Texan ENT Specialists - January 2022

Texan ENT Specialists - January 2022

TexanENT.com

512.550.0321

JANUARY 2022

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’

CREATING SYSTEMS, NOT GOALS How I’ve Achieved My NewYear’s Resolutions

A few years ago, I read what I believe is the best self-help book out there, “How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big” by Scott Adams. He created the comic “Dilbert” and has a lot of unusual and interesting skills. In his book, he argues

My other resolution was to read fiction books only. I like to read, but over the past 20 years or so, about 80% of the books I’ve gotten through are nonfiction. Many of them are educational or self-help, but I got burned out on it — and I figured that by now, whatever self-help I was going to learn, I should have learned already. I stuck with my goal to read only fiction, and I managed to read over 50 books. I particularly enjoyed “Dune.” I had read it in college, but I didn’t remember much. Now that I've gotten re-acquainted, I can say that it’s an all-time classic. I also really liked “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir; it was just a really fun story. I feel pretty good about what I accomplished in 2021, so hopefully, I can keep the momentum going in 2022. As I’m writing this, I haven’t completely finalized my resolutions, but I want to focus on meditation and calming my mind. Between COVID-19, a new baby, and a flooded house, the last two years have been stressful. I’ve become more spiritual as I’ve gotten older, and I’d

that most people go about self-improvement all wrong. In general, people set goals when what they need is to create systems. The problem with setting a goal is what most of us do after we meet it. We tend to drop the good habits that got us there, and we might celebrate that 20-pound loss by buying a box of doughnuts. In the blink of an eye, all the progress is gone. So, instead of saying you’ll lose 20 pounds, you should decide to eat only unprocessed foods and drop simple carbohydrates from your diet.

It took a while, but I’ve worked to implement that mindset when I’m setting New Year’s resolutions.

A lot of people have trouble sticking to their resolutions, and I’m no exception. In years past, I’d set way too many goals for myself and fall flat on all of them. I’ve learned that I can’t have 10 resolutions because I simply won’t do them. So, in 2021, I made two.

like to make meditation a daily practice.

If you have any resolutions for 2022, remember that the process should be about setting yourself up for lasting change, not meeting an arbitrary goal — as my own experience confirms. You’ll make more progress that way. Best of luck in making whatever changes you’re hoping for, and here’s to a great new year.

The first was to get healthy and start eating better. As I’ve shared in previous newsletters, I’ve been pretty successful at that. I started exercising almost immediately in January, and when I got vaccinated, that opened up more exercise options. Over the summer, I worked on improving my eating habits. I’ve built up a good foundation to keep these routines going into 2022.

–Dr. Seth Evans

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Thanks to the chaos we’ve experienced since 2020, many design experts are looking to create spaces that are calm, welcoming, and grounded. Enter one of the biggest design trends of the 2020 s : neutral, natural elements.

Here are some easy ways to bring nature inside and boost your home’s look without overspending.

The obvious option is to add more houseplants. And plants don’t have to be difficult! Consider your home space, first. How much light do you get? Is it a dry or humid home? How likely is it that you will remember to water a plant? Bring these concerns to your local nursery, and they will help you find the perfect leafy friend(s) to fill your space. Then, opt for pieces that won’t decay. When choosing new decor for your home or when updating your knickknacks for the seasons, look for wooden or natural items that don’t have a life cycle. Fake plants, wooden statues and picture frames, and piles of stones or vases with rocks can bring the richness of the great outdoors into your home with little effort and can be reused each season. Now, look to your backyard! If you have a big pine tree that produces pine cones each year, don’t let those go to waste! Baskets or vases filled with pine cones can be great fall and winter decor pieces, while lots of clever crafters have made wreaths, scent diffusers, and other fun items with pine cones found in their yard. Just be mindful of what you take from nature. Don’t take anything of value to the ecosystem, and don’t grab items from state or national parks. Finally, utilize windows. Part of embracing natural design elements is letting nature do the talking! Focus your design in each room around windows. For instance, fix plant displays near windows or hang bird feeders in trees you can see through your windows. If you really want to get cozy with the outdoors, consider installing a skylight! To find more inspiration, take a walk and discover how Mother Nature has designed her space. Bring those ideas into your home and enjoy the comfort of the great outdoors within your own great indoors.

SAVING THE LIVES OF HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS' PETS

Veterinarian and animal advocate Dr. Kwane Stewart, known in his docuseries as “The Street Vet,” has his own veterinary practice in Modesto, California, but still makes a point to help the pets of the homeless population in town for free. He began this selfless act of heroism in 2011 after the Great Recession hit and has since helped well over 400 animals, even tending to a Burmese python at one point! About 25% of Modesto’s homeless population own a pet, and back in 2011, Dr. Stewart noticed that many needed medical attention. This tugged at his heart strings. Knowing that many would come for free pet medical attention if he set up a table near a soup kitchen, Dr. Stewart jumped at the opportunity. What he thought would be a one-time event eventually turned into a regular act of heroism. Now, Dr. Stewart has the ability to step in and save the day for both the pet and owner at no cost. Dr. Stewart has found that the bond between homeless individuals and their pets is unlike any that he sees in his office. “Keep in mind that they are with their pet every minute of every day,” he says. “That’s not the case with most of us.” He notes that seeing these special pet patients makes him feel as if he has a superpower. Dr. Stewart recalls that growing up, he wanted to be either a vet or Batman, and now, he gets the best of both worlds! Dr. Stewart often spends his spare time wandering the streets in search of pets that need his help, offering free vaccinations and medical care. He notes that the homeless population is just like us, but they have fallen on hard times, and their pets are their companions and lifelines. In helping the pets, Dr. Stewart builds a special bond with their owners. To be able to make a difference in the lives of sweet, innocent animals and their owners is the most rewarding type of work — the dream job Dr. Stewart could have never even conjured up before he selflessly started living it.

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UNDER PRESSURE

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SINUS INFECTIONS

Have you ever had a cold that just wouldn’t go away? If so, you probably suffered from sinusitis, more commonly known as a sinus infection. The condition affects about 1 in 8 adults every year. Sinuses consist of four paired cavities in the head, connected by narrow channels. Their job is to produce a thin mucus, which then drains out the nose. This process helps keep the nose clean and safe from bacteria. But sometimes, the sinuses become blocked with fluid, leading to an infection. Sinusitis usually begins with a cold, which introduces a virus or bacteria to the sinuses. When the virus or bacteria multiplies, it prompts the sinus lining to swell and prevent the sinuses from draining normally. Most patients suffer acute sinusitis, which involves cold-like symptoms and

pain or pressure around the face, head, or eyes. Chronic sinusitis, which lasts for 12 weeks or longer, has similar symptoms but can also result in thickened nasal drainage or a loss of smell. In cases of acute sinusitis, unfortunately, treatment most commonly involves waiting it out. Viruses, not bacteria, cause about 98% of acute sinusitis cases, which means antibiotics won’t help. A sufferer’s best course of action is to use over-the-counter painkillers and nasal sprays, and most infections resolve within four weeks. If, however, a patient has recurring acute sinus infections, it’s wise to visit an ENT for possible treatment. Chronic sinusitis has a different cause and, therefore, requires a different approach. The cause of chronic sinusitis is more likely to be inflammation

than infection. An ENT may prescribe nasal irrigation or steroid sprays to help with symptoms. Treatment might also involve addressing the root cause of the sinusitis, such as allergies, asthma, immune system problems, or nasal polyps. Because the coronavirus pandemic is still with us, you should always get a COVID-19 test at the onset of cold-like symptoms. If you’re given the all-clear and your symptoms last for months — or if you believe you’ve been suffering from multiple sinus infections per year — schedule an appointment with Texan ENT. Dr. Evans will review your case and make recommendations to ease your pain and help you breathe easier. HAVE A LAUGH

CHICKEN AND LEEK FILO PIE Inspired by GoodHousekeeping.com

Ingredients

• • • • •

3 oz unsalted butter, divided 2 large leeks, finely sliced 2 large carrots, finely chopped

• • • • •

2 tsp Dijon mustard 3 tbsp heavy cream

12 oz cooked chicken, cut into chunks

1 tbsp flour

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

14 oz chicken stock, warmed

12 sheets frozen filo pastry, thawed

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In a pan over low heat, melt 1 oz butter. 3. Add leeks and carrots and cook for 15 minutes, until softened but not colored. 4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. 5. Gradually add chicken stock, stirring until sauce is smooth, then let simmer for 10 minutes. 6. Stir in mustard and heavy cream, then add cooked chicken and parsley. Transfer to a large ovenproof dish.

7. In a pan, melt remaining butter. 8. Put a single filo sheet on a board and brush with melted butter. Scrunch up pastry sheet and place on top of chicken mixture. Continue until pie is covered. 9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the filo is golden and chicken mixture is bubbling.

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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 Dr. Evans Shares New Year’s Resolution Tips

Page 2 Add More Nature to Your Home in 4

Simple Ways! The Street Vet

Page 3 Sinus Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Chicken and Leek Filo Pie

Page 4 A Winter Word From the Westies

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

Indoor Games to PlayWithYour Dog PUPSICLE SEASON

Follow the Leader Some dogs want to be with their owners all the time. The humans call this “separation anxiety,” but we just

It’s winter, and it's getting a little chilly. We hear it’s a lot warmer in Texas than in some other places, but it can still get pretty cold at night. Just like humans, some of us love the winter, and some of us want nothing to do with it. But we need exercise year-round! If your dog prefers hiding under the blankets to getting their paws cold, we’ve got some ideas for games you can play indoors. Hide-and-Seek Some humans may not think dogs are smart enough to play hide-and-seek, and to be honest, we’re a little offended. Dogs can definitely learn hide-and-seek — you just need to help us understand the rules. Start by telling your pooch to “stay” and then go to another room. Once you’re there, say “release” and wait for your pup to find you. Once they get the hang of the game, you can start hiding in harder places. They’ll love sniffing you out. A New Trick We love to make our humans happy, and we know you get super excited whenever we learn a new trick. If your dog already knows how to shake hands and roll over, there are plenty of more advanced tricks you can teach them. We like this game because we get a lot of treats whenever we do a good job. And our humans look so proud of us when we show off what we can do!

happen to really love you! If your best friend likes

to be wherever you are, they’ll probably love playing follow the leader. Other dogs might need some motivation, like holding a treat or a toy. Walk around the house and let your dog come after you — so you’ll both get exercise. Try changing speeds and finding new paths, but be aware of your dog’s limitations. (Some of us have short legs.)

Thanks for helping to keep us happy and healthy in the winter! Soon, it will be spring and we can go back to playing fetch.