The Academy of Sports Dentistry (ASD) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) both recommend using a properly fitted custom mouthguard when playing team sports. Dr. Khan says, “In high contact sports such as football, athletic mouthguards have been used for years to offer protection to the oral cavity. But recently, certain custom mouthguards have been found to also offer some protection against concussions.”

“HCG is absolutely amazing! When I started the program, I was 174lbs, frustrated and not happy AT ALL with the way I looked or felt. I have always been active...but once I hit my mid 40's, it was like Mother Nature was against me! I got big in my face, belly, hips, and thighs. And my energy level was almost 0. No matter what I did, I just couldn’t lose the weight. And the scale kept going up! I heard about HCG, did some research on it, and decided to give it a try.”

This isn’t some “one-size-fits-all” place that promises to “zap” your veins and give you a facial. At the Vein Specialist of Houston, you’ll get a thoughtful examination by a board-certified vascular surgeon...and a choice of treatment options.

“There’s no perfect contraception...only the one that’s best for you. Some women can’t tolerate hormones...but they still have their fertility. The copper IUD Peraguard is 99 percent effective, provides birth control for ten years, and is completely hormone-free (the only other hormone-free option is condoms!).”

When does your “sick day” turn into an emergency? Dr. Orsak says, “The state of Texas has adopted "the prudent layperson standard”...so if you think your symptoms are serious enough to go to an emergency room, then that constitutes an emergency. If you’re coughing up blood, have a fever of 103 or higher, have bluish tinged lips, or are confused and disoriented, come in and let our doctors make the diagnosis.”

“Delaying dental treatment today puts you at risk for more expensive and extensive (and painful!) dental work down the road,” says Dr. Lomonte. “Plus, if you’ve already had some work done this year, chances are you have met your deductible…so it pays to have the additional work done before year end…because like the yearly maximum, the deductible also resets on January 1!” As an added bonus, health flexible savings account money can be used to pay for your portion of any dental work. And as we all know, like dental plans, FSAs are also “use or lose it”!

Remember...your dental benefits and health savings account may be running out on January 1st. Dr. Sanchez says, “With so many changes going on in the world of health insurance, please use your benefits now, if you have them. We’re open more Fridays in November and are waving your deductible on treatment (if you have insurance). We want your kids to use every benefit they have for stronger, happier smiles...while there’s still time!”

When you need medical care, you need the other kind of caring, too...the kind that warms your heart and lifts your spirits. “That’s what really sets our team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and support personnel apart,” says Bindu Varghese, Director of Therapy Operations at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Sugar Land. “We all share a passion for caring for others!”

Can you remember when you last saw the dentist? Take advantage of this gentle reminder and use your dental benefits...before the end of the year. Dr. Nguyen says, “Going to the dentist should be easy, convenient, and make you feel like smiling!”

Enjoy the friendly, personal atmosphere of a neighborhood dental office...with all the benefits you’d get from several specialists. Whether dad needs an implant, mom wants whitening, or your teenager needs braces, Dr. Cook can handle it all...and more! She says, “I consider it a real privilege to care for families. Protecting your smile and the health of your teeth makes every day special.”