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By Sally Crocker for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM)

Burnout is driving more physicians to leave the profession and contributes to a growing shortage of primary care physicians. Lifestyle medicine can help.

A lot has been reported about the stresses that physicians and other health professionals have faced in recent years. What the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls a mental health crisis of burnout, work dissatisfaction, and demanding and sometimes dangerous job duties, is leading more healthcare workers to leave the profession. 

In the last decade, the rates of burnout and dissatisfaction have doubled. The U.S. is running low on primary care physicians, according to the American Medical Association, with an estimated shortage of between 17,800 and 48,000 predicted by 2034.  

One report by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) says that more than 83 million people in the US live in a designated primary-care health professional shortage area (HPSA), and more than 14,800 practitioners are needed to remove the HPSA designation. The shortage of physicians can have negative consequences for patients and communities, such as delays in access to care, poorer health outcomes, higher costs, and lower satisfaction. 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare industry has faced more stressors, further driving this shortage of primary care physicians. But the problem didn’t start with COVID, said Amber Orman, MD, DipABLM, who has served as Florida’s AdventHealth Medical Group chief wellness officer since 2021. 

“Burnout has been a longstanding issue in healthcare,” Dr. Orman said. “Decreased productivity and increased physician turnover cost the industry around $5 billion a year.” 

Simon Shellis was born into the roofing business. His father and uncle started a London roofing company in 1968 that’s still active today.

As a young man, Simon worked in the family’s business. Everything changed in 1990, when he visited the U.S. with friends and met his future wife, Carla. He returned home, packed everything up and moved to Texas, and the two were married five months later.

Simon opened SPS Roofing in Denton in 1991. Daughter Jade now works in the business with her parents. Over the years, SPS has remained a family-owned business with many of the same crew members since the beginning. The company recently relocated to Roanoke and also maintains an Austin office. In every job and relationship, SPS puts customers and their best interests first.

SPS works about 50/50 with residential and commercial clients. The commercial business is nationwide, and the residential side covers Texas. SPS provides both commercial roofing and inspections before a building is purchased. Many residential jobs are hail damage related.

The company’s main goal is to solve a problem for the client. A huge pain point for Texas homeowners, Carla says, is being able to keep their home warm enough in the winter and cool enough in the extreme summers.

“We installed a new roof on our own home last year, and we’ve found that both heat and cold dissipate away from the house, keeping our interior temperature where we set it,” she says. 

This has been accomplished with new, metal roof tiles from a manufacturing partner in Poland.

The certifications and accolades SPS has been awarded are a strong testament to the trust customers can place in the company. SPS is Haag Engineering Certified to assess hail damage and determine if a roof needs repair or replacement. This certification is one of the most respected industry designations.

SPS also works with a proven group of subcontractors, so everything can be handled under one umbrella.

“Storms can also damage windows, downspouts, stucco and air conditioning units. We comprehensively manage claims to cover all the bases,” Simon notes.

Inspections are free, and SPS’ main focus is in securing the home and business owner. With no state licensing requirements, the risk for scams is high in Texas, and sales representatives often go door-to-door after storms. Some request payment up front, some never complete the job or can’t be reached later, and customers can get conned.

Placing your trust in SPS Roofing assures you’ll receive a certified, time-proven, trusted assessment and follow-up.

Lucie Hasek started painting with a friend about 23 years ago. As homeowners began requesting other features, Lucie added services, building her company, Creative Elements, that today designs elegant home spaces through custom remodeling.

You might say design runs in Lucie’s blood. Her father was a remodeler and custom home and yacht builder. Lucie grew up studying architecture in the Czech Republic and moved to the U.S. in search of freedom and opportunity in 1980. She first settled in Seattle, pursuing a business degree and starting a family. When her youngest child entered school, Lucie made her start in home remodeling.

Now in Texas, she serves Southlake, Colleyville, Flower Mound and other North Texas communities. Lucie still partners with some of the same subcontractors she worked with early on.

She’s big into listening and helping homeowners find a “feeling” for their home that provides a comfortable retreat and relaxation at the end of the day.

Christal Moore can tell you about an amazing number of Black inventors who have made an impact on the world.

For example, Sarah Boone, who was born into slavery and barred from a formal education, patented an improved ironing board in 1892. Housekeeper Ellen Eglin made her mark on African American history in the 1880s when she invented the wringer washing machine. Black businessman William Purvis patented an early fountain pen design, and inventor Lonnie Johnson created the popular Super Soaker® water toy. The movie “Hidden Figures” tells of three Black women who did the math that helped send the first U.S. astronaut to the moon.

Christal is proud of her history and has spent time both learning and teaching this important ancestry to children at her church.

“Black History Month has great importance, yet it means so much more than just one month a year to our American culture and growth. The more we listen and learn about where we have come from and share with others, the more we all can understand each other better,” Christal says.

By Sally Crocker for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine’s Health Systems Council, founded in 2021, has quickly grown to 100 members in just two years, bringing together innovative health organizations from across the US, with a shared goal to revolutionize healthcare using lifestyle medicine.

In just two years, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) has reached a milestone in helping to prevent, treat and potentially reverse chronic disease across the U.S.  

Established in May 2021 with 19 founding members, ACLM’s Health Systems Council (HSC), now celebrates its 100th member. The HSC is comprised of some of the most innovative health organizations from nearly 40 states that are dedicated to providing the best high-value care through the pioneering trend of lifestyle medicine.  

Tani Richards walked into her first Jazzercise class in June 2019.  She wanted to change up her exercise routine and explore aerobics. That’s when she found the Southlake Jazzercise center and decided to give it a try.

“I’ve always been an athlete. Sports was my thing – softball, a little bit of basketball, and I’ve always liked music and singing,” she says. “I wouldn’t call myself a dancer, but I did want to give Jazzercise a try.”

The music is so important to immersing yourself in Jazzercise, and Tani says that’s one of the things she most enjoys about the classes and the body-changing workouts. Now that she owns her own studio and teaches Jazzercise, she advises her classes to “feel the music, let it speak to you, because it can change your whole day.”

The story of how Tani came to own a Jazzercise franchise in Southlake is an interesting one …

By Sally Crocker, written for Southlake City Lifestyle magazine, Southlake, Texas - January 2024 issue

Originally published in Southlake City Lifestyle

BUSY SOUTHLAKE-AREA COUPLE DEDICATE THEIR TALENTS TO SUPERLATIVE EYE CARE

Married couple Dr. Aaleya Koreishi and Dr. Jawad Qureshi are both well-known eye specialists in the North Texas area.

Dr. Qureshi specializes in retina care at his practice, Retina Center of Texas, with locations in Southlake, Fort Worth, Plano and Dallas, and Dr. Koreishi specializes in cornea and cataract services. Her Cornea Consultants of Texas locations are in Fort Worth, Arlington and Plano. In 2020, Dr. Qureshi won an Entrepreneur of Excellence in Healthcare award from Fort Worth Inc. magazine for the outstanding work of his practice. …

… Both physicians place a high emphasis on taking special care of their patients.

“It can sometimes be hard to balance our work with family and other activities,” she adds, “but we hope that our children will understand when they grow up and see that the hard work we put in for our patients is well worth it.”

Written by Sally Crocker for the Tarrant Regional Water District, Fort Worth, Texas - published to the TRWD website (News page) on Dec. 22, 2023

Drop by drop, the work of good folks like Jason Gehrig and other Tarrant Regional Water District employee volunteers is helping to improve quality of life in countries across the globe …

… Balancing his TRWD responsibilities and volunteer service to communities far away takes time, but it is so important to Jason to continue helping countries like Bolivia.

“Support efforts are very much appreciated in these countries. The people there who often struggle under limited resources are willing to sacrifice and put in the effort alongside volunteers. They’re not looking for a handout – goodwill efforts can open up opportunities, assist with the well-being of their families and neighbors and help restore their sense of dignity as a community. They embrace and welcome the friendships and assistance. In return the local people enrich us with lived values and perspectives that we sometimes lose sight of here,” he says.

Caring for others in need

In Bolivia, there is a saying, “agua es vida,” that means “water is life,” and there is so much truth in that message for all of us around the world.

“I only wish I had more time to help,” Jason says.

Warmest wishes from past to present

Holiday memories, traditions live on from generation to generation in this family

Article by Sally Crocker

Photography by Crocker family photos

Originally published in Southlake City Lifestyle magazine

December 2023 issue

“I can close my eyes and return to a very special Christmas Eve from many years ago. Me, sitting cross-legged under the Christmas tree with my dog Tipper, anxiously awaiting the warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies that would soon emerge from the oven. My mom was the best baker. All the neighborhood kids declared it so, as she always seemed to have homemade brownies, cakes or other sweet treats ready for us to enjoy with a glass of milk when they came by …

It's interesting how traditions are passed on from generation to generation …”

Written by Sally Crocker for the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) website and social media

Published to the TRWD website November 14, 2023, as part of an ongoing series of positive employee stories

“Dean Kuhn is a survivor.

Before he joined Tarrant Regional Water District in 1991, Dean’s life had taken a grim turn. At the young age of 19, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer that spreads quickly. His only path forward was through a punishing course of intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Dean was diagnosed in 1989, completed treatment in 1990, and in remission, started working for TRWD one year later. Things seemed to be going well.

His first TRWD job was in the tire shop, the operations division for vehicle repairs. Over time, he moved to a truck driver position, became an equipment operator and was promoted to an inspector role during construction of the Benbrook pipeline in the mid-1990s. He later returned to operations, running equipment and overseeing in-house construction projects along the floodway project.

From there, Dean became a construction coordinator, training and managing third-party permits, working in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He moved to the real property department as a Land Agent II in 2008, was later promoted to Senior Land Agent and has been in that position since.

In a heartbeat, everything changed …”

Written by Sally Crocker for the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) website and social media

Published to the TRWD website October 24, 2023, as part of an ongoing series of positive employee stories

“It was a natural for William Fruhwirth to get into the water business. He was practically born into the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) back in 1954. His dad, Eugene Fruhwirth, was chief of operations at what was then called Tarrant Water Control Improvement District Number 1. It was a much smaller enterprise in the 1950s, with probably only 15-20 employees. What would become today’s TRWD, providing water to more than 2.1 million people across 11 North Texas counties, started with humble beginnings, just like William’s career in the organization.

This September, William celebrates his 50th anniversary with TRWD. He has many great memories from over the years and many great friends that make his job enjoyable and worthwhile …”

Southlake City Lifestyle is written and edited by Sally Crocker.

https://citylifestyle.com/southlake/issues/2023-11

By Sally Crocker, written for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, published October 27, 2023

“ACLM’s Health Systems Council member Northwell Health transformed hospital food quality by eliminating processed options and sourcing locally, enhancing patient satisfaction. Their commitment to food as medicine has also sparked a shift towards healthier, plant-based menus at institutions like Emory, impacting their communities through wellness programs and culinary innovations.”

Image by Raimond Spekking courtesy of the International PressTelecommunications Council.

Story excerpt:

By Sally Crocker, written for The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, published Oct. 16, 2023

“With the return of fall comes cold and flu season, along with an uptick in COVID-19 cases across the U.S. With kids back in school and people moving indoors for more events and activities, opportunities for spreading viruses become a higher concern. Holidays are fast approaching as well, giving rise to travel plans and indoor family gatherings that can bring children and adults of all ages together in close spaces.

Experts note that COVID-19 circulates all year long, but picks up in the fall and winter, like influenza and other upper respiratory viruses. In addition to new vaccine formulations that have been approved for this fall’s COVID variants, there are a number of other ways to help reduce your risk and protect yourself and your family …”

Blog written for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM)

“In just two years, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) has reached a milestone in helping to prevent, treat and potentially reverse chronic disease across the U.S.  

Established in May 2021 with 19 founding members, ACLM’s Health Systems Council (HSC), now celebrates its 100th member. The HSC is comprised of some of the most innovative health organizations from nearly 40 states that are dedicated to providing the best high-value care through the pioneering trend of lifestyle medicine.  

Lifestyle medicine is a medical specialty using therapeutic lifestyle interventions as a primary modality to address up to 80% of chronic conditions including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, cancer and obesity. Lifestyle medicine-certified clinicians are trained to apply evidence-based, whole-person, prescriptive lifestyle change applying six pillars — a whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances and positive social connections …”

October 2023 issue. Sally Crocker is editor and writer of this publication.

https://citylifestyle.com/southlake/issues/2023-10

The bonds that people share with animals goes way beyond companionship- the connection we share with animals deeply affects our health and well being. UNTHSC associate professor Dr. Dana Litt shares how mental health awareness meets canine connection in this tail of compassion.

Sally started as editor and writer for the Southlake, Texas, City Lifestyle magazine’s September 2023 issue.

Newsletter developed/written/edited by Sally Crocker

Congratulations to Dr. Shafik Dharamsi, Dean of the UNTHSC School of Public Health, on the anniversary date of his joining UNT Health Science Center on August 15, 2022. As Dr. Dharamsi celebrates his first year, his latest newsletter shares the School of Public Health’s successes and plans for the future.