THE
MEDICAL ISSUE highlighting El Paso’s Doctors
GIFTS THAT SAVE LIVES Be a Donor
DR. KEITH JOHNSON &
NATIVE EL PASOAN
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON
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April, 2014
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1
FASHION · HEALTH · TRAVEL April, 2014
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shelley Mozelle shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com
BUSINESS MANAGER Josh Sanchez josh@thecitymagazineelp.com
EDITOR Kim North kim@thecitymagazineelp.com COVER:
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT/STAFF WRITER
Dr. Keith Johnson
Meagan Kinley
PHOTOGRAPHY BY:
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER/ EVENT COORDINATOR
Dav Anmed
COVER STORY BY: Michael Graham
Chaz Wilson
EDITORIAL DESIGN Ernie Sanchez Creative
WEB PRODUCER Ryan Heape ryan@thecitymagazineelp.com
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Natalie Rosales natalie@thecitymagazineelp.com
SALES MANAGER Joseph D. Dias joe@thecitymagazineelp.com
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Jacqueline Ramsey - Senior Advertising Executive jackie@thecitymagazineelp.com Chaz Wilson chaz@thecitymagazineelp.com Sharon Passantino sharon@thecitymagazineelp.com Javier R. Delgado javier@thecitymagazineelp.com Eddie M. Algarin eddie@thecitymagazineelp.com
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS “The City ” El Paso Magazine welcomes your comments. Please send letters to “Letters to the Editors” 5925 Silver Springs Dr., Suite A El Paso, Texas 79912, or email the editors. Phone number: (915) 500-5730. Fax: (915) 500-5732. Letters addressed to The City El Paso Magazine become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use. Letters may be edited for space.
All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned in full by the magazine and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the Editors in Chief. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership or management of the magazine. All rights reserved.
Felipa Solis, Jannet Bustillos, Grace Neuhaus, Michelle Cromer, Patrick Martínez, Cassie Jean Johnson, Meagan Kinley, Josh Sanchez, Michael Graham, Vic Poulos, Brittany Sawrey, Joann Wardy, Robin Niland, Austin Savage, Marko Morales, Natalie Rosales, Matthew Wilkson, Erika Lopez, Adair Margo, Reed Loney, Candace Vasquez Brenda Castaneda, Ana Huesca, JoLene Keipp, Andrés Rodríguez.
PHOTOGRAPHY Dav Anmed, Robert Corral, Luis Miranda, Jr.,
CONTRIBUTING JUNIOR DESIGNER
www.thecitymagazineelp.com 2
Ryan Heape
CREATIVE SUPPORT Theresa Guerra, Ibrahim Sánchez
April, 2014
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April, 2014
“Spring Forward” could not ring more true
say the least it was a hit, both the magazine
when I consider how far we’ve come in such
and the event! The seminar with David Tutera
a short time. In this business we’re always
was a sell out and we packed the boutique
at deadlines, chasing last minute ads, and
event with handpicked vendors and a style
running late to an important event because
show like El Paso has never seen. We love the
we took one last look at the cover editorial.
description that was commonly used, “very
I can’t tell you how rewarding, challenging,
couture.” The excitement has not ended, stay
and refreshing it is to be involved with a
tuned for our TV show based on the wedding
product that allows me to be associated
event that will air during prime time 6:30 pm,
with the readers, and clients of such an
May 3, 2014 on KTSM News Channel 9.
exciting publication. One thing about The City Magazine is that no one does it like we
Also in this issue take a minute to get to
do and we challenge ourselves daily to bring
know our cover man, orthopedic surgeon,
you, our readers, edgy, exciting, and never
Dr. Keith Johnson. An alumni of Hanks
done before pieces on the city.
High School, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry from Notre Dame,
It is the backbone of the magazine if you will,
then
to find creative ways to always concentrate
Meharry Medical College, he is one of many
finishing
his
medical
studies
at
on the positive, the good things going on
successful El Pasoans who have chosen to
in El Paso, and leave out the negative. This
bring their talents home to work and raise a
is an amazing time to be in El Paso, we are
family. He tells our writer Michael Graham
growing with positive things to talk about, so
that along with great medical relationships,
why would we ever talk about the negative?
he’s been able to build a practice focusing on
To borrow the slogan our friends have made
sports medicine, which allows him to enjoy a
so popular, “El Paso, it’s all good.”
quality of life that would be difficult to match anywhere else.
While I’m toasting milestones, The City Magazine just launched our first bridal
Enjoy our tribute to El Paso’s medical world
magazine, which is called none other than
and as always, expected the unexpected.
The City Weddings. We brought the celebrity wedding guru David Tutera to town for his first visit, to help with the launch of The City Weddings and to be honored as the “Man of the Hour” at our wedding boutique event. To 4
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April, 2014
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April, 2014
El Paso 27 Doctors
contents
Profiles
The City
20 HEART HANDS DR. KEITH JOHNSON
By: THE CITY
in his
46
The City Features
Dr. Juan Taveras, MD
PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST
42
By: AUSTIN SAVAGE
By: MICHAEL GRAHAM
The City
from
THEIR HEARTS toYOURS 50
The City
Dispelling the Myths Behind Brain Injury By: MEAGAN KINLEY
By: ERIKA LOPEZ
70
Parenting
Finding the Right Pediatrician By: ROBIN NILAND
74
78
Spirituality
Soul Medicine
Fitness
Big Fat Liar The Truth About Fats in Your Diet By: PATRICK L. MARTINEZ
76
Astrology
Crystal Healing
BY: MICHELLE CROMER
By: GRACE THE PSYCHIC LADY
The City
84
Expert Care Yields Remarkable Results By: ADAIR MARGO
8
72
Wine
Wine and Health By: VIC POULOS
The City
The Science of Sleep By: AUSTIN SAVAGE
58
64
The City
Doctors Who Make a Difference Readers’ Choice By: MEAGAN KINLEY
80 CHIRO-
PRACTOR
Profiles
88
Etiquette
Treat Aging Parents With Respect, Love By: JOANN WARDY
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
April, 2014
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April, 2014
! l l a B y Pla
90 TH YEAR
50 The City
The City
It’s Time to
The El Paso Club Celebrates its
By: BRENDA L. CASTANEDA
The City
96
94
BY: MICHAEL C. GRAHAM
98
Sports
Kinesiology Major, Football Minor Anthony Puente’s Story
100
The City
A Mighty Movement Mighty Mujer Triathlon BY: BRENDA L. CASTANEDA
Artist Spotlight
WOODEN WAVES The Jewelry Boxes of Tim Anklam
BY: REED LONEY
BY: JOLENE REZA KEIPP
104 108
Where Are They Now?
Ronn Lucas; Throwing Voices 112
The City
The Art of Making Friends Cheech Marin and Gaspar Enriquez
BY: REED LONEY
By: MARKO A. MORALES
By: MARKO MORALES
His Prerogative Hidden Gem
Old Ft. Bliss Cigar Co. By: ANDRÉS RODRÍGUEZ
136 The City
Life After the Crown By: ANA HUESCA
10
By: MATTHEW WILKSON
116
140 Love and Romance
The Compositions of Love By: JANNET BUSTILLOS
THE
LOOK
120 Gold G O LD
RUS H Rush 126 By: JOSH SANCHEZ
142 Medical
Sculpting Towards the Perfect Body
By: MARCO A. GONZALEZ, M.D.
147 Investment
You Can’t Save What you Don’t Have By: GILBERT CORTEZ
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
April, 2014
The Contributors
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10
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April, 2014
1) Michael C. Graham 2) GRACE The Psychic Lady 3) FELIPA SOLIS 4) Meagan Kinley 5) MICHELLE CROMER 6) DAV ANMED 7) Victor Poulos 8) JANNET BUSTILLOS 9) Josh Sanchez 10) PATRICK L. MARTINEZ 11) Robert Corral 12) Adair Margo 13) Candace Vasquez 14) Andrés Rodríguez www.thecitymagazineelp.com
April, 2014
El Paso
Far East Store New Eastside Store Westside Store North East Store Ranch Market Clearance Ctr Zaragoza 9813 Dyer St. 855-9500 595-5954 585-1555 751-5555
Las Cruces
855-9500
1265 El Paseo Rd.
647-2085
307-7396
315 S. Telshor Blvd.
532-1144
the-mattressstore.com www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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April, 2014
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For full contributor bios go to www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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15) Erika Lopez 16) brenda Castaneda 17) ana huesca 18) jolene keipp 19) CASSIE JEAN JOHNSON 20) Brittany Sawrey 21) Robin Niland 22) LUIS MIRANda, jr. 23) Joann Wardy 24) Marko morales 25) Reed Loney 26) Natalie Rosales 27) Matthew Wilkson 28) austin savage www.thecitymagazineelp.com
April, 2014
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April, 2014
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April, 2014
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practice, his career, and life here in El Paso. Dr. Johnson and I have been acquaintances for a few years, along with his lovely wife Tiffany, but as is too often the case, life does not allow
us the luxury of really learning about the people that come into our lives in one way or another. He is certainly one of our city’s most well-known and well-regarded orthopedic surgeons, but as he and I discussed the various aspects of his background and career, I was struck by how little I really knew and understood about him. I came away from our conversation with a renewed sense of admiration for him and his approach to medicine, and with a reminder of the capabilities and progress of our medical community as a whole. Hopefully, I can accurately convey our conversation to you, so that you can learn more about a remarkable physician, and the remarkable strides our medical community has made, and continues to make. After leaving Hanks High School here in El Paso, Keith enrolled at Notre Dame, where he would graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry, before attending Meharry Medical College where he would complete his medical school studies. We will omit the precise year to further preserve our collective youth, but Keith graduated from Notre Dame the same year that my wife and I graduated from the Naval Academy. As many of you may know, Navy and Notre Dame have the honor of playing each other in the longest standing intersectional (meaning not in the same conference) rivalry in college football, having played each other annually, uninterrupted, since 1927. Which means that at some point in the fall of some year in the early 1990s, two kids from El Paso were probably freezing in the same football stadium, at the same time; it truly is a small, small world. However, the real point about that little story is that Keith is a wonderful example of a much larger community of professionals than I think we give El Paso credit for: highly educated, and highly successful people that chose to return to El Paso and help further their community. In the case of Keith and his wife Tiffany, part of that desire to return to El Paso was the ability to raise their children in a
20
DR. KEITH JOHNSON
with Keith Johnson recently to discuss his
PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST
I
had the pleasure of sitting down and visiting
April, 2014
| By: MICHAEL C. GRAHAM, J.D. | www.thecitymagazineelp.com
April, 2014
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Photo by Robert Corral April 2013
21
Article Title
April, 2014
Photo by Dav Anmed 22
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
DR. KEITH JOHNSON
April, 2014
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Dr. Keith Johnson
Photo by Robert Corral safe and family-oriented community. That is not to say that there are not a great many other communities that are wonderful places to live and work and raise children in a positive environment; there most certainly are. But El Paso offers a combination of factors that make the family experience truly unique. From a professional standpoint, El Paso also offers a wide range of possibilities for practicing medicine as an orthopedic surgeon. I discussed with Keith his interests within the medical field, and was surprised to find out that surgery was not where he originally thought medicine would take him. “I originally thought I wanted to focus on allergy,” Keith remarked to me. “I was blessed to have known Dr. Alpard, the pediatric allergist, growing up and really thought allergy would be where I would focus.” However, at some point during medical school, Keith discovered a way to combine his other passion, sports, with his practice of medicine. It was from the sports point of view that he decided to pursue surgery and orthopedics. “I was interested in orthopedics, but specifically in the sports medicine aspects. I was drawn to the sports medicine point of view: trying to get the patient back doing what they want to do, what they love, as quickly as possible.” Keith began putting that philosophy into his practice upon his return to El Paso, just after completing his residency at The University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio. For the next several years, he practiced in several different environments, from being a staff physician at one of the hospitals, to practicing with different orthopedic groups, before ultimately deciding to build a practice model of his own design. He currently shares 23
Dr. Keith Johnson
April, 2014
offices space and shares some responsibilities with Dr. Jacob Heydemann, who has practiced in El Paso for quite some time. “Being on my own was the only way to run the practice exactly the way I wanted to.” We discussed Keith’s previous practice environments, and how it really just boils down to how someone wants to practice medicine, just like many other professions. “I have good relationships all over town, and there are lots of different ways to practice. I just found I was more comfortable being small and independent.” Perhaps the most interesting aspect of our conversation came when we were able to spend some time discussing the particulars of the recent advances in the field of medicine here in El Paso, as well as the very positive outlook for the future. “We have really amazing hospitals and doctors here in El Paso,” Keith said. “We are getting access to technology sooner than many other communities.” Specifically, we discussed the recent expansion of the hospital capacities, with new hospitals being built and expansions being undertaken at existing facilities. We also discussed the MAKOplasty® robot, a technology that Sierra Medical Center brought to El Paso in 2012, and that is one of only approximately 50 or so units like it nationally. In layman’s terms, the robot allows some patients to have knee and hip procedures done in a minimally invasive way, with quicker recovery times and shorter hospital stays. That translates into less cost, and less time away from work or other obligations for the patient. “I just finished my 115th surgery with the robot, approximately, and I am very happy with how much quicker those patients are able to get back to their normal routine. It fits perfectly with the sports medicine focus: get you back to doing what you love as quickly as possible.”
Photo by Dav Anmed
Various improvements in technology, not just the robot, also help
community working together; his ability to scale his practice exactly
give patients more options earlier in the treatment cycle that can
the way he wants; and of a number of new and innovative procedures
potentially save them from more complicated and invasive procedures
and pieces of equipment that will hopefully make orthopedics as much
later. Keith specifically discussed hip procedures as good examples of
about preventative medicine as it is about correction and repair. There
that effect, particularly using the robot. “If we can use advances in
is simply far too much to cover and do it justice in a brief piece such
technology to perform a minor procedure on something like a patient’s
as this. However, one central point is worth emphasizing: the heart
hip, that will potentially prevent them from having major surgery, or
of Keith’s ability to create the practice environment that is best for his
possibly even a complete reconstruction down the road, that is a
patients lies in the support of the community, and the ability to have
major victory.” Keith also discussed the continuing and growing trend
his wife Tiffany, also a doctor, stay home while their children are very
of our local hospitals to reinvest capital and search for new ways to
young. “With my family here, and the great relationships with doctors
bring new technologies and capabilities to El Paso. “The facilities and
and hospitals we have been able to build, we have been able to build
capabilities are continuing to improve, and that benefits everyone.”
a quality of life that would be very difficult to match somewhere else. Being here in El Paso has made all of those opportunities possible.”
We discussed a great many more topics and examples of the medical 24
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April, 2014
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Obstetrics and Gynecology Services In addition to well woman examinations and routine care, other OB-GYN services include: • • • •
Evaluation and treatment of pelvic pain Evaluation and treatment of vulvar pain Acupuncture treatment of pain Symptom control and disease prevention during perimenopause and menopause • Osteoporosis screening (DXA scans) • Pediatric and adolescent gynecology • Prenatal care
• Sexually transmitted infections and treatment • Preinvasive cancer screening and treatment • Family planning (IUD, Nexplanon®) • Gynecologic issues associated with aging • In office treatment of abnormal bleeding • In office painless sterilization • Vaginal birth after cesarean section
Our physicians perform gynecologic surgery using both laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, robotic and open procedures to address: • Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic masses
(915 ) 215-5000
www.texastechphysicians.com/elpaso
Bratislav Velimirovic, MD
Helson Pacheco-Serrant, MD
Las Palmas MEDICAL CENTER Enhances Neuroscience Program
Biplane imaging technology enhances treatment capabilities for stroke, aneurysm and other life-threatening neurovascular conditions through creating a 3D image of the brain that allows for the surgeon to see the blood flow in brain vessels and identify problems better. conditions through creating a 3D image of
“Dr. Pacheco is a hard-working and an extremely
the brain that allows for the surgeon to see
efficient surgeon. His patients hold him in
the blood flow in brain vessels and identify
high regard,” Lupe Rodriguez, administrative
problems better.
director of cardiac and neuroscience programs at Las Palmas Medical Center, said, “He is also
“The addition of Dr. Velimirovic and biplane
respected by his physician colleagues as he
Las Palmas Medical Center has announced key
imaging, allows for the most precise and
was elected by his peers to serve as President
enhancements to its neuroscience program—
prompt treatment available in El Paso. These
of the Medical Staff this year.” Dr. Pacheco will
including biplane imaging—which will allow
two additions will allow us to build a more
serve as the Chief of Staff for 2014 and will
medical staff to provide enhanced stroke and
comprehensive neurosurgical care center for
represent the Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare
neurosurgical care for patients. In addition,
El Paso residents” Hank Hernandez, chief
physicians to the Board of Trustees during his
Las
executive officer of Las Palmas Medical
appointment period.
Palmas
Medical
Center
welcomed
Bratislav Velimirovic, M.D., a neurosurgeon
Center, said.
and specialist in endovascular neurosurgery, to Dr.
of its kind in El Paso, with a neurosurgeon
neurosurgeon
performing endovascular procedures.
neuroscience program, has worked diligently
1801 N. Oregon
to build the successful program. He has
El Paso, Texas 79902
completed nearly one thousand spine and
(915) 521-1200
brain surgeries.
LPDSHealthcare.com
Biplane
imaging
technology
enhances
treatment capabilities for stroke, aneurysm and
other
life-threatening
28 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
neurovascular
Helson
Pacheco-Serrant, recruited
to
the
first
Las Palmas Medical Center
the program, thus creating the only program
LPMC’s
Neuroscience Program
www.facebook.com/laspalmashealth Article presented by: LAS PALMAS MEDICAL CENTER
Nagender Mankan, MD
DEL SOL
MEDICAL CENTER
Center for Anemia Management & Pre-Surgical Assessment
Del Sol Medical Center has made a commitment to reducing blood transfusions. A recent study indicated that nationally up to 60% of transfusions are inappropriate. Del
Sol
Medical
Center
has
reduced
transfusions over 40% in the past year and the Center for Anemia Management will reduce unnecessary transfusions even further. In another market, Eastern Maine Medical Center along with their patient blood management program
and
has
anemia
management
consistently
reduced
transfusions by 65% -- it is the goal of the Center to match or exceed their success.
Hector Zepeda, MD
The Center for Anemia Management & Pre-Surgical Assessment is the result of Del Sol’s commitment to innovative technologies. There have been several clinical studies
With the goal of treating all patient populations,
recently published that have shown that
the Center for Anemia Management & Pre-
some blood transfusions have a higher risk
Surgical Assessment is encouraging Primary
than benefit to the patient. John Holcomb,
Care Physicians to consider using the Center
MD from the University of Texas, Houston
for hemoglobin and iron store optimization or
published an interesting comment: “Most of
in anticipation of events with predictable blood
what we were taught about blood products
loss -- examples of such events include the
10 years ago was incorrect.” Anemia
delivery of a baby, anticipatory surgery and
management
in
in some cases of chronic anemia (with the
reducing hospital length of stay, infections
exception of Oncology and Nephrology cases).
and
correction
assists
and ventilator time, to name a few. Building a patient’s blood without the use of transfusion is safer and just better medicine
Center for Anemia Management & Pre-Surgical Assessment
The Center for Anemia Management & Pre-
10175 Gateway West, Suite 208
Surgical Assessment is the result of Del Sol’s
El Paso, Texas 79925
commitment
(915) 595-4373 (Office)
to
innovative
technologies.
Bradford Ray, RABT, the director for the Center
(915) 595-9224 (Director)
works alongside Hector Zepeda, MD, the
LPDSHealthcare.com
medical director, and Nagender Mankan, MD,
www.facebook.com/delsolhealth
a hematologist, who serve as the physicians.
Article presented by: DEL SOL MEDICAL CENTER photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 29
30 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
“We are committed to serving the El Paso community by offering gastroenterological procedures not available anywhere else in this region.” Ever since Dr. Mohamed O. Othman, MD,
pathologists and specially trained nurses, I
was a young man growing up in Egypt with
wouldn’t be able to do it,” said Dr. Othman.
his parents—his father a general surgeon
Dr. Mohamed O. Othman, MD Director of Endoscopy at
and his mother an OBGYN doctor—he had
UMC’s staff is highly trained. “Our nurses
always dreamed of following in the “family
are CGRN, National Board Certified Nurses;
business.” After completing medical school
this is the only facility in El Paso where five of
and seven years of specialized training in
the nurses have this certification,” explained
Gastroenterology, he is one of the most
Dr. Othman. Dr. Othman and his team see
esteemed practicing physicians at University
patients at the brand new 250,000 sq. feet
Medical Center of El Paso.
facility with nine endoscopy rooms and stateof-the-art technology.
Today he works as one of El Paso’s foremost Gastroenterologist, completing research and
Dr. Othman has also published many
ground breaking techniques for improving
research articles and has presented at many
procedures
renowned scientific meetings such as the
related
to
his
field.
Using
UMC and Assistant Professor
endoscopes and ultrasound technology, Dr.
American
College
of
Gastroenterology
of Internal Medicine at Texas
Othman’s patients experience a higher level of
Conference. Most recently, in October 2013
Tech University Health Sciences
care. In the past, physicians would have to cut
he presented his research on the rate of
Center’s Paul L. Foster
through skin and fatty tissue to look for and find
bacteremia in Cholangioscopy procedures.
School of Medicine
cancer, abscesses and other abnormalities. But
Here his research was honored at the plenary
with the advanced technology now available at
session, the highlight of the conference.
UMC, they are able to examine the stomach,
His volume of work with Cholangioscopy
pancreas and the gastrointestinal tract with an
also has been nationally ranked as #5 in the
endoscope and see far more than previously
United States, and #2 in the state of Texas.
possible, even collect samples. Not only
He has also aided in starting the Texas
that, the endoscopic ultrasound procedures
Tech Pancreas Clinic, the first of its kind in
performed at UMC’s Center for Diagnostic
Western Texas and Southern New Mexico.
& Advanced Endoscopy are not available
With the help of the UMC Foundation he
anywhere else in the region. In the past,
has received a grant to establish a program
patients needing these treatments would have
to diagnose and treat Barrett’s Esophagus, a
to travel as far away as Dallas or Scottsdale to
pre-cancerous condition that is on the rise in
get anything close to the advanced medical
the US. Through this program, Othman and
care that UMC and Dr. Othman offer.
his team have helped numerous patients attain early detection and treatment of
“Using older procedures, it was hard to find
esophageal cancer.
cancer in the early phases. With ultrasound and endoscope, we are able to see much more than ever thought possible. It’s more
Mohamed O. Othman, MD
detailed than a CT scan or MRI—but it’s also
University Medical Center of El Paso
technical, it was challenging when we first
Center for Diagnostic and Advanced
started offering this procedure, but we have
Endoscopy
fine-tuned our techniques. For me, it’s not
4800 Alberta Ave.
just about the physician; it’s about the team
El Paso, Texas 79905
working together. Without the help of my team
www.umcelpaso.org/advancedendoscopy
of anesthesiologists, technicians, cytologists, By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 31
El Paso Orthopaedic Surgery Group Dr. Raul Lopez, M.D. Dr. C. Brandon Broome, M.D. Dr. Cheryl Ledford, M.D. Dr. Spencer Frink, M.D. Dr. Toribio Natividad, M.D.
Surgery,
Orthopaedic
Oncology,
Sports
training that allows us to provide the most
Medicine and Interventional Pain
advanced comprehensive othopaedic care
Management. No other group in our region
available in our region.”
can match the unparalleled training and Dr. Cheryl Ledford, M.D.
expertise offered at EPOSG.
Orthopaedic Surgeon Providing care to more than 150,000 patients
“What a great honor for me to be a part of
Established in 1939, EPOSG has grown
a year, EPOSG strives to constantly recruit
such a superb team of Orthopaedic Surgeons
to six locations that provide full service
the best-educated and most highly skilled
at EPOSG. Several of us have served in the
orthopaedic care for our growing community.
surgeons available to meet the needs of our
Armed Forces and we each bring that unique
The surgeons at EPOSG have exceptional
community. In the last two years they have
experience here. As a woman Orthopaedic
training and dynamic experience that cover
added five new physicians to their practice.
Surgeon, I do find that I have a special feel for patient care.”
a wide spectrum from general orthopaedics, to trauma and fracture management, to sub-
Dr. Toribio Natividad, M.D.
specialty training.
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine
Dr. Spencer Frink, M.D.
Fellowship Trained
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Musculoskeletal
EPOSG is the only group in El Paso with
“Returning to El Paso to serve our community
Oncology Fellowship Trained
fellowship trained surgeons in multiple fields
and culture has been the most rewarding
“I take the time to treat people and get them
of interest including Arthroscopic Surgery,
aspect of my career. Our entire team at
back on their feet as soon as possible. When
Total Joint Replacement, Hand and Elbow
EPOSG comes with outstanding credentials,
we operate we use a less invasive approach,
Surgery, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Spine
experience
so they get back to their lives even sooner.”
32 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
and
sub-specialty
fellowship
El Paso Orthopaedic Surgery Group and Center for Sports Medicine (EPOSG) has a 75 year history of providing the most advanced musculoskeletal care available to El Paso and the surrounding region. Dr. Raul Lopez, M.D.
recoveries are fast; our patients bounce
El Paso Orthopaedic Surgery Group
Pain Management Specialist,
back very quickly from these treatments.
& Center For Sports Medicine
Fellowship Trained
We minimize narcotics and our patient’s
(915) 533-7465
“Pain is a condition that affects the daily lives
recoveries are accelerated. They go home
of thousands of individuals and their families.
sooner and get back to enjoying life faster.”
|
www.eposg.com
Main | 1720 Murchison El Paso, Texas 79902
As an interventional pain specialist, my goal is to improve the quality of lives of individuals
El Paso Orthopaedic Surgery Group provides
who suffer from chronic and cancer pain.”
the full spectrum of musculoskeletal care; from cutting edge minimally invasive procedures to
Dr. C. Brandon Broome, M.D.
the most advanced reconstructive surgeries.
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Hip and Knee
Whatever your orthopaedic needs may be,
Fellowship Trained
you can be assured that these physicians will
“I was specially trained in hip and knee
provide you the best care available.
replacement—I am fellowship trained for
Central | 1700 Murchison El Paso, Texas 79902 East | 3100 Lee Trevino El Paso, Texas 79936 Northeast | 9999 Kenworthy, Ste. C El Paso, Texas 79924
total joint, rapid recovery protocols and top-
Call El Paso Orthopaedic Surgery Group for
notch pain management techniques. Our
all of your Orthopaedic needs.
Pain & Spine Center | 1755 Curie, Ste. C El Paso, Texas 79902 Las Cruces | 3865 E. Lohman Ave., Ste. 4 Las Cruces, New Mexico 88011 (575) 680-1904
By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 33
For the last year, Dr. Frank Agullo and Dr.
in Rochester, Minnesota. After several years
the education of countless medical students
Humberto Palladino have changed the face
in private practice, both board certified
as well as residents. Dr. Miller truly believes
of plastic surgery in El Paso, Texas with their
plastic surgeons decided to offer their
that teaching the next generation is of utmost
innovative procedures and high standards
patients a more upscale and personalized
importance, and is one of the opportunities
for treatment—most recently expanding
experience. They also wanted to create a
he most enjoys of his profession. It is a great
their practice and moving to Las Cruces,
service that offered the highest quality of
honor and pleasure to have Dr. Miller become
New Mexico, by partnering with Dr. Paul
care, commitment to safety, and patient
a part of Southwest Plastic Surgery.
Cooney-Sandoval.
satisfaction—it was from this vision that Southwest Plastic Surgery was born.
In the advent of their success in El Paso, Dr. Agullo and Dr. Palladino recognized the
Dr. Agullo and Dr. Palladino met while completing their General Surgery residency
Dr. Agullo and Dr. Palladino are both very
need for a facility like Southwest Plastic
at Texas Tech University in El Paso. United
excited to have Dr. William Thad Miller join
Surgery in Las Cruces. They understood the
by their shared interest in the field of
Southwest Plastic Surgery in El Paso; he
difficulty the distance was for many of their
Plastic Surgery they sought to improve the
brings more than 40 years of experience
patients, so they decided to partner with
quality of life for the people of El Paso and
to the practice. He graduated from Baylor
Dr. Paul Cooney-Sandoval and Southwest
the entire Southwest. Through the years,
College of Medicine and worked under
Plastic Surgery Las Cruces came to life. Dr.
fate continued to keep them together and
the famous surgeon Michael DeBakey, in
Cooney-Sandoval is a native El Pasoan. He
they both completed their Plastic Surgery
Houston. Dr. Miller spent many years as
attended The University of Texas at El Paso
Fellowship at the world-renown Mayo Clinic
Faculty at Texas Tech and was responsible for
for his undergraduate studies, graduated
34 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
Southwest Plastic Surgery El Paso
“The future is very promising both from the professional and practice perspective. Southwest Plastic Surgery is rapidly getting a great reputation due to the personalized approach and exceptional customer care. In its short time, Southwest Plastic Surgery has been recognized by the people of El Paso, other plastic surgeons, and health professionals for its excellence.�
Dr. Frank Agullo, Dr. Humberto Palladino and Dr. William Thad Miller
Southwest Plastic Surgery Las Cruces Dr. Frank Agullo, Dr. Humberto Palladino and Dr. Paul Cooney
Both Southwest Plastic Surgery facilities set
City Magazine, Super Doctors 2014 Texas
themselves apart by offering a wide variety
Rising Stars in Texas Monthly, Best Plastic &
of services and procedures for both cosmetic
Cosmetic Surgeons 2013 in Plastic Surgery
and reconstructive patients for both women
Practice (PSP).
and men. From Hair transplantation and Facial rejuvenation, including PRP (platelet rich from medical school at Texas Tech Health Science Center, and completed his General Surgery residency at the University of Illinois. He then returned home and has been practicing in El Paso and Las Cruces for the past seven years. Dr. Cooney-Sandoval was the first in the area to successfully perform the transanal endoscopic microsurgery and transoral
incisionless
fundoplication.
He
now focuses on varicose vein disease and treatment, making him a great addition to the Southwest Plastic Surgery team. By: MEAGAN KINLEY
plasma) treatments; to Breast surgery, body
Southwest Plastic Surgery
contouring, mommy makeovers, etc. On top
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of these services, the staff at Southwest
El Paso, Texas 79925
Plastic Surgery are all fluent in Spanish and
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Southwest Plastic Surgery - Las Cruces
their patients. Southwest Plastic Surgery,
925 S. Walnut
also offers the most advanced technology
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001
available like the Vectra 3D imaging system.
(575) 520-5041
Southwest
www.swplasticsurgery.com
Plastic
Surgery
has
been
recognized with awards like Best of The City Cosmetic Surgery Practice 2013 in The SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 35
Armida Moreno MD, PA, FACOG
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
OBGYN Consultants of El Paso, LLC.
“Dr. Moreno is dedicated to women’s health and enjoys caring for patients from adolescence through to their senior years.” Dr. Armida Moreno, originally from Central
a private practice; which was perfect for
Most importantly, Dr. Moreno is dedicated to
California, found her way to her own private
Dr. Moreno’s life dream of starting her own
women’s health and enjoys caring for patients
practice in the heart of El Paso through a long
private practice—and from there OBGYN
from adolescence through to their senior
medical journey that began after completing
Consultants was born.
years. Fluent in both English and Spanish, her meticulous and conscientious mastery of her
her Biology undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego
Since 2010 she has offered the best in full-
field enables her to stand out among the rest.
and Medical School from the University of
range Gynecology and Obstetrics; making
Her passion is her clients and ensuring they
California, San Diego School of Medicine.
sure to practice by evidence-based standards
get the best in quality care. Today Dr. Moreno
She has come full-circle to the area; with
and introducing the most recent minimally
lives happily with her husband and children
family roots in Deming, Northern Chihuahua,
invasive technologies available. Dr. Moreno is
and continues to wholeheartedly serve the
and the Apache of Southern New Mexico.
board certified, and fully trained in da Vinci®
community she loves.
Surgical System, the latest technology in She completed her residency in Obstetrics &
minimally invasive procedures. She also
Gynecology at the University of New Mexico
offers in-office procedures, Laparoscopic
Armida Moreno MD, PA, FACOG
in Albuquerque.
Her first post-residency
Surgery, Robotic Surgery and Advanced
1810 Murchinson Drive, Ste. 110
position was under hospital employment
Pelvic Surgery for uterine, ovarian, pelvic
El Paso, Texas 79902
in Alamogordo, New Mexico; with a loan
floor, incontinence, and prolapse disorders.
(915) 533-6100
repayment support from the state for service
She attends to about 200 births per year;
www.obgynconsultantsofelpaso.com
in a rural underserved area. There she
with in-office ultrasound, high risk pregnancy
worked with her current business partner,
management, and routine pregnancy care.
who also shared a strong interest in building
Most insurance plans are accepted.
36 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: MEAGAN KINLEY
El Paso
Varicose Vein Laser Clinic
In today’s world, advancements in medical technology have made it possible for virtually any ailment, ache and even cosmetic inconvenience to be treated with state-ofthe-art procedures. In keeping with just that, El Paso Varicose Vein Laser Clinic, which was founded in 1995 by Dr. Mel Ghaleb, a Board Certified Interventionalist, and Mr. Oscar Guzman, has grown steadily to become a “varicose vein center of excellence in El Paso.” With over nine years of specialized expertise and a record of having one of the highest rates of patient satisfaction, El Paso Varicose Vein Laser Clinic puts customers first by ensuring genuine care for their patients’ well being.
“I enjoy the post-procedure follow-up visits when patients express their satisfaction about their outcome and also the fact that most of our patients are referred by previous patients.” Offering treatment options which range from
“We have three locations spread throughout
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT), a laser
the city for your convenience. We offer a
technique treatment that is 97% effective
free initial visit and follow-up, unlimited free
and designed to treat faulty vein valves,
Sclerotherapy follow-up sessions and payment
the underlying causes of varicose veins,
plans are available. Walk-ins are welcomed.”
Sclerotherapy, a medical procedure used to eliminate varicose and spider veins and Phlebectomy, a procedure designed to remove
El Paso Varicose Vein Laser Clinic
faulty veins, El Paso Varicose Vein Laser Clinic
(915) 577-0121
offers a wide variety of treatment options. “We treat both women and men who suffer
2077 Zaragosa #A106
from leg pain, fatigue, restless legs, swelling,
El Paso, TX 79938
heaviness, itching, burning or cramping of the leg or legs,” explained Dr. Ghaleb.
1300 Murchison #110 El Paso, TX 79902
When asked what he loves most about his
practice, Dr. Ghaleb replies by saying, “I enjoy
4242 Hondo Pass #113
the post-procedure follow-up visits when
El Paso, TX 79904
patients express their satisfaction about their outcome and also the fact that most of our
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patients are referred by previous patients.”
By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 37
Pediatric Health Center
Jagdish Patel, M.D., F.A.A.P. Jignesh Patel, M.D., F.A.A.P. Pratibha Shirsat, M.D., F.A.A.P. Jamie Jamison, R.N., M.S.N, C.P.N.P.
Recognized with accolades such as the “Patients’ Choice” award and earning a top spot on the list of “Most Compassionate Doctors”, Dr. Jagdish Patel, Dr. Jignesh Patel and Dr. Pratibha Shirsat, who offer over 30 years of experience between them, have dedicated their careers and the focus of their Pediatric practice to nurturing and ensuring the proper care of future generations. “We are committed to preserving the health of the children in our community,” explained Dr. Jagdish Patel. “We treat your children as family to ensure they receive specialized care that is second to none. From infancy to adolescence, their medical needs, big or small, are our priority.” 38 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
“We offer complimentary prenatal visits for expectant mothers who are seeking to select a pediatrician for their newborns.” In today’s busy society, which has become
Offering Doctors who are board certified
increasingly time-pressed, it has become more
by the American Board of Pediatrics, a
important than ever that proper precautions
Nurse Practitioner, Jaime Jamison, who is
are in place to thwart illness before it strikes.
a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practioner and
Because of their awareness of this very fact,
Registered Nurses who, together, offer over
Doctors Jagdish and Jignesh Patel have
60 years of combined Pediatric experience,
made preventative care a primary focus.
the staff at Pediatric Health Center is fully
“Something that we love most about what we
qualified to care for their patients and earn the
do is that we get to provide education about
confidence of their parents and caregivers.
the disease process, preventative care, and empowering patients with the knowledge to
Drs. Patel are proud to announce that Dr.
handle and understand common illnesses. In
Pratibha Shirsat, an academic Pediatrician for
El Paso’s patient population, we also admire
more than 20 years, has recently joined her
the involvement of compound families and
former students in their practice.
specifically, grandparent involvement when it comes to the care of our younger generations,” shared Dr. Jagdish Patel. “We offer patients
Pediatric Health Center
same day appointments for illnesses and are
11026 Vista Del Sol Dr
one of the few practices to utilize the expertise
El Paso, TX 79935
and education of in-house registered nurses to
(915) 593-5444
answer medical questions.”
www.patelphc.com By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
Texas
Urogynecology
and Laser Surgery Center
“The most rewarding part of being a surgeon is the chance to make a life-changing difference for my patients.” in El Paso who is both board certified in
“Urogynecologists are used to discussing
Urogynecology and fellowship trained in
these problems and we can help,” says
minimally invasive surgery. A native El
Farnam, who has received the Compassionate
Pasoan, Dr. Farnam completed his residency
Physician Award from American Registry five
training at the world-renowned Cleveland
times.
Clinic Foundation. After his fellowship in New York in 2006, Farnam brought his expertise
Farnam, a certified Center of Excellence
back to El Paso to provide a much-needed
surgeon, is the Director of the Southwest
service to the community.
Robotic Epicenter, and Texas Institute for Robotic Surgery at Las Palmas Medical
Texas Urogynecology and Laser Surgery
“The most rewarding part of being a surgeon
Center. He is also the Co-director of the
Center, led by Dr. Richard Farnam, offers
is the chance to make a life-changing
Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship at
the most advanced, minimally invasive care
difference for my patients,” Farnam says.
Texas Tech University.
for women in the Southwest. The center, located in the Oregon Medical Building in El
Pelvic prolapse and bladder and bowel
Paso, specializes in Robotic Surgery and the
incontinence are common medical problems
Texas Urogynecology
treatment of prolapse and incontinence.
that can be treated effectively, but many
& Laser Surgery Center
women are too embarrassed to discuss these
1700 N Oregon St #520
Farnam, CEO and director of the center,
problems with anyone, including their doctor.
El Paso, TX 79902
is double board certified in OB/GYN and
This can lead to anxiety and social withdrawal.
(915) 533-5600
Urogynecology. He is the only surgeon By: KATE GANNON photographed by: RYAN MARTINEZ
www.farnammd.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 39
Affordable advanced technology “We pride ourselves on the service we provide. This which encompasses the quality of work, patient care and the efficiency of the results sent to the referring Physician.” Southwest X-Ray was founded over 10 years
We work with patients that don’t have
Southwest X-Ray, LP
ago and continues to be a successful and
insurance (cash pay) as well as with all
(915) 544-7300
thriving enterprise. It is locally owned and
insurance plans that include Texas and New
operated by a solid partnership. Southwest
Mexico.
X-Ray’s mission is to serve the El Paso community
with
affordable,
advanced
technology such as: • Open MRI, Low Radiation Dose CT Scan,
El Paso, TX 79925 We pride ourselves on the service we provide. This which encompasses the quality
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of work, patient care and the efficiency of the
El Paso, TX 79902
results sent to the referring physician.
Nuclear Medicine, Mammography, X-Ray, Ultrasound and Bone Density
10501 Geteway Blvd. West Ste 140
4930 Osborne Dr. Suite H We care and treat our patients with an overall
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experience of making each individual feel • Four Board Certified Radiologists
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of choice in El Paso for Diagnostic Testing and Imaging.
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“The most rewarding aspect of my job is putting smiles on my patients’ faces.”
42
April, 2014
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
HEART HANDS T
April, 2014
in his
| By: AUSTIN SAVAGE photography by: ROBERT CORRAL |
here are those in life who indeed find
their life, but Dr. Taveras insists that this was certainly not
their place in the sun and have the drive and
the case with him. “First I wanted to be an engineer but my
ability to stand out among its brightness. Dr. Juan
Taveras is one such of these people. Described as a “rock
star” in his field, the outside appearance can all too often
father convinced me to be a doctor. Then, since my grandfather was a very famous neuro-radiologist, I was convinced that being a neurologist or a radiologist would be my best field. I was also inspired
mask the grind that leads to greatness. The daily ritual of this doctor
by my neurology professor who acknowledged my talent in being able
is one that encompasses nearly all of the 24 hours the earth provides
to diagnose any neurological disease without the need of any diagnostic
him, “I usually wake up at 5 am in order to get to the hospital before 7
testing, but by pure physical exam.” So having decided on the direction
am. That way I avoid traffic and I am able to see some of the patients
his life would go, and in full pursuit of his dreams, Dr. Taveras was in
that came in the night before who may need procedures or diagnostic
for one more career change at the hands of an elder mentor, “While
testing or that are in need to be seen early because they are very sick.
in my cardiology rotation at Mount Sinai my professor offered me
A procedure is usually scheduled at 7:30 or 8 am, mostly pacemakers
the subspecialty fellowship without having to go through the normal
or an implantable cardiac defibrillator. By 8:45 am I get to the office
channels. He told me I have the clinical skills and the knowledge to
and see patients until 3 pm. Then diagnostic studies need to be read
be a good cardiologist and expressed that he was very surprised
either at the office or in the hospital. The hospital takes the rest of the afternoon, procedures, diagnostic studies, patient’s visits, consults, administration meetings.” Of course for the fast paced life of the first rate heart surgeon the afternoon is never the
how easily I could look at an X-ray or at a diagnostic image and see the problem with the patient. In a way, it combined my love of being a diagnostician and my dream of becoming a radiologist like my grandfather.”
end, “By 7 pm I try to call it quits and come back home but it does not end there. After playing with my 6-monthold and putting him to sleep there are still hospital studies to be read or some lecture or meeting to prepare and if I’m able, I study some to refresh
Having at last found the field that would utilize all his abilities to the fullest, Dr. Taveras came to El Paso and has engaged himself in bettering the lives of all those around him. This giving of himself can often be taxing, “The most difficult aspect
my knowledge.”
is seeing the family of someone that I To often observe those who operate within this niche, it is instinctive to believe that their calling www.thecitymagazineelp.com
was apparent throughout
could not help because it was too late for that person to be helped because that person should have come earlier there
43
HEART IN HIS HANDS
April, 2014
might have been a chance at survival. Seeing someone die is still devastating to me.” Yet, he remains grateful in his faith for his ability to see the faces of those whose lives he was able to save, “The most rewarding aspect of my job is putting smiles on my patients’ faces. I enjoy getting into my office and welcoming my patient that we once thought was going to die or had a poor prognosis but somehow God gave me the knowledge to help that patient survive. Then to see that person in front of me gives me so much faith in God and so much strength and motivation to keep waking up early every day and persist through the tough days no matter how tired I am.” Despite the ups and downs of the profession, his spirit is strong in not just the work but in the human connection that makes all the time, effort, and skill a purposeful part of his existence, “I love what I do, I do it with passion, with faith. I am compassionate and caring. Sometimes it is not only knowledge that helps you become a successful and reputable physician but also your empathy with the patient and their families.” The compassion that he carries for those in need is an ingrained part of his character, but since that moment in May of 1991 when Dr. Taveras found his calling as a cardiologist he has been able to build upon his natural born skills with the lessons he has learned
need, “Someday I will write a book, that is
from life, “Explaining the disease process
missing…In terms of my profession, we
and the diagnostic and therapeutic options
have five physicians in the group, I would like
for treatment in a simple way and giving
to expand to 10 or 12 doctors and be able to
the patients the choice based on their
offer a complete service in all the hospitals
understanding of the disease process is also
throughout the city in order to offer services
something that has helped throughout the
that we are currently missing in town.That is
years.” When leading people through times
actually in the pipeline.”
that are indeed life altering he has grown to guide with a gentle touch.
When one has a gift as great as that of Dr. Juan Taveras the need to share it is in fact
Having accomplished an already astounding
the most impressive thing about it. The heart
amount and having meant so much to the El
is indeed something that can be weighed
Paso community does not prevent the man
and measured, and even operated on, but
from wanting to dream of even more, rather
the heart shown by El Paso’s “rock star”
it only seems to fuel the fire to do more to
surgeon is beyond measure.
benefit the lives of all those around him in
44
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April, 2014
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45
April, 2014
The Science of
| By: AUSTIN SAVAGE photos courtesy of the EL PASO SLEEP CENTER |
46
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
the science of sleep
April, 2014 leep is not normally the most
the Eastside and Westside of El Paso has
shown developmental issues as a result of
exciting topic to discuss,
allowed for a more focused environment for
their difficult sleep patterns including a lack
but when Dr. Gonzalo Diaz
the doctor, as well as a more intimate and
of growth hormone and behavioral issues
of the El Paso Sleep Center
soothing environment for the patients under
tied to hyperactivity. The medication of many
opens up about his more
his care, the El Paso Sleep Center has not
children for ADD and ADHD is something
than 30 year exploration of the subject the
abandoned its involvements of hospitals
that the good doctor feels could be alleviated
passion begins to pour forth, “There are
altogether. “We are partnered with the
with the proper diagnosis and allocation of
three things people need in order to live
university (Texas Tech University Health
sleep. Humans have progressively slept
a full and completely healthy lifestyle: A
Sciences Center) to allow for more research
less on a decade-by-decade basis since the
healthy diet, exercise and proper sleep.
and expand knowledge in the field.”
introduction of electricity as a light source into the American home, and in a contemporary
Unfortunately today many people sacrifice sleep.” Containing decades of knowledge on the subject that comes not only from his years of experience as a sleep and pulmonary specialist, but from the countless hours of research he has spent as a pioneer in the field of sleep study, Dr. Diaz will elaborately associate improper sleep, and it’s most serious form of disorder, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), with depression, diabetes,
In a lifelong passion project that began
society consumed with work and driven to a
drowsiness, obesity, memory loss, joint pain,
while interning, Diaz continues to explore
state of constant activity Dr. Diaz can’t help
headaches, dry mouth, sore throat, and loss
the unknown of humans and their nocturnal
but concern himself for an entire generation
of libido. The fact that these symptoms are
habits. No frontier drives him more than the
of children, especially infants, whose natural
all too often linked to other ailments or simply
study of sleep disorders in children. It is a
Circadian Sleep Cycle is being interrupted to
attributed to the effects of modern daily life
journey that registers immediately across
match the already unhealthy sleep patterns
is of great concern to Dr. Diaz, and part of
his face, “A child that snores regularly is
of the adults around them. “We were
the reason he returned to serve his home
not normal.” With mountains of impressive
conditioned to rise and rest with the sun,”
community by founding the El Paso Sleep
research evidence and a heart full of concern
says Dr. Diaz, “and too many children are
Centers. “It’s difficult to diagnose, but we
he discusses the struggles children with
subject to the poor patterns of their parents.”
have a comfortable facility with everything
sleep disorders encounter. Like many of
you could want.”
their adult counterparts, children who cannot
Assisting the children in need is also followed
receive a proper night of sleep face issues
by his desire to assist soldiers whose
Having started the El Paso Sleep Centers
of lethargy, obesity, and the laundry list of
sacrifice has cost them sleep. Captain Ron
with his partner Dr. David F. Briones, Dr.
physical ailments, but children also have
Crews became a patient of Dr. Diaz after
Diaz talks of the freedom he has enjoyed since opening his doors. “It makes all the difference in the world. Everything from patient comfort to emphasis on the disorders themselves has been improved. The patients who walk through the doors know they are the priority and they will receive the best possible care.” Although having his own facilities on both
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
47
April, 2014
returning to Fort Bliss following his tours in
Conquer Your Financial Future.
Iraq and Afghanistan. Struggling with PSD following a brain injury, Capt. Crews fell under the care of the El Paso Sleep Center and following his first night with treatment he saw the immediate results, “I awoke refreshed, better than I had since I had received my injuries.” The combination of having his sleep improved has assisted in his recovery, “I can think clearly, my mind is better and I am physically stronger,” he beams, “I simply want to speak on behalf of Dr. Diaz and the kindness and passion he has shown for me.” The gratitude of Captain Crews is a familiar one in El Paso; all those
A network of Confidence. A network of Trust. A network of Experience.
who have fallen under the care of Dr. Gonzalo Diaz know it too.
(800) 863-9048 48
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April, 2014
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Julio
Springer
7315 Canutillo La Union Rd. Canutillo, TX 915-877-4544 zinvalle.com
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49
April, 2014
from
50
THEIR HEARTS
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April, 2014
to
YOURS
| By: ERIKA LOPEZ photography by: ROBERT CORRAL |
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
51
f ro m t h e i r h e a rts to yo u r s
April, 2014
Ofelia Dominguez
R
eal heroes don’t wear disguises,
used to give blood. As weak as she would
life. She was sweet, she was compassionate.
they don’t possess super powers;
get and as much blood as she could draw,
She didn’t want anything more than to be out
but they do act out of selflessness.
she would still continue doing it. I would tell
there and help the community,” said Ofelia
Real heroes give the gift of life and
her, ‘Andrea why do you have to go? It makes
Dominguez. On February 22, 2005, Andrea
they strongly believe that giving is
you feel so weak.’ And she’d turn around and
was involved in a tragic car accident that
better than receiving. Real heroes
she’d look at me and she’d say, ‘mom, they
ended her life, but not her journey to help
aren’t those seen on the big screen, they are
need me’ and I was like ‘okay, alright.’ That
impact others. On February 22, 2005, Andrea
found at University Medical Center’s Wall of
was Andrea, she always believed in paying
became a hero and an inspiration to families
Heroes and through every Donate Life flag
it forward. I’ve always said that one of her
and organizations nationwide.
raised. Real heroes are organ donors.
favorite movies was “Pay It Forward;” which talks about doing something three times and
It was after Andrea’s passing that Ofelia
Ofelia Dominguez grew up in a home where
passing it on only to ask the next person to
Dominguez
the topic of death was sparse and like many
keep it going. I think about that a lot of times
Medical Center in El Paso, for the kindness,
El Pasoans, she was unaware of the impact
because she continued doing it after death,”
compassion, and extraordinary care and
that one organ donor could have on so many
said Ofelia Dominguez in remembrance
quality provided to her daughter and in
people. But, it was Ofelia’s daughter, Andrea,
of her daughter Andrea, who passed in an
gratitude, Ofelia Dominguez took a picture
who taught Ofelia the lesson of paying it
automobile accident in February of 2005.
of Andrea along with a “To Remember Me”
felt
indebted
to
University
poem to the hospital where it was displayed
forward. With a vibrant personality, a smile that could light up a room and a giver by
Andrea Rae Dominguez was a benevolent
and soon after, many families came forward
nature, Andrea lived by the mantra “pay
22-year-old college student at the University
with their loved one’s photos to be displayed.
it forward three times and pass it on” so
of Texas El Paso majoring in Speech Language
In
innately; she became an organ donor at 16
Pathology, “she was one of those kinds of
Southwest Transplant Alliance founded the
years-old. “She was one of these girls that
people that really impacted a lot of people in her
Wall of Heroes, the first Wall of Heroes in
52
2007,
Ofelia
Dominguez
alongside
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f ro m t h e i r h e a rts to yo u r s
April, 2014
the nation. “There were so many people that
due to their nationwide exposure of the Wall
as it was a calling. “It wasn’t coming to a
started to donate their organs and that is when
of Heroes, El Paso gets to experience another
decision, it was more like, ‘let’s just do it’ and
Victoria Armendariz from Southwest Transplant
first. The 2014 Donate Life Rose Parade Float
when my husband and I agreed, it was like
Alliance
University
featured a floragraph of Andrea Rae Dominguez,
a sense of peace came over me and it was
Medical Center about developing a Wall of
“Victoria (Armendariz) called me in November
the right thing to do,” said Patricia Reese of
Heroes and thanks to their due diligence and
and told me they had selected Andrea, so even
her determination to donate a kidney to her
Mr. Valenti agreeing to it, a Wall of Heroes was
more of a reason to continue spreading the word
husband’s former colleague and lifelong best
put up. That year when the Wall of Heroes was
and letting people know. We have never had
friend, Judge Oscar Gabaldon, who presides
put up nobody said NO to organ donation and
anyone from El Paso ride a Donate Life float as
in the 65th Children’s District Court in El Paso
that is very unusual. It touched our hearts that
a recipient, as a donor, or as a floragraph,” Ofelia
County. “I knew that Oscar was in renal failure
Andrea was at least able to start something like
Dominguez said proudly. Andrea continues to
and that they were looking for candidates for a
that,” said Ofelia Dominguez. But, the Wall of
live out her mission to ‘pay it forward’ in the
transplant. A lot of people came forward to try
Heroes at University Medical Center in El Paso
hearts of her family, friends, and community and
to match him, but his family did not match and
was only the beginning of a true testament to
through every donor and their families that the
his friends were not compatible. My husband
Andrea and passion to bring awareness to organ
Wall of Heroes has inspired.
asked why he couldn’t, but due to high blood
decided
to
approach
pressure it wasn’t possible. That is when I
donation for Ofelia Dominguez and Southwest Transplant Alliance. “I speak whenever I can
Even through influential acts of generosity
said, ‘let’s go ahead and have me tested, who
for Southwest Transplant Alliance. I felt so
that
there
knows?’ and after months and months of
passionate about talking to other organizations
continues to be a misconception surrounding
testing, I found that I was compatible as an O
because this was the first Wall of Heroes in
organ donation, particularly for living donors,
negative, universal donor.”
the nation and I was like, ‘wow’ other agencies
but through heroes like Patricia Reese who
need to know that this does work.”
became a donor in 2013, the misapprehension
The journey to help save the life of a dear
fades and the awareness sets in.
friend began and unfortunately so did a
organ
donation
embodies,
few financial obstacles, but that didn’t halt
The journey to broaden organ donation and
Patricia Reese, a wife, a mother, an organ
Patricia Reese from her compassionate
Southwest Transplant Alliance has not only
donor, and a courageous hero believes that
efforts and she began a blog to raise money
made the Wall of Heroes a first for El Paso, but
it wasn’t a decision to be an organ donor
at gofundme.com. “The recipient’s insurance
awareness
by
Ofelia
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Dominguez
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Patricia Reese 54
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f ro m t h e i r h e a rts to yo u r s
pays for everything. What wasn’t covered
wonderful they’ve been great about taking
gratification that saving someone’s life
were travel expenses, food, and hotel so we
on a few extra chores.” In terms of lifestyle
brings. “It is the most rewarding thing you
went on a website and had to raise money
changes, Patricia Reese said her lifestyle
can ever do, once you’re able to tell yourself
for that.” Through her weekly updates on
had not differed from her lifestyle prior to
that you did something wonderful, which
their journey, surgery, and the recipient’s well-
surgery with the exception of a few minor
was hard for me because I felt like I just did
being, Patricia Reese raised over $4,000 for
diet adjustments, “my life has not changed
what I was supposed to do. I saved his life.
travel and lodging expenses, and with the help
that much, I was out of work for two months,
His family knew they were losing him and
of organizations like the American Transplant
then I went back for twice a week, then three
now they are my family,” said Patricia Reese.
Foundation, she and her family were given
times a week, and now I am back to a full
peace of mind during the economic stand
schedule. I changed my diet a little bit, we
There are 244 kidney transplant centers in
point of the journey. “They mailed out checks
bought low salt, no salt cook books and I’m
the United States per United Network of
that paid for our electric bill for two months,
eating more fresh fruits and vegetables that
Organ Sharing. Las Palmas Kidney Transplant
our water bill for two months and one month
don’t have salt added, but other than that it
Center in El Paso is one of them, servicing
of our mortgage payment, so that was very
hasn’t changed much.”
donors and recipients across Texas and New Mexico. “Our program began in March
nice,” said Patricia adding that not only did the American Transplant Foundation donate
Although the bounty of Patricia Reese will
of 2009. We had to do three living donor
funds to help pay for utility bills, but various
inspire and open the hearts of El Pasoans she
transplants before we could apply for our
representatives from the foundation called
doesn’t believe that she has inspired anyone
Medicare certification. The three living donor
her on February 14th to thank her for her
yet, but hopes to inspire others to follow suit.
transplants had to be private insurance
donation as it was National Donor Day.
“I hope that I can at least inspire others to
patients. The first one that we did was in
change their driver’s license or have their
August of 2009. We did the three by the end
wishes of becoming a donor known.”
of December and we applied for the Medicare
When asked how becoming a donor had impacted her life as well as her family’s,
certification and after the third one we had to
Patricia Reese responded with enthusiasm,
wait for Medicare to come and do an onsite
“everyone has been incredibly supportive,
Heroes like Andrea Rae Dominguez and
survey which took over 18 months. They
my husband has been telling me ‘don’t
Patricia Reese give the gift of life, not for
came in May of 2011 and that is when we
do anything, I’ll do it,’ my kids have been
attention and compensation, but for the
received our certification for Medicare. Until
Judy Pozzerle, Sergio Luna and Isabel Castillo www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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Las Palmas Kidney Transplant Center
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f ro m t h e i r h e a rts to yo u r s
then, we could not touch any patient that had
But, for those who take the initiative to become
patients that I transplanted over there, 17 years
Medicare which made it very difficult,” said
donors, Las Palmas Kidney Transplant Center
ago...I see them now and it is so rewarding to
Isabel Castillo, RN, Clinical Coordinator for
conveys their gratitude “since we’re the only
know that you’ve made a difference in their life
Las Palmas Kidney Transplant Center.
transplant center in El Paso every time we
because it’s about the quality of life. You see
do a transplant, whether through a living or
them with their families and their grandkids and
In 2013, thirteen transplants were performed
deceased donor, we raise the Donate Life
they are doing things like working and going
at Las Palmas Kidney Transplant Center, three
flag on the day the patient came in for their
back to school. This is why I’m here and this is
of which were from living donors. But, to
transplant and it doesn’t come down until
why I do this,” said Judy Pozzerle, RN.
contrary belief, “the actual procedure for the
the patient is discharged from the hospital.”
transplant itself does not differ for living and
But, the passion to help and guide patients
According
deceased donors. Regardless if the patient
is incomparable when it comes to the quality
approximately 79 transplants take place
is receiving a kidney from a living donor or a
and individualization each patient gets at Las
every single day in the United States. Every
cadaver donor the testing remains the same.
Palmas Kidney Transplant Center, from team
ten minutes one person is added to the
In terms of the donors, living donors receive
to patient to surgeon to patient.
nation’s organ transplant waiting list, which
to
Donate
Life
America,
means that 150 people are added to the list
more testing to ensure that we do not hurt that person when removing an organ,” said
The dedication, work, and compassion that
every day. Eighteen of those patients will die
Sergio Luna, RN, Clinical Coordinator for Las
each team member and surgeon at Las Palmas
on a daily basis because organs in need were
Palmas Kidney Transplant Center.
Kidney Transplant Center possess is not only a
not donated in time.
testament to donors like Andrea Rae Dominguez With the motto, “don’t say no, until you
and Patricia Reese, but to every donor trying to
It only takes one single donor to save the
know” the team at Las Palmas Kidney
make a change in a person’s life every single
lives of up to 50 people. Become a hero.
Transplant Center has heard their fair share of
day. “Coming from the transplant program
Become a solution. Become an organ donor.
misconceptions surrounding organ donation. “I
that shut down a few years ago and seeing
went to a dinner one night and I had someone tell me that they were told that if you consent to donation that the funeral home does not give you a body to bury because there are no remains left,” said Judy Pozzerle, RN, Clinical Coordinator for Las Palmas Kidney Transplant Center. Isabel Castillo, RN added, “One of the most misconceptions that we hear is, ‘if I register to be a donor and something happens to me no one is going to try to save me’, which is not true.” When speaking to the community during health fairs the team at Las Palmas Kidney Transplant Center always offers a vital piece of information and that is to speak to your loved ones and become educated, let them know your wishes and prevent that decision from falling on their shoulders. “When I speak to people who are interested in donating, I try to share my story because I’m a donor. I donated to my mom in 2004 so I’m able to share with them my experience as a donor and also as far as the recipient, seeing what she went through. So I’m able to relate on both levels. I think that helps a person to see someone who has been through it. I think it’s encouraging,” said Isabel Castillo, RN. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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April, 2014
Dispelling the Myths Behind
BRAIN INJURY | By: MEAGAN KINLEY |
Photo by: Robert Corral
“You can search the world for someone who is more deserving of your compassion than you are but you will not find them.” Buddha
58
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
dispelling the myths behind brain injury
April, 2014
Brain trauma is not something
coming years. He explained that brain injury
that occurs in everyone’s life—
is the largest source of healthcare cost. Not
but for those who have been
only that, but it also accounts for the biggest
touched by this unsettling
cause of disability and is listed as one of the
occurrence, either in their
biggest threats to life—sitting just behind
own life or in the life of a
heart disease and cancer. He described it
loved one, negotiating the
as a silent epidemic. Sadly he also reported
right path through the process
that facilities that treat brain injury are
can be an uncertain and difficult
experiencing drastic cuts in funding and that
road. Dr. Eric Spier, MD, CBIS at
only five percent of the population in the
Mentis Neuro Rehabilitation has
United States are appropriately funded for
worked with brain trauma for many
the treatment costs—with those living in El
years now—being a graduate
Paso experiencing even less.
of The University of Texas Health Sciences Center
With this knowledge, Dr. Spier and his team
trained
at Mentis Neuro-Rehabilitation are building
Haven
a brand new facility that will be located on
Hospital in internal
Doniphan Road, next to Keystone Park,
medicine and having
that will host cutting edge rehabilitative
completed his PMR
treatment that will maintain and advance the
(Physical
at
Houston,
at
Yale-New
Medicine
Mentis vision of offering “the highest-level
Rehabilitation)
of post-acute neuro-rehabilitation to persons
residency at Baylor
who have sustained an acquired brain
and
College of Medicine
injury or who have conditions that restrict
in Houston—he is no
mobility, social interaction, communication,
stranger to the obstacles
employability and re-entry into their homes
that come for those who
and communities.”
need post-acute and chronic neuro-rehabilitation care. Over the
This facility will also do it’s part to battle
years he has seen a lot of patients and
the obesity epidemic by not only educating
observed many of the myths that come with
patients about nutrition, but it will offer
brain trauma.
whole and organic food from an on-site garden that the patients and staff will tend
Before diving into the various myths that
themselves. The building will also be self-
have clouded the truths of brain injury, Dr.
sustaining with solar panels. But more than
Spier gave me a brief overview of how brain
anything this facility will teach and further
injury is treated and viewed by insurance
the rehabilitation of it’s patients by not just
companies
economic
helping them to rebuild their lives, but also
climate—especially considering the changes
teaching them interdependence by aiding
that will be occurring in healthcare in the
them in re-entering communities.
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
and
the
current
59
April, 2014
Myth: Things Will Go Back to the Way They Were What people don’t understand is that for those who experience the anguish of a brain injury, life will never go back to the way it was before the accident. “An event of this kind is an ambiguous loss akin to death. When people don’t comprehend that, they prolong their own pain and recovery when they live with the hope that the person injured will wake up as the same person they were before the accident,” explained Dr. Spier. This myth exists because as humans we want to believe that recovery means reverting to the old normal. With other injuries like broken bones, the patient really might experience life like they did before they were injured—but with the complexity of the brain, recovery is a murky and unpredictable process. It is more likely that a different person will emerge from treatment.
Truth: Embracing the Change “People sometimes see the brain as somehow separate from the body. They believe that if you somehow fix the body, things will go back to normal,” Dr. Spier said. The truth is that the brain is simply an amazing and complex organ of the body. “Once you’ve seen one brain injury, you’ve seen one brain injury.” Understanding the intricacy of the brain as well as its deep connection to the rest of the body is one of the first steps to understanding brain injury. The next is while things might never be the same; this certainly doesn’t mean that all is lost. Dr. Spier explained that understanding brain injury is very similar to Alice’s experiences in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass. “I like to use the quote, ‘I knew who I was this morning, but I’ve changed a few times since then’ to better explain the aforementioned ambiguous loss to my patient’s families.” While Alice’s actual changes were more physical, this idea serves as a great analogy because her
“People sometimes see the brain as somehow separate from the body. They believe that if you somehow fix the body, things will go back to normal.”
experiences did leave a lasting impact on her and her journey.
Myth: They Can Heal On Their Own With facilities like Mentis Neuro-Rehabilitation where patients can actually live in the facility for 24-hour treatment, it may be easy for family members to assume that doctors and the other trained professionals present at the facility will be able to complete the treatment by themselves without help; this simply isn’t true. “Some people think you can treat someone with a brain injury in isolation and exclude their social structure,” said. Dr. Spier. While it may be difficult, hard, and uncomfortable for loved ones to be present and see both the good and the bad days of their recovery journey, it is vital that they be part of the process.
Truth: Families Must Be Part of the Recovery Process “People sometimes react with the thought that their loved one is broken; take them away and give them back when they are fixed. The problem with that is victims of brain injury have to be fixed within the context of their social structure,” explained Dr. Spier. “Families are part of the fabric. You can’t repair a hole in the fabric without putting a lot 60
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
April, 2014 of stitches in the surrounding material, or it doesn’t work.” He also stressed the importance of resilience—not just for these patients, but also for their families. “Families who are close and not afraid to be vulnerable to each other are able to maintain connection and retain the fabric of a working system, and with that resilience survive,” Dr. Spier said. “With that kind of fertile soil, the rehabilitative process can really yield some amazing triumphants of spirit.” No one knows the process of brain injury like those who have experienced it personally. To tell just one of the many stories, Dr. Spier introduced me to Janice Lardner, an amazing mother, who told me the story of her daughter Nicole’s journey through brain injury. Dr. Spier explained, “Janice is paying out of pocket for her daughter to stay at Mentis with the hopes that she will be able to get funding. Her daughter was injured in a car accident and has a severe brain injury; she was in the hospital for weeks. Then she went to a LTAK (long term acute care) for a while, then she went to an in-patient rehab, then she
“People sometimes react with the thought that their loved one is broken; take them away and give them back when they are fixed. The problem with that is victims of brain injury have to be fixed within the context of their social structure.”
went to a SNF (skilled nursing facility). She was there for a few days, had a terrible experience and then they came to Mentis. Now they are here trying to figure out how to move forward.” “It’s been very short, it’s only been four months,” Janice began. “My daughter Nicole was in a coma for the first two months—we were told from the emergency room that she would never open her eyes again. Even if she did, they told me not to expect anything. They told me that the daughter I had was completely gone...and that was if she lived. She’s gone from having eight tubes in her body for breathing, to tracheotomies, collapsed lungs, even a broken neck—it’s just been so overwhelming. What has been another hard piece for me was that I lost her dad a couple of years ago—we had insurance and we were able to take him to M.D. Anderson but when he passed away we lost our health insurance. So when this happened to my daughter, all I knew to do was to put her on Medicaid. It took her four months to get that. It was the most helpless feeling. When the hospital said she could no longer stay there they sent her to a rehab facility with a very small brain injury unit in it, it was then that amazing things started to happen—she made huge improvements there in a very short period of time. I knew this was not a forever place. Four weeks in, they handed me a piece of paper with 10 nursing homes on it. I was assured that she would still get physical therapy and all that she needs—and she needs a lot. So I spent my weekend walking around these nursing homes. When she was sent there, I felt like the rug was pulled out from under me. I let her stay in there for three days. I found out that she was not receiving her medication; I witnessed people popping patient’s pills in the hallways. She would just lie in bed all day next to a lady two feet away from her who coughed all night and day. The nurses and staff would come in and ask what she needed and say, ‘yeah, yeah we’ll be right back with www.thecitymagazineelp.com
61
April, 2014 that’—but they would never came back. I knew I had to get her out of there. There was a pamphlet for Mentis and my oldest daughter got on the phone, and found out through the physician’s assistant that she would be a great candidate for this place, so we loaded her up in the car and drove her here. I would do it again in an instant.” While together, Janice showed me Nicole’s room. She had taken the time to decorate the walls with pictures of her family, friends and other big life events of her past. Staying in the room next door just to be close to her daughter, the love that Janice has for Nicole was more than evident in her dedication and belief in her daughter’s recovery. We later visited Nicole during one of her speech pathology sessions and I was able to witness first hand, the level of care Mentis takes to help their patients. “She has come so far since we have been here, she can now even mouth the words to songs on the radio— even if we can’t stay here forever, I am so glad she has had the opportunity to reside at this facility,” Janice explained. For individuals like Nicole and Janice Lardner, facilities like Mentis Neuro-Rehabilitation are actively changing lives everyday. More than anything, physicians like Dr. Spier and his team are teaching people that compassion and understanding are our greatest tools in helping those who have experienced brain trauma. Moving forward, we all must give the love we would ourselves hope to receive not
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only in our everyday circumstances, but also when life-changing events like these occur.
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April, 2014
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e l pa s o D o c to r s w h o m a k e a d i f f e r e n c e
T
his month our focus is doctors. We put the word out and El Paso nominated the few and the proud that they thought exemplified the best and brightest physicians in our amazing city. Well the results are in! Here is the list (in alphabetical order) of the doctors who are making a difference in the city we all know and love.
1
Dr. Frank Agullo, M.D., FACS
Frank Agullo was born in Puerto Rico. After obtaining his M.D. degree in Mexico City, he trained in general surgery at Texas Tech University HSC. He then completed plastic surgery training at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Agullo is a double board-certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in breast, face and body procedures. He is amply experienced in the reconstructive field of Plastic Surgery, such as reconstructive surgery of the breast, congenital malformations of the ear, cleft lip and palate. Dr. Agullo’s private practice is primarily based at Southwest Plastic Surgery. The undertaking of this brand new endeavor has allowed him to materialize his longtime dream of providing exceptional patient care to the El Paso community. The Southwest Plastic Surgery Philosophy promises to deliver personalized first class service, tailored for each individual, whether a reconstructive or cosmetic patient.
2
Michael Damien Bagg, M.D.
Dr, Bagg grew up in El Paso. He graduated from Coronado High School and went on to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point and Texas Tech University School of Medicine. After completing his residency at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington he moved back to El Paso in 1995. He left the U.S. Army in 2003 and went into private practice. He is a member of Rio Grande Urology, the premiere urology practice in El Paso. Rio Grande Urology offers advanced urologic care to include robotic and laparoscopic procedures. He is married to Carolyn and has four children. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
3
Dr. Vernon Burke, M.D., DMD
Dr. Vernon Burke specializes in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He received his dental degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center. Dr. Burke then completed his residency in Oral Maxillofacial Surgery from Louisiana State University, School of Dentistry.
4
Benjamin Clapp, M.D., FACS
Dr. Benjamin Clapp is a general and laparoscopic surgeon with a focus on bariatrics. He currently has privileges at three community hospitals and is Chief of General Surgery at Providence Memorial Hospital. He has completed fellowship in laparoscopic and robotic surgery and has received extensive training in flexible endoscopy. His program has a specific interest in bariatric surgery and is designated as a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. He is also active in emergency general surgery call at a 1,000-bed hospital. He also balances instructor responsibilities including teaching residents and medical students.
5
Dr. Carlos Gonzalez, M.D.
Dr. Gonzalez is a second generation native of El Paso, crediting his family and community for instilling good morals and ethics throughout his life. He returned to El Paso after being gone nearly twenty years to pursue his education. Dr. Gonzalez received his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine. During his time at Stanford he was selected to participate in a yearlong clinical research fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He was a member of the Cartilage and Connective Tissue Research Laboratory and studied various signaling factors involved in cartilage growth. Following graduation he began his orthopaedic surgery training at Tulane University Hospital and Clinics in New Orleans, LA. Dr. Gonzalez continued his training at the highly regarded University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
6
Dr. Heydemann, M.D.
Dr. Heydemann graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with his undergraduate degree, and medical school at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. He did his orthopaedic training at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, and received a fellowship in Pediatric Orthopaedics from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Heydemann has also been honored by the government of Mexico with the Medal of the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle for his dedicated service, for treating more than 7,000 children in Juárez, Mexico.
7
Dr. Atur Kasha, D.O.
Atur Kasha, D.O. is a board certified general surgeon by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgeons, who has been practicing in El Paso since 2005. He attended Des Moines University Medical School and trained in surgery at Garden City Hospital in Michigan. He serves on the Board of Directors at El Paso Day Surgery, and is Vice President of the Department of Surgery at Sierra Medical Center; in addition to other leadership roles. His areas of surgical specialty include general surgery, laparoscopic surgery, da Vinci surgery, and varicose veins.
8
Dr. Shaun Machen, M.D.
Dr. Machen currently works as an Associate Professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in the Department of Orthopaedics, is the Chief of Pediatric Orthopaedics at El Paso Children’s Hospital, and has a Medical Staff Appointment at Shriners Hospital for Children Intermountain. He received his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, attended medical school at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, interned at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado, completed residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and attained a Pediatric Orthopaedic Fellowship at the University of Utah. He 65
e l pa s o D o c to r s w h o m a k e a d i f f e r e n c e is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and holds a subspecialty certification in Sports Medicine.
9
Dr. Aldo Maspons, M.D.
A graduate of Cathedral High School, Dr. Aldo Maspons, was educated by the Jesuits at Santa Clara University and received his M.D. at the prestigious UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas. A board certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist, practicing since 2012, he trained at Texas Children’s Hospital, ranked #1 in Texas and #4 in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. As the Director of Endoscopy, he sees patients at El Paso Children’s Hospital and Texas Tech. He wishes to make known the dangers of obesity, sugar-sweetened beverages, and fatty liver disease, and wants everyone to love their liver, pancreas, and intestines.
10 Dr. Dennis Joseph Reiter, D.O. Dennis Joseph Reiter is an El Paso born and raised Doctor of Osteopathy, specializing
in Ophthalmology. Upon completing his degree, Dr. Reiter continued his training as an Opthalmic plastics, orbital, and reconstructive surgeon, completing fellowships in Jerusalem, Israel and Ohio. Dr. Reiter is recognized as a Fellow of The American Osteopathic College of Ophthalmology, and an active member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. Dr. Reiter’s practice was built to suit the needs of the community that has treated him with open arms throughout his life. As a lover of the natural beauty of the earth, Dr. Reiter’s focus is on his patients’ health and ability to enjoy everyday life.
11
Dr. Rick Reyna, M.D.
Success isn’t just what you accomplish in your life, it’s about what you inspire others to do. Inspired by his Christian background, Dr. Reyna hopes to inspire others to pursue their own goals and dreams. A native El Pasoan, he received his undergraduate degree from UTEP and medical degree from UT Houston. As a pediatrician for three years, he strives to make himself available to serve and impact
April, 2014
his community. He also serves as an advisory board member of the School of Nursing and helps teach the next generation of highly qualified nurses at UTEP. He has also been a Chair of the Chamber of Commerce “Adventure for your Future” program, which helps inspire the next generation of medical professionals in our city.
12
Dr. Pacheco, M.D.
Dr. Pacheco aspired to be a surgeon his entire life, but at sixteen, when he lost his father to a brain aneurysm, he knew that he would make neurosurgery his life’s work. Dr. Pacheco attended college and medical school at the University of Puerto Rico and completed his residency there as well. He practiced medicine for a few years in Brownsville, Texas before moving to El Paso. Dr. Pacheco’s outstanding credentials and personal life experience make him a very compassionate and understanding physician. This has made him one of the finest neurosurgeons in El Paso and Southern New Mexico. His proficiency in both English and Spanish gives him the ability to effectively communicate and interact with the majority of the community.
13
Dr. Humberto Palladino, M.D.
Dr. Humberto Palladino is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon that specializes in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. He completed his general surgery training at Texas Tech University in El Paso and his plastic surgery training at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He has had numerous presentations and publications and is the recipient of multiple awards. Dr. Palladino is highly dedicated to academics, as he trains medical students and residents in the broad world of plastic surgery, holding the position of Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas Tech. As the compassionate human being that he is, he enjoys helping others, because of that he has traveled to underserved areas around the world for medical missions in countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Vietnam, among others. He also belongs to the Craniofacial Clinic here in El Paso.
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April, 2014
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November, 2013
N O M I N AT E
Y O U R S
MILITARY LAW ENFORCEMENT FIRE FIGHTERS VOLUNTEERS FIRST RESPONDERS BORDER PATROL PARAMEDICS & MORE In July, The City Magazine will showcase those who protect and serve El Paso. Here’s how to help: 1. Visit thecitymagazineelp.com/heroes. 2. Enter as much info as possible 3. Find out who makes the list in the July 2014 issue of The City Magazine
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HAIRWARS SUPREME SALON TOUR MAY 18, 2014 • CAMINO REAL HOTEL • DOWNTOWN EL PASO Tickets and Info: supremesalon.com or (915) 591-2015 PARTIAL PROCEEDS BENEFITING THE RIO GRANDE CANCER FOUNDATION
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April, 2014
HAVE PATIENCE WHEN SEARCHING
FOR THE RIGHT PEDIATRICIAN | By: ROBIN NILAND |
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April, 2014
C
hoosing a pediatrician for your
the only time you can schedule a check-up is
child is one of the most important
evenings or Saturdays, this is a great option.
decisions you will make when
Finding a doctor close to home or work is also
you have your first baby. As new
something to consider.
parents, one or both of you will
spend more time than you can yet imagine
Interview. Schedule a sit-down with potential
in the doctor’s office in his or her first year
pediatricians and have a list of questions ready.
of life. It’s important to make an informed
Will you be present at my child’s delivery?
decision about who will be overseeing your
What hospital do you use for emergencies?
child’s medical health. The decision is a very
Will I see you every time or a different doc at
personal one and the right doctor for each
each visit? Do you have a nurse available to
family is different depending on what is most
answer questions by phone or email? What
important to you. The best time to find the
is the vaccine and check-up schedule? What
right pediatrician is before your baby actually
are your office hours? Can my child be seen
arrives. Most pediatricians will schedule an
on the weekends in an emergency?
interview for prospective patients to ask questions and get a better understanding
Google. Many families choose M.D.s who
of the doctor’s philosophy and manners of
are fellows of The American Academy
practice. Here are some tips for finding the
of Pediatrics, which means they have
perfect pediatrician for your family:
specialized training in the care of babies and children from birth to age 18. Check out
Start asking around. Ask your friends who
www.healthychildren.org from The American
already have children about their pediatricians.
Academy of Pediatrics for information on
How is his/her bedside manner? Do you feel
pediatricians’ credentials and education.
rushed in and out during an office visit, or does
Locally, El Paso Children’s hospital has a
the doc take time to answer all your questions?
website with resources for families at www. elpasochildrens.org.
Think about your family’s needs. If both parents will be working full-time, it may be
Choosing a partner in your child’s health and
necessary to find a group practice that has
wellness is an important decision with many
extended hours and days. It might mean you
factors to consider. Start your research early and
see several different doctors in rotation, but if
you are sure to find the best doctor for you family.
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April, 2014
BIG FAT LIAR
Re d
| By: PATRICK L. MARTINEZ, B.S. NUTRITION, CERTIFIED FITNESS TRAINER, CERTIFIED FITNESS NUTRITION COACH |
The truth about fats in your diet.
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April, 2014
Fat free Low Fat duced Fat etc. etc. etc.
Fitness
You’ve seen them all. So what’s the big fuss
Now on to the “good” fats. There are several
about a lower fat diet? Why are people trying
types of good fats that you should be looking
to cut the fats? I believe that people correlate
to include into your diet: polyunsaturated and
“fats” with “weight gain.” When you hear
monounsaturated fats. These fats can be
the term “fatty foods” one can assume that
found in oils such as olive, sunflower, canola,
it pertains to those foods that are bad for you.
grape seed, sunflower seed, and corn. You
Foods that may lead to coronary heart disease
can also find them in nuts, fish, and avocados.
(CHD) or hypertension (high blood pressure).
In the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated
But the truth is, there are “fatty foods” that
groups you will find your “Omega” fatty acids
are good for your health and can actually
such as Omega-3 and Omega-6. Omega-3
reduce the chances of CHD and hypertension.
is found in fish and some nuts. Omega-6 is found in plant oils, nuts, and seeds. Omega
First thing you need to do is to learn your fats.
fatty acids can be found in supplement form
There are several different types of fats that
just in case you can’t find the time to get
are found in natural foods and processed food
enough fish, oils, or nuts in your diet.
products. First let’s discuss the “bad” fats. These are the fats that you should try and
Now that you know the different types
stay away from: saturated fats and trans fats.
of fats that are out there, you can begin
When you looks at nutrition labels, you can
to understand what you’re reading when
see what type of fats are contained in that
looking at a nutrition label. The key is not to
particular product. Saturated fats are natural
reduce your fats, but rather consume the
and are found in red meat, cheeses, butters,
healthy fats. As with anything relating to
and desserts such as ice cream. Trans fats are
your diet, you should not become obsessed
manufactured using hydrogenated oils. The
with reducing one particular macronutrient
way I describe it to my clients is, if a fat is left
(protein, carbohydrate, and fats) from your
out and it holds its form at room temperature,
diet. For example a “no carb,” “no protein,”
then you may want to stay away from it.
or “no fat” diet can actually do more harm than good. There are dozens of fad diets out there that claim to be the best, but the truth is our body needs all three macronutrients to function properly. So don’t be scared of the “fats.” Plan your meals accordingly and you will begin to see physical changes and you’ll start to feel better as well. Fats are crucial in brain function and maintaining high energy levels. So learn about your foods and stop being afraid of the terms. Don’t let manufacturers overcharge
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you for items you really don’t need.
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April, 2014
Soul Medicine | By: MICHELLE CROMER |
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Article Title
April, 2014
H
ealing is a scared art. Most
Modern medicine has been and
ancient texts describe it as a
remains essential. The discoveries
divine process in which healing
of biochemistry and physiology
the body first requires the healing
in the last 100 years has not only
of our spirit. The Hippocratic
saved lives but also successfully
oath which is recognized as having genuinely
extended
originated with Hypocrites, often called the
somewhere along this path, the
our
father of medicine, begins: -”I swear by
precious role of the sacred has
Apollo the Healer.”
been reduced to the status of superstition
life
and
span.
But
non-provable
In the recent past spiritual work, medicine
thought, and has been dropped
and healing were inseparable. It is only in
completely
our modern era of technological medicine
significant factors that contribute
from
the
list
of
to our health and overall healing.
that the presence of an energy healer during surgery might elicit gasps. For most
force without which we cannot live. It is the
of medicine’s history, the relationship of
timeless and eternal part of all of us. The soul
The medical pendulum is beginning to swing
treatment to spirituality was implicit.
grounds the body and animates the spirit. It
in the direction of soul medicine. Adding
holds the physical in touch with the divine,
momentum to this movement is the current
When modern medicine with it’s potential of
never dies and can’t be destroyed. The soul,
state of the US medical system, which is
technology and chemical solutions arrived,
spirit and body is a divine trinity, each having
experiencing an overhaul and sweeping
healing the spirit took a back seat and all but
equal importance in our existence.
changes like no other time in our history. Our doctors are being taxed and are now
disappeared. The consciousness that healing is sacred was eclipsed by a more scientific
We define our human experience in physical
confined to treat patients in a paradigm
modality. Though not a deliberate intention on
terms: physical places and physical bodies.
that is run by pharmaceutical and insurance
the part of the scientific community, respect for
However, our soul and the communication from
lobbyists in DC. “Managed care,” modern
the healing power of prayer and faith diminished
our soul originate from a nonphysical state.
medicine’s inadequate answer to financial
dramatically as modern medicine began to
We exist in two realms at the same time. This
pressure, does a barely adequate job of
produce more and more physical results. We
nonphysical realm is a place of pure energy.
management and a very poor job of care. Alternative ways of treatment are becoming
began to heal the body and ignore the soul. It is in this place of pure energy where
more mainstream and soul medicine is once
Soul is everywhere, but hard to see. It has no
soul medicine transpires. Soul healing is
again reestablishing healing as a sacred skill.
substance of its own, but is an essential part
the harmonizing of the soul, spirit and
of each living thing. The soul is the connecting
physical body.
There are many healing modalities that work with a patient’s energy, facilitating its flow, and removing blockages to soul expression through body, and the spirit. A few modalities are: 1. Acupuncture - the oldest therapy based
4. Aromatherapy – Smell is the most primitive
on the body’s energy meridians, has been
of our senses. Aromas are extremely helpful
practiced for over 4,000 years.
in changing our moods.
2. Color and light therapy – phototherapy with
5. Meditation – contemplation and meditation
@emichellecromer
various colors influences beta-endorphins,
create a still space, enhancing every form of
melatonin, serotonin and prolactin.
soul medicine.
michellecromer
3. Sound – music clearly affects mood.
6. Prayer - the oldest form of healing on
Music therapy is an increasingly popular and
record. It can establish a direct connection
successful form of therapy for emotional and
between the divine, soul and ailing body.
michellecromer.com
physical ailments.
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75
April, 2014
g n i l Hea D | By: GRACE THE PSYCHIC LADY |
id you know that behind the beauty of crystals there are also healing properties? Crystals and gemstones
produce
a
constant
vibration
and electromagnetic field, which
may help in healing various ailments and
conditions.
Once
you
have
acquired a crystal it should be cleansed immediately in order to release negative existing energies. You can cleanse your crystals by soaking them in sea salt for 24 hours and placing them outside in the moonlight. To help you benefit from the crystal healing properties, you can place them by your bedside, under your pillow, wear them as jewelry, or carry them in a small mojo bag. You can choose a crystal by your astrological sign or specific ailment. I also urge you to pay close attention to crystals that call out to you, as this subtle energy may be something you need.
76
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ast rolo gy
April, 2014
GEMSTONES OF THE ZODIAC
(Please note these are the gemstones for each sign, there is also the birthstone and crystal for each sign as well) For protection you may want to carry your specific stone with you.
ARIES (March 21~April 19)
LEO (July 23-August 22)
SAGITTARIUS
bloodstream,
Onyx: Relieves stress. Strengthens bone
(November 22~December 21)
strengthens heart, spleen, bone marrow and
marrow. Balances male and female polarities.
Topaz: Detoxifies the body. Enhances metabolism.
aids in iron deficiencies. Reduces emotional and
Enhances emotional balance and self-control.
Strengthens liver, gallbladder, digestive organs,
mental stress. Helps with blood and cramping.
Helps with fevers, and sexual energy.
and spleen. Helpful for sore throats and measles.
Bloodstone:
Oxygenates
TAURUS (April 20~May 20)
VIRGO (August 23~September 22)
CAPRICORN (December 22~January 19)
Sapphire: Strengthens heart and kidneys.
Carnelian: Energizes blood, aids kidneys,
Ruby:
Activates pituitary gland thereby aiding entire
lungs, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Aids
Strengthens immunity. Aids the brain, and self-
glandular system. Aligns mind, body, and
tissue regeneration. Helps with anger, mental
confidence. Can help with reproductive issues.
spirit. Helps eczema, and the ears.
issues, and concentration.
GEMINI (May 21~June 20)
LIBRA (September 23~October 22)
AQUARIUS (January 20~February 18)
Agate: Aids in toning and strengthening the
Peridot: Balances glandular system. Purifies
Garnet: Stimulates the pituitary gland. Purifies,
body and mind. Imparts a sense of strength
the body. Beneficial influence on the heart,
vitalizes,
and courage. Grounding but energetic.
pancreas, thyroid, spleen, liver, and adrenals.
especially bloodstream. Aids in gallstones, also
Powerful healer. Can help overcome anorexia.
Helps
and
the
heart
regenerates
and
bodily
circulation.
systems
halts nightmares.
CANCER (June 21~July 22)
SCORPIO (October 23~November21)
PISCES (February 19~March 20)
Emerald: Strengthens heart, liver, kidneys,
Aquamarine: Calms nerves and helps relieve
Amethyst: Strengthens endocrine and immune
immune system and nervous system. Strong
fluid retention. Purifies the body and aids the
systems. Enhances right brain activity and pineal
emotional balancer. Can be useful for eye
liver, spleen, kidneys and thyroid. Enhances
and pituitary glands. Helpful in addictions and
ailments or eyestrain.
clarity of mind. Can also help coughs.
diabetes.
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77
April, 2014
Expert Care
s d l e Y i Remarkable
Results | By: ADAIR MARGO |
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April, 2014
D
ee and I were expecting
tiny esophagus together. A week
a call a little after 7 a.m.
later, after testing showed the surgery
on August 29, 2013 when
was a success, another defect was
our second granddaughter
discovered – a microscopic vein-
was due to be born. Emma Eileen
like connection that connected her
Margo was scheduled to arrive via
esophagus and her trachea. While
C-section at Providence Memorial
not immediately dangerous, it would
Hospital. When our son Don called,
allow milk and saliva to accumulate in
it wasn’t with a voice of excitement
small amounts in her lungs, leading
encouraging us to come right away
to pulmonary issues like pneumonia.
and see our new grandbaby unfold.
She was sent home with a feeding
It was one of deep and quiet concern
tube through her nose to recover
that something was wrong. I could tell
before
right away by watching Dee’s face,
repaired - Elizabeth lovingly referred
and as he lowered the phone, he said,
to her as “Emma and her tube.”
that
could
be
surgically
“Emma has a birth defect.” Emma’s second surgery was again performed by Dr. Spurbeck with his
Arriving on the second floor of the Children’s Hospital at Providence, we were
performed, requiring a stomach tube for
partner Dr. Meier at Providence Children’s
met
feeding and an extended hospital stay.
Hospital, and she was allowed back into
by
our
daughter-in-law
Elizabeth’s
the NICU for her weeklong recovery – a
mother, who sat off the hallway outside the Neonatal ICU (NICU). She relayed how she
Since Elizabeth’s father is in the medical
special circumstance, as babies who have
knew something wasn’t right when she
business in Miami, he sent out queries to
been outside the hospital generally go to
didn’t see the nurse hand the baby to Don
several doctor friends about Emma’s condition
the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). So
after swaddling her. That’s what they did
and the surgeons in El Paso. One after
many of the nurses, staff, and doctors of the
when Lilliana was born - but this time, the
another, they replied that there was nothing
NICU at Providence, under the leadership of
nurse carried the baby out with Don following
to be worried about – that Emma would be in
neonatologist Dr. Luis Ayo, demonstrated
behind. He later told us it was the neonatal
expert hands. Dr. William Spurbeck, the one
such high caliber professionalism, but even
nurse - Mia Guerrero – who knew almost
who was taking on Emma’s surgery, is very
more importantly, they were cheerful, gentle,
immediately what was wrong. Noticing
highly regarded by his peers on a national
and so patient explaining everything about
Emma was secreting rather than swallowing
level, as are his partners, Dr. Don Meier and
Emma’s condition and treatment. It was
her saliva, she’d inserted a tube down her
the recently arrived Dr. Tamara Fitzgerald.
just the way you’d hope those charged with caring for the tiniest people would behave.
throat to suction her. Instead of reaching her stomach - the tube stopped at a dead end.
Like Don and Elizabeth, the other moms and dads seemed grateful for the professional
The night after Emma’s first surgery, Dee
Esophageal Atresia was the name of the
care their babies received in the NICU.
and I saw Dr. Spurbeck and his beautiful wife
condition, meaning the upper part of Emma’s
There was quiet courtesy, skill and smiles
having dinner downtown at Anson’s. Calling
esophagus - the tube that should carry food
among the doctors and nurses, reflected on
our waiter over, Dee gave him specific
from her mouth to her stomach - wasn’t
the parents’ faces, too. One father’s eyes
instructions on what to do after they finished
connected to the lower part and stomach -
brightened when I asked about his son on a
dinner and asked for the bill. “Tell them there
something that happens to 1 in 4,000 babies.
respirator, telling me about his prognosis in
isn’t one - that admirers took care of it - and
A surgery was scheduled for the very next
Spanish. There was a spirit of comradeship
then mail the bill to me.”
day. Googling it helped us better understand
among the parents in the NICU and high
as we found pictures and explanations online.
hopes for their children’s futures.
Finally the day arrived when Elizabeth held her baby girl in the NICU without her tube,
We prayed she wouldn’t have a “long gap,” where the upper and lower ends are too
When Dr. Spurbeck operated on Emma -
offering her a bottle for the first time. Don
far apart to be sewn together. If that were
making a cut between the ribs on her right
filmed with his iPhone as Emma sucked and
the case, we’d have to wait several months
side - he discovered she thankfully did not
Elizabeth laughed, forwarding the video with
for Emma to grow before surgery could be
have a “long gap,” and was able to sew her
the text message – “NO LEAKS!”
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79
CHIRO-
PRACTOR P ROFILES
SOUTHWEST CHIROPRACTIC
“Chiropractic care is an alternative, natural way to health.”
Southwest Chiropractic
Known widely for his experience and his
and thus relieve you of pain naturally. Also,
standing as a member of “America’s Most
many people believe that surgery is the only
Outstanding Professionals,” Dr. Fred Aguayo
alternative; we try to correct the problem
East:
began his Chiropractic career in 1996 upon
naturally to avoid surgery. Also, most people
1030 N Zaragosa, Ste. A
graduation from the Parker College of
don’t know that chiropractic adjustments can
(915) 860-2233
Chiropractic. Since then, Dr. Aguayo has built
also help relieve allergies, asthma, digestive
a successful and thriving family run practice
disorders, low energy, and stress.”
whose clients have included the likes of
West: 61 Camille
prominent athletes, such as the United States
“Because of our ability to properly diagnose
Olympic tae kwon do team and El Paso’s
each patient, each patient receives the most
professional arena football team; as well as
acute, specific care. This enables them to
Central:
a celebrity list which boasts members of the
begin a speedy process to recovery and
2727 Wyoming, Ste. B
band Aerosmith and Gloria Estefan as clients.
restore maximum function. The key is not
(915) 566-8118
(915) 581-9619
just providing chiropractic adjustments and “Chiropractic care is an alternative, natural
therapies, but to properly target the specific
www.southwestchiropractic.com
way to health,” shared Dr. Aguayo. “We
problem area to achieve the best results,”
“You can also find us on
treat conditions such as sciatica, sports-
explained Dr. Aguayo.
Facebook, Foursquare and Twitter.”
injuries, back pain, neck pain, etc. When you are in pain, chiropractic care offers not
Specializing
in
workman’s
compensation
just relief, but corrective care. We do not
cases and rehabilitation, Dr. Aguayo also treats
give you medicine to numb the pain, we
general insurance and personal injury cases.
treat the target area to correct the problem
By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
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82
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November, 2013
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83
April, 2014
Wine & Health | By: VIC POULOS |
84
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wine
T
The good news is that there are indeed
You’ve probably seen it on the news before – the semi-annual story about new research demonstrating that the regular consumption of wine can help prevent certain health ailments
numerous studies that provide solid evidence for the health benefits of drinking wine. Most of these benefits, however, only take into account the
consumption of one or two glasses of wine per day – not entire bottles. Sorry, drinking five glasses of wine doesn’t increase the health factor fivefold!
– from cancer to heart disease to
When it comes to wine and your heart,
diabetes. Aren’t these stories a lot
study showed that moderate wine drinkers
more exciting than stories about any
percent less likely to have a heart attack than
negative impacts of drinking wine? Well, to be honest, there are both
a 2007 Harvard School of Public Health suffering from high blood pressure are 30 non-wine drinkers. A new study released earlier this month by the Mayo Clinic revealed that that red wine
proven benefits and negative impacts
contains resveratrol, which has been found
from consuming wine and alcohol.
cholesterol. Red wine is also a source of
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to lower blood sugar and LDL or “bad” catechins, which can help improve HDL or
85
WINE “good” cholesterol and polyphenols, which may prevent the formation of toxic plaque that leads to Alzheimer’s disease. Another substance called procyanidin is also found in the tannins of red wine. Procyanidin has been proven to help protect against heart disease, and if you’re really looking for a procyanidin boost, make sure you’re drinking wines from Sardinia or southwest France, as those have been shown to have more procyanidins than other wine, according to a 2006 study at Queen Mary University in London. Amsterdam’s VU University Medical Center also conducted a study that showed moderate wine drinkers have 30 percent less risk than non-drinkers of developing type 2 diabetes. Finally, evidence has also emerged that wine can successfully decrease the risk of developing certain cancers. According to a 2005 study at Stony Brook University, moderate consumption of red wine cuts the risk of colon cancer by up to 45 percent. So, if you’re looking for arguments about why you should regularly drink wine, then you need to stop reading this article right here, because in addition to the many proven benefits of drinking wine in moderation, there are also many proven health risks. One downside to wine consumption is that it can elevate triglyceride levels, which is associated with health problems such as diabetes – yep, that same diabetes wine supposedly helps prevent! Those who already
have
high
triglycerides
should,
therefore, avoid or at least dramatically limit their wine and overall alcohol consumption. Several studies have also shown alcohol can increase estrogen levels and raise tumor progression in women who already
Airway Blvd. & Montana 86 915-778-1444 • GarciaCarsElPaso.com
have or are at high-risk for estrogen positive breast cancer. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
April, 2014
Wine can also be a trigger for those who suffer from migraine headaches. Although white wine contains more sulfites than red wine, red wine seems to be a much bigger migraine trigger. It’s likely due to the accumulation of histamines and tannins from prolonged contact with the grape skin, although this issue is still being debated among scientists. Of course there’s also the dreaded calories. Just five ounces, or a regular glass, of red or white wine contains approximately 120 calories. If you drink a whole bottle of wine, it’s about the equivalent of drinking two 20-ounce sodas! A major supermarket chain in the United Kingdom called Sainsbury, has just recently announced that it will label its wines with calorie counts so that consumers better know what they are getting into. I am not a doctor! There are however, certain known risks and benefits from drinking wine. Anyone with any serious medical conditions or questions about the benefits or risks of drinking wine should consult with their doctor. Of course, there are the known negative effects
everyone
already
knows
about
from consuming too much red wine - bad decisions, a purple mouth and a big headache in the morning!
Salud! VIC POULOS
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87
etiquette
April, 2014
TREAT AGING PARENTS WITH RESPECT, LOVE | By: JOANN WARDY | Life is not about treating others as they have treated us, but rather treating others as we would like to be treated. If you have an aging parent, here are some tips: • Meet with siblings to discuss parents’ needs. Decide whether the parents can live on their own or whether they should live with one of their children. If a parent is too ill, or has Alzheimer’s disease and cannot be taken care of at home, each child can contribute 10 percent of his or her income for the parent’s care. • If the parents live on their own but need help, this assistance can be shared by the children who are living in town. The ones out of town can contribute financially. • A weekly call and a visit from each child is appreciated, and don’t forget birthdays and holidays. Remember, we will be there sooner than we think.
88
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April, 2014
The El Paso Club
50YEAR Celebrates its
TH
| By: BRENDA CASTANEDA photography by: ROBERT CORRAL |
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April, 2014
A
Atop eighteen floors of the Chase Bank Building in downtown El Paso is a place rich in history that
has
been
a
staple among the movers and shakers of this great region. For fifty years it has been the premiere venue for hundreds of luncheons, dinners, meetings and special occasions for people of this community. The magnificent view of Mexico to the south and the beautiful Franklin Mountains to the northwest, and the vast horizon to the east is the gift that awaits anyone fortunate enough to visit this El Paso treasure. The birth of the El Paso Club emerges from the early days of prohibition, according to Frank Gorman, Jr., long-standing and current member of the club, and son of one of the club’s founding members. He shares stories of how his father, Frank Gorman, Sr. helped establish this fine institution. In 1933, after prohibition was repealed in Texas, you could only buy liquor at a liquor store. Patrons of restaurants could not purchase alcohol in restaurants. For such an evening, the only place where one could have drinks served with dinner was across the border in Juárez, Mexico. To bring this same ambience to the El Paso area, only private clubs were allowed to serve cocktails with dinner much in the manner of the elegant dining establishments in Juárez. In the early 1950s, a five story building was constructed in El Paso and the top floor was the private members only club. The top floor was called the International Club. This club was later relocated to the top floor of the State National Bank building in downtown El Paso, which is now the site of the Wells Fargo Bank. In 1962 construction of the El Paso National Bank building (what is now the Chase bank) had begun. The 18th floor of this new downtown skyscraper was designated for the bar and restaurant known as the El Paso Club. The International Club was invited to
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91
April, 2014
merge with the El Paso Club but they declined
come from “all walks of life here in the El
The El Paso Club maintains a very full
the invitation so for several decades, El
Paso region, representing some of the
schedule of events on a regular basis,
Pasoans, primarily downtown businesses and
most successful individuals in the city.”
hosting meetings from various civic and
El Paso’s “movers and shakers,” were offered
Anyone can become a member, there are no
cultural
two private club options for fine dining, both
requirements. There is a one hundred seventy-
Some of the frequent patrons of the club
with spectacular views of this great city.
five dollar initiation fee and then one hundred
are the Downtown Lions Club, the El Paso
fifty dollars per month in membership dues.
Bar Association, the Paralegal Association,
In August of 1963, the El Paso Club officially
There is also no minimum to the number of
El Paso Electric Company, and many more
opened its doors. Sam Young was the very
members and everyone is welcome to join.
groups that, according to Lyons, “foster the
first member and Frank Gorman, Sr, was
Of the general membership, there is a fifteen
growth and development of El Paso.”
the second official member and that was
member board which includes the president,
the beginning of what is today an El Paso
vice-president, and the treasurer. The board
There are many “perks” to membership.
institution (the International Club closed its
members are nominated and elected by the
For example, there is a brunch every second
doors several years ago).
general membership and serve two-year
Sunday that features a piano player, in
staggered terms. “The membership of the
addition to the gourmet selection of food.
Today the El Paso Club boasts a healthy
El Paso Club is a ‘very loyal group’ with an
The third Friday of each month the El Paso
membership of five hundred and six
average of more than ten years and a long
Club hosts a “spirit tasting” for members
members. Bobby Lyons, general manager
history of support through their business and
featuring top liquor selections, such as
of the El Paso club says that members
social parties,” says Lyons.
specialty vodka, whiskey and scotch. The
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organizations
and
associations.
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April, 2014
monthly wine tasting for members is also a
area and bar are now referred to as “La
In February of this year, the El Paso Club
favorite activity of the club. Both events are
Vista” to highlight once again the view that
celebrated fifty years of operation of this great
designed to introduce the membership to
is uniquely the El Paso Club. Mike Graham,
treasure. What can we expect in the next fifty
upper end wines and spirits that cannot be
current board president, is very grateful to
years? “As we look back on fifty years, we’re
bought in stores.
the patrons during this time, saying, “…the
just really excited about the next fifty years,
club is incredibly thankful for the support
being a part of the downtown business social
The beauty of this venue is that any person
of the downtown community particularly
community and hopefully having an impact
interested in using this facility does not have
over the past several years as we were
on the downtown revitalization and making
to be a member to be able to take advantage
completing a new renovation and remodel of
downtown El Paso the center of the city
of the elegance of this treasure. The back
the entire club.”
again,” said Michael Graham.
is available for the general public to use
The El Paso Club has hosted hundreds of
Under the leadership of loyal and dedicated
with the bar and dining area for members
memorable events over the last fifty years
members like Graham, the El Paso Club will
only. Three years ago the El Paso Club was
for occasions such as weddings, high school
continue in the tradition of sophisticated
remodeled which included removing the
reunions, birthdays, and just about any
ambience, culinary excellence, impeccable
old red drapes with different draperies that
celebration that calls for a special place that
service and the quintessential breathtaking
offered a more refreshing look that draws
can only be found on the eighteenth floor of
view of our city for generations to come.
attention to the spectacular view that is
the Chase Bank.
area of the club, with the breathtaking views
exclusively the El Paso Club. The fine dining
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93
April, 2014
! l l a B y a l P It’s time to | By: MICHAEL C. GRAHAM |
94
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
April, 2014
i t ’ s t i m e t o p l ay b a l l ! t may seem a little surreal, and a little like
to him may, and quite literally will, change on a
we just stepped out of Bill and Ted’s most
day to day basis. As an example of how much
excellent time machine, but it is true: Opening
activity and fluctuation there is at this level,
Day is almost here, and AAA baseball has come
the team had 178 transactions last year,
to El Paso. As any baseball fan will tell you, there is
over a 142 game AAA season. In other
something special about the coming of spring, and
words, flexibility is paramount.
the realization that your favorite boys of summer will be hitting the diamond very soon.
Perhaps most importantly for El Paso, and for the team, is that Coach Murphy
Baseball has an exciting opening in the Big Leagues
relayed that there is a palpable sense
this year, as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona
of excitement about the move, the new
Diamondbacks open the 2014 season with a two-game
stadium and the new ownership group. The
set in Sydney, Australia, at the historic Sydney Cricket
Chihuahuas had several people out at the Padres
Ground. The rest of the major leagues will open at the end
spring training facility a few weeks ago, and along
of March, including our Chihuahuas Major League affiliates
with the important discussions around the business of
the San Diego Padres, who open up at home against the
baseball, key members of the Padres organization had
Dodgers Saturday night, March 30th. Our Chihuahuas will
their first real opportunity to get their hands on some
play their first game in their new home stadium, Southwest
Chihuahuas gear, and explore the El Paso team’s look
University Park, on Monday, April 28th against the Fresno
and feel. By all accounts, it was a major hit. “The Padres
Grizzlies. This will be the first AAA baseball game played in
General Manager, Josh Byrnes, has been wearing a
El Paso, as over the long history of minor league baseball
Chihuahuas hat most of the time since the visit. And it
in El Paso, going as far back as the early 1900s, we have
has become sort of a rally cap, because the team has
never had a team at the AAA level, until now.
not lost when he is wearing the hat. The guys have even been working on hand signals to make the face of the
The team’s last season in Tucson was a successful
Chihuahua for rallies during the game.” In other words,
campaign, and was the first under Pat Murphy, the
Chihuahuas fever is spreading up the organizational
Chihuahuas manager. I had a chance to visit with him
ladder, and that is a wonderful thing for everyone.
briefly about the team, and the stadium, and the move to a new community, and how the transition so far has
Hopefully you have been able to follow along with the
been. “We are extremely excited about the move and
community as we have watched this project, and as are
everyone has been incredibly professional. We have
excited as we are to officially welcome the team to El
had great assistance from the front office and from the
Paso. It has been quite a journey from the 2012 votes,
community.” We also discussed the unique challenges
through demolition and construction. By any measure,
of managing at the AAA level, from the standpoint that
the completion of the project overall has been remarkably
the roster is constantly in flux,
quick and efficient. To put that in more detailed terms,
as the players actually playing
remember that City Hall was not demolished until April
at the AAA level are primarily
14 of last year, and the groundbreaking on the new
controlled by the Major League
stadium was not until May 30.
club, the San Diego Padres in the case of the Chihuahuas. The Padres set
But timetables are not the important piece of the puzzle.
their 40 man roster, which is comprised of
Very soon, the sounds of wood bats striking leather
the 40 players on active major league contracts.
baseballs will echo through downtown El Paso; the smell
However, only 25 are allowed to be on the active
of fresh cut grass will greet fans young and old; crowds
roster, which is the list of players to actually play a
will cheer and roar; and perhaps the most state-of-the-
game for San Diego. The remaining members of the
art minor league stadium in the country will open, and
40 man roster, are largely comprised of players currently
begin hosting games for the newest AAA team on the
in the minor leagues for some reason, or are on the
block. Pretty soon, the rest of the Pacific Coast League
disabled list for a short term injury. In practical terms,
will learn to “Fear the Ears.” Go Chihuahuas! It’s time to
that means that the players Coach Murphy has available
play some baseball. 95
April, 2014
THE 2014
Women’s Luncheon | By: BRENDA L. CASTANEDA |
With Keynote Speaker Media Mogul Former President of Telemundo Star of Celebrity Apprentice Advocate for Women’s Empowerment
guest speaker
96
Nely Galán www.thecitymagazineelp.com
YWCA WOmen’s luncheon
April, 2014
O
n Thursday, April 17, the YWCA
programs in El Paso. Also available for the
will hold its annual Women’s
matching funds are increased donations from
Luncheon
Paso
corporate sponsors and benefactors. If in the
Convention Center. Nely Galán,
past they have been $2000 donors, and this
writer, producer and entrepreneur is the
year increase that amount to $3000, then
featured speaker for the 2014 luncheon. Ms.
the entire amount is eligible for the Paso del
Galán, former President of Telemundo, is the
Norte Foundation’s matching funds.
at
the
El
owner of Galán Entertainment and founder of The Adelante Movement. She also serves on
It is an exciting time for the YWCA to do
the board for the charity Count Me In.
even more good for this great community because of the potential that exists with this
This Annual Women’s Luncheon is in its
partnership. Traditionally, the YWCA has only
21st year, and this year features a unique
a few fundraising efforts so this partnership
component in the fundraising efforts. For the
is significant on so many levels.
first time ever it is partnered with the Paso del Norte Foundation as a Challenge Fund
A 106-year tradition of “eliminating racism,
Event. According to Dr. Sandra E. Braham,
empowering women” is opening it’s doors
Chief Executive Officer for the YWCA-El
to not only the women who drive the
Paso Del Norte Region, this partnership is an
organization and the volunteers who put
opportunity to “…blow this out of the water”
hundreds of hours into the planning and
in terms of fundraising. Being partnered as
execution of the Women’s Luncheon, but
a challenge fund event, the YWCA has an
the men in the El Paso community have been
opportunity to have donations that are eligible
given a prominent place as supporters of this
to be matched up to fifty cents on the dollar.
occasion. For the first time in its history,
What that means in terms of donations is that
the men will be given proper recognition in
all new donations are eligible to be matched.
the program as designated table captains
For example, an individual who is attending
and benefactors. In addition to the Grande
the luncheon for the first time and pays $100
Dammes ($1000+ donors), the Grande
for a ticket, their $100 donation will grow to
Hommes will be honored for their support of
$150 because of the matching funds from
the YWCA.
Joann Wardy GRI CNE Multi-Million Dollar Producer
2013
the Paso del Norte Foundation. To culminate the partnership with the Paso Pending approval by the Paso del Norte
del Norte Foundation Challenge Fund Event,
Foundation Board, the YWCA can potentially
the YWCA will also unveil its new logo for the
raise up to $100,000. This is very exciting
luncheon. This is certainly a year of “firsts”
news for the organization because all of
for this grand affair.
SALES ASSOCIATE
the monies raised will go directly to the
230 Thunderbird Suite J El Paso, Texas 79912 (915) 355-0992 joannwardy@yahoo.com www.thecitymagazineelp.com
97
April, 2014
A MIGHTY M VEMENT | By: JOLENE REZA KEIPP |
98
T
mighty mujer
April, 2014
Y
The
The all-female event consists of a 300-yard
mothers and daughters to experience a sense
Facebook runners who check in
swim; 15k bike course and a 2-mile run
of sisterhood and form bonds that come from
ou’ve
seen
them
before.
with their Nike+ Running App and
through the historic Memorial Park area.
intense physical and poignant experiences
the cyclists we cautiously avoid on our busy
The race benefits the family resource and
while pushing their bodily boundaries. If
streets and residential areas. Crossfit training
transitional living facility, Center Against
you’re not ready to compete but would like
gyms have opened up all over the city and it
Family Violence. “There is an analogy to be
to check it out, there are plenty of volunteer
seems that every cause has a 5k tied to it. By
made between women accessing the Center
positions available as well. Jessica Goldman’s
all accounts many El Pasoans are on the move.
Against Family Violence and women taking
first experience with Mighty Mujer was as a
on a triathlon,” says Gallegos. “Many others
volunteer, “I realized as the day went along that
When Gabriela Gallegos returned to her
offer support and resources but it’s a very
everyone’s level of athleticism was different. It
native El Paso she was already a passionate
individual and personal accomplishment.” A
was not as intimidating as I imagined it to be,”
triathlete anxiously waiting to get settled into
very physical accomplishment and putting
Goldman remembers. The following year she
the Triathlon community but to her surprise she
your body through this intensity takes a lot
went back but this time as a participant, “It
had a difficult time finding one. In fact, many
of training and perseverance. Gallegos urges
really was so much fun and the atmosphere
avid triathletes in the borderland had to travel
beginners to find others who are preparing
and women are extremely positive.”
to other cities to compete in these sequential
as well. There are a series of training clinics
endurance races. But, Gallegos didn’t sit
offered by Crazy Cat Cyclery every first and
Gabriela Gallegos is still as busy as ever. Now
around too long. “I wanted to create an
third Thursday of the month. Clinics range
a Certified USA Triathlon Race Director and
environment for people wanting to get active. I
from bike training, focus on running and
owner of Race El Paso, Gallegos produces
thought there was no good reason why El Paso
demonstrations on how to change a flat
Eagle in the Sun Triathlon as well as the Flying
should not have a USA Triathlon sanctioned
bicycle tire. Other clinics even help you decide
Horse Half Marathon and 5k. She continues
event,” Gallegos explains. She started her first
what to wear; it is an all female event after all.
to create opportunities for El Pasoans to stay
triathlon, Eagle in the Sun in 2010 and two
The UTEP P3 program offers triathlon training
healthy and to build the triathlete community
years later Mighty Mujer was born.
and the YWCA has competitive swimming
that was once slight and almost unseen.
lessons. Attending clinics, training at a pool or even updating your Facebook post
The Mighty Mujer will be April 19th. You can
with, “Anyone know of a good cycling
visit the Race El Paso or Center Against Family
group?” can help you form a crew.
Violence websites to register your team or
“You may arrive alone to a clinic but
help sponsor the event. “There is a lot of
you leave with a team,” Gallegos
opportunity for El Pasoans to get more active
assures.
and I care about what we as a community can do,” Gallegos enthusiastically explains. It
The Mighty Mujer affords the
must be the endorphins.
opportunity for sisters, co-workers,
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99
April, 2014
KINESIOLOGY
MAJOR, FOOTBALL
MINER, ANTHONY PUENTE’S STORY | By: REED LONEY |
100
Photo by: Michael P. Reese
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
sports
April, 2014
T
here was absolutely no
recalled. Due to his obvious size advantage
focus on the fundamentals’ or that I needed
hesitation in Anthony
over others, it seemed like football would
to improve on certain parts of my game,”
Puente’s voice when
be a natural fit, something that did not go
explained Anthony. They started practicing
asked why he came to
unnoticed.“(From early on) people tried to
fundamentals
UTEP – “to try out for the football team” he
push me to football – but I loved basketball!
started seeing his basketball game elevate
firmly replied. There is no question that the
Most people don’t know that…I was just
to a level he didn’t think possible. And
reason for Anthony’s arrival in El Paso was
a big basketball guy.” And he excelled at it
while this resulted in his skills increasing, it
only football. “When I first got here, I told
– a natural athlete he recalls practicing and
became clear to Anthony that practicing such
my parents I was coming out here for one
concentrating on elements like dribbling and
fundamentals and game mentality was not
reason and one reason only, to play football.”
shooting. However, it took a role model in
restricted only to basketball.
But Anthony Puente is different from many
the form of Steve Sylestine, the father of a
who play Division I football. He arrived at
school friend of his, for him to understand
Eventually, Anthony did start playing football
UTEP without a scholarship, and without
successful training and a disciplined mentality
of course – in sixth grade for a YMCA league.
recognition – something that would soon
that is still very much applicable today.
“I started playing in that particular league
every
day,
and
Anthony
because they didn’t have a weight limit for
drastically change. Steve showed Anthony a side to training
my age,” he laughed. Though his fondness
Anthony was born and raised in San Antonio.
that he had never experienced before. “He
for basketball was, and is, still present,
He grew up much quicker than many others,
opened up a different side of athletics for
Anthony immediately was hooked. He started
“I was 5’9 in fourth or fifth grade and was
me – I was worried about the little stuff,
watching football games on Sundays and
around 200 pounds…I was just a big kid,” he
like shooting, and he told me ‘you need to
Saturdays, developing fandom for the Dallas
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101
Photo by: Ivan Pierre Aguirre
sports
April, 2014 In his first couple years, Anthony displayed
Photo by: Michael P. Reese
the same versatility of adapting to different positions that he did in Marshall High School. He was a little bit of everything – deep snapper, fullback, and reserve linebacker – anywhere that he could aid his team. But he wanted more than that – he wanted a consistent starting linebacker position. “I didn’t come here to sit on the bench or say I was part of a DI program, I wanted to play, this is my passion, and it is the competitor in me,” he explained. One day he looked in the mirror and “…started being true to myself.” He began to make changes to achieve his goal, first of which was accepting his size difference. While size may have not been there, he asked himself: “What do I need to do at a high level?” His intense basketball training came roaring back to him – focusing on fundamentals and work ethic on a consistent basis. “I tightened up in every aspect of my game.” By focusing on nutrition, film analysis, and work ethic Anthony posted a personal best
Cowboys and the New York Giants. “They
off.” Anthony was understandably as jittery
are kind of rivals, but, what are you going
as nervous Jell-O walking on the field. Being
to do?” he grinned. He attended Marshall
less than six feet, seeing the size of some
High School and immediately showed his
of his competitors unnerved him. “One of
versatility by switching from linebacker to
the first guys I met was DeAndre Little, who
defensive end his junior year. “I came to
was about 6’3, 250 lbs., and I thought, man
enjoy it. But I knew that if I wanted to play
I really am small (compared to these guys).”
college ball, I would have to play linebacker,”
But that was not going to stop Anthony.
described Anthony. And so, with football now
It was here that his training with Steve
his main focus, Anthony turned his focus into
Sylestine came full circle – it was no longer
becoming a DI football player and showed up
about skill, recognition, size or anything that
on the doorstep of UTEP. There was just one
can be measured – it was about work ethic
problem – Anthony didn’t have a scholarship,
and determination.
so would have to earn his spot on the team by walking on.
“I really hyped up (the competition) in my head, but when I got here, I thought ‘this
“Basically, you start at the bottom of the
isn’t too bad,’” said Anthony. Whether this
barrel. You are looked upon as a four-year
may have been a factor, there is no doubt of
scout team player,” remembered Anthony.
one thing – Anthony Puente got in the zone
The success rate for walk-ons is rare,
and there wasn’t anyone who could keep him
something that he was painfully aware
from achieving his dream. And so Puente
of. “Not too many are successful,” he
became a walk-on to the UTEP DI football
admitted. “I had to go out and prove that I
program, something that would not surprise
could compete and be part of this team …
anyone who witnesses his determination.
first full starting season last year, and looks to improve on that for next season. So what fuels Anthony Puente? What makes him able to grab that next rung of the ladder, when it appears so out of reach? When asked, he says it boils down to one statement. “What can I use for my advantage?” he wonders. What actions are going to ensure his success? What strategies are necessary? Whatever he can do to gain traction on his opponents and improve himself, he takes. “I’m my biggest critic,” he explains, “going up the ladder (to improve) – that’s just being myself.” The fundamentals of his training in basketball are always on his mind. “I’m trying to bring basketball to football (in what I have learned),” says Anthony, and he doesn’t plan on quitting. It is very clear Anthony Puente will stop reaching for the next rung only when there is nothing left to grab.
I’ve had to (go out there) and work my tail 102
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April, 2014
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103
WOODEN WAVES The Jewelry Boxes of Tim Anklam | By: REED LONEY |
104
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
April, 2014
I
Artist spotlight
t is fitting that the jewelry boxes are
big bandsaw – so I got one! And immediately
Tim, resulting in a unique and functional
the first thing you notice when you
I thought, how am I going to justify this to
piece of art.
walk in Libby and Lilly. Front and cen-
my wife?” laughed Tim. The justification of
ter on display, they dominate your vi-
the purchase presented itself soon after.
While Tim’s more recent work may have
sion as you step through the door. However,
Much like his earlier woodworking, he began
deviated from his original projects, it is
it is immediately clear that they are boxes in
selling pieces to friends and family, or if a
evident that his style and quality have
name only. The shapes and hues are so unique
piece were unique enough, would be proudly
remained unchanged. It is almost difficult to
that it almost appears impossible, resembling
displayed in the Anklam household. A trip to
describe his style – the woodworking seems
wooden waves, curving and swelling while
Las Cruces would soon change all of that.
simultaneously chaotic and precise, and by seamlessly balancing the two results in a
frozen in time. They are in all different shapes and sizes, but all have one thing in common -
Around five years ago, Tim presented his
breathtaking project. You won’t find many
being the handiwork of Tim Anklam.
artwork to two shops in Las Cruces, LuLu –
right angles in Tim’s work. “If you want a
Elements for Living and Matteo – Jewelry by
traditional box, don’t look at mine,” explained
Tim was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio
Design (where the boxes are still sold today).
Tim “mine have shapes.” Each piece does
and was exposed to woodworking at a young
The boxes were a hit, and soon requests
start off as an ordinary square wooden box,
age. “My father was a carpenter and a cabinet
started streaming in for larger boxes and
so perhaps the best way of describing it is
maker, so I grew up with woodworking,”
custom requests, which Tim is happy to
that he pulls the art from the simple shape
described Tim, “woodworking was always
oblige. His work started branching out –
a hobby.” It was no doubt because of this
he started incorporating clocks into
early exposure that his interest and skill began
his woodwork, as
into something beautifully different. Tim
developing significantly. Tim’s hobby even got to the point where people began asking him to make different woodworking projects for them. “People would want something and I would make it for them!” exclaimed Tim. In Cleveland, Tim married, had two daughters and moved only after “we got tired of the weather.” It was then that he began his journey south to the warmer climate of Lake Havasu, Arizona. Working with wood had a way of following Tim around – after leaving friends and family in Cleveland he found himself working for Mcculouch Chainsaws in Arizona, where Tim and his family enjoyed escaping the cold winters of the north. “We loved it, and spent 13 years there,” recollected Tim. He made the move to El Paso in 1987, and has been here ever since, enjoying his second year of semi-retirement –
well as organizers for business
excluding his woodwork of course.
cards, spare change, and phone stands. One of his fastest moving
“Woodworking has always been there,” said
items is the relatively new e-cig
Tim, and in El Paso it has been no different.
organizer, of which the design
Tim started making the Wood Art Boxes on
came to him after encountering a
a plastic bandsaw purchased from Sears.
dilemma when he quit smoking.
They started small, in Tim’s unique style,
“Back in June, I got started on
with drawers for storing jewelry and odds
this E-cig – so I’m putting it down
and ends, but he began to get frustrated by
here, down there… so I made an
limitations of the smaller saw. “I needed a
organizer and stand for it!” said
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April, 2014 also makes careful note to use the right wood and colors into each of his work. “I look for interesting wood – something with character … (when I do) find something with a lot of character, I grab as much of it as I can.” The attention to detail goes right down to the pattern of the grain in the wood, which Tim tries to match artistically in each of his pieces. Based on the almost liquid-like appearance of the jewelry boxes, one of the best ways that they can be described is “alive,” and it is very clear that Tim tries to breath life into each of his pieces. “There is something that people need to see, to touch, and feel (about my work)” described Tim. This is best portrayed by their experience setting up a booth for the Renaissance fair every year. “The moms always yell to their kids, ‘don’t touch!’” laughed Tim, “and they always precede to open and close the drawers to almost every single one.” I asked him if he had to rebuke the kids from time to time, and he immediately replied “No! (they are doing) it because they really admire the work, (so) that they are spending the time to do that and examine it. I can’t discourage that!” Libby and Lilly is located on Doniphan Street and sells antiques, collectables, and obviously Tim’s personal work. Tim offers customization of a box if someone is willing to sit down with him and show exactly what he or she is looking for. When I asked if he wanted me to say anything in particular, Tim laughed and said “Come in, come in! We would love to have you.” So check on Libby and Lilly and support a local artist whose beautiful and unique woodworking can best be appreciated in person! Libby and Lilly 6431 Doniphan Dr., Ste. A El Paso, TX 79932 (915) 222 – 8157 www.libbyandlilly.com www.WoodArtBoxes.com
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April, 2014
Timeless Pieces exclusively
the jewel of the westside
7134 N. MESA COLONY COVE II | EL PASO, TEXAS 79912 |
www.facebook.com/jewelgalleryinc
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915-845-7740
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April, 2014
The
of Making Friends
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April, 2014
the art of making Friends n February 27th, the El Paso
Shortly after the two friends casually walked
Museum of Art had special
across the stage and made themselves
guests
Artist,
comfortable, Marin had the crowed chuckling
Gaspar Enriquez and Actor/
due to his quick wit and charm. As the
Art Collector, Cheech Marin sit
applause softened, Marin told the crowed
Chicano
and speak to a packed auditorium
that there was no need to stop. Having
in the sun city’s downtown. The event was
visited El Paso in the past for other art
held in connection with Enriquez’s exhibit
events, Marin commented on the unusually
currently displayed in the museum’s Hunt
cool weather before scrambling around in his
Gallery on the second floor titled, Gaspar
chair as the moderator’s voice could be heard
Enriquez: Metaphors of El Barrio.
through the speakers welcoming them to the presentation. Marin looked up at the ceiling
Marin and Enriquez, who met each other
in a comedic manner, as if he was being
years back in San Antonio, came together
addressed by his maker, “I was wondering,
to discuss and answer questions pertaining
did God call me Mr. Marin?” he said.
to Enriquez’s Chicano artwork and exhibit.
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April, 2014 After thanking Marin for his support of the arts and Enriquez for all he has done for the community, the moderator opened up the discussion by asking how the two met. “It seems like we’ve always known each other,” Marin said. The artist and actor have known each other since 2001 when Marin opened his 15-city art exhibition titled Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge, at the San Antonio Museum of Art. The exhibition consisted of Marin’s personal collection including some
of
Enriquez’s
artwork.
Following a brief dialogue between Enriquez
and
Marin
attempting
unsuccessfully to pin point where Marin had seen Enriquez’s work before Marin’s agent contacted Enriquez about acquiring some of his pieces, they remained uncertain. “Yeah, you saw it somewhere, but I don’t remember where,” Enriquez stated. “Well that clears that up,”
joking when referring to seeing his work in the
Marin humorously replied.
gallery for the first time, “Damn that’s good.”
“As soon as I saw his work, it was the
Enriquez, a long time art teacher at Bowie
most familiar Chicano artwork I’d ever seen,
High School and self described Chicano
although I’d never seen it,” Marin said. “It
Artist seemed to know a joke was just
spoke directly to the center of the community.”
around the bend when the moderator asked Marin what it is that makes Chicano art
Wearing his Cheech & Chong T-shirt that
Chicano. “Hmm...Good question, it has to be
reads “Best buds stick together” in support
done by Chicanos,” Marin answered. “One
of his friend, with tongue in cheek, Enriquez
of the questions I’ve always asked myself is
told the audience that Marin was an artist as
‘what is the future of Chicano art and does it
well. “He’s a potter,” Enriquez said. “Yeah,
always have to be done by Chicanos?’ Yes,
that’s what we’re calling it now,” Marin said
right now.”
with a grin on his face. “That question is the same as asking, ‘Do you Setting the jokes aside for a moment, Marin
need to be French to be an impressionist?’ At
went on to explain how he took a pottery
the beginning yeah you do, because it was their
class his last semester in college where,
scope and they influenced everybody else.”
“My Mexican genes came bursting out.” Marin went on to talk about the enormity
110
Enriquez explained how he felt the first time
of this specific community based school of
he saw his work displayed in the exhibition.
art and how its influence continues to grow.
“A lot of my work had been out of sight for
Enriquez added his thoughts on identifying
many years by collectors,” he said partially
oneself as a Chicano artist having to do with www.thecitymagazineelp.com
April, 2014
one’s own interpretation of their MexicanAmerican heritage. Marin touched on his experiences while traveling and how many have asked him why identity is the basis for being considered a part of the school of Chicano artists. “I think identity is the only basis...because you are describing your group, whether your group is New Yorkers, or people from El Paso, or surrealists, or geometric painters. You are describing that group, you are part of that group.” At one point Marin was asked what he felt was Enriquez’s legacy within the American art scene. “His technique puts him at the forefront of any of that school of realist painters painting today in America.” Gaspar Enriquez: Metaphors of El Barrio, will be on display at the El Paso Museum of Art through the 11th of May.
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April, 2014
Where Are They Now?
RONN LUCAS Throwing Voices | By: MARKO A. MORALES |
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April, 2014
where are they now?
T
he road has been long and winding
had been practicing for more than ten years
for El Paso born Ronny Wayne Lucas
and had been bit by the performance bug
since he began performing around
long before the opportunity with the clothing
the age of ten at Saint Timothy’s Lutheran
company presented itself, but it was during
church. A few years prior to his debut, Ronn
his time on the road fulfilling his contract
Lucas realized he had the ability to do what
when he began to see the possibilities.
most people would find to be extremely difficult. While attending Eastwood High
At the age of seven, Lucas was given a sock
School in the late 60s and early 70s, Lucas
puppet by his grandfather, which he used in
practiced by successfully calling himself out
his earlier performances. He showed interest
of class and making his teachers believe
in the work of Jimmy Nelson and Danny
that the voice they heard, telling them to
O’Day, the “dummy” Nelson used on the
send Lucas to the office, was coming from
television show “Texaco Star Theater.” Little
the loud speaker above the chalk board. His
time passed before Lucas received his very
eight-year-long stint in Las Vegas came years
own mail order Danny O’Day puppet.
later, but it was at his church and high school where he set his foundation.
As
a
professional
ventriloquist,
Lucas’
puppets have all been developed into A few short years after graduating from high
interesting and unique characters with their
school Lucas signed a yearlong contract to
own back-stories. There are his lesserknown puppets such as Tillie, a large nosed, sarcastic, opera-singing troll and George, an extremely slow talking turtle. His more wellknown puppets include a teenaged dragon named Scorch, who made his debut on the popular Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in the late 80s and Buffalo Billy, a puppet whose creation was obviously influenced by Lucas’ home town and surrounding area, stating in his very own auto-biography that he is a “West Texas Cowboy.” Even though Scorch is easily the most famous of all Lucas’
travel the United States, making a “Billy The
sidekicks, it is Buffalo Billy who is credited as being the first used by Lucas professionally.
Kid” ventriloquist dummy talk for Billy The Kid Clothing Company. At that time Lucas
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where are they now?
Claudia Castillo
April, 2014
Makeup Artistry
The list of projects Lucas has participated
spotlight from time to time, using most of
in is impressive to say the least. He has
the breaks to either further perfect his craft,
Polished Skin Expressive Eyes
performed for every president since Ronald
or to work on other projects such as hosting
Reagan, excluding George Bush Sr., as well
his own variety hour overseas titled “The
as performing in London for the queen. To
Ronn Lucas Show” (1990) and appearing in
date, there has been no other ventriloquist/
a number of documentaries such as “Weird
comedian to be offered a long running show
U.S.” (2005) and “I’m No Dummy” (2009).
(915) 313-1124
in Las Vegas, much less six separate shows in five different Vegas hotels over the years.
There is a chance, however small it may be,
In 1991 The New York Times published
that after all this time there might be four
an article on Lucas, stating he was “taking
or five people over the age of thirty living in
ventriloquism to a new level,” comparing
the United States who are not familiar with
what Lucas did for ventriloquism to what
Lucas’ Las Vegas shows. There’s a good
David Copperfield did for magic.
chance that same group of people saw him appear on a television comedy
Aside from the several Las Vegas hotel and
called “Night Court” where he
casino long-running shows Lucas has done
played a ventriloquist named
over the years including but not limited to
Dennis Small in one episode in
those at The Luxor, Excalibur, Rio and Planet
1986 and again in 1990. One
Hollywood Resort and Casino, he has also
might have seen him
made a variety of television appearances including performing on Johnny Carson’s, Jay Leno’s and David Letterman’s late night talk shows. The now 59-year-old ventriloquist has been known to step away from the Las Vegas 114
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April, 2014
Article Title
portray a deeply disturbed individual named Kenny Peterson on “L.A. Law” (1988), who was completely void of any emotion unless displayed through his puppet. More recently in 2006 Lucas played a character named Willy Ward on the very popular television series “Nip/ Tuck” where he was inquiring about getting plastic surgery so that he would once again look like his lookalike ventriloquist dummy. A writer could easily begin to suffer from carpal tunnel if he/she was asked to list every show, documentary and movie Lucas has been a part of since the 80s. The quality of his body of work speaks loudly through his many accolades. He won “Ventriloquist of the Year” by the American Society of Ventriloquists, was awarded “Entertainer of the Year” by Gold Cabaret Awards and been called “The World’s Best Ventriloquist” by The New York Times. One might assume, given the field of work Lucas is in, among the highest of accolades would have to be hearing Jerry Lewis say, “It doesn’t get any better than that” after his performance on an MDA Telethon. It seems that at the moment Lucas does not have any scheduled performances in Las Vegas. He is likely keeping busy performing at corporate events, just another one of his “side gigs” while he takes a small break from the city of lost wages.
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Hidden Gem
April, 2014
| By : AN
| DRÉS RODRÍGUEZ
a g r i C C s o s . i l B . t F d Ol
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April, 2014
ernando Gandara can pick the right cigar
conversation starters. It’s also equipped
don’t have to talk over people,” Brandi says.
for someone by asking how they take their
with a bar and a humidor and sells over 250
“It’s a relaxing environment where we can all
coffee. For those who take it with cream
varieties of cigars.
vent for the day.”
It’s a favorite among those living on base.
Fernando says he wants his customers to
and sugar, a sweetened cigar might work best, he says, and for those who take it
leave the shop with exactly what they’re
dark, a natural cigar. Brandi Whitman, a student at the US Army
looking for, and he’ll help guide them every
Fernando knows his cigars well. He took over
Sergeant Major Academy, is a regular at the
step of the way.
as manager at Old Ft. Bliss Cigar Co. last year.
cigar shop. She says she first found the place with her classmates. They now visit every week.
something to actually get away from the
The shop, located in Freedom Crossing at Ft. Bliss, is decorated with antiques,
“It’s our time to get together. It’s a quiet
memorabilia and what Fernando calls swanky
atmosphere. You can sit and you can talk. You
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“I want it to be a unique place, a quiet place, rumble of the local pub,” Fernando says.
117
hidden GEms
April, 2014
The store is the only cigar shop on base. It
His purpose, he says, was giving soldiers a
opened in July 2012 after Len Bronson and
place to relax.
his wife Patricia Bronson, who is from El Paso, visited the Old Ft. Bliss Museum. Len
“I know they need R&R and our place is one
is based in Manhattan where he has been
of those places that can provide that so that
the owner of a cigar store for 17 years.
is really in our minds and hearts,” he said. “To try in a small way the best we can to give
“Everybody was asking us for a cigar store.
them some kind of break.”
So Patsy and I just kind of looked at each other and said, ‘What the heck, man? It’s
Mimi Carstens, who’s from California, is the
the first mall ever built on a military base
special events coordinator at the shop. She
(Freedom Crossing) and we can be the first
puts together monthly beer tastings, among
cigar store,” Len said in a phone interview
other events around town. A military spouse,
from New York.
Mimi has been working at the shop since November 2012.
They enlisted the help of Patricia’s brother,
118 www.elafantequila.com
Ignacio Norman and with Len’s connections
She says that fact that cigars are a male
and experience in the business the shop
dominated luxury doesn’t daunt her. She’s
became a reality.
passionate about cigars.
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April, 2014 “From the fermentation process, everything about it is absolutely captivating,” she says. “A lot of people think, ‘Oh it’s just a job whatever.’ It’s more than that. You have to really have a passion for the industry, because when you’re talking about cigars, it should come through.” Although the shop does receive some civilian business, it’s mostly soldiers who frequent it. Fernando says one of the goals is to slow things down for them. He says that since soldiers come and go from Ft. Bliss constantly, making an impression counts all the more. “That motivates us to make every time we see a soldier in the store as pleasant as we can possibly make it. That kind of drives us too,” he said. Old Ft. Bliss Cigar Co. is located at 1618 Pleasonton Road in Ft. Bliss. For more information on their monthly events, visit their Facebook page.
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“We know s i g n i m o o r g important . e l p o e p r o f To get their o t , e n o d r i a h p u e k a m t e g and things like that that makes a person � . r e t t e b l e fe
April, 2014
Kenneth
Williams
| By: MATTHEW WILKSON | 120
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, n e m e l Gent April, 2014
h i s p r e r o g at i v e
Are you feeling unlike yourself? Has your mojo been on an extended leave of absence? Sounds like you have The Blahs, and the remedy for the ever so common case of The Blahs may be just a little personal time. However, the prescription may vary from patient to patient. Some gents have extensive grooming routines, while other dudes may be reluctant to clip their nails before they resemble Krueger claws. Most guys aren’t thrilled about making the grooming process any longer than it already is, but adding something new to your daily regimen is an investment on yourself that is sure to boost your mojo. Here are a few products that’ll help you get your groove back!
Whiskey Aftershave Splash By Portland General Store Don’t be fooled by the name, this old-fashioned apothecary bottle contains not one drop of skin drying alcohol! This alternative to harsh aftershave is sure to revive your skin, leaving it soft, smelling fresh and manly. It’s Whiskey scent is actually designed to be reminiscent of an ol’ yachtsman chilling out on the deck with a scotch in hand after a day of conquering the treacherous, deep blue ocean yet again. It is packed full of organic ingredients like aloe, kelp, and blue green algae, with scents of black willow bark and tee tree oil. Available at www.portlandgeneralstore.com $18.
Spicebomb By Victor & Rolf Most gals know Victor & Rolf for the first bomb, a unique feminine scent that rocked the women’s fragrance world in 2005. They have now made the leap into the men’s world with the release of Spicebomb, a one of a kind masculine fragrance. The cleverly shaped bottle resembles a glass grenade, as it is sure to blow your mind. It has a scent unlike any other men’s fragrance that starts off with explosive tones of pink pepper, bergamot and grapefruit, but ends in addictive tones of tobacco, leather and cinnamon. Spicebomb is a fragrance that is intentionally powerful and made for the confidant male. It is available in 50mL or 90mL eau de toilette, aftershave balm, shower gel, and deodorant stick/spray. Available at Dillard’s $28-$105. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Lithium Power Series 4 In 1 Vacuum Trimmer By Remington Hey, fellow Beardos! This is the coolest new gadget for all the whiskered brothers out there. Hate the annoying clean up of a millions tiny hairs after trimming the muttonchops? This little trimmer contains a high velocity fan blade vacuuming system that sucks the hair you just trimmed into a removable chamber, instead of letting it fall all over your bathroom counter and floor. This manscaper contains a long lasting Lithium battery that will last up to 60 minutes! It also comes with four different trimmer attachments that will help you etch it up like a 90’s boy band. Available at www.remingtonproducts.com $39.99. 121
SPR April, 2014
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ING April, 2014
Beaut y
Spring is in full swing, and the latest makeup must-haves for the season are to die for: from light shimmery pastels, to dramatic dark lip shades perfect for a nighttime look. What we have seen all over the catwalks for Spring-Summer 2014, are exotic and edgy eye shadows and liners for a drastic and unusual new trend.
Awakening | By: CASSIE JEAN JOHNSON |
For eyes, metallic shades are all the rage once again! Gold shadow is always an immediate eye opener. To duplicate an off-the-runway version of Jason Wu’s gilded lids apply primer first. Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer works best for a no-crease look that will last all day. Follow by blending lightly a sheer wash of powder or even a cream color, from the crease down. Then dot a little bit of metallic shadow in the inner corners of your eyes to add a slight pop of light without drawing unwanted attention to wrinkles. Some fun new eye shadows to try this look with are, Butter London Wink cream eye shadow in Twigged for only $18 and BareMinerals Ready Eyeshadow 4.0 in True Romantic for only $30. Also Laura Mercier Metallic Crème Eye Colour in Golden Mist is ideal for this look!
Quick Trick Are you always getting tired of your mascara clumping or getting dry to soon? To avoid always having to run to the store (and a clumping catastrophe) simply get a dry paper towel and rub the end of your mascara wand when you are done with each use. This will keep it from having hard, dried out product on the end. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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Beaut y
April, 2014
For a light, shimmery pastel eye shadow shade Chante Caille Save The Bees Palette offers feminine and soft shades of color that are perfect for spring. It also supports the action of saving bees that do so much for us and are responsible for pollinating most of our vegetables, fruits, and flowers. You can help by purchasing their eye shadow palettes and going to their website for more information.
A dramatic addition to your eye arsenal is eyeliner. Napolean Perdis has four all new gel eyeliners, that are quick drying and last all day and night. They are available at Ulta and will make the perfect cat eye with a nice metallic sheen. Be bold this spring and make statements with different colored eyeliners every day to play up your eyes and always have a fresh new look! Fun bright eye liners to try (also available in waterproof) are Urban Decays 24/7 liners that come in a variety of amazing shades which range from bright to sultry-smoky.
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April, 2014
Don’t forget about your lips! For a dainty pop of color for your pout try EstÊe Lauder Pure Color Envy sculpting lipstick in Infamous It has a timed-release moisturizing formula that will keep your pink pout smooth all day. This amazing new lipstick is available in 20 various shades for only $30. For a more dramatic shade perfect for a date night or special event, Tom Ford Lip Color in Bruised Plum for $49 will really make an old-Hollywood statement. With these new makeup trends you will have a fresh new look perfect for spring!
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April, 2014
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THE
LOOK April, 2014
G O LD Gold R U S H Rush | By: JOSH SANCHEZ |
MODEL: HAZEL RENPENNING
PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: JOSH SANCHEZ
ASSOCIATE FASHION STYLIST: CASSIE JEAN JOHNSON
HAIR COLOR: DAVID PAUL OF QUARTERMANE SALON
HAIR STYLIST: VALERIE MONCADA OF QUARTERMANE SALON
MAKE UP ARTIST: CLAUDIA CASTILLO
STYLING ASSISTANT: NATALIE ROSALES
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT: LUIS MIRANDA, JR. SPRAY TAN PROVIDED BY: GLOWDRY
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April, 2014
Look found at
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April, 2014
JEWELERY:
GRACEWEAR COLLECTION
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April, 2014
TOP, JEANS & JEWELRY: JUICY COUTURE
SUNGLASSES: DOLCE & GABBANA WATCH: MICHAEL KORS
PURSE: SALVATORE FERRAGAMO
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April, 2014
Look found at
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April, 2014
DRESS: SYDNEY JOY
ACCESSORIES: ELLA BLU
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April, 2014
Look found at
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November, 2013
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November, 2013
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Life
April, 2014
After the
Crown | By: ANA HUESCA |
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m i s s e l pa s o
April, 2014
W
hat is the first thing that comes
to
your
mind
when you hear the word “pageant?”
Have
you
ever wondered what it would be like to be in a pageant? Or what happens after being crowned? This is not all glamour and lights, it takes training and long hours in high heels, and no body can explain this better than, Laura Rayborn. Laura is the Queen of all Queens, training girls and winning pageants left and right for the last 16 years. “I started with 90 girls and now I am the largest in the state, I have more contestants locally than anyone in the state of Texas. Pageants have changed so much, years ago pageants use to be strictly about a beautiful girl. When I did a pageant that is what it was about, now they want the girls to be a little more interactive, involved in nonprofits and make a difference, they are roll models,” Laura shared with us. Miss El Paso Texas 2009-2010 and Miss Texas USA 2010 Kelsey Moore, part of Laura’s team, told us how this experience changed her life. “I had always considered myself a tomboy and had received a full-ride scholarship to play volleyball at UTEP to back my beliefs. I didn’t own many pairs of heels, anything one would consider a cocktail dress, or any real make up or hair skills whatsoever. After the training I received both with Laura and the Miss Texas USA team, I have two custom evening gowns, a tiara and a crown, multiple professional photo shoots under my belt, but most importantly, I am a much more well-rounded Kelsey. I was really able to tap into the feminine side of myself that had never been nurtured or coerced out of me. My mom doesn’t wear much make up, and we never went to fancy events where one would need a fancy outfit. I had always played as many sports as she and my dad would drive me to, and I did that for as long
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as I can remember. Pageants gave me the confidence and the skills needed to make me
Raining Miss El Paso 2012 Alexandra
feel comfortable showing up at any caliber
Valenzuela explains, “I don’t feel as if
event. I could go to a party at the White
pageants really changed the person I
House and be completely comfortable in
genuinely am, but it did open doors to great
myself and know how to work the room.”
opportunities and allowed me to grow as 137
beauty
m i s s e l pa s o
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a woman. Pageants are usually always
to my victory couldn’t have been possible
stereotyped that they are pointless and
without the undying support and love of
full of “fake” girls, but the opportunities
my family, friends, sponsors and amazing
that pageants have to offer are great and
coaches. That particular pageant led to me
pageant girls are honestly some of the
being enriched in every aspect and learning
sweetest girls I’ve met.” She continues
something new every day, every hour and
in giving some advice to young girls; “The
every minute of my reign.”
biggest advice I’d give girls is have fun with the entire experience. It sounds so cliché
There is no doubt that Laura is the
but when you just relax and have fun with it
expert in pageants, and that her girls are
you really let your true colors come through
extraordinary young women that are
and that to me is what shines.”
changing how we look at beauty queens. Today Kelsey and Alexandra are both
Brianna Webb who is currently preparing
working women and Brianna is attending
to go to Miss Texas labor day weekend,
UTEP pursuing her Nursing degree with a
shares with us how she felt after her win
minor in Biology while she is preparing for
in 2012, “By far the best anecdote since I
Miss Texas USA.
became a pageant girl has to be the night I won Miss El Paso 2012, along with two
Laura will be looking for new girls
very prestigious awards - Photogenic and
that would love to change their life by
Best Swimsuit Body. It was then that I
competing to be the next “Miss Texas USA
realized that dreams do come true and that
and Miss Texas Teen USA” June 20 and 21
everything I had done to prepare had paid
at UTEP’s Magoffin Auditorium.
great dividends! The journey leading up 138
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139
April, 2014
LOVE The Compositions of
| By: JANNET BUSTILLOS |
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E
LOVE
April, 2014
3
Norepinephrine is a stress hormone,
looking at their lovers photograph. The scans
which increases your heart rate and
showed increase blood flow in areas where
makes you feel hot and flustered.
there are high concentrations of receptors for
This hormone is similar to adrenaline, which
Dopamine. This is associated with feelings of
might be the reason behind the butterflies in
euphoria, cravings, and addiction. When couples
your stomach sensation.
are in the stage of love they tend to focus mainly
4
on the relationship and often on little else.
Love triggers your brain to release
When you two hug, kiss, and touch each
9
other the oxytocin levels rise and the bonding
to the ones found with people who suffer
experience is more intense. When your
from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Oxytocin levels rise, your memory can be
This can be an explanation why some people
impaired. This could explain why we can be
“obsess” about their partner.
Oxytocin, which is often thought of as the love hormone. Oxytocin is a
chemical that calms and promotes intimacy.
LOVE can impact
us in various ways. Not only do we notice an emotional change, but our body’s composition is also changing. You begin to feel different and are different. Keep reading and be amazed by all the ways your body reacts and how it changes when falling in love.
1
The
brain’s
pleasure
chemical,
Dopamine is triggered. When you’re in love and Dopamine is released you
feel elated and energetic about each other. According to Helen Fisher, PhD, a biological anthropologist, “It is what triggers very goaloriented behavior, where no one else matters but your new partner.”
2
instantly,
this
activates
approximately twelve regions of your
brain. According to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine you can “know” you’re in love within a fifth of a second.
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London has discovered that people in love have lower levels of serotonin.
These lower levels of serotonin are similar
10
The
5
Although
testosterone
is
thought
of as the macho hormone, it helps spark the intimacy in both sexes.
body’s
natural
painkillers
endorphins, play a key role in longterm
relationships.
Endorphins
give you the sense of feeling happy, peaceful,
Testosterone levels rise with sex, this is just
and secure. Endorphins also induce “drug-
one of the many pieces for romantic love.
like dependency” feelings.
Men naturally have higher levels and can be traced in amounts of saliva. There’s a theory that when people kiss the transfer of this hormone increases sexual desire in a partner.
6
Studies have shown that a woman’s keen sense of smell helps them attract a mate. A woman’s body will
react to a man’s pheromones only if they are biologically compatible. Pheromones are chemical messengers that play a role in human sexual attraction. This can explain why some women like to smell or wear their significant others shirts.
7 8
Love can lead to loss of appetite, sleepless nights, elation, and intense
When you fall in love your brain activity changes
absent-minded when in love.
Research done at University of College
energy. These are the effects caused
by norepinephrine and dopamine combining. Researchers
“The human body releases the cocktail of love rapture only when certain conditions are met and ... men more readily produce it than women, because of their more visual nature,” says Helen Fisher. References:
are
using
functional
www.health.com
magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
www.womenshealthmag.com
to observe people’s brain waves when
www.people.howstuffworks.com 141
medical
April, 2014
WHY IS THERE SUCH A CRAZE ABOUT BUTTOCK AUGMENTATION IN BEVERLY HILLS? THE LATEST TREND IS TO HAVE A ROUNDER, FULLER APPEARANCE LIKE J. LO AND KIM K. | By: DR. MARCO A. GONZALEZ M.D. |
Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez M.D. Envy Aesthetic Center 5407 N Mesa (915) 845 - 3223 envyaestheticcenter.com
almost unheard of ten years ago in mainstream plastic surgery. Fat transfer was the preferred option for buttock enhancement followed by buttock lifting and buttock implants. For the patients, the outcome can be life-changing. “They definitely save and invest to do it because when you’re not happy with your body shape, there’s something out there that can help you with it.”
Forget face lifts or boob jobs – in California, the latest cosmetic
It’s good for them, for their relationship, and their confidence.
surgery must-have is Lipo-Sculpting with buttock enhancement, whether higher, rounder or just smoother. “Finally, thanks to Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and all the media, we are realizing this is a much more natural way to achieve these results than using butt implants.” Brazilian Butt Lift -- instead of using implants, it involves taking unwanted fat from the tummy and elsewhere and transferring it to the buttocks, which is combined with Circumferential Lipo-Sculpting. We do lipo-sculpting by going in through small incisions with a cannula and suctioning the fat into a sterile container. We then wash the fat, put it back into syringes and then inject it into the buttock. When I’m injecting into the buttock, I do what’s called the fanning technique – it actually improves cellulite, because it fills the skin underneath. The operation typically costs between $6,000-$12,000. According to the Association of Plastic Surgeons 15.1 million cosmetic surgery procedures, including both minimally invasive and surgical, were performed in the United States in 2013, up three percent since 2012, according to ASPS stats. The most popular surgery is breastenhancement, followed by nose jobs, liposuction and face-lifts. There has been an increase as well in the area of buttock augmentation like fat transfers to the gluteal area (Brazilian Butt Lift). This has seen a significant percentage increase over the previous year and was 142
Before
After www.thecitymagazineelp.com
November, 2013
Ton of Linens we’ ve got you covered
5800 Doniphan Street | El PA so, T x | 915 727 4587 tonoflinens@live.com
APRIL
50
o
o
off
in registration
Come and Dance with us! Jazz • Ballet • Tap Hip hop • Aerial
Any questions? Call 915 585 1911 6910 North Mesa St#79912 (behind Dollar General)
143
April, 2014
THE CITY AGENDA april 2014 5 apr. 5
Sun Devils Football 1
apr. 1-15
Horse Racing at Sunland Park
Come see El Paso Sun Devils Semi-Pro Football at the Socorro Activities Complex. The final home game of the season against the Texas Shadow kicks off at 6:30 pm. Adults are $7; kids 12 & under are $5. Info: elpasosundevilsfootball.com
Waxahatchee
11 5
Hiking Tour at Hueco Tanks
apR. 5
Ability Walk 2014
Join El Paso’s Earth Day Celebration at The Municipal Service Center from 10 am - 3 pm. This fun-filled family day will have food, music, and entertainment, as well as educational booths centered around conservation and waste reduction. Info: home.elpasotexas.gov/ environmental-services
apr. 4
First Friday Artwalk & Ghost Tour Experience the First Friday Artwalk and Ghost Tour at San Elizario Historical District from 6 to 10 pm. See local art, shop for jewelry, pottery, and more. There will be sweet and savory treats and also a “movie on the wall” at 8:15. Admission is free; the ghost tour is $10. Info: sanelizariohistoricartdistrict.com
144
8
Mobb Deep lowbrow palace • 8 pm
Baths
Earth Day in El Paso
w/ young fathers
14
lowbrow palace• 9 pm
11
Neko Case w/ the dodos lowbrow palace • 8 pm
Future Islands w/ special guest
21
lowbrow palace• 9 pm
22
Stretch your legs for a good cause at the 2014 Ability Walk at Vista del Valle Park from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Proceeds will go toward helping increase the quality of life for those with disabilities. Registration is $15. Info: (915) 532-7795 or abilityconnectiontexas.org
4
(denton, tx)
trainyard (las cruces) • 8 pm
APr. 1
apR. 4
Pageantry black market • 9 pm
1
4
Catch Beck at the Abraham Chavez Theatre on the 24th.
6
A day at the races is always nearby at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. Races start at 12:45 pm most days in the first half of April. Admission is free. Info: (915) 874-5200 or sunland-park.com
Enjoy the West Texas spring weather with a day of hiking at extraordinary Hueco Tanks State Park. Bring a camera, water, and a backpack! Info: (915) 744-1532
Concerts
Mogwai tricky falls • 8 pm
Beck abraham chavez theatre • 8 pm
24
6 5 apR. 5-6
Generation 2000 The largest children’s fair in the Southwest promises to be bigger and better than ever this year. Filled with fun activities for kids and parents, the 28th Annual Generation 2000 presented by Clear Channel Media + Entertainment is at the El Paso Convention Center for two days from 10 am to 6 pm. Info: kppr.com/pages/ generation2000.html
apR. 6
Sgt. Ruben Orozco 8K Torch Run & 2 Mile Walk Support Special Olympics Texas in a competitive 8K and 2 mile walk. Registration is $25 online and the races start at G2 on Cincinnati at 8 am. The RO8K honors the memory of Sargeant Ruben Orozco, Law Enforcement Torch Runner who was involved with Special Olympics Texas for over 13 years. Info: (915) 533.8229 or sotx.org
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April, 2014
17 apr. 17
Women’s Luncheon
12 10 apr. 10-12
La Bohème El Paso Opera presents Puccini’s acclaimed La Bohème for three nights at Abraham Chavez Theatre. Tickets from $20. Info: (915) 581-5534 or ticketmaster.com
8 apr. 11 & 18
Lego Day Visit your nearest El Paso Public Library branch for an afternoon of building, play, and imagination. Starts at 4 pm; Legos are provided by the Library. Info: (915) 543-5421 or elpasolibrary.org
2014 Keynote speaker Rosario Dawson will join the YWCA El Paso del Norte Region on April 17 for the 21st anniversary of this event. The luncheon begins at 11:30 am at the Judson F. Williams Convention Center with lunch served prior to Ms. Dawson’s speech. Info: ywcaelpaso.org
apr. 12-13
Party for the Planet The El Paso Zoo invites you to celebrate the earth at their 9th annual Party for the Planet, which takes place over two days from 10 am to 3 pm. See how the El Paso Zoo party’s animal style, all while learning how you can help to protect all life on Earth. Info: (915) 521-1894 or elpasozoo.org
19 apr. 19
16 apr. 16
El Paso Pro Musica Classical & Beyond
EPPR Easter From 9 am to 2 pm, El Paso Parks and Rec will host free Easter themed events and activities for the entire family at any of the city’s recreational centers. Info: elpasotexas.gov/parks
On April 16th, join El Paso Pro Musica for a special event with Emily Bear at El Adobe Recording Studios at 7 pm. Info: (915) 833-9400 or epmm.org
17 apr. 17-20
Sesame Street Live 12 apr. 12
Girl Power Fest Girl Power Fest is El Paso Latinitas’ annual day of fun, celebration and girl empowerment. This year it’s at UTEP’s Union Building from 10 am to 3:30 pm. All girls ages 11-18 are invited. Info: (915) 219-8554 or laslatinitas.com
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Take the kids to see the adorable live production of everyone’s favorite television show. Each showing begins at 6:30 pm at the Abraham Chavez Theatre. Info: ticketmaster.com
19 apr. 19
Golden Easter Egg Hunt From 11:30 am to 3 pm the Armijo Aquatic Center will host a free Aquatic Easter Egg Hunt in the shallow area of the pool. The Egg Hunt times are separated by age group: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm for ages 4 and under, 12 - 12:30 pm for ages 5-7, and 12:30 - 1 pm for ages 8-12. Info: (915) 544-3556 or home.elpasotexas.gov/parks
145
April, 2014
THE CITY AGENDA april 2014
19 22
apr. 19
Insane Inflatable 5K This extreme obstacle course 5K is coming to the Maldonado Maze in La Union, New Mexico from 9 am to 3 pm on April 19th. Train hard and be ready for anything! Info: insaneinflatable5k.com
20
apr. 22
Rock of Ages The Plaza Theatre will host Rock of Ages, the worldwide 80’s musical party everyone is talking about, April 22nd at 7:30 pm. Info: rockofagesmusical.com
17
apr. 20
Mission Trail Art Market Discover the Mission Trail Art Market, the Mission Valley’s premier art and craft sale. Professional artisans from across the region present an amazing selection of quality painting, sculpture, photography and more. 11 am - 6 pm; admission is free. Info: missiontrailartmarket.com
mar. 17
El Paso Symphony Orchestra For two nights enjoy the sounds of Bohuslav Rattay’s Symphony Orchestra at the Plaza Theatre. Show begins at 7:30 and will feature some of the best talent El Paso has to offer. Info: (915) 532-3776 or epso.org
28 apr. 28 - may 1
Chihuahuas Baseball Baseball! At long last, Opening Day of the El Paso Chihuahuas’ Inaugural Season at Southwest University Park in Downtown El Paso is upon us. Visiting for the four-game weekend series are the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA San Francisco), and there are still some tickets left for grabs. Info: epchihuahuas.com
FA M I LY- O W N E D & O P E R AT E D
Coming in May
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AMERICAS
4631Hondo Pass (915) 594-4424
9521 N. Loop Dr. (915) 858-4408
WEST
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480 N. Resler (915) 587-4408
750 N. Carolina (915) 594-4424
5.2 Jerry Seinfeld at Abraham Chavez Theatre 5.3 March of Dimes at Cohen Field 5.3 George Lopez at Abraham Chavez Theatre 5.3 Race Against Diabetes 5K 5.5 Old 97s at Tricky Falls 5.7 Cory Morrow at State Line 5.13 Morrissey at the Plaza Theatre 5.24-25 Neon Desert Music Festival featuring MGMT, Wiz Khalifa, Zedd, A$AP Ferg, Classixx and more www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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You Can’t Save What You Don’t Have | By: GILBERT CORTEZ, FINANCIAL ADVISOR | Whether you’re retired or working, do you
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is on having individuals set up automatic bill-
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pay and meet specific savings goals through
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monthly automatic deposits. The budgeting
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do is save money. A key to success is the
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your expenses. Companies such as Mint.
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The City Weddings Event with Guest David Tutera Interactive Seminar and Boutique Vendor Showcase at 150 SUNSET | Photographed by LUIS MIRANDA, JR. and CHARLOTTE MCGEE
Tables & Tapas preview Party at EL PASO COUNTRY CLUB | Photographed by LUIS MIRANDA, JR.
The City Weddings Sponsors Night with Guest David Tutera at HISTORIC MAGOFFIN HALL | Photographed by LUIS MIRANDA, JR.
THE CITY MAGAZINE february ISSUE LAUNCH PARTY at ITALIAN KITCHEN WEST | Photographed by CHARLOTTE MCGEE
The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso
Ground Breaking Phase II Photographed by SARA RUEDA
GECU’s Doniphan & Mesa Branch
Grand Opening Ceremony Photographed by JOE LOUIS AGUIRRE
2014 Milagro Gala at EL PASO CONVENTION CENTER | Photographed by LUIS MIRANDA, JR.
Indian Motorcycle
Grand Opening Photographed by LUIS MIRANDA, JR.
“I Have A Voice”
Mardi Gras Gala and Fundraiser with Fungi Mungle
Benefiting GiGi’s Playhouse El Paso A Down Syndrome Achievement Center Photographed by LUIS MIRANDA, JR.
DETECT LUNG CANCER EARLIER LOW DOSE CT SCAN
November, 2013
166
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November, 2013
MISS E L PA S O T X 2 01 4
MISS E L PA S O TEEN T X 2 01 4
JUNE 20-21 • UTEP MAGOFFIN AUDITORIUM
Miss El Paso Texas and Miss El Paso Teen Texas directed by Laura’s Productions • Laura Rayborn is the official recruiter for the Miss Texas USA and Miss Texas Teen USA Contestants wanted between ages 14-26 (never married, no children) • Over $10,000 in prizes • Winners will compete in the upcoming Miss Texas USA and Miss Teen Texas USA LAURASPRODUCTIONS.COM • 915.845.2894 • LIKE US ON
Ella Blu
el paso magazine 167
November, 2013
DREAM
IN
BLACK
WEST • 5020 N. Desert Blvd Ste. E| (915) 842-8867 Between Texas Roadhouse and Fuddrucker’s
168
EAST (New!) • 6974 Gateway East Ste. E | (915) 842-8867 Across from Cielo Vista Mall next to Reebok and Ella Blu
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