Inspire Coastal Bend Medical August/September 2014

COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

HOMETOWNINSPIRATION

DR. CLARISSA ESPARZA

DREAM SMILESDR. ASHLEY

SMITH

AUGUST.SEPTEMBER 2014

10REASONS TO START

EXERCISING TODAY

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

ESTELA CHAPA

TOPS IN TEXASCHRISTUS SPOHN HOSPITALS EARN

STATEWIDE RECOGNITION

THE NEXT LEVELARE YOU READY FOR DENTAL REHABILITATION?

BEYOND THE PITCHTHE WORLD CUP AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF COLOMBIA

MAKE MOLEHILLSOUT OF MOUNTAINS.The Chevy Silverado Half-Ton with StabiliTrak¨ and available Hill Start Assist.So you can take any road, including the one not taken.

I N S P I R E C OASTA L B E N D M AG . C O M 1

Our mission is to provide medical transport for critically ill or injured persons requiring medical or trauma facilities within our South Texas service area.

Emergency assistance is provided to all persons regardless of their ability to pay.

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2 I N S P I R E C OASTA L B E N D M AG . C O M

Alice 361-664-4888 · Corpus Christi 361-882-5900www.rivercityhospice.com



John M. Borkowski, M.D. / Frank A. Luckay, M.D. / Ryan B. Thomas, M.D.Charles W. Breckenridge, M.D. / Justin Klimisch, M.D.

John P. Masciale, M.D. / Dawn M. Grosser, M.D. / Bernard M. Seger, M.D.

Orthopaedic Associates of Corpus Christi

Announces the Formation of

601 Texan Trail, Suite #300www.southtexasboneandjoint.com

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Copyright © Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction withoutthe expressed written permission ofthe publisher is prohibited.

www.inspirecoastalbendmag.com

For advertising information,please call 361.548.1044 or [email protected].

For editorial comments andsuggestions, please [email protected].

6537 S. Staples St., #125Corpus Christi, Texas 78413 Phone: 361.548.1044

AUGUST.SEPTEMBER 2014

PUBLISHERADRIAN GARZA

EDITORAllison Alvarado

ART DIRECTORLiv Madison

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSSteven AlfordRebecca EsparzaSebastian GiraldoTim HamiltonLindsey HendrixSarah TindallDr. Ben Vela

PHOTOGRAPHYDustin AshcraftRaymond Gray PhotographyCarla Falconi Swallow

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVESMichelle RecioJessica Salinas

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COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE


CONTENTSAUGUST.SEPTEMBER 2014

PATIENT08 Breaking New Ground10 Higher-Level Service12 Lifesaving Lessons

FEATURE14 The Tops in Texas16 Worth the Wait

COVER STORY

18 ESTELA CHAPA The executive vice president and chief operatingofficerofCHRISTUSSpohn HealthSystemknowsthemeaningof hardwork,familyandcommunity.

PROFILES

22 DR. ASHLEY SMITHThisorthodontistprovidesaffordableandprofessionalorthodontictreatmentforbothchildrenandadultsinafun,energeticenvironmentatSmileLifeOrthodontics.

26 DR. CLARISSA ESPARZAWithhergrowingdentalpracticeandherdedicationtohelpingpatientslovetheirsmiles,thisDDShasabrightfuturethatcanbringasmiletoanyone’sface.

FITNESS32 Watch Your Life Change34 Beyond the Pitch

18

COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTOS BY: RAYMOND GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY


R For more information about the innovative treatments for hip

and knee disorders at South Texas Bone & Joint, visit www.southtexasboneandjoint.com

or follow the group on Facebook and Twitter. And to learn more about Dr. Justin Klimisch, visit www.

justinklimischmd.com, or call 361-854-0811 to make an appointment today.

PATIENT

Dr. Justin Klimisch stays at the forefront of the latest technological advances in his field at South Texas Bone & Joint.

By: REBECCA ESPARZA

orders have a variety of new optionsnotavailable to them justa fewshortyearsago.”One of the most common injuries

is due to continuous repetition, likerunning. “Sometimesall that is reallyrequiredisrest,”hesays.“WhenIseethis,myadvice is thatwhen thepaincontinues beyond a normal period ofrest,it’sprobablytimetoseeadoctor.Don’t ignore the warning signs yourbody is trying to tell you. You canavoidalotofneedlessheartachedowntheroad.”Klimisch,aboard-certifiedorthope-

dicsurgeonwhoisfellowshiptrainedin adult reconstruction and joint re-placementsurgery,sayshestaysattheforefrontofthelatesttechnologicalad-vancesthankstohisaf-filiationasaconsultingsurgeon with a well-known global medicaltechnologyfirm.“I’m able to train

other surgeons fromaround the nation on the newest surgicaltechniques for hip and knee procedures,” he says. “Implantmaterials, designs and techniqueshave improved dramatically. Classichip replacement components havetypicallybeenmadeofmetalorplas-tic.Nowwe’reusinganewcategoryofhypoallergenicmaterials, which havetheadvantagesofceramicswithouttheriskofimplantbreakage.Thesemateri-alshavewearratesthataredramatical-lyimprovedcomparedtothepreviousgenerationofimplants.”New technology allows doctors to

matchimplantstoapatient’sanatomy,recreating natural motion of hip andkneejointsusingcomputers.Ultimate-ly, the goal is a faster, more efficientsurgerywithlessbloodlossandmoresuccessfuloutcomesoverall.Raised in South Dakota, Klimisch

joined the U.S.Army in high school.After servingwith the82ndAirborneDivision as a paratrooper in Iraq, hebecame a physician’s assistant, butyearned for more. Soon, he enrolledinmedicalschoolat theUniversityofTexasMedicalBranchatGalveston.After completing his fellowship at

Baylor College of Medicine in Hous-ton, he was in private practice for

two-and-a-halfyearsinSeattle,Wash.,wherehewasalsoanassistantclinicalprofessor at the University of Wash-ington Department of OrthopaedicSurgeryandSportsMedicine.Hemoved to Corpus Christi to be

closertofamilyandjoinedSouthTex-asBone&Joint inMarchof lastyear.Ultimately, solving problems for hispatients drives his passion for teaching others. It ismedicaladvances likege-netictesting,moreefficientuseofpainmanagementtoolsandbettermaterialsforthereplacementofhipsandkneesthathaveaidedthis.For example, Klimisch recognizes

patients are asked tomove a painfuljointaftersurgeryforthepurposesofhealing faster, so the goal is blocking

pain at every level.“We block pain at thenerves and the spinalcord,”headds.“Manypeople get nauseatedwith traditional painmedication. We’reeven working with anewtypeofanesthesiawherepatients canex-

perience72hoursofpainreliefversusthe traditional six hours. Controllingpain symptoms for longer periods oftime helps patients have amore suc-cessful rehabilitation,whichwillhelppatientshealfaster.”Allthesetechnologicaladvancesnot

onlymakeKlimisch’sjobeasiertohelphispatientslivebetterlives,butmakethings more fascinating and excitingforhimasamedicalprofessional.“Iloveit,andIalwayswanttolearn

more,”hesays.“I’mparticularlyexcit-edaboutwhereweareheaded in theway of ‘smart joints’ someday. Whatmay be science fiction now may bewhat’s right around the corner verysoon,andthatisanamazingthought.”

BREAKINGNEW GROUND

econstructionofdegenerativekneeandhipproblemsismore advanced than ever,withgroundbreaking tech-niquesthatmakehealingtimesquickerandhavesentoverall success rates soaring.At South Texas Bone&Joint,Dr.JustinKlimischhasseendramaticchangesinthefieldover the last fewyears, includingmanyevi-

dence-basedadvancesthathavegivenpatientsmoreoptionswithbetteroutcomes.Klimisch’sspecialtyisthetreatmentofhipandkneedisorders,

rangingfromhipandkneeinjectionstoarthroscopy,partialkneereplacement,hipresurfacingandtotaljointreplacement.“Todaywehaveabetterunderstandingofthehumananatomy

and jointmechanics,”hemarvels.“Peoplewithmovementdis-

SOLVING PROBLEMS FOR PATIENTS

DRIVES KLIMISCH’S PASSION FOR

TEACHING OTHERS.


BEFORE

AFTER - 6-unit bridge and fillings

BEFORE

AFTER - full arch rehabilitation with 11 porcelain crowns and 2 implants

BEFORE

AFTER - full mouth rehabilitation with 24 porcelain crowns

WE TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN

KEEPING YOUR SMILE BEAUTIFULFor 30 years, over 30,000 patients have placed their trust in the Vela Dental Centers. With three offices in the South Texas area, we make sure excellent dental care is convenient, accessible and affordable. Vela Dental Crosstown, near Spohn Memorial Hospital, serves our downtown, Callalen, Robstown, and Portland areas. Vela Dental Southside, located at Holly and Everhart, serves as our flagship office, providing complex implant and dental rehabilitation for all of South Texas. Vela Dental Kingsville, located at 14th and Henrietta, serves all of Kingsville and the surrounding community.

Our highly skilled team of dentists and staff take pride in keeping your smile beautiful or restoring your smile to the way you deserve.

WE HAVE THE ANSWER TO ALL OF YOUR DENTAL NEEDS• Fix damaged or painful teeth• Replace single or multiple missing teeth• Enhance your smile• Remove wisdom teeth & other

bad teeth• Clean and prevent gum disease

Benjamin Vela DDS & Associates • General Dentistry

SOUTHSIDE - 361.994.4900CROSSTOWN - 361.884.2266KINGSVILLE - 361.592.4373

veladental.com


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HIGHER-LEVEL SERVICEAre you ready for dental rehabilitation?

By: DR. BEN VELA

ainisquiteoftentheprimaryreasonforavisittothedentist.Thesepain-focusedvisitsresultindentalcaredestinedtofailduetomorecomprehensiveproblemsalreadypresent,butnotyetaddressed.Improperbite,nighttimegrinding,gumdisease,olderorill-placedrestorations,medicalconditions,missingteeth,infectionsandnewdecaymayallcompromiseoralhealth.Manypeoplemayreceivecomprehensivedentalcarewithouthavingtoaffectmostoftheirteeth.

Dentalrehabilitationisahigher-leveldentalservicethatrequiresthetreatmentofmultipleproblemsatthesametimeinordertoprovidethelongest-lastingdentalsolutionavailable.

Dentalrehabilitationgenerallyinvolvesthecomprehensivecareofalltheteeth,includingproperalignmentandcosmetics,gumtissue,functionalbiteandsmile,aswellastreatmentofdentaldecay.Teethwithexcessivewearcanbebuiltupandlengthenedinordertoimprovethebiteandsmilewhileincreasingthelongevityofrestorations.Fixedrestorationslikecrowns,bridgeworkandimplantshaveextraordinarylifeexpectancies(15-plusyears)aslongasthesurroundingdentitionishealthyandprotected.Patientsinneedofrehabilitationoftenareunhappywiththeirsmile,havehadrecurringdentalproblems

andgenerallyhavenotbeeninformedofalltheiroptions.Evenifremovalofallremainingteethisnecessary,newtechnologyandtechniquesallowforfixedreplacementandrestorationutilizingdentalimplants.Acom-prehensiveexaminationwithacompletesetofX-raysanddiagnosticwork-upisnecessarypriortodiscussionofanytreatmentplan.Dentalrehabilitationcanbeperformedinasfewasthreeorfourvisitsdependingontheneedsofthepatient,

DENTAL REHABILITATION REQUIRES THE TREATMENT OF MULTIPLE PROBLEMS AT THE SAME TIME.

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PATIENT

with some of the longer visits uti-lizingsedation.Witheffectiveplan-ning,asingle-daymakeoverispos-sibletoprovideimmediateresults.Financially, many people are

unprepared for the investment re-quired to comprehensively care fortheirmouth.This fearofcost leadsto avoidance, further neglect andmore complex needs. Dental reha-bilitationrunsthebroadestrangeoftreatmentcostsduetothemultitudeof options. Many dental practiceshavefinancingoptionsavailable,in-cludingextendedpayments forpa-tientswho qualify. Some treatmentmayalsobeextendedorstagedsoastobemoremanageablefinancially.

Ben Vela, DDS, is the owner of Vela Dental

Centers and a fellow of the International Congress

of Oral Implantologists. For more information or to see if you’re a candidate to restore your smile with dental implants, visit Vela Dental Southside, located

at 4822 Holly Road in Corpus Christi, Texas. You

may also call 361-994-4900 or go online to www.

veladental.com.


As a commitment t o your health,we now of fer the

latest advancement in Breast Cancer Screening.

3DMammography

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Scheduling 361-888-8875 | radiologyimaging.com


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LIFESAVING LESSONSDiabetes self-management education helps save lives in South Texas.

By: LINDSEY HENDRIX

WE EMPOWER PARTICIPANTS OF OUR PROGRAM TO MAKE A CHANGE.”

“

PATIENT

exasisexpectedtohavenearlyeightmillionresidentssufferingfromdiabetesbytheyear2040,according toa2010report releasedbytheTexasHealthInstitute,theStateDemogra-pher’sOfficeandMethodistHealthcareMin-istriesofSouthTexas.InSouthTexas,nearlyone in four (20percent) adultshasbeendi-

agnosedwithdiabetes,accordingtotheTexasDepart-mentofStateHealthServices,butmanymorehave itanddon’tknowit.AndintheTexasCoastalBend,morethan31percentofadultsareoverweightand42.3per-centareobese.ThatmeansnearlythreequartersofthepopulationintheCoastalBendhasahigherriskofde-velopingType2diabetes.Inresponsetothisepidemic,theTexasA&MHealth

Science Center Coastal Bend Health Education Cen-ter (CBHEC) Diabetes Education program providesresources on how to prevent and control diabetes forresidentsandhealthprofessionalsintheCoastalBend.Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is a

criticalpartofcareforthosewithdiabetes,andaccord-ing to theAmericanDiabetesAssociation (ADA), it isnecessary to improve patient outcomes. The CBHEC

Diabetes Education program, which is accredited bythe ADA, provides diabetes self-management classesandsupporttopreventtheonsetofType2diabetesandto keep it under control once diagnosed. Classes areofferedinEnglishandSpanishinlocationsthroughouttheCoastalBend.Overthecourseoffourtwo-hourclassesorasingle

eight-hourclass,certifieddiabeteseducators,registerednursesandanutritionistteachbasicinformationaboutdiabetes,healthyeatingandtheimportanceofphysicalactivity. Participants also receive bloodglucosemoni-tors and are taught how to properly test their bloodsugar.Labworkis takenandassessedat theoutsetof the

classes,which includespatients’ height,weight, bodymass index, cholesterol, bloodpressure, body fatper-centageandHemoglobinA1C.HealthprofessionalsusetheHemoglobinA1Ctesttoassessaperson’saveragebloodglucose(bloodsugar)levelsoverthepasttwotothreemonths.Itdoesthisbymeasuringthepercentofhemoglobin(theproteininourredbloodcellsthatcarryoxygen)thathasglucoseattachedtoit.Forpeoplewithoutdiabetes,thenormalrangeforthe

A1Ctestisbetween4percentand5.6percent.Tocontroldiabetes,theADAsuggests a target level below 7 per-cent in thosewhohavealreadybeendiagnosed.“Wehaveonepatientthatcameto

classwho is losing her eyesight andneeds assistance when walking forguidance,” said Delia Martinez, theprogram’s health coordinator. “Shecame inwith anA1Cof 7.3 percent,whichisgood,butnowitisdownto5percentandshehaslost47pounds.”Akeycomponenttoachievingsuc-

cessinaDSMEclassisfollow-upcare.Everythreemonthsforoneyear,CB-HEC’sclassparticipantsareprovidedwith complimentary follow-up labsand one-on-one consultations. Com-munityhealthworkersarealsoavail-able to provide additional personalsupportwhenneeded.“Follow-ups continue the educa-

tion patients received in our class,”said David Leal, a health educatorand nutritionist with the program.“We can answer questions that pa-tients are likely to have after tryingtoapplythestrategiestheylearnedinclass.”To lowerA1C levels, Leal recom-

mendspatientstaketheirmedicationsas directed and keep their appoint-mentswiththeirhealthcareprovidersanddiabeteseducationprogram.“Weempowerparticipantsofourprogramtomake change – change that is ap-propriateineachoftheirlivesandin-dividualsituations,”hesaid.In addition toDSME, theCBHEC

program offers a variety of diabetestraining programs in schools andworkplaces throughout South Texas,and specialized training is providedtohealthcareprofessionalsandschoolfacultytoensureimprovedqualityofcare fordiabetespatients. So far thisyear,theprogramhasreachedatotalof2,939people.BecauseofitsimpactintheCoastal

Bend, the program has plans to ex-pandtoa26-countyareaofSouthTex-asaspartoftheTexasA&MHealthySouthTexas2025Initiative.Theseex-tendedserviceswillhelpTexasA&Machieve itsgoalof reducingprevent-ablediseases,likediabetes,by25per-centbytheyear2025.

T

To learn more about the program or to schedule an appointment, please call 361-857-2945 or visit www.cbhec.tamhsc.edu/de.



THE TOPS IN TEXASCHRISTUS Spohn Hospitals Shoreline and Memorial earn recognition in the Dallas Morning News’ list of the top 100 safest hospitals in the state.By: STEVEN ALFORD // Photos by: RAYMOND GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY

CHRISTUS SPOHN IS DEDICATED TO ROUTINELY LOOKING FOR WAYS TO IMPROVE PATIENT SAFETY AND THE LEVEL OF CARE WE PROVIDE.”

“

For more information about CHRISTUS Spohn Health System, visit www.christusspohn.org.

FEATURE

About CHRISTUS Spohn Health System

CHRISTUS Spohn Health System is the region’s largest health care systemconsisting of six hospital campuses: CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi (Shoreline, Memorial and South), CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Beeville and CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg (Kingsville). The health system is consistently ranked a leading health system in the area, and it has received national recognition for several pioneering programs, including cardiac care, clinical excellence and oncology. For more than 100 years, CHRISTUS Spohn has been distinguished by its high-caliber staff and affiliated physicians, its comprehensive and innovative services and its long history of responding to the needs of the community it serves.

woCHRISTUSSpohnhospitalswererankedinTexas’top100safest hospitals by theDallasMorningNews after a reviewofmorethan300Texasfacilities.CHRISTUSSpohnHospitalCorpusChristi-Shorelinewasrankedeighthinthetop10saf-est Texas hospitals, andCHRISTUS SpohnHospitalCorpusChristi-Memorialwas ranked 87th out of the top 100 safestTexashospitals.

CHRISTUS Spohn officials said they were pleased to learn of thestudy’sresults,affirmingthehealthsystem’scommitmenttoprovidinghigh-qualitycare.“It’sanhonortobenamedinthetop100safesthospi-talsinTexas,”saidCHRISTUSSpohnHospitalShorelineandMemorialCOO/VPXavierVillarreal.“Westriveeachdaytoprovideasafe,com-passionate environment for our patients to healwhen they enter ourdoors.”Thenewspaperpublishedthe investigativepiece thissummerenti-

tled, “HowSafe isYourHospital?”The resultsof thepiecearebasedondatareleasedfrom2011and2012bytheTexasDepartmentofStateHealth Services. Using methodology and software developed by thefederalgovernment,thepaperexaminedpatientoutcomesacrossase-riesofcomplicationsthatmedicalresearchershavedeemedpreventable.Itcalculatedtheperformanceofthetop100hospitals—thosewith

thehighestvolumeofpatients—oneachofthosemeasures,knownaspatientsafetyindicators(PSIs),accordingtothearticle.Thedatacomesashospitalsarenewlyrequiredtoreportinformationonpatientsadmit-tedwithpre-existingcomplicationsandoninfectionsacquiredduringahospitaladmission,givingreportersaclearunderstandingofjusthowmuchTexashospitalsaremeetingstatepatientsafetyrequirements.Thestudy’sresultsareareflectionofCHRISTUSSpohn’scommitment

topatientsafety,accordingtoVillarreal.“CHRISTUSSpohnHealthSys-temisdedicatedtoroutinelylookingforwaystoimprovepatientsafetyandthelevelofcareweprovide,”Villarrealadded.“Thisreportaffirmsourconfidenceinthehigh-qualitycarethatournurses,physiciansandcliniciansdelivertoSouthTexaspatients.”

TSHORELINE

MEMORIAL


CORPUS CHRISTI 5026 Deepwood Cir. • 361.854.2278

CALALLEN 4040 Five Points Rd. • 361.241.7399

ALICE 1302 E. 5th St. • 361.664.9675

PORTLAND 114 Lang Rd. • 361.643.8243

ARANSAS PASS 2150 W. Wheeler Ave. • 361.758.5199

ROCKPORT 1811 Broadway (a.k.a. Fulton Beach Rd.) 361.729.8777

ALL 6 LOCATIONS OFFER CAREFULLY DESIGNED AND SUPERVISED EXERCISE PROGRAMS IN STATE OF THE ART GYMS AND LARGE INDOOR HEATED POOLS:

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6

WE WILL PUT YOU BACKIN THE GAME OF LIFE

TREATMENTS AND PROGRAMS FOR:Musculoskeletal InjuriesPregnancy (Pre/Post Natal Care)DiabetesFall PreventionNeuropathyCardiovascular TherapyOsteoarthritisVertigo (Dizziness)OsteoporosisAthletic Rehab (Sport Specific)Thoracic-Outlet SyndromeOrthotic Evaluation/FabriationPre-Op/Post-Operative Therapy


WORTH THE WAITMarch of Dimes recognizes CHRISTUS Spohn for its work to give more babies a healthy start in life.

By: STEVEN ALFORDPhotos by: CARLA FALCONI SWALLOW

CHRISTUS SPOHN HOSPITAL ALICE has reduced the number of elective inductionsand caesarean deliveries performed before 39completed weeks of pregnancy, earningMarchof Dimes recognition for their efforts. Hospitalofficialsheldaspecialceremonytomarktherec-ognition,bringing together formerpatients andtheirbabiesandtheclinicianswhohelpeddeliv-erthemintotheworldatfullterm.“We at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice, in

conjunction with our physicians and March ofDimes,arecommittedtodoingallwecantopre-ventprematurebirths,” saidMargotRios, chiefnursing officer at CHRISTUS Spohn HospitalAlice.Waiting to deliver after the 39-week mark

gives a baby a healthy start at life, CHRISTUSSpohnofficialssaid.Duringthistime,babiesun-dergoimportantdevelopmentofthebrain,lungsandothervitalorgans.CHRISTUSSpohnoffersprofessionalbirthingclassesdesignedtopreparethemotherforthebirthingprocessandtostresstheimportanceofafull-termpregnancy.Worldwide, 15 million babies are born too

soon each year, and more than one million ofthoseinfantsdieasaresultoftheirearlybirths.Babieswhosurviveanearlybirthoftenfacetheriskoflifelonghealthchallengessuchasbreath-ingproblems,cerebralpalsy,learningdisabilitiesandothers.ThroughThink39,alocallydrivenpartnership

with delivering hospitals,NICUs andmaternalchildhealthcareproviders,theMarchofDimeshasbeengettingoutthewordintheCoastalBendthat “Healthy Babies areWorth theWait.” Thecampaignurgeswomentowaitforlabortobeginon its own if their pregnancy is healthy, ratherthan scheduling delivery before 39 completedweeksofpregnancy.According to Rios, “We pledge to work to-

getherwithparents,ourqualifiedphysiciansandnursestokeepyouandyourbabysafeandpro-videahealthystarttolife.”

AT CHRISTUS SPOHN HOSPITAL ALICE, WE ARE COMMITTED TO DOING ALL WE CAN TO PREVENT PREMATURE BIRTHS.”

“

For more information on CHRISTUS Spohn’s birthing services, visit www.christusspohn.org/birthingservices.

FEATURE

MIDDLE: CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice CNO Margot Rios and Dolly Dickson, director of women’s services, pose for a photo during a ceremony honoring birthing successes.

BOTTOM: Babies once delivered at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice frolic and play during a special ceremony from March of Dimes honoring the hospital for increasing the number of babies born after the 39-week mark, which creates a healthier start at life.

Dr. Jason Bradford poses with a former

patient during a special ceremony

at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital

Alice honoring the hospital’s successes

in delivering more healthy babies after the 39-week mark.

I N S P I R E C OASTA L B E N D M AG . C O M 175726 Esplanade Drive • Corpus Christi, TX 78414 • 361.906.3700CCRH.ernesthealth.com

To learn more about CCRH and our services, visit our website at

CCRH is now part of the Ernest Health network of facilities. Eight of Ernest’s rehabilitation hospitals have consistently ranked in the top 10% of Inpatient Rehab Facilities in the United States by UDSMR®. Ernest Health strives for all their hospitals to receive this recognition.

You have a choiceWe understand that YOU HAVE A CHOICE when it comes to your rehabilitative care. At Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital (CCRH) we value teamwork and are connected at our core by the treatment needs of our patients. We are proud to be a freestanding acute rehabilitation hospital serving Corpus Christi, providing attentive and compassionate patient care to the community in which we serve.

Brain Injury • Amputations • Stroke • Neuro • Orthopedic

CCRH is the only free-standing

Acute Rehabilitation Hospital in the Coastal Bend Area

HARD WORK, FAMILYAND COMMUNITY

Meet Estela Chapa, the CHRISTUS Spohn Health System bigwig who has more than earned her reputation as “the nurse who helps people.”

By: steven alford

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AyoungEstelahandedoutblanketstotheinjuredandstoodbyandwatchedasmedicalprofession-alsrushedintoactionandprovidedCPR.Itwasadefiningmomentforthefuturenurse

andnowexecutivevicepresidentandchiefoper-atingofficerofCHRISTUSSpohnHealthSystem,SouthTexas’ largest health careprovider. “Fromthatdayon,Iwantedtoworkinhealthcare,”Cha-pasaid.“IwantedtoknowhowtosavelivesjustlikeIsawonthesideofthatroad.”Theboardroomsandexecutiveofficesarealong

wayfromthehumblebeginningssheandhersixsiblingsexperiencedinRioGrandeCity.SheandherfamilysplittheiryearworkingbetweenTexasandCaliforniapickingfruitinthefields.Itwasatimeofchange;socialupheavalwasjustdowntheroadaslaborandcivilrightsleaderCesarChavezprotestedunfairconditionsformigrantworkers.Though they grew up poor, Chapa’s mother

neverletitdefinewhotheywereorcouldbe.“Wedidn’talwayshave thebest,”Chapa reminisced,“butweweretaughttomakethebestoutofwhat-everwehad.”Whenoneofhereldestsistersbecamethefirst

personinherfamilytoattendcollege,thedreamofrisingupfromherworking-classbeginningsbe-camemorereal.Duringafieldtripwithherhighschoolband,ChapavisitedCorpusChristiforthefirsttime.Thesparklingbayfrontwasabeautifulsight,shesaid–onethatinspiredhertoworkhardandreturnoneday.Chapa graduated high school and enrolled in

TexasWomen’s University, earning a bachelor’sdegreeinnursingandlater,amaster’sdegreeofscienceinnursingadministration.Fromthere,sheworkedinseveralTexashospitals,includingKin-dredHospital,whereshewasnamedCEOoftheYearbyKindredHealth,aswellasCorpusChristiSpecialty Hospital, Driscoll Children’s Hospi-tal and nearby Memorial Medical Center, nowknown as CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital CorpusChristi-Memorial.ChapasaysshehasdeeptiestoMemorial; it’s

where she grew as a leader and learnedhow totrusther instinctsand leadbyexample. “Tome,

beingaleaderhasalwaysbeenabouttakingprideinwhatyoudoandmakingyourselfresponsiblefor thepeopleyouareworking for,”shesaid.“Idon'tknoweverything,butIcanrecognizethoseskills in others that I don’t have. Being a goodleaderisaboutsurroundingyourselfwithtalentedpeopleandservingthem.”It’san interesting time forhealthcareand the

hospital where Chapa learned how to lead as ayoung nurse. CHRISTUS Spohn Health Systemhas proposed a transformation of theMemorialcampus, investing millions to replace the agingstructurewitha40,000-square-foot familyhealthcenter to provide preventative and outpatient services.“We’vegot tomakeapositive change inpeo-

ple’slivesmovingforward,”Chapasaid.“Ithinkthistransformationhasgivenustheopportunityto do things differently. It’s about changing thewaywe deliver health care to create better out-comes – treating the whole person, not just themedicalissue.”CHRISTUSSpohnhasproposednamingthefa-

cilitytheDr.HectorP.GarciaFamilyHealthCen-ter,honoring the legacyofCorpusChristi’sowncivilrightspioneer.Thehospital’sLevelII traumacenterandresi-

dentphysicianprogramsareproposedtomovetonearby CHRISTUSSpohnHospitalCor-pus Christi-Shore-line, which housesthe health system’snationally recog-nized neuroscience,stroke, cardiac andcancer programs.Chapasaysitmakessense to consolidatethoseserviceswhenyou look at the di-rection health careismoving–prevent-ing diseases rather than just treating them.According to her, that’swhat CHRISTUS Spohn’s new strategic plan isall about. That means providing services at theDr.HectorP.GarciaFamilyHealthCentertonotjustheal,butfosterahealthierlifeforSouthTexasresidents.It’s a newway of looking at health care that

couldbethenormastheindustrymovestowardtreating patients not just in the four walls of a

When she was a little girl, Estela Chapa and her family drove upon a horrible car wreck along the highway. She and her family rushed to see how they could help.

“”

We’ve got to make a positive

change in people’s lives

moving forward.


About CHRISTUS Spohn Health System

CHRISTUS Spohn Health System is the region’s largest health care system consisting of six hospital campuses: CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi (Shoreline, Memorial and South), CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Beeville and CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg (Kingsville). The health system is consistently ranked a leading health system in the area, and it has received national recognition for several pioneering programs, including cardiac care, clinical excellence and oncology. For more than 100 years, CHRISTUS Spohn has been distinguished by its high-caliber staff and affiliated physicians, its comprehensive and innovative services and its long history of responding to the needs of the community it serves.

hospital,butatmanydifferentcarepointsinthecommunity.CHRISTUS Spohn’s strategic

plantotransformCorpusChristi’shospitalsandhealthclinics isesti-matedtocost$325million–withnotaxpayer dollars required. CHRIS-TUSHealthhasagreed toprovide$275 million, the single largestinvestment the health system hasevermadeinoneofitsregions.Therest isplanned toberaisedby theregion’sphilanthropiccommunity.That’s a big symbol of CHRIS-

TUS Spohn’s commitment to theCoastal Bend community, Chapasaid, ensuring Dr. Spohn and theSisters of Charity of the IncarnateWordlegacyisheretostayforhun-dredsmoreyears.Thoughit’sabusytimeinCha-

pa’slife,shealwaysmakestimeforher two children and five grand-children. She and her husband ofmorethan30years,Luis,enjoytak-ingcampingtripsandoutdoorex-cursions, most recently taking thefamilytoAlaskatoseethebreath-takingwilderness.Butwherevershetravels,always

neartoChapa’sheartishercallingtocareforothersthatbeganwhenshewasayounggirl.Sincethatdayonthehighwaywhenshetendedtocarwreckvictims,Chapahasbeenknownbyherpeers as “thenursewhohelpspeople.”Hertalentforleadershipandvi-

sionhasbeenrecognizedwidelyinthecommunitiessheserves.Chapahas been named an outstandingcommunityleaderbyLULAC,andlater,shewashonoredwiththeLasEstrellas Award by the HispanicWomen’sNetworkofTexas.It’snosurprise for those who know herbest.“Onheroutercore,she’satough

woman,” said Mary LaFrancois,executivevicepresidentofhumanresources for CHRISTUS SpohnHealth System. “But once you getto know her, you learn just howmuchsheislovedandrespectedinthiscommunity.”

For more information about CHRISTUS Spohn

Health System, visit www.christusspohn.org.

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Always near to Chapa’s heart is her calling to care for others that began when she was a young girl.


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IT’S SO REWARDINGTO SPEND EVERY DAY MAKINGPEOPLE HAPPY.”

“



BOTHTHE OFBESTWORLDS

With his focus on high-quality care and results, Dr. Ashley Smith provides patients with the smiles of their dreams at SmileLife Orthodontics.

By: SARAH TINDALLPhotos by: DUSTIN ASHCRAFT


To find out more about SmileLife or to schedule your free consultation today, call 361-853-1900 or visit www.smilelifebraces.com.

AtSmileLifeOrthodontics,conve-niently located on SPID betweenAirlineandStaples, theemphasisis on using modern, state-of-the-art technology and products toprovide consistent, high-qualitycareandresults.Smithalsostrivesto keep services as affordable aspossible for patients and ensuresthat payment options and plansareaccessibleandeasy.Alongtheway,heandhisteamliketohavefunandenjoyinteractingwithpa-tientsandparents,too.Smith,whogrewupinLasCru-

ces,N.M.,sayshehasalwaysbeeninterested in the field of dentist-ry.“WhenIwasgrowingup,oneofmy friend’sdadswasadentist, and I always thought itwasagreatprofession,”hesays.“Iwasinterestedandreallylovedthemedicalback-ground.”However,Smith’smindwasonothermatterswhenhebegancollege.HespenttwoyearsatWesternNewMexicoUniversityplayingonthetennisteam.“WhenIrealizedthatIwasn’tgoingtobeplayingtennistherestofmylife,Idecidedtoconcentrateabitharderonacademicsandpursueadifferentdream:becominganorthodontist,”hecontinues.UpongraduatingfromUNM,SmithgainedadmittancetoTuftsDental

School inBoston,Mass.,whereheachievedhisdoctorate indentalsur-gery.Aftergraduation,hemovedtoLordsburg,N.M.,andwenttoworkas a generaldentist as theheadof adental clinic. “I enjoyed theworkbecauseIloveworkingwithpeopleandalsoenjoythemedicalsideofit,”hesays.“Itwasthebestofbothworlds.”Thenanorthodontistattheclinicretired,andtwodozenorthodontic

patientsbecamehis.ThisresultedinSmithformingafriendshipwithanorthodontist practicing inLasCruces.This interaction solidifiedhis in-terestinthefieldoforthodontics,andhewentbacktoschoolin2010tospecializeinorthodontics;hegraduatedfromtheRosemanUniversityofHealthSciencesinLasVegasthreeyearslater.HethenboughtSunOrthodontixhereinCorpusChristi,andtherest

is history. He renamed the practice SmileLife Orthodontics, which haslocations inCorpusChristi,ElPasoandLasCruces.Thepractices con-tinuetogrow,andtheyhaveareputationforaffordableandprofession-al orthodontic treatment for adults and children in a funandenergeticenvironment.“Therehavebeenhugeadvances inorthodontic treatment in the last

fewdecades,whichsomepracticesdon’tutilize,”hesays.“Forexample,

many places still use that mate-rial with the gummy stuff in itformoldsofyour teeth.We take3-Dscansoftheteethsowedon’thavetousetheoldmaterialsthattasted awful andmadeyougag.The scanner takesadigitalmoldof the teeth that is 3-D, and wecan evaluate your teeth from allangles.“We also use brackets instead

of bands on the teeth. This is somuchlessinvasiveforthepatient,andthewiresweusenowaresomuch more gentle and comfort-ablethantheonesusedyearsago.Kidsgetexcitedbecauseweoffercoloredties togoonyourbracesand they canpick out the colorstheywant,whileadultsmaypre-ferourclearbracesandInvisalignoptions. Anybody who needsbracescancomeseeus;wehavesomethingforeveryone.”Most importantly, Smith says,

his office works hard to ensurethatmiddle-classAmericanswhowantandneeddentalbracescanaffordthembymaintaininghigh-lyaffordablepricingandofferingthird-partyfinancingoptions.Healsooffersother services suchasteethwhitening.

“Whiteninghasbeengreatonsomanylevels,notonlyforthepatientswhohavejustremovedtheirbracesandwanttomaketheirsmilesperfect,butalsoformomsanddadswhowanttobrightentheirsmile,aswell,”Smithsays.“Youdon’thavetobeanorthodonticpatientatSmileLifetowhitenyourteeth.Virtuallyanyoneisacandidate.”Whilemanypeoplecanbenefitfrombraces,Smithsaysmanyparents

appreciateknowingwhenitisappropriatetotaketheirkidsinforaneval-uation.Hisanswerissimple:Allkids,regardlessofwhetherornottheirteetharestraight,shouldvisitanorthodontistattheageof6or7.Thisiswhenthedoctorcanidentifyproblemslikeoverbitesandmisalignmentthatcan lead to issues lateron.At thisappointment,Smithcanmakearecommendationaboutwhenandifthechildwouldbenefitfrombraces.Mostchildren,however,arenotreadyforbracesuntilalloftheirperma-nentteethhavecomein.SmileLife offers free consultations to anyone interested in getting an

evaluationtoseeifbraceswouldbebeneficial.Somepatientsgetreferralsfromtheirdentists,butanyoneinterestedinanevaluationiswelcometocallorstopbytheofficetoscheduleafreeconsultationwithSmith.“Of-tentimes,wecanseepatientsfortheirconsultationthesamedaythattheycall,”hesays.Smithsayshispatients’excitementatfinallyhavingasmiletheycan

beproudof ishis favoritepart of the job, and thathe enjoyshisworkeachandeveryday.“Manyofourpatientsareadultswhocouldn’taffordbracesaskids,”hesays.“Theycomein,andwegivethemthesmiletheyalwaysdreamedofhaving.Iloveseeingallofourpatientsabletoshowofftheirsmilesinpublicandnolongerhavingtohidetheteeththeywereem-barrassedof.It’ssorewardingtospendeverydaymakingpeoplehappy.”

DR. ASHLEY SMITH ENJOYS MAKING A GREAT SMILE AVAILABLE AND AFFORDABLE FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN WHO NEED ORTHODON-TIC CARE.



With a growing practice and a sincere dedication to the dental field,Dr. Clarissa Esparza loves helping patients love their smiles.

By: SARAH TINDALLPhotos by: DUSTIN ASHCRAFT

Dr. Clarissa Esparza is enthusiastic about her bright future in her hometown.In the past few months, she has boughtherowndentalpractice,addedstafftoac-commodate her growing patient list andrenovatedherofficestoensurethatshehasenoughroomforallofthegrowth.Esparzaisproudtosayshewasbornand

raised inCorpusChristi, graduating fromIncarnateWordAcademyandTexasA&MUniversity-CorpusChristibeforeattendingdentalschoolatBaylorCollegeofDentist-ryinDallas.Hercareerpathwassetatanearly age; even as a child, she knewden-tistrywasthecareerforher.Shespentherhighschoolandcollegesummersinterningat the office of her mentor and mother’sfriend,Dr.CynthiaCasillas.“IwantedtobejustlikeherwhenIwas

growingup–sosweetandapproachable,”Esparza says. Casillas provided the en-couragement Esparza needed to continuetofollowherdream.Watchingherfirstex-tractionmadeEsparzawonder if thiswas

therightthingforher,andshewastemptedto change careers, butCasillas toldher tofocusandkeepatit,andeventually,Espar-za fell in love with the work, begging tohelpwitheveryprocedure.AfterEsparzagraduatedin2010,Casillas

gaveEsparzaaspotinherofficetogetherthetimeandexperiencesheneededtofindaplaceofherown inanotheroffice. “Shedidn’thaveroomforme inherofficethatsheshareswithherdad,sosheletmeworkin theafternoonswhile shewenthome tobewithherkids,”Esparzasays.“Itwassokindofhertogivemethatchance!”HerbigbreakcamewhenDr.Dawodof-

feredheraplaceinhispractice,whichEs-parzaattributestofate:Severalpeoplehadrecommendedhertohim,sohecalledherbecausehesaidhernamejustkeptcomingup,andsomehow,heknewitwasmeanttobe.Dawod’splanwastoopenanewoffice

and install Esparza as the dentist there,whichistheofficeshestilloperatesoutof

A Future to

About



For more information about Dr. Clarissa Esparza or to schedule an appointment, go to www.clarissaesparzadds.co or call 361-852-3600.

at2802S.StaplesSt.inCorpusChristi.Esparzadescribes their relationship as special: Dawodgave her all the support she needed as a newdentist just starting out, and she says she hasenjoyedworkingwithhimimmensely.“Dr.Dawodandhiswifehavetwosons,and

theycallmethedaughtertheyneverhad,”shesays.“They’vebeensosweet–sogiving.”Es-parza bought the practice after her wedding(she married in late 2013), and she has beengrowing rapidly ever since. “For our patients,nothing has changed,” she explains, “and if Ineedtoconsultaboutaparticularcase,IcanstillcallDr.Dawodanytime.”Esparza’s patients are coming in for every-

thing from teeth cleanings and crowns to In-visalign braces. She recommends babies comein at 6months for a checkup and recommen-dations on tooth care, including proper bottleuseandcurbingjuiceforoptimaldentalhealth,andshecontinuestoseethemeverysixmonthsto ensure they’reprogressingproperly. “I loveseeingkids,andtheyhavefunwithourvibrantstaffandfunoffice,”shesays,addingthatkidsshouldcomeinbeginningat2forregularclean-ingsandcontinuegoingtothedentisteverysixmonthsafterthatfortherestoftheirlives.Patientscanalsoget their teethwhitenedat

theoffice,aswellasgetbridges,rootcanals,ex-

tractions,veneersandothercosmeticdentistry.Herpracticeisgrowing,soEsparzahasrecentlyhiredmorehygienistsandotherstafftoensurethatherpatientsdon’twaittoolongtoscheduleappointments.Shehasalsoexpandedherspace

to accommodate more patients, so the expan-sionofthepracticewillnotaffectthetop-qual-itystandardofpatientcarethatshehasalwaysset for her patients. “We’re excited about therenovations,”shesays,“andshouldbedonebylateAugustsonewpatientswon’thavetroubleschedulingappointments.”Sheattributesherbusinesssavvytoherhus-

band,whohasrunasuccessfulsalonbusinessinCorpusChristiforyears“andisalwaysfocusedongoals,gettingustowhereweshouldbeandmakingsureweareon targetandkeepingev-erythingreallyfresh,”shesays.Andmostimportantly,Esparzasaysisexcit-

ed about howwell everything is going in theoffice.Withayoung,enthusiasticstaff,shesaysit’s fun togo toworkeveryday. “Everyone issmilingandmakingjokesandhavingfun,”shesays,whichkeepsherpatientssmiling,aswell.Therewardforherisherrelationshipswithherpatients.“Ilovemyjobandreallylookforwardtoseeingallmypatientseverydayandbuild-ingrelationshipswiththem,”shesays.“Ienjoyhelpingthemlovetheirsmile.I’myoungandIwanttogrowwiththem,seeingtheirkidseven-tuallyandgrowingoldwiththem.”Esparza is also dedicated to her hometown

andwantstoensurethatherstoryisaninspira-tiontolocalchildren(especiallygirls)thathardwork can help them realize their dreams. SheworkswiththeuniversityandDelMarCollege,giving their dental students the opportunityto gain experience at her office. “Texas A&MUniversity-Corpus Christi students participat-ing in Biomedical Practicum shadow our staffinourofficeweeklyduring the semester,” sheexplains,“andDelMarCollegestudentscomeeveryspringto learnfromourassistants.”Shehasalsoparticipated in twomissiontrips, tak-ingdentalexpertisetoThirdWorldcountries.Esparza is looking forward to all the future

holds for her expanding practice in CorpusChristi and to accommodating her patients’needsformanyyearstocome.

“I REALLY LOOK FOR-WARD TO

SEEING ALL MY PATIENTS EVERY DAY AND BUILD-ING RELA-TIONSHIPS

WITH THEM.”



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WATCH YOUR LIFE CHANGETen reasons you should start exercising today

By: TIM HAMILTON

IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE.

Fitnessismuchmorethanjustlookinggood.It’sbeingcapable.Agreater levelofcapabilitymeansyouhaveaccesstoamuchbroaderrangeof recreational activities.When you can expe-rience more, life becomes a richer experience.Haveyoueverbeenconfrontedbylimitations?Frustrated due to your inability to participateinactivities,whilethosearoundyouappeartobehavingagoodtime?Thelossof2percentofmusclemassperyear can result in adramaticdeclineinyourcapabilitybythetimeyou’re65.

ENHANCE YOUR PERSONAL PRODUCTIVITY.

There’s a certain confidence that comeswith theacquisitionofphysical strength.Whodoesn’twanttoperformdailytasksbetter?The

path to independence is achieved through prac-ticeandtraining.Ifyoudon’tdosomethingto“sharpen the saw,” itwill getdull and sowillyou,nomatteryourage.Soifyouwanttogetmorestuffdoneandfeelagreatersenseofac-complishment,youneedexercise.Inthework-place,healthy,fitpeopletendtocallinsicklessandaremorelikelytogetpromoted.Giveyourcareerandyourproductivityaboostbymakingdailymovementahabit.

IMPROVE YOUR MOOD AND OUTLOOK.

Didyouknowthatexercisedirectlyincreasesandbalanceskeyneurotransmitters(dopamine,serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain,

immediately affecting yourmood, energy andstateofmind?Whenyouexercise,youfeelpos-itive physical sensations, and you get positivephysicalsideeffects,notnegativeones.It’sbet-terthandrugs!Whenyoureinforcethisdaily,itbecomesahabit,andtheeffectsareevenmoreprofoundandlong-term.

BOOST YOUR SELF-ESTEEM.

It’sgoodto likewhatyousee in themirror.Whenyouexercise,youtendtohaveimprovedbodycomposition(moremuscle, less fat).Thisalwayslooksbetterthanobesity!Whenyoulikeyourself,yourconfidencegrows,andotherscansense it. This leads to positive social interac-tions,whichisreallygoodforbothmentalandphysicalhealth.

REDUCE YOUR RISK OF ILLNESS AND INJURY.

Peoplewhoexercisesensiblyenjoyaprotec-tive margin from illness and injury. They aremoreresilient,bothphysicallyandmentally.Anaccidentthatmightputaweak,frailindividualinthehospital(orworseyet,provelethal)mightbe only aminor nuisance to a strong, fit indi-vidual.Strongpeoplearehardertokill!Weighttraining gives you stronger connective tissuethatdoesn’t easily tear or strain.Greater bonedensity fromweight trainingyieldsbones thatdon’teasilyfracture.Aerobicexercisestrength-enstheheartmuscleitselfsoitdoesn’thavetowork so hard. You build cardiac reserve, andyourrestingheartrateslowsdown.

BE A HAPPIER,CALMER PERSON.

Brain chemistry is directly affected by exer-cise.Your happiness IQ is directly affected bythe levels and balance of neurotransmitters.

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Recentbreakthroughsinthestudyofthehumanbrainshowdramaticdifferencesinlevelsofthosewho exercise versus those who don’t. Exercisehas also been shown to reduce dependence onmedication. It ispossible tomanageandcontrolADHD,stress,anxiety,hypertensionanddiabetesthroughproperlysupervisedexercise. Inclinicaltrials, exercise has repeatedly shown to be farmoreeffectivethanProzac,Lexapro,RitalinandZoloft.Exercisealsooftenplaysakeyroleforpeo-plerecoveringfromvariousaddictions.

OPTIMIZE YOUR BRAIN FUNCTION.

Exercise improves long-term memory reten-tion, grows new brain cells and sharpens yourwit.Didyouknowthatwomenwhoexerciseare50percentlesslikelytodevelopdementia?That’sahugenumber!Manydisordersrelatedtochem-ical imbalances can be controlled by exercise. Ifyouwantyourbrain toperformat itsbest,youcan only accomplish that through regular boutsoflegitimatelychallengingexercise.

REINFORCE THE HABITS OF HARD WORK AND DISCIPLINE.

Working out is more about developing a setofcharactertraitsthananythingelse.Hardworkbuilds character. Challenging yourself daily topushthroughdifficultybuildsmentaltoughness.Themindset of achievementwe embrace in thegymcarries over into everyother aspect of life.

Peoplewhoexercisetendtodevelopmoreperse-verancethanthosewhodon’t.Exerciseisavicto-ryoverlaziness.

LEARN THE ART OF PATIENCE.

Ourculturetodaytendstopromotea“giveittomenow”mentality.Manythingsworthhavinginlifearenotacquiredwithouthardwork.Inthegym,thelessonofpatienceisrepeatedandrein-forced timeandagain.Youdon’tget somethingfornothing.

ENJOY THE PHYSICAL “HIGH LIFE.”

Thebottomlineisthatweareallbornmovers.ExerciseishardwiredintoourDNA.Wecannotthrive and perform at our best without it. Fig-ureoutwhatworks foryou,make time inyourschedule,findacompetentcoach,getmovingandwatchyourlifechange!

Tim Hamilton is the owner of SeaCity CrossFit in Corpus Christi, Texas. He has been training and coaching kids and adults since 1999, and he is a CrossFit Level I trainer and a USAW sports performance coach. For more articles on fitness, visit Hamilton’s blog at www.seacitycrossfit.com.

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figure in thesmall townofPamplona.Panicspread through the house, and my brotherand I were scurried through the back exitto find safety. The police andmilitarywerecalled.“Guerilleros”hadbroughttheviolenceandterrorofColombiatoourfrontdoorstep.Asthesituationescalated,theadultsbegan

to quickly seek escape.Asmyparentsweremovingtosafety,myfathermadeapromise

tomymother.HesaidhewouldnotraisehiskidsinColombia.Hewouldnotlivealifeofterror.Hewouldnotbepartoftheviolence.Hewantedbetterfuturesforhistwochildren.Shortlyafter,wepermanentlymoved toournewhome:theUnitedStates.Colombia,how-ever,hasalwaysremainedinourhearts.TheWorldCupbroughtmeajoyandhap-

piness that I feel is almost inexplicable tomost. Yes, the gameswere exhilarating andthegoalsweremagical,butforme,Colombiagave me pure, unadulterated joy. I under-standthatsoccerisagame.Iteachthistomyplayers every day. You must keep perspec-

BEYONDTHE PITCH

My thoughts on my most memorable World Cupand the transformation of Colombia

By: SEBASTIAN GIRALDO

There were men outside of our house in Jeeps, donning as-sault rifles – some wearing masks, some not. The men were threatening to kidnap a family member who was a political


Sebastian Giraldo is the co-owner of Giraldo Elite Fútbol.For more information, visit www.giraldoelitefutbol.com.

tivethatinlife,therearethingsmoreimportantthanfútbol.Duringheartbreakinglossesorsea-son-ending injuries, the idea that fútbol is notlifeordeathisatoughmessagetoswallow.Butwemustacceptthatitisagame.However,thisbeautiful game has instanceswhere its powerstranscendthepitch.Narcotic traffickers, guerillas and paramili-

taries had Colombia trapped in their tentaclesof violence and corruption for many decades.The result is thatColombiahasbeenhidden totheworld–ourhappypeople, therichculture,eclectic Latin beats andworld-changing in-dividuals. Colombiahas changed, and it isbeing reintroduced tothe world. For me, theWorld Cup serves as ametaphor for Colom-bia’srebirth.Wehadaworld-class

team in 1994 that wasamong the favorites towin the trophy. Theywerehaltedbythedan-gerous socio-politicalclimate of the time. In2014, Colombia againcame in with high ex-pectationsandhope.Today,Colombiaisaboom-ing economy that has opened its doors to theworld.Thereare stillproblems,but the changeis evident and hope permeates throughout thecountry. This “seleccion” had nothing holdingitback,andasa result, theygavememymostmemorableWorldCup.

My favorite moments:

1. The unity of the Colombian peopleAllColombiawas in yellow.With this team,

therearenopoliticalorsocialdivides.Everyoneworeyellowforthesamecause.Webelievedinandsupportedtheseleccion,andtheygaveusaridetoremember.Foronemonth,Colombiabe-cameacountryunitedbehindonecause.Thisisasignificantchangefromthedayswherepeoplefearedtoevenwalkthestreets.ThisunitygivesfurtherhopethatColombiaistransformingandenteringanewage.

2. The dancingIlovetodance,andyouwillbehard-pressed

tofindaColombianwhodoesnot.Theteambe-

camethetalkoftheWorldCupwiththeirintri-cately choreographed goal celebrations. Thesewere players who felt free and were enjoyingthemselves. When players are happy, there isbeautiful fútbol. In my mind, the dancing cel-ebrations were a five-second trailer for whatColombia offers theworld: happy people whoknowhowtohaveagoodtime.Itellpeopleconstantly,“GotoColombia;you

willfallinlovewiththecountry.”Butmoreim-portantly,people fall in lovewith thepeople. Iam overjoyed that people are noticing what I

have known for a longtime. Colombia and itspeoplearespecial.

3. The goals, the team and James RodriguezThenarrativesbuild-

inguptotheWorldCuprevolved around Bra-zil’s “joga bonito” andhow a European teamcould not win in theAmericas.Brazilplayedugly, pragmatic fútbol,and Germany won thecup.Thetruenarrativesof the cup were con-

structedfluidlyasthecompetitionunfolded.Co-lombiabroughtthebeautifulfútbolandshowedthatstyleandefficiencystillhaveaplaceintheworld game. The team came inwith a lost su-perstarinFalcao.Therewereseveralrecognizedfigures,butnoonewhowasahouseholdname…yet.Youcouldfeel theunityof theteam.Intheir

tactical discipline, their celebrations and theirprank videos, Colombia showed why playerchemistryandunitystillmatter infútbol.Unit-edas theywere, JamesRodriguezcouldnotbedenied.Heisnowasuperstar,andallindicatorsleadmetobelievethatweareinforatreatwiththiskid.

Soyes,soccerisjustagame–andneverforgettoteacheveryplayerthattherearemoreimport-ant things in life.But fútboldoes transcendthepitchsometimes.Andforthosewhowerewatch-ing, Colombia’s success did not just mark ourentryamongthebestoftheworld.Itwasarein-troductiontoacountryanditspeople.Colombiahasopeneditselftotheworld,andtheworldisbetteroffforit.

FÚTBOL IS JUST A GAME – BUT IT

DOES TRANSCEND THE PITCH

SOMETIMES.


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What happens when the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer teams up with Hollywood celebrities who are committed to

supporting groundbreaking cancer research and treatments??

The American Cancer Society and Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) are pleased to announce a historic collaboration in the fight against cancer: two powerhouse organizations joining forces in the battle against a disease that kills

more than half a million people in the US every year and millions worldwide.

STAND UP 2 FINISH THE FIGHT VIP VIEWING PARTY

BREWSTER STREET ICE HOUSE 1724 N Tancahua St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Friday, September 5th, 2014 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

The star-studded Stand Up To Cancer fundraising special will air simultaneously on ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and

numerous cable networks on Friday, September 5, 2014. The American Cancer Society is hosting viewing parties across the nation to gather supporters for the partnership. We are thrilled to report that Corpus Christi has been

chosen to host a Stand Up 2 Finish The Fight VIP Viewing Party!

Register TODAY at: www.standup2finishthefight.org

$25 Registration includes official event T-shirt and commemorative luminaria, as well as appetizers, drinks, fantastic auction and raffle items, special guest speakers, and fun!

*Register by August 15th to guarantee your T-shirt!

After 8pm, continue the party at Brewster’s with a fantastic Spazmatics show! Concert tickets: $10 at www.brewsterstreet.net


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Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

• Warm caring doctors and team members• Comfortable, relaxing environment with beautiful

decor and artwork.• Dental implant crowns, veneers, porcelain crowns,

white fillings, gum treatment, Zoom teeth whitening• Modern,up-to-date, high-tech equipment

Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8am-5pm / Friday: 8am-NoonPayment Plans, most insurance accepted.

Specializing in:

Layaway Available / No Interest Payment PlansAccepted By All Cementeries / Home Appointments Available

“Creating Everlasting Memories”

NuecesMoNuMeNts

~361.452.2366~2501 S.P.I.D, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78415

WWW.NUECESMONUMENTS.COM

OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

HablamosEspañol

Monday-Friday: 8:00am-6:00pm • Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm

Find us on Facebook

• SOLAR LIGHTS• DATES OF DEATH

• PICTURES & VASES

• BENCHES• MONUMENTS

• MARKERS• BRONZES


Christina Kubala VelazquezOwner + Instructor

tumbling +cheer prep +adult tumbling +toddler tumbling + todder cheer prepPrivate tumbling/ cheer lessons +Hip hop dance class + Competitive cheer teams ages 4-18 +College competitive cheer teams

6801 Weber Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78413(B) 361.334.2774 (C) 361.774.0112 /// [email protected]


Documents

Inspire Coastal Bend Medical August/September 2014