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TexanENT.com
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SEPTEMBER 2020
Satellite Offices:
601 A 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
‘EAR, NEWS, AND THROAT’
AUDREY’S ROCKY ADVENTURE
What DoWe Not Put in Our Nose?
As an ENT doctor, quite a bit of my time at the office is spent removing rocks, beads, and the heads of action figures from kids’ noses or ears. Since having a child myself, I knew it was only a matter of time before I found myself on the parents’ side of that experience. A few weeks ago, Audrey decided to make our afternoon walk a lot more exciting by shoving a rock into her nose. It started out as a regular outing; Renee and I walked with Audrey and our dogs to a park near our house. The day was hot, so we found a nice bench in the shade where we could rest and discuss where we wanted to get dinner. Audrey played in the gravel next to us when we noticed her getting agitated and messing with her nose. Renee jumped to an accurate conclusion first.
“Oh no, did she put something in her nose?”
at the children’s hospital. It was a long wait, but of course, by the time the ER doctor arrived — and looked in Audrey’s nose — the rock was gone.
I turned on my cellphone flashlight, shone it up Audrey’s nose, and yep, there was the rock. It wasn’t a very big rock, thankfully, and it hadn’t been shoved too far, but I was still concerned. I know the potential horror stories that can come from that kind of situation. While uncommon, it’s still possible for objects that have been shoved up a child’s nose to end up in their lungs. That’s a much bigger problem. We headed back home to where I tracked down a bobby pin. Obviously I don’t have any of my instruments at home, but I hoped to use the bobby pin to roll the rock out. It didn’t work and the situation was becoming more stressful for everyone involved. Audrey screamed her head off and I was starting to worry that I might have accidentally pushed the rock farther into her nose. A bobby pin wasn’t going to cut it. I’ve taken rocks out of kids’ noses countless times, but it’s a pretty uncomfortable experience for the child. If Audrey was going to be in pain while having the rock removed, I didn’t want to be the one causing her pain. Our only option was to put on our masks and head to the emergency room
Thankfully, it did not end up in her lungs. We’re pretty sure it went back into her throat and she just swallowed it. We spent 2 1/2 hours sitting around in the ER for nothing, but that’s certainly better than the alternative. I’ve been in this situation a lot as the doctor, so it was interesting to see it from the other side, as the parent of a curious child. I don’t know why little kids shove things up their nose or in their ears, but it’s something almost every child does. They’re exploring and trying to figure out how their body works, I guess. Fortunately, I’ve found that
after a kid puts something into their nose or ear once, they don’t do it again. Renee and I did spend a few days reminding Audrey that rocks don’t go in her nose or ears. We think she’s learned her lesson, but I’m sure this is an adventure we’ll eventually have to repeat with our new baby. –Dr. Seth Evans
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Kids these days face so many more distractions from academics than their parents did. It’s not as easy to focus on homework when TikTok, YouTube, and all sorts of video games beckon. Instead of trying to prevent screen time, why not allow students to engage with technology that will help promote their learning rather than distract from it? Here are three tools to help students at different age levels get the most from online learning. BEANSTALK While Beanstalk is an online learning tool, the beauty of it is that the classes and videos aim to pull kids “out of the screen to do real-world physical activities.” These include science experiments, building projects, and more. Experienced teachers provide engaging lessons and learning tools, and many of them are free. EDUHAM What better way to learn about the history of our nation than through one of the nation’s most popular musicals? “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda launched this learning platform in 2016 along with the show’s director and in partnership with The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. EduHam is a free digital program for students and their families that provides history lessons on the Founding Era of the United States. It also brings art into the mix —Miranda shows students how to create their own performance pieces based on primary source documents, which they can then share in the app. The program is geared toward students in sixth through 12th grade, though everyone is welcome to participate. FIVEABLE For high school students, the most looming challenges include the SAT and Advanced Placement (AP) exams that are so important for college. Enter Fiveable, the amazing free resource that houses thousands of livestreams, study guides, trivia games, and other resources for 15 AP subjects. Started by a former teacher, Fiveable is passionate about giving students the resources they'll need to be successful now and into the future. With so many resources out there, students can use technology in plenty of ways to help them be successful. Here’s to a fall season full of learning!
AN INTRODUCTION TO TURMERIC’S HEALTH BENEFITS People have raved about many superfoods over the past few decades, but one that’s garnered notable attention is turmeric. Fittingly known as the golden spice due to its orange-yellow hue, turmeric is famous for being a crucial part of Indian cuisine, ayurvedic medicine, and Chinese medicine. But does turmeric actually help people? And if so, how? Let’s start with the basics to find out. What’s in turmeric? First, it’s important to know what the spice contains and why researchers are so excited about it. Turmeric is packed with a chemical known as curcumin, which has been shown to provide anti-inflammatory effects, pain relief, antioxidants, and a decrease in the risk of cancer. Pro Tip : You should not consume excessive amounts of turmeric if you take medication that has blood-clotting effects, such as aspirin. However, a moderate amount typically doesn’t react with these or other medications and has many other benefits. Can it improve joint health? In many cases, yes! The Arthritis Foundation recommends taking a 400–600-milligram tablet of turmeric up to three times daily. Multiple studies cite turmeric’s ability to reduce inflammation and relieve arthritis pain, and one study even notes that turmeric seemed to work just as well as ibuprofen (Advil) for people with arthritis in their knees. Participants in that study took 800 milligrams of turmeric every day. Can it help the liver? Yes. One of the spice’s most notable characteristics is its powerful antioxidant abilities. Antioxidants play an important function in our bodies. The average person is exposed to refined and processed foods, smoking, environmental pollution, and chemicals found in pesticides and drugs. Turmeric can protect the liver from damage due to these toxins, which also aids those who take strong medications known to cause long- term liver damage. Can it decrease symptoms of hay fever and depression? Some symptoms, yes. The curcumin in turmeric can help reduce hay fever symptoms like sneezing, itching, runny nose, and congestion. When used in tandem with antidepressants, turmeric may help reduce symptoms of depression. There are many benefits to using turmeric in your weekly meal routine. Try out some Indian or Chinese recipes or prepare some Instagram- worthy golden milk. In whatever you make, enjoy the rich flavor combinations turmeric offers! THE POWER OF THE GOLDEN SPICE
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4 Ways You’re Making Sleep ApneaWorse Without Knowing It
2. Drinking or smoking before bed. Many people believe that drinking a little alcohol before bed will help them sleep better. While that nightcap might help you fall asleep, people who drink alcohol later in the evening tend to wake up more throughout the night. Additionally, nicotine and caffeine are stimulants that can also harm your sleep and make it harder to fall asleep in the first place. 3. You’re too stressed. Stress is a normal part of life, but chronic stress can have a negative impact on your overall health, including your sleep. People who are overstressed report having more trouble falling asleep and consequently experience poor sleep quality. While you can’t completely avoid everything that stresses you out, you can control how you respond to stress.
Sleep apnea is a medical condition that can be improved or worsened by certain lifestyle choices. Though sleep apnea can cause poor sleep quality, the condition of sleep apnea can be made worse if you have an unhealthy approach to sleep. Here are four ways you could be making your sleep apnea worse every night. 1. You have a poor bedtime routine. Your approach to sleep and bedtime can greatly impact the quality of your sleep each night. It’s important to develop a healthy bedtime routine that promotes good sleep. Turn off your devices at least 30 minutes before bed, give yourself a chance to wind down, and go to bed at the same time every night. Invest in your sleep by getting a good mattress and comfortable pillows that help you relax.
Calming activities like meditation, exercise, and journaling can help you destress before bedtime.
4. There’s too much light in the room. Circadian rhythm, the biological process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, is greatly influenced by light. Having too much light in the room can disrupt sleep. A small night light is usually fine, but try to avoid leaving the hallway light on or falling asleep with the TV on. Your sleep may also benefit from getting blackout curtains to prevent outside light from coming in through the windows. If you are working to manage your sleep apnea with a nightguard or CPAP machine, make sure you are not also working against yourself by indulging in the wrong habits. Make smart choices about your health and your sleep.
HAVE A LAUGH
Easy Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
INSPIRED BY EATINGWELL.COM
Who says a loaded potato has to clog your arteries? In this healthy version that serves four, a sweet potato base is topped with fiber- rich bean salsa.
Ingredients
• • • • •
1 tsp cumin
• • • •
4 medium sweet potatoes
1 tsp coriander
1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup sour cream
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
1. With a fork, prick each sweet potato a few times. Microwave the potatoes on high 12–15 minutes, or until cooked through. 2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the beans, tomatoes, olive oil, cumin, coriander, and salt. When the potatoes are done, microwave the mixture on high for 2–3 minutes. 3. Cool potatoes slightly, then cut each potato open lengthwise. Pull the halves apart to create space to spoon the warm bean salsa inside. 4. Add a scoop of sour cream to each potato, garnish with cilantro, and serve!
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1180 SETON PARKWAY, SUITE 330 KYLE, TX 78640
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Page 1 It Finally Happened
Page 2 The Best Educational Tools to Help Students Succeed
The Power of the Golden Spice
Page 3 4 Things People with Sleep Apnea Should NEVER Do
Easy Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Page 4 Word From the Westies
A CANINE LESSON PLAN Hours: Monday–Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Izzy & Emma’s Favorite Facts About Dogs
only run 35 mph, they can maintain that speed for 7 miles, making them great long-distance runners.
It’s the time of year when kids go back to school to learn about math, science, and history. All of these things are very important, but we think the school lesson plans are really lacking in canine education. To remedy this terrible oversight, this month we’re sharing our favorite important dog facts!
5. Dogs inspired some of the most iconic characters in cinema. The Wookiees and Ewoks from “Star Wars” were inspired by George Lucas’ real-life dogs. The Ewoks were inspired by the Brussels Griffon and the brave Wookiee Chewbacca was inspired by Lucas’ own Alaskan malamute named Indiana. 6. A bloodhound’s sense of smell is so good that it can be used as evidence in court. A human only has around 400 types of scent receptors in their nose. Bloodhounds have nearly 300 million receptors! Because of this, they’re able to follow tracks that are over 300 hours old.
1. Dogs aren’t colorblind. Contrary to popular belief, dogs don’t just see in black and white. We can all see shades of yellow and blue!
2. The oldest dog breed in the world is the Saluki . Salukis were the favorite dogs of Egyptian pharaohs; experts believe that the breed dates back at least 5,000 years. 3. The song “A Day in the Life” by The Beatles includes a frequency only dogs can hear. It’s said that Paul McCartney recorded the high-frequency 15-kilohertz tone for his sheepdog, Martha. 4. A greyhound could beat a cheetah in a marathon race. Cheetahs are the fastest land animal on earth, but they can only keep up their 70 mph sprint for a few seconds. While greyhounds can
We hope you enjoyed this lesson in canine trivia! Go learn something new this month.
Izzy& Emma
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