Monthly Archives

January 2020

Valentine’s Day Painting Party on February 13th!

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. To prevent heart disease and increase awareness of its effects, Partners in Health is proudly participating in American Heart Health Month.

Please join us for our upcoming Art for the Heart event on February 13th at 5:30-7:30 pm. Click here to RSVP.

It has actually been proven that art lowers cortisol (the “stress hormone”) in short time spans of  painting.

A local guest artist, Beth Rinke, will be present during this event showcasing her art. To learn more about the artist and her work, check out her website

Our office will be providing canvases, paint, and brushes to guide you through the painting of your personal canvas. Participants will be able to leave with the piece of art they created. ♥

You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease. To lower your risk:

  • Watch your weight.
  • Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
  • Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
  • Get active and eat healthy.
  • Visit with your doctor regularly.

 

ART for the HEART Event: February 13th!

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. To prevent heart disease and increase awareness of its effects, Partners in Health is proudly participating in American Heart Health Month.

Please join us for our upcoming Art for the Heart event on February 13th at 5:30-7:30 pm. Click here to RSVP.

A special guest host will lead a step-by-step instruction of painting a canvas. Our office will be providing canvases, paint, and brushes. Participants will be able to leave with the piece of art they created.

You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease. To lower your risk:

  • Watch your weight.
  • Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
  • Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
  • Get active and eat healthy.
  • Visit with your doctor regularly.

 

January’s Fitness Tip: Resistance Bands

Resistance Bands are an easy on-the-go alternative to working out at the gym. These bands are cheaper than most regular gym equipment and are easy to travel with. Resistance bands increase flexibility and decrease risk of injury due to the ability to control finer movements.

A set of 5 resistance bands can be purchased on Amazon for a low as $10! This set here includes varying strengths to optimize your workout needs. This single piece of equipment is all you need to create a remarkable range of exercises for the entire body.

  • Efficient Workout: Loop Resistance Bands increase the effectiveness of your exercises. Ability to use for a range of workouts, from glute and hip activation, strength techniques to integrate seamlessly with every workout program such as Yoga and Pilates. 
  • Multifunctional: The resistance band can be used to exercise all parts of muscles such as arms, chest, abdomen, glutes and legs, also good for Physical Therapy, Recovery or to increase Mobility.
  • Gym-in-your-pocket: The exercise bands take up little space so that you can use them at home or carry on the way, such as in office, on a vacation, even can utilize while watching TV at home.
  • Constant Resistance: Whereas free weights create a gravitational force, resistance bands work on creating a constant full range of motion for each exercise. This improves your coordination and balance as you build strength.

Click here for a more in depth look into practicing these exercises!

January’s Featured Recipe: Turkey Chili

Ingredients

  • 1 lb of ground turkey
  • 1 can black beans
  • 1 can red beans
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 can corn
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 medium sliced onion
  • 1 can peeled tomatoes
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • Several pickled jalapenos (if desired)
  • 1 packet of chili seasoning
  • 1 packet of taco seasoning

Directions

  1. Saute ground turkey, onions, garlic and taco seasoning
  2. Transfer ground turkey mixture to a large pot with remaining ingredients – stir to combine
  3. Salt and Pepper to taste
  4. Bring chili to a boil and simmer for 3-4 hours (if wanting to slow cook) or serve immediately
  5. Garnish with preferred toppings

Garnishes: Avocado, tortilla chips, sour cream and shredded cheese

Free Skin Cancer Screenings with Dr. Hollmig – March 25th

I am happy to announce that I am partnering with Dr. Tyler Hollmig, who is one of the top dermatological specialists in Austin. Dr. Hollmig will be offering free skin checks to my concierge members as a special, added value service on Wednesday, March 25th at our office. When caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable. Routine Skin Cancer exams are extremely important in detecting abnormal skin lesions early. Our skin is constantly evolving as we age, and extrinsic factors such as the sun can have a detrimental effect on our skin. Studies show that early exposure to excessive sun at a young age can potentially cause skin cancer later in life. To protect your skin against the sun’s harmful rays, wear a broad-spectrum 30 SPF for higher sunscreen every day. Seek shade as often as possible and wear clothing that shields the sun’s rays as often as possible. 

Skin exams are recommended at a minimum of once a year, but with a personal for family history of skin cancer, skin checks are recommended more frequently. If you notice any suspicious spots on your skin or your partner’s skin, or anything that is changing, itching or bleeding, see a board-certified dermatologist.

Dr. Hollmig trained at Stanford University and is currently the Director of Dermatology Surgery and Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology for UT Dell Austin. He offers advanced, highly aesthetic and surgical reconstructions, along with Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology, including treatment of wrinkles, sun damage, red and brown spots, scars, unwanted skin lesions, birthmarks, unwanted hair, and other aesthetic therapies. 

To learn more, either give us a call at 512-453-3542 or email us at info@partners-in-health.com to schedule your skin check today! 

Wednesday, March 25th 5:30 – 7:30 PM

*Offer for current concierge members of Dr. Roxana Rhodes only*

Dermatology Partnership – Info Session Jan 23

Join us for our January Information Session on Dermatology.

Dermatology and Aesthetics was one of our most requested topics in our annual member survey. I am happy to announce that I am partnering with Dr. Tyler Hollmig, who is one of the top dermatological specialists in Austin. Dr. Hollmig will be guest lecturing to our practice on the importance of routine skin checks in order to maintain proper skin health and appearance. Dr. Hollmig will be offering free skin checks to my concierge members as a special, added value service. 

Dr. Hollmig trained at Stanford University and is currently the Director of Dermatology Surgery and Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology for UT Dell Austin. He offers advanced, highly aesthetic and surgical reconstructions, along with Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology, including treatment of wrinkles, sun damage, red and brown spots, scars, unwanted skin lesions, birthmarks, unwanted hair and other aesthetic therapies. Dr. Hollmig will be providing information on utilizing laser treatments that are both safe and effective for everyone in treating various skin conditions. 

To learn more, either give us a call or email, or attend our information session January 23. Wine and snacks will be provided. 

Thursday, January 23rd 5:30 – 7:00 PM

To RSVP for this event, please click here.

Can’t wait to see you there!

Ceder Fever is Here – Practical Advice

You may have had the same experience – you look outside at the lovely hills around Austin, and are very alarmed to see clouds of “smoke” rising from many of the trees. After some closer inspection, it is apparent this is not a wildfire – it is just clouds of pollen rising from our local Juniper or “Mountain Cedar” trees. For many of us, this can be a very disturbing sight as we have developed a significant allergic reaction, locally known as the Cedar Fever. If you are new to these symptoms or to life in Austin, here is a short guide on what to do.

Symptoms

Cedar Fever affects each of us differently, and tend to get worse with time. Symptoms can include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, cough, headache and sinus congestion. Cedar Fever can easily be confused with the flu or a cold, and can persist over many days.

Treatment

There are a number of ways to treat this condition.  Over the the counter antihistamines, decongestants, or nasal sprays can help ease some symptoms. If your symptoms are severe, contact our office for more aggressive treatment options like steroids. Chronic suffers may benefit from a referral to an allergy specialist, which I can can help with.

Prevention

Here are some tips on minimizing the symptoms.

  • Keep windows and doors closed
  • Make use of your heating/cooling system and it’s filtration system, and change the filter frequently using HEPA grade filters
  • Dust frequently and use a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner.
  • Bathe pets frequently to avoid spreading pollen from their fur
  • Drive with car windows closed
  • When outside, cover over your nose and mouth with an allergy mask
  • After being outdoors, be sure to shower and change clothes. Changing bed sheets frequently can also help.

This condition is not any fun. If you are suffering, please get in touch with me – you don’t have to suffer needlessly.

Roxana Rhodes MD

A Virtual Tour of Our Offices

If you have never been to our location before, you can now see a 360-degree tour of our offices. Click below and click your way through our spacious and comfortable offices to get a feel for our location and personalized brand of medicine.