Drs. Kenneth Renney, Mark Maffet, Timothy Sitter and David Braunreiter.

Four Methodist Sugar Land Hospital physicians have been selected to serve as medical directors for the upcoming Southland Conference baseball tournament, scheduled for May 22-25 at Constellation Field in Sugar Land.

Drs. Mark Maffet, Timothy Sitter, Kenneth Renney and David Braunreiter of the Methodist Center for Sports Medicine Sugar Land and Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas will be on hand throughout the tournament, overseeing medical care to players from the eight Southland Conference schools that qualify for the four-day event.  Dr. Maffet and Dr. Sitter will also provide interviews during the tournament’s championship game, which will be broadcast on ESPN3.

“The Methodist Center for Sports Medicine Sugar Land provides care and treatment to a number of local high school, college and professional sports teams, and we are looking forward to serving the Southland Conference and its member schools throughout the tournament,” said Dr. Maffet.

The four selected physicians are fellowship trained in the diagnosis and advanced treatment of sports medicine injuries. Dr. Maffet and Dr. Sitter are orthopedic surgeons who sub-specialize in knee and shoulder surgery and Dr. Braunreiter and Dr. Renney are primary care sports medicine physicians specializing in the medical and orthopedic management of athletes.

“Methodist Center for Sports Medicine has a long history of involvement in sports as the official health care provider for the Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Houston Dynamo, Rice University and Rodeo Houston,” said Dr. Sitter.  “Our participation in the Southland Conference tournament is a natural fit and we are excited about being a part of the event.”

Tickets for the Southland Conference tournament are available for purchase in person at the Constellation Field box office, by phone at 281-240-4487, ext. 300, or online at www.sugarlandskeeters.com.

Peter Fenelon and Dr. Nicholas Desai

Peter Fenelon of Sugar Land traveled more than 8,000 miles for the adventure of a lifetime.  But when his trip was cut short due to a medical emergency, he found the specialized care he needed right in his home town, thanks to Dr. Nicholas Desai and the Advanced Wound Care Clinic at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

In December 2012, Fenelon celebrated his graduation from the University of Texas by heading to Nepal with three college buddies for a 15-day hike around the Annapurna Mountains near Kathmandu.  Though the first few days of the once-in-a-lifetime trip went well, blizzard conditions eventually forced the quartet to make a slow, difficult leg of the hike through thick snow at high altitudes.  What was supposed to be an eight-hour trek took 15 hours in freezing temperatures.

After crossing the Throng La mountain pass, the group rested for the evening.  But when Fenelon removed his boots and socks, he realized he was in trouble. His feet were severely swollen, and a guide immediately recognized signs of frostbite.

“I honestly thought that the main issue was that my feet were very swollen from all the walking,” Fenelon says.   The guide, however, convinced him that he needed medical care, and called for a medivac helicopter to take Fenelon and another hiker with a milder case of frostbite to the hospital.

Fenelon spent four days in a nearby hospital receiving treatment when a doctor told him he had to go home to receive additional treatment because he could not continue traveling. But, he warned, it was possible that he would eventually have to have all of his toes amputated.

After a painful, 30-hour flight home, Fenelon began seeing Dr. Desai at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Advanced Wound Care Clinic.  Dr. Desai put the young patient on a rigorous treatment plan that included twice-a-day hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions of two hours each.

In hyperbaric oxygen therapy, patients are enclosed in a specially designed, pressurized chamber where they breathe 100 percent oxygen.  “Breathing pure oxygen under pressure increases the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, where it is delivered to damaged tissues,” says Dr. Desai.   “The increased oxygen flow speeds up the growth of new blood vessels and collagen, both of which are necessary for healing.  The therapy can actually preserve tissue that otherwise would die.”

The hyperbaric oxygen therapy led by Dr. Desai and the Advanced Wound Care Clinic’s team of physicians saved Fenelon’s feet.  “Over four weeks, I watched my toes progress slowly from a dark blue, very scary color to pink and red and even flesh colors,” Fenelon says.  “I have been absolutely thrilled with my progress.”

Fenelon’s injuries still required the amputation of his big toe and a portion of the little toe on his left foot.  But the alternative was far worse.

“There are tremendous social and psychological costs to losing a limb,” says Dr. Desai.  “And there is a financial cost, as well. The typical diabetic amputation requires 24 months of ongoing treatment and costs approximately $60,000.  We can treat a patient in two weeks and save the limb if the patient presents to us in time.  We have seen some remarkable results occur very quickly and very efficiently.”

Once used solely to help deep water divers recover from the “bends,” or decompression sickness, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is especially useful for treating wounds and injuries in patients who have diabetes, damaged tissue due to radiation treatment or blood clots, traumatic injuries to the extremities and infections of the bone or skin.  The key is to seek treatment early, says Dr. Desai.

“Most wounds should heal within four weeks,” he explains.  “If you have a wound that is lingering past that date – even if it doesn’t appear to be serious – hyperbaric oxygen therapy can make a difference.   And the sooner we start, the more likely it is that we can preserve tissue or save a limb.  Early detection leads to better results and improved quality of life.”

One of the keys to the Advanced Wound Care Clinic’s success is its multi-disciplinary approach to treating patients.  The clinic’s medical team includes 10 physicians who specialize in a range of medical fields, including vascular care, infectious diseases, neurology, plastic surgery, podiatry and more.   “One patient, one chart and 10 physicians,” says Dr. Desai.  “Because a slow-healing wound is often a sign of an underlying medical condition, each of us is involved with every patient, and we work together to ensure that we are developing the best treatment plan for each patient’s unique situation.  Our communication with one another and with our patients is critical to achieving success.”

The Advanced Wound Care Clinic is onsite at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, which allows for easy access to imaging and lab services if needed. “We can use all the available technological resources and medical expertise here at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital to help our patients, which is something offsite clinics can’t match,” says Dr. Desai.

Most importantly, he says, it is critical for the community to understand the value that the Advanced Wound Care Clinic at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital can provide.

“We have the ability to prevent many of the amputations that are taking place these days … but only if we see the patient in time,” he says.  “The average diabetes patient, for example, waits 16 months before seeing a doctor for wound or ulcer treatment, because there is a real lack of public awareness about hyperbaric oxygen therapy and how it can prevent tissue and limb loss. If a person has a cut, scrape or other wound that is not healing properly after 28 days, that is an emergency and the individual should seek help.  The good news is that we can often heal the wound and help the patient return to normal activity in just a short time.”

To make an appointment with Dr. Desai or Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Advanced Wound Care Clinic, call 281-275-0770.

By Rebecca J. Mulvany, CEO

On May 1, The Eclectic Companies will open our doors each Thursday, Friday and Saturday so the Fort Bend Community can come and utilize the several services we offer from our new 8,000 square foot facility at the corner of Hwy 90 and Industrial Boulevard in Sugar Land.

Our new logo represents pieces of a puzzle joined to create a complete image – Estate Sales, Lean Six Sigma Services, Contract Personnel Service, Professional Development Training and Community Support.  In our case, our existing business of estate sales has led us to utilize remainders for Community Support Services designed to give back to the needy in Ft. Bend.  The pieces joined become a holistic approach to life in our community where success is shared and community needs are served as business helps strengthen main street commerce.

To that end we will offer no-cost use of our facilities to Fort Bend charitable and not-for-profit organizations; free training in the practical arts which you will see announced in the Community Calendar of the Fort Bend Star each week; mentoring and tutoring of students from our schools who need academic assistance by public school and university educators; art and music instruction for disadvantaged students – all a no cost to the student or the tax payer.

So watch us carefully, and if we earn your good will and support, join us as a customer, a patron or volunteer in community service.  We believe this is just “common sense uncommonly applied.”

At The Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity ReStore WE NEED YOU!  We’re looking for dedicated volunteers to assist with sales and various tasks in our home improvement thrift store where we offer a wide range of building materials and furnishings and we stock new and like-new items at deeply discounted prices available for sale to the general public.

The Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity ReStore utilizes its proceeds from the sale of these items to support Fort Bend Habitat’s building goals.

We also support sustainability by diverting construction and household materials from the landfills and protecting the environment.

There’s something for every volunteer at the Fort Bend Habitat ReStore!

For more information or to volunteer please call (281) 403-0708 or email ReStore@fortbendhabitat.org.  We are located at 13570 Murphy Rd, Stafford.

Make your health a priority and join us to learn more. Located at Word of Restoration Christian Fellowship, 7620 FM 521, Rosharon, TX

. For more information please call 281-431-5930 or email specialevents@worcf.org.

Shown is Carl Hicks, M.D., Joint Reconstructive Surgeon.

Joint replacement is one of the most common orthopedic surgeries performed today, with the hip and knee being the most frequently replaced joints. In fact, knee replacements have doubled in the past decade, and not just among the elderly.

Joint replacement may not be the best solution for everyone. Many factors will determine whether trading in your aching joint for a stronger, better, faster replacement is the right step for you.

“Joint deterioration has a number of causes,” says Carl Hicks, M.D., board certified joint reconstructive surgeon with Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas (MOST). “Injuries, autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and the general wear and tear that occur over time may all take a toll on the body’s joints, causing pain and inhibiting motion.”

“The severity of your condition will likely be a significant factor in the decision to have joint replacement surgery,” he said.

Alternatives to surgery

Depending on the cause of your joint pain, medications, physical therapy or aids such as a brace may be effective treatment options.

Your age

Little research has been done on the long-term effectiveness of joint replacement for a younger, more physically active generation. Prosthetic joints typically last only 10 to 15 years, making younger candidates more likely to need additional surgeries.

Your general health

Certain diseases, such as high blood pressure or heart and lung disease increase the risks associated with surgery. Osteoporosis and bone or joint deformity may affect joint replacement success.

Your weight

Obesity can prolong recovery and affect the durability of the new joint.

Free seminar

Join us for a free Joint Replacement Seminar presented by Dr. Carl Hicks. April 25, 6:00 p.m. at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Conference Center. There will be refreshments and door prizes for attendees. Call 281-274-7500 or email SLRSVP@tmhs.org to reserve a seat.

Members shown are: Suzette Peoples (top left) Barbara Nachlas, Anne Pencak, Maureen Sanders,Krista Smith, Back of the Car: Sally Berlocher, Charla Zerbe Driverside: Stephanie Rammrath (in the car), Debbie Cortez, and Elisa LeDoux.

Fort Bend Aggie Mom’s Club are selling tickets for their scholarship raffle. This year the grand prize is a 2013 Camaro! Tickets are $100 each, and only selling up to 500 tickets. Those are great odds!

Second prize is an offshore fishing trip for three people; third prize is two nights at the Victorian Condos in Galveston donated by Becky Hall with the Fort Bend Star Newspaper with a rental car, fourth prize is a 46″ LED HDTV! (Sears).

If you would like to purchase a ticket please let us know. Remember, this is a tax deduction if you don’t win. Call Barbara Nachlas at 281-242-7743 or Stephanie Rammrath at 281-265-9026.  E-mail: ftbaggiemoms@gmail.com.

Drawing will be held April 13, 2013 at Texas A&M.

Malcolm Host, Donna Host and Chai.

Recovering in his room after surgery, patient Malcolm Host received a powerful pick-me-up when he was able to see a familiar face with a cold, wet nose.

Host received a visit in the hospital by his dog, Chai, a 6 year old toy poodle. Chai’s trip to the hospital was the first personal pet visit at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital (MSLH), facilitated by PAWS Houston. Typically, pet therapy involves the use of animals that do not belong to the patients.

“This is wonderful of MSLH to coordinate this visit.  To me, having her here makes all the difference in the world,” Host said, as he stroked his dog’s ears.

The pet visitation program allows personal pets to visit their owners in the hospital for a short time, usually about an hour. The program provides an extra measure of support for patients.

“Because they give comfort and unconditional love, pets have a special place in their families’ hearts,” said Patricia Lewis, Director of ICU at MSLH.  “Enabling a patient to see his or her favorite pet is like medicine for the soul. It lowers blood pressure and pulse as well as improves the patient’s sense of well being.”

The Methodist Hospital System works in partnership with PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support) Houston, a locally based nonprofit group, to make sure pets have proper vaccinations and temperament to make such a visit.

A wonderful PAWS Houston volunteer met Chai at the front entrance, evaluated her temperament and facilitated the visit. Mrs. Host brought Chai in a pet carrier to the 6 East Unit where Mr. Host was receiving care.  When Host’s little white dog jumped on his lap, his face lit up with happiness.

PAWS Houston was founded in 2002 and now serves all major hospital in the Texas Medical Center and several community hospitals. The program facilitates hospital personal pet visits as well as helps low-income people living with disabling illnesses to keep their pets by providing pet food, veterinary care, grooming, dog walking, emergency foster care and community education.  Services also include care for a patient’s pet at home while the patient is hospitalized.

“Pets have strong bonds with their masters,” Lewis said.  “Seeing, touching and talking to their own pet in the hospital is a powerful gift for these patients, at a time when they really need it the most.”

To learn more about Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit MethodistSugarLand.com or to learn more about the PAWS Houston program, visit pawshouston.org.

Ready to prove you’ve got the best chili in Fort Bend? Don Kerstetter, onwer of Classic Chevrolet says, “Bring your Hot, Sweet, or Non-Traditional (won by the Curry Cup last year) to our third annual Chili Cook-Off on April 11, for a chance to win cash, trophies, and serious bragging rights. Teams need to submit the $50 entry fee and to register in advance by calling the Classic Chevy at 281-969-4132 or emailing Patty Werner pwerner@classicchevysugarland.com. Then you and your team can bring the heat or the sweet…three gallons of your best chili for the competition along with decorations for your booth.” Shown from l-r are: Sgt. Ed Aldredge, Sgt. Marty Morales, Don Kerstetter, Archie Bell, and Officer Charles Krachala.

How did famous R&B Musician Archie Bell get a gig judging the best chili in Fort Bend? He says, “I was driving around San Antonio and my car starting acting up. I called my lawyer, David Showalter, and had him set up a meeting for me at Classic Chevrolet.

Over the years I’ve dealt with a lot of people and plenty of dealerships, but there’s no other organization like Classic Chevy. After I met the owner, Don Kerstetter, he made me a deal I just couldn’t refuse on a Chevy Cruze…and that was just the beginning.

He told me about the events they had lined up at Classic Chevy, like signings with J. J. Watt. Don’t get me started on the Texans…if they tighten up I think next year could be our year! I told Don I’d love to get involved with some of their events.

Then he really got me interested in the Chili Cookoff! I’ve been doing this kind of thing for years even when I was performing as Archie Bell and the Drells…and I’m excited to get involved for the Sugar Land Police Department. They asked me to be a judge..and who’s going to say no to chili? ”

Officer Marty Morales says, “We’re very thankful to Don and Classic Chevrolet for hosting this successful event. Last year 1,500 people attended…and we expect even more this year! With the money raised in 2012 we were able to provide scholarship for students from Dulles, Kempner, Clements, and Fort Bend Baptist High schools. Community involvement is a huge part of the Sugar Land Police Department…and it’s a huge part of the culture at Classic Chevy, too!”

More interested in eating than competing? Mark Kolon, General Sales Manager, says, “A $2 donation for admission, benefiting the Police Fund will get you into the event for all the chili you can eat (don’t forget a pocket full of dollars to vote for your favorites!). We’re happy to accept additional donations over the $2 at the door…and all proceeds will go right to the Sugar Land Police.

Any and all expenses for this event are covered by Classic Chevy! They will have a Soliz Casa De Tacos Jalapeno Eating Contest, a Chicken drop, and a Fort Bend Chamber Dunking Booth with some high profile faces to dunk.

Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land is located at 13115 Southwest Freeway.