Texan ENT Specialists - February 2018

Texan ENT Specialists - February 2018

TexanENT.com

512.550.0321

FEB 2018

‘EAR, NEWS, AND THROAT’

T his Valentine’s Day, I hope everyone has the opportunity to do something special to celebrate. For some of us, this might mean a romantic candlelit dinner with our partner; for others, it’s a perfect excuse to treat yourself. Personally, Valentine’s Day is one of the many opportunities I have to celebrate the relationship I have with my wonderful wife, Renee. Ever since we first met, Renee has been someone I can share a laugh with. She has the best sense of humor and is always a joy to be around. One thing we have in common is our love of dumb comedies. Her favorite movie of all time is “Dumb and Dumber,” and not only can she quote every line, she can also sing the background score! It’s so much fun to observe her as she watches that movie. Renee is also incredibly crafty — the home improvement projects she takes on are crazy! For example, she can take an old cabinet, saw the legs off, put on new legs, and paint the whole thing. When she’s done, it looks better than anything you could find at IKEA! I’ll help; but ultimately, she’s the one in charge. Everything that looks good in our home is the product of Renee’s hard work. She’s recently started her own interior design business, which is perfectly aligned with her interests and passions. Before starting her own business, Renee was a pharmacist. Since we both worked in the medical field, you might assume that’s how we met. However, we ran in different social circles, and there’s a good chance we never would have crossed paths. Thank goodness for Match.com! On our first date, we got a drink together, “Every day, I am reminded how lucky I am to have such an amazing woman in my life.” Why I Proposed in the Dark SOMEONE TO LAUGH WITH

and everything was like magic. We laughed and enjoyed a great conversation. There was nothing complicated about it. Within the year, I knew Renee was the woman I would marry. I was so certain, I even proposed exactly one year after our first date. I told Renee the evening would be a sort of deja vu of our first date. In reality, I planned on surprising her by going to a fancy restaurant for dinner. Then, we would head back to my apartment, where we could go out on the 10th floor balcony that overlooked the river. At sunset, I would propose. As it turns out, I’m not that sneaky, and Renee suspected there would be a proposal that evening. Wanting to look her best, Renee went and got her hair and makeup professionally done. As I have learned, this sort of thing can take longer than originally planned, and in this case, Renee’s appointment ran over two hours. We made it to dinner at the restaurant just fine, but by the time we reached the balcony, it was long after sunset. I ended up proposing in the pitch black. But she said yes, and that’s the important part! Every day, I am reminded how lucky I am to have such an amazing woman in my life. This Valentine’s Day, Renee and I have another reason to celebrate our relationship with the birth of our daughter, Audrey. We’ve entered a new chapter in our relationship, and I couldn’t be more excited!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

–Dr. Seth Evans

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FALL IN LOVE WITH FITNESS THROUGH DANCE When you get ready to exercise, the last thing you probably think to wear is a bow tie or evening dress. If that’s the case, then it’s time to broaden your approach to fitness and step out onto the dance floor. The wide world of dance might hold the secret to exercise that you — and your partner — will actually enjoy! Whether you enjoy a romantic waltz, an intimate salsa, or a fun swing, dance promises a full-body workout. Your legs, glutes, back, core, and even arms are engaged when you feel the music. A study from the University of Brighton in England found that dance can burn 600 calories per hour, depending on the intensity of the dance, which is as much as running for an hour! In addition to toning your muscles, dancing also improves balance and coordination. Your brain is engaged as you memorize the steps and spins, a health perk you miss when you’re on the treadmill or lifting weights. Don’t have a partner willing to join you on the dance floor? No problem! Many dance classes anticipate having solo students and arrange for partners to cycle through, so everyone has the opportunity to practice. Of course, ballroom dance isn’t your only option for a fun workout. If relying on a partner isn’t your style, there are plenty of other dance genres you can groove to. Consider trying K-pop (Korean pop music), Zumba, hip-hop, ballet, tap, and even belly dancing, if you’re feeling adventurous. With dance, exercise becomes an activity you look forward to. You no longer need to treat exercise as a dreaded chore week after week. Even if you have two left feet, remember that dancing is an acquired skill. With a willingness to learn, over time, you could dance circles around Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Get your groove on today and search for dance studios in your area, look for lessons at your local community center, or find instructional videos online and bust a move right in your living room. When it comes to dance, if you’re having fun and moving, you’re doing it right.

Spices and herbs add much more than flavor and aroma to your favorite beverages and treats. They also offer many health benefits. When properly utilized, these spice rack staples can ease a variety of symptoms. Ready to find your new holistic health kick? Read on. Nutmeg This spice, known for its earthy, nutty flavor, has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Want to calm nagging pain? This spice has been used to treat joint pain and arthritis. It can even be used to remedy bad breath. Nutmeg is most potent when it’s freshly grated, so it’s recommended you purchase whole nutmeg seed, found in most specialty food stores. You can incorporate nutmeg into your diet by taking it as a supplement in capsule form or simply sprinkling it into your next chai tea. Your achy joints will thank you. Ginger This root is an essential natural anti-inflammatory. It can help ease an upset stomach and finally tame your nausea. You can safely eat it raw, candied, as a supplement, in tea, or in baked goods. Ginger is most effective when it’s ingested raw or in capsule form. If you have morning sickness, raw ginger might do the trick. Just ask the people of ancient China. Like many spices, ginger’s use as a supplement goes back centuries. Southeast Asian countries used it to ease their own common ailments. Call it tried and true. Peppermint You can use peppermint as an essential oil, steep the leaves for tea, or take a supplement capsule. Each form comes with its own benefits. As an essential oil, peppermint is great for treating colds. It’s a mild decongestant, and it helps with coughs and stuffed-up noses. It also soothes sore throats and headaches. Rub one or two drops under your nose, on your temples, or over your sinuses and feel the relief wash over you! Even further, a study published by The BMJ found that when administered as a capsule, peppermint helped reduce the symptoms of IBS in a majority of patients.

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Heart Disease Oxygen deprivation puts a great deal of strain on your veins, and both high blood pressure and heart disease are common side effects of sleep apnea. The American Heart Association warns that individuals with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to suffer from a heart attack. Type 2 Diabetes Increased glucose and chronic fatigue are common symptoms of sleep apnea. These are both conditions that can contribute to Type 2 diabetes. For this reason, the International Diabetes Federation warns of a strong connection between Type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. The organization cautions that sleep apnea may make it more difficult for diabetics to manage their condition. Stroke Strokes are the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States. It’s suspected that many stroke victims may also have untreated sleep apnea. The American Stroke Association found that patients with untreated sleep apnea are three times more likely to suffer from a stroke than patients who do not have or are properly treating sleep apnea. If you hear a loved one’s loud, erratic snoring, or if people have complained about your own snoring in the past, take this as a warning sign. There are many treatments for sleep apnea, and Dr. Evans can help you find the best one suited for your lifestyle. The longer you wait to treat sleep apnea, the faster your health will deteriorate.

CANARY IN THE COAL MINE The Not-So-Silent Dangers of Sleep Apnea

On a scale of 1 to 10, how much of a problem would you rate snoring? Maybe around a three, possibly a six if your bed partner happens to be the one who snores? Most people will rank snoring alongside a stubbed toe; it’s annoying, but there’s no reason to go running to your doctor. However, if you or someone you know snores on a regular basis, your ENT doctor is exactly who you should call. Loud and erratic snoring is often a symptom of a real, life-threatening condition: sleep apnea. Around 18 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder in which the air passages become blocked during sleep, causing suffocation. Individuals with severe sleep apnea stop breathing over 30 times per hour. These regular episodes of oxygen deprivation wreak havoc on the body and can lead to other dangerous health risks.

LAUGH! HAVE A

Sweet and Zesty Detox Salad Hoping to shave off those extra holiday pounds or keep up with your New Year’s resolution? Look no further than this easy winter detox salad!

Ingredients

Recipe inspired by GimmeSomeOven.com.

For the Dressing: •

For the Salad: •

1 large carrot, roughly chopped

3 cups chopped kale leaves 2 cups chopped broccoli florets 2 cups chopped red cabbage

• • • • • • •

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil

• • • • • • •

1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger

1 cup matchstick carrots 1 cup chopped cilantro

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon white miso 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds

1/3 cup sliced green onions

1 diced avocado

Directions

1. To make the salad, add all ingredients to a large bowl; toss to combine. 2. To make the dressing, add all ingredients to a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper or add extra honey for a sweeter taste. 3. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve immediately.

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Satellite Offices: 601A Leah Avenue San Marcos, TX 78666 Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 1009 W San Antonio Street Lockhart, TX 78644 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month

1180 SETON PARKWAY, SUITE 330 KYLE, TX 78640

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Page 1 She Makes Me Laugh

Page 2 3 Holistic Remedies Hiding inYour Kitchen

Page 2 Exercise for 2?

Page 3 Can SnoringThreatenYour Health?

Page 3 Whip UpThisWinter Salad in a Flash!

Page 4 The Most Romantic Destinations on Earth

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

The Best Valentine’s Getaways TO FANTASIZE ABOUT

and your partner can kick back on a balcony overlooking the entirety of this seaside town, taking in the century-old multicolored Italian architecture perched precariously on the verdant mountainside. Too small to accommodate swarms of tourists, it’s the perfect place to while away the hours ambling from shop to shop, sampling the delicious local cuisine, and maybe taking a dip along the 300-meter beach. The Maldives From a water villa smack dab in the midst of the glassy, ultra-blue Indian Ocean, you and your main squeeze can enjoy utter seclusion. Sip champagne in the shade of a palm overlooking an otherworldly sunset or get a little more adventurous, strap on a mask, and check out the abundant aquatic wildlife. Many hotels in the area even include access to an array of boats, perfect for your own private excursion along the mild waves. Of course, you could also always just stare, dumbfounded, into the horizon, wondering how such a place could actually exist on Earth.

Valentine’s Day is for fancy dinners, heart-shaped boxes packed with subpar chocolates, and fantasizing about the magical places you and your beau would have escaped to — if only you had the PTO. So, grab a glass of bottom-shelf cab sauv, cuddle up next to your special someone, and try to make them feel bad for taking you to Chili’s instead of whisking you away to one of these picturesque fantasy lands. Udaipur, India These days, meandering through the cobblestone streets of Paris with your loved one is très passé . All the real high-rolling romantics are migrating southeast to the famous Oberoi Udaivilas hotel in western India. Set in a traditional Mewari palace, visitors will feel like royalty as they stroll around the labyrinthine gardens that surround the elaborate cream-colored structure. Travelers can relax beside one of the many glassy pools sprinkled throughout the estate, all of which are enthusiastically attended by an unparalleled service staff. Positano, Italy More than perhaps anywhere in the world, this place looks like it was lifted straight from a sappy romance novelist’s imagination. You