Swisher Healthcare August 2017

AUGUST 2017

3941 FM 2181, Corinth, Texas 76210 940-202-1218 www.nerveandlaser.com

TravelingWithout Fear WHEN TREATMENT HITS CLOSE TO HOME

Last month, I was able to check Japan off my travel list. My family took a big trip to Asia, and it was a memorable experience. I always have a blast with my wife and son, but this trip was special because we were joined by Suzanne’s parents, her brother, and our nephew, too! None of us had ever been to Japan before, so that was exciting. Connor is super into Pokemon, and he’s been looking forward to visiting the country where it came from since we first planned the trip. We also spent some time in Vietnam, where my in-laws grew up. As you can guess, being in Vietnam was very different than being in Japan, but no less fun. Big family vacations are hectic, but you always come home with some great memories. We were especially glad that my father-in- law was able to enjoy the trip alongside us. For a while, we worried his health would get in the way. My in-laws are both hairstylists. They run their own salon and have literally spent the last 30 years on their feet for 10 hours a day, every day. Some time ago, my father-in-law developed neuropathy and began to suffer a great deal of pain in his legs and feet. He went to a bunch of different doctors, who all prescribed a ton of medication and told him he would just have to learn to live with the pain and change his lifestyle to cope. Lucky for him, his son-in-law is a man who developed a process to help reverse nerve damage. During the six months leading up to our trip, my father-in-law came into the office for treatment. He worked hard to be up and about longer and regain his ability to walk without pain. Our goal was to have him back in “fighting shape,” or as close to it as possible, before the big family trip. We knew there’d be a lot of walking, and my father-in-law didn’t want to let pain keep him from touring a country he’s never visited before or introducing his grandsons to the place he grew up. I have helped many patients overcome the pain of their neuropathy, and I enjoy hearing stories from thankful patients who were able to walk on the beach with their spouse or keep up with their grandkids at a theme park. However, this was the first time I got to see that experience firsthand. It’s always humbling to hear how you’ve

“… my father-in- law didn’t want to let pain keep him from touring a country he’s never visited before or introducing his grandsons to the place he grew up.”

helped improve someone’s life, and I’m grateful I was able to help my father-in-law improve his, so we could all fully enjoy this trip. My son and nephew now have these amazing memories of their grandfather being able to explore Japan with them and show them Vietnam; my wife visited new countries with both her parents; and my father-in- law enjoyed every moment and didn’t have to worry about finding a place to sit down every few steps.

Spending this precious time with our family is so important, and it’s devastating to hear about patients whose nerve pain keeps them from embracing these moments. We have such a limited time, and wherever we go on this earth, I want my patients to enjoy every moment with the ones they love. Nerve pain shouldn’t get in the way of making new memories.

– Dr. Bao Tha i

Call Now! 940-202-1218 • 1

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com

GET POPPIN’ Shake Up Movie Night With Crazy (Healthy) Popcorn Recipes Popcorn is considered to be a fairly healthy snack by most experts, especially when compared to other salty treats, like corn chips. Unfortunately, microwave popcorn is another matter. Many popular popcorn brands use trans fats, which the Centers for Disease Control estimate are related to 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths annually. Additionally, a study from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health identified a connection between the chemical diacetyl, used to flavor microwave popcorn, and cases of lung disease in workers at popcorn factories. For popcorn lovers, the answer is clear: Make popcorn yourself! Pour ¼ cup of popcorn kernels into a regular brown paper bag, fold the top of the bag shut tight, then pop in microwave for about two minutes, or until popping slows to a second between pops. Voila! Fresh popcorn with no factory chemicals. If you’re craving some fun flavors, try these simple recipes. Traditional Butter Melt 2 tablespoons of butter, then drizzle it along the sides of a brown paper bag. Pour your already popped popcorn into the bag until it’s half full, close the bag tight, and shake vigorously. In no time, you’ll have perfectly buttered popcorn!

Cinna-sugar Bliss This is a great recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar to 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Drizzle onto the edges of a brown paper bag, add popped popcorn, and shake well! Sriracha Sesame Celebration Here’s to the adventurous popcorn lovers! Combine 1 tablespoon Sriracha, 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Sprinkle half over popcorn and shake well inside of bag. Repeat with remaining mixture.

Whether you’re preparing for a movie marathon or need an after-school snack, any of these recipes will be a tasty alternative to the chemicals saturating microwave popcorn. Enjoy!

Testimonial

I am Ronnie Cox, and I live in Granbury, Texas. I am a registered pharmacist and have practiced for 48 years. My profession requires standing in a small space at least 10 hours a day for 40 hours a week. In 1987, I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. More than 10 years ago I developed severe pain and muscle cramps in my feet and legs, diagnosed as diabetic neuropathy. When I heard about Dr. Thai and the opportunity to experience his newly developed protocol, I was very encouraged. My pain has decreased from a level nine to level two. The 160-mile round-trip commutes (three to four hours depending on traffic) one or two times a week are productive and rewarding with this therapy. Dr. Thai is honest and straightforward in the assessment and treatment process. Dr. Thai and his wonderful staff personally give you mental and physical encouragement with each visit, as well as a phone call. The protocol equips me with the skills and knowledge to remain free from neuropathic pain in the future. I am convinced that this program will extend my quality of life for decades.

– Ronnie Cox

2 • www.nerveandlaser.com

MEET JENNY

My name is Jennifer Zapata, and I have been a proud member of Dr. Thai’s team for about two years. I have worked in the medical field over the last three years, since graduating from Flower Mound High School. I am now continuing my education at Texas Tech University while working part time. My favorite part about working at Swisher Healthcare is witnessing firsthand each of my patients’ lives improving. In my spare time, I like to do yoga and spend time with my friends and family. You can call me Jenny!

Grilled Mexican STREET CORN

SUDOKU

Recipe inspired by seriouseats.com.

Make the most of these remaining summer weeks and take dinner outside to the grill! You don’t need to visit the fair for this delicious, classic street food.

INGREDIENTS

• •

1 medium clove garlic, minced ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro leaves

• • •

¼ cup mayonnaise ¼ cup sour cream

½ cup finely crumbled feta cheese ½ teaspoon chili powder

• •

4 ears corn, shucked 1 lime, cut into wedges

•

DIRECTIONS

1. Set burners of gas grill to high heat and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. 2. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese, chili powder, garlic, and cilantro in large bowl. Stir until well combined and set aside. 3. Place corn on hot grill, rotating occasionally. Grill until cooked

through and charred in spots on all sides, for about 8 minutes. 4. Transfer corn to bowl with cheese mixture and use large spoon to evenly coat each ear on all sides. Sprinkle with extra cheese and chili powder and serve immediately with lime wedges.

Call Now! 940-202-1218 • 3

3941 FM 2181 Corinth, Texas 76210 940-202-1218 www.nerveandlaser.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1

Traveling Without Fear

Crazy (Healthy) Popcorn Recipes Testimonial

2

3

Office Spotlight Grilled Mexican Street Corn

4

Google’s Smart Spoon Provides Independence

Smart Spoons Rescue Dinner Scientific Innovation Helps Provide Independence

Anupam Pathak wants to end the embarrassment experienced by the 11 million people with essential tremors or Parkinson’s disease when they sit down for a meal. The limited motor function associated with these conditions turns eating into a stressful ordeal, and the University of Michigan Ph.D. student took steps to remedy the problem. He founded Lift Labs, and developed a device to help individuals with tremors eat easier. Dubbed Liftware Steady, motion sensors in the computerized handle detect which direction the device is pulled and moves the utensil attachment in the opposite direction, negating shaky motion. First released in 2013, in less than a year, the popularity and success of Liftware attracted the attention of Google, who quickly acquired Lift Labs. With the additional support, Lift Labs launched a second product in December 2016 to address the needs of individuals with limited hand or arm movement. The new Liftware Level uses sensors to detect motion in 3-D space and move a flexible joint to keep the utensil attachment at the right angle. Like its predecessor, the Level proved to be a meal saver, especially for people with Huntington’s disease or those who have suffered from a spinal injury, cerebral palsy, or post-stroke deficits.

Both the Liftware Steady and the Liftware Level are available at liftware.com, where starter kits sell for $195. The concept of a smart spoon may make some people scoff, but for those who use Liftware, the device means more than just keeping their shirt clean while eating hot soup; it renews their independence and confidence. “Once you start to lose the ability to function independently, there’s a huge emotional toll ... people will often just avoid going out in public.” Pathak plans for this technology to be adapted to any hand-held device, from keys to makeup brushes, and wants to help people of every ability level enjoy more independence.

4 • www.nerveandlaser.com

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com