Sugar Land April 17

April 2017

Community At Your Finger Tips - Sugar Land Autism

Awareness Earth D ay With Heidi Green

Notes on

Guitar Month Spring Home Maintenance Zoey by Pink Owl Studios

Contents

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Autism Awareness, Action and Acceptance!

The Lifestyle

Earth Day: The Simpler And Safer Way to Clean Your Home

13 15

Community Outreach

The List

Top 10 Things to do in April with Auntie A

Seasonal Tips

Spring Home Maintenance Todo List

The List | info@siennalist.com | www.thelist.city | 281-201-5998

April 22nd - 6 until 10am - Sugar Land Town Square

The List was developed with your community in mind. We offer free services for our members; a platform where members can find jobs, business recommendations, events, and more with the click of a button.

8K & 1K Kids Fun. Run for the Cause. For more information, visit act. austismspeaks.org

It’s easy to become a member of The List:

April 23rd - 8 until 11am - Sugar Land Town Square

1 - Visit www.thelist.city reate a user name and 2 - Cpassword for your login.

Autism Speaks Houston - 2711 Plaza Dr Sugar Land TX 77479

Resolve Walk of Hope - 2711 Plaza Dr Sugar Land TX 77479

Support the Infertility Journey with a 1 mile walk. For More Information, please email Info@resolve.org May 5th - 6:30 until 9:30pm - Bar Louie

CINCO DE MAYO Party - 16049 City Walk Dr, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Drinks, music, and a mechanical bull. For more information, visit sugarlandtownsquare.com

May 6th - 11am until 2pm - Sugar Land Town Square

Fort Bend Pets Alive Shelter Pet Expo - 2711 Plaza Dr, 77479 Adoptable Pets from local pet services. For more information, visit fortbendpetsalive.org

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3 - Click the Submit button.

Creating and sharing a local event such as a garage sale, classes, or a fundraiser has never been easier! Once you login, click create an event. Then fill in the appropriate fields and your event will be live on The List.

Family Time

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5 Fun Family Easter Activities

By Mike Miraflores

aster is upon us. It’s a time when families and friends get together to do kid-friendly activities. As with Christmas, Easter is celebrated in both religious and secular ways. For the devout, Easter means going to mass and reflecting on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. For most Americans, it’s about egg hunts and Uncle Bill dressing up as a giant, creepy bunny. However you choose to celebrate Easter, here are a few last minute activity ideas you might want to try out during the holiday.

4. Host an Easter Dinner

1. Paper Mache Art

If you and your family still want to take part in a traditional Easter egg hunt, you can use it as a chance to get to know your neighbors better.

Oftentimes, we host our own private Easter parties with friends or join our

Do paper mache projects with your kids. Invite your children’s friends as well, so they can learn to collaborate with each other. This will also help you save some money on Easter decoration for your home. Plus, what’s more valuable, cheap plastic bunnies and egg shells from Walmart or handicraft made by your children?

Use those paper mache crafts you made with your children as table décor.

Create a Facebook event and invite friends over for an Easter-themed dinner in your backyard. Go to the local farmer’s market and buy fresh seasonal ingredients. Not only is this healthier and cheaper than eating out, it will give you a chance to bask in the Spring weather.

5. Community Easter Egg Hunt

congregation. While there’s nothing wrong with that, there is a level of exclusivity that makes socialization insular. Instead of taking part in a small private affair, try going to a community egg hunt hosted by a place of worship other than your own. Sugar Creek Baptist Church is hosting one on March 26th. You do not have to be a member of the Sugar Creek Baptist church or be affiliated with the denomination to participate. The egg hunt will be held at various club houses, churches and apartment complexes in the Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond and Rosenberg areas. It’s a great way to keep in touch of your larger community and make new friends.

2. Make Your Own Chocolate Chocolate is synonymous with Easter.

The famous chocolate eggs have been around for years and are staples of Easter egg hunts. However, they aren’t the healthiest components of the food pyramid. Instead of buying family size bags of sweets at the store, make your own healthy version at home with the family. It’s a great way to bond with the kids and teach them how to make healthy-yet-delicious alternatives.

3. Level Up the Easter Egg Hunt Instead of simply hiding Easter eggs in this year’s hunt, try geocaching.

There are a variety of free GPS apps for Android and iOS that you can use for this activity. Make it a social media activity: post hints online, whether on Facebook or Twitter, and have your friends and their children join in on the hunt. When they find hidden treasure, they must leave something in the capsule in return for others to find.

April 2017

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Continued ~

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Community Outreach Autism Awareness, Action and Acceptance! year.” To date, the organization has provided, with the help of generous donors, grantors and volunteers nearly $500,000 in financial assistance to help bridge the gap between families and autism service providers.

Many therapies that are needed for children on the autism spectrum are not covered by insurance. If insurance does cover cost, it is often with a limited number of sessions. Statistics note it costs more than $60,000 per year to care for a child with autism.

There is no cure for autism, but early diagnosis is key.

Acceptance

Autism is the fastest growing children’s disorder, more prevalent that AIDS, cancer and diabetes, combined.

Many autism families know all too well, autism spectrum disorder is not going away. It is not a death sentence.

Children on the spectrum may be uniquely different but, not less. Autism acceptance is a crucial component in building relationships, regardless if it is through therapy, education, on the playground, church, store or restaurant.

Children with autism want to enjoy and do what other children do and enjoy.

A

pril Autism Awareness Month is in full swing and Hope For Three, local autism advocates is hitting the streets to spread the Power of Three: Awareness, Action and Acceptance.

Organizers say the Power of Three are a must to help children with autism (1 in 45 school age children affected) thrive and live the best life possible.

Awareness In 2007, the United Nations declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day in perpetuity and the entire Month has become April Autism Awareness Month. Hope For Three, founded in 2011, vowed its first celebration of April Autism Awareness Month in 2012 would reach countywide and beyond.

Today, the organization continues to garner the support of Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert and all 18 City Mayors, whereby each proclaims the month of April Autism Awareness Month and encourage their city to not only support Hope For Three and its mission, but join millions around the world to light it up blue by turning their lights blue or wearing blue. “Light

it Up Blue” is the Autism Awareness Campaign ignited by Autism Speaks and supported by various autism organizations and advocates worldwide.

“Autism is a very complex disorder,” said Darla Farmer, Founder and Executive Director of Hope For Three.

“We recognize for this community to take action and give unconditional acceptance to our autism families, they must be aware and educated about autism spectrum disorder. Among the many ways, we bring awareness is through various events such as Car Wash for Kids (4-2-17), Strike Out Autism (4-23-17), Annual Luncheon and Golf Fore Autism, our signature program, It’s Cool to Care, Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)and our parent empowerment group, H.O.P.E (Helping Our Parents Excel),” Farmer continued.

Action Although Autism Awareness Month is recognized worldwide during the month of April, Hope For Three says “it lives its mission 365 days a

Hope For Three wants you to join the Power of Three: Autism “Awareness, Action and Acceptance”, visit www. hopeforthree.org for a list of events or call 281-245-0640 and find out how you can participate, donate and BE the Difference for children and families living with autism. You can also find valuable parent/family resources and other ways for you to become aware, take action and give acceptance.

Strike Out Autism Family Fun Day Event - April 23 The 5th Annual Strike Out Autism Family Fun Day Event, presented by Fred and Mable R Parks Foundation, takes place April 23 at Constellation Field during the Sugar Land Skeeters Opening Weekend. Strike Out Autism is part of the Hope For Three Awareness Campaign whereby Judge Robert Hebert, all 18 City Mayors, Sugar Land Skeeters, donors, underwriters, volunteers and the community recognize April Autism Awareness Month. The event is also an opportunity for Hope For Three to host more than 400 autism family members to an afternoon of fun, food and fellowship. Visit www.hopeforthree.org/strike-out-autism to volunteer or RSVP your family for the event.

Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are also available as well as ticket purchases.

Pictured: presenting sponsor Fred and Mable R Parks, Sugar Land Skeeters, Event Committee Members/Volunteers, teen huddle and some “ausome” children.

April 2017

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The Lifestyle

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Earth Day: The Simpler And Safer Way to Clean Your Home

et’s face it, taking a walk down the aisle of household cleaners and detergents at the grocery store can be a bit daunting to say the least. There are literally different cleaners for every surface of your home; granite, marble, stainless steel, glass, wood floors, and the list goes on. Not only that there are so many brands to choose from!

You, like most folks, probably have an entire cabinet with different products. I used to have a cabinet full of so MANY products! I started doing research after a harsh chemical I was using to clean the bathroom made me sick. What I found was that there IS a simpler and safer way to keep my home clean.

Since April is the month that we celebrate Earth Day it is the perfect time to start thinking about the cleaners you use in your home that may not be good for you or the environment. The truth is that many of the household cleaners on the shelves contain ingredients that can have harmful effects on our bodies and the environment in which we dispose them. Ever wonder why there are so many caution labels? Why we keep these cleaners locked up away from kiddos and pets? Why you need to step out of the bathroom for a bit after cleaning with bleach or any cleaner that may contain bleach or ammonia?

Many of the ingredients in these cleaners have been linked to severe allergies, asthma, cancer, as well as lung and liver issues. Now, this is a lot of information, but I do not want you to be overwhelmed. I want you to be informed and start with one thing at a time. It is just like any other change you make in your life; make small changes and the rest will evolve. Once you see the difference, you will feel better and making additional changes will be easier. Using simpler and fewer products to clean your home really is better for you and your family as well as the environment. To help you get started I have identified what most in the “green” industry agree on that are the most dangerous cleaners to have in your home. You can look for alternatives for each of these products in most health food stores and grocery stores. I always say, “read the labels”.

Just like changing food habits and reading labels you should do the same with your household cleaners.

1) Dishwasher detergents: Most contain chlorine. Enough said.

2) Bleach: Highly corrosive and dangerous for your skin, lungs and respitory system.

3) Antibacterial cleaners: These are everywhere and most of us have them in order to kill germs as they promise.

The downside is that most contain Triclosan, which can be absorbed through the skin and has been linked to liver damage.

4) Toilet Bowl cleaner: Most contain bleach and hydrochloric acid, which are highly corrosive.

5) Air Freshener: Some of the ingredients here include Formaldehyde and Phenol. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and Phenol can cause your skin to swell, burn or even peel.

Now to simplify, many cleaners that are safer for you can be used interchangeably. For example, a good all purpose cleaner goes a long way. It can be used on most surfaces in your home including granite and marble. It can easily replace antibacterial cleaners and IT WILL kill the germs. You can use a simple cleanser for your toilets or even buy a “green’ toilet bowl

By Heidi Green

cleaner like Seventh Generation. The simpler the ingredients, the better the product. If you love the smell that your air freshener gives you home look for safer options such as non-toxic sprays or soy candles. They will smell even better than commercial products!

Look in your cupboard for baking soda and vinegar. These have both been proven effective at cleaning and are so easily available. A vinegar-based glass cleaner will make your mirrors and windows sparkle! To help get you started I am providing you with an easy homemade laundry detergent recipe that not only cleans well it is very cost effective at around $.29 a load. Keep it simple, read the labels and have fun trying new things.

If having a clean and green home is important to you but you don’t have the time or energy to do it yourself Simply Clean & Green can help! We have been providing eco-friendly cleaning services to Fort Bend County for the past 6 years. Our mission is to provide professional, quality housekeeping at an affordable price to all of our clients. We understand that having a clean home is as important as having a healthy home. Happy Earth Day!

Homemade Laundry Detergent 1 Bar of Coco Castile Soapgrated (the coconut cleans better than regular Castile) 2 C Borax 2 C Soda Ash Mix all together and store in container of your choice. Use approx. 1/3 C per load.

April 2017

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Silver Screen

April 14

th

Now that Dom and Letty are on their honeymoon and Brian and Mia have retired from the game and the rest of the crew has been exonerated the globetrotting team has found a semblance of a normal life. But when a mysterious woman (Oscar® winner Charlize Theron) seduces Dom into the world of crime he can’t seem to escape and a betrayal of those closest to him, they will face trials that will test them as never before.

SPARK (Jace Norman) is a wisecracking teen living on an abandoned planet with his friends Chunk and Vix. Thirteen years ago the power-hungry General Zhong seized control of their planet Beta, wiping out Spark’s family and sending him into hiding. But now they’ve learned of Zhong’s plan to wipe out the entire universe using the deadly space Kraken, and no one but Spark can stop him. An action-packed space odyssey filled with humor and heart, SPARK is an epic adventure about becoming the hero you were born to become.

April 21st

“Born In China” follows the adventures of three animal families the majestic panda, the savvy golden monkey and the elusive snow leopard. Featuring stunning imagery, the film navigates the vast terrain from the frigid mountains to the heart of the bamboo forest on the wings of a red-crowned crane, showcasing remarkably intimate family moments captured on film for the first time ever.See Born in China opening week and Disneynature will make a donation in your honor to World Wildlife Fund to benefit wild pandas and snow leopards.

May 5th

The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand.

Family living under one roof in New York must deal with a life-changing transformation by one that ultimately affects them all. Ray is a teenager who has come to the realization that he isn’t meant to be a girl and has decided to transition from female to male. His single mother, Maggie, must track down Ray’s biological father to get his legal consent to allow Ray’s transition. Dolly, Ray’s lesbian grandmother, is having a hard time accepting that she now has a grandson. They must each confront their own identities and learn to embrace change and their strength as a family in order to ultimately find acceptance and understanding.

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We want to know: Do you have a

Super Dad? In addition to being a great Dad, has he dealt with huge challenges? Achieved something special in his career?

Built an incredible business from the ground up? Does he make a big impact in the local community? If your Dad has overcome great odds, we want to hear about him and tell the local community how great he is.

The List will be featuring 4 Super - Dads in June.

Send all submissions by email to info@siennalist.com!!

Submissions must Include: • High resolution image of your Dad. (JPEG or PDF) • Tell us how special your dad is in 200 words or less.

• Subject Line: Super Dad Sugar Land

Health Report

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Technology Helps ‘Take the Weight Off’ So Patients Can Participate in Physical Therapy

hysical therapy patients at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital have access to a unique unweighting system that enables them to exercise without putting pressure on injured and recovering joints.

The PneuWeight™ unloading system is an innovative pneumatic tool that lifts and supports a patient’s body weight to reduce or eliminate pain.

Without the pain associated with weight-bearing, patients can walk, run and do other exercises earlier in the rehabilitation process — dramatically shortening their recovery times.

Although PneuWeight system was developed more than 25 years ago for a professional basketball team, they remain a rare sight in many physical therapy clinics. At Houston Methodist Sugar Land, however, the system is in constant use.

“The PneuWeight is an invaluable asset for us here, and it makes a big difference in the treatment of many of our patients,” said Dan Kershner, a Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital physical therapist. “PneuWeight enables us to unload a patient’s body weight using a comfortable harness. We can adjust how much weight is unloaded, and add more weight as the patient progresses. We usually unload for treadmill work, but we have the option to remove the treadmill to work on other types of weight bearing exercises.”

One recent patient, recovering from multiple injuries after being hit by a car, was mostly wheelchair-bound when he first arrived for physical therapy. Standing was

difficult, and he could only walk a few steps at a time, with a significant limp.

“He couldn’t put any weight at all on his left leg,” recalled Kershner.

Using PneuWeight, however, the patient was able to begin walking on the treadmill; at first, only 100 steps or so before he would tire. But he quickly rebuilt his strength and stamina and began walking for five minutes, then 10, then longer. As his pain lessened, the physical therapy staff decreased the system’s lift and increased the amount of weight the patient was bearing on his own.

have been able to tolerate walking activity in physical therapy for many more weeks, and his recovery would have been much, much slower,” said Kershner.

The PneuWeight is also valuable in helping patients who have balance issues or patients who struggle with balance due to neurologic disorders like the effects of a stroke. “The harness provides the necessary stability and gives patients the confidence to exercise without the fear of falling,” said Kiran Patel, a Houston Methodist Sugar Land physical therapist assistant.

Today, he no longer needs a wheelchair or even a cane, and his limp has significantly improved.

That confidence can play a key role in encouraging patients to keep working hard at their therapy.

“Without PneuWeight, he would not

“It’s not unusual for patients to get discouraged at what they perceive to be a lack of progress, even though they are improving,” said Patel. “That’s especially true if they are recovering from a traumatic injury, which typically requires a long period of rehabilitation.

The PneuWeight enables us to get patients up and moving early; it helps restore confidence and motivates patients to keep working hard. It makes a world of difference.”

For more information on physical therapy services at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, go to houstonmethodist. org/therapy-sl or call 281.274.0123 to schedule an appointment. Visit our Facebook page at fb.com/ methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

Photo: PneuWeight April 2017

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Music in the Media Notes on Guitar Month

By Jason Luthor

Fans of classical guitar music may also want to consider joining Guitar Houston, an organization that brings together lovers of the classical style.

For a relatively low cost, you can become a yearlong member. Members get significant discounts on tickets to local concerts and classes, while the best seating at hosted music events is also reserved for those with membership. Event announcements are made each month during the monthly meeting, when members are given the opportunity to perform for one another. These meetings also occasionally feature notable artists and music lecturers.

H

ave you ever thought about learning to play an instrument? Ever felt inspired by some of the guitar geniuses of the past few decades?

April is International Guitar Month, and if you’ve ever had the desire to start strumming, then there’s no better time to start.

For the musical novice, Music Connection is the ideal place to begin your music career. Locations in Sugar Land and Pearland, facilities are staffed by skilled instructors with years of music playing experience. They’ll teach you the basics of music theory, show you how to read guitar tab instructions, and have you playing your first song in no time. It’s also a great place to stock up on instruments and accessories.

If you’re a resident from Missouri City who’s looking to pick up your first guitar, then Smack Guitars is a great place to do your shopping. They sell both electric and acoustic guitars along with amps and pedals, which can give your music a unique sound. For anyone who loves a bass line, Smack Guitars also carries a broad range of bass guitars.

Residents living closer to Pearland might want to visit Mr. G’s Guitars. They not only have a robust range of guitars for sale, but offer full repair services and comprehensive music lessons. It’s a great, one-stop-shop for residents living south of the greater Houston area. Their music lesson program is one of the most comprehensive you can find, making Mr. G’s a fantastic place to find a music instructor.

Anyone wanting to celebrate International Guitar Month without having to pick up an instrument may want to attend one of the many concerts happening around Houston.

One notable example is Buzzfest, which will be happening on April 15th in the Woodlands. Hosted by the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, the festival will feature over a dozen musicians playing throughout the day. Attendees can buy tickets for the general audience pit or find affordable seating out on the pavilion’s lawn. There are also a number of concerts happening throughout the city, from guitar virtuoso Jesse Cook’s performance at the Cullen Performance Hall to rock great PJ Harvey’s appearance at the Revention Music Center.

Regardless of where you live, there’s a place nearby where you can begin fulfilling your rock and roll dreams.

However, if you’d rather spend the month listening to guitar geniuses rather than trying to become one, visit the Houston Press. They keep a list of every major concert happening around the city, so you’re sure to find an event that appeals to the music lover inside of you.

April 2017

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The List

Top 10 Things to do in April

1.

Congratulations! It’s SPRING! It is time to go through each room and make notes as to things that need to be repaired, cleaned and organized. Block off on your weekly calendar two afternoons to organize, two afternoons to repair and paint things and two days to clean every part of that particular room.

2. Go to the store and grab the trays that you can plant seeds in and some dirt and start seeds for both micro greens in your salads and also for your garden as well. These tiny transplants will be stronger and ready to produce faster with the assistance of your extra attention now.

3. Take potatoes that have started to sprout and plant them in the garden.

Soon they will be making more potatoes and that’s one less thing you have to go buy at the market! It’s always easier, cheaper and just plain better to walk outside and gather fresh from the garden than to go to the store and gather there!

4. On my nightside table now is Texas Monthly’s Texas Women, Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert.

with Auntie A

5. Make a scrub! Last year, I added scrubs to my things to make list. Its a master list that I use to keep a running total of projects that I want to try to make or do. The sugar scrubs are easy and slough away the dry skin left over from this winter. I make mine with nourishing coconut oil.

6. Plan a weekly movie night for your family. We are at a point in our lives where the time we spend with our teenage son is very important to us.

Keeping the communication lines open and finding things that bring us to a common place is critical. I like to plan a lovely meal, rent a movie and then discuss the movie. We have had some very intellectual conversations in these special times. It is my hope that he will look back and remember the movies, the food and mostly the conversations with him and us.

7. Buy a copy of Glamour or Vogue and catch what’s expected for the spring 2017 looks and colors. Try at least one new something for Easter whether it be a new lipstick color, or a fashion trend.

8. Schedule lunch with an old friend.

Pick a spot that you used to go to and

bring along a gift of something that will remind him/her of the old times that you share together.

9. Start writing or shooting with your iPhone a series. It can be a series of sunsets, or a series of your cat each afternoon. Do this for 30 days and then build a collage with what you have captured. You’ll be surprised at how much better your composition will be just by your own hand and eye and practice.

10. As always make time to spend with the children. Put down a blanket under a tree in your yard and read a chapter from Charlottes Web, or Shakespeare and connect with their minds on something that is timeless… the written word!

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The Perfect Meal for a Movie Night with your Family Now you know that the movie that

you select can set a theme for what you’ll serve.

For a basic go to that

everyone will love here’s my go to

Auntie A’s Chopped Fresh Vegetable Salad with Pistachios

house.

You’ll need: 1 head of Romaine Lettuce (I cut at the base in my garden sop

Cream cheese stuffed jalapeños or

days)

for our weekly movie nights at my

chips and my homemade salsa

Pulled pork and Poblano and Oaxaca cheese tacos

Chopped fresh vegetable salad with pistachios

Molten Lava cake with vanilla bean

ice cream and fudge sauce with cream puff and maraschino cherries

Edward’s favorite!)

(James

the plant will regrow lettuce in a few

2 large tomato chopped 4 slices of red onion cut through and then broken apart

1 julienned cucumber 1/2 cup red bell pepper 1/2 cup of asparagus sliced raw 1/2 cup of pistachios 1/4 cup munster cheese pinched into small pieces

and of course….there’s the popcorn

with pour over butter sauce and smoked almonds

April 2017

13

HEALTH MATTERS WITH DR. STEVE HARRIS WHERE PAIN RELIEF COMES NATURALLY

Five Herniated Discs...No Surgery

D

by Amy Sharp

r. Rodney Bell, the choir director at Needville High School, has seen a chiropractor for most of his life. When he moved here several years ago, he started seeing Dr. Steve Harris at Sugar Land Health Center. It was chiropractic adjustment business as usual for Dr. Bell...until this summer.

“I was noticing a rapid increase in lower back pain,” says Dr. Bell. “I just assumed it was because I had skipped a few adjustments. But Dr. Harris thought otherwise...something had changed and he ordered an MRI. The results were shocking...five herniated discs in my lower back. It quickly turned into the worst pain I had ever experienced in my life.”

“The odds were certainly against me,” continues Dr. Bell.

“Even Dr. Harris said it was one of the worst cases he had seen in 39 years of practice. But that is where I was lucky...I had Dr. Harris in my life. For many in that situation, the only recourse is drugs and back surgery.

I wanted to avoid surgery. Dr. Harris told me he would give it all he had, but in exchange I had to stay really faithful to the treatment plan--a plan that included body alignments, electrical treatments, very strong decompression and laser treatments. I’ll be honest, the pain got worse before it got better...but Dr. Harris had prepared me for that. Each time you walk into Dr. Harris’ office you’re asked to mark your pain level on a scale of 0-10. On the worst day, I wrote down ‘SEVERE--14!’ But three days later, the pain started dropping rapidly. Now, I usually mark ½ or zero. It’s just remarkable!”

As a choir director and teacher, Dr. Bell is very active... conducting music through use of his arms and playing the piano for hours each day. “As school starts back,” says Dr. Bell, “doctor’s orders are I can return to normal activity...and I’m a bit nervous about that. But my security blanket is knowing Dr. Harris is close by and I can go in if I need to!”

“Dr. Harris is a very honest and ethical doctor,” continues Dr. Bell. “He truly wants you to be healthy. He shows you exactly what’s wrong, and explains how

he’s going to treat it and why. He’s knowledgeable in both his wealth of experience and education on the latest chiropractic treatments, techniques and technology. And his office staff is fabulous. They really care about you...each and every time I’m there they go out of their way to make sure I’m comfortable.”

Dr. Harris says, “What I do is not only safe care, but holistic care. My commitment is to do everything I can to help you avoid surgery and drugs. In other words, I believe that the body has the power to heal, but that sometimes it just needs a little help to do so. I’m so happy I could do that for Rodney, and I would love to help you as well!”

Sugar Land Health Center 281-980-1050 3425 Highway 6, Suite 101 (behind McDonalds) Sugar Land, TX 77478

www.sugarlandhealthcenter.com

Seasonal Tips

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Spring Home Maintenance Todo List

By Jason Luthor

pril showers may bring flowers, but April is also a month when people try to get their homes looking their best. Spring cleaning is a tradition across America, but you can also perform a little maintenance that will make sure your house is in top condition.

Since rain is common in the spring, make sure to inspect your gutters. It’s important to guarantee that they’re set tightly against your roof, which can prevent spillage. Rainwater that spills to the ground can gather in pools and threaten your home’s foundation.

The roof is actually the source of many home troubles. Tiles can erode and fall apart over time, so make sure your home’s tiling is still secure. If you notice any gaps, then you may want to have a professional retile any damaged sections of the roof. While you’re on top of the house, it’s also important to check your chimney. If you see any exterior damage, like cracks along the base, then you risk rain water seeping through your roof.

Back on the ground, it’s best to do an exterior inspection of the house as well. Check the faucets along your home’s exterior to make sure they’re not damaged. Checking them is simple, and only requires that you turn them on. Once turned on, place your thumb over the opening. If the water flow comes to a complete stop, it’s a sign that your pipes are damaged.

Speaking of leaks, make sure that you perform an inspection of your

windows. Check the caulking and weather stripping to make sure it’s intact, since leaks in these materials can release cool air out of your home.

This will slowly but steadily drive up your electricity bill. One suspicious sign to look out for is the presence of condensation inside the glass, which indicates that there is a leak in the weather seal.

You’ll also want to make sure your AC unit is working in time for the summer.

Hire a contractor to make sure the unit has been properly cleaned, since dirty cooling coils can make your AC run inefficiently. You’ll also want to inspect the filters inside your home and replace them where necessary.

Finally, when getting ready for spring, make sure you perform a little yard maintenance. Rake up any branches,

leaves, or other debris that gathered during the winter. As you’re going around your yard, keep an eye out for weeds that might need to be pulled.

There are safe, organic herbicides you can buy that will help deal with any unsightly growth. If you have a deck or patio in your backyard, inspect the wood and make sure none of the boards are loose or warped. The end of winter is also a great time to clean, stain, and reseal a wooden deck, which will help extend its life.

By following these tips, you can make sure your home is in good condition on both the inside and outside. During the coming months, you won’t have to worry about your AC failing, your gutters overflowing, or water damage.

This will keep your home in good shape over the summer.

April 2017

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