Texan ENT Specialists - December 2020

Texan ENT Specialists - December 2020

TexanENT.com

512.550.0321

DECEMBER 2020

Main Office:

Satellite Office:

1180 Seton Parkway, Suite 330 Kyle TX 78640

1009 W. San Antonio Street Lockhart, TX 78644 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month

‘EAR, NEWS, AND THROAT’

I’M FEELING HOPEFUL ABOUT THE PANDEMIC

It’s safe to say this year hasn’t gone how we expected! It hasn’t been easy, but as we finish this 12th and final chapter in a year marked by a pandemic and a tumultuous election, I know I’ve learned a lot from the experiences I’ve been through — good, bad, and uncertain. As you may remember, I shut down Texan ENT for over a month this past spring as we all tried to understand COVID-19 and how we could protect ourselves from it. After all, I spend my days looking into noses and mouths — the main source of the virus! Other than dentists, ENTs probably have the highest risk of any health provider not directly working with hospitalized COVID patients. So, as the last week of April approached, I started accepting patients back into the office with safety precautions for everyone. These precautions included universal masking and handwashing, extra cleaning, HEPA air scrubbers in exam rooms, and UV lamps turned on between patients. We’ve come a long way since then! Turns out, when we take reasonable precautions and have patients who are willing to do the same, we can continue to offer care safely and effectively. Knock on wood! As of this writing, no one has caught COVID-19 in my office in more than six months of post-pandemic business: myself, the office staff, or any patients. Ironically, the pandemic was fairly good for my family’s health. Audrey started preschool in August 2019, and along with this major milestone came a nonstop series of colds and ear infections. The whole family got sick every month from August to February, but as soon as we had to keep Audrey home, all the illnesses disappeared. I guess all it took was a pandemic for my family to stop having an epidemic of our own!

I’m grateful that my family and staff have made it this far into the pandemic and remained healthy. I’ve heard stories from a few of my patients who had and recovered from COVID-19, but for the most part, my patient family has remained healthy. To me, this proves that the safety measures we’ve taken as a team at Texan ENT and with my own family at home are working to lower risk for us all. After six months of experience, I am confident that patients are very safe receiving care in my office. And I’m feeling hopeful about the pandemic. The number of cases may be on the upswing again — at least at the time I wrote this article — but there continue to be advancements in the treatment and understanding of this disease. COVID-19 is still dangerous and best avoided, but the chances of death and severe disease have steadily dropped as treatments get better. Excellent progress is underway on a vaccine (some of that work right here in Texas). For those interested, the November edition of Texas Medicine magazine has a great article on the topic of the COVID vaccine (TexMed.org/texasmedicine). More people are surviving COVID-19, and that’s very reassuring. We’re certainly not out of the woods yet, and there has been plenty of tragedy already with an uncertain amount more to come. We have to continue with reasonable safeguards in place and move forward together, but it is reassuring to see how far we have come. As I look back on this year, I’d be remiss if I didn’t highlight how much has changed for my family. Renee and I welcomed Claire in August, and she’s growing more every day. She just started smiling at us and noticing us when we walk into a room. That’s a wonderful feeling for any parent. It’s really amazing.

Audrey and Claire are ready to blast off into 2021!

Audrey will be 3 this month and is full of energy, joy, and curiosity. And last but not least, we moved into our new house in October! I don’t recommend moving and having a newborn at the same time, but we’re very happy with both additions (and looking forward to things calming down)! I am hopeful that 2021 will be much smoother than 2020. I hope we can all go back to a more normal life. But whatever happens, I cannot wait to watch my girls grow, make new memories in our home together, and continue serving my patients.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

–Dr. Seth Evans

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Building a snowman is one of the most picturesque winter activities, which is why snowmen have become a wintertime cultural icon. A snowman appeared on the very first postcards, was the subject of some of the earliest photos, and even starred in silent movies. Frosty may be a happy snowman now, but his ancestors have a much more varied — and sometimes dark — history. The Middle Ages Snowmen were a phenomenon in the Middle Ages. They were constructed with deep thought and great skill because, during a time of limited means of expression, snow was a free art supply that literally fell from the sky. These artistic feats were popular winter attractions for well-to-do couples who wanted to get their fix of temporary art. Snowmen were often created by famous artists, including 19-year-old Michelangelo who, in 1494, was commissioned by the ruler of Florence to sculpt a snowman in his mansion’s courtyard. The Miracle of 1511 In Brussels in 1511, during six weeks of subzero temperatures called the Winter of Death, the city was miraculously adorned with hundreds of snowmen. The spectacle told stories on every street corner — some political and some demonstrating anger with the church, many too risque to speak of. For the people of Brussels, this Miracle of 1511 was a defining moment of artistic freedom. But when spring came and the snow thawed, the Belgians were left with damaging floods. The SchenectadyMassacre Not all snowmen have an innocent history. In 1690, former Fort Schenectady in upstate New York was home to a remote Dutch settlement, which was under the constant threat of attack. Soldiers guarded the gates at all times because they were frozen open, but during a blizzard, they left a pair of snowmen to protect the gates while they sought shelter. That's when 200 French Canadian soldiers and Native Americans approached. Naturally, they were unfazed by the snowmen and ruthlessly invaded the settlement. Building a snowman seems like a simple and charming activity, but after learning about its surprising history, you might find those piles of snow seem a little more complicated and a lot more meaningful than before.

ThatWon’t Kill Your Savings Ah, the holidays. It’s a time of sweet treats, family, and giving back — and sometimes giving a little too much. When it comes to the perfect holiday gift, many people spend too much money. The average American spends nearly $1,000 on gifts during the December holidays alone! 3 Gift-GivingTips

It’s possible to cut back and make it to January without major debt. Here’s how.

Check your list — twice! The list is going to be your secret weapon to tackling the holidays with your savings still intact. Start by writing down the name of every person you’d like to get a gift for. Now, with the exception of your immediate family members, narrow the names down to your top five — top 10 if you’re really popular. Now, place the names of the people who didn’t make the cut into a second list. If you still feel the need to do something for them, send homemade cookies or a handwritten note instead of purchasing something. This limits how much you actually have to spend! Think beyond store-bought or expensive items. Sure, everyone wants this holiday season’s “it” item, but sometimes the best gifts don’t even come wrapped under the tree. Instead, look to your own talents as a clue to what you should give. If you’re a great crafter, create something unique for the people on your list. If you can offer the gift of time, provide a free night of babysitting for your friends with kids or an experience at the local theater. These gifts have a bonus factor: Recipients love the gift when they open it, and they love it when they get to use it! Set a budget — and stick to it. Setting a holiday budget ensures you only spend what you can afford. It also narrows down your search. If you choose to buy your neighbor something, but they aren’t your top priority, set their budget at a lower level, like $25– $50. If you have a sibling who has had a rough year and you’d like to make their holidays a little brighter, bump their budget up. This narrows the focus of what you’re looking for so you don’t stumble into something you can’t afford. Ultimately, it’s the spirit of giving during the holidays that makes them so rewarding. With a little ingenuity, you can be generous and avoid the stress of excess debt come January.

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3 Surprising Conditions Your ENT Specialists Can Treat ‘My ENT Doc Can Do That?!’

Frequent Nose Bleeds Sure, “nose” is in the job description of an ENT, but we bet you didn’t know that chronic nosebleeds can be treated! Regular nosebleeds don’t come from one common source. Your home’s air might be too dry, you may be picking at your nose too much, or you may have a deviated (crooked) septum or serious allergies. Regular nosebleeds could also point to potentially deadly diseases, like leukemia. An ENT can determine the cause of your nosebleeds and effectively treat them or recommend you to a specialist for more serious causes. Thyroid Disorders Located at the base of your neck, your thyroid is a vital component of your body’s endocrine (hormones) system. Its role is to regulate

your body’s metabolism, which aids in the digestion and storage of nutrients and fats. When the thyroid is damaged or diseased, this can result in weight fluctuation, hair loss, fatigue, emotional distress, and joint and muscle pain — none of which point to an ENT problem at the outset. But because of the thyroid’s location in the body and its immense power, many ENT doctors are well-versed in diagnosing and treating thyroid problems. Treatment often includes medication or surgery. ENT doctors may have a distinct area of practice, but they can offer diverse treatment services to patients in need of specialized care. Learn more about what our very own Dr. Evans can treat by visiting TexanENT.com and call the Texan ENT Specialists office to schedule an appointment!

When you think of your friendly neighborhood ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor — Dr. Seth Evans, ahem — what do you think of? Chances are, you think they just treat ear infections and allergies, but ENT doctors are also well-versed in a variety of conditions. These three specialties just might surprise you! Asthma Asthma sufferers have constricted airways that are commonly filled with mucus, making it extremely difficult for them to get the oxygen they need. An ENT can diagnose asthma and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that will help a patient lead a full life. This may include medication, an action plan for an asthma attack, and treatment for potential side effects, like a scratchy throat from coughing.

HAVE A LAUGH

NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S FRUITCAKE INSPIRED BY SIMPLYRECIPES.COM

Ingredients

• • •

1 tsp baking soda 1 cup sour cream

•

1 cup nuts of your choice, chopped

• • • •

1 cup sugar

1 egg, room temperature

3 1/2 cups mixed dried fruit of your choice, chopped

•

2 cups all-purpose flour, divided

Zest of 1 orange

1 tsp salt

•

1 stick butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with greased baking paper. Ensure the piece running the length of the pan stands 1 inch above each side to form “handles.” 2. In a small bowl, mix baking soda and sour cream. 3. In a second bowl, combine fruit, nuts, and 1/4 cup flour. 4. In a third bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, zest, and sour cream mixture. Then, add remaining flour and salt. Mix, then add fruit mixture. 5. Pour batter into lined pan. Fill up a separate loaf pan halfway with water. Bake both pans in oven for 1 1/2–2 hours or until a skewer leaves the cake clean. 6. Use “handles” to remove cake from pan and cool completely on a rack before serving.

512.550.0321

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

1180 SETON PARKWAY, SUITE 330 KYLE, TX 78640

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Page 1 Pandemic Lessons and Hope for 2021

Page 2 The Surprising History of the Snowman

3 Fool-Proof Ways to Pay for the Holidays Without Going Broke

Page 3 Did You Know Your ENT Doctor Can Treat These 3 Conditions?

Not Your Grandma’s Fruitcake

Page 4 A Word From the Westies

Hours: Monday–Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

IzzyTeaches You How to Protect Your Pet FromHoliday Disasters TREES ARE NOT TREATS!

I’m taking over the column this month because I’m the most experienced dog in the house! I’ve been around long enough to enjoy quite a few holidays with my family, and I’ve learned a lot about Christmas trees in that short time. So, as you deck the halls this season, I want to offer a few reminders for keeping your pets safe from holiday disasters. Dangerous Decor We love twinkling lights and ornaments, too, but likely not for the reasons you humans enjoy them. Dogs may see ornaments as chew toys, and the cords for string lights are perfect for gnawing! Our feline friends may even try climbing the tree. All of this can be dangerous. Dogs and cats could swallow glass, ingest harmful chemicals from paint on ornaments, knock the tree over, or shock themselves by chewing on lights. The best way to avoid these dangers is to hang ornaments and lights out of your pet’s reach, tape cords to the

floor, and use citrus or aluminum foil to deter your cat from climbing the tree.

Real Trees Can Be Poisonous Dogs love the outdoors, but they don’t understand that this tree you’ve suddenly brought into the home isn’t meant to pee on, nor is it a fun new toy. If a dog or cat ingests pine needles or slurps up water from the tree base, they could be exposed to fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals. Plus, pine needles can be mildly toxic! Anytime your pet eats something they shouldn’t, there’s the potential of irritants and life-threatening conditions. Other Little Concerns Using an artificial tree doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. Old artificial trees can break, and those pieces can be harmful to pets who choose to chomp on them. Hooks used to hang ornaments can be dangerous if swallowed or latched into a dog’s

wagging tail, while ribbons and gifts just below the tree can become choking hazards! If your pet just can’t seem to leave the tree and its effects alone, you may need to consider alternative options, like placing a smaller tree somewhere they can’t reach. I hope these tips help you prevent possible disasters this holiday season. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

Izzy (and Emma, too!)