuring my knee I decided to retire from soccer. I continued running, but missed the hard-core workout that a 90-minute soccer match provided. My running buddy, Amy Falconi, had been trying to get me to CrossFit Unity and I finally caved. An admitted interval training/cardio-junkie, I never really indulged in strength training. Run a marathon, sure...but free weights and pull-ups? Completely out of the question. CrossFit provided a challenge, and shouldn’t we continue to challenge ourselves to accomplish things we’ve never been capable of? The conditioning that CrossFit provides is crazy—you loss inches, gain muscle, and start seeing the benefits of body sculpting. What’s not to like? I’m competing in Beast Wars because I really enjoy the atmosphere at CrossFit Unity and want to support them. My ulterior motive is my crazy runner partner—she likes a challenge as much as I do and is capable of talking me into just about anything!

CHERYL PARK Busy mom, teacher

I am a busy mom with two young boys—ages four and six—and I teach World Geography at Clear Falls High School. CrossFit Unity works for me because of the number of daily classes (an average of 16 classes daily, every 45 minutes from 5am-7:45pm Mon-Fri and five classes on Saturdays, plus open gym on Sundays). There’s always a class that fits my schedule. I started CrossFit to achieve new health and fitness goals and to lose weight. I’ve lost 14 pounds since beginning CrossFit, and it has helped me gain confidence, plus I have more energy. I stay at CrossFit Unity because the workouts are always changing and I never get bored. And our trainers are awesome! l will be participating in Beast Wars to have fun, support CrossFit Unity, and help animals. I love all three of these things!

CROSSFIT UNITY SEABROOK

2100 Nasa Rd. 1, Suite 101B, Seabrook, TX 77586

www.CrossFitUnity.net info@crossfitunity.net •281.291.7929 Crossfit Unity Seabrook •

Crossfit Unity or Cross Fit Unity

PUBLISHER’S M E S S AG E

Deep Wellness

Dear Friends and Readers, Wellness is a deep subject. So don’t be afraid to dive in headfirst! Immersing yourself in knowledge is the first step toward a healthier lifestyle. Add a bit of common sense, along with age-old wisdom, and you are on your way to becoming the best you possible. Each year we create our Health & Wellness issue featuring local health care professionals and topics to help you care for your personal well being. Houston’s Bay Area is a major medical center, and we are blessed to have some of the world’s leading health care providers and services close to home. In fact, there are so many it can be a challenge to choose what’s best for your needs! I hope this issue will serve as a guide to help you learn more about the resources available to you locally. And serve as a reminder that your health is your responsibility. The old days of seeking a doctor to give you a pill and make everything better are behind us now. It’s empowering to know that you are in charge, and that your lifestyle—diet choices, exercise routine, stress management—and the treatment options you choose have a profound effect on the way you feel and heal. This month we cover a wide range of topics—from fluoride (p. 2) and foodsheds (p. 60) to finding grace in the flow of everyday life (p. 52). We also explore healthy highways (p. 16), avoiding burnout (p. 20), injury prevention and treatment (pp. 28 and 31), non-invasive treatment options (pp. 34 and 38), Joint Camp (p. 24), and so much more. You will also meet many of our dedicated, local health care providers. We also understand that good health is not always a medical issue. Relaxation, massage, spa services, beauty treatments, outdoor activities and indoor fitness all add to the health of a “whole person.” You will find lots of these options in this issue as well. If you care about the well being of our four-legged friends, check out CrossFit Unity’s Beast Wars. This event is a competition held in Seabrook for the benefit of local rescue groups and shelters. Meet three Beast Wars competitors (p. 3) and consider CrossFit for a fun fitness challenge that will get you in shape. Or just enjoy the activities on Sept. 22 and support a fabulously furry cause. Wishing you great health and great reading! Thanks for reading,

CarlaM@ChangeMediaOnline.com 4

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Awakening People to Become a Catalyst for Change

Join our Digital Community at www.ChangeMediaOnline.com www.Facebook.com/ChangeMagazine Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Carla Medlenka Managing Editor Celia Johnson Contributing Writers Debra Atlas Jennifer Babisak Susan Burnell Diana Dunne M. Shaun Holt, MD Harry Steven Lazerus Doug Moss Dorothy Merritt, MD Dr. Farid Noie Roddy Scheer Ruhina Surendran Brian Udermann Barry Wiese, DC Rob Williams Karen Rae Wilson Advertising Sales Bobbi Wald Advertising and Administrative Assistant Tiffany Rachann McMiller Art/Production Manager Mary Bradshaw Houston Desktop Graphics Photography Trish Taylor Adam Taylor Imaging Studios J Pamela Photography

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Copyright ©2012 by Change Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Change magazine is published monthly by Change Publications, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Change magazine is not responsible for advertising claims. The opinions and views expressed in the articles contained herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of Change magazine.

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CONTENTS September 2012

ON THE HORIZON

Nuke Our Energy Policy

Scientific data speaks loudly in favor of change

The Contrarian: Judicial Activism v. Original Intent

Our opinionated Contrarian writes on the proper role of the judiciary

ACTIVISM

16 Green Ribbons for Healthy,

Beautiful Highways

Lone stars, longhorns, native landscapes star in city-wide greening project

BUSINESS

20 Avoid Burnout and Stay Productive

Keys to working smart and at peak efficiency

WELL BEING

23 2012 Health & Wellness Guide

Our expanded Well Being section features local health care providers and services

24 Houston Physicians’ Hospital

Concierge-style services, hotel-inspired surroundings and specialized patient care

28 Preventing Sports Injuries

Advice for athletes and weekend warriors on injury prevention and treatment

34 Consider Chiropractic Care

Non-invasive treatment for pain and injury is third largest healthcare profession

38 Don’t Worry, Be Happy

Treating anxiety and depression without drugs

Health myths we grew up with—true or false?

40 Drowning via Bologna and Cheese

THE COVER

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IN EVERY ISSUE

4 Publisher’s Message Photo by Imaging Studios

Houston Physicians’ Hospital sets the standard for personalized, superior patient care. Pictured L-R: Staff members Heather Womack, Stephanie Stinson, Robbie Farris with patient Darlene Rockett. See p. 24.

Deep Wellness

10 Fresh Finds

A few new products we love

44 Fit for Nature

Local venues invite you to hike, bike, paddle, stretch

52 Finding Grace in the Flow

Align with grace, synchronicity, purpose for wholeness

ENVIRONMENT

56 Earth Talk®—Itching to Release

GMO Mosquitoes

Decide whether this new plan fights disease or destroys eco-systems

60 Defining a Foodshed

Get to know this term, it directly affects you and your health

ON THE HORIZON | Exploring Solutions

Nuke Our Energy Policy Scientific data speaks loudly in favor of change By Dr. Farid Noie Lately, there has been a lot of anxiety and many questions about the sharp rise in fuel prices and our energy policy. Fossil fuel and coal are the two main sources of energy in the United States and the world. They are also the subject of many controversies and sound or pseudo-scientific arguments ranging from concerns about our dependency on foreign oil to their impact on our planet’s environment. There is also the issue of how our thirst for foreign oil has affected the political landscape of many Middle Eastern countries. We are currently involved in two wars in that region with the possibility of getting sucked into a third one with either Syria or Iran. Things are heating up Aside from the political aspect, there is also the environmental impact on our ecosystem to consider. There are ongoing debates about whether burning fossil fuel and coal contributes to global warming. We have recently witnessed severe drought, forest fires, floods, and the massive disappearance of ice glaciers. July 2012 was the hottest month in recorded history. So far, this year has been the hottest year ever, as far as we know. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the past decade was the hottest on record. NOAA also warns that our earth has been growing alarmingly warmer over the last 50 years.

The science of global warming Scientific evidence that our world is warming can no longer be denied. The real question is whether there is a correlation between global warming and burning fossil fuel. Richard Muller, a physicist at the University of California at Berkeley who for a long time advocated that current global warming is just a natural cyclic phenomenon, now says humans are almost entirely to blame. He made this new conclusion after he began a major scientific research effort in which he recruited some of the top scientists in the world, including Saul Perlmutter, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics last year. He and his team were able to extend the record back to 1753 when Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were taking data. They also examined sample ice cylinders obtained from glaciers. With this long record, they could look for the signatures of various possible causes. They ruled out solar variability and volcanoes. They concluded that, while such events had an effect, their effect was short-lived. However, when they compared the rise in temperature curve with increases in carbon dioxide, they determined that greenhouse gases emitted by humans burning first wood, and then fossil fuel and coal on a very large scale, have caused recent escalated warming over the last 250 years. A cleaner and cheaper alternative Although we have several cleaner

energy producing alternatives in the pipeline, they are unfortunately all more expensive to produce compared to fossil fuel and coal, with the exception of nuclear energy. Though nuclear energy is extremely clean to produce, none has been made in the U.S. since 1977. First generation reactors (like any other new technology) had some fail-safe glitches that were corrected on second generation reactors. For example, when the Chernobyl reactor (the oldest reactor in operation) had an accident in 1986 due to human error, some radiation leaked out.

Unfortunately, “The China Syndrome,” a movie about a nuclear accident, had come out only 12 days before; and the public’s perception was that nuclear energy was too dangerous. At Fukushima, five of the six reactors use a General Electric design called Mark 1, which also is a first generation reactor, developed in the 1950s and ‘60s. Three Mile Island reactors’ safety features performed well in a 1979 incidence when a valve broke and some coolant leaked into a container designed for that purpose and no one was injured. Within the industry, Three Mile Island was regarded as a shining example of how well the ➜ September 2012

safety systems work. Unfortunately, “The China Syndrome,” a movie about a nuclear accident, had come out only 12 days before; and the public’s perception was that nuclear energy was too dangerous. Public fear led to politicians resisting building new reactors. Power plants have come a long way Nuclear reactors have gone through 70 years of development. After the prototype Generation I reactors (like Chernobyl), Generation II and Generation III Generation IV, now being reactors were created planned, will be safer and with fundamental cleaner than anyone could improvements. The have dreamed 20 years ago. nuclear reaction can’t be sustained if things go wrong. Generation IV, now being planned, will be safer and cleaner than anyone could have dreamed 20 years ago. In addition, spent nuclear fuel rods can be recycled rather than stored underground.

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Spread the word Unfortunately, some people see only the problems of the past, rather than the promise of the future. There are over 430 nuclear power plants in the world and 104 in the U.S. No death or injury has been associated with any reactor in the U.S. Less than 50 deaths are reported as the direct result of radiation leaks in only two incidents in the world since 1942. In the U.S. alone, 50-60,000 people die every year from lung cancer caused by air pollution from coal and oil burning power plants. Refocusing on nuclear energy will create and maintain millions of skilled jobs here at home and abroad for our economy. We must look at the facts and the science, and make informed choices. We can then encourage our politicians to promote, rather than block, the building of fourth generation nuclear energy plants to power our country. Dr. Noie has been in private practice in the Bay Area since 1996. He is a diplomate of the Int’l Congress of Oral Implantologists, Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and Assoc. Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He has completed his surgical training at New York University as well as the Medical University of South Carolina, Temple University and Wright State University School of Medicine. He completed his oral Anesthesiology training from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

YOUR COMMENTS WELCOME! www.ChangeMediaOnline.com We welcome your comments on this, and all of our articles. Just visit our website, click on any article, and start or join in on a conversation.

Fresh FINDS

N e w, I nve n t ive , He a l t h y S t u f f We L o v e

By Debra Atlas

Cupholder Car Tissues

Steam Veggies in a Snap

It’s always good to have a tissue around when you really need it. Kiss- u Tissue makes fun, refillable tissue dispensers in bright, colorful patterns. Eco-friendly, they’re made from recycled cardboard and fit easily into car cup holders, shopping carts and strollers. And refill packets store easily in your glove compartment for convenience. You won’t have to take your eyes off the road to find a tissue with this handy, fun tube dispenser on board.

With a reputation for top quality cookware, French culinary equipment company T-Fal has just introduced the Balanced Living cookware line. Their Balanced Living Rice & MULTI-Cooker is a five-layer, non-stick pot with three settings—rice, steam and slow cook. With an automatic “keep warm” setting and safety-locking lid, its micro-pressure valve seals in flavors and prevents overflow. It comes with a black steam basket, detachable inner steam shield, spoon and measuring cup, and features measuring lines inside the cooker for easy portion management. And it makes perfect rice and veggies!

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and online at www.t-falusa.com

Beautiful Hair, Simplified While the weather’s still warm, outdoor fun’s a must. But it wreaks havoc on our hair. StartSmart to the rescue! This leave-in conditioner and detangler from EVOLVh smoothes and softens, reduces frizz, makes hair shine, and protects it from heat, hot styling tools and UV rays. StartSmart is sulfate-free, paraben-free, color safe, and contains 90 percent organic ingredients. It moisturizes and strengthens all hair types and textures. Spray on before and after swimming to protect from the drying effects of the sun, chlorine and salt water. It’s a great take-along for outdoor fun!

Illuminate Your Adventure

If you’re a camper, you’ll love the rugged and dependable Energizer Carabineer LED Area Light.. Its slim, lightweight designs ﬁt easily into backpacks and pockets. This 360-degree light features high and low settings with bright, white LED power that really lights things up. And it comes with a carabineer to attach to a pack or tent pole for safekeeping. This nifty light is available in several models, including a hands-free headlamp, and is powered by AAA batteries.

PRICE: $26.00 for an 8.5 oz. bottle

PRICE: $11.41 and up

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PURCHASE AT: Target, Best Buy and online at www.Amazon.com

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ON THE HORIZON | The Contrarian Our “Contrarian” writes in response to an article in Change magazine’s May 2012 issue (read online at www.ChangeMediaOnline.com) by a candidate for a local judicial position who sees “many judges forgetting the proper role of the judiciary.”

By Harry Steven Lazerus

Judicial Activism v. Original Intent Examining courts and judges, past and present

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Thus spoke the Supreme Court of the United States in the father of all constitutionally based, original intent decisions: Black folks were “beings of an inferior order…they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect…the negro might justly and lawfully be reduced to slavery…” The Supreme Court of the United States used these words—without a hint of disapproval—to describe the historical position of black people in white society, and to justify denying the right of a black man to even have his day in court to sue for his freedom and the freedom of his family. This was the infamous 1857 Dred Scott Decision. The May 2012 issue of Change magazine has an article by a candidate for a local judicial position who decries what she sees as “many judges forgetting the proper role of the judiciary.” She then goes on to say that: “Judges should not legislate from the bench—that is not their job under the Constitution.” Many people have that complaint about judges in general and the Supreme Court in particular. They say judges invalidate laws enacted by popularly elected legislatures or create new rights out of whole cloth based on their own idiosyncratic or politically motivated interpretation of the Constitution. This was not the case with the Dred Scott Decision. It was clearly based on constitutional principles and an

interpretation of the Constitution, as it was understood at the time of its creation. Roger Taney, the Chief Justice who wrote the opinion in the 7-2 decision, carefully and deliberately excluded any modern—that is, circa 1857—understanding in the jurisprudence of the case. He writes, speaking of the laws regarding slavery: It is not the province of the court to decide upon the justice or injustice, the policy or impolicy, of these laws. The decision of that question belonged to the political or law-making power; to those who formed the sovereignty and framed the Constitution. The duty of the court is, to interpret the instrument they have framed, with the best lights we can obtain on the subject, and to administer it as we ﬁnd it, according to its true intent and meaning when it was adopted. Or, to put it in plainer language: It’s not the court’s job to worry about justice of the laws. It’s the court’s job to determine what the framers of the Constitution meant when they wrote that document. He goes on to say, with respect to the Declaration of Independence, and its meaning at the time of the founding of the country versus its meaning at the time of the case before it: It then proceeds to say: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among them is life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, Governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.’ The general words above quoted would seem to embrace the whole human family, and if they were used in a similar instrument at this day would be so understood. But it is too clear for dispute, that the enslaved African race were not intended to be included, and formed no part of the people who framed and adopted this declaration; for if the language, as understood in that day… Notice that Chief Justice Taney does not dispute that, in his own time, enslaved Africans would be considered part of the human family, but because they were not at the time of the founding of this country, he could not thereby grant them the rights of citizenship and therefore the right to sue in a court of law. Read the whole decision. It’s very, very depressing. A few of my previous topics, such as cold-blooded murderers and child sex offenders, involved research that was depressing or even frightening, but the evil perpetrators of those deeds could be dismissed as monsters and freaks. This is different. I can’t wave away Roger Taney and his fellow justices as the subhuman other; they are men high above me in station, whether in intellectual ability, education or achievement. How could such men be so lacking in humanity? However, original intent and judicial restraint have nothing to do with humanity. Roger Taney’s decision was a bulwark against judicial activism. It was made strictly according to the Constitution, as the Constitution was understood at the time of its adoption. Those who protest what they call judicial activism and who demand that the Supreme Court make its decisions based on the original meaning of ➜ September 2012

the Constitution should be aware The truth is that that they are following in Roger complex and Taney’s footsteps. controversial legal Of course, one’s man’s judicial activist is another man’s strict cases are seldom constructionist. And here a cut and dried. delicious irony arises, for cries against the Supreme Court have come from both liberals and conservatives throughout the decades. In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, some of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal programs were declared unconstitutional by a conservative Supreme Court. Liberals howled with anger. After re-election, President Roosevelt tried, unsuccessfully, to pack the Supreme Court to achieve judicial rulings more to his liking. In the 1950s and 1960s, it was the conservatives’ time to howl. The Supreme Court, under Chief Justice Earl Warren, made rulings that outlawed school prayer, outlawed the state of Connecticut’s ban on contraceptives, mandated one man, one vote even in the upper houses of state legislatures, and mandated police informing criminal suspects of their right to remain silent. Some even objected to Brown v. Board of Education. Conservative anger at the Supreme Court continued with later rulings legalizing abortion and outlawing the death penalty. The pendulum has started to swing back. Conservative judges now seem to predominate on the Supreme Court; some liberals echo earlier conservatives with dark mutterings about unelected black-robed tyrants. From the 2000 Supreme Court decision in Bush v. Gore that handed the election to George Bush, to the recent Citizens United decision overturning the McCain-Feingold campaign ﬁnance law, liberals are the ones who now complain about the Supreme Court. The truth is that complex and controversial legal cases are seldom cut and dried. A judge or justice, when having to make a ruling with political implications, cannot help but bring to bear his own life experiences and political outlook. Of course, we still want judges to objectively determine cases, without bringing their own personal points of view into their decision. How, then, do we know if a jurist is an activist judge, or one who practices judicial restraint? Simple. If he makes rulings on controversial issues that we agree with, he is practicing judicial restraint. Otherwise, he’s an activist judge. As with so many other things, it all depends on whose ox is gored. What do you think the role of the Supreme Court should be in our society? To strictly interpret the Constitution as it was conceived at the time it was written or to adapt it to modern realities? Please leave a comment below if you’re reading this online. If you’re reading this in Change magazine’s print version, visit the magazine’s website, www.ChangeMediaOnline.com, and leave a comment. Thanks. Harry September 2012

Green Ribbons for Healthy, Beautiful Highways

Artist David Govedare’s “Longhorns” bring beauty and a bit of Texas culture to the I-45 landscape in Texas City at Exit 16. The art was dedicated to the City on April 10, 2000.

Lone stars, longhorns, native landscapes featured in city-wide greening project By Ruhina Surendran The sinuous highways of Houston are functional corridors that provide transportation safely and efficiently. Designed by engineers, this network has dominated the visual landscape, particularly lending to Houston’s grayish-brown image with vast swaths of barren concrete and asphalt. The Green Ribbons Project (GRP) is an attempt to soften this image aesthetically, as well as sustainably. The first of its kind in any state, this project was created in 1995 as a partnership between state, city, and local management districts. An important feature of GRP is that it is aimed at non-attainment regions—those classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as areas that do not meet the national primary or secondary ambient air quality standard for pollutants like carbon monoxide and ozone. The Green Ribbons Project started off as an idea after a visit to Atlanta, and has spread across the freeways of Houston. Garnet Coleman, State Representative of Texas, had a vision 16

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to convert the concrete highways that cover the Houston landscape into greener, more aesthetic corridors. Houston’s dubious distinction of being a non-attainment district according to EPA’s air-quality standards further provided the urgency for a citywide greening project. The goal was to counter both the visual, as well as health-related deficiencies in the city, with a unified plan that would be at the scale of the entire city. Working with a team of local consultants, TxDOT, and Harris County, a set of guidelines were developed. “Green first,” and the idea of landscaping as the key aspect of the beautification, was the central theme. The vast geographic area surrounding Houston was divided into three distinct landscapes—the Pine Forest, Texas Prairie, and the Coastal Plains. Plant palettes and distinct typology were developed through a series of public meetings and design charrettes. According to a TxDOT publication, “Elected leaders and community representatives viewed the creation of the

Photo courtesy of Neal Mora, City of Texas City

ACTIVISM | Higher Ground

September 2012

Photos by Notsuoh Photography

GRP as a breakthrough in the incorporation of aesthetic values. By addressing these issues in the earliest stages of development, enhancements were incorporated in TxDOT’s development with a minimal expense. In addition, the agency demonstrated responsive accountability to the public will.” The three distinct landscape zones were further developed into vertical (pine forest), horizontal (prairie), and undulating (coastal) graphics. Along with the “green first” design principle, other equally important guidelines of integration, continuity, and maintenance were also espoused. In addition, the framework of freeways belonging to the public guided the need for them to be aesthetically designed. Quality of life issues were addressed in the goals of the project. Multi-pronged, yet targeting the very lack of art and aesthetics, they include “expression” by developing unified themes through the “use of Along I-10, lone-star symbols adorn intersections, along with horizontal striations indicating that art and neighborhood gateway markers to express this stretch is part of the Texas Prairie corridor. the cultural uniqueness of adjacent neighborhoods.” example is the intersection of I-45 and Beltway-8, where over The art installation of metal longhorns frolicking in the coastal 1200 oleanders and palms compete to create a solid green plains surrounding the Gulf Freeway in Texas City is part of the wall. Sustainability is inherent in the project through the artistic expression goal of the GRP. selection of native trees, shrubs, and groundcover. In order Thousands of pine trees, crepe myrtles, oleanders, and palms to reduce maintenance costs, hardy and tough plants are ➜ have been planted and maintained through the GRP. A prime

Photos by Notsuoh Photography

Thousands of Houston natives—pine trees, crepe myrtles, oleanders, and palms—have been planted along highways to convert concrete and asphalt into greener, more aesthetic corridors.

used that require little irrigation, and even lesser amounts of pruning and maintenance. Architectural elements such as walls, lighting, and paving are innovatively designed to be not only beautiful, but also pedestrian friendly Multi-pronged, yet targeting and textured to contrast with the the very lack of art and landscaping. Along aesthetics, they include I-10, lone-star symbols “expression” by developing adorn intersections, unified themes through the along with horizontal striations indicating “use of art and neighborhood that this stretch is part gateway markers to express of the Texas Prairie the cultural uniqueness of corridor. Since its inception, adjacent neighborhoods.” the GRP has transformed the city in many ways. Today over 100 miles of highway acreage along I-10, Hwy. 290, Hwy. 288, I-610, and I-45 have green buffers, and the concrete formwork is aesthetically designed. The GRP will attract international events, tourists, businesses and make the city both livable for its residents, and a destination in the future. The current plan includes planting and design guidelines, while Green Ribbons–2 is slated to focus on Art & Architectural elements. Ruhina Surendran has a Masters in Landscape Architecture and City & Regional Planning. She has worked on TxDOT projects that involved landscape beautification and design. Her interest in publicizing the Green Ribbons Project stems from her work on these projects, as well as her engineering background. Currently Surendran runs her own design firm—DesignIntent and works with landscape architects on commercial and residential projects. September 2012

BUSINESS | Strategies for Success

Avoid Burnout and Stay Productive Late nights and multi-tasking are not keys to working smart By Susan Burnell Are you starting to feel like an Olympic runner with no finish line in sight? Do you brag that you can function on only a few hours of sleep? Are you a master multi-tasker? If this is you, whoa. You are on the road to burnout and it’s not pretty. “It’s almost cool for people to say ‘I’m crazy busy,’” says leadership expert Eric Papp, author of Leadership by Choice. “Everyone is busy. Yet many people don’t know where they’re running from or to. They’re just running.” “When I hear someone say they worked until midnight, I don’t consider it a badge of honor,” says Denise Landers, owner of Key Organization Systems Inc. “I wonder instead what must be getting in the way of their effectiveness and productivity.” 20

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What do you need to jettison? Papp teaches that being productive is not so much about having a “to-do” list but about having a “to-don’t” list—sorting through and throwing away what we don’t need in our lives. He describes an encounter that illustrates his point: “I was returning from my morning walk when I saw what looked like a store out of a shed. ‘Is this a store?’ I asked as I approached an older man who was looking for something in the shed. ‘No, this is my shop,’ he told me. ‘Oh, okay,’ I responded. ‘I thought it was a small store because you seem to have a lot of things.’ ‘I have everything I don’t need and nothing that I do need,’ he said.”

Clutter in your life can reflect a failure to make a decision, Landers writes in her book Destination: Organization. “The clutter might start with a simple action like going through your inbox at the office in the morning and picking out only the three most important papers to handle. You leave the rest until later because you do not have systems in place that Having just one help you decide what to do system to capture with each item. Over days everything you have to that inbox overflows and the do is essential. clutter build-up begins.” Many of us have so much “stuff” that it just consumes us, to the point that we can’t find what we really need, Papp observes. “In the same way, we often go through our day doing every activity there is except for our priorities. We fill in our day with trivial activities and delay the highly important ones.” The way to feel less stress and avoid burnout is to have a system that lets you prioritize. “What you don’t want to do is try to work from three or more different systems,” Landers says. “You may have a stack of urgent work in the middle of your desk, another batch of work in a file, multiple lists and some things stuck in your head. Having just one system to capture everything you have to do is essential.” Landers teaches a system that helps people keep their desk cleared every day. “It doesn’t make the work go away, but it helps people organize their work at the end of each day,” she says. “So when they start out the next morning, they can see in 10 seconds exactly what they have to accomplish and what their priorities are. That gives them a great feeling of control and far less stress.”

Choose healthy food and schedule time for wellness There’s a link between proper nourishment and resilience against stress, says Papp. “We’re accountable for what we put into our bodies. Improper nutrition can lead to greater stress. Either you eat too much and your energy level drops, or you skip breakfast then can’t concentrate on what’s being asked of you because your stomach’s growling.” At work, Papp recommends keeping bottled green tea handy, or, if you’re lucky enough to have an office with a window, make sun tea. Superfoods, including blueberries, walnuts, tomatoes, oranges, and yogurt are good alternatives to packaged snack food. You can combat stress by putting health and wellness activities on your schedule, Landers advises. She follows her own advice by playing tennis or running every morning. “If I do it first, it gets done,” she says. Papp schedules meditation time for himself. “Meditation can take many forms, but I find that just sitting in silence and calming my thoughts is effective,” he says. “Meditation can lower your heart rate, reduce anxiety, and shift your focus from a fast-paced, over-stimulated life to a vision of a better, less stressful pace than you are living now.” Resources: Denise Landers, Key Organization Systems www.keyorganization.com Eric Papp, www.ericpapp.com www.ericpapp.com/new/leadership-blog/

WHAT DOES “WORKING AT PEAK PRODUCTIVITY” LOOK LIKE? Working more hours does not equal an increase in productivity, and neither does multitasking says Denise Landers, owner of Key Organization Systems Inc. “We lose minutes, and sometimes even hours, jumping from task to task. To limit multitasking, try working without interruptions for just 96 minutes—that’s 20 percent of an 8-hour workday—and you can get 80 percent of your work done. Then group other similar tasks together, like checking email or making phone calls. This will allow you to get more done, work fewer hours and be less prone to burnout.” “At highest levels of productivity there is a sense of calm and peace of mind,” says leadership expert Eric Papp. “Very successful people are very productive. Yet when you say to them ‘I need 5 minutes—or 20 minutes—of your time,’ they tend to have time. That’s the way they set things up. They know what they’re working on, they’re not tied too tightly to a schedule, and they have peace of mind about their life and work.”

September 2012

2012

& h t l a He ess Welln e Guidsionals fes o r P l a c o L es c i v r e S d an

September 2012

WELL BEING | Community Care

BEFORE YOU HAVE SURGERY Consult with one of Houston Physicians’ Hospital’s specialized surgeons. They are leaders in their field offering expertise and services in these areas: • Ear, Nose, and Throat • Orthopedic Surgery • General Surgery • Pain Management • Gynecological Surgery • Reconstructive Plastic Surgery • Hand Surgery • Podiatric Surgery • Neurosurgery • Urology For more information and to contact a physician, visit www. HoustonPhysiciansHospital.com.

Houston Physicians’ Hospital A personal approach to specialty care By Diana Dunne

“Finally, I can walk my dog without that awful pain,” Darlene Rockett says. “I can actually grocery shop without hanging on the cart for support. And I’m planning to get back on my bicycle this weekend!” Darlene had a total knee replacement at Houston Physicians’ Hospital in April and says, “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.” Though surgery is never something one looks forward to, it is sometimes necessary. Darlene says Houston Physicians’ Hospital’s attentive staff, clean and comfortable environment, excellent care and “the little things” helped to make her surgery and inpatient hospital experience successful and pleasant. Stephanie Stinson, RN, helped care for Darlene during her stay. Stephanie is the inpatient manager at Houston Physicians’ Hospital. She says that the hospital’s success is, in part, due to “a lot of passionate and talented professionals 24

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including check-in, anesthesiology, pain who play small roles in giving our management, infection prevention, patients the very best care.” physical therapy and rehabilitation, home Many of these professionals are part care, and answers all patient’s questions. of Houston Physicians’ Hospital’s Joint “Our patients reach their goals Camp— a program that focuses on quickly because they determine those preparing each patient for their medical goals before surgery, and know what to experience of a total joint replacement, expect,” Stephanie says. from beginning to end. Stephanie is a Joint Camp instructor, and explains a bit about the program: “We create a goal plan for each individual and their family, and remove the fear of the unknown experience ahead and how it will unfold. From beginning to end, we describe each step and what each person can expect. It is very comforting for our patients and helps to relieve their anxieties about everything from pain management to who will help them when they return home.” Joint Camp includes a tour All rooms have a hotel-quality bed and linens, flat-screen TV, comfortable foldout couch for guests and family, fresh flowers, of all areas of the hospital and and a private in-room bathroom. covers all relevant information

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Robbie Farris, manager of physical therapy services, is also part of the Joint Camp program and helped Darlene get back on her bicycle. “I am committed to making sure my patients—those with injuries and those requiring post-surgery therapy—learn and practice the exercises and activities that will help them return to an active life and get them back into their routines and feeling great again,” Robbie says. He and his team are experts in pre-

and post-operative rehabilitation as well as spine care, orthopedics (including joint replacement, back pain, strains, shoulder problems, torn muscles, and related injuries and issues), sports medicine, kinesiotaping, manual therapy and more. “Our programs are specialized and we do a lot of one-on-one therapy,” Robbie says. “Our therapists work with patients individually, not in groups, and that’s not too common anymore.” Any patient with a prescription for physical therapy can work with the physical therapy professionals at Houston Physicians’ Hospital. They also offer a vestibular program to relieve dizziness and vertigo. “Vestibular rehabilitation is for people who have inner

We create a goal plan for each individual and their family, and remove the fear of the unknown experience ahead and how it will unfold. ear problems that can cause dizziness and nausea from everyday movements and activities. This is a very specialized service that’s not offered at many facilities,” Robbie says. Specialized Care, Extra Amenities When your wellbeing requires the assistance of health professionals, consider Houston Physicians’ Hospital for exceptional care—from conciergestyle patient services and specialized care like Joint Camp to hotel-inspired accommodations. “We have earned a positive reputation in the community, in part, because of ➜

HOUSTON PHYSICIANS’ HOSPITAL 333 North Texas Avenue, Ste. 1000, Webster, Texas 77598

Houston Physicians Hospital offers inpatient and outpatient guests specialized care like Joint Camp and The Spine Program. Left to right: Marcela Guajardo, Darlene Rockett, Stephanie Stinson, Robbie Farris, and James McKendry.

281.557.5620 info@houstonphysicianshospital.com www.houstonphysicianshospital.com www.facebook.com/HoustonPhysiciansHospital September 2012

the personal care we give to every patient,” says Michele Dionne, Chief Executive Officer at Houston Physicians’ Hospital. “Our low nurse-topatient ratio allows us to attend to each patients’ unique needs, ensuring that their expectations are Any patient with a prescription for physical met, or exceeded.” therapy can work with Robbie Farris (left) and Houston Physithe physical therapy professionals at Houston Physicians’ Hospital. cians’ Hospital was developed by highly regarded area surgeons, with the ultimate goal of assisting patients toward a successful recovery. Consult with one of these highly skilled doctors in specialized fields like orthopedics, ear, nose, and throat, pain management, plastic surgery, urology, podiatry, and neurosurgery. (Visit www.HoustonPhysiciansHospital.com for more information and to contact their physicians.) The Spine Program at Houston Physicians’ Hospital offers patients an impressive team of medical professionals providing a range of treatment options that include pain management, spine surgery and rehabilitation services. (See “Spine Program” box above for more details.) Houston Physicians’ Hospital also provides non-invasive, state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging services, including MRI, CT scan and X-ray. Whether you require outpatient services or a stay in the hospital, from the moment you step inside their doors you will notice the quality and attention to every detail of their approach to patient care.

Houston Physicians’ Hospital Spine Program From physical therapy to interventional pain medicine, minimally invasive to complex spine surgery, Houston Physicians’ Hospital offers a broad spectrum of resources and solutions designed to improve and restore health, strength, and flexibility. Patients who require spine surgery are treated by some of the top specialists in Houston and receive the ongoing support of a dedicated nurse navigator to personally assist with every detail—beginning with the initial consultation and throughout the entire treatment experience. When you and your physician determine that spine surgery is not your best option, Houston Physicians’ Hospital also offers non-surgical alternatives. To learn more about the Spine Program call 281.557.2912. Specialist referrals are available upon request.

and two procedure rooms equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology. But what impresses patients and visitors most is the unique and upscale atmosphere. From the entrance and waiting areas to the patient rooms, the décor and amenities make you feel more like you are in a luxurious hotel rather than a hospital. “This may sound silly, but I really appreciated that the hospital didn’t ‘smell’ like a hospital,” Darlene says. “And the rooms aren’t like hospital rooms. They are spacious and the colors are cheerful. It’s a very friendly atmosphere and I think that helped me to heal faster.” Patients like Darlene, whose procedure required an overnight stay, will recover in one of 21 private rooms designed to calm the mind and enhance the recovery process. All rooms have a hotel-quality bed and linens, flat-screen TV, comfortable foldout couch for guests and family, fresh flowers, and a private in-room bathroom that can be shared by patients and their family. Hotel-inspired Accommodations You are invited to tour Houston Physicians’ Hospital. Just Houston Physicians’ Hospital features six operating rooms give them a call to schedule at your convenience. “We want to make your experience here as stressfree as possible,” Michele Dionne says. “By creating the most comfortable environment, and making sure every patient is armed with good information about what to expect prior to surgery, during their procedure, post-operatively, and in recovery, they will be able to return to full health quickly,” Dionne says. “Almost everyone who fills out their patient survey tells us that we relieve their anxieties and calm their fears even before they come in for their visit or stay with us,” Stephanie shares. Darlene agrees. “From the time I first walked in I felt like I was checking into a fine hotel. If it weren’t for the hospital bed, you’d think you were someplace else! All those little extras made a positive difference in my experience, my recovery, and the life I have Patients and visitors enjoy an upscale atmosphere at Houston Physicians’ Hospital, with ahead of me.” decor and amenities found in luxury hotels.

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WELL BEING | Wise Wellness

Preventing

SPORTS INJURIES And the Best Treatment when Injuries Happen By M. Shaun Holt MD, FACSM

erhaps the Summer Olympics inspired your inner athlete and you’ve decided to get active—maybe training for a marathon, triathlon, or even an Iron Man competition. Congratulations on your new intentions. Setting physical ﬁtness goals and challenges is good for men and women at any age. Your next goal should be training safely to prevent injury. An estimated 7 million Americans seek medical care annually for injuries sustained during sports or recreation, the Centers for Disease Control reports. An estimated 4.3 million people are treated in emergency rooms, and about one quarter of all people injured during sports or recreation miss one or more days of work or school due to their injury. There are steps you can take to avoid injuries.

Stabilization exercises, plus proper stretching and strength training, can help prevent shoulder injuries.

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Take time to warm up and cool down Most overuse injuries can be prevented with proper

Surgery: not the training and common sense. only option Learn to listen to your body. The shoulder is a very complex No matter how eager you are joint. Shoulder tears and rotator to compete against others or cuff damage can be debilitating, your own record, always take but there is good news for time to warm up and cool down patients who require surgery. properly before and after your With world-class shoulder activity. Incorporating strength surgery techniques, we can training, increasing flexibility, now routinely repair shoulder and improving core stability injuries that were that were once will also help minimize overuse considered unrepairable. injuries. Only about 8 percent of Before you start any workout shoulder pain patients end up or sport that requires a lot of needing surgery. In the vast shoulder activity or puts stress majority of cases, better shoulder on your knees, elbows or other mobility will not require surgery. joints, learn the appropriate When surgery is recommended, stretching and training exercises the advanced and minimallyand do them consistently. If you invasive arthroscopic procedures don’t have a coach or trainer we use make it far less daunting who can demonstrate these, you than ever. can find injury-preventing tips Most overuse injuries can be prevented with proper training and common sense. Find injury-preventing tips at www.AllAmericanOrthopedic.com. Using small instruments in the Patient Education section and a TV monitor, we navigate the tiny spaces inside the of All American Orthopaedic’s website, shoulder cavity. When used appropriately, arthroscopic www.AllAmericanOrthopedic.com. You can also find other techniques can achieve repairs more successfully than open resources online with the search terms: avoiding sports surgery. The procedure time and recovery time from the less injuries, avoiding joint injuries, or shoulder invasive arthroscopic surgery is shorter. stabilization exercise. I frequently see patients who have been told that their When you sustain any kind of sports injury, don’t try to shoulder tear or rotator cuff damage is too severe to be play through the pain, because that can make it worse. treated arthroscopically. Yet what’s possible now is vastly different than it was in the past. We now have the ability to When you injure your shoulder fix even large tears. With the new technology and surgical Shoulder injuries are common. Stabilization exercises can techniques available, there is no need to open a rotator cuff help, but when you experience an injury or new onset of tear. Virtually every other injury of the shoulder can be shoulder pain for any reason, rest, ice, and over-the-counter treated with the same arthroscopic technology. anti-inflammatory medication can be helpful. After resting I always welcome patients seeking a second opinion, and the shoulder for a few days, begin gradual mobilization— they are relieved to learn that they can find world-class stretching and moving surgical shoulder repair right here in the Bay Area. the shoulder gently so it When you sustain any To schedule a consultation with Dr. Holt, or one of the doctors at kind of sports injury, don’t won’t “freeze up” from All American Orthopaedic, call 281.335.1111 or visit lack of use. Don’t push try to play through the www.AllAmericanOrthopedic.com. it to the point that it pain, because that can causes more pain. When you do all these things, make it worse. the shoulder pain will normally subside and your ability to move your shoulder and perform everyday activities should improve. When these steps don’t have an effect, or if the shoulder pain worsens, it’s time to seek an evaluation by a medical All American Orthopaedic professional. and Sports Medicine Institute Shoulder pain can be experienced in the neck, upper chest, 1100 Hercules, Ste. 100 upper back, upper arm, or deep within the shoulder itself. Houston, Texas 77058 Any of those kinds of pain that persist more than a couple of 281.335.1111 weeks may indicate something more serious and should be www.AllAmericanOrthopedic.com Dr. Shaun Holt checked out. September 2012

at CHRISTUS St. John Sports Medicine

No matter what sport your young athlete enjoys—basketball, volleyball, soccer, cheer, baseball, football— the risk of injury is always present. Movements like jumping, landing, cutting, and pivoting, heighten the risk of knee and other joint injuries. Sportsmetrics™ is a comprehensive jump training program that combines plyometrics, strength training and ﬂexibility to teach athletes the proper techniques to help keep them from suffering an injury. CHRISTUS St. John Sports Medicine now offers Sportsmetrics training. Certiﬁed Sportsmetrics trainers Julie White and Jessica Branch work one-on-one and in group sessions with athletes. “Our goal is to provide correct positioning, jumping technique, weight lifting technique and other training to strengthen the body and reduce risk,” Jessica says.

Athlete demonstrating the dropjump test. This test is performed pre- and post-training to provide measurement upon the different phases of the jump and landing maneuvers.

Athlete demonstrating the barrier side to side jump, which is one of the 19 jumps of the Sportsmetrics program.

Sportsmetrics is the only scientifically proven program that reduces the risk of injury, increases jump power and improves strength. Athletes attend 2-3 sessions per week with a certified Sportsmetrics™ trainer over a 6-week period. Times can be customized to fit busy schedules. Rates are very affordable! Call for more information.

(Left-right) Jessica Branch, Athletic Development Coordinator and Julie White, Wellness Specialist/ Coordinator are certified Sportsmetrics trainers. Jessica has worked in a physical therapy setting for five years and was a track and basketball athlete in high school. Julie has worked in physical therapy and as a personal trainer for 15 years.

Sportsmetrics™ certified trainer teaching athlete the proper weight training technique, which is one aspect of the Sportsmetrics program.

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Photos by J Pamela Photography

Scientifically proven program can reduce injury risk and enhance performance

Behavior Therapy Learning Center Providing quality Applied Behavior Analysis services to families seeking support Applied behavior analysis is not just for autism. Behavior TLC works to improve the lives of children, teens, and adults needing assistance with social skills, job skills, and life skills. They are experienced with a variety of conditions ranging from intellectual developmental disability, Down syndrome, and other behavior disorders. Every program is tailored to each individual’s needs. Some of the services Behavior TLC offers include: • The Day Program is a clinic-based, one-on-one ABA intervention for clients. The daily schedule mimics a typical school day for mainstreaming back into the school environment. • Social Skills Parties help youth and tweens with learning to make friends, have conversation, try new things, handle money, manners and much more. • In-Home Programs establish a therapy environment in your home and establish speciﬁc goals with the family’s needs in mind. • Consultation, Training, Workshops, Camps reach out to youth, teens, parents, teachers and other professionals both at home, in Behavior TLC’s clinic, and in community groups.

281.461.6888

info@BehaviorTLC.com • www.BehaviorTLC.com #3

1020 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX 77058 #1 AND 4 WILL NOT OPEN

PREVIOUS FILE I GOT

Jennifer Strickland, MA, BCBA and John Pugh, MA, BCBA are Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) dedicated to providing applied behavior analysis (ABA) services for individuals with autism and other disabilities and their families.

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Mainland Team

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Island Team

WELL BEING | Whole Person Health

r e d i s n Co

Chiropractic Care Learn more about this growing profession and its non-invasive treatment for pain and injury By Barry Wiese, DC, MSHA

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Photo by Imaging Studios

elieve it or not, chiropractic care has been around for well over 100 years. It’s not only “been around,” it’s grown at an extremely fast rate and is now the third largest healthcare profession (behind allopathic medicine and dentistry). How did this happen? Most will say it’s because of the approach chiropractors take with their patients: hands-on, thorough and compassionate with a strong emphasis on partnering with patients to make the most of their time Chiropractic care emphasizes a thorough and strong doctor-patient relationship. spent healing. Others may say it’s because of the conservative nature of chiropractic care (no drugs, no surgery). a wide range of injuries and problems of the musculoskeletal And still others might point to the relatively low cost associated system involving the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the spine with chiropractic care. Whatever the reason, chiropractic is and extremities (arms and legs). These common conditions used by everyone from professional athletes to stay-at-home often involve the nervous system, which can cause pain to be parents, and from seniors to children. If you’re not already a referred to a distant area of the body or dysfunction that may chiropractic patient you probably know someone who is! not be apparent to anyone who doesn’t possess the level of training a chiropractor has. To support the hands-on care a chiropractor offers, he or she History of Chiropractic Care To support the handsmay also provide counseling The profession was founded in the U.S. by Daniel David on diet, exercise, and healthy Palmer in 1895 in Davenport, Iowa. In 1897, the first on care a chiropractor habits that help limit the chiropractic school was started; today there are 16 colleges that offers, he or she may time you spend with doctor offer chiropractic programs across the U.S. Throughout the also provide counseling visits while maximizing the 20th century, doctors of chiropractic gained legal recognition on diet, exercise, and time you spend doing the in all 50 states. A continuing recognition and respect for things you enjoy. the chiropractic profession has led to growing support for healthy habits. chiropractic care all over the world. In fact, there are now colleges of chiropractic found in twelve countries outside of the What Kind of Education Do Doctors of United States. Chiropractic Receive? Chiropractors must complete a course of study at an What Conditions Do Chiropractors Treat? accredited chiropractic college that is equivalent to a five-year Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) care for patients of all ages, academic program, and all students entering a chiropractic with a variety of health conditions. Chiropractors are especially program must have a minimum of 90 semester hours of college well known for their expertise in caring for patients with back credit with science as the focus. Most colleges condense their pain, neck pain, and headaches. They also care for patients with programs to somewhere between 40-48 months, ➜

September 2012

THE SPA & WELLNESS CENTER AT SOUTH SHORE S e r e n e S t r e s s R e d uc t io n

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‘preventive maintenance’ such as massage, chiropractic or acupuncture treatment can help maintain health and minimize the effects of stress.” Take one step into the serene surroundings at The Spa & Wellness Center at South Shore and stress can begin to melt away. A full array of stressreducing services can be found within, including massage, body wraps, body glows, acupuncture and chiropractic therapies. “Our focus is on natural, organic STRESS IS A NORMAL PART OF OUR treatments that relax our clients and help LIVES, but living with unrelieved stress them achieve a peaceful state of mind,” says can cause a whole list of health problems. Dr. Vazquez. “As we help people manage the Irritability, anger, fatigue, lack of energy, inevitable stress that ﬁlls their lives, we not anxiety and headaches top the list of stress only help them feel better, but also help them symptoms measured by the American achieve their optimum health. To accomplish Psychological Association (APA) in its this, we offer a spectrum of services seldom most recent “Stress in America” survey. found together under one roof.” Indigestion, muscle tension and chest Established in 1997 as the South Shore tightness were also among the noticeable Spa, the facility was signs of stress. the ﬁrst massage Other studies link center located in stress to high blood PA ACKAGES the Bay Area. In pressure and the ARE REAT IFTS 2008, South Shore inability of the body expanded into the The Spa and Wellness Center to absorb B vitamins, full service Spa & notes Alfredo J. hosts special events each month Wellness Center Vazquez, DC, for their valuable clients, patients, at South Shore to sports chiropractor, and friends. better serve the acupuncturist and needs of its clients. treating doctor at Call today to learn more! Visit to discover the Spa & Wellness extra amenities Center. “Many designed to people struggle with enhance your spa experience: soothing getting a good night’s sleep, and stress is color schemes, relaxing music, comfortable often to blame. Yet even without obvious couches and seating, spa robes and symptoms, stress can take its toll. Monthly

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www.southshoremassage.com

ALFREDO J. VAZQUEZ, DC, LAC Sports Chiropractor, Acupuncturist and Treating Doctor Dr. Vazquez brings the most advanced chiropractic and diagnostic skills to all his patients. His specializations include orthopedic injuries and family practice. He delivers warm, caring and individualized attention and fellowship, and believes that every adult has the right to know exactly what his or her diagnosis is, and what is needed to return to optimum health. Dr. Vazquez welcomes all patient questions and commits to answering them in an honest and forthright manner.

Should I See a Chiropractor? Chiropractors are experts in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. If you currently suffer from—or know someone who is suffering from—low back pain, neck pain, headaches, or extremity problems (shoulder, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, foot) a chiropractor is a good place to start. Whenever possible, you should try conservative approaches to your health problems before jumping ahead to more invasive approaches (such as surgery). A chiropractor will be able to tell you if chiropractic care may be helpful in your particular case, or may inform you that a referral to another healthcare provider is in your best interest. What is important is that you learn your options and choose a path that works best for you. How Do I Choose a Chiropractor? Just like in every other health profession, the chiropractic profession is made up of people; people with different personalities and different ways of doing things. Given this,

you should rely on two powerful influences when choosing a chiropractor—or any other healthcare provider. The first is word of mouth—if a friend or coworker refers you to their chiropractor, this is a good sign that he or she operates their practice in a way that you will probably find suitable for your needs. The second is whether or not you get the sense that you are being listened to, and that you have a role in your own care. This means Chiropractors are especially known for their expertise in caring for patients with the doctor consistently back pain, neck pain, and headaches. engages you in conversation that truly takes your wishes and values into consideration when discussing your condition and treatment. Look for someone who is genuinely interested in providing you with the best care in the shortest time possible, and who makes you feel like you’re the only patient they are seeing that day. You deserve the best, and you deserve someone who feels the same way. Contact Texas Chiropractic College’s Moody Health Center to schedule your appointment today! 281.487.1501.

September 2012

Photo by Imaging Studios

although this typically means chiropractic students are hard at work during this time with very little break. Accredited programs must include a minimum of 4200 hours of combined instruction in the classroom, labs, and in clinical settings. Chiropractic students also have to pass several levels of rigorous national board exams along with any exam required at the state level in order to get a license to practice.

WELL BEING | Whole Person Health

Don’t Worry, Be Happy Treating anxiety and depression without drugs By Dorothy Merritt, MD Do people tell you that you worry too much? Do you constantly fear the worst? It may not seem the same...being chased by a hungry lion and worrying about losing your job or being infected with West Nile virus. But worry—feeling threatened to any degree—is stress. It sets off a fight or flight survival response, which triggers all sorts of changes in our bodies, leading to unhealthy conditions like elevated blood pressure and heart rate, a depressed immune system, digestive disorders, anxiety disorders and clinical depression. We may all experience anxiety at some point in our lives; worrying about certain things is only natural. But problems occur when we constantly worry, maybe over a period of months, never giving our body and mind a rest. This creates more problems than the very things we worry about! Constant worry can lead to anxiety disorder and depression—the leading causes of disability in the U.S. Nexalin Therapy can help if you are taking anti-depressants, or experiencing symptoms of depression that may include: • • • • • • • • •

A depressed mood during most of the day Fatigue or loss of energy Insomnia or excessive sleeping Recurring thoughts of death, suicide or impending doom Significant weight loss or gain Difficulty concentrating and remembering details Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness Extreme irritability and/or restlessness Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that were once pleasurable • Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease, even with treatment

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Both anxiety disorder and clinical depression are treatable conditions. Tremendous progress has been made in the last two years for treating both without the use of drugs. Anxiety and antidepressant medications, used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, may relieve some symptoms, but they shouldn’t be thought of as a cure. While they can provide temporary relief, they do not treat the underlying cause of these disorders. Once you stop taking the drugs, symptoms often return in full force. These meds also come with unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects and are also habit forming and physically addictive, making it difficult to stop taking them once you’ve started. Questions also exist as to their effectiveness. A major U.S. government study released in 2006 showed that fewer than 50 percent of people become symptom-free on antidepressants, even after trying two different medications. Many who do respond to medication slip back into depression within a short while, despite sticking with drug treatment. Nexalin Therapy: Proven relief without medication Advanced studies using the latest brain imaging techniques indicate that the circuits in the brain that regulate mood and behavior do not function properly when a person is anxious or depressed. In other words, a biological imbalance exists in the systems of the body that support the brain’s neurochemistry. Chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters, transmit electrical signals or messages between brain cells. Many issues in the brain, ranging from “Peak Performance” to “Mood Disorders” including anxiety, depression, and

others, are believed to be a result of an imbalance in the production of specific neurochemicals. Pharmaceutical therapies operate by replacing or inhibiting the uptake of these neurochemicals with a drug. Nexalin technology—a leading edge, non-invasive and drug-free therapy—gently resets the part of the brain that helps to regulate neurochemicals, the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus’ main function is to maintain homeostasis (a state of equilibrium) of the body by constantly sensing and adapting to information that the brain is receiving from the body and its environment. Nexalin Therapy works by permitting your body to manage the production and uptake of these neurochemicals on its own. With a regimen of consecutive therapy sessions, Nexalin Therapy stimulates the hypothalamus’ adaptive ability to normalize the production of these neurochemicals. The clinical effect is a decrease in the patient’s symptoms. Some patients have reported an increase in their ability to perform in stressful or challenging environments. Clinical trials and patient data confirm this. In the studies done so far, the results for depression, anxiety, and insomnia range between 80-97 percent sustained improvement from the initial two- to three-week treatment. The Nexalin Device has extensive clinical experience—the clinical trials have studied more than 700 subjects and provided more than 10,000 therapies. The device produces a patented waveform that provides Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TES). In clinical trials, this unique waveform resulted in the greatest increase in beta-endorphins. The Nexalin Device has undergone extensive safety analysis with the results clearly indicating that the device is safe for its intended use. Additionally, the FDA classification of the device for clinical trials places it into a non-significant risk (low risk device) category. The patented waveform of Nexalin Advanced Therapy is administered through medical grade conductive pads that are produced specifically for the Nexalin technology. The pads are placed on the forehead and behind each ear, and are connected to the Nexalin Device with thin cables for a highly effective, yet soothing treatment. Patients recline

Nexalin is a drug-free therapy with proven results for the treatment of a variety of anxiety disorders including: • Panic Disorder: Feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly with no warning. Other symptoms include sweating, chest pain, palpitations, a feeling of choking. • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Plagued by constant thoughts or fears that cause a person to perform certain rituals (obsessions) or routines (compulsions). • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A condition that can develop following a traumatic and/or terrifying event, such as a sexual or physical assault, the unexpected death of a loved one, or a natural disaster. • Social anxiety disorder: Overwhelming worry and selfconsciousness about everyday social situations. • Specific phobias: An intense fear of a specific object or situation, such as snakes, heights, or flying. • Generalized anxiety disorder: Involves excessive, unrealistic worry and tension, even if there is little or nothing to provoke the anxiety.

comfortably in a calming environment, and most feel nothing during their quiet, 40-minute session. Many relax to the point of falling asleep! Relief starts as early as the first therapy and most experience some relief by the third session. This information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. If you are taking a medication for anxiety or depression, do not change your dosage without consulting your physician.

Call to begin your treatments today!

409.938.1770 Dr. Dorothy Merritt Mainland Primary Care Physicians 6807 E F Lowry Expwy, #103, Texas City, TX 77591

www.mpcptexas.com • www.nexalin-houston.com September 2012

WELL BEING | Wise Wellness

via

DROWNING BOLOGNA AND CHEESE

Health myths we grew up with— true or false?

By Brian Udermann It was pure torture. Sitting next to the crystal clear blue water on my Superman beach towel, staring longingly into the depths of the public swimming pool. Twentythree minutes had passed since I swallowed my last bite of sandwich, and I had seven long minutes to wait until my ever-vigilant mother gave her nod of approval and I could cannon-ball my way back into summertime bliss. The no-swimming-until-half-an-hour-after-lunch rule was common in my neighborhood. Like so many other mothers, my mom did everything she could to protect me from the evils of this world: strangers with puppies, poisoned Halloween candy, and, of course, drowning via bologna and cheese. All kidding aside, our parents did their best to care for us with the information they believed to be true. But they, like 40

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us, sometimes believed the wrong information. Sometimes we pass these little tidbits of wisdom along without ever wondering if they could actually be false. As it turns out, I spent Sometimes we pass many hours on my beach towel digesting in vain. According these little tidbits of to an article written by Arthur wisdom along without Steinhaus in 1961, this myth ever wondering if may have actually started with early versions of the Red Cross they could First Aid Instructors book. It was actually be false. thought that a full stomach and active digestive system could divert blood ﬂow from the muscles in the extremities, causing dangerous cramping. This logic, though seemingly logical, was simply not true. ➜

E U TR OR E S L A F

DO YOU KNOW WHICH IS TRUE AND WHICH IS MYTH? Quiz yourself, and see how myth-savvy you are. 1. Covering a wart with duct tape will usually make it go away. 2. We use only 10 percent of our brains. 3. The flu shot can give you the flu. 4. Eating turkey makes you sleepy. 5. Eating a poppy seed muffin can make you fail a drug test. 6. Doing sit ups will give you a flat stomach. 7. A cut will heal faster if you keep it covered. 8. Chocolate is good for your health. 9. Cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis. 10. Some dogs can smell cancer. 1. True 2. False 3. False 4. False 5. True 6. False 7. True 8. True 9. False 10. True September 2012

And that weeping poison ivy sore on your best friend’s leg? Sure, it’s yucky, but you can’t catch poison ivy from touching it. Only the oils in the plant can cause a chemical reaction on your skin. Once the oils have been washed off, a rash will continue to develop on skin that has been exposed to them, but it does not “spread” in the way we used to believe. So many of the things I believed as a child were not true. Sitting too close to the television did not ruin my vision, but prolonged periods of watching could result in itchy, watering eyes and blurred vision for a short time afterward. Unfortunately, eating all the carrots on my plate didn’t improve my vision either. Carrots are a good source of vitamins, but studies have not shown them to change anyone’s So many of the Some believe this things I believed prescription. rumor to have been started by British as a child were pilots during WWII. To protect the secrecy surrounding new technology not true. (night radar), they are thought to have contributed their improved visual skills to increased carrot consumption. I was especially relieved to learn the misconceptions I had about chewing gum were not true. I lay awake at night worrying over the gob of Hubba Bubba I accidentally swallowed during a rowdy game of tag. It turns out that it didn’t stay in my stomach for seven years, or even seven days. True, there have been a few severe cases of digestive problems in kids, but those are situations in which the child has repeatedly swallowed multiple pieces of gum on a daily basis, or swallowed a large amount of gum along with other non-food objects, creating a tangled mass. For most of us, the gum we swallow will pass through just like any other piece of food. The more I’ve learned about my own misconceptions, the more I wondered: What other falsehoods do I believe? I’ve been inspired to ask questions and to seek out the answers. In my book, 101 Ways to Cure the Hiccups: Uncovering the Truth Behind 101 Myths and Misconceptions, I’ve had fun sharing my findings. In today’s culture, there are many myths related to health, fitness, and nutrition. But I’ve also found an abundance of non-health related notions. For instance, does shaving really make your hair grow back darker and thicker? Is a dog’s mouth really cleaner than a human’s mouth? Do women really talk three times more than men? Should I play my baby Mozart so he will score higher on intelligence tests than those non-Mozart babies? Like my parents before me, I give my kids lots of advice using the knowledge and experience I have available to me. We all want to offer our kids insight, and we do so with all the very best intentions. Might some of those nuggets I give them actually be flawed information? Perhaps they are, and perhaps someday they will discover that I was sometimes wrong. Maybe they’ll even write a book about it. 42

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Caring for your COLON HEALTH Third most common killer in the U.S. is preventable In the United States, 1 in 17 people will develop colorectal cancer. Are you at risk? Simple screening is key for early detection and cure. Colorectal Cancer is one of the most preventable cancers with simple screening and prevention. Yet, fewer than half of all people who need colon cancer screenings are getting them. A colonoscopy is a simple procedure that, when performed by a professional gastroenterologist with screening experience, could save your life. For colon cancer screening and digestive and gastrointestinal health issues, choose the board certified and experienced physicians at Bay Area Gastroenterology. They offer a convenient “one stop shop” that includes highly qualified doctors, consultations, endoscopy, imaging and a high standard of ethical practice that does not compromise quality of care. Bay Area Gastroenterology’s onsite Endoscopy Center is fully accredited, licensed and certified for a full range of diagnostic procedures. To avoid colon cancer and other chronic diseases, schedule regular screenings as recommended by the American Cancer Society, eat a balanced diet heavy in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and light in saturated fat, and go lightly on the alcohol. Don’t smoke. Get plenty of exercise and keep your weight down.

FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS Medical Center Office 1015 Medical Center Blvd Ste. 1700 Webster, Texas 77598 Memorial Southeast Office 11914 Astoria Ste. 360 Houston, TX 77089 Gulf Coast Office 250 Blossom Ste. 260 Webster, Texas 77598 Pearland Office 10970 Shadow Creek Pkwy Ste. 220 Pearland, TX 77584

281-480-6264 Schedule online appointments and same day appointments on our website!

Bay Area Gastroenterology’s full service team of board certified physicians specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of ailments of the stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder and pancreas. Left to right: Dr. Ravi Mani, Dr. Manish Rungta, Dr. Sezen Altug, Dr. Naveen Surapaneni, Dr. Syed Jafri, Dr. Nikhil Inamdar.

Visit our website and subscribe to our RSS Feed for information on Celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal health, and other wellness topics.

www.gibay.com Watch informative video at

Bay Area Gastroenterology Clinic

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WELL BEING | Whole Person Health

Fit for

Disc golf courses, like this one in Pasadena’s Burke/Crenshaw Park, are gaining in popularity.

Local outdoor venues invite you to hike, bike, paddle, and stretch By Jennifer Babisak

Huffing and puffing on the elliptical trainer, inhaling the body odor of the sweat-drenched guy on the machine next to me, struggling to attach my headphones to the tiny television screen— the monotonous routine of exercising at fitness clubs is enough to drive even hardcore fitness enthusiasts to burnout. After tiring of this scene, I became determined to find more enjoyable ways to work out. I wanted to feel the sun on my shoulders and the wind in my hair—breathing in fresh air and boosting my vitamin D levels—all while burning calories and toning muscles. For this, I turned to the Bay Area’s plentiful selection of outdoor fitness activities.

Take a Hike

Armand Bayou Nature Center, a 2500-acre nature preserve, ranks as one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the U.S. Hike the center’s three developed trails (each around 1.5 miles long) that wind through some of our area’s native ecosystems including wetlands, bottomland forest, and tall grass prairies. Along the way, keep your eyes open for the 370 species of animals—everything from white-tailed deer to turtles—that call the area home. Though the trails were closed for much of last summer due to severe drought conditions, all trails are now reopened. ABNC Executive Director Tom Kartrude offers the following tips for first-time visitors, “Wear hiking shoes and be prepared for the weather. We did not have a hard freeze this past winter so it’s always good to come prepared for mosquitoes.”

Row Your Boat

Living in a place called the Bayou City, it stands to reason that water dominates much of our environment. Take advantage of this natural asset by incorporating water into your fitness routine. If you’re new to water sports, try ABNC’s twohour guided canoe trip, offered each Saturday. “For folks who are interested in outdoor recreation but haven’t spent a lot of time there, it helps them get more comfortable in a wilderness setting,” says Kartrude. Or chart your own path on one of the area’s many paddling trails. The Houston Canoe Club lists 18 local paddling trails on their website including the Armand Bayou Paddling Trail (accessible via Bay Area Park or Clear Lake Park) and the Buffalo Bayou Paddling Trail (which snakes through downtown).

Put Wind in Your Sail

If you crave more daring than kayaks or canoes provide, try an adventurous water sport like Windsurfing ➜ Left: Take your OM to a tranquil outdoor space to soak up the calming peace that nature offers. Right: For more exhilarating moments, head down to The Levee in Texas City for kiteboarding lessons.

September 2012

or Kiteboarding. Windsurfing involves balancing on a board outfitted with a sail, thus providing a great core workout. Russell Trischan, who teaches a Windsurfing Sailing Certificate class for All Points of Sail in Seabrook, says, “Windsurfing allows you to be in harmony with nature and at peace. You can hear the rush of the water and the birds.” Trischan encourages all ages to embrace the sport—he’s taught students ranging in age from 5 to 83. Kiteboarding, which offers the opportunity for huge jumps (up to 50 feet) originated in the 1990s and is now one of the fastest growing watersports in the world. Kite Houston provides group and private kiteboarding lessons at The Levee in Texas City, which Kiteboarding Instructor Robert Pelle describes as, “bar none the best place in the world to learn.” Pelle says that kiteboarding has become much safer in the last decade due to modifications in design and added safety features.

Toss Your Cares Aside

For a more leisurely outing, walk the grassy expanse of Pasadena’s 100-acre Burke/Crenshaw Park while testing your skill on the nine-basket disc golf course. Visit Disc Golf Houston’s website for a listing of nearly three dozen other disc golf courses in the Houston area. In this game, which infiltrated American culture in the 1960s, players aim to land flying discs in a series of metal baskets. The game has gained momentum over the past decade, and now over 3,000 disc golf courses exist in 40 countries.

Spin Your Wheels

Photos by Heather Millar

Houston city parks include over 80 miles of hike and bike trails, giving you a great excuse to dust off that bicycle and take it for a spin. The five-mile long Armand Bayou/Holly Bay trail runs along Red Bluff from Fairmont to Bay Area, with easy access via Kipper Mease Park. Jordan Scott of Bike Barn in Clear Lake says that Houston-area Bike Barns offer an organized ride every month. He offers this advice to those new to cycling, “Go to one of the rides. Most of the rides have a beginner group where they go over the signals and practice riding in a group with other people so you get used to it.”

Exercise Om

Invigorate your yoga practice by taking it outdoors to connect with the rhythm and serenity of nature. Yoga Rasa Instructor Ande Smith leads outdoor yoga events including a Microcosm of the Macrocosm workshop at Armand Bayou Nature Center and The Yoga of Camping weekend at Brazos Bend State Park. “When I practice yoga out in nature, I feel so much more freedom in my movements and find that the space and the beauty around me remind me of the space and the beauty that I have inside of me,” says Smith. “I believe that being outside in nature also reminds us that we truly ARE part of nature...we have within us the stability of the earth beneath us, the possibilities of the sky above us, the fluidity of the water that supports us and our planet, and the warmth and radiance of the shining sun.” Resources: Armand Bayou Nature Center, www.abnc.org Houston Canoe Club, www.tamug.edu/paddler All Points of Sail, www.lakesidesailing.com Kite Houston, www.kite-houston.com Disc Golf Houston, www.dghou.com Bike Barn, www.bikebarn.com

Armand Bayou Nature Center is an oasis in our suburban jungle. Right: Their Paddling Trail is accessible via Bay Area Park and Clear Lake Park. Left: Or hike one of their developed trails and explore our native ecosystems.

A Healthy Heart for A Lifetime Mohamed Shalaby, MD, FACC

Dr. Mohamed Shalaby has extensive experience working with his patients to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease and to detect this disease early enough for successful intervention and treatment. In addition to using cutting-edge medical technology and state-of-the-art treatment and procedures, Dr. Shalaby has designed multiple cardiac wellness and preventive programs that integrate education, diet, exercise, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle modiﬁcation to improve and save lives. Dr. Shalaby practices a wide range cardiovascular medicine with special interests in chest pain evaluation, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension and cholesterol management. Dr. Shalaby is a staff physician at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital and Texas Heart Institute as well as most of the southeast Houston area hospitals. Dr. Shalaby sees patients at his ofﬁce at 290 East Medical Center Blvd. in Webster, Texas. Call 281.956.7070 for information and to schedule your appointment.

DR. MOHAMED SHALABY IS ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Dr. Shalaby’s patients experience: • World-class, comprehensive cardiac care close to home • State-of-the-art technology for prevention and management of cardiovascular disease • Education for improved wellbeing and healthy life-style modiﬁcation • Affordable screenings for early detection of coronary artery disease and possible stroke • A compassionate, caring, and comfortable environment • Friendly and attentive staff Need a second opinion? If you have any questions or doubts related to your cardiac health or a cardiac procedure, contact Dr. Shalaby for a second opinion or other medical advice.

GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR HEALTHY HEART SCREENINGS Dr. Shalaby offers gift certificates to patient families. Cardiac screening packages start at just $99!

THE HEART CENTER 290 East Medical Center Blvd. Webster, TX 77598 Convenient online scheduling on website

281.956.7070 www.txheartcenter.com

CALL TO LEARN MORE ABOUT A HEALTHY HEART LIFESTYLE! A wellness program offering health risk assessments, screenings, pre-disease management, monitoring, health education, diet, exercise, and behavioral coaching. www.healthystartmd.com

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At the Forefront:

THE LUNG NODULE CLINIC

Could iLogic benefit you or a loved one? The Memorial Hermann Southeast Lung Nodule Clinic is located at 11920 Astoria Blvd., Suite 100. Physician referral is required. To schedule, have your physician call 281.481.LUNG (5864). In an effort to diagnose lung cancer earlier – when it is easier to treat – Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital has opened the Lung Nodule Clinic. The Lung Nodule Clinic is unique in that it offers a multidisciplinary approach to treating the patient. This multidisciplinary team consists of your primary care physician along with a pulmonologist, medical oncologist, radiologist, radiation oncologist, pathologist, thoracic surgeon and oncology nurse navigator who coordinate your care to give you the best possible outcomes while keeping you informed. CATCHING CANCER BEFORE SYMPTOMS START Identiﬁed by a computerized tomography (CT) scan or chest X-ray, a lung nodule is an abnormal growth on the lung that may be cancerous. If

a patient’s primary care physician finds a nodule, the patient is referred to the Lung Nodule Clinic to determine the diagnosis. At the Lung Nodule Clinic, patients are tested to find out if their nodules are benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). “The earlier lung nodules are spotted and lung cancer is diagnosed, the more treatment options there are – and the better the outcome,” says Krystie Fenton, R.N., certified oncology nurse navigator at Memorial Hermann Southeast. “When patients are examined in the clinic, lung cancer can be diagnosed before symptoms begin.” If the clinic finds lung cancer, the multidisciplinary team meets to discuss the best path of care for the patient, who is then referred for treatment. If the nodule is benign, the patient is monitored for any future warning signs of lung cancer.

TECHNOLOGY OFFERS DOCTORS BIRD’S-EYE VIEW Memorial Hermann Southeast is one of only a handful of hospitals in the Houston area that offers the iLogic ENB system. This advanced technology uses GPS-like guidance during a patient’s CT scan to create a 3-D image of the lungs, allowing physicians to locate, test and plan treatment for lung lesions and lymph nodes difﬁcult to access with traditional bronchoscopy. Lung cancer can be detected even before symptoms are evident, enhancing patient treatment options.

September 2012

WELL BEING | Journeys

Grace

Finding

in the Flow

Align with the power of grace, synchronicity, and purpose By Karen Rae Wilson Recently I was asking a group of people if they felt they were born with a mission or something they were uniquely born to express. Interestingly, everyone agreed they had a feeling that it was true but most of them were not exactly sure what it meant—they just a feeling or a sense that those words rang true in their heart. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to wake up everyday and know you were “On Purpose”? That you were aligning with a power of grace and synchronicity that had a magnetic ﬁeld of creation and resonance all it’s own? 52

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Since I have had the opportunity to work with tribal elders and wisdom keepers from different cultures, I have been given many songs and stories that bring us into harmony with creation. In many tribes, the elders would have a dream about you before you were born with a vision of the gifts and beauty you were destined to bring into the world. While your mother was pregnant they would already be thinking of your name. When you were born they would welcome you and thank you for coming and honor your

uniqueness by giving you a special name. The name would remind you of your gifts and essential qualities. They would sing you a beautiful birthing song that celebrated your contribution to the tribe. If you ever forgot your gifts or lost your place in the world they would gather round you and sing your birthing song to remind you of how precious you were as a spirit and how needed you were in the community. Isn’t that lovely? After 25 years of working with individuals to help them discover their deeper “calling “and creative genius I have found that there is a tremendous amount of synergy and vitality that opens when people align with their unique blueprint. They begin to have a natural charisma and sense of grace about them. Art and music and innovative ideas and solutions for our world begin pouring through. All of a sudden, they find themselves in the flow. When you know who you are and how your essential gifts and talents contribute to the community at large you become a natural leader of love and inspiration in this world. So the first key to ongoing flow is being “On Purpose” and in tune with your deeper nature and authenticity. Then you will find that there is a natural sense of vision and attunement that begins to show up. I call this “Divine Synchronicity” or a sense of being the right person in the right place. If you set aside some time everyday to sit quietly or walk alone in nature you will find that ideas and visions will flow from this intention to give your gifts to the world. Your intention will open the way to “Divine Timing” or being exactly at the right place at the right time. Now you know that grace and the power of creation is downloading your direction and helping you align with the ways and means to bring your visions into reality. If you are meditating, ask for grace and guidance and practice gratitude and appreciation to begin to raise your vibration. This means you are inviting the power of ‘Divine Magnetism” into your life. All of a sudden you begin to attract to you the people, places and things you need to begin to fulfill your intentions and bring your vision into the community. As you begin to offer your giftedness and creative ideas to others you will find you have a natural flow of “Divine Placement”—all of a sudden you fit in and know that you belong—you are part of this bigger picture and without your love and ideas and creative brilliance there would be less magic in the world. Now, because you are on purpose and sharing your authentic self in your world, you find there are others who want to work and create and play with you. You begin to attract your companions of destiny—the people that spirit ➜

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Share your favorite articles with your e-friends! September 2012

has been waiting for you to co-create with once you have said, “yes” to your higher design. You are moving into the flow of “Divine Partnerships and Co-Creation.” This means you have joined the team of conscious individuals wanting You are part of to create a better world. this bigger picture When disturbing and without your information comes into the news or you have some love and ideas and personal challenges with creative brilliance health or finance you can say, there would be less “But I am not alone, I am magic in the world. part of a community of like minded lovers that are part of this team and we are all going through this together. Now you are in the flow of “Divine Community.” You reach out and ask for support and look around to see who could use your special medicine today! Before you know it, someone is dropping by with flowers or asking you to dinner. Even in the midst of difficulty it feels lighter. Somehow you will get through this! You are in the flow of Divine Belonging and Support.” By and by you realize this is like being part of a tribe—a circle of love—and it feels natural, like maybe you should have been here all along. There is a giving and receiving and sometimes you are up and sometimes you are down. It is all part of being human. Who would have thought it would take such adversity to bring you together and teach you about the flow? You have come full circle in the sense that you have learned to find flow where you thought there was none; that, like water you can go around stones and rocks and occasionally even boulders if necessary. Sometimes you are a waterfall and sometimes you are a lake and sometimes you are a very small pool. In the small pool is a sense of ordinary stillness and calm. Suddenly you are grateful for stillness and rest. It’s all part of the cycle of flow. May you find courage and inspiration and new direction in these changing times. May you open to the power of grace and flow. Karen Rae Wilson is a Visionary Catalyst, Singer and Purpose Consultant who designs life changing “Quests” and leads transformational retreats at sacred sites around the world. She has also worked extensively with the Sacred Feminine and is leading a tour to the Magdalene sites in France in 2013. In these challenging times of great change and shift she brings forth an invitation to live into our brilliance and greatness like never before. To trust in our higher design is to know that everything is happening for a reason and the universe is aligning us in the direction of our soul and destiny. Contact Karen Rae directly karenrae@wisdomculture.com or sign up for here insightful “Wisdom Bytes” at www.wisdomculture.com. 54

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September 2012

ENVIRONMENT | EarthTalk®

to Release GMO Mosquitoes Fighting disease or destroying a delicate eco-system? By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss

modiﬁed mosquitoes in the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean in 2009, much to the surprise of the international community and environmental advocates, many of whom are opposed to genetic engineering in any of its forms due to the unknown and unintended side effects that unleashing transgenic organisms into the world could cause. In Brazil, where the largest experiments have been carried out to date, the government is backing a new facility designed to breed millions of genetically engineered mosquitoes to help keep dengue fever at bay. Dengue fever isn’t considered to be a big problem in the U.S. as yet. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that most of the dengue fever cases showing up in the continental U.S. are among those who have travelled to subtropical and tropical areas of the world. Still, WHO reports that the incidence of dengue fever in the U.S. has increased some thirty-fold over the last half century. A proposal by Oxitec to test its transgenic mosquitoes in the Florida Keys has some ➜

Photo courtesy of USDA

enetically engineered mosquitoes, which were bred in the lab to transmit a gene during the reproductive process that kills their offspring, have already been used on an experimental basis in three countries—the Cayman Islands, Malaysia and Brazil—to counteract the quickly spreading mosquito-borne viral infection dengue fever. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that as many as 100 million cases of humans infected with dengue fever—which causes a severe ﬂu-like illness and can, in certain instances, be fatal—occur annually in more than 100 tropical and sub-tropical countries. The British company behind the project, Oxitec, is focusing initially on dengue fever, given that the particular virus that causes it is only carried by one sub-species of mosquito. This makes the illness easier to target than malaria, for instance, which is carried by many different types of mosquitoes. Oxitec ﬁrst released some of the genetically

In a very controversial experiment, genetically engineered mosquitoes, which were bred to transmit a gene during the reproductive process that kills their offspring, have been used in three countries—the Cayman Islands, Malaysia and Brazil—to counteract the quickly spreading mosquito-borne viral infection dengue fever.

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locals upset. In April 2012, Oxitec has applied the town of Key West passed to the U.S. Food and an ordinance prohibiting the Drug Administration release of the mosquitoes pending further testing on (FDA) for a patent on possible implications for the their mosquito and environment. In the meantime, permission to release Oxitec has applied to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration them in the U.S. (FDA) for a patent on their mosquito and permission to release them in the U.S. Some 80,000 people have signed onto a campaign on the Change.org website calling on the FDA to deny Oxitec’s application. Mila de Mier, the Key West mother who launched the campaign, is concerned about the potential consequences of releasing an experimental organism on a delicate ecosystem. “Oxitec’s business goal is to sell genetically modified mosquitoes in the United States,” says de Mier. “…We’ve already said we don’t want these mosquitoes in our backyards, but Oxitec isn’t listening.” More definitive scientific study is needed, she says, that looks at the potential long-term impacts. CONTACTS: Oxitec, www.oxitec.com; Change.org, www.change.org. EarthTalk® is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/ subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

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ENVIRONMENT | Living Green

Defining A Foodshed

Anyone see any food growing around here?

By Rob Williams

Pearland is called

Crossley, of the Houston he term “foodshed” may be unfamiliar to most. Pearland because they Food Policy Workgroup Researching this term proved that it is difficult to used to grow pears there. (Houston Tomorrow). characterize in the Houston metropolitan. Andrew In addition to the carbon Smiley, deputy director of Sustainable Food Center Austin Sugar Land is called spewing, gas guzzling reasonably states that, “Like the more familiar term Sugar Land because you system of food distribution ‘watershed’ describing the geographic flow of water to a can grow lots of sugar that we talked about in last certain place, a foodshed refers to the area from which a month’s issue of Change specific community or population center derives its food.” cane around here and we (“Low Carb Diet”), exists Exploring this topic reveals our foodshed doesn’t stream used to do it. issues of food security, from a bluebonnet-covered Texas farm, but instead trickles local economy, and culture. Smiley down to us from a global market emphasizes that, “When (food) that looks less like a watershed and systems are localized, individuals more like an airport (food-tarmac?). within a specific community are Apples from New Zealand, avocados better able to exert control over their from Chile, and crawfish from China food security and are enabled to populate the supermarket shelves participate in multiple aspects of the while local food has become a food system—growing, sharing, and specialty item. preparing healthy, fresh food. This “I want to…have international is counter to…our convention(al) trade and I want my great-great system, which is dominated grandchildren to have access to truffle by multinational corporations, oil from Italy, saffron from Spain, and characterized by highly processed good wines from around the world. Blazek Crossley and the Houston Food Policy Workgroup foods, and subject to fluctuations in But I hate it that Houston flies lettuce Jay are on a mission to nurture the growth of a sustainable local the global marketplace…In a local food system. in from Australia, ” says Jay Blazek 60

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foodshed, the production, marketing and distribution, and preparation/consumption are integrated into the environment, economy, and culture of a particular place.” Our foodshed is weakening and dysfunctional. Farmland is being sectioned and sold to developers who build “masterplanned communities” and name them things that end with Ranch or Farms. Regional land prices have skyrocketed from about $1,000 in 1996 to $5,000 in 2006 according to the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. This makes it difficult for those who want to. Crossley reminds us that, “Pearland is called Pearland because they used to grow pears there. Sugar Land is called Sugar Land because you can grow lots of sugar cane around here and we used to do it. The soil of the Houston region could produce—if we actually preserved it, allocated water to farming, and actually farmed it—enough rice to feed the current entire population of our region, according to some back-of-the-envelope calculations by Dr. John Jacob at Texas A&M Sea Grant.” As peak production of oil, climate change, environmental strain, and financial insecurity become an ever-increasing reality, our fragile foodshed is failing. Crossley says, “Our Galveston Bay is home to Texas’ strongest When (food) systems oyster reefs, but they are localized, individuals lay unharvestable at within a specific the beginning of the community are better year, because the January and February able to exert control over rains brought a flush of their food security and toxins into the bay… are enabled to participate toxins that paused the oyster harvest this year in multiple aspects of the came from lawns—all food system—growing, that junk that people sharing, and preparing insanely throw out healthy, fresh food. around their homes.” ➜ September 2012

Luckily, we have alternatives to the “food-tarmac” and solutions to our environmental dilemma. Organizations like Urban Harvest and the Houston Food Policy Workgroup of Houston Tomorrow are taking initiative to increase the resiliency of our foodshed. Urban Harvest operates farmers markets five days a week, supports a network of more than 100 community gardens and urban farms, and hosts gardening and permaculture classes throughout the year. The mission statement of the Houston Food Policy Workgroup is, “…to nurture the growth of a sustainable local food system, accessible to all, through education, collaboration, communication, and creation of a food policy council for the Houston region.” This group meets the first Wednesday of each month. Visit their website www.food.houstontomorrow.org to RSVP. Most importantly, there are a growing number of determined farmers investing their lives to support a better system for us. You can find and support them and the community at large at your neighborhood farmers market or local grocer.

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR FOODSHED • Shop at your local farmers market. Change magazine recommends the Nassau Bay Farmers Market, which features only local, backyard farmers who grow their food organically—without the use of toxic chemicals. Visit the market every Saturday, 10am-2pm at 18045 Upper Bay Rd., Nassau Bay, in front of Erma’s Nutrition Center. • Buy local at your favorite grocery store. Kroger, HEB, and other huge grocery stores are beginning to carry more locally grown fresh produce and locally prepared foods. Be sure and check labels and ask your store managers to carry more food grown and produced in Texas. • Grow your own. Houston has multiple growing seasons— you can harvest fresh vegetables and fruit from your own backyard. Plant fruit trees. Almost all citrus does very well here. Start a small fall garden. Several lettuce varieties grow very well throughout our fall and winter months. There’s nothing like picking fresh lettuce leaves for a healthy and delicious salad.

Reference and links www.recenter.tamu.edu/data/rland/regions/trlp_region5.pdf www.food.houstontomorrow.org www.urbanharvest.org/ www.resolutiongardens.org/farm/ www.foodisfreeproject.org/ www.sustainablefoodcenter.org/ www.ermasnutritioncenter.com 62

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September 2012