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Did you know that there are over ten different branches within the field of dentistry? Theres orthodontics, periodontics, oral pathology, endodontics, prostodontics, pediatric dentistry

and oral surgery - just to name a few. Many of us have to muster up the courage just to go to our general

WRITTEN BY JACLYN RITTER

GOING ABOVE & BEYOND IN T H E F I E L D OF DENTISTRY

dentist every six months. The anxiety really sky rockets when something other than a routine cleaning and exam needs to be done and we are shuffled across town to a another dentist. Wouldnt it be nice to have a dentist who has training in all of these areas and could perform them all under one roof? Dr. Zahra Cook has done exactly that with Cook Dental located on FM 359 in Richmond.

AN EARLY LOVE & PASSIONDentistry made sense, it was the perfect blend of math and science, Dr. Cooks strongest subjects. It was a natural fit. Upon receiving her Doctorate in Dental Medicine (DMD) from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1988 she dove head first into the field. In 1992, after working as a dental associate for four years, Dr. Cook opened her own private practice in Richmond. With only one employee, two treatment rooms and a whole lot of drive, she built a strong client base. By July of 1997 she designed and built a state-of-the-art office right across the street. In 2008, to accommodate her growing practice, she expanded the building to include an orthodontic bay and additional treatment rooms to bring life to her vision.

STUDENT FOR LIFEDr. Zahra Cook firmly believes that there is no end to education. It is a continual joke in her family that she has never graduated from dental school, due to the countless hours of study following her degree.

All of her hard work did not go unnoticed. In 2013 Dr. Cook was awarded the Mastership Award from the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). One of the requirements for this award is completion of over 1,000 hours of continuing dental education. This award is one of the most prestigious honors awarded within the field of general dentistry. In fact, less than two percent of the 170,000 plus general dentists in the United States and Canada have received this title.

The more I learned, the more excited I got! says Dr. Cook. That is why I do it all. Over the years Cook Dental has grown to include: pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, Invisalign, TMJ treatment, implant placement and restorations, dentures and full mouth rehabilitation.

Zahra S Cook, DMDADVANCED COSMETIC DENTIST

1536 FM 359, Richmond, TX 77406

(281) 342-8481www.cookdental .com

Offering different aspects of dentistry makes me a stronger dentist because I have a greater scope of understanding, explains Dr. Cook. For example, if someone enters the clinic complaining of migraines, I might look further into lower jaw positioning. Improper alignment can trigger muscle spasms as the person tries to compensate and adapt. A healthy mouth with an unusual number of cavities might have a deeper story; this would lead me to look into the possibility of early signs of heartburn. To say she is thorough is an understatement.

TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVELDr. Cook and her warm and inviting staff put a large focus on patient comfort. Every morning she and her team go over their schedule for the day. Together they look at who is coming in, discuss their medical and dental history and needs, as well as any anxiety or apprehension. This allows them to provide the best care and environment for their patients. Dr. Cook wants everyone to feel comfortable and confident under her care. This is a large reason families have been trusting her for their dental care for over twenty years. Dr. Cook's senior patients particularly appreciate her attention to detail and experience with crowns, implants, and replacement of old Mercury fillings. She is the one to go to when you want it done right the first time!

I inform before I perform, says Dr. Cook. By educating her patients up front she is allowing them to make a decision about their oral health that they will not regret down the line. Through diagrams, videos and digital photography, Dr. Cook and her team give their patients as much information as possible. We are on the same team. Dr. Cook continues by saying, I want what my patients want for themselves, and together we will reach their goals.

BEYOND EXPECTATIONSDr. Zahra Cooks patients take comfort in knowing that just about everything can be done in her office. Who knows my patient or their mouth better than me, she laughs. I provide continuous care.

Cook Dental goes above and beyond general dentistry. Due to Dr. Cooks continual education, they stay current on all developments in the field and house the latest and greatest technology. I have been here since 1992 and I am not going anywhere, says Dr. Cook. I am invested in my patients and their happiness. H

THE IMPORTANCE O F F A M I LY & COMMUNITY

Dr. Zahra Cook is a hardworking, intelligent and successful business woman. On top of that she is also a dedicated and caring wife and mother. Zahra and her husband David have been married for 27 years. Together they have two children, Melissa and Richard. When their kids were young, Zahra and David made the decision that David would leave his current job and join her practice. We wanted to make sure our children had as much parental involvement as possible, says Dr. Cook. If there was a practice, game or activity during the day, David was there, and if it was later in the day, I would be there. The two continue to work as a team, putting their children first each and every time.

Dr. Cooks patients are sure to see her out and around town. Zahra and David are very active members within their church and the subdivision in which they live. The two also enjoy an evening spent playing games with friends. Additionally, both Zahra and David have served on the boards of various non-profit organizations.

The Cook family has become a large part of Richmond, and Richmond has become a large part of them!

Krishtian Buescher, owner of Buescher Personal Fitness in Fulshear, is proud to share her story of recovery with her clients. This wife, and mom of two, is dedicated to helping her clients change the way they see themselves.

WRITTEN BY JACLYN RITTER

Growing up, Krishtian struggled with her weight. That insecurity seeped in to all aspects of her life. What made those insecurities even harder was the fact that as her longtime boyfriend, James Buescher, began to emerge as a successful racecar driver, she too was stepping out in the public eye. She felt the overwhelming pressure to look and act a certain way. At the age of 18, Krishtian began working out, only she took it too far. It turned into more than just a desire to be fit and healthy, it quickly became a need for unattainable perfection. For two years Krishtian struggled with anorexia. With the help of a nutritionist and personal trainer she was able to change her mindset and focus on the importance of balance. It ultimately came down to her becoming her own greatest motivator and supporter. She chose to hold herself accountable for her own wellbeing.

It is when we are content and accepting of ourselves that we find lifes greatest joys.2012 will forever stand out to Krishtian as a special year. It was the year she and James married, the year she watched him win his first NASCAR championship, and the year she earned her personal trainer license.

This is a quote that resonates with Krishtian. While she had enjoyed traveling the NASCAR circuit with her husband, it was time for her to make a name for herself. She found a way of turning her passion into a career. In January of 2013 Buescher Personal Fitness was born. Krishtian and her team of trainers offer small group classes, buddy training and one on one training. They also offer at-home workout plans emailed to you

MAK

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P E R S O N A L

If you work doing what you love, you never work a day in your life.

and establishing smart habits. With our busy schedules it is easy to skip out on exercise, or grab the quick and often unhealthy snack, but Krishtian reminds us that it is ok to put yourself first once and awhile. She continues by adding that if you are not feeling good about yourself, you are not able to be your best you for your loved ones.

Krishtian Buescher has created her business, Buescher Personal Fitness, as a way to share her story and her life lessons with others, in hopes that they too can discover their best and happiest self though exercise and good nutrition. Both of these things have a lasting effect on how we feel about ourselves and life in general. Getting started is a decision you ultimately have to make on your own, says Krishtian. She made that decision and has never looked back! d

directly an option that is popular among new moms who find it hard to get to the gym. On the companys website you can browse a variety of healthy recipes that are sure to get your mouth watering. The team also shares nutrition information, from developing food plans to healthy food swaps. What sets them apart from the rest? We are there for you more than just the hour you are in the gym, we are there for you every single day, notes Krishtian. We text, email and call to help keep you on track and hold you accountable.

281.346.8006WWW.BUESCHERFITNESS.COM

29810 FM 1093 SUITE C FULSHEAR, TX 77441

What Krishtian loves most about her job is watching someone transform their body and their mind. The change is often gradual, and it should be in order for it to truly be a lifestyle change. The transformation goes beyond the physical, it is the mind, our inner thoughts, the way we see ourselves, that has to change. Krishtian often sees new moms tackling the pressure of losing the dreaded baby weight. Having been there herself, she reminds moms that our children, even very young, pick up on what we are doing. It is important to demonstrate, through everyday example, making healthy choices

A LOCAL DOCTORS TRANSITION TO A RETAINER-BASED PRACTICE

WRITTEN BY JACLYN RITTER

T H E DOC

I S I N

Dr. Frank Mazza knew early that he wanted to be a doctor. After completing his 3-year residency at Memorial Southwest in Houston he dove right in to what he loved helping patients achieve a happy and healthy life. After years of chasing time and playing catch up during appointments, Dr. Mazza changed his entire approach to medicine and he has never looked back!

After three years of being employed, Dr. Mazza purchased a private practice in Sugar Land. With two fellow colleagues, he ran a traditional family practice. However, in 2005 he questioned everything he had done up until that point. I became very dissatisfied with the amount of time I had to spend with my patients and I fought the system because I knew the patients wanted more time, says Dr. Mazza. I found myself continuously apologizing for running late. He refers to it as a hamster wheel, a never ending chase that only continues to go faster and faster. Tired and overwhelmed, Dr. Mazza considered giving up medicine entirely and pursuing his childhood dream of attending law school. Maybe that young boy who watched countless law shows, Perry Mason in particular, was on to something. I was looking to completely transition, reflects Mazza. But something inside of me just was not quite ready to give up the white coat.

At the suggestion of his colleague, Dr. Mazza considered another approach. Retainer-based medicine, another style of practice originating in the Northwest, tends to focus on quality not quantity. After a month of researching and praying, Mazza decided it was a worthwhile venture and converted the practice later that year.

What is a retainer-based approach? This model limits the number of patients cared for by any one doctor allowing for more personalized and timely care. This is sometimes referred to as a retainer-based medicine or boutique medicine but the term concierge best describes the services the patients of this practice receive. Many traditional family practices operate on rapid fire, where patients are allowed one question and ten minutes max, all after spending at least an hour in the waiting room. Concierge practices make sure their patients know that their time is just as valuable as the doctors. While traditional family practices generally acquire anywhere from 2,000 to 2,500 patients, concierge practices generally max between 300 and 700 patients. This allows for same day or next day appointments and generally little to no time spent in the waiting room.

At Dr. Mazzas office the patient determines the length of the appointment. In fact, he requires a minimum of 30 minutes. When the patient calls in they are also asked what

their appointment is concerning. This gives me the flexibility to research and really be the patients quarterback, notes Mazza. This extra appointment time allows for him to better understand his patients history, lifestyle and specific needs. Another perk of the system, Dr. Mazza is able to be reached by his patients 24 hours a day 7 days a week. And just like an old fashioned doctor, he makes house calls! Something that sets Mazzas practice apart from others is that he admits his own patients to the hospital. The hospital staff is not nearly as in tune to their patients as their primary care doctor is, shares Dr. Mazza. When my patients are really ill, I think it makes a difference when they see their primary care physician in the hospital working alongside and being a good liaison between them and their family. When it comes down to it, it is an old school practice that puts the patient first each and every time.

Having established the type of practice that suited him, Dr. Mazza was ready to open his own private practice. When he found a building in the historic section of downtown Richmond he knew he had found his new home. He moved into the former First Community Bank building on June 22 of this year. After months of renovation, Dr. Mazza was able to incorporate some of the latest technology while still preserving the rustic and historic feel of the location. The exposed original brick and large wood doors add character and country charm. Richmond has been so welcoming and supportive, Mazza says. The towns historic feel and quaint nature was what drew him to the area, but it is the wonderful people who have made the move worthwhile.

Dr. Mazza also offers personal training to clients. His wife, Bridget Mazza, a certified personal trainer, and her partner Richard Scoby, work alongside Dr. Mazza and monitor patients workout regimes and overall progress. Mazza goes on to say, Our lives and our jobs are becoming more sedentary and it is now showing up in our older generations who do not have the strength they should. He wants this to be a place where his elderly patients feel comfortable going. Here they can focus on core strength as well as balance and gait issues in order to prevent future falls. With only one to two people working out at any given time, it is a very personalized experience.

I love that I have been able to help people in this fashion, says Mazza. I have never again thought about a change of careers!

While his free time is limited, Dr. Mazza enjoys golfing and running marathons. As a father of three daughters, family time is a must in his book. Having chosen a concierge style practice, Dr. Mazza gives more of himself and his time than ever before, but admits that it is worth the sacrifice. With a small dedicated staff at his side, Dr. Frank Mazza is able to practice medicine the way he feels his patients deserve. H

I love that I have been able to help people

TO CONTACT DR. MAZZA 'S OFF ICE GO TO: CONCIERGEMEDICINEANDWELLNESS .COM

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