healthy valley®

ISSUE 76

RGV

of extraordinaryHEALTH INFORMATION

75ISSUES

Contact@HealthyMagazine.com | 1430 South DIxie Hwy, suite 315 | Coral Gables, FL 33146 | PH 305-395-4554 www.HealthyMagazine.com

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HEALTHY BODY, MIND & SOUL

FITNES & BEAUTY

HEALTHY KIDS

34. HOW AEROBIC WORKOUTS WILL BOOST YOUR METABOLISM

FOR HOURS AFTER YOU STOP WORKING OUT

36. COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ISSUE 76

14. PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS

16. A TEAM OF CANCER SPECIALISTS

24. HEART DISEASE: AN EPIDEMIC THAT IS

PREVENTABLE AND REVERSIBLE

26. IS TEETH WHITENING RIGHT FOR YOU?

28. DEALING WITH PRESBYOPIA WHEN

THE PRINT GETS TOO SMALL

10. DATING MATTERS

12. UNDERSTANDING AUDITORY PROCESSING

DISORDER IN CHILDREN

PublisherMauricio Portillo

Editor in ChiefClaudia Portillo Del Valle

Marketing DirectorArnaldo Del Valle

Copy EditorLora Incardona

Website DirectorHealthy Media

Graphic DesignHealthy Media

PhotographyHealthy Media

Contributing WritersNurul Wahid, MDVladimir Diaz, MDDr. James D. RoweDr. Ritu GoelDr. Alberto CampbellDr. Marcela LondoñoConsuelo Camarillo de Gonzalez, Lic. AcLora Incardona, M.Ed.Rubel Shelly

Social Media DirectorFaride Del Valle

With this issue, we are excited to be celebrating the 75th publication of Healthy Valley Magazine and we are so glad that you have decided to join us! It’s amazing to realize that we have spent over six years dedicated to helping the Rio Grande Valley become a healthier community. It has been our pleasure to provide you the latest cutting-edge health information to help you become the healthiest you can be—mind, body and soul.

When we started Healthy Valley Magazine over six years ago, we had our vision but no assurances of success. Each month, we improved and were able to, step by step, build up to where we are now. I can tell you that there is nothing better than the success that comes from persistence. Achieving optimal health and creating a healthy lifestyle can be done in the same way, with consistent effort and baby steps, regardless of where we find ourselves on the healthy lifestyle scale.

As we make our way through February, the month of love, let’s bring to consciousness not only romantic love but the love we have for others and ourselves. Let’s make it a month of taking care of each other in sickness and health, which includes helping one another make healthy life choices. It also includes having love for what we do and love for those with whom we spend your day.

Seventy-five is a big number. One hundred is even greater and I am going to face the journey of another 25 issues with renewed love and aspiration. Every day, life is about living and loving. Make the choice to be the love you want to experience and embrace every chance you get to make healthy choices for yourself and those you love.

cportillo@healthyvalleyonline.com

healthy magazine is a free monthly publication. All contents are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. The material in this magazine is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments. healthy magazine and its contributors accept no responsibility for inaccuracies, and the advertiser is solely responsible for ad content and holds publisher harmless from any error. Printed in Mexico

Contact@HealthyMagazine.com1430 South DIxie Hwy, suite 315Coral Gables, Fl 33146PH 305-395-4554

www.HealthyMagazine.com

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Editor in ChiefClaudia Portillo

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10. DATING MATTERS

12. UNDERSTANDING AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER IN CHILDREN

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DATINGMatters

Dating Matters® is an initiative developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to educate and protect teens from dating violence. The initiative focuses on helping youth ages 11 to 14 in urban communities that are considered to be at high risk for exposure to teen dating violence.

WHAT IS DATING VIOLENCE?Dating violence is behavior that occurs among teens that are in dating relationships. This behavior includes emotional, sexual, physical and psychological abuse, and extends into stalking as well. Whether the behavior occurs in face-to-face situations or through electronic methods, such as social media, it is considered teen dating violence.

DATING MATTERS®The Dating Matters® initiative focuses on providing information to teens about the three most harmful dangers associated with dating violence:

• The negative effects of dating violence that affects physical and mental health, and can have a serious impact on overall educational performance

• The potential for teens to move on to other relationships throughout their lives that continue their victimization rather than looking for relationships that are healthy and free from violence

• The understanding that while it is known that dating violence is a major problem in low income urban communities, very little has been done to help prevent these behaviors or address other risk factors that make teens more susceptible to entering relationships where violence is present

THE CDC’S APPROACH TO ADDRESSING TEEN VIOLENCERecent reports have provided alarming statistics in relation to

dating violence within communities:

• Over the past year, one in ten students has been a victim of dating violence.

• 15% to 40% of those who participated in the studies admitted to being violent towards the

person they were dating.• Only one in four teens even reports violence or

abuse in his/her relationships each year.

These statistics, and many others, have shown that there is a need to educate teens and their communities about the dangers of dating violence to prevent the behaviors from being carried into adulthood. The CDC hopes to do this with Dating Matters® by working within the communities to develop and implement a comprehensive plan that will help teens learn how to promote dating relationships that are mutually respectful rather than violent in nature. This approach also focuses on building public awareness and interaction to create strategies that help to prevent violence throughout the community.

PHASE ONEDating Matters® is currently in its infancy,

undergoing deployment in Chicago, Baltimore, Ft. Lauderdale and Oakland. This first phase is slated for five years and will allow the CDC to determine not

only the costs and sustainability of the program but also whether it is effective in helping to curb dating violence in at-risk communities.

Dating violence is a serious matter and the CDC is also taking measures to help those in other communities by providing materials that teachers can use to educate

their own students in an effort to stop the spread and perpetuation of dating violence within their communities

before Dating Matters® reaches the end of its first phase of deployment.

By Dr. Ritu Goel

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IDEA HIGH SCHOOLS RANK IN TOP 1%

IN THE NATION! GOLD2014

HIGH SCHOOLSBEST

www.ideapublicschools.org

12 HEALTHY VALLEY

As parents, finding out that our children have a medical problem, such as Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), can be devastating; however, when we take the time to learn more about the condition, we are better equipped to help our children through this difficult time.

WHAT IS AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER?Auditory processing describes the manner in which the brain distinguishes and interprets the sounds that are heard. The auditory portion is based on the sound waves that enter the ear. Once sounds enter the ear, they become electrical impulses, which the brain must process in order to determine what they mean. In children with APD, the problem arises when the brain inaccurately processes the sound information, resulting in the child hearing different words from what is actually said, such as hearing “cow” for “couch” or “hair” for “chair.” While it may be easy to misconstrue these words in noisy situations, in children with APD, this happens even when there is no outside noise that affects their ability to hear clearly spoken words.

One significant difference between children with APD and peers with other learning disabilities is their performance in classes or situations that don’t focus on the use of speech. Many children with APD receive good grades in those classes not dependent on speech while struggling in those that require them to understand and follow large amounts of speech for direction.

DIAGNOSING THE DISORDERWhen it comes to diagnosing APD in children, assessments are often administered to children who have other issues such as autism and ADHD; however, with these conditions, the problem is not the actual

processing of sounds in the brain, but is due to the condition from which they suffer. True APD is based solely on the brain’s inability to process sounds, rather than problems with speech or language, although the two can be related. In fact, most children who are diagnosed with APD have no hearing or intelligence deficits and often show some or all of the following signs:

• Trouble understanding what is said to them in noisy environments• Difficulty telling the difference between words or sounds that are

similar• Trouble following directions or understanding what they are

supposed to do• Frequently asking for speech to be repeated• Problems with reading or spelling

It is important to understand that these symptoms can also be the result of other conditions. In order to provide a definitive diagnosis of APD, input is required from teachers, speech pathologists and psychologists; however, the final diagnosis will come from an audiologist who will incorporate the gathered information with the findings from diagnostic tests to help determine the cause of a child’s hearing problem.

After being diagnosed, the audiologist will develop a treatment and compensation plan that is tailored to the child’s needs. Plans vary from child to child, as there is no definitive cure or treatment that works for all children suffering from the disorder; however, by following the recommendations from the audiologist, the chances of children overcoming their APD are quite good.

By Dr. Marcela Londoño

aUDItORy PROCESSINGUNDERStaNDING

Disorder in Children

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By Rubel Shelly

Some people waste a lot of perfectly good energy wishing they could do things they can’t. They hear someone play the piano and say longingly, “If only I could make such beautiful music!” They watch an athlete, hear a stirring speech, or read a well-crafted novel and lament, “I wish I could do that!”

My theory is that everybody is good at something and that the key both to achievement and satisfaction is in knowing what that something is, then developing it to a maximal degree and using it. In other words, play to your strengths.

One young family I know has a daughter who is casting about to decide what she wants to do when she grows up. As with most seven-year-olds, she sees the world as her domain to conquer. She has ruled nothing out as of yet. You have to admire that kind of optimism—and pray that nothing wrings it out of her.

At the same time, her optimism must have a bit of reality mixed with it, so there has been a dilemma. Her current hot options are being a rock singer and a star tennis player. The reality factor here is that she occasionally hits the tennis ball, but she never hits a note. So her mom and dad have had no great difficulty in deciding between voice lessons and tennis instruction.

With adults, time is more of the essence. We don’t have another five or ten years to cast about among unlimited options, so how do you find your strengths? Begin with four sheets of paper and use these headings: 1) things that are easy for me, 2) things people tell me I do well, 3) things that make me lose track of time and 4) things that are fun and fulfilling for me. Now circle the thing(s) that appear on all four lists. You’ve probably discovered your strength(s).

Conventional wisdom may tell you to find your areas of greatest weakness and shore them up. Does that really make sense? You’ll probably never be more than mediocre at something you dislike, try to avoid or feel frustrated doing. If you’re tone deaf, don’t waste money on voice lessons. Try tennis instead.

It seems far wiser to explore your aptitudes, passions and talents. Focus and develop your energies there. Become really, really good at something you enjoy. You will find tremendous satisfaction in generating excellence in your field and the great likelihood is that people will reward you for it.

Play to Your STRENGTHS

“A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God.”

Ecclesiastes 2:24

14. PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS

16. A TEAM OF CANCER SPECIALISTS

24. HEART DISEASE AN EPIDEMIC THAT IS PREVENTABLE AND REVERSIBLE

26. IS TEETH WHITENING RIGHT FOR YOU?

28. DEALING WITH PRESBYOPIA WHEN THE PRINT GETS TOO SMALL

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McALLEN

For more information about cancer prevention, please visit www.TexasOncology.com or call 1-888-864-I CAN (4226).

Dr. Nurul Wahid is a medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–McAllen, 1901 South 2nd Street in McAllen, Texas.By Dr. Nurul Wahid, Texas Oncology–McAllen

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HEALTHY bodY

Sports teams recognize the value of a deep roster—each player has different talents and, together, many parts form a competitive whole. In cancer care, a “deep roster” is equally important. Treating cancer is a complex process with many nuances that sometimes call for specialized knowledge.

At Texas Oncology, our deep roster allows patients to receive leading-edge cancer care without leaving their vital support networks. It is one of the qualities I value most about our practice. We have nine physicians practicing in McAllen, but we draw on the depth of experience, specialized knowledge and wisdom of more than 375 physicians statewide. Patients benefit from the support of these subspecialists by being able to call upon their expertise to treat their cancer. At Texas Oncology, we work together to treat patients. Should a patient need to travel to another city to see one of these physicians for specific, specialized care, they can return to their original location for the other aspects of their treatment. When I work with my colleagues, or “teammates,” across the state, they represent these specialties:

Some cancers will require a blood and marrow transplant, which is very different from the types of treatment many people think about. Our Blood and Marrow Transplant Program is one of the largest in the country, having performed more than 35,000 transplants.

Patients with brain tumors can benefit from special expertise at the Texas Oncology–Austin

A TEAM OF CaNCER SPECIalIStS

By By Dr. Nurul Wahid, Texas Oncology–McAllen

Brain Tumor Center, led by neuro-oncologist Dr. Morris Groves. In addition, patients can participate in trials through the Brain Tumor Trial Collaborative.

Texas Breast Specialists is a multidisciplinary team of breast surgeons and clinical breast radiologists. Each Texas Breast Specialists physician brings years of experience in the treatment of breast cancer and other benign breast conditions.

My gynecologic oncologist colleagues focus on cancers of the female reproductive system. Some locations are invited members of the Gynecologic Oncology Group, funded by the National Cancer Institute, which enables patients to access an even broader group of clinical trials.

Bone cancer can develop in the bone or spread from another part of the body. Its origin impacts the treatment approach. Dr. Ronald Williams, an orthopaedic oncologist and surgeon, leads Austin-based Sarcoma and Orthopaedic Oncology. His priority is maintaining patients’ quality of life following treatment.

Our pediatric hematology-oncology practice supports children fighting cancer, blood

diseases and some genetic disorders. While they are based in Dallas, physicians regularly travel to treat pediatric patients. Patients have access to a team of nationally recognized specialists, as well as research through the Children’s Oncology Group, which is supported by the National Cancer Institute.

Surgery is often a key form of cancer treatment and a surgeon focused specifically on cancer can be beneficial. Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists use the latest technology, including robotic and minimally invasive surgery, to achieve results and minimize side effects from treatment.

Texas Urology Specialists focuses on treating urologic problems with the patient’s future quality of life in mind, using advanced and minimally invasive technology, including robotic surgery, for kidney, bladder and prostate cancers and other conditions. The practice offers patients the collective expertise of more than two dozen urologists to deliver treatment for cancer and other conditions.

Every cancer patient is different and, should they require specialized care, they can feel confident that a team of expert physicians is available to help them fight their cancer.

F I G H TB R E A S T C A N C E RWhen I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I knew the support of my family and friends would be really important.

I chose to partner with Texas Oncology right here in my hometown, so I wouldn’t have to travel to get the care I need.

Texas Oncology is part of the country’s largest network of cancer specialists, researchers and treatment centers.

Like thousands of my fellow Texans, I’m glad I have Texas Oncology on my side.

TEXAS ONCOLOGY–MCALLEN1901 South 2nd StreetMcAllen, Texas 78503956-687-5150

1-888-864-I CAN (4226) • www.TexasOncology.com

HOW TEXANS FIGHT CANCER.

YEARS

MORE THAN

Texas Oncology delivers high-quality cancer care with leading-edge technology and advanced treatment options to help patients achieve “More breakthroughs. More victories.” in their fights against cancer. Texas Oncology, a pioneer in community-based cancer care, is an inde-pendent oncology practice with sites of service throughout Texas and southeastern New Mexico. Texas Oncology patients have the oppor-tunity to take part in some of the most promising clinical trials in the nation for a broad range of cancers. In fact, Texas Oncology has played an integral role in gaining Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for 29 of the latest cancer therapies.

Dr. Marek is board-certified and specializes in medical oncology and hematology. He currently serves as a director of Texas Oncology and is the medical director for Texas Oncology-McAllen. He has served the Rio Grande Valley for the past 22 years as a medical oncologist and hematologist, has been recognized as a “Super Doctor” in oncology for five years in a row, and was recognized as Doctor of The Year for Rio Grande Regional. Dr. Marek received his medical degree from The University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio. He completed his fellowship at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Billie J. Marek, MD, FACPMedical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

“I can be part of your team… and together we can fight the battle.”Dr. Restrepo specializes in, medical oncology and hematology. He completed his fellowship at the University of Miami. He also serves on the Breast Cancer Committee of US Oncology and has completed a fellowship in breast cancer treatment. Through the Life Beyond Cancer Fundation he established the Texas Oncology–McAllen Breast Cancer Ride/Walk fundraiser to raise funds for Rio Grande Valley cancer patients. To date approximately $30,000 has been

donated to cancer patients in the Rio Grande Valley.

Alvaro Restrepo, MDMedical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

Dr. Ratnam has been with Texas Oncology-McAllen for 13 years, which he joined after completing his fellowship at the renowned National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. He has co-authored several research publications and is passionate about cutting-edge oncology care. He currently serves on the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee of US Oncology and chairman of the Credentials Committee for South Texas Health System.

Suresh Ratnam, MD, FACPMedical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

McAllen 1901 South 2nd Street McAllen, Texas 78503 PH: 956.687.5150 FAX: 956.687.9546www.TexasOncology.com

McALLEN

Dr. Wahid was fellowship-trained in medical oncology and hematology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. He has been recognized as Physician of the Year at Rio Grande State Center in Harlingen where he has served as senior attending

physician for the past 13 years.

Nurul Wahid, MDMedical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

Dr. Litam was fellowship-trained at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He is well known in the community and was in private practice for 27 years before

joining Texas Oncology. He has special interest in treating solid tumors.

Joseph Litam, MDMedical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

Dr. Shekar specializes in medical oncology and hematology. She completed her fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland and trained at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Nirupama Shekar, MDMedical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

Dr. West is a board-certified radiation oncologist. He was a physicist prior to becoming a physician.

Benjamin West, MDRadiation Oncolog y

Dr. Lazo specializes in medical oncology and hematology. He completed his fellowship at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He is a recipient of several awards including the American Society of Clinical Oncology Merit Award and is the author of several peer-reviewed medical publications as well as book chapters. He received the highest honors on the professional examination for his medical doctorate degree.

Guillermo Lazo, MDMedical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

Dr. Salinas is a board-certified radiation oncologist. He completed his residency training at Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center in New York followed by his fellowship at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Rogelio Salinas, MDRadiation Oncolog y

“Cancer prevention is a high priority. My aim is to identify individuals who may be at high risk for cancer and work with them to develop a plan to reduce that risk.”

Debbie Gillett is a nurse practitioner.

Debbie Gillett , R .N., N.P.Nurse Practitioner

Dr. Nabeel Sarhill is board-certified in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine. He earned his medical doctorate from the University of Tishreen Medical School in Lattakia, Syria, and completed his residency in internal medicine at Case Wester Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. His fellowship in hematology was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas, and his clinical research fellowship in medicine and symptoms management at The Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Nabeel Sarhill is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, Syrian Medical Association, Syrian Ministry of Health, American Board of Hematology, American Board of Medical Oncology, and

the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Nabeel SarhillMedical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

Harlingen 2121 Pease Street, Suite 101 Harlingen, Texas 78550 PH: 956.425.8845 FAX: 956.364.6793

Dr. Araneda specializes in medical oncology and is board-certified in internal medicine and medical oncology. He received his medical degree from San Carlos University in Guatemala and completed a medical oncology fellowship at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, as well as a fellowship in bone marrow transplantation at the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. He has special interests in breast cancer, gastrointestinal malignancies, hematologic malignancies, and molecular targeted therapy.

Marco A . Araneda, MDMedical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

HARLINGEN

Dr. West is a board-certified radiation oncologist. He was a physicist prior to becoming a physician.

Benjamin West, MDRadiation Oncolog y

4770 N. Expressway 83, Suite 305A Brownsville, TX 78526 PH: 956-350-3975 FAX: 956-350-3425

2150 N. Expressway 83 Brownsville, TX 78521 PH: 956-548-0810 FAX: 956-548-2239

Dr. Gonzalez specializes in radiation oncology and internal medicine. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine as well as the American Board of Radiology, and is a member of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO). He completed his fellowship in radiation oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, in Buffalo, New York, and also completed a second residency in radiation oncology at Jackson Memorial Hospital/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, in Miami, Florida. Aside from his medical practice, Dr. Gonzalez is a Christian lay minister and a student of ancient Greek.

Carlos Gonzalez-Angulo, MDRadiation Oncolog y

Balesh Sharma, MD specializes in internal medicine, medical oncology and hematology. He is board certified by in medical oncology. Dr. Sharma received an MD Delhi University in New Delhi, India, in 1990, where he also completed his residency in Anesthesia and Critical Care in 1991. He completed his medical internship at Lincoln Medical Center in New York in 1992-93. Dr. Sharma completed his residency in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in affiliation with Yale University School of Medicine, Connecticut. In 1998, he completed a fellowship in hematology and oncology from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, and has been in private practice since then.

Balesh Sharma, MDMedical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

Dr. Boek is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology and hematology. Prior to him joining Texas Oncology, he conducted clinical research as part of the North Central Cancer Treatment group.

Marcelo Boek, MDMedical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

BROWNSVILLE

Mariza is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, and has a Masters degree in Nursing Administration. She has over 17 years experience in nursing and has worked in healthcare areas such as medical-surgical, post-partum, hospice, and home health. She has extensive experience in providing care for the adult and geriatric population of the

Rio Grande Valley.

Mariza D. Oliver MSN, APRN, FNP- CAdvanced Practice Provider

Dr. Doctor specializes in general adult and pediatric urology; urologic oncology; male dysfunction; urinary incontinence and no scalpel vasectomy. Dr. Shamoon Doctor earned his medical degree from Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad, India in 1960. Following graduation, he specialized in general surgery and worked as a general surgeon in Zambia, Africa for five years. He then returned to Canada and specialized in urology. He has practiced urology in Canada and the United States sincce 1974, having practiced in Del Rio, Texas for over 30 years.

Shamoon Doctor, MDUrolog y

TEXAS UROLOGYSPECIALIST

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Debbie McCulloch, Texas Oncology PatientDebbie McCulloch, Texas Oncology Patient

You don’t have to travel to get the cancer-fi ghting treatment

you need. Texas Oncology has more than 375 physicians

who bring leading-edge technology and research to more

than 150 locations across Texas, so you can fi ght cancer

with your loved ones by your side.

FIGHT CANCERwithout going too far from home.

1-888-864-4226 • www.TexasOncology.com

TEXAS ONCOLOGY–MCALLEN1901 S. 2nd StreetMcAllen, TX 78503 • 956-687-5150

WESLACO

Dr. Farray is board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. He received his medical degree in 1998 from the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Urena in the Dominican Republic and completed his residency in internal medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his fellowship in medical oncology and hematology in 2006 at Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center/Loyola University Chicago. Dr. Farray ranked first in his medical school class. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and American College of Physicians.

Daniel Farray, MDMedical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

Weslaco 1330 East 6th Street, Suite 204 Weslaco, Texas 78596 PH: 956.969.0021 FAX: 956.968.9744

Dr. Ghaddar specializes in medical oncology and hematology. He is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in hematology and medical oncology. He received his medical degree from the American University of Beirut in Beirut, Lebanon. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the Good Samaritan Hospital/John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. He completed his fellowship in hematology/oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston,

TX. He has been in practice with Texas Oncology since 1995.

Habib Ghaddar, MD, FACPMedical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

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Heart disease is our nation’s number one killer, accounting for 1 out of every 4 deaths each year! The primary cause of heart attacks and strokes is the gradual clogging, hardening and damage done to the inside walls of our blood vessels.

Heart attacks major warning signs and symptoms may include:

• Chest pain or discomfort.

• Upper body pain or discomfort

in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or

upper stomach.

• Shortness of breath.

• Nausea, lightheadedness, or

cold sweats

Here are 10 strategies to help you protect your heart:

1 Eat a healthy wholefood diet - Eat at least 8 to 10 servings of colorful

fruits and vegetables a day, which contain important disease fighting micronutrients. Also eat lots of beans and legumes, raw nuts, seeds, avocados, whole grains and some lean meats. Reduce or avoid processed foods. These usually contain high amounts of sugar, salt, harmful trans-fats and artificial chemicals.

2 Avoid too much sugar - which can raise your blood pressure and dam-

age your arteries-maintain a fasting blood sugar between 70 – 85 mg/dl.

3 Get Moving - avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Regular physical activity

is a must for having a healthy heart. Exercise helps you maintain normal weight. Excess weight is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

You can prevent and

even reverse heart disease by following a

HEART-HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

By Vladimir Diaz, MD

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An Epidemic That Is Preventable and Reversible

DISEASE

4 Don’t smoke or use tobacco - Smoking or

using tobacco is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease.

5 Take time to relax - We live in a fast-paced hectic world

that’s often stressful. Take some time daily to meditate. Sit quietly

for 10-15 minutes, take slow, deep breaths and think peaceful thoughts.

6 Take care of your teeth - people with periodontal disease are more

likely to have heart disease and suffer a heart attack than those with healthy gums. Floss daily!

7 Know your blood pressure - Optimal blood pressure is less than

120/80 millimeters of mercury.

8 Check your cholesterol - Your total cholesterol should be under 200

and your LDL should be ideally under

80. But more importantly, your ratio of HDL to total cholesterol should be more than 24%. Your ratio of triglycerides to HDL should be below 2.

9 Limit alcohol - In addition to raising blood pressure, too

much alcohol can add unneeded calories to your diet. If you drink alcoholic beverages, have only a moderate amount – one drink a day for women, two drinks a day for men.

10 Get regular health screenings - Regular

screening can tell you what your risks are and whether you need to take action.

Make sure to consult your healthcare professional for any questions concerning your heart health or when to begin any exercise regimen.

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Is TEETHWhitening Right for You?

There is a wide range of teeth whitening options available, including toothpastes, gels, strips, rinses and professional whitening procedures done by dentists. While these are all good options for people with healthy teeth that have no fillings, they may not be right for everyone. Keep reading to find out which option is best for you.

WHITENING TOOTHPASTESWhitening toothpastes work well for removing most surface stains, due to their abrasive nature. Most of these toothpastes are able to lighten the color of teeth by one shade, as they do not contain bleaching agents. Some pastes may contain carbamide peroxide, which can lighten tooth enamel more effectively. If you have severely yellowed teeth, these toothpastes will not be as effective as the light-activated options provided by the dentist.

WHITENING STRIPSWhitening strips are very thin polyethylene plastic strips that are coated with hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. These strips mold to the teeth, where saliva initiates a reaction. The reaction releases an acid called urea that works to break down the stains while the peroxide whitens the teeth. This method of whitening works well for those with yellow teeth, but for teeth that are brown or have a grayish tinge, they will not be

effective. It is also worth mentioning that these strips can cause irritation to the gums as well as sensitivity in the teeth.

WHITENING GELSWhitening gels are similar to the strips but require the bleaching agent to be brushed directly onto the teeth. There are many different brands and each uses a different formula and strength, so it is important to follow all instructions carefully. In most cases, the gel will have to be applied daily. The results after treatment typically last three to four months.

WHITENING RINSESWhitening rinses are very similar to traditional mouthwashes in that they help with keeping plaque and bad breath at bay. However, they also contain hydrogen peroxide to provide an added whitening boost with repeated use. Some of these rinses may take up to 12 weeks before any noticeable whitening is apparent, which is why they are often used in conjunction with other at-home

whitening treatments or between dental whitenings. Considering that most of these rinses are only used for a short period each day, it is understandable that they may not be as effective in removing stains as the strips and gels.

PROFESSIONAL DENTAL WHITENINGWhile considerably more expensive than the over-the-counter options, teeth whitening done in a dental office is also much more effective. These treatments often require special lasers or heat sources and significant results are usually seen after a single treatment, which can last from 30 minutes up to an hour. Those with severely discolored teeth will see much better results with dental applications than they can ever achieve at home with strips or gels. However, it may require multiple visits to see the best results.

Now that you know more about the teeth whitening options available, you can choose the one that will work best for you.

By Dr. Ritu Goel

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HARLINGENEYE CLINICDR. JAMES D. ROWE

Comprehensive Eye Exams for glasses and contacts; also Diabetic, Hypertensive, and Glaucoma Exams.

2220 Haine Dr Suite 49, Harlingen, Texas 78550 | Phone: (956) 425-8558

HEALTHY bodY

You’ve seen them, those people who are stretching their arms just as far as it they can go to read the menu. Heck, you may even be one of them. Do you know why people have to do this to read fine print? It’s called presbyopia and it eventually happens to everyone as a natural consequence of aging. It’s caused by the lens of the eye losing its elasticity, which means that it just can’t focus on things that are up close the way it could when it was younger. While presbyopia can be quite irritating, especially because it is yet another sign of aging, there are some things that can be done to help alleviate this lack of focus.

EYEGLASSESThe most common option for correcting presbyopia is eyeglasses. They can be bifocal, trifocal or simple reading glasses. Reading glasses can be purchased at the local drug store and, if you have never required vision correction in the past, this may be all that is needed to fix the problem. Bifocals are glasses that have a line through the center of the lens and correct two vision problems in one lens. The upper part of the lens corrects distance vision and the bottom part addresses up close vision, which is needed to read fine print. Trifocals are like bifocals, with the exception that there is an additional vision correction in the center of the lens for intermediate distances.

PROGRESSIVE LENSSome people find that they can’t handle the abrupt changes of vision that occurs with bifocal and trifocal lenses. Progressive lenses eliminate this problem by gradually changing the vision correction so that it starts out weaker at the top and slowly gets stronger as the eye moves down the lens. While these lenses are generally tolerated much better than the two traditional options mentioned above, they are also quite expensive.

By Dr. James D. RoweMULTIFOCAL CONTACT LENSESTechnology has now made it so that contact lenses can contain two or more different prescriptions in each lens, much like the bifocals and trifocals. These contacts are available in hard, soft, extended and daily wear lenses. While many find contacts the easiest option to deal with compared to glasses, they are considerably more expensive, with the initial exam and fitting costing as much as $200 and the lenses running as high as $500 per year depending on the brand, number of prescriptions per lens and the length of time they can be worn.

MONOVISIONSome optometrists offer treatments known as monovision, which corrects one eye for reading fine print and the other eye for distance vision. Patients can opt for contact lenses or Lasik; however, before resorting to surgery, it is recommended that the lens option be used initially to see how well this type of vision correction is tolerated,

There are a number of options available to help deal with presbyopia, including complete replacement of the eye’s lens. While deciding which option may work best for you, you can rest easy knowing that you aren’t the only one whose eyes lose their focus as they age.

Dealing with PRESBYOPIA

When the Print Gets Too Small

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HV ALTERNATiVE

By Consuelo Camarillo De G., Lic. Ac.

WINtER THE SEASON FOR DEPRESSIONHOW CAN ORIENTAL MEDICINE HELP?

It’s not unusual after Christmas and New Years for people to experience frequent feelings of depression, anxiety, sadness, insomnia, moodiness, isolation and crying. Fortunately, though, these negative emotions that show up in January usually disappear by the end of March. It’s quite natural for people to feel better when spring starts and the days are longer.

Such negative mood symptoms can be related to Seasonal Affective Disorders (SAD) due to the fact that, in winter, the sun’s rays are not as strong nor is its light as enduring as in other seasons. Statistics show that more than 18 million Americans suffer from depression during the first quarter of the year and that the United States has the leading incidence among other countries, with 9.6% of the most frequent incidents occurring in those between the ages of 40 and 49.

Western medicine recommends antidepressants to help patients cope with SAD, but every drug, along with the good that it may do, is likely to cause adverse reactions in the body due to the elimination process. Sometimes a drug can cause more harm than good to the patient, which is why more and more people are looking into effective safer ways to relieve their symptoms. People want a natural way to deal with depression without the worry of the possible side effects that often come with chemical medication.

Oriental medicine can help patients deal with anxiety, depression, insomnia and a host of other negative emotions in a holistic, natural way. When treated holistically, the entire body is evaluated through observation with the practitioner searching for signs and symptoms of each organ that may indicate a problem. For example, Oriental medicine teaches that depression is a matter of Liver Qi, or energy, stagnation that results from the buildup of emotions and frustrations. This buildup prevents energy from flowing as it should and, in turn, prevents the body from getting back into balance.

Oriental Medicine techniques, such as the application of acupuncture, herbal treatment, meditation, nutrition assistance and exercise aids, sooth and reorganize the energy needed to obtain the homeostasis that has been lost. At Behavioral Wellness Center P.A., our acupuncturist is ready for you. Aren’t you ready to try natural Oriental medicine techniques to help you deal with depression and anxiety in a more holistic way?

34. HOW AEROBIC WORKOUTS WILL BOOST YOUR METABOLISMA FOR HOURS AFTER YOU STOP WORKING OUT.

36. COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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will boost your metabolism for hours after you stop working out.

HOW AEROBIC WORKOUTS

Everyone knows that metabolism is the secret to weight loss, as it is responsible for the amount of calories the body burns as energy. In order to understand how aerobic exercise

provides long lasting benefits, one needs to understand exactly what metabolism is and how it is affected by aerobic exercise.

METABOLISMThe body’s metabolism is actually comprised of three different parts:• RMR – This is your resting metabolic rate. It is the amount

of energy that your body uses to carry out normal bodily functions. Your RMR uses about 60% of the calories consumed each day.

• TEF – Your thermic effect of food is the quantity of calories eaten that the body uses to digest your food, which is about 10% of your daily caloric intake.

• TEA – The thermic effect of activity uses about 30% of your daily calorie intake and is the amount of calories that your body burns when moving around and working out.

As you age, your metabolism begins to slow down, with most adults experiencing a decrease of at least 10% every 10 years; however, those who work out regularly and get plenty of exercise can minimize that loss to only 0.3% over a 10-year period.

AEROBIC EXERCISEAerobic, or cardio, exercise is any type of movement that causes an increase in both breathing and heart rate; however, these

increases have to be at a rate that is sustainable for an entire 30- to 60-minute session. If you are exercising to the point where you can only do short bursts before running out of breath, that is anaerobic exercise and does not provide the same benefits as an aerobic workout.

METABOLISM BOOSTThose who make it a point to add aerobic exercise to their weight loss or maintenance program not only improve their cardiovascular health; they also increase their metabolism. The best way to do this is by making sure to include at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise each day—and it doesn’t have to be all at once. As long as you are able to get your heart rate pumping in some way for a total of 30 minutes, you will reap the benefits.

When you take part in moderate intensity exercise, you are forcing your muscles to work harder, requiring your body to burn energy to keep those muscles going (the TEA mentioned above); however, your muscles will still need energy after your workout while they are repairing themselves. The result is an increase in metabolism that can extend for as long as a few days. You can also increase how long your muscles continue to use energy by alternating the intensity, length and frequency of your cardio sessions, as you engage different muscles for each type of exercise.

Aerobic exercise provides many benefits beyond a healthy heart and lungs. If you are serious about losing weight and keeping it off, make sure you add aerobic exercise to your weight loss program.

By Dr. Alberto Campbell

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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONSHV HEALTHY iNFoRMATioN

From a patient’s point of view, going to the doctor is a smooth operation: the patient signs in with the receptionist, sees the doctor, returns to the receptionist and pays the bill. It’s not quite that simple for those working behind that sliding glass window. That’s where Vanguard IT Solutions LLC comes in.

Vanguard IT is a healthcare IT, support and maintenance company based in Texas. With over 14 years in the healthcare IT industry, they are experts in fully supporting and providing all aspects of healthcare IT needs. A sampling of their services include supplying computer hardware, complete IT support, computer consultancy services, web design and data restoration. They even help with HIPAA compliance.

Dr. Luis Reynoso, an on-going client, couldn’t be more pleased with Vanguard IT.

Q Tell us about yourself and your practice? A I We are a medical practice. Dr. Luis Reynoso, PA, opened the office in July 2009.

Q Why did Dr. Luis Reynoso choose to open his practice in Harlingen?

A Most of Dr. Reynoso’s patients are from Harlingen and the surrounding areas so Harlingen is a great center point in regards to accessibility for them.

Q How did you come to hear about Vanguard IT? A Basically, it was a referral situation, in which our previous IT provider was not able to take care of a particular issue so they referred us to Vanguard IT Solutions LLC.

Q Do you feel confident that Vanguard IT has assisted you in achieving HIPPA compliancy?

A Vanguard IT has always been up-to-date with all HIPAA compliance. They have managed to comply with the changes that have become policy..

Q What were the issues that brought you and Vanguard IT together?

A Vanguard was able to step in when our regular IT company was unable to. They were able to take the issue at hand and work diligently over night to fix it and had our office ready for morning clinic. Vanguard’s dedication was top-notch. They also brought to our attention issues that needed to be taken care of in order to bring our systems up to date and make them more secured.

Q What solutions did Vanguard IT offer your practice? A The company provided the office highly skilled maintenance of our systems and made sure that we were HIPAA compliant. They also worked on our network configuration and maintenance, and back-up system. Vanguard also was involved in the practices web creation and support. The Vanguard employees have also created a good rapport with our EMR support, which is really important to us. What’s great is that they continue to provide a weekly review of all of our systems.

Q How did those solutions benefit your practice and patients? A Our office now runs smoothly—the network and computer systems are up to date and secure.

Q What impact has the working relationship with Vanguard IT had on your practice?

A Our working relationship with Vanguard is excellent—they are considered part of our team. Their rapport with us is stellar, as they know we want solutions and not problems. Their knowledge is top notch and if they don’t have an answer, they find it!

Q What sets Vanguard IT apart from other IT providers? A Their professionalism and manners, and their knowledge and willingness to be the best.

Q What benefits does Vanguard IT provide to you? A Support, quick response, solutions, professionalism, and team work

Q How would you describe the level of service that Vanguard IT provides?

A Their level of service is excellent. They hold high standards not only regarding their performance but regarding their employees’ work ethic as well.

Q Would you recommend Vanguard IT to other practices? A We would recommend their services to others without hesitation. Q How would you describe the level of service that Vanguard IT

provides?A Vanguard sets high standards for their employees who are also very knowledgeable. When an issue arises, we call them and it gets taken care of. They are always professional and complete the task at hand. We would definitely recommend their services to other medical offices.

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FEBRUARY 6FREE Diabetes Expo 20157:30 AM – 12:00 PMUTPA Annex Building1407 E. Freddy Gonzalez, EdinburgFor more information, call Delia at 956-207-6104 or Debra at 956-212-3969 or email delia.garza@dchstx.org or dfranco@stjda.org.

FEBRUARY 10Breast Cancer Support Group6:00 PM – 7:30 PMGuest Speaker: Dr. Hazem Kanaan, OB/GYNMission Regional Medical CenterMeeting Rooms A, B, and C900 S. Bryan Road, Mission, TX 78572For more information, call 956-323-1150.

FEBRUARY 141st Annual 5K/10K Heart Walk and Run7:00 AM: On-site registration8:30 AM: Run start, 8:45 AM: Walk startMcAllen Heart Hospital1900 S. “D” StreetAll proceeds benefit the American Heart Association$15 early registration fee; $20 couples/$20 on-site registration; $25 couples Kids 12 and under are free For more details and online registration, go to www.mcallenhearthospital.com.For more information, call 956-388-2020.

FEBRUARY 19Food for Thought: Bridging the Nutrition GapTime: TBDTexas A&M AgriLife Extension ServiceDistrict 12 – Auditorium2401 East Highway 83, WeslacoTo register, email Minerva at lozano@tamhsc.edu.For more information, contact Elaine Hernandez at 956-802-0654 or Elaine_Hernandez@baylor.edu.

FEBRUARY 21Free Open House and Health FairSouth Texas Health System ER at Mission9:00 AM – NoonGet health and wellness information, free screenings and more at the public showcase of the STHS ER at Mission.900 E. Expressway 83, MissionFor more information, call 956-388-6000.

FEBRUARY 21 & 28Healthy Baby, Healthy Start9:00 AM – NoonMothers in Hidalgo County can improve the health and well being of themselves and their infants and older children. Participants are encouraged to attend both Saturdays.Edinburg Regional Medical Center, Cactus Room1102 W. Trenton Rd.For more information, call 956-388-6000.

Every Monday“Doing Healthy Right” Weight Loss Class 12:00 PM and 5:30 PMThe Wellness Center at Renaissance5525 Doctors Dr., EdinburgFor more information, call 956-362-5610.

Every 2nd MondayBariatric Patients Support Group6:00 PM – 7:00 PMRio Grande Regional HospitalClassroom 1A&B101 E. Ridge Rd., McAllenFor more information, call Jennifer Trevino, RN at 956-661-3560.

Every 3rd MondayBariatric Patients Support Group6:00 PM – 7:00 PMValley Regional Hospital100 E. Alton Gloor Blvd., BrownsvilleFor more information, please call, Jennifer Trevino, RN at 956-661-3560.

Every TuesdayDiabetes Education Class (call for Spanish class)1:00 PMSponsored by South Texas Health SystemMcAllen Medical CenterEast Classroom, 3rd Floor301 W. Expressway 83For more information, call 956-971-5851.

Every 3rd TuesdaySpanish: Alzheimer’s Support Group 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMSouth Texas Behavior Health Center2101 W. Trenton Rd., EdinburgFor more information, call 956-388-1300.

Every WednesdayCancer Support Group 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMHosted by H.O.P.E. – Helping Other Patients EmotionallyFree to cancer patients and caregiversNew McAllen Public Library, Conf. Rm. B4001 N. 23rd St., McAllenFor more information, call 956-624-3840 or email grouphope@groupmail.com.

Every 1st WednesdayLa Leche League 9:30 AM – 11:30 AMSupports and encourages mothers who want to breastfeedEdinburg Children’s Hospital, 2nd Floor Family Room1102 W. Trenton Rd., EdinburgFor more information, call Ann at 956-682-9770.

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