The of Wellness
of Wellness
The balance between health and beauty can be challenging. As aesthetic procedures become widely available at spas popping up everywhere, why not take advantage of the technological advances in beauty where a licensed physician is backing up every procedure?
“In my primary care practice, I see patients tackling blood pressure issues, diabetes, weight control problems, and the everyday aging process,” says Dr. Salman Aly, medical director of Allure Aesthetics and Capital Internal Medicine Associates (primary care). “I am very supportive of general health and wellness and if I can help my patients by offering them the aesthetic side, we both win. I just want to see my patients happy and healthy at the end of the day.”
“At Allure, we offer weight loss, hormone replacement and sexual health therapies, IV hydration and vitamins, dermal fillers, neurotoxins, body sculpting, and more,” says Nicole Mirra, Allure Aesthetics’ DNP, who provides all of the services Allure has to offer. “I have a background in aesthetics and antiaging. When I moved into medicine, I thought, why not do something I’m passionate about? Sometimes you must make a physical change to transform your attitude into a positive influence on your life. Applying that theory in medicine was intriguing.”
Clients will find the latest procedures available at Allure, including Tixel, a skin treatment that stimulates new collagen formation to improve skin quality, tone and texture. “Your skin, your body’s largest organ, is a window to your
health. It can help physicians identify issues such as dehydration, skin cancer, and even liver or kidney problems,” Dr. Aly explains. “We can treat dehydration with IV therapy right in our office. Our staff members have the medical knowledge to help identify where clients may be at risk. And we offer all of the beauty services you’ll find at any wellness spa, in addition to several state-of-the-art procedures you may not find elsewhere. When we help someone feel physically beautiful, it can lead to a sense of healthiness and well-being.”
Nicole has beauty galore in her own home with four daughters, ages 10 through 23. She wants to teach her daughters that feeling good about yourself and taking care of your health is goal number one. “I live a healthy lifestyle. But I’m also all about meeting people where they are, without judgment,” she says. “That’s why working here is so great – the doctors make people feel comfortable. They offer their patients respect and dignity, which opens a door to give impactful care.”
Dr. Salman shares space with his brother, Dr. Sarfraz Aly, medical director of Capital Infectious Disease Associates and Capital Advanced Wound Care. Originally from Sugar Land, the brothers enjoy serving the people of the community where they grew up.
Nicole says the difference at Allure comes down to the personalized care they show every client. “When our clients leave feeling healthy and beautiful, we’ve done our job,” she concludes.
Five organizations in one Sugar Land location
6903 Brisbane Ct #100 Sugar Land, TX 77479 (Or find them in Wharton, Telfair, Bay City and soon in Aliana)
Capital Internal Medicine Associates 832-886-4774 cima-docs.com
Capital Infectious Disease Associates 832-886-4994 cida-docs.com The Wound Docs: Capital Advanced Wound Care 979-488-9438 cida-docs.com
United Community Foundation 281-853-5555
www.ucftexas.org
by Alisha McMillen
CASA Reale
By Alisha McMillen
“W“We’re not just the burbs in Fort Bend County. We have so many beautiful, unique homes on amazing lots,” says Cathy Stubbs, the leader of Cathy Stubbs team in Sugar Land. “We have easy access to downtown Houston and a vibrant Town Square right here in Sugar Land. We get to experience all of the benefits of being in the suburbs, most notably, more home and more land for the investment.”
This holiday season, you can see several of these beautiful homes, decorated for the holidays, at the CASA Christmas Home Tour, benefitting Child Advocates of Fort Bend. A supporter of the cause for years, Cathy says, “Helping the children in our community is so important. This event is a great way to help, with 94% of the proceeds going directly toward services for children.”
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) advocates for children’s “best interests” in the foster care system by recruiting, training, and deploying community advocates to provide a voice for children in the courts.
This year, the tour will feature five beautiful homes… one that was designed by one of Cathy’s favorite architectural designers, Robert Dame. “Robert’s work is immediately identifiable when you see a home’s facade and walk through the front door,” she says. “He’s an artist.”
Robert Dame has lived in Sugar Land since 1992. “We raised our children in Sugar Land,” he says. “It is a great community – my wife and I love it here.”
A luxury architectural designer, Robert continues, “I’ve had really great projects in Sugar Land. The standards for design have always been high. I designed a lot of Sweetwater homes and homes in Alkire Lake. Sweetwater is so charming with its cobble paved roads. And none of my homes look the same.”
Growing up in Chicago, Robert was always fascinated with architecture. “It was my way to escape. You can disappear in a drawing and it gives you joy,” he says. “For me, it was always about the art. I have a great deal of interest in a lot of historical styles, but I also love contemporary work.”
“I love Cathy’s love of design,” he continues. “She brings a lot to the table… she is embedded in the community that she loves. She sold a house to my dear friend’s daughter in the area, and subsequently, we went in and remodeled it.”
With Robert Dame and the CASA tour, Cathy’s passions merge beautifully – her love of impressive and unique homes, helping the community, and enjoying art. “Families in Fort Bend are lucky this year to have the opportunity to see some beautiful Fort Bend homes, including one of Robert Dame’s projects, at the CASA tour,” she says
Kick off your Christmas season by getting tickets to the tour happening December 6th and 7th at www.cafb.org/events/home-tour-2. For more information on Robert Dame, visit robertdamedesigns.com
On the cover:
Publishers
John & Alisha McMillen
Business
Alisha McMillen
Account
John McMillen
Gina Pizzini
Miki Stripling
KC Taffinder Writers Alisha McMillen
Cool Weather Can Expose PROBLEMS Water Heater and Pipe
You wake up on a refreshing cool fall morning and are looking forward to that warm shower to kick off your day. Or you come home from a long day of work and just want to wash the troubles of the day off before settling into your nightly routine. But the water is not warm and comforting – it’s cold and shocking!
by Nicole Grace
hot water heater or an energy efficient tankless water heater, just in time for the cool weather.
“Preventively replacing your water heater BEFORE the problems start will give you peace of mind that you’ll always have that hot shower available, at least for the next eight to 10 years,” says Beau Burkhalter of local Alan’s Plumbing.
The most common cause of water heater leaking is a damaged or failing pressure relief valve. This valve prevents pressure from building up in the water tank, and when it fails, hot water can start to leak out. Other potential causes could include: a cracked or corroded water heater tank; loose or faulty fittings and pipe connections; improperly installed temperature and pressure relief valve; or a worn out anode rod to protect the hot water tank from corrosion.
If you suspect you have a hot water leak that’s affecting your home, call Alan’s
Leaks and backups can also be due to problems in your pipes. “Winter is the best time of year to complete repipes… fixing your pipes will fix a multitude of problems,” Beau says. “It’s a revamp of your plumbing system and will fix it all!”
And Alan’s is offering a free repipe estimate for a limited time, through February 2025. So get your pipes checked now –there’s never been a better time!
Alan’s Plumbing can repipe your house, installing new PEX pipe on all of your supply lines. This pipe will expand if frozen and contract to its original shape when thawed. “PEX pipe is clean and rust free, so it doesn’t corrode, and will not contaminate the water it’s moving and holding. No corrosion also results in an increase in water pressure. And because they do not burst, some insurance companies offer breaks to homes with PEX piping,” Alan explains. Call Alan’s today to check out your water heater or give you a free repipe estimate before winter comes. Your local plumbing experts will find a solution to fix your problem BEFORE disaster strikes.
Master Plumber Alan Burkhalter says, “It’s not a question of if these pipes will spring a major leak…they most certainly will at some point. And with winter on its way and possible freezing temperatures, these pipes are extra susceptible to bursting.”
by Nicole Grace
Dr. Mathews Ninan, a family medicine physician with WellMed at Riverstone, sees a broad range of patients of all ages. He sees patients every day who require specialized medications.
“I used to send fewer patients out for compounded medications. We would use
send them to Campbell’s Compounding.”
“There are new diabetic medications, like Mounjaro and Ozempic, available now,” he explains. “We’ve found that a lot of people can’t pay for this type of medication, even when using health insurance, because the insurance doesn’t cover the entire cost. It can be cheaper to pay out of pocket for the compounded version than to pay their insurance co-pay.”
Dr. Lance Campbell, Pharm.D.,
in League City, Pearland, and most recently in the Sugar Land area. Dr. Ninan, his wife, and three children have settled into Fort Bend County. “I’ve been here for 12 years. It’s home,” he says. “I’m delighted to be using local Campbell’s for my compounding prescriptions. And my patients like their focus and care, plus they say it’s quite affordable.”
“If our staff can’t make it… then you probably don’t need it!”
Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy
Sugar Land
281-980-2555
4760 Sweetwater Blvd. Suite 103 Sugar Land, TX 77479
713-668-4833
6603 Kirby Dr. Houston, TX 77005 www.campbellscompounding.com
New Smile is Waiting for You Your
by Nicole Grace
… and it’s easier and more affordable than you think. (The consultation is free, too!) Invisalign takes an innovative approach to getting you to your perfect smile without requiring traditional braces, which can be difficult to clean and often require a change in eating habits.
Dr. Thomas Lomonte, practicing at the same location in Stafford on Murphy Road since 1982, can get you fitted for Invisalign right in his office after a free consultation. And you can pay for Invisalign aligners using your FSA, HSA, financing plan, or insurance. Your insurance may even cover up to $3,000 of orthodontic care.
“Each set of aligners are custom-molded to each specific patient’s teeth and are replaced every two weeks,” says Dr. Lomonte. “Enjoy the benefits of Invisalign right here in your dentist’s office, without having to find an orthodontic specialist. My staff and I will handle everything for you.”
Using Invisalign’s ClinCheck Pro software, a cloud-based software powered by the data of millions of smiles, Dr. Lomonte and his staff can monitor and easily update your treatment plan right in his office. Some benefits that Invisalign customers experience include: the ability to eat all foods, even popcorn and sticky treats; the ability to easily remove the liner when needed; virtually invisible teeth-straightening; normal
brushing and flossing without having to fight around traditional braces; and visits to the dentist only every four to six weeks.
The same dentist you use for your checkups, cleanings, fillings, and other reconstructive procedures, Dr Lomonte, will seamlessly handle your teeth straightening too. Dr. Lomonte and his staff make sure your service
is top notch by keeping up with the latest in technology and procedures in the constantly evolving field of dentistry.
“You could see your new smile in as little as six months, and start seeing changes in just a few weeks,” says Dr. Lomonte. “Make your appointment for your free consultation today!”
Thomas M. Lomonte, D.D.S. “Come in as a patient, leave as a friend.” 281-530-1440
12122 Murphy Rd., Stafford, TX 77477 www.drthomaslomonte.com
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GoodGirl
Meet the sweetest puppy. The poor girl doesn’t have a name yet, so we’ll just call her Good Girl. She’ll be forever thankful for the sweet woman, Bri, who called her groomer, Kristy of Kristy’s Pet Salon, to say there was a stray that just showed up in her yard. There was no room at the inn (the shelters were full) so another client of Kristy’s jumped in her car and picked up the trembling and scared Good Girl, brought her home and got her cleaned up and vetted.
“She was a mess. Her hair was matted and she was covered – I mean COVERED – in fleas and fire ants,” says the client, who rushed her to the vet and the groomer. “I started crying when I found out she didn’t have worms or other health issues. We were so surprised and relieved.”
First came a trip to the groomer. Kristy Garza at Kristy’s Pet Salon in Rosenberg and her team, specifically Than, spent tons of time shaving her matted fur, very carefully around her troublesome ears. “Kristy is an angel. This isn’t the first rescued dog she’s helped,” the client says. “Good Girl came out pretty, fluffy, and clean – a totally different dog.”
Dr. Joe Mandola at Richmond Animal Hospital took one look at her and said, “I’ll take care of her.” He just needed to keep her overnight to run all of the relevant tests, give her vaccinations, and set her up with medicine to get her on the road to recovery. Good Girl was given a clean bill of health (except for all the fleas and ants). “He was so gentle and kind with her, even though she was so frightened,” says the foster. “He ran all the tests
by Nicole Grace
and anesthetized her to do a deep ear clean-up. He made sure all she needed was food and lots of love as he sent her to her foster home.”
It takes a village to rescue a scared dog. Finders, rescuers, rescue organizations, veterinarians, groomers, adopters, and sometimes even pilots.
Paul Barnett, a Sugar Land resident and pilot, flies for Pilots N Paws, taking strays through the airways to their new rescue organizations and what will hopefully turn out to be home for them. “There are so many good rescue groups out there … groups Pilots N Paws works with,” Paul says. “The rescue groups do all the work. I just fly the plane.”
Some of the rescue groups Paul has worked with through Pilots N Paws include: Special Pals, CAPS, the City of Sugar Land Animal Shelter, and Fort Bend Pets Alive. “I’ve taken up to 14 dogs at one time,” Paul says of his animal rescue flights. “I had a pregnant dog back in the cargo area, crated, on one trip. It was a cloudy, rainy day, so I was really focusing on my flying. All of a sudden, I felt licking on my neck! She had escaped the crate in the cargo area, and then just sat behind me, close-by, for the rest of the flight.”
You can help save a pet by rescuing and adopting. There are so many great pets available – they just need someone to step up to the plate and welcome the pets into their homes. Will you save a life today?
Submit your rescue stories to alisha@ upclosemagazine.com. Send a brief story and a photo and you might just appear on UpClose social media!
Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail. - Kinky Friedman
Special thanks to Dr. Mandola at Richmond Animal Hospital and Kristy and Than with Kristy’s Pet Salon for helping get Good Girl healthy and pretty. Just look at her now!
Tips for Parents Setting the Stage
Afor a Healthy Smile
by Sara Adams
few years ago, Kendra McLean found herself in search of a pediatric dentist for her daughter, Madeline. During a regular office visit with their original family dentist, Madeline became overwhelmed and scared when they tried to take x-rays of her teeth. Kendra said, “It was so traumatic, I knew I had to find a specialist who could offer Madeline an extra bit of comfort during her regular checkups.” After their first appointment with Dr. Faisal Khan of Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental, Kendra knew her research had paid off.
“Madeline and I felt at ease as soon as we walked in the door. Everything is so open and colorful. It feels youthful. There are no kids crying. The entire staff is very friendly.” When asked what she thought Madeline would say about her dental appointments now, Kendra said, “She’s ready to go. She has no anxiety; she trusts Dr. Khan and his team. Madeline puts on her sunglasses and watches television during her procedure, and of course she looks forward to the tokens at the end of the visit.”
Dr. Faisal Khan has put together an all-star cast of specialists and trained support crew at Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental to provide all aspects of pediatric dentistry, special needs dentistry, and minor orthodontics. The office cares for infants, children, and teens as well as, other individuals. The dentists, Dr Khan, along with associates Dr. Priyanshi Ritwik, Dr. Annie Zheng, and Dr. Khadija Khan, all specialize in pediatric dentistry, Also available – an oral surgeon and anesthesiologist. Dr. Khan is an on-staff physician at Texas Children’s Hospital and West Houston Medical Center.
It’s no coincidence that Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental looks more like a movie set than a dentist’s office. The aquarium motif helps kids and parents relax as soon as they walk through the door. Dr. Khan and his staff want to make children’s dental experiences as stress-free as possible. “We strive to create a positive relationship with the patients, so they are not as afraid of returning to dental care in the future. We also walk parents through every step of the process so there is no confusion,” says Dr. Khan. “We value healthy teeth at a young age to promote
healthy growth for years to come.”
Let the highly trained staff at Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental set the stage for your children’s healthy teeth so they’ll be ready for their close up now, and in the future.
Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental
Dr. Faisal M. Khan, DDS
832-579-0960
7910 W. Grand Parkway S., Suite 100 Richmond, TX 77406
www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com
Tto Honor our Local Heroes Teaming up
by Alisha McMillen
he Exchange Club of Sugar Land is offering a visually stunning opportunity to honor your favorite veteran, first responder, or anyone who has deeply inspired you at their Field of Honor 2024. United States flags will fly in a solemn formation at the University of Houston Sugar Land Campus near the Brazos River during November 9-11 to commemorate Veterans Day on the 11th.
Classic Chevrolet is one of the sponsors of the 2024 event, the second annual Field of Honor. “At Classic, we use the word ‘community’ a lot,” says Tony Gomez, Classic’s general sales manager. “Being a good community neighbor means reaching out a helping hand whenever we can. The Exchange Club is a great example of a helping hand in our community, with its goals of preventing child abuse and promoting Americanism.”
“Classic leads our endeavor this year – they are true partners of the Exchange Club. They’re iconic in Fort Bend and Sugar Land. They always answer the call… they really care,” says former congressman Pete Olson, a proud member of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land.
“I’m a Navy veteran,” he continues. “What makes me extremely proud to be part of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s Field of Honor is that we recognize American heroes do not have to serve in our military to be a hero. They may also carry a fire hose, wear a badge, practice their faith, or storm a cockpit on September 11, 2001. Basically, we celebrate ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things. Heroes.”
“Showing patriotism in an uncertain time is more important than ever before,” Tony adds. “We want to salute our flag and the people who uphold the values and principles of our nation – our local heroes.”
Each U.S. flag in the Field of Honor represents an American individual and tells a story. The display will raise funds for several Exchange Club charities.
To sponsor a flag for your hero, reach out to the Exchange Club at president@ecsl.org. Individual donations are $50 per flag, and multiple levels of personal and business sponsorships are available.
“We’re proud to be a part of 2024’s Field of Honor,” Tony concludes. “It’s just one small way we can honor our proud American heroes.”
SUGAR LAND, TEXAS
The display is open to all without charge. Don’t miss it! FIELD OF HONOR
2024 - 2nd ANNUAL FIELD OF HONOR NOV. 9th-11th
SCAN THE CODE TO SPONSOR
Breathe Better with Indigo Orthodontics
by Alisha McMillen
Snoring. Mouth breathing. Restless sleep. Sleep apnea.
Did you know your orthodontist, partnering with a team of specialists, can diagnose problems like these, and help fix them through orthodontic procedures?
Dr. Srishti Mehta, founder of local Indigo Orthodontics, is passionate about helping her patients solve their breathing issues. “Dr. Mehta could tell just from the structure of my face that I had problems with breathing and snoring,” says patient Moulee Patel. “She told me ‘we’ll straighten your teeth, of course, but this is about your total wellness.’”
“Every day, a parent thanks us for identifying their child’s issue and taking the proper steps to repair it.”
When orthodontists complete arch expansion – widening either the upper jaw bone, the lower jaw bone, or both at the same time – they are able to widen a patient’s nasal passages to allow more airflow. Orthodontists can also alter the forward/ backward position of the jaws, which plays a role in where the back of the tongue sits, which affects a person’s ability to breathe through their throat.
The orthodontist is just one member of a multidisciplinary team of professionals who collaborate
to give the patient the most effective treatment plan. “We team up with local dentists, oral surgeons, speech pathologists, pulmonologists, sleep doctors, and ENTs to help identify the underlying problem in a collaborative environment,” Dr. Mehta says.“We can influence the development of the face, jaws and airway, treating issues such as snoring, mouth breathing, and restless sleep. Help your kids breathe better, sleep better, learn better, and grow better.”
Working with her team of 30 women, with a second associate, Dr. Angelica Herrera, Indigo Orthodontics has been creating happy, confident smiles since 2007. They are in network with several insurance companies and no referrals are required.
To request your complimentary Indigo Orthodontics consultation, visit www. indigoortho.com or call 281-201-2087.
“Every day, a parent thanks us for identifying their child’s issue and taking the proper steps to repair it. Patients can experience decreased snoring, longer, more restful sleep, and even the reduction of ADHD medications,” Dr. Mehta concludes. Indigo Orthodontics
7623 West Grand Parkway S. Richmond, TX 77407 www.indigoortho.com
Keren Delaune
English | Spanish (281) 236-1321 kerendelaune@gmail.com
Cindy Posas English (832) 704-5112 cindycase3@gmail.com
Kaushi Shah
English | Hindi Gujarati (832) 282-3515 kaushi@ksinsurances.com
From Traditional 90s to Modern Simplicity
by Alisha McMillen
Knocking down walls and removing a fireplace to open up a 90s-designed kitchen was no small task. The Hammonds trusted the Re-Modelista, Teri Gilberg, to tackle the big project.
“We’ve only been here for about two years,” says Sheila Hammond of their family home. “The home was built in 1994 and it was time for a big update. The original 30-year-old appliances were still here!”
“Teri was a very quick and efficient communicator. She answered our questions almost before we pressed send,” Joseph says. Sheila adds, “Teri always had a detailed schedule. The crews were here when they said they’d be here and she was very flexible with changes.”
The couple, married 44 years, say the new wide-open space that includes their kitchen, breakfast area, and family room, is a great set-up for spending time with their family. “We spoil our grandchildren. We’re not shy about that at all!” Joseph says of his four grandchildren (two girls, two boys), ages two through seven.
“The whole family was here for a week this summer and it was great! We had 10 people in the house. The kitchen and family room cohesiveness was perfect,” Sheila says. “Being able to have everyone in the same area was wonderful, and with the barstools, we have plenty of room to seat everyone.”
With the help of their daughter, Brigette, Sheila and Joseph developed the idea to open up and connect the most-used rooms in their home. Both son and daughter are attorneys, like their father, but Brigette is also an interior designer (find her @BCR_spaces on Instagram). “Our children went to Fort Bend schools, so Fort Bend has always been home to us,” Joseph said.
Teri, who has worked on hundreds of Fort Bend County homes, executed their plan to update the kitchen and family room by: painting the cabinets to look brand new; adding brushed golden hardware and fixtures (including three modern pendant lights); adding a beautiful, sleek quartz countertop and backsplash; expanding the island and making it double-sided with tons of storage; and adding wide-plank engineered hardwood flooring throughout. “There were previously three different floor types in these rooms – tile, laminate, and carpet. Now they’re all cohesive,” Sheila says.
“A friend referred us to Teri and we’re doing the same with our friends. She is excellent at what she does. We plan to use her again, as soon as we’ve decided what direc tion to take,” Sheila says.
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