LOCAL EXPERTS SHARE TIPS ON HOW TO STAY ACTIVE AND HEALTHY AT EVERY AGE
Top Doctors 2024 +
WOMEN'S HEALTH Through the Decades
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CONTENTS
V. XI 1.24
photography by SHOOCHA PHOTOGRAPHY
F E AT U R E S
38
WOMEN’S HE ALTH THROUGH THE DE CADE S
We’ve tapped local fitness and wellness experts of all ages to discuss their relationship with physical activity and general best practices to inspire others to stay active and healthy at every stage of life.
6 The Bend
ON THE COVER An illustration of a woman depicting the idea of a healthy growth in mind and body as you age. Generated by Ai.
57
2 02 4 TOP DOCTORS Special Advertising Section: The annual Top Doctors list provides the names of area doctors recommended by their peers. Directly following the list showcases advertorial profiles of local medical professionals.
On View January 26 – April 7, 2024 at the Art Museum of South Texas
This is one in a series of American art exhibitions created through a multi-year, multi-institutional partnership formed by the Amon Carter Museum of American Art as part of the Art Bridges Cohort Program.
361.825.3500 | artmuseumofsouthtexas.org 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX STEVE GOFF (b. 1951) Wagagi Thanchanku (Milky Way), (detail), 2018, Pigment print, Ellen Noël Art Museum, Odessa, Texas thebendmag.com 7
CONTENTS D E PA RT M E N T S
UP FRONT
CUISINE
18 Person of Interest
48 Farm to Table
The Instituto de Cultura Hispánica de Corpus Christi’s new executive director discusses her vision for the museum
Health-promoting foods to start the year off fresh
20 Social Hour
AROUND THE BEND 70 Arts & Culture The Trojanettes perform nostalgic hits while inspiring othere to shine bright
KIRBY CONDA CONTRIBU TOR
22 Giving Back The Corpus Christi Literacy Council helps adults achieve English literacy success
24 Datebook
HOME & GARDEN 28 Open House
If you've been reading The Bend for a while now, you're likely familiar with Kirby Conda's writing. Conda stepped down as Senior Writer at the end of 2022 to focus on other professional endeavors, but is gracing the pages with her words once again! Find her work on page 22 this month.
51 5 Best
72 Discovery
Discover delicious poke bowls in the Coastal Bend to try now
Ellison Helmsman, Inc. fosters community connections and guides business growth
52 The Drink
74 Looking Back
The spirited evolution of Italian Cowboy Food & Provision
A look back at one of Corpus Christi’s oldest buildings
Inside a charming 1940s abode with timeless elegance
32 Trending A guide to stylish throw pillows from local retailers
34 Gardening Tips and tricks for growing bok choy in the Coastal Bend
36 Entertaining Inspiration for a Mamma Mia-themed bash 8 The Bend
54 The Dish A couple from Chiang Mai brings the essence of Thailand to the Coastal Bend
56 Table Talk The latest updates in the local cuisine world
thebendmag.com 9
JANUARY 2024
PUBLISHER
Chris Knapick
chris@thebendmag.com EDITOR IN CHIEF
Kylie Cooper
kylie@thebendmag.com
•
VOLUME 11
•
ISSUE 1
PHOTOGRAPHY
PRESIDENT
Jordan Regas
Rachel Benavides Deux Boheme Taylor Cravey Debbie Noble Jason Page Shoocha Photography Benjamin Zaragosa
jordan@hilltopmediagroup.com VICE PRESIDENT
Kaley Regas
kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com
ART DIRECTOR
Jarred Schuetze jarred@thebendmag.com
M A N AG I NG E D I TO R
Alexa Rodriguez alexa@thebendmag.com
AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E
Kent Cooper
kent@thebendmag.com
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Meagan Matthews
CONTRIBUTORS
Luis Arjona Jillian Becquet Kayla Butts Justin Butts Kirby Conda Jacqueline Gonzalez Debra Young Hatch Jo Anne Howell Vanessa Perez
meagan@hilltopmediagroup.com A C C O U N T S R E C E I VA B L E
Lisa Munson
accounting@thebendmag.com
COPY EDITOR
Kayte Spillman
READER SERVICES
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10 The Bend
The Bend Magazine Volume 11 / Issue 1. The Bend Magazine is published by Bend Holdings Sub, LLC. Copyright © 2024 Bend Holdings Sub, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without express written consent. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is rather considered informative. The Bend is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. The Bend reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community's best interest or in questionable taste. Expressed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ownership. Volume 11 / Issue 1, The Bend (periodicals 25150) is published monthly, 12 times a year, by Hilltop Media Group, 402 Peoples St. 4C, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 Periodical postage paid at Corpus Christi, TX and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bend, P.O. Box 16765, Hollywood, CA, 91615.
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EDITOR’S LETTER
photography by SHOOC HA PHOTOGRA PHY
Strength & Opportunity I am quickly approaching my 30s and am rather excited about transitioning from one decade of life to another. By no means do I view turning 30 as something I should dread or fear – quite the contrary. I feel as though I’ll be entering this new chapter of life more assured of myself, with a better grasp on how to extend my energy outwards without experiencing burnout, how to articulate my needs and wants more clearly, and with more mindfulness when it comes to what I put into my body and how I choose to move it. Aging is one of the few guarantees life offers and though it isn’t always celebrated by society at large – especially when it comes to women growing older – it is something we can, and should, embrace wholly and intentionally. Betty Friedan, writer, activist and cofounder of the National Organization for Women, once said, “Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” As I read through this month’s cover feature one last time before we sent it to the press, I couldn’t help but see those wise words ring true on each page.
For the very first cover feature of 2024, we tapped six fitness and wellness experts in the Coastal Bend to share insight on how women can stay active and healthy at every stage of life (pg. 38). Written by managing editor Alexa Rodriguez, contributor Debra Young Hatch and myself, “Women’s Health Through the Decades” takes readers on an inspiring wellness journey through your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond. Also included are local medical professionals Dr. Heather Dixon’s and Dr. Esther Khatibi’s top healthcare tips for each decade of life. Though you’ll find exercise routine suggestions, breathwork insight, ideal stretches, tips for being a beginner at the gym, the importance of rest and recovery, and everything in between, one of the commonalities between each woman’s experience shifting from one decade to the next is exactly what Betty Friedan’s quote echos: Look for the opportunities to continue growing and evolving and the strength to continuously show up for ourselves. In addition to a full lineup of inspiring local stories, this month’s issue also features a few exciting changes. Art director Jarred Schuetze beautifully updated the type treatments throughout the publication and gave a handful of department stories a design refresh. We’ve also added a new section to the Cuisine department, Table Talk, which will give you the latest headlines in the local food and drink world. All of this, of course, is done with your experience in mind. Our team is running full speed ahead into 2024, and we’ve got an exciting lineup of stories, digital offerings and events. My hope for you is that this new year brings you health, happiness and a renewed sense of excitement when you blow out the candles (regardless of how many there are) on your next birthday cake.
KY LIE COOPER , EDITOR IN CHIEF kylie@thebendmag.com
V. XI 1.24 THRE E HIGHLIGHT S
PERSON OF INTEREST I met Sharon Diaz Villarreal at our HER 2023 event and within five minutes of our first conversation, I knew we needed to share her story. Read about her vision for the Instituto de Cultura Hispánica de Corpus Christi as its new executive director. Pg. 18
THE ART OF THE APERTIVO Italian Cowboy Food & Provisions is one of my favorite local shops in the Coastal Bend. The fact that they’ve recently expanded their inventory to include all the Italian aperitivo necessities makes them that much better. Pg. 52
THE TROJANETTES TAKE ON NOSTALGIA I saw the Trojanttes perform at a community festival towards the end of 2023 and was completely captivated by their stage presence. Make plans to catch a show of the nostalgic girl group out of Moody High School at some point this year! You won’t be disappointed. Pg. 70 thebendmag.com 15
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1.24
UP FRONT P O I 1 8 S O C I A L H O U R 2 0 G I V I N G B AC K 2 2 DAT E B O O K 2 4
In Conversation with/
photography by DEUX BOH EME
SHARON DIAZ VILLARREAL
pg 18
The Instituto de Cultura Hispánica de Corpus Christi’s new executive director on her vision for the museum and more
thebendmag.com 17
UP FRONT PE RSON OF IN TE RE ST
Becoming the executive director brought its own set of challenges and growth. The initial months have been focused on character-building, navigating the expectations of others and standing firm on decisions. I've had to lean into community leaders for guidance on many things. It’s been a major lesson in focusing on what I can and cannot control. I am so grateful for the support from the ones who have trusted my vision. Despite the challenges, these early months have been nothing short of amazing. Witnessing the Instituto's potential unfold and feeling the community's support has been inspiring.
IN CONVERSATION WITH
Sharon Diaz Villarreal
The Instituto de Cultura Hispánica de Corpus Christi’s new executive director talks about her vision for the museum and more By Kylie Cooper
Photo by Deux Boheme
Originally from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Sharon Diaz Villarreal’s childhood largely shaped her love for arts and culture. Villarreal credits her grandmother as having an immense influence on the appreciation she has for her roots. However, moving to the United States in third grade, and knowing little to no English, impacted that appreciation deeply. She felt silenced to fit in. “For years, I felt embarrassed about my culture and avoided speaking Spanish,” Villarreal said. It wasn’t until her early 20s that she began reconnecting with her roots as she started to realize the best shared moments happened when she embraced her culture loudly and proudly. This is exactly what she hopes to inspire in others who too have felt silenced because of their heritage. In her new role as the Instituto de Cultura Hispánica de Corpus Christi’s executive director, Villarreal is set on creating a space where people can learn, discover and feel as though they truly belong. KC: You moved into this new role towards the end of 2023. How have the first few months been and what inspired you to initially apply? SDV: It’s been both challenging and inspiring. My journey with the Instituto began as a member, where I grew a connection with other members and the museum. This personal connection motivated me to seek a more active role within the organization, recognizing its potential for a greater impact on the community. 18 The Bend
KC: In terms of expanding, enriching or changing any of the programming, what would be your goals? SDV: My vision is centered around creating collaborations with the community. One of my goals involves starting a program in partnership with local schools to encourage educational trips to our museum. To spotlight and support local talent, we want to invite more artists from the area to exhibit their work. Recognizing the importance of preserving and promoting local heritage, we are also working on dedicating a space in our museum to feature Hispanic heroes of Corpus Christi. The purpose of this initiative is to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the community in Corpus Christi. KC: What do you want people who haven't visited in a while (or ever) to know about the Instituto de Cultura Hispánica de Corpus Christi? SDV: The Instituto is the only Hispanic museum in the Coastal Bend. It is free to the public, but donations are appreciated. Our museum features a variety of folkloric dresses, art and artifacts from different Hispanic countries, and special exhibits and cultural events are featured periodically. We’re also a cultural nonprofit organization with a mission to promote and preserve Hispanic cultures. We actively raise funds for scholarships and have an endowment plan at both Del Mar College and Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi. Read the full interview on thebendmag.com
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UP FRONT SOC IAL HOUR
ARTBALL 2023
Musical group, Volcán
LaJuana Hill Zanoni and Peter Zanoni
Krissy Heslip and Demetria Smith
Artball Co-chairs: Brad Snyder and Tom Tagliabue
photography by DEBBIE NOBLE
Brianna Davis, Alexa Fullbright and Celina Lòpez Leon
On Nov. 2, the Art Museum of South Texas hosted Its annual fundraising gala, ARTball. Co-chaired by Brad Snyder and Tom Tagliabue, the event featured a Dia de los Muertos theme and raised funds for the museum. Jessica Holt and Amanda Horne
State of the Port Luncheon
Gloria Hicks
Maria Paulson, Yvonne Bonnie, Sharon Diaz Villarreal and Adriana Hipólito Lamont Lexis Green, Carly Smith, Barbi Leo and John-Thomas
Dr. Kelly Miller and Brett Oetting
20 The Bend
Hosted at the Ortiz Center on Nov. 15, the 2023 State of Port Corpus Christi presented by Valero event presented an keynote address from the Chairman of the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, Charles W. Zahn, Jr.
Dr. Bryan Gulley, Erin Wilder and Judge Connie Scott
photography by DE BBIE NOB LE
Eric Evans, Jeremy Coleman and John Marez
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UP FRONT GIVING BAC K
Enriching Lives Through Literacy The Corpus Christi Literacy Council helps adults achieve English literacy success through volunteer-led programs
B
elieve it or not, poor reading skills create widespread problems within the entire community. According to ProLiteracy, the largest adult literacy and basic education membership organization in the nation, more than one-fifth of the adults in Corpus Christi lack basic literacy skills and many of them speak little to no English whatsoever. But there’s help: The Corpus Christi Literacy Council provides free literacy opportunities to adult learners who need to learn or improve their reading and writing skills. In fact, for more than 36 years, CCLC has operated as a nonprofit organization whose main purpose is to combat illiteracy in the Coastal Bend and surrounding areas by identifying, developing and coordinating effective programs to address the ongoing need for the speaking, reading and writing of the English language. “Literacy affects everyone in our community,” said Dr. Criselda Leal, executive director of CCLC. “Adults need strong literacy skills to raise children to have strong literacy skills, to be good employees and to keep themselves and their families healthy.” To help with this, the CCLC currently facilitates three programs: Adult Basic Education, which focuses on adults who want to improve their literacy skills, an English as a Second Language course and a U.S. Citizenship Preparation Course, which aids permanent residents in taking and passing the citizenship exam. Students interested in enrolling will take an initial assessment to determine which course is most suitable for their needs and when the students’ literacy levels are high enough after working with tutors, volunteers will aid them in getting their GED or citizenship. 22 The Bend
Those interested in volunteering to become tutors can do so on the CCLC website.
“Volunteers are the heart of the program and critical to its success,” Leal said. Getting involved is easy as Charity League of Corpus Christi is always accepting volunteers to tutor or teach English as a Second Language or Adult Basic Education. Volunteers do not have to have any prior experience nor need to be proficient in the student’s first language. Local supporters can also donate to help fund programs. Most recently, the Charity League selected CCLC as its organization of focus for its upcoming fundraising cycle. “My first thought was disbelief, then I was emotional,” Leal shared, as she said the need for adult literacy is often overlooked and forgotten. “I am excited about what our students will experience with new technology and learning tools. CCLC is honored to be the recipient of Charity League’s 2023-2024 fundraising efforts.” CCLC helps more than 300 students every year through the efforts of more than 60 program volunteers and zero dollars paid by those in need. The Literacy Council remains committed to promoting literacy as a life-enriching experience and as fundamental to the well-being of every individual, as well as an important economic driver in our community.
CONTACT ccliteracy.org
illustration from S HUT TER STOCK
By Kirby Conda
thebendmag.com 23
UP FRONT DATE B OOK
EVENTS
DATEBOOK FREE ADMISSION
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REGISTRATION/ TICKET REQUIRED
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
JAN 2024
JANUARY 1
JANUARY 25
CORPUS CHRISTI POLAR BEAR PLUNGE 2024
SHORELINE FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
Start your new year with a splash into Corpus Christi Bay! A local take on the global tradition, the CC Polar Bear Plunge will take place at the Emerald Beach hotel and include a warm-up run with Corpus Christi Roadrunners at 11:15 a.m., a post-plunge hot tub, snacks and more.
The Shoreline Food Truck Festival pops up in the United Methodist Church parking the last Saturday of every month. Showcasing a wide variety of local cuisine, more than a dozen food trucks will be set up from 3-10 p.m.
POLARBEARPLUNGE.CC
JANUARY 27
Held the first Friday of every month, downtown Corpus Christi comes alive with pop-up vendors, special event programming, food trucks, live music and more. Wander through the streets of downtown and visit the galleries, businesses and restaurants. GODOWNTOWNCC.COM
40TH ANNUAL BOAR’S HEAD & YULE LOG FESTIVAL
A traditional end to the Coastal Bend holiday season, this festival celebrates the story of Christmas through music, dance and 180-costumed characters in the setting of a medieval English manor home. Held at the First Christian Church, showtimes are 3, 5 and 7 p.m. FCC-CC.ORG
JANUARY 7
WEDDING FAIR COASTAL BEND
From noon to 5 p.m. at the American Bank Center, this wedding fair helps Coastal Bend brides and grooms plan their dream weddings. Premier wedding vendors will showcase their talents and offer specials. WEDDINGFAIREVENTS.COM
24 The Bend
RISING TIDE, SHIFTING SAND EXHIBITION
On display from Jan. 12 through Mar. 10, Rockport Center for the Arts’ newest exhibition showcases landscape and seascape images from photographer and artist Ansen Seale. ROCKPORTARTCENTER.COM
JANUARY 19
2024 BAREFOOT MARDI GRAS KICKOFF PARTY
Kick off the Barefoot Mardi Gras 2024 season with a party at the Waterline Bar at Doc’s Seafood and Steaks. From 6-10 p.m, the event will include a costume contest, a delicious Cajun dinner, live music, a silent auction and more. BAREFOOTMARDIGRAS.COM
FIT FEST 2024
Join Hot Z95, Rock 92/7, 1140 KEYS and Turtle Guard Tournaments for FIT FEST 2024. Celebrating all things health and fitness, the expo will feature a wide variety of wellness vendors, fitness experts, sports tournaments and more. HOTZ95.COM
JANUARY 27
2024 BOOTS & BLING BALL
Save the date for New Life Refuge Ministries’ annual fundraising event Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. Hosted at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, the evening will include silent and live auctions, live music, special guests and more. NEWLIFEREFUGEMINISTRIES.ORG
Have an event you want included in Datebook? Email your calendar events to kylie@thebendmag.com
bottom photo provided by BE NJAM IN ZA RAGOSA
JANUARY ARTWALK
JANUARY 12
top photo provided by STEVE HA MBLY
JANUARY 6 JANUARY 5
thebendmag.com 25
Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year! TARA GALLASPY
BETHENY BELL
The M Come Coast Awhile…
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HOME & GARDEN O P E N H O U S E 2 8 T R E N D I N G 32 GA R D E N I N G 3 4
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FROM NOSTALGIA TO NOW
pg 28
photography by JASON PAGE
A 1940s charming abode allows timeless elegance and cherished memories to flourish
thebendmag.com 27
28 The Bend
HOME & GARDEN OPE N HOU SE
From Nostalgia to Now A 1940s charming abode by the bay allows timeless elegance and cherished memories to flourish By Luis Arjona
"T
his area is home to me and a reflection of my youth," said the proud third owner of this timeless residence built in 1946. This charming abode, nestled in the heart of a cherished neighborhood by the bay, has witnessed the passage of years but holds the essence of the homeowner’s youth and has become a tapestry of memories. As a true local, this area is more than just a location — it's the cradle of the owner's past: Growing up just a couple of blocks away, attending the neighborhood school and learning to swim at the Santa Fe Pool. The echoes of laughter from childhood tea parties hosted in this home still resonate today. Beyond its emotional significance, the choice of this residence stems from its midcentury design, complemented by the sprawling oak trees adorning the neighborhood and the proximity to the tranquil bay. Something about the homes in Corpus Christi built during the 1940s through the 1960s provide
Photos by Jason Page
better spatial layouts that lend themselves to creating a sense of airiness and fluidity, making the home feel inviting and spacious. This home invites guests with an effortless flow from the front entrance to the enchanting backyard, a synergy that transforms casual gatherings into unforgettable soirées. What sets this haven apart is the artful fusion of old and new. The neutral palette and creamy walls act as a canvas, allowing the owner's discerning eye to curate a collection of rugs, art and accessories that harmoniously encapsulate their style. Original pecan floors stained dark add contrast while pops of green from accent walls and plants throughout the home create a visual narrative effortlessly marrying traditional roots with contemporary influences. There's no designer here — just an owner with a keen eye and a heart full of memories. Ideas are drawn from travels and even beautiful churches, giving each
During the remodel, the owner decided to keep the original kitchen island base to preserve the original 1940s kitchen's aesthetic.
thebendmag.com 29
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30 The Bend
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*At participating stores only. Discount applies to materials only on select items; cushion, labor, and installation charges are additional. Prior orders exempt. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer ends 01/31/2023. All offers are for retail customers only and are not applicable to contract/commercial work. See store for details on all offers and warranties. ©2023 Flooring America®. All Rights Reserved. **At participating stores only. See store for details. No interest will be charged on the promo balance if you pay the promo balance amount in full within 12 months. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo balance from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo balance before the end of the promotional period. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promotional balance. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%. Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval.
room a unique touch that reflects their faith and centers their soul. The home effortlessly works around her father's paintings, each stroke telling a story and adding a sentimental touch to every corner. The pièce de résistance is the sunroom, a converted screened-in porch now adorned with hurricane-rated windows that elevate both comfort and aesthetics. Floorto-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the backyard, creating a seamless transition between interior and exterior realms. "I hope this home reflects my personality,” the owner said. “It feels peaceful to me, so it must.” Indeed, navigating through the curated spaces, it becomes evident that this residence is not just a dwelling; it's a living memoir, a carefully crafted ode to the enduring spirit of heritage and the delicate art of creating a home that transcends time. thebendmag.com 31
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GOING WITH THE THROW Wielding the power to uplift and redefine the atmosphere of any living space instantly, throw pillows are the essential worker of any stylish home. By Jarred Schuetze
32 The Bend
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HOME & GARDEN GARDE NING
NOW GROWING
Bok Choy Try these tips and tricks for growing this sweet, cool-weather-loving, vitamin-packed superfood By Justin Butts
B
ok choy is as fun to grow as it is delicious to eat. A smaller, sweeter and headless version of cabbage, bok choy has been cultivated in China for thousands of years. The leaves are crisp, tender and perfect for a sauté or stir fry. Giving bok choy a slight char on the grill tastes incredible and creates a stunning presentation on the plate. A cool-weather vegetable, bok choy is best grown in winter in the Coastal Bend. Plant wellgrown transplants or seeds in early January to harvest by mid to late February. Planting from seed allows a delicious harvest of thinned sprouts. While a freeze or heavy frost will kill bok choy, a light frost can make it even sweeter. The term “baby” bok choy typically means harvesting the plant before it is fully mature, although some varieties are tiny even at maturity. Quick to bolt in warm weather, an early spring will cause bok choy to suddenly shoot into a tall, weedy-looking plant. The plants will soon burst with many small, yellow blooms up and down the stems. While the leaves of bolted bok choy are too bitter to eat, the flowers are beautiful and delicious. Best Varieties for the Coastal Bend: From Transplants: Shop local nurseries for Bo Pak, Gourmet White Stem and similar varieties. Space them at eight to 12 inches. These transplants are ready to harvest within 30 to 50 days. From Seed: Shop for heirloom seeds online from Rare Seeds for Baby Milk, Suzhou Baby, Shanghai Green, Chijimisai and Hedou Tiny. Space them at three inches, and they should be ready in 35 days.
G R OW I N G U P
H A RV E S T I N G
F U N FA C T S
Bok choy needs full sun and well-tilled, well-drained soil. Add two to three inches of compost to the bed and generous pastured poultry manure and homemade wood ash to fertilize. Space transplants eight to 12 inches and mulch heavily. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep at two to three inch spacing and thin to final spacing of eight to 12 inches. Delicious sprouts will get larger in successive thinnings. Water the bed often with the rain function on the hose until sprouting; then twice per week or as needed.
To harvest baby or immature bok choy, space transplants at six to eight inches. When the leaves grow together (about four to six weeks), harvest by cutting with scissors at the base of the stalk, or space at 12 inches and harvest when mature. If planting by seed, simply overseed the bed and thin sprouts weekly to the desired final spacing. You can enjoy bok choy as sprouts that grow continually larger until the plants fully mature.
Bok choy is a vitamin-packed superfood. It is high in beta-carotene, folate, selenium and vitamins C and E. It is also rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamin K, which are essential for healthy bone growth. If you want to get your vitamins through food, bok choy is a nutrient-dense and tasty way to boost your immune system. Best of all, a one-cup serving of bok choy delivers these vitamins for only nine calories.
34 The Bend
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HOME & GARDEN E N TE RTAINING
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Dancing Queen Inspiration for a Mamma-Mia-themed party
By Jo Anne Howell Photos Provided by Lillian Reitz
Whatever the occasion, send out a celebration S.O.S. and prepare to put on a memorable Mamma Mia-themed affair no one will forget. For this special debutante party, the guest of honor chose a theme inspired by the jukebox
36 The Bend
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thebendmag.com 37
W O M E N 'S
H E A L T H Through the Decades
38 The Bend
LOCAL EXPERTS SHARE THEIR TIPS ON HOW TO STAY ACTIVE & HEALTHY AT EVERY AGE Few things are guaranteed in life, one of which – whether you’re ready to fully embrace it or not – is aging. So, if growing older is inevitable, why not do it mindfully and joyfully? As we age, our body experiences various changes, and how we tend to those changes matters. It’s no secret staying active throughout your life is a good thing. Not only does lifelong exercise aid in physical appearance, but it also helps reduce stress and anxiety, lower the risk of varied chronic diseases, aid in mobility and function and foster normal growth and development. In this feature, we’ve tapped local fitness and wellness experts of all ages to discuss their relationship with physical activity and general best practices in the hopes of inspiring others to stay active and healthy at every stage of life.
BY : K Y L I E C O O P E R , D E B R A YO U N G H ATC H A N D A L E X A R O D R I G U E Z D O C TO R S O R D E R S F R O M : H E AT H E R D I XO N , D O & E S T H E R K H AT I B I , M D PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SHOOCHA PHOTOGRAPHY
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thebendmag.com 39
20s
MARIAH STEVENS
“One of my biggest tips is incorporating even just 10 minutes of HIIT workouts into your routine,” she said. The short bursts of intense exercise combined with recovery periods aid in burning more calories in a shorter amount of time, a higher metabolic rate after exercise and produce similar fat loss to endurance exercises, among other benefits. FOCUS ON YOU
GET IN TUNE WITH YOUR BODY Though a good tip for any age, the need for maintaining a healthy relationship with food can come almost as a “shocking wake-up call when we move into our mid to late 20s,” Stephens said. “Our bodies begin to change so much during this time, and you begin to realize things you didn’t think twice about eating before no longer make you feel good or sustain your energy,” she said. You don’t have to be a nutrition expert to do this. “I mean mindfulness in a literal way of tuning into your body,” she said. “What did you eat this week? How did your gut feel? How were your energy levels? Did you feel
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like you had enough fuel for your workout? You don’t have to count every calorie, but you should be asking yourself these questions and adjust accordingly.” Stephens acknowledges that too much mindfulness when it comes to food, though, can lead to an unhealthy place. “You don’t have to cut everything out, but you should plan your meals with your workout routines in mind– think of food as fuel for your workouts,” she said. SMALL STEPS TURN INTO MILES As with any lifestyle change, results are hardly seen in a day. Whether it’s an adjustment to your eating habits or workout
routine, Stephens said it takes four to six weeks to see any type of results, but don’t let that deter you. “Allow yourself to crawl before you walk,” she said. “Walking is something you already do, right? So, start with a daily step goal. Then, start jogging or weight lifting or dancing – whatever feels fun. You won’t see a drastic change after doing it once, but you’ll have found something you like and you will have shown up for yourself, and the feeling that brings will motivate you to turn this into a habit.” For women in their 20s, Stephens recommends working up to maintaining a fitness routine consisting of 30-to-60 minutes at least three times a week.
DOCTOR'S ORDERS
For most in their 20s, long-term health problems might seem far off, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start building a solid fitness foundation to aid in preventative healthcare measures. Mariah Stephens, a 27-year-old personal trainer at The Quad Fitness Studio with a Master Fitness Trainer certification from the Army, grew up playing sports and maintaining consistent physical activity. But when she joined the Army in 2019 and was eventually tasked with ensuring her squad could meet the physical standards, her passion for training set in. “It allowed me the opportunity to work with varying levels of fitness backgrounds and figure out how to help them achieve the goal, which is what my work is wholly based around now,” Stephens said. Regardless of your fitness goals, Stephens' No. 1 tip for women in their 20s is simple: Start now. “You might feel good today, but ask yourself how comfortable of a life you want to live,” she said. “Get into the habit now, because it will make it so much easier to sustain in your 40s, 50s and so on.”
The fear of working out in public or the anxiety of comparing ourselves to others is often what prevents people from getting started. Even Stephens, who actively works in the fitness industry, still finds herself feeling this way from time to time. “If you’re working out at a large gym, try to avoid the high-traffic hours,” Stephens said. “Don’t ever be afraid to take up space at the gym, but if you’re feeling anxious about people watching, find a corner, get a pair of dumbbells and a mat and plant yourself there. Sometimes, wearing a baseball cap, an oversized t-shirt and sweatpants helps me feel more comfortable.” Stephens also suggests going to a smaller fitness studio or even doing an at-home workout as great ways to overcome gym anxiety in the beginning stages of your fitness journey. “At the end of the day, everyone is focused on themselves. Try to remember that,” she said. “It might feel like all eyes are on you, but everyone’s fitness goals are so different. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and try to shut your peripheral off–be it literally in the gym or figuratively in your wellness journey as a whole.”
By the time you reach your late 20s, your bone density has reached its peak. Now is a good time to start a Vitamin D supplement, at least 600 IU per day, to help your bones absorb enough calcium to keep them stronger for longer.
DOCTOR'S ORDERS
30s
with three deep breaths and a glass of water to get your mind right. FIND YOUR STRENGTH
LEAH BESS MURRAY
Aging can certainly just be a mindset, but you start to feel the first signs of it in your physical body in your 30s. Growing up an accident-prone kid, Leah Bess Murray sought out pathways to healing in adulthood. Throughout the 37-year-old's experience – including a 200-hour yoga teacher certification, Balanced Body reformer and tower training, a management position at the former Pilates Center of Corpus Christi, her wellness and awareness media business InGreenPeace and her community yoga collective, Diving Moon Yoga – she discovered that the mind and body are one and that investing in it produces a significant return. “We are all walking up this mountain of life and when we tap into all of the tools we are given to create a comfortable yet courageous stride, we can feel the pinnacle of our life force,” Bess Murray said. Creating that stride starts now by surrounding yourself with like-minded people, focusing on your breath and setting goals centered on mental and physical strength to set your future self up for success, she said.
SEEK COMMUNITY AND SET GOALS Many of Bess Murray’s clients in their 30s seek community. Life is demanding at this age and finding like-minded people to set goals with can make exercise less of a task to check off of a list and more of an enjoyable lifestyle shift. Whether it’s cardio, laps at a pool, surfing or community yoga, “ask yourself what you would feel good doing and then try something new at least twice,” she said. As for setting goals, her advice is as follows: “Create a schedule, something at least twice a week, then do it. Write down your mind and body goals on the center
Be mindful of your family history and risk factors for developing disease. Family history of heart disease? Start monitoring your blood pressure and talk with your doctor about getting frequent cholesterol checks to make necessary lifestyle changes to mitigate your risk.
of a paper and create a vision board with magazine cutouts around those goals. Put that vision board somewhere you will see every day. Tell someone about these goals and ask them about theirs.” THREE DEEP BREATHS AND A GLASS OF WATER It’s never too late or too early to tap into your mind/body connection. What worked for you in your 20s may not feel and look the same in your 30s. In fact, it most likely doesn’t. “In yoga, breath techniques are called ‘Pranayama,’ which means the vital
life force,” she said. “Our breath is one of the largest magical tools in our healing toolbox to get ourselves back on track. It can invigorate us after a long day at work or before a brisk walk on the beach. In the yoga practice, we always practice different types of breathwork. We combine breath and movement for anywhere between 45-50 minutes and conclude with a 5-10 minute relaxation pose. The beauty of yoga and Pilates is that all bodies can try it. No matter where you are on your healing and fitness journey, these modalities can aid you along the way.” Bess Murray also says to never underestimate the power of starting your day
Looking to tone a specific part of your body? “I could go on and on about poses you can do for your physical health but I can’t stress enough the importance of the mind and breath with the physical aspects,” Bess Murray said. “This awareness and lifestyle starts small but can create a larger, life-changing impact.” She has found that many clients, specifically those in their 30s, are set on defining their glutes. Sure, some of this has to do with physical appearance, but strong glutes have many benefits. Moreover, she sees many detriments to not engaging this large muscle group responsible for stabilizing the hip, core and lower back muscles, frequently and intentionally. “We do many lunges in an hourlong (yoga) practice,” she said. “Often in one practice, you can expect anywhere between 6-16 lunges of all types. Poses like Warrior 1 and 2, high lunge, chair pose and goddess all engage the glutes.” The time is now to strengthen major muscles to avoid other areas like the knees, hips and feet from having to compensate later on, she said. In Bess Murray’s experience though, focusing on getting your mind right is just as important as the physical aspects and can propel you forward in specific physical goals. The practices of yoga and Pilates allow for the transformation of the whole person, where the body and mind receive equal attention.
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DOCTOR'S ORDERS
40s
SELINA LÒPEZ HINOJOSA
Entering your 40s means being okay with a shift in your relationship with physical activity. “It isn’t about the number of burned calories on the smartwatch, it is about longevity and quality of life,” Hinojosa said. “When I first began working out, I had a nopain-no-gain mentality. But as I evolved in my physical journey, I realized flexibility training and functional training aid in my ability to move better in my everyday life.”
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Now, at 46, she’s more focused on keeping up with her 14-year-old son or being able to pick up her 2-year-old nephew, as opposed to how many burpees she can do. “If I only have time to do one thing a day, I focus on flexibility training with yoga or Pilates movements at this stage of life,” she said. “In my 20s and 30s, I didn’t focus as much on this, but now in my mid-to-late 40s, it allows for more range of motion. This season of life is all about being able to move comfortably.”
She uses the example of strength training’s ability to help with osteoporosis. “There can be a general misconception about strength training, especially as we age,” she said. “But, it builds muscle, strength and bone density, which can help when dealing with that disease.” Hinojosa recommends seeing a trainer to help you learn the proper exercises and techniques for your goals or health conditions. She also advises people to consult their doctor about physical activity. As a medical exercise specialist, she works with her clients’ doctors to ensure ultimate safety. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS
Your 40s come with a lot of changes. It is a time when shifts in dynamics such as caring for older children or ailing parents become more prevalent. Focusing on a career, a home and a social calendar all combine in this busy season of life. However, it is crucial to put your well-being first, as our bodies begin to lose mass and elasticity, hormone levels drop and the risk of developing lifelong health problems increases. As a medical exercise specialist, Master Fitness Trainer and the owner of LIFT by Selina, Selina Lòpez Hinojosa understands this on a fundamental level. With more than two decades of experience, Hinojosa has helped hundreds of clients live healthy lives well into their 40s and beyond. The better part of Hinojosa’s career has been in the wellness industry. All the while, she journeyed through a silent, hard-fought battle with addiction. In 2015, after experiencing her lowest lows, Hinojosa opened the Bible for the first time in years and something clicked. “I felt like I took a breath for the first time in a really long time,” she said. “I knew I had to make changes – for my husband, children and myself.” A SHIFT IN MINDSET AND ROUTINES
It’s Mammogram time! The American College of Radiology recommends an annual screening for breast cancer via yearly mammograms from age 45-55. However, starting at age 40 is a good idea, especially if your family history increases your risk.
EXERCISE IS MEDICINE Hinojosa is an advocate of physical activity aiding in our overall mental health, but especially in her line of work, the concept of exercise as medicine extends to physical conditions. Our bodies are not designed to be sedentary, but you should always be smart about exercise as you age or after an injury, surgery or diagnosis. “There is a specific protocol for every condition–hypertension, diabetes, joint pain, everything,” Hinojosa said.
As for what we put into our body, Hinojosa says it’s important to be mindful of our gut. “If our gut is out of line, we aren’t going to feel good. Highly processed and sugary foods, fried foods and too much saturated fat are just a few examples of what can make our gut unhappy.” But, it’s about starting small – one goal at a time. Hinojosa likes choosing one thing you want to do more of and one thing you want to do less of. “Let’s say the goal is to drink more water,” she said. “Set a daily ounce goal and once you’ve mastered that, great. Now, focus on maybe drinking less caffeine. It’s all about small, effective steps that build onto one another and become consistent habits.” Lastly, practicing mindfulness when thinking about yourself is crucial. “We can sometimes be so mean to ourselves, but we’d never talk to our girlfriends or our daughters that way,” she said. “Be intentionally kind to yourself. This has nothing to do with nutrition or exercise. It’s about that shift in mindset to just allow yourself to live a healthy life.”
MARIAH McQUEEN
“Most, if not all, clients in their 50s that seek me out are dealing with some form of injury or physical issue, past or present, that prevents or hinders their movement,” McQueen said. “A few are just curious about the methods, but for the most part, I have created a more rehab-oriented niche stemming from my physical therapy background.” With her background and education in physical therapy, she can offer personal postural and injury assessment for orthopedic and neurological issues, balance deficits and chronic pain, all issues that women in their 50s are susceptible to. McQueen teaches sessions in the Gyrotonic® method on the Pulley Tower which aids in injury recovery by putting more focus on circular motions. In McQueen’s experience, these types of movements tend to be more natural motions for your joints and as a result, they enhance the movement and allow your joints to flow through their full range of motion. It’s not just about exercise, though. A crucial piece of the puzzle is education and insight, both of which McQueen is passionate about providing to help women get back and stay on their feet.
Mariah McQueen, Certified Pilates Instructor, Licensed Gyrotonic® Trainer and owner of Studio Be Pilates, knows the benefits of exercise as a preventative measure against ailments that plague us as we age. As McQueen, now 59, moves through her 50s and walks alongside other women of similar age, “movement is medicine” has become her anthem. She spent the early part of adulthood discovering strength-building movements and working toward creating healthy habits around food. She hit her stride with skiing and aerobics, perfecting her turns on the slopes and even becoming an aerobics instructor. “When I was told by a rheumatologist in my early 20s to find another profession due to degenerative arthritis of the spine, I returned to university,” she said. “Sharing my love of movement therapy was to be my destiny.” Since then, McQueen opened Studio Be Pilates, combining her skills as a Gyrotonic® Method instructor and her background in physical therapy to create programs focused on mindful movement, injury prevention and recovery, three aspects of exercise that she’s seen plenty of women in their 50s benefit from.
MAKE TIME FOR MOVEMENT “Over obligating/overscheduling oneself, overworking and fatigue are major hurdles [to maintaining an active lifestyle in your 50s],” McQueen said. “It’s so easy to place ourselves on the back burner and take care of everything else that we prioritize needing to get done. At the end of the day, we haven’t left enough time for ourselves.” However, neglecting to move enough can have a significant detrimental effect on achieving overall health, and in McQueen’s experience, being mindful of the kind of movement is key. For women in their 50s, the fluidity of The Gyrotonic Expansion System®
method of exercise or a Pilates session on the Reformer/Tower of Power or Combo Chair are good options as each method incorporates elements of core strengthening, spinal stabilization/mobilization, breathing, flexibility and strengthening. “Reluctance to join or attend a ‘gym’ setting and/or intimidation and self-consciousness to exercise in front of other people may turn some away from participation in guided physical exercise,” McQueen said. “I like to design home programs for my clients to keep up the good work when they aren’t in the studio and encourage everyone to do something every day.”
RECOVERY IS KEY
INJURY PREVENTION Proactive exercise is the name of the game once your 50s hit. “Injuries and aches and pains are a deterrent to activity. Nobody wants to exercise in pain,” McQueen said. According to her expertise, some of the benefits of a regular Gyrotonic® practice include a healthier, more supple spine, increased range of motion, greater joint stability, improved agility and athletic performance and deep internal strength – all of which are necessary for avoiding injury while exercising or even completing daily tasks as you get older.
DOCTOR'S ORDERS
50s
As the risk of osteoporosis increases in your 50s, bone density tests become frequent. Expect regular screenings to address concerns, risk factors and treatment if necessary. Strong bones can prevent fractures and breaks and can preserve your quality of life, so be sure to stay on top of doctor visits and screenings.
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60s
ESMERALDA MEGEE
they feel comfortable exercising as they age, a place where someone cares about them. “I see women in their late 50s or early 60s who come to class and are overwhelmed at first,” she said. “They think they can’t do it. But once the music begins and they start moving to the beat, they start smiling, having fun and getting a cardio workout. By the third class, they know the steps and by the fourth class, they have made friends and are making plans to go have tacos and coffee together. “ HEALTHY EATING AND HEALTHY EXERCISE
Esmeralda Megee, co-owner of ZuMama Fitness, knows personally it’s never too late to turn your health around. At 62, she believes wholeheartedly “age is just a number” and aging for women is all about adjusting and finding what fits for you regardless of life’s challenges. “When women start getting older,” Megee said, “they sometimes start giving up on themselves, and when they turn 60, they often decide they are just old and there is nothing they can do to change their health or fitness; that is just not true.” Megee, a Kingsville native, spent years dancing Ballet Folklorico and loving it, but in 2008 she hung up her dancing shoes and picked up a pair of sneakers. “I love to dance, and with Zumba, I get to dance all week and teach seniors they can still dance and get a great workout at the same time,” she said. “I teach seven Zumba classes a week, and I have women who come to class with their canes. One woman, who is 96, comes with her walker; she’s exercising and living life.” As for her obvious passion for Zumba, Megee explained she stumbled on to Zumba in 2004 by chance and it changed her life. “I was in my 40s,” Megee said, “and I was 100 pounds overweight, depressed and sick constantly; I didn’t like how I felt or how I saw myself. Then one day, I bought a Zumba video and loved everything about it — the rhythm, the movement and the music. A couple of years later, my daughter and I became certified Zumba instructors, and in 2008, we opened ZuMama Fitness. Zumba changed my life, and now I can help other women stay fit as they age.”
LIVE LIFE AND MOVE As women move from their 50s to their 60s, they are often shifting their health, family or lifestyle, and part of that shift Megee believes means making adjustments to better your life. “I often see women in their 60s who
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have a health issue or who have lost a spouse,” she said. “They never exercised or did much for themselves; their husband was their life. “Without their partner, they often sit at home alone and decline physically and emotionally. Being alone in your 60s doesn’t work. Whether women come to Zumba, walk
by the Bayfront or take up swimming, it is so important to get out of the house, engage in life and move.” CARDIO AND CAMARADERIE Megee understands women need camaraderie. They need a place to go where
DOCTOR'S ORDERS
As women age, nutrition is as important as exercise. According to Megee, as they get older, women need to be even more mindful of what they put in their bodies, as their bodies are a little less forgiving. “Women in their 60s,” Megee said, “need to eat plenty of protein, a minimum amount of carbs and of course drink plenty of water. “All of that will help support a lower-impact workout which includes stretching, balance and strength training. There isn’t a magic bullet for women as they age, but there are opportunities to make life the best it can be, because no matter what, you can never let age stop you.”
Your ability to fight infection decreases as T-cell production decreases in your 60s. You might need a higher dose of the flu vaccine as well as pneumonia and shingles vaccines. This age group is likely to suffer from a more severe case of these viruses, so talk to your doctor about taking preventative measures.
DOCTOR'S ORDERS
65+
AMY HEIDECKER
For Amy Heidecker, a Functional Aging Specialist and co-owner of The Barre Fitness Studio, exercise has been an integral part of her life and work since she was a teenager. Now, at 66, she sees firsthand how exercise is a game changer for women as they age. “As women get older, exercise is essential,” she said. “But it needs to be personal, have purpose and most importantly, be safe.” Heidecker, who is also a certified medical exercise specialist, started working at an exercise studio at 17, graduated from college with a physical education degree and worked for the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America certifying aerobics instructors across the country for 10 years. So opening The Barre Fitness Studio in Corpus Christi 12 years ago was not simply a career move for her, it was a calling. “My mission is to help every person who walks through our doors,” Heidecker said. “What we do here is completely individualized. I have women in group classes ranging in age from 18-86. And in private sessions, I have students up to 94. ”With her own trademarked exercise method — The Amy Heidecker Method, developed by incorporating the components of fitness in a safety-based methodology — Heidecker is a firm believer that exercise is for life. “The four components that are most critical for exercise as women age are strength, endurance, flexibility and cardio health,” she said. “With those four fitness components, the results are improved balance and posture as well as increased strength and endurance.” Exercise is also important when life’s challenging medical issues come calling, Heidecker said. “When someone receives a difficult diagnosis like the need for knee or hip replacement, has balance issues or perhaps Parkinson’s and they come to me, and I say, ‘I can help you,’ their face brightens and they stand a little straighter; it gives them hope and,” she said as she smiled, “that makes my day.” IMPROVING YOUR FITNESS AGE AS YOU AGE With 47 years in the fitness industry, Heidecker has seen massive changes and
increased opportunities for women to stay fit and healthy. "Exercise is so different than 20 years ago,” she said. “What that means is with the right instructor, women can actually improve their fitness age as their
chronological age increases. The 65-year-old woman today is more like 45 and is going toward their 70s and 80s in a much better place to stay fit and enjoy life.”
Women are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's and other dementias as they age beyond 65. Keeping an active lifestyle, socializing regularly and continually learning new things are all preventative measures that can and should be taken at this age.
WITH EXERCISE COMES COMMUNITY Community is an integral part of staying healthy and engaged, but sometimes as women age that community goes missing. Heidecker sees daily how exercising together creates community. “The friendships and camaraderie exercising in groups provides is so important,” she said. “It offers a sense of belonging often lost when women leave the workplace. The women in our classes become friends, they call each other, they take soup to each other when they are sick and they mourn losses together. They have a connection, a community and they know they are not alone as they grow older.” LIFE, HEALTH AND YOUR ADLS Heidecker, who rides her bike to work most days, understands life as you age is about balance. It’s about staying fit and healthy to enjoy your ADLs (Activities of Daily Life). Those daily activities might be as simple as picking up a grandchild, working outside in the garden or getting holiday decorations out of the attic. “Women need to find whatever it is they enjoy and keeps them fit and moving,” Heidecker said. “Whether they come to The Barre Fitness Studio classes, play pickleball or tennis, it doesn’t matter. What matters is movement, core strength and safety. Plus,” she said and smiled knowingly, “everyone needs to be able to get up off the floor.”
PAGE 45 thebendmag.com 45
JANUAR Y 19-28 , 2024
CRAVE P O RT A Prix-fixe brunch, lunch, and dinner menus will leave you wanting more of Port Aransas restaurants.
46 The Bend
1.24
CUISINE FA R M T O TA B L E 4 8 5 B E ST 5 1 T H E D R I N K 52 T H E D I S H 5 4 TA B L E TA L K 5 6
5 BEST
POKE BOWLS
pg 51
photography by R ACHE L B EN AVIDE S
From build-your-own bowls with endless options to fixed menu items with a fusion of flavors, here are the five best poke bowls to try
thebendmag.com 47
CUISINE FARM TO TAB LE
Foods to Feel Your Best in 2024 This year, focus on an array of health-promoting foods to help boost your energy, repair your gut and rev your metabolism By Kayla Butts MS, RDN, LDN Photos by Rachel Benavides
T
he start of the New Year is prime time to be intentional about what we put into our bodies. We often begin our next trip around the sun with lofty weight loss resolutions or a new gym membership. Instead, make this year your time to feel your best. It can be challenging to bring renewed energy and focus to healthy choices after the hectic holiday season. The fear of not bouncing back to healthier, pre-holiday habits can lead to food shame, negative self-talk and even self-sabotage. Learning to balance the holiday season’s celebratory food and drink with a more mindful New Year is key to enjoying the most wonderful time of the year while also starting the next year off on a healthier note. Stocking your food arsenal with an array of health-promoting foods can help boost your energy, repair your gut and rev your metabolism. Adequate hydration is the first key to regulating your body’s temperature in cold winter months, flushing wastes from the body and maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier. With this in mind, try a hot tea aimed at holistic wellness. Antioxidant-rich green tea can boost levels of detoxifying enzymes in the body. The citric acid in lemons protects the liver, helps regulate blood pressure and prevents oxidative stress. Turmeric added to tea, frothed milk or savory dishes, can fight bacteria, viruses and inflammation. And finally, by adding in freshly grated ginger, you can aid digestion after a meal and support waste elimination. Thrive this year by enjoying the colorful fruits and vegetables of winter. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage are high in chlorophyll pigment, which boosts toxins' excretion. The soluble fiber in apples helps lower cholesterol, heavy metals and food additives. Beets are high in betaine antioxidants to help lower blood pressure and fight inflammation. A grapefruitbased dressing for salad contains enzymes that help shed unwanted pounds. Combined, this powerhouse-packed slaw makes for a great side or lunch entrée. After the feasting of yesteryear’s festivities, start this year off by finding joy in honoring your body with nourishing recipes.
48 The Bend
RECIPE
Turmeric Green Tea Makes one 10 ounce cup PREP TIME 5 minutes INGREDIENTS
1 bag organic green tea 10 ounces hot water 1 heaping teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 tablespoon honey 1/2 freshly squeezed lemon juice Optional: 2 ounces coconut milk, hot and/or frothed DIRECTIONS
Add a tea bag to your favorite tea cup or mug and cover with nearly boiling water. Add remaining ingredients and let steep for 3-5 minutes. Strain the mixture and add coconut milk or enjoy as is.
RECIPE
Chopped Winter Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette Makes 12 ounces or 4 servings PREP TIME 15 minutes COOK TIME: 15 minutes INGREDIENTS:
10 ounce bag of shaved Brussels sprouts 1 medium crisp apple, chopped 1/2 sweet potato 1 large beet 2 large carrots, chopped 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup almonds, slivered 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds, salted and roasted Salt and pepper, to taste
Grapefruit Vinaigrette 1/2 cup grapefruit juice 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon honey 1 clove garlic, grated 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper DIRECTIONS
Place beets and sweet potato in a medium-sized pot and add enough water to cover the vegetables. Place over high heat and boil for 10-15 minutes, until crisp and tender. Remove from the heat and let sit until cool enough to handle. Chop cooked beet, sweet potato, apple and carrots to a similar size as the pieces of shaved Brussels sprouts. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and season with salt and black pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the vinaigrette and pour over the salad before serving. thebendmag.com 49
WEIGHT LOSS SOLUTIONS. BODY SCULPTING RESULTS.
Brian Brown, MD
Andrew Garcia APRN NP-C
Leading the Way in Modern Healthcare We know that when people look their best, they tend to feel their best. That’s why we have so many options available to assist you in all of your aesthetic needs. From neuromodulators and dermal fillers to weight management and minimally invasive hi-definition liposculpture, we have something for everyone to help you meet your aesthetic goals. Look your best. Feel your best. Be your best. Come see why we are most comprehensive health care center in the coastal bend.
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Medically supervised weight loss Bodytite, Facetite and Accutite Morpheus8 Liposuction and fat transfer to the face, body, buttocks, and breasts Neuromodulators and fillers PDO thread lifts
7042 S. STAPLES, SUITE 105 CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78413 361-452-3236 RELIVEHEALTH.COM/CORPUS-CHRISTI-TX 50 The Bend
CUISINE 5 B E ST
5 BEST
Poke Bowls From build-your-own bowls with endless options to fixed menu items with a fusion of flavors, here are the five best poke bowls to try By Alexa Rodriguez
Photo by Rachel Benavides
HANAYA POKE
F
resh – but never fishy – bright, tangy, salty and umami: Poke bowls are perfectly balanced meals with plenty of colorful, nutritious components. This dish is usually prepared with sushigrade fish of some sort and a variety of toppings, but other proteins aren’t out of the question. Here are a variety of five to try in the Coastal Bend.
Texas Heat HANAYA POKE Opt for the pre-fixed spicy poke bowl. Your choice of lettuce base is topped with rice, salmon, spicy tuna, green onion, jalapeno, cilantro, crab, avocado, corn, edamame, sweet gochujang, chili flakes and sesame seeds. At Hanaya, you can turn your favorite bowl into a nori-wrapped burrito too. 6113 SARATOGA BLVD, SUITE A
L ISABELLA'S BISTR O & B A R
Build Your Own HAWAII POKE AND RAMEN The options for building the perfect poke bowl are endless at Hawaii Poke and Ramen. It can be overwhelming to start, but might we suggest a base of poke rice, a combination of beef tataki and ahi tuna, mixed with poke sauce and creamy cilantro. Top it off with seaweed salad, fried onion and garlic, corn, cucumber, avocado, masago and plenty of crispy wonton strips. 4002 SOUTH PADRE ISLAND
4938 S. STAPLES ST., SUITE E5
Peruvian Poke
COSTA SUR WOK & CEVICHE BAR The Peruvian Poke at Costa Sur combines the best parts of its Peruvian ceviche and classic poke. Sashimi-grade yellowfin tuna is served alongside jasmine rice and topped with sizzling sesame oil, Leche de Tigre Soy, mango and avocado. The spice and citrus flavors from the Leche de Tigre really pack a punch. 15113 SOUTH PADRE ISLAND DRIVE, SUITE 101
DRIVE, SUITE 108
Beef Bowl
Poisson Cru ISLAND MARKET
POKI YAKI Tuna and salmon are the usual suspects in a poke bowl, but at Poki Yaki, the beef bowl takes the cake. The tender, marinated beef is stir-fried until sticky and is placed over a bed of spring mix and rice, and accompanied by your choice of toppings. Choose between Poki Yaki, creamy coconut, sriracha mayo, mango spicy, creamy wasabi or sweet mustard sauces drizzled on top.
The Poisson Cru at Island Market in Port Aransas is not your typical poke. Sushigrade ahi tuna is cubed and tossed in a coconut lime marinade before getting tossed with cucumber, carrot, tomato and onion. The final product is tangy, sweet and refreshing alongside a serving of rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Ask about the poke from their catering menu the next time you’re planning an event. 614 S. GULF ST.
3823 S. STAPLES ST.
thebendmag.com 51
CUISINE THE DRINK
The Art of Aperitivo Discover the spirited evolution of Rockport's Italian Cowboy Food & Provisions By Luis Arjona
Photos by Benjamin Zaragosa
ALPINE NEGRONI 3/4 oz Elena Penna London Dry Langa Style gin 3/4 oz Campari 3/4 oz Cocchi Vermouth di Torino 3/4 oz Amaro Braulio Stir over ice, strain into a glass and garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig
I
n the laid-back coastal haven of Rockport, there's a duo shaking things up in the Coastal Bend. Deidra Ciriello and Lowell Rothschild are expanding the horizons of locals through selected libations with the addition of a spirits boutique at Italian Cowboy Food & Provisions. The inception of the Italian Cowboy Spirits Boutique was a natural evolution for Ciriello and Rothschild, the passionate duo behind the brand. Listening keenly to their customers' desires and a commitment to innovation led them to venture beyond wines and into Italian spirits. As the sole Italian-only package store in Texas, their deep selection of spirits — including a staggering 18 different Italian Amaros — sets them apart not just in the Coastal Bend, but in the entire state of Texas. In its essence, the spirits boutique aims to encapsulate Italian cocktail culture. "Just as the Italians consider spirits and wine an integral part of their meal, we consider spirits an integral part of the Italian lifestyle,” Rothschild said. “As a result, the boutique celebrates Italian spirits and the Italian art of aperitivo." However, make no mistake, the boutique isn't just about alcohol. More than a package store, Italian Cowboy elevates the customer experience by offering ingredients for a complete Italian meal to accompany your chosen wine or spirits. Customers can curate a perfect pairing from antipasto to dessert with hundreds of imported gourmet foods, embodying the inseparable bond between Italian beverages and its cuisine. The spirits boutique is a love letter to the Italian art of aperitivo. It's not just about the booze; it's about the lifestyle, the afternoon spritz, the predinner wine — all served with a side of food, just like the Italians intended. 52 The Bend
Italian Cowboy Is open Thursday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Forget mainstream, the Italian Cowboy team is throwing it back to 1934 with Nick and Nora glasses, mixers, syrups, books and barware that scream sophistication. They're not following trends; they're setting them ablaze. As winter blankets the Coastal Bend, the duo recommends an odyssey in a glass — the Alpine Negroni. Crafted with spirits from Piedmont and Lombardy, it's not just a cocktail; it's a liquid expedition through northwestern Italy. Italian Cowboy Food & Provisions is a liquid voyage, a tapestry of tastes and a destination for decadence. Whether you're a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just beginning your journey into Italian spirits, the spirits boutique promises an immersive experience that goes beyond the bottle.
CONTACT Italiancowboyfoods.com | 2615 Highway 35 N
thebendmag.com 53
CUISINE THE DISH
A Traditional Taste of Thailand A couple from Chiang Mai brings the essence of Thailand to the Coastal Bend By Kayla Butts
N
Photos by Taylor Cravey
uttapan “Nick” and Kanya “Judy” Weeranitikun arrived in Corpus Christi in search of a new beginning and a better life for their two young sons. The family of four journeyed from their home in Chiang Mai, the largest city in mountainous Northern Thailand. The enterprising couple wasted no time in opening Tuk Tuk Thai Restaurant in late 2022, offering the Coastal Bend a taste of traditional Thai food. And we are here for it. The Weeranitikuns are an impressive pair. Nick studies business at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and has a background in tech. Judy manages to own a successful restaurant back in Chiang Mai as well all while navigating life in a new country with two teenage boys. Despite their packed schedules, Nick and Judy wanted to share the fruits of their homeland with the people and place they have grown to love. Named after the small cars that line the streets of Thailand, Tuk Tuk Thai Restaurant is a beautiful reflection of Thai culture and cuisine. The dining area was thoughtfully designed with decorative elements from Chiang Mai. Judy commissioned a Thai artist to create a large mural on one of the interior walls. It depicts a gold-embellished landscape of Chiang Mai’s famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple and Chang Phueak Gate. Nick and Judy worked tirelessly on the menu, striking the perfect balance between beloved Thai favorites and Northern Thai dishes diners less familiar in America; and many of the ingredients used at Tuk Tuk are sourced directly from Thailand. Their chicken Pad Thai is everything we hoped it’d be – tangy and nutty with hints of sweet tamarind and a spicy finish. 54 The Bend
The restaurant is open TuesdaysSundays from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and for dinner from 5-9 p.m.
The beef pineapple fried rice, studded with cashews and snow peas, is another crowd-pleaser. The undisputed winner, though, is the Kai-Soi, a traditional dish from Northern Thailand with a heaping bowl of hearty egg noodles topped with pork, chicken or beef. Crispy noodles gave the dish a nice crunch, while pickled cabbage added an unexpected acidity that was delightful. Nick and Judy’s commitment to using quality ingredients sets their restaurant apart. The chili spice blend that accompanies most dishes at Tuk Tuk ships directly from Judy’s sister, who sundries native Thai chilis, then roasts and grinds them with other spices. Judy’s curry paste is prepared in-house in small batches. Other ingredients are sourced locally, with excellence being the driving goal. A taste of authentic Thai cuisine is now just around the corner. As Nick likes to say, the food at Tuk Tuk Thai Restaurant is “a taste like home, a taste you will remember.” CONTACT 6314 Yorktown Blvd, Suite 201
RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY HEALING LOCALLY.
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CCRH.ERNESTHEALTH.COM 5726 Esplanade Dr • Corpus Christi, TX 78414
361.906.3700
361.906.3797
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thebendmag.com 55
CUISINE TAB LE TALK
TABLE TALK
LOCAL
SCAN THE QR CODE TO ACCESS OUR WEBSITE AND DISCOVER EVEN MORE FOOD AND DRINK CONTENT THROUGHOUT THE COASTAL BEND.
DINING SPOTLIGHT
El Camino T EX- M EX
The newest restaurant to join the WaterStreet Market family, El Camino, is officially open with a limited menu and hours. Enjoy craft margaritas, Birria tacos, Chicken Tinga tacos, a late-night menu and more. 3 1 4 N . C h a p a r ra l S t .
NEWS
WHERE TO EAT NOW
DRINK SPOTLIGHT
@ e l c a m i n o _ tex m ex
BRUNCH
Tannins Wine Bar BAR+GRILL
TOKYO MOJITO
With its new expansion to the southside, Tannin's Wine Bar & Grill is serving up a delicious Sunday brunch starting at 11 a.m. with its full brunch menu available. 7629 S. Staples St. $$
AKA SUSHI DOWNTOWN
LU N C H
@akasushidowntown
Mariscos Altamar
Sake meets mojito for a refreshing twist. Experience the crispness of sake perfectly melded with the fresh taste of a classic mojito. Be sure to check out this exotic fusion cocktail. 4 1 5 N . WAT E R S T.
SEAFOOD
A new local spot specializing in Nayarit-style seafood, Mariscos Altamar offers a wide variety of shrimp, lobster and fresh fish options, as well as delicious soups, pastas and paellas. 5114 Weber Rd. $$ DINNER
FRENCH
El Camino's chicken tinga nachos served with guacamole, pico and sour cream. Photo by Jason Page 56 The Bend
Now serving a brand new dinner menu every Thursday through Saturday from 6-10 p.m., enjoy made-to-order French cuisine. Reservations recommended. 1336 S. Staples St. $$$
illustration by JARR ED SCHU ET ZE
Bein Mérité
Top Doctors 2024 + Summary. DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification, and conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers. To create the "top doctors" list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peer-nomination process, also referencing government sources. In addition, DataJoe often conducts media analysis through Internet research to factor in public perception. DataJoe then tallied the nominations per category for each doctor to isolate the top nominees in each category. After collecting nominations and factoring additional information from the media analysis, DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had a current, active license status with the state reg-
ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY
CARDIOLOGY
Adrienne Tinana Allergy Partners of Corpus Christi
Thomas Alexander Corpus Christi Heart Clinic
ANESTHESIOLOGY
Lawrence Brenner Corpus Christi Heart Clinic
Euleche Alanmanou Driscoll Children's Hospital Angelina Bhandari Driscoll Children's Hospital Mario Cancemi Gulf Shore Anesthesia Associates Camille S Graham Driscoll Children's Hospital Brent Hagemeister Gulf Shore Anesthesia Associates
Kasi Chekuri Corpus Christi Heart Clinic Christel Cuevas Corpus Christi Heart Clinic Paul W Heath Corpus Christi Heart Clinic Carlos E Martinez-Quinonez Cardiology Associates of Corpus Christi
Javier Joglar Driscoll Children's Hospital
Scott W McKinstry Cardiology Associates of Corpus Christi
Bonnie Strain Bay Area Anesthesia Associates
John Douglas Pappas Cardiology Associates of Corpus Christi
David Carlton Williamson Gulf Shore Anesthesia Associates
ulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a doctor's current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that doctor was excluded from the list. In addition, any doctor who has been disciplined, up to the time-frame of our review process for an infraction by the state regulatory board, was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine staff for final review and adjustments. Final note. We recognize that there are many good doctors who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding doctors in the region and the results of our research campaign. We take time and ener-
Charles J Schechter Coastal Cardiology PLLC
Gregg L Silverman Coastal Cardiology PLLC Travis Taylor Coastal Cardiology PLLC Stephen Turner Coastal Cardiology PLLC
CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY Mark R Bielefeld J Mark Morales MD PA John Mark Morales J Mark Morales MD PA Sergio Tavares Christus Health
COLON & RECTAL SURGERY Tara L Hahn Corpus Christi Endoscopy Center
COSMETIC SURGERY Vijay Bindingnavele Corpus Christi Institute of Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery
gy to ensure fair voting, although we u derstand that the results of this survey nomination are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective doctors may not appear on the list. Disclaimers. DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the inform tion in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.
DERMATOLOGY Nathan Davis South Texas Dermatology Wayne A Fagan South Texas Dermatology
DEVELOPMENTALBEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICS Maricela D Gulbronson Driscoll Children's Hospital
DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY Robert Beauchamp Radiology & Imaging of South Texas Charles B Gover-Mendez Radiology Associates LLP David Saldana Radiology & Imaging of South Texas
EMERGENCY MEDICINE Brian Doyle Brown Sparkling Sea Emergency Physicians
Justin Hensley Christus Spohn Texas A&M Emergency Medicine Residency John Herrick Christus Spohn Texas A&M Emergency Medicine Residency Sean Hutzler Christus Spohn Texas A&M Emergency Medicine Residency Shani Italiya Christus Spohn Texas A&M Emergency Medicine Residency Haley Sutherland Christus Spohn Texas A&M Emergency Medicine Residency
ENDOCRINOLOGY DIABETES AND METABOLISM Brandi Addison South Texas Endocrinology & Metabolism PLLC Jennifer M Amaral Ramos Jennifer M Amaral Ramos MD PA
thebendmag.com 57
+ TOP DOCTORS 2024 Jacqueline Cohn Christus Health
FAMILY MEDICINE Isaac Chitrit Corpus Christi Medical Center Mark A Dodson MDVIP Orel Everett Christus Trinity Clinic William C Flores Wellmed at Crosstown Jonathan E Martin Jonathan Martin MD Frank E Martinez Frank E Martinez MD Andres Nisimblat Christus Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi John E Schulze John Edward Schulze MD Frederick R Sherron Corpus Christi Family Medicine David F Sutter Corpus Christi Medical Center Robert Webster Third Coast Health, PLLC Michael G Winnie MDVIP
GASTROENTEROLOGY Luis A Armstrong Gastroenterology and Advanced Endoscopy
Victor Ortiz Surgical Associates of Corpus Christi Jimie Owsley Surgical Consultants PA Lloyd Stegemann The Better Weigh Center Steven A Vela Christus Surgical Hospital
NEPHROLOGY Amy Becker Driscoll Children's Hospital Samhar Al-Akash Children's Physician Services of South Texas Abeer A Kaldas Comprehensive Kidney Care
GERIATRIC MEDICINE
Fariba Zarinetchi Kidney Specialists of South Texas PA
Andres Bonelli Christus Health
NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY
Kathleen Soch Christus Trinity Clinic
Patrick Gleason Neurosurgery of Corpus Christi
HAND SURGERY
Ashley Hanna Driscoll Children's Hospital
Ryan Thomas South Texas Bone and Joint
NEUROLOGY
HEMATOLOGY
Carol Deline Driscoll Children's Hospital
Yvonne Manalo Coastal Bend Cancer Center
Paxton Longwell Corpus Christi Neurology
Nkechi Mba Driscoll Children's Hospital Cancer and Blood Disorders
Jorge Mendizabal Corpus Christi Neurology
Ajay Sehgal Coastal Bend Cancer Center Alfonso Villamil Coastal Bend Cancer Center
Juan F Santos Ambulatory Adult Neurology PA Gregory C Trolley Corpus Christi Medical Center
HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
Yvonne Hinojosa Christus Trinity Clinic
Christine Canterbury Corpus Christi Women's Clinic
INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Melissa A Chiasson Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates of Corpus Christi
Jae Kim Corpus Christi Endoscopy Center
Jaime Fergie Driscoll Children's Hospital
Joanna Linsteadt Abdominal Specialists of South Texas LLP
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Romulo Corrada Coastal Bend Women's Center
Ronald Bruce Dr Ronald Bruce DO
Heather Dixon Coastal Bend Women's Center
Arvind G Modak Corpus Christi Medical Center
Roxanna V Doucet Doucet Med Spa
James Neff Christus Trinity Clinic
Mary Joy S Hyde Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates of Corpus Christi
Robert Mitchell Corpus Christi Endoscopy Center Timothy Van Frank Corpus Christi Endoscopy Center
GENERAL SURGERY Osbert Blow Christus Spohn Trauma Surgeons Mitchell Dye Surgical Associates of Corpus Christi Michael Ewing Surgical Associates of Corpus Christi Jegan Gopal The Better Weigh Center 58 The Bend
Samuel Oloyo South Texas Medical Associates Mark Strauss Christus Trinity Clinic
INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY Srikanth Damaraju Coastal Cardiology PLLC Raymond H Graf Jr Coastal Cardiology PLLC
Noe Lira Christus Surgical Hospital Denise M Lochner Coastal Bend Women's Center Sandra I Noriega Coastal Bend Women's Center Sophia J Ommani Coastal Bend Women's Center Maria A Pizarro Coastal Bend Women's Center
Laura L Shelton Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates of Corpus Christi
George H Fisher Jr Ear Nose & Throat Associates of Corpus Christi PA
Maryjoy Weathersby Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates of Corpus Christi
Todd M Weiss Corpus Christi ENT Sinus and Allergy PLLC
ONCOLOGY
Randall S Zane Ear Nose & Throat Associates of Corpus Christi PA
Aftab Majmood The Oncology Consultants Swetha Panati Christus Spohn Cancer Center Emile Salloum Coastal Bend Cancer Center
OPHTHALMOLOGY Sanjay Agarwal Coastal Bend Retina PA Patrick Avet Eye Associates of Corpus Christi Shahed Y Ghoghawala South Texas Eye Consultants Jerry Hunsaker Jerry Hunsaker MD
PAIN MANAGEMENT Mitchell Engle Institute Precision Pain Medicine Gabriel Lopez Corpus Christi Pain Medicine Michael Tschickardt Coastal Bend Pain Management
PATHOLOGY Michael E Bailey Histopath Van H Savell Jr Driscoll Children's Hospital
PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY
Shaheen Karim Coastal Bend Retina PA
Dan Mckenna Driscoll Children's Hospital
Jacob Jackson Moore Coastal Bend Eye Center
PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY
Adam L Spengler Berkeley Eye Center
Ana Maria Paez Driscoll Children's Hospital
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY
Joseph Cohn Orthopaedic Center of Corpus Christi
Ashok Jain Driscoll Children's Hospital
Justin Klimisch South Texas Bone and Joint
PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDICS ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
Christopher Larkins South Texas Bone and Joint
Christopher Comstock Driscoll Children's Hospital
John Masciale South Texas Bone and Joint
PEDIATRIC OTALARYNGOLOGY ENT
Jeffrey R Schlimmer Orthopaedic Center of Corpus Christi
Syboney Zapata Driscoll Children's Hospital
ORTHOPEDICS Peter C Neff Orthopaedic Center of Corpus Christi Brian L Patterson Orthopaedic Center of Corpus Christi Roger Timperlake Driscoll Children's Hospital
OTALARYNGOLOGY EAR NOSE THROAT
PEDIATRIC SURGERY P Stephen Almond Driscoll Children's Hospital
PEDIATRICS GENERAL Catherine Harris Boston Driscoll Children's Hospital Ali F Candas Coastal Children's Clinic E Richard Cortes Coastal Children's Clinic Edgar L Cortes Coastal Children's Clinic
+ TOP DOCTORS 2024 Emily Hartman ABC Pediatrics Katherine H Hensley Coastal Children's Clinic Punitha Jayaramaraju Rani Pediatrics Mulukutla Ramakrishna South Padre Island Pediatric Clinic Sabeen Rani Rani Pediatrics Susan Schulze ABC Pediatrics
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY Vanessa Dimas Driscoll Children's Hospital Craniofacial and Cleft Center Kevin Hopkins Driscoll Children's Hospital Craniofacial and Cleft Center Robert Fernandez Corpus Christi Medical Center Herve F Gentile Herve F Gentile MD FACS Cassidy Wright Hinojosa Coastal Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center
PSYCHIATRY John O Lusins Iii South Texas Mental Health Associates Nestor Praderio Psychiatric Consulting Services Megan Talley South Texas Mental Health Associates
PULMONOLOGY Ramakrishna Chakilam Corpus Christi Medical Center Rene Franco Jr Bayside Pulmonology Rajeev Narang South Texas Pulmonary & Critical Care Associates Salim Surani Pam Health Specialty Hospital of Corpus Christi North
RADIOLOGY Alexander T Aitken Radiology & Imaging of South Texas Anthony N Hein Radiology & Imaging of South Texas Erin Moody Radiology & Imaging of South Texas Kenneth Vanexan Radiology & Imaging of South Texas
RHEUMATOLOGY Melissa C Mizesko Driscoll Children's Hospital David Petros Corpus Christi Rheumatology Clinic
SPINE SURGERY Mathew Alexander South Texas Brain & Spine Center John M Borkowski South Texas Bone and Joint Davin D Cordell Orthopaedic Center of Corpus Christi
SPORTS MEDICINE Charles Breckenridge South Texas Bone and Joint
Denise M. Lochner, MD
Scott Kleppe Driscoll Children's Hospital
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
SURGICAL ONCOLOGY Ali Maawy Surgical Associates of Corpus Christi
UROLOGY Norbert Christopher Brehm Corpus Christi Urology Group PLLC Jason D Fisher Corpus Christi Urology Group PLLC Robert A May Jr Corpus Christi Urology Group PLLC Robert A Naismith Corpus Christi Urology Group PLLC Alan A Nisbet Corpus Christi Urology Group PLLC William L Shaffer Kidney Specialists of South Texas PA
RADIATION ONCOLOGY
VASCULAR SURGERY
Travis Thompson Expert Cancer Physicians
Lofton Misick Dialysis Access Center in Corpus Christi
Gerard J Voorhees Corpus Christi Cancer Center
Steven Steele Christus Health
Dr. Denise Lochner is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a graduate of UT Southwestern Medical School and completed residency training at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Clara California in 2003. Dedicated to the advancement of gynecological surgery in Corpus Christi, Dr. Lochner is certified with a Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery and is accredited as a SRC Surgeon of Excellence in Robotic Surgery. In addition her practice also includes care of low and high risk obstetrical patients. Dr. Lochner’s office is part of Coastal Bend Women’s Center where the clinic offers in house lab testing and ultrasounds. She is passionate about the care and health of her patients and looks forward to continuing to meet the needs of the community!
CORPUS CHRISTI MEDICAL CENTER 7121 S PA D R E I S L A N D D R , S U I T E 200 CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78412 • 361.993.6000
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Coastal Bend Eye Center OPHTHALMOLOGY
As Medical Director for Coastal Bend Eye Center, Dr. Moore aims to build a community resource where people with serious eye conditions can receive prompt and affordable eye care. To achieve that goal, we have created a team of outstanding doctors who work together to prevent blindness and improve the quality of life for residents of Coastal Bend. Founded by Jack Sahadi, MD, Coastal Bend Eye Center has served the Coastal Bend since 1977. Dr. Sahadi graduated from medical school at the University of Texas San Antonio Medical School in 1971 and continued his training at Scott and White in Temple, TX. Each of Coastal Bend Eye Center’s Ophthalmologists is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specializes in diseases and surgical procedures. Our team also includes three outstanding Doctors of Optometry who provide comprehensive eye exams to patients of all ages. John T. Dugan, MD, who founded Dugan Eye Institute in 1977, joined Coastal Bend Eye Center in 2020. Dr. Dugan graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine in 1971 and had his internship and residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Dr. Dugan has a professional interest in the treatment of cataracts. Jacob J Moore, MD, has practiced in Corpus Christi since 2009 and became the Medical Director of Coastal Bend Eye Center and Coastal Bend Ambulatory Surgical Center in 2011. Dr. Moore graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern School of Medicine in 2002.
He completed his internship and residency at the Medical College of Georgia and served as Chief Resident. Dr. Moore specializes in treating cataracts and refractive errors through laser vision correction. Nancy A Harrison, OD, joined the Eye Center in 2015. She studied at the New England College of Optometry in Boston, graduating in 1985. Dr. Harrison enjoys working with patients of all ages. Jose Echevarria, OD, joined the team in 2018. He studied at the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry and graduated in 2002. Dr. Echevarria is bi-lingual with native fluency in English and Spanish. Leslie G. Dooley, OD, joined in 2020. She studied at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and graduated in 1996. Dr. Dooley enjoys helping senior citizens achieve their best vision. In addition to prescribing glasses and fitting contact lenses, our doctors have expertise in treating glaucoma, age-related eye conditions, diabetes-related eye conditions, and ocular surface conditions such as dry eyes. To better serve families throughout the Coastal Bend region, Coastal Bend Eye Center has offices in Beeville, Kingsville, and Alice, in addition to the primary practice in Corpus Christi. Each facility offers comprehensive exams and testing and can place orders for glasses and contacts. In addition, the Coastal Bend Ambulatory Surgical Center facility offers patients high-quality surgical care in a comfortable environment.
COASTAL BEND EYE CENTER 900 M O R G A N AV E, C O R P U S C H R I S T I, T X 78404 361.888.4288 | C OA S TA L B E N D E Y E .C O M thebendmag.com 61
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Dr. Ricardo Taboada & Dr. Michael Tschickardt C OA S TA L B E N D PA I N M A N AG E M E N T For those living with chronic pain who have been searching for compassionate and skilled physicians to help them regain control of their lives, look no further than Dr. Michael Tschickardt and Dr. Ricardo Taboada with Coastal Bend Pain Management. Dr. Michael Tschickardt, an interventional pain physician, invites you to experience exceptional care at Coastal Bend Pain Management. With board certification in Pain Medicine and specialized training in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine from Wake Forest University, Dr. Tschickardt brings over two decades of expertise and experience to the Coastal Bend community. His commitment to establishing meaningful patient-
doctor relationships and ability to provide efficient patient care sets him apart. Dr. Ricardo Taboada is a proud University of Texas at Austin graduate who completed medical school at Universidad Central Del Caribe in Puerto Rico. He continued his training with an Anesthesiology residency and Pain Medicine fellowship at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences and Baystate Medical Center and is board-certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine. With over a decade of experience at the Hartford Hospital Pain Treatment Center, Dr. Taboada brings expertise in interventional pain management with a strong foundation in patient-doctor
COASTAL BEND PAIN MANAGEMENT 7101 WILLIAMS DR, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78412 3 6 1 . 8 5 4 .1 9 1 0 | C O A S T A L B E N D P A I N . C O M 62 The Bend
relationships. Dr. Taboada is fluent in Spanish and is excited to return to his hometown of Corpus Christi. Both physicians specialize in Interventional Pain Medicine and can address a range of pain conditions with in-office procedures for convenience and cost savings. From neck and back pain to joint, headache, abdominal, and nerve pain, their team collaborates to devise tailored, patient centered treatment plans aimed at improved function and quality of life. Together, their mission is to restore patients’ quality of life through cuttingedge interventional treatments and complementary therapies in a comfortable and compassionate environment.
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Dr. Mathew T. Alexander NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY Dr. Mathew T. Alexander has been serving the costal bend and surrounding areas for the past 20 years. He grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and went to a 6-year accelerated medical program directly from high school to Rensselaer and Albany Medical College. He did 9 years of neurosurgery residency at Medical College of Wisconsin. He started his group practice in Corpus Christi named South Texas Brain and Spine Center and has a satellite clinic in Victoria, Texas. He works at both hospital systems at Doctors Regional, Bay Area, and Christus Spohn. He takes the majority of insurances and is accepting new patients. His practice is a compressive adult neurosurgery which ranges from minimal invasive spinal surgery to complex scoliosis deformity surgery, brain tumor using BrainLab neuronavigation, Parkinson functional surgery, carpal tunnel peripheral nerve surgery, pain management surgeries including pain pumps and spinal cord stimulators. Dr. Alexander has a passion of helping people and provide the least invasive way to treat patients. He treats his patients as if he would treat his own family members. He is always striving to provide the latest and most innovative treatment for his patients. He sees all patients and follows them very closely after their surgery and during their continued rehabilitation.
SOUTH TEXAS BRAIN AND SPINE CENTER 1227 THIRD STREET CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78404 P H O N E: 361.883.4323 | FA X: 361.883.4324
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Robert Webster, MD At Third Coast Health, we pride ourselves on fostering enduring relationships with our patients. Robert Webster, MD, is a Corpus Christi native who was raised as the seventh of nine children. He played tennis at King High School and continued his passion through college at The Citadel, where he graduated in 1991. His decision to pursue a career in healthcare led him to medical school at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center. He returned to Corpus Christi in 1997 where he completed his Family Medicine residency at Christus Spohn. Rob has been in private practice since 2000. Outside of the office Rob serves on the boards of the Coastal Bend Blood Center and American Bank. In February, he will begin volunteering at Compassionate Care, a clinic that provides charitable care in the community. He also enjoys boating, fishing, playing tennis and pickleball with his wife, Allison. Together the couple has two children, Elizabeth and George. Stephanie Kemp, an LVN and Corpus Christi native, has been an integral part of the team for 23 years, contributing to our close connections with our patients and their families. Adding to our dynamic team is Dr. John Hartman, a Family Medicine practitioner with seven years of experience in Corpus Christi. Alongside him is Lisa Armstrong, an LVN with nine years of family practice experience, who joined us a year ago. Jennifer Rosas, our efficient office manager and Corpus Christi native, brings over 20 years of healthcare industry experience to our practice. Lupita Silvas, our cheerful front desk professional, welcomes clients with a warm smile, embodying the dedication that has characterized her 17 year tenure. Pamala Russell, our skilled phlebotomist, joined us two years ago, enhancing our team with her exceptional abilities recognized by our patients. The most fulfilling part of our practice is the lasting relationships we have cultivated over decades. Driven by a vision to meet the growing demand in Corpus Christi, we are eager to expand our services and continue to provide quality healthcare to the community. Through our concierge model and annual membership, we are committed to prompt and comprehensive healthcare in a personalized setting. Join us at Third Coast Health, where healthcare is personal, relationships endure, and your wellbeing is our priority.
THIRD COAST HEALTH 3560 S. ALAMEDA, CORPUS CHRISTI 78411 361.900.9969 64 The Bend
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Dr. Gabriel Lopez PA I N M A N AG E M E N T Dr. Gabriel Lopez graduated from Texas A&M University in 1996 and then from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Medical School in 2000. In 2004, he completed his anesthesia residency at Loma Linda Hospital in California where he served as Chief Resident. Afterward, Dr. Lopez pursued a Pain Management Fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. In 2006, Dr. Lopez started his own practice at Corpus Christi Pain Medicine with two staff members. However, the clinic quickly grew to sixteen full-time employees, including a nurse practitioner. Professing his motto of “Making Lives Better,” Dr. Lopez believes in going above and beyond to care for his patients. Dr. Lopez’s vision for improving patient care includes his new ASC, Southside Specialty Surgical Center, which opened in December 2019. They are currently doing Pain Management cases as well Spine Surgery at the center. Dr. Lopez strives to make it a world-class ambulatory surgical center and a premier choice for patients and surgeons for outpatient surgical procedures. Dr. Lopez has lived in Corpus Christi for 18 years with his wife and their two beautiful daughters. In his spare time, Dr. Lopez enjoys wake-surfing, playing drums and boxing.
CORPUS CORPUSCHRISTI CHRISTI PAIN P.A. P.A. PAINMEDICINE, MEDICINE,P.A.
“Making Lives Better” “Making Lives Better” “Making Lives Better” “Making Lives Better”
Gabriel GabrielLopez, Lopez,M.D. M.D.
Board BoardCertified CertifiedininPain PainMedicine Medicine Fellowship Trained Fellowship TrainedininPain PainMedicine Medicine
CORPUS CHRISTI PAIN MEDICINE
3825 S PA D R E I S L A N D D R . C O R P U S C H R I S T I , T X 78415 361.225.0089 | C C PA I N M E D.C O M
Rudy RudyGarza, Garza,M.D. M.D.
Are Pain? Board Eligible Areyou yousuffering sufferingfrom fromChronic Chronic Pain? Board EligibleininPain PainMedicine Medicine Dr. Dr.Lopez Lopezmay maybe beable abletotohelp. help.
Fellowship Trained Medicine thebendmag.com 65 Fellowship TrainedininPain Pain Medicine
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Third Coast Health Welcomes Dr. Hartman Dr. John Hartman, D.O., has been practicing with Third Coast Health, a concierge medical practice, since January 2023. He arrived in Corpus Christi in 2014 to complete his residency training in Family Medicine with Christus Spohn. John immediately found Corpus Christi to be the place he wanted to work and raise a family, and soon convinced his wife, Emily, to join him here. John and Emily, a pediatrician at ABC Pediatrics, now have four children and have grown roots in our community. He enjoys spending time with his kids, going to the beach, hunting and fishing, along with attending dance recitals, and helping coach soccer and T-ball. John received his bachelor’s degree in biomedical science from Texas A&M in College Station. He earned his master’s in biomedical science along with his Medical Degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. Dr. Hartman is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
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THE TROJANETTES TAKE ON NOSTALGIA
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photography by SHOOCHA PHOTOGR APHY
The girl group based out of Moody High School performs classics while inspiring others to let their light shine
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The Trojanettes Take on Nostalgia The girl group based out of Moody High School performs classics while inspiring others to let their light shine By Vanessa Perez Photos by Shoocha Photography
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usic has the uncanny ability to transport us to a different place and time, sometimes those that exist only in memory, and the musical group Moody’s Trojanettes has done just that since its inception. The Trojanettes began as the vision of Moody High School drama director Frank Garcia for students interested in becoming well-rounded, confident performers who could sing, dance and fulfill a role all on stage. Thus the Trojanettes — in flipped-out bobs and dreamy 60s girl group regalia – were born, originally comprising alumni Marissa Garcia, Lauren Cavada and current senior Bo Pèrez. “There was an admin dinner that needed entertainment, and Mr. Garcia decided to put on a show that was Dreamgirls-esque,” Cavada said. The Trojanettes soon expanded their base to events throughout the Coastal Bend, garnering new fans and Trojanette hopefuls along the way. “My best friend Marissa asked me to accompany her to see a girl group that was performing at the mall,” said Yazmin Salgado, sophomore Trojanette. “I fell in love with it. The way they sang so freely and the way they danced without fear, I knew I wanted to join. I tried out thinking I wouldn't make it — but to my surprise, I did!” Citing influences from modern icons like Bruno Mars and Kali Uchis to Motown legends like the Supremes and Etta James, the Trojanettes embrace their roles as students to the craft by taking cues from all styles and genres. 70 The Bend
Follow the Trojanettes on Instagram and Facebook for information about their spring tour and other upcoming performances.
“It’s very much a retro vibe, like a sort of blast from the past for those who grew up listening to this kind of music,” Pérez said. “We sing oldies to give people a chance to reminisce and remember how they felt when they first heard the music.” For some, influences draw closer to home — like in the case of siblings Ayleen and Bo Perez, who recalls playing music with their family as an influential pastime — while for others it began at school. “Garcia truly took me under his wings and taught me everything I know about my vocals today,” Marissa Garcia, founding member and Trojanette alumnus. “If it wasn’t for him believing in me and pushing me to follow my dreams, I would not be at West Texas A&M pursuing dance. He is an amazing teacher.” The group exists now as a legacy of sorts, with different students coming into new iterations of the Trojanettes with every school year, lending the gift of confidence in both craft and character to each new and passing Trojanette. “Being in the Trojanettes has helped me put myself more out there, and made me more confident in myself and singing in front of people than I was before,” Brenda Garza, a senior and current Trojanette said. The dream for what the Trojanettes’ and their gift of song have to lend to the community doesn’t end at graduation for many Trojanettes, who hope to see the program expand and inspire others like it. “I hope this group becomes well known around the community, that [we] can show everyone too scared to start a music career that dreams do come true, it just takes time and dedication,” Salgado said.
CONTACT @the_trojanettes | 361-878-7340
YOU DREAM IT...
WE DESIGN & BUILD IT NEW Construction
ADDITIONS Renovations CoastalBend’s Bend’s top Coastal top ratedContractor Contractor rated 1010 Straight Years Straight Years
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Navigating Growth and Innovation in the New Year Ellison Helmsman, Inc. is here to help you set (and keep) "new-day" resolutions By Jacqueline Gonzalez
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Photo by Benjamin Zaragosa
ith a new year upon us and clean slates in hand, we’re faced with 365 days to fulfill the goals we eagerly planned. Whether it’s a new business venture, refreshing an existing project or simply toying around with an idea, the weight of our goals can often steer us in the wrong direction, especially without proper guidance or accountability. That’s where Ellison Helmsman comes in. When a job opportunity led Josh Henderson, founder of Ellison Helmsman, to Corpus Christi, he fell in love with the dynamic of the city and with his wife, Kristin, which solidified his deeprooted connection to the area. Recognizing this was undeniably home, he brought Ellison Helmsman to Corpus Christi. Drawing from his experience in the legal field and oil and gas management, Henderson developed a process of innovation involving research, analysis, development, training and execution, and uses it to tailor the experience to each client’s unique needs. Through his curated system for strategic growth and development, the team at Ellison Helmsman serves individuals and businesses across multiple industries and regions, guiding them to reach their goals. 72 The Bend
Follow Ellison Helman’s social media pages for motivational tips and quotes.
“Using this process, we end up touching on leadership, staff development, processes, documentation, automation, integration of technology, sales and marketing to help them with their growth plan,” Henderson said. According to Henderson, this innovative approach is unique in the consulting industry, transcending conventional data-centric practices and instead, pioneering the connection between human and technological development. Using a psychology-based methodology centered on comprehending organizational dynamics, Ellison Helmsman not only educates people on the process but also facilitates successful implementation, contributing to the success of a wide array of businesses, including new and existing entities, governmental and nongovernmental organizations, for-profit and non-profit enterprises, small businesses and corporations. Henderson isn’t a fan of New Year’s Resolutions; he prefers new-day resolutions. He encourages business owners to embrace intentionality and a daily recommitment to growth to achieve success with their business goals. “It’s the accountability and structure that drive a growth plan forward,” Henderson said. By offering an open-door policy and a relationship-based sales approach, the company positions itself as a valuable resource for individuals and businesses alike. As the company expands its footprint across Texas, its headquarters remain firmly planted in Corpus Christi due to Henderson’s deep connection to the city and commitment to the local community.
CONTACT 1116 Santa Fe | info@ellisonhelmsman.com
Board Certified Pediatric Dental Specialist - Steven Solis, DDS
In Conversation with/
MATTHEW MOREL
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525 Doddridge St. Corpus Christi, TX 78411 | 361.855.6211 | dentistryjfk.com
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AROUND THE B END LOOKING BAC K
A Changing Facade City National Bank’s building has long outlived the bank By Jillian Becquet Photo Credit Corpus Christi Public Libraries, La Retama Special Collections & Archives
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he turn of the 20th century was a time of much growth in Corpus Christi, and Clark Pease moved to Corpus Christi to serve as president of a new bank. Chartered in 1905, City National Bank was part of a post-Panic of 1893 growth of new banks, as The Panic of 1893 caused the closure of several of Corpus Christi’s first banks. The bank built an elaborate fourstory building in 1908 at Chaparral and Peoples that still stands today. If you’re having trouble picturing it, it’s because of major exterior changes that make it unrecognizable. City National Bank failed during the Great Depression and closed in 1932. It continued to serve as office space on upper floors but the bank’s marble-clad lobby became a shoe store, Vo-Craft Shoes. It held Charles Shoe Store, Anne Lewis Dress Shop, then Lane’s Dress Shop from 1958 until 1965. Photos of Lane’s show the façade smoothed out and windows covered, a change made sometime in the 50s and no doubt seen as modern. Today, the windows are again present, but gone are the unique features of this building that made it so attractive in its first decades. Boarded up for years, it came back to life in the early 2000s with a variety of restaurants on the ground floor and office space above. In fact, The Bend’s own office relocated to this building at the beginning of 2023. It's not what it once was, but at 115 years old and with its ‘modern’ changes also historic at this point, it’s poised to continue to serve Corpus Christi for years to come.
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City National Bank at 406 Peoples St.
Providing Cosmetic surgery in Corpus Christi, TX and surrounding communities thebendmag.com 75
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