Economics of Remodeling

chris71 — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:10:41 -0500

Considering a home construction or remodel project? A few things you may ask yourself are: “Is this project necessary right now, and is it a wise investment?” “Is it something I can do on my own, or do I need to hire a licensed contractor?” “Are there ways I can cut costs and still achieve the same outcome?”

Whether you decide to begin your remodel project now, or down the road after the economy makes a stronger rebound, one fact remains -- a home remodel project is an investment, and you should recover those costs when it comes time to sell your home. Make the decision to begin your kitchen remodel, upgrade your bathroom, or add on a family room to your home now, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of the project in the short term and the long term.

With the economy as it is today, many costs of construction and contracting are down - meaning you could actually save money if you begin your remodel project now. Wait until the economy bounces back, and you may end up spending more to complete the same project.

Let’s do the math. Just how much can you expect to recoup from your remodel project when you sell your home? It’s important to understand that not all home remodel projects will add value to your home, but here are a few remodel projects that will.

Kitchen remodel - The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. It’s a gathering place for friends and family. According to HGTV, you could recoup between 60 and 120 percent of your kitchen remodel when you sell your home. The best way to recoup your remodel costs is by keeping your new design in line with the rest of your home and the neighborhood. If you make your kitchen fancier than the other homes in the neighborhood, you won’t recoup as much of your remodel expenses.
Bathroom - If your home only has one or two bathrooms, consider adding a bathroom. Additional bathrooms add value to a home. As with the kitchen, if you don’t go overboard and keep your bathroom remodel or addition in line with the rest of your home, you could recoup 80 to 130 percent of your remodel costs.
Add a deck - Outdoor living spaces are becoming increasingly more popular. Spend some time designing an outdoor living space, not neglecting your yard, and you could recoup 65 to 90 percent of your costs when you sell your home.

Other home remodel and construction projects that can add to the value of your home includes: renovating a room, adding energy-efficient windows and insulation, and other basic updates like painting and updating hardware. With these and other remodel projects, remodel costs will vary based on materials used, and how many bells and whistles you add to your design. Though you could save costs on labor by doing it yourself, working with a licensed contractor is always a safer bet.

If you’re considering a home construction project, give CB Construction a call today. Let the experienced CB Construction team guide you through the process from planning to completion.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email me.

5711 Mercedes Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75206
214.773.5566

http://www.chrisblackconstruction.com

Poor Sleep Can Affect Your Health

theresalewis281 — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:39:10 -0500

How much sleep is enough? According to the National Sleep Foundation, newborns typically need between 12 to 16 hours a day. School-age children require between 10 and 11, teenagers need a little over nine, and adults should average seven to nine hours. Not getting enough sleep can have negative effects on your health in both the short and long term.

To help raise awareness of the importance of good sleep habits, The Sleep Center at Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake will recognize March 5 to 11 as National Sleep Awareness Week. An on-line screening quiz is available on the hospital’s website at www.DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/SleepQuiz to learn more about how to get a good night’s rest, snoring, and sleep quality. For an informative overview on why sleep is important, facts about sleep disorders, and help for sleep problems visit www.DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/Sleep.

Inadequate sleep can harm your health, contribute to poor school or work performance, and increase the risk of injury. So if you want to get a better night’s rest and improve your sleep, here are a few tips to help you catch some more Zzzzzzs.

Go to bed only if you are sleepy.
Have a pre-sleep ritual that can help you relax.
Go to bed and get up at approximately the same time every day.
Exercise on a regular basis (but not right before going to bed).
Make your sleeping area quiet, dark and a little cool.
Avoid daytime naps if possible.
Have a small snack before bed so you do not go to bed hungry.

The Sleep Center at Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake provides treatment designed to alleviate or prevent sleep disorders and help sufferers enjoy a good night’s rest. For more information about The Sleep Center, visit www.DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/TheSleepCenter.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake
214 324-6100

www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

“Food For Thought” Helps Troubled Tummies Heal - New Cookbook built around allergen-free diet

Kotsanis Institute — Tue, 08 May 2012 16:51:14 -0500

DALLAS, Texas (May 4, 2012)—From macaroni and cheese to battered and fried anything, Americans love comfort food. But, what if your comfort food is the source of your discomfort?

For author Beverly Kotsanis, her goal is to help people feel good with food that’s also good for them. That’s why she co-wrote “Food For Thought: The Free Food Cookbook” (CreateSpace, 2012)

“A large percentage of our population has a gluten intolerance,” Beverly said. “This book will help you become more aware of food allergens,” and help those affected learn to heal.

It’s a hefty paperback chock-full of recipes and information to help readers build a diet that’s free of gluten, casein (milk protein), and many common allergens and toxins, some of which are believed to produce the symptoms observed in children on the autism spectrum.

Using food to heal is something Beverly’s been working on for about 20 years with her husband, Dr. Constantine Kotsanis, a well-known Otolaryngic allergist and founder of the Kotsanis Institute, a holistic practice based in the Dallas suburb of Grapevine that fuses traditional healing, modern medicine, and nutrition to optimize patient health.

“Healthcare has gotten more technologically advanced,” Beverly said, “but it’s forgotten about its foundation.”

That foundation, as “Food For Thought” indicates, is the water you drink and the food you eat and all of the minerals and nutrients in them.

“We wanted to give people the benefit of all of this information,” said Beverly, who is the CEO of the Kotsanis Institute. Readers can learn to stock a pantry free of the “Great Eight Allergens,” and how to find items in restaurants and on the shelves that won’t disrupt a special diet.

Also inside “Food For Thought” are testimonials from patients whose lives were drastically changed by changing their diet. Some, overwhelmed with the symptoms of ADD, autism spectrum disorders, auto-immune disease, and side effects from cancer treatment, were able to find hope and recovery with specially-tailored diets.

But one testimonial you won’t find inside the book is Keller mom Kendra Jean Finestead’s. That’s because her name is on the cover.

Finestead, who co-wrote “Food For Thought” with the Kotsanis’, founded Greater Tots Organization after searching for a way to help her daughter, who is on the autism spectrum. She met the Kotsanis’ at an autism support group meeting and decided she was going to find a way to help other mothers. So she started developing recipes for gluten-free, casein-free foods that were kid friendly.

Or, as she says, Finestead is on a mission to “redefine the happy meal.”

In all, Beverly believes that the more people who discover the benefits of an allergen-free diet, the better.

“It’s about a more holistic way of living,” Beverly said. “[This cookbook] helps people understand that food can be medicine. The person who buys this cookbook is taking responsibility for their own health.”

You can find out more about the trio’s cookbook, available through Amazon.com, at www.foodforthoughtbook.com.

Below is a sample recipe, Beverly’s Pancakes, from “Food For Thought: The Free Food Cookbook.”

Ingredients:

2/3 cups rice milk
1 teaspoon Ener-G egg replacer powder
¼ cup brown rice flour
¼ cup potato starch
1 tablespoon tapioca flour
1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
Blend rice milk and egg-replacer powder in blender until frothy, about 1 minute.

Add remaining ingredients.

Blend until just mixed.

Place large, nonstick skillet that has been lightly coated with oil over medium heat.

Pour batter into skillet and cook until tops are bubbly (2 to 3 minutes).

Turn and cook until golden brown (30 seconds).

Makes about eight 4-inch pancakes.

2260 Pool Road
Grapevine, TX 76051
817.380.4992

http://kotsanisinstitute.com | info@kotsanisinstitute.com

The Kotsanis Institute is located in Grapevine, Texas - close to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Attack Allergies & Win - Lunch & Learn May 9th at Kotsanis Institute

Kotsanis Institute — Thu, 03 May 2012 09:45:00 -0500

Do you suffer from allergies? Seasonal? Food? and/or Chemical?

If so, you will not want to miss this FREE Lunch & Learn at the Kotsanis Institute on May 9th at 12:00pm

The Kotsanis Institute
2260 Pool Road
Grapevine, TX 76051

Are allergies a sign of an imbalanced immune system? Learn what you can do to attack allergies with diet, nutrition, supplements and LDA (Low Does Antigen) treatments.

Enjoy a tasty nutritious allergen free lunch with recipes from our just published cookbook - Food for Thought: The Free Food Cookbook.

At The Kotsanis Institute, we practice better health through the integration of traditional medicine, functional medicine, nutrition and mind/body balance.

The focus of our FREE Learn & Learn series is to educate individuals to take control of their health regardless of their conditions. Feeling better and optimizing your health is at your fingertips. Join Us to Learn More!

2260 Pool Road
Grapevine, TX 76051
817.380.4992

http://kotsanisinstitute.com | info@kotsanisinstitute.com

The Kotsanis Institute is located in Grapevine, Texas - close to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Dr. Constantine A. Kotsanis MD complements traditional medicine with functional medicine and nutrition to optimize health, wellness, and the anti-aging process.

Dr. Kotsanis specialties include Insulin Potentiation Targeted Low Dose Therapy (IPTLDSM) in the treatment of Cancer, Comprehensive Cancer Care & AfterCare, Autism, Hormone Imbalances, Allergies, Digestive Disorders, Chronic Fatigue and Chronic Disorders.

Caring for Mothers on Mother’s Day

theresalewis281 — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:46:13 -0500

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. You could give her flowers and candy. Or, another way to express your love and appreciation would be to encourage her to have a mammogram.

Mammograms are a very powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among American women, except for skin cancer. Approximately one woman in eight has a chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time during her life.

At Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake, women over the age of 40 can schedule their own screening mammogram without a referral from their primary care physician. The hospital is a Certified Softer Mammogram Provider that uses the MammoPad^®, a soft foam cushion that decreases overall discomfort and is designed to provide a softer, more comfortable mammogram. Convenient evening and weekend hours are available for appointments by calling 214-324-6220.

To learn more about screening mammograms and other recommended health exams, Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake is offering a free Women’s Health Tests & Screenings slideguide. This handy pocket guide also describes symptoms and treatments for a variety of conditions, and lists the latest American Cancer Society guidelines. Call 866-764-3627 for your free copy today.

MammoPad is a registered trademark of Hologic, Inc.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake
214 324-6100

www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

A Tale of Two Neighborhoods: Lakewood, Lake Highlands and White Rock Lake

Stephen Lu — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:58:24 -0500

In many ways, the Lakewood and Lake Highlands neighborhoods of Dallas are opposite sides of the same coin.

They’re both located in the city but have different school districts. They’re both built around White Rock Lake but one is older and established while the other is young and trendy.

But, the fact that they’re so different means that instead of sharing a rivalry, they can actually use their different strengths to help one another, say residents of both communities.

“I don’t think there’s a rivalry between the two,” Lakewood resident Tim Hudson said. “As a matter of fact, I think they can live in harmony because they both have distinctive personalities. I don’t think there should be an ‘us vs. them’ kind of thing.”

Dallas, a sprawling city of nearly 400 square miles and more than a million residents, is fortunate to have two strong neighborhoods near its urban core.

Lakewood

The history of Lakewood is irrefutably tied to White Rock Lake itself, which recently celebrated its centennial birthday. The Lakewood Country Club, one of the focal points of the Lakewood community, was constructed in 1912, a year before White Rock Lake was filled up to capacity.

White Rock Lake Park is over 1,015 acres in size, which means it’s larger than Central Park in New York. It is also the largest urban lake in the entire country.

The local high school, Woodrow Wilson, first opened its doors in 1928, and the local middle school, J.L. Long, opened in 1933.

The social scene in Lakewood is dominated primarily by two locales – the Lower Greenville Avenue district, which goes to Mockingbird Lane to the north and Ross Avenue to the south, and the Lakewood Shopping Center area, located at the intersections of Gaston Avenue, Abrams Road and La Vista Drive.

The Lakewood Shopping Center is filled with multiple neighborhood businesses, family-owed restaurants and the historic Lakewood Theater.

Lower Greenville, on the other hand, truly comes to life after sunset. The street is mostly lined with bars and restaurants, but residents can also enjoy a night of live music at the Granada Theater. Lower Greenville will also be the location of one of the first coveted Trader Joe’s grocery stores to open in Texas. When California-import In-N-Out Burger first arrived in Dallas, it caused a great stir. The hope is that Trader Joe’s, which also originated in California, will have the same effect when it opens at the site of the old Arcadia Theater, which was destroyed by fire in the summer of 1996.

“Greenville Avenue, first and foremost, is a nightlife-type of area,” said Lakewood’s Hudson, owner of Belmont Ice House, an advertising agency near downtown. “As long as the neighborhood and demographics – right out of college up to first child young couples – stay the same and have a more social-bent to their lifestyle, then I think there is a place for that here in Dallas, and I think Greenville serves that very well.”

Lake Highlands

The Lake Highlands community, on the other hand, is a much younger neighborhood that is barely half the age of White Rock Lake. Lake Highlands Elementary School was completed in 1955. Lake Highlands High School wasn’t finished until the mid-1960s. But, despite its relative youth, the community is tight knit and connected.

“You can’t find this sense of community everywhere,” said Lake Highlands resident Andrea Speer. “I can name everybody up and down our street. There are block parties. It’s like a small town in the middle of a big city.”

Lake Highlands is filled with small shopping centers and home to pockets of local interest and lots of community involvement. However, the community, unlike Lakewood, lacks a central focal point that could otherwise be defined as the “core” of Lake Highlands.

However, that could soon change as the community and the city of Dallas are working hard to bring the Lake Highlands Town Center to life.

The Lake Highlands Town Center is using the largely successful Mockingbird Station, located at Mockingbird Lane and Central Expressway, as its primary model. Mockingbird Station was able to successfully combine residential, retail and office spaces in one area while relying on DART light rail and buses to provide easy and convenient transportation to and from the station.

At the Lake Highlands Town Center, only the DART station and needed infrastructure – the roads, the underground public utilities and a 20-acre, fully landscaped park with hike and bike trail, as well as an amphitheater with stone-tiered seating – have been completed.

The town center is still in search of a grocery store anchor that will become the location’s needed magnet that will attract other retailers.

Lake Highlands residents pushed hard for the Trader Joe’s but it went, instead, to Lower Greenville in Lakewood. Whatever grocery store decides to drop its anchor at the Lake Highlands Town Center, residents want guarantees that it won’t hurt neighborhood-based businesses.

“The Lake Highlands Town Center could be a real benefit to the community, as long as it doesn’t damage existing shopping centers,” said Lake Highlands resident Roger Hohnstein, who owns the Lake Highlands-based My Office with his wife, Karen. “It all depends on how it is completed.”

But, one thing that Lake Highlands can hang its hat on is its school district. Even though their schools are located within the borders of Dallas, schools in Lake Highlands belong to the Richardson Independent School District, which is rated as a “Recognized” school district by the Texas Education Agency.

Lakewood schools belong to the Dallas Independent School District, which generally has been ranked lower by the TEA. DISD schools have had to endure several rounds of budget cuts and teacher layoffs.

“Lake Highlands has great schools, and Richardson ISD is a great district,” said Hohnstein. “Some of the schools seemed like private schools and were a natural fit for my family.”

The schools of Lakewood may belong to DISD, but they are working hard to improve and have succeeded in some cases. Lakewood Elementary School, one of the primary elementary school for the neighborhood, is rated as an “Exemplary” school, which is the highest ranking a school can achieve. Woodrow Wilson, conversely, was ranked “Academically Unacceptable” in 2011 but hopes to improve that rating by offering a new International Baccalaureate program.

Perhaps the biggest difference between Lakewood and the rest of Dallas ISD is how much parents and the community care about their schools. It’s a characteristic shared by many of the top schools in Lake Highlands, and more then one resident believes it’s that level of involvement that makes schools better.

“I think Lakewood schools are superior to other DISD schools because of parent involvement,” said J.L. Long Middle School PTA President Stacy Stabenow. “I’m talking about Lakewood, Stonewall, Lipscomb – the elementary schools that feed into our J.L Long, Woodrow Wilson cluster.”

Although both Lakewood and Lake Highlands are stable, prosperous neighborhoods, each faces different futures. Although a few businesses may close and some new ones may open in Lakewood, the neighborhood won’t be changing any time soon.

On the other hand, Lake Highlands is a work in progress. Apartments and new homes are under construction all the time and work at the Lake Highlands Town Center could begin soon.

The one constant icon both communities share is the local jewel both neighborhoods claim as “theirs”: White Rock Lake. With an average annual attendance rate of about a million users, White Rock Lake is a place that all Dallas residents can leave behind the steel and concrete jungle of the city and enjoy a slice of nature.

“White Rock Lake provides a green space in a sea of concrete,” said Hudson of Lakewood. “One thing I love about this area specifically is that I can be walking at the lake, and I don’t feel like I’m in Dallas. I totally decompress in about five minutes.”

“White Rock Lake is a great place for people to be outdoors,” said Hohnstein of Lake Highlands. “You forget you’re in a city; it’s so relaxing and calm.”

Public Invited: Experts Gather In Southlake for Integrative Cancer Conference This Weekend

Kotsanis Institute — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:16:13 -0500

http://iptforcancer.com/conference

Cancer and chemotherapy are two words that have become almost synonymous in a country where half of all men and one-third of all women will develop cancer during their lifetimes.

Along with being well known for its use as a treatment for cancer, chemotherapy is also notorious for its harsh symptoms: hair loss, nausea, extreme fatigue, and pain among others. The patient’s body must endure not only the disease, but also a treatment that attacks the entire body-not just the cancer culprit.

That’s why many physicians, like Constantine Kotsanis MD of the Kotsanis Institute in Grapevine, Texas, have turned to IPT or Insulin Potentiation Therapy. IPT uses traditional chemotherapeutic drugs and insulin to more effectively transport the drugs across cell membranes and into the cancer cells, resulting in a treatment that is tougher on cancer and easier on the body.

Dr. Kotsanis’ main focus when treating his patients, no matter the illness, is focusing on their entire body. While many doctors prescribe a traditional high-dose chemotherapy treatment that can wreak havoc on other parts of the patient’s body, Kotsanis uses targeted low dose therapy, which results in a kinder, gentler, chemotherapy. In his book, “The Kinder, Gentler Cancer Treatment: Insulin Potentiation Target LowDose Therapy,” Dr. Kotsanis explains how patients can thrive and continue to live a life filled with dignity and productivity when choosing to undergo IPT over traditional cancer treatment approaches.

To learn more about IPT and the ways it can help you or someone you love in the fight against cancer, you can attend the 2012 Annual International IPT/IPTLD Integrative Cancer Conference. Held on Saturday, April 28 at the Hilton Dallas in Southlake Town Square.

This conference will feature presentations by noted experts, including Dr. Kotsanis, in their fields on different aspects of integrative cancer care with an emphasis on therapies that are kinder and gentler, but still very effective.

Two sessions are offered: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sessions are $25 each.

2260 Pool Road
Grapevine, TX 76051
817.380.4992

http://kotsanisinstitute.com | info@kotsanisinstitute.com

Dr. Constantine A. Kotsanis MD complements traditional medicine with functional medicine and nutrition to optimize health, wellness, and the anti-aging process. Dr. Kotsanis integrates both mainstream and complementary medicine. This practice, known as functional or integrative medicine embraces principles and treatment methods which may or may not be accepted or embraced by conventional medicine providers, individual physicians or other health care institutions.

Located in Grapevine, Texas - close to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Creating a Family Health History

theresalewis281 — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:27:16 -0500

You great-aunt Edna had red hair. Your father is six feet tall. Your uncle served in the military, and your brother is following in his footsteps. It usually is easy to track the physical or historical information about a family. But what about your family’s health history? Did your grandmother have breast cancer when she died at age 45? Has anyone in your family tree had heart disease?

It is important to know your family medical history because this information may hold the key to your future. Many physical traits, such as hair color and height, are inherited. Certain health conditions also can be passed on from one generation to the next. When several family members have heart disease, diabetes or some cancers, you may be at increased risk for that health problem as well.

This does not mean you will automatically inherit high blood pressure or ovarian cancer. But by compiling your family medical history, you can have a greater understanding of your health risks and take steps to reduce or prevent adverse health outcomes. The best way to start a family health history is to talk to relatives. Start with information about yourself and add medical background on your parents, siblings and children. Then start going back one generation at a time to include extended family members.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake offers a free mobile app designed to help you track your health information. The app can be downloaded from iTunes, BlackBerry AppWorld or Android Market. Search for “Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake”.

A family health history is a living document that should be reviewed and updated every couple of years. For a free, downloadable version of My Family Health Portrait developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, visit https://familyhistory.hhs.gov.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake
214 324-6100

www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

Why A Dallas Medical Doctor is Considered A Forward Thinker

Kotsanis Institute — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:33:00 -0500

Constantine Kotsanis, M.D. and his staff at Kotsanis Institute combine traditional mainstream medical care with complementary medical treatment methods for a dynamic individualized approach to patient health. It is his passion for the practice of helping patients that keeps Dr. Kotsanis at the forefront of medical innovation.

Originally from Greece, Dr. Kotsanis' family immigrated to Chicago when he was a teen. He is an alumnus of Northern Illinois University and a graduate of medical school at the University of Athens. His residency in otolaryngology was completed at Loyola University in Chicago, where he met his wife Beverly.

Dr. Kotsanis has been in practice in the DFW area for almost 30 years. He is a board certified otolaryngologist (head and neck surgeon) and otolaryngic allergist and is also certified as a clinical nutritionist. Dr. Kotsanis' practice combines the best of traditional medicine, functional medicine and nutrition. This way of practicing medicine is called integrative medicine - a practice method that seeks to optimize your health, wellness, and the anti-aging process.

Dr. Kotsanis' medical practice represents the best of medical innovation -blending the relatively new discipline of modern conventional medicine with the age-old, time-tested wisdom of older disciplines to craft unique treatments for each patient. He has added methods such as homeopathy, nutrition, acupuncture, and structural medicine to conventional medical practice to benefit each of his patients.

All patients come to Kotsanis Institute with a unique set of symptoms, conditions, circumstances and needs. During the diagnosis process, Dr. Kotsanis listens carefully as patients explain their medical history. He asks questions to learn more about them. Next, he performs a physical examination and a series of diagnostic tests to determine specific treatment needs. He and his well-trained team then analyze the interactions of genetic make-up, environment, lifestyle and diet to provide a highly customized treatment strategy that addresses the root causes of illness, chronic condition or disease.

The individual treatment plan Dr. Kotsanis creates helps patients reach specific health goals and serves to elevate their health and wellness.

“I strongly believe that the human body represents the ultimate biosphere and ideally all of its systems are in dynamic balance. But if one of the work horses – endocrine (hormonal) system, immune (defense) system and the metabolic/digestive system – are not in sync, attaining optimum heath becomes a challenge. Treating symptoms is only one part of the equation and to truly elevate heath and wellness, the whole body must be considered,” says Dr. Kotsanis.

To learn more: www.kotsanisinstitute.com

2260 Pool Road
Grapevine, TX 76051
817.380.4992

http://kotsanisinstitute.com | info@kotsanisinstitute.com

Located in Grapevine, Texas - close to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Using Antibiotics Wisely and Safely

theresalewis281 — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:54:16 -0500

Since penicillin was introduced in the 1940s, more than 150 antibiotics have been developed. These drugs have helped save many lives by fighting bacterial infections, some fungal infections and some parasites.

Through the years, though, certain bacteria have developed the ability to resist the antibiotics that were designed to kill them. Organisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis are becoming world-wide problems.

We can take steps to prevent more bacteria from developing a resistance to antibiotics. Here are some things you can do.

Know when to take antibiotics. The first step in using antibiotics safely is to know when you should take them. Antibiotics won’t work against viral infections including colds and the flu. Viruses also cause most ear infections, coughs, sore throats, acute bronchitis and stomach flu. With a viral infection, the best thing you can do is try to relieve the symptoms.

Follow directions. If your doctor does prescribe an antibiotic, make sure you understand exactly how it should be taken. Some medications work best if taken with food while others should be taken on an empty stomach. You also should take all of the antibiotics in the prescription. Don’t stop taking them when you feel better or save some for the next time you feel sick.

Prevent infections. Proper hand washing remains our best defense against both bacterial and viral infections. Other ways to prevent the spread of infections include covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, keeping food preparation areas clean, and cleaning often touched surfaces such as door knobs.

To learn more about taking medications, take the free, online over-the-counter medicines quiz on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at www.DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/MedicationsQuiz.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake
214 324-6100

www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

Use Your Tax Return Refund Towards a Profitable Investment

chris71 — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:30:00 -0500

Tax season is here and many people are already planning how they will use their refund money. Rather than spending your income tax return on a vacation or a new wardrobe, why not invest it in your home? When used wisely, money spent on home improvements can result in an even larger return down the road.

Dallas area home prices are increasing year-after-year, so investing your tax dollars into a remodeling project could increase the value of your home. Whether it’s a home repair project you’ve put on hold, or you want to make some improvements, here are a few ways to get more out of your tax return money:

Curb appeal - If you’re considering selling your home in the near future, now is a good time to begin working on the curb appeal of your home. It can’t be denied -- the outside appearance of your home can be a major factor when trying to sell. New windows, updated front porch, fresh paint color or front door hardware and lighting – these changes can make a big difference down the line for potential buyers.
Bathrooms - Maybe you don’t have the money for complete remodel of your bathroom, but there are a few affordable changes you can make that will update the look of the room. Start by replacing fixtures and knobs. Over time, these metal fixtures can lose their shine and rust. Replace the sink water fixtures and vanity hardware with an updated brushed nickel or bronze. An updated shower head can also significantly improve the appeal of your bathroom.
Kitchen - There are many changes to improve the look of your kitchen. Replace cabinetry and update your appliances, change an outdated sink with a stainless steel one for durability. If your flooring is worn replace it with something more durable. Making one or all of these changes to your kitchen will definitely add value to your home.
Outdoor space - An outdoor living space can increase the value of your home if done right. Adding a pool, for example, does not typically add value to your home. A deck or large covered patio, however, is a different story. Whether or not you’re looking to sell your home in the future, using your tax refund money to build an outdoor living space, or update your existing one, is sure to have a positive return on your investment. Consider an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, sitting area, grill, ceiling fans and even perhaps an outdoor sound system.

If you are considering using your refund dollars to invest in your home call CB Construction to get started on your spring project.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email me.

5711 Mercedes Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75206
214.773.5566

http://www.chrisblackconstruction.com

Integrative Cancer Conference To Be Held at Hilton Dallas/Southlake Town Square

Kotsanis Institute — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:41:34 -0500

If you have cancer, know someone with cancer, or work in the profession of treating cancer, you should attend the IPT/IPTLD Integrative Cancer Conference in Southlake, Texas on April 27-28, 2012.

Top physicians, naturopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturist, researchers, and the general public will be gathering to share the best integrative cancer care there is to offer.

Sponsored by the Best Answer for Cancer Foundation, this conference will feature presentations by experts in their fields on different aspects of integrative cancer care and oncology with an emphasis on therapies that are kinder and gentler, yet still powerfully effective.

IPT Targeted Low Dose, or IPTLD, is a targeted cancer therapy that delivers the power of conventional chemotherapy directly to the cancer. The rapid expansion of integrative medicine, traditional medicine complemented with alternative medicine (functional, alternative, and nutritional), has lead the search for effective cancer care that encompasses whole body healing.

Link for Details: http://www.iptforcancer.com/conference/

2012 Tenth Annual International IPT/IPTLD Integrative Cancer Conference

Flyer: IPT_Flyer

Conference: April 27-28 2012

Hilton Dallas/Southlake Town Square
1400 Plaza Place, Southlake, Texas 76092
Start: Friday, April 27 at 7:00am – Ends: Saturday, April 28 at 5:30
note: 16 CME Credits

Optional Introductory Training

Kotsanis Institute
2260 Pool Road, Grapevine, Texas
Wednesday, April 25 and Thursday April 26
note: 12 CME Credits

IPT Think Tank

Kotsanis Institute
2260 Pool Road, Grapevine, Texas
Thursday, April 26

2260 Pool Road
Grapevine, TX 76051
817.380.4992

http://kotsanisinstitute.com | info@kotsanisinstitute.com

The Kotsanis Institute is located in Grapevine, Texas - close to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Dr. Constantine A. Kotsanis MD complements traditional medicine with functional medicine and nutrition to optimize health, wellness, and the anti-aging process.

Stroke at My Age?

theresalewis281 — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:50:14 -0500

Most women do not realize that a stroke can affect anyone at any age. In fact, according to the American Stroke Association, more than 100,000 U.S. women under 65 will have a stroke. Reducing even one risk may greatly lower your chances of having a stroke.

To learn more about stroke and your risk factors, attend a free stroke screening hosted by Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake on Saturday, May 5, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. The screening will be held in the hospital’s West Tower/Rehabilitation Center, which is located at 9330 Poppy Drive (near Garland Road and North Buckner Boulevard). Reservations are required. Call 866-764-3627 today to make your appointment.

Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and seeking prompt medical care can greatly improve your chances of recovery. The signs of a stroke may include the sudden onset of one or more of the following symptoms:

Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination
Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Severe headache with no known cause

When someone is having a stroke, they need prompt emergency medical care. That is why it is important to go to Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake, which has been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval™ by The Joint Commission's Primary Stroke Center Certification program. As a Primary Stroke Center, the hospital follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake
214 324-6100

www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

Spring in to Your Dream Home

chris71 — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:47:30 -0500

Considering a home remodel or an addition to your existing living spaces? Careful planning, including what time of year to remodel, is the key in getting the most for your money. Many experts agree spring is the ideal time to begin planning construction and home-remodel projects.

Why is now the best time to begin this process?

Kitchen remodels - Beginning the process of a remodel or addition to your kitchen in spring means most of the work will likely be done in summer and early fall. When remodeling your kitchen, don’t forget to plan for your kitchen to be at least partially out of commission during that time. While remodeling a home you are living in, you should expect some minor inconveniences, but a home without a functional kitchen can be even more stressful, especially for families. A kitchen remodel during spring, summer or fall means you have the option of using your outdoor grill for cooking, and aren’t reliant on take out and delivery for every meal. If you’ve got a kitchen remodel in mind, now is the prime time to begin planning your project.

Living room and living space remodels or additions - Like a kitchen remodel, you should plan for your living spaces to be inaccessible for a period of time. Plan your remodel for a time when you and your family can take advantage of warm weather and can spend time outside, rather than being cooped up in the remaining functional spaces of your home. Whether you’re redoing your living room, or adding an additional living space, sunroom or even backyard deck, beginning a home construction project during the spring means you will likely have time to enjoy the new or updated space in late summer or fall, which is also the time of year when many occasions call for entertaining guests.

A September 1961 article in the Pittsburg Post-Gazette outlined the reasons why early spring was the best time for a home remodel project. Things have certainly changed in the last 50 years, but even today, some experts would say that spring is still the ideal time to begin a remodel project because it is the time of year when construction materials are the least expensive. While this likely fluctuates some from year to year, it is important to do your research and talk to your contractor about the best time economically to begin your project.

An addition to your home or a remodel of your existing living spaces is a great way to add value to your home. Especially if you are considering selling your home in the next few years, now is the perfect time to begin a remodel project. Do the work now, so you will be able to enjoy the benefits of your labor before you sell.

No matter your motivation, if you’ve got a home construction project in mind, give CB Construction a call today. Let the experienced CB Construction team guide you through the process from planning to completion.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email me.

5711 Mercedes Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75206
214.773.5566

http://www.chrisblackconstruction.com

Do You Know What Your Insurance Covers?

BCooper — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:34:25 -0500

The last several days of wind and storms in Dallas have probably sparked a few questions about insurance and coverage for residents in the Park Cities and the surrounding neighborhoods. So, we asked State Farm Agent, Brent Cooper, the following question:

If a tree falls causing damage - who is responsible? Also, is this covered under home owners?

Brent Cooper, State Farm Agent: The owner of the tree is not necessarily responsible if it falls on the neighbor’s property. There has to be some evidence of negligence on the part of the owner of the tree.

Example - You and I live next door to each other. My tree is in bad shape. It’s rotting at the bottom and is top heavy. You come to me because your lawn guy tells you he is concerned that the tree next door is going to fall over on your house. So; you call me, tell me that you have concerns, and I choose to ignore you and don’t want to spend the money cutting my tree down.

Now, wind blows, tree falls down on your house, fence, car, etc. Because I was negligent in not taking care of the rotted tree, my liability insurance from my homeowners should pay for the damage to your property. If, however, none of the negligence issue applies, and the storm blows the tree over on your property, your homeowners insurance is responsible for your damage.

This is hard for some people to understand. I guess they want to exercise THE WIZARD OF OZ clause of the homeowner’s contract. When the twister picked up Auntie Em’s house with Dorothy in it, dropped it on the Wicked Witch of the East - well you know, the Wicked Witch of the West thought it was Dorothy’s fault and wanted retribution, shoes. This makes for a good movie, but doesn't apply to insurance.

Now, if the tree falls over and never hits anything, there is no coverage under homeowners insurance. The exception to that would be if it were hit by lightning. Then it’s covered for removal and a specified value is paid for the tree itself.

So I’ve told you the basics. Here’s where it gets hard. Not every insurance company sells the same contract any more, and therefore, everything I just said might not apply to every reader. For those who may have chosen a “cheaper” homeowners policy, they may not have coverage for the damage to their own home for the tree, and getting some companies to admit liability on the part of their client, is difficult because they are trying to pay less in order to continue to charge “cheaper” rates.

State Farm still offers the comprehensive “all risk” homeowners policy. Our customers can still be surprised when the neighbor’s tree falls on their property and there is no liability, but we will take care of their damages under their own policy.

If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call.

Brent Cooper, Agent
State Farm Insurance
5232 Forest Lane Suite 111
Dallas, TX 75244

214.987.1995
brent@brentcooper.net

Serving the Insurance needs of the Dallas Neighborhoods of University Park, Highland Park, Lake Highlands, Preston Hollow, Oak Cliff, and Coppell.

Poisons May Be Closer Than You Think

theresalewis281 — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:44:44 -0500

When you think of poisons, the first things that come to mind may be hemlock, antifreeze and pesticides. But, there are many more products lurking in your bathroom cabinet, hiding under your kitchen sink, or lying on your garage shelf that can cause harm if used improperly, by the wrong person, or in the incorrect amount. Seemingly innocuous items such as shoe polish, mouthwash, makeup or carpet cleaners can be poisonous when swallowed, inhaled, or enter the body through the eyes, ears or skin.

To help raise awareness and prevent accidental poisonings, Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake will recognize March 18 to 24 as National Poison Prevention Week. Each year more than 2 million poisonings are reported to the 57 poison control centers nationwide. In excess of 90 percent of these poisonings happen in the home and the majority of non-fatal poisonings involve children under six years of age.

Poison prevention begins with being aware of possible hazards around the house and taking the necessary precautions to prevent poisoning. Here are some precautions:

Because “childproof” medicine bottles are really just child resistant, keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Keep all products in original containers.
Store bottles of alcohol in a locked cabinet.
Keep children away from poisonous house plants or buy nonpoisonous ones.
Do not refer to medicines or vitamins as “candy” or other names that appeal to children.
Always store food and cleaners in separate cabinets or rooms.

To learn more about how to make your home a poison-safe zone, take the free, online Household Poisons Quiz available on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at www.DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/PoisonsQuiz.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake
214 324-6100

www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

Are You Ready for An Energy Makeover?

theresalewis281 — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:23:11 -0500

Ever have one of those days when you feel sluggish or slow? That’s your body telling you that you need an energy tune-up.

The human body is like a machine because it has many different, interconnected parts that all work together. And like a machine, sometimes when one part doesn’t work properly, other parts are affected. So if you want to keep things humming along, you may need to fuel up, go out for a spin around the block, and recharge your batteries.

Eating smaller, healthy meals keeps your blood sugar normal and distributes energy calories more evenly throughout the day compared to big, heavy meals. Try to consume just enough food to meet your body’s demands and follow through with regular activity and rest to use that energy efficiently.

Regular exercise helps maintain a higher rate of metabolism. For peak energy, do strength training and stretching exercises several times a week and get 30 to 60 minutes of moderate aerobic activity three to four times a week.

Developing a sleep strategy with regular sleep periods that begin and end at the same time each day can have a major positive result on your energy level. If you find yourself nodding off during the day, you may be sleep deprived. To ensure a good night’s rest, limit caffeine drinks close to bed time or take a hot bath before going to bed.

To learn more about increasing your energy level through sleep, nutrition and exercise, visit the free, online health library on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at www.DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/Energy.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake
214 324-6100

www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

Patients Want More From Their Doctor Today

Kotsanis Institute — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:23:14 -0500

Is it selfish to want a collaboration with your doctor focused on the big picture of your health and anti aging process? It seems not!

More patients are seeking patient centered care with an integrative approach to medicine – combining conventional care with non conventional, non Western therapies, ancient healing wisdom with modern science, and the whole person – mind, body and spirit to achieve optimal health.

A recent study, conducted by the Bravewell Collaborative, reveals the core values that integrative medical centers embrace. Constantine A. Kotsanis, MD with the Kotsanis Institute in Grapevine, Texas embraces these same philosophies and recently commented on the Bravewell Collaborative Study.

2260 Pool Road
Grapevine, TX 76051
817.380.4992

http://kotsanisinstitute.com | info@kotsanisinstitute.com

Dr. Constantine A. Kotsanis MD complements traditional medicine with functional medicine and nutrition to optimize health, wellness, and the anti-aging process.

Located in Grapevine, Texas - close to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Award Winning Remodels by Dallas-based Contractor

chris71 — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:54:16 -0600

Ever wonder how those beautiful, award-winning homes that you see on home improvement TV shows take their shape? Have you ever considered how complete your home would be if you just finally did that kitchen remodel?

Dallas-based contractor Chris Black can help you answer these questions. Black's company, CB Construction, recently was honored with two CotY (Contractor of the Year) awards for a residential kitchen remodel and a residential historical renovation/restoration project. A CotY award is given by the NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) to members who have achieved the highest levels of excellence in residential remodeling projects.

NARI invites contractor members to compete annually for the Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards, which are given at the local, regional and national levels. A panel of distinguished industry judges select winners based on "before and after” photography and project descriptions. Judging criteria includes aspects of construction such as problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, degree of difficulty, and entry presentation.

This isn't CB Constructions first set of CotY awards. ln 2009 they were honored for their work for a residential kitchen remodel and a home theater and media room project. And just last year CB Construction was honored for a residential kitchen remodel.

CB Construction is a full service, design-build remodeling firm. The "design-build” process takes the traditionally separate tasks of designing and remodeling, and delivers them in one streamlined process. They provide a seamless, start-to-finish remodeling platform with one point of contact, one responsible party, and as a result your risk, time, and effort are minimized.

CB Construction prides themselves on their excellence and quality. Whether you are looking to remodel a kitchen, or finally build that addition to the back of the house, CB Construction will work with you to get your vision from blue print to reality in a smooth and timely manner.

If you want to learn more on how you can turn your home into an award winning home, call CB Construction today.

5711 Mercedes Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75206
214-773-5566

http://www.chrisblackconstruction.com

No Butts About It, Colorectal Cancer Screenings Can Save Your Life

theresalewis281 — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:38:42 -0600

Colorectal cancer is a topic that most people would probably prefer not to have to think or talk about, but that could be a serious mistake. Did you know that your chances of developing colorectal cancer increases considerably at age 50? In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, more than 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people older than 50. Fortunately, colorectal cancer can be treated when detected early – you just need to be screened.

Other risk factors that may increase a person’s chance of developing colorectal cancer include:

Having a personal history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease.
Having a personal or family history of colorectal cancer.
Eating a diet high in fat.
Being physically inactive.
Obesity.
Smoking and heavy alcohol use.
Type 2 diabetes.

People at increased risk for colorectal cancer should talk with their doctor about being screened for the disease before the age of 50.

Most people with early stage colorectal cancer will not experience any symptoms and they may not know they have the disease until it reaches an advanced stage. That is why screening for colorectal cancer is so important. When detected and treated at an early stage, the five-year survival rate for the disease is nearly 75 percent.

In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness month in March, Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake is offering free EZ-detect take-home colorectal cancer kits* until March 31, or while supplies last. The kit is simple, sanitary, and can be done in the privacy of home. No lab processing or stool handling is necessary, and there are no dietary restrictions before or during the testing period. Call 866-764-3627 for your free kit today.

* $7.99 retail value. This test does not replace a colonoscopy. It serves as a preliminary screening designed to detect warning signs of colorectal cancer.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake
214 324-6100

www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

Featured News

Economics of Remodeling

Poor Sleep Can Affect Your Health

“Food For Thought” Helps Troubled Tummies Heal - New Cookbook built around allergen-free diet

Attack Allergies & Win - Lunch & Learn May 9th at Kotsanis Institute

Caring for Mothers on Mother’s Day

A Tale of Two Neighborhoods: Lakewood, Lake Highlands and White Rock Lake

Public Invited: Experts Gather In Southlake for Integrative Cancer Conference This Weekend

Creating a Family Health History

Why A Dallas Medical Doctor is Considered A Forward Thinker

Using Antibiotics Wisely and Safely

Use Your Tax Return Refund Towards a Profitable Investment

Integrative Cancer Conference To Be Held at Hilton Dallas/Southlake Town Square

Stroke at My Age?

Spring in to Your Dream Home

Do You Know What Your Insurance Covers?

Poisons May Be Closer Than You Think

Are You Ready for An Energy Makeover?

Patients Want More From Their Doctor Today

Award Winning Remodels by Dallas-based Contractor

No Butts About It, Colorectal Cancer Screenings Can Save Your Life