Articles

Whether you're a weekend warrior or a lifelong golfer, being sidelined by a shoulder injury can be frustrating. But with the right plan, many golfers can return to the course stronger and more mindful of how to protect their shoulder in the long run.

 

“Golf is a full-body sport, but the shoulder — and especially the rotator cuff — plays a major role in controlling the swing,” said Dr. David Falgout, a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital. “After rotator cuff surgery, your path back to golf should be gradual and intentional.”

 

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help stabilize the shoulder and allow for overhead and rotational movements — exactly the kind required in a golf swing. Damage to this area, whether from overuse or injury, often results in pain, weakness, and difficulty with motion. Surgery is sometimes necessary to restore function.

 

 

Recovery timelines can vary, but most patients can expect to begin returning to golf somewhere between 4 to 6 months after surgery, depending on the size of the tear, surgical technique, and individual healing.

 

“Early phases of recovery focus on healing and regaining motion, but returning to golf involves rebuilding strength, control, and confidence in your swing mechanics,” Dr. Falgout said. “We work with patients step-by-step to safely reintroduce the movements and loads involved in swinging a club.”

Tips for getting back in the game:

 

●          Start with putting and chipping. These low-impact swings allow you to work on control without overloading the shoulder.

 

●          Prioritize flexibility and core strength. A good swing doesn't come only from the arms — engaging your hips, spine, and core reduces strain on the shoulder.

 

●          Work with a physical therapist or trainer familiar with golf mechanics. They can help refine your swing to prevent reinjury.

 

●          Listen to your body. Discomfort is expected during recovery, but sharp or lasting pain should be addressed right away.

 

 

Even after a successful recovery, golfers need to be proactive in maintaining shoulder health.

“Warm-ups, shoulder mobility exercises, and ongoing strength training are all key,” said Dr. Falgout. “And if you ever feel something isn't right — whether it's weakness or pain — don’t just push through. Get it evaluated before it becomes a bigger issue.”

 

If you would like more information on keeping yourself healthy while playing golf, or think you might have an injury, visit houstonmethodist.org/osm.

In the spirit of transparency and community harmony, the proposal to convert tennis court 6 into pickleball courts, a subject of much discussion, was the key agenda item. We strongly encourage all residents to act respectfully and participate in the upcoming HOA elections; your vote is vital to ensure community voices are heard. Beyond voting, volunteering your time and skills is another powerful way to make a positive impact on our community.  Let's engage constructively, rather than criticize.

Nonetheless, the proposal to convert court 6 sparked significant debate for the last 18 months, though it's important to note that most residents aren't opposed to pickleball itself.

Local Residents: Instead, residents wanted to be heard during the decision-making process. Those living near the tennis center shared their experiences with noise. They mentioned the typical pickleball sounds – the "clinking and clanking" of the ball against the paddle and concrete – but also complained about player noise and music. Apparently, pickleball is a social sport, which sometimes leads to loud laughter and comments, both appropriate and inappropriate. This kind of noise is similar to complaints we've heard from people living near parks and recreation areas.

Tennis Community: Coles Crossing has a strong tennis community that takes part in league play. They're proud of their courts' condition, and they value good behavior and etiquette, just like at public tennis and golf facilities. If you're interested in playing tennis, reach out to the courts committee chair, a tennis instructor, or a league captain. You can also just go play a casual game with friends.

Young Residents: I've met quite a few younger residents, college-age and below, who enjoy playing pickleball. Most of them have been polite and followed my requests to stop playing after 10 PM or turn off the music, which isn't allowed on the courts. Unfortunately, they often miss our community communications. We're asking homeowners to help spread the word about the rules and the importance of respecting nearby residents.

Pickleball Players: We also have homeowners who play pickleball regularly. If you want to join them, just show up and have fun. Some players have even offered to teach newcomers.

Respect: Our main request is that everyone involved in both sports respect each other and the court rules. This will help maintain a peaceful environment for the residents living near the tennis center. Whether you emailed the board, posted on Facebook, or attended a meeting, the board heard your concerns. While board members may not always agree on everything, we strive to be respectful of each other. Just like in local or national elections, your vote is a powerful way to make your voice 

A resident asked recently, "How can my voice be heard, if I can only speak for two minutes at a board meeting? One way is through voting.  Another is talking with your directors and chairpersons. Let them know how you feel. A former volunteer came and said she represents a silent majority. Maybe create a block captain for your street. This message is not to create controversy or vote directors out of office. It is an answer on How can my voice be heard?

Did you take the last couple of months off from your exercise routine? The intermittent bouts with cold and nasty weather, limiting your outdoor activities, the “other” things to do(getting ready for Thanksgiving company or travel, shopping an decorating for the holidays.

 

We have all done it. Our yards show it too as we don’t plant new flowers after the frost kills them. “We are going to wait until it is warmer”.

 

Well, we have reached that time.  I know it has still been in the 40”s here and there, but the sun is starting to shine and there are days when we can do things outside. Below are some simple healthy tips as you start back into your fitness routines in 2025. They will all be, “I know that” tips, but never hurts to revisit them. And, as always in our articles, these are tips to help lead you back into fitness, not prescribed by the medical profession.  In the beginning of your workout routine or anywhere along the way, checking in with your doctor to be sure all systems are go, is always the best choice.

1)      Underestimate your abilities in your chosen activity. Don’t start where you left off in mid- November, right before the holidays. You are not as strong or as flexible or in tune with the actions of your sport, whether it is running, lifting or tennis.

2)      Walk it out.  If you are just starting as a new years resolution, start with low amounts of time or low amounts of weight and build each week. Give yourself 4-8 weeks to get back to where you were in the fall or make the progress you have set goals for.  

3)      Stretch- Have a stretching routine and stick with it. Depending on what you are doing, be sure to include the muscles and joints you are using and try to always include core stretching. Your back is doing a lot of work in any activity. 

4)      Keep expectations real.  You can certainly regain your level of performance in time, but don’t push to early to get there and pull a muscle or hurt a knee or shoulder. Then, you are out again.   

And, while you are resetting your activity schedule and if you are sore or tight, pay attention to the feelings your body is telling you. Adhere to the RICE method.

REST-rest your muscles or joints after doing what you do. Lifting weights is the best example, research has told us, you lift 3-4 times a week maximum and do different exercises on different days, allowing the muscle group to regenerate. All of us need to get the prescribed amount of rest(sleep) daily as that is one of the main factors in good health

ICE-use ice on sore muscles. Right after workouts, use ice to keep swelling down if you have a sore muscle or inflamed joint from your activity. 

COMPRESS-wrap your sore area with an elastic bandage. Wrap it loose enough at the top to be sure blood can flow to your area of concern.  

ELEVATE-keep your insured or sore area elevated above your heart or as high as you can. This keeps the area from pounding as your heart beats.                                                                                                  

And as always, if soreness and pain persist, visit your doctor to review what you need to do.   Good luck this spring getting back into the groove.

Dr. Alex Han
Orthopedic Surgery (Hand, Wrist, and Elbow)

 

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects about 4% of people in the United States and the incidence increases with age. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when your median nerve becomes compressed as it travels through a passageway in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. Symptoms typically start with night wakening from burning, tingling, or numbness, and can progress to daytime symptoms. It can be treated, but in severe cases surgery may be required. The diagnosis can be made based on history and physical examination but may require a nerve conduction test.

 

What carpal tunnel syndrome treatment options are available?
In mild and moderate cases conservative treatments are first-line, and can include nighttime splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and occupational therapy. Corticosteroid injections may be recommended for temporary symptomatic relief.

 

In severe cases, surgery is typically the recommended treatment.

 

Why have carpal tunnel surgery?
If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can progress and potentially lead to permanent nerve damage and the loss of sensation and strength.

 

If your pain is continuous and has progressed to the point that it is interrupting your everyday life despite conservative treatments, it is likely time for surgery.

 

What is carpal tunnel surgery?
There are two ways carpal tunnel surgery is performed. Endoscopic surgery, also referred to as minimally invasive surgery, uses one or two small incisions and a tiny camera to guide surgical tools to the carpal ligament and cut it. Open surgery uses an incision made along the palm side of the wrist to access and cut the carpal ligament. Choosing which surgery is right for you is up to you and your doctor. 

 

The timetable for post-surgery recovery can vary from patient to patient. Some patients experience relief as soon as a few weeks post-surgery, while some may take up to a year for complete improvement.

 

 

By Tywin Handson

 

The grand opening of Houston Methodist Cypress is just around the corner, and excitement is building for the community. The new facility, set to open its doors on March 17, 2025, promises to offer cutting-edge healthcare right in the heart of Cypress, ensuring that residents no longer have to travel far for world-class medical care.

 

We interviewed Marcus Powers, Senior Communications Specialist at Houston Methodist, to learn more about what this new hospital will bring to the area. "Residents can expect the same personalized healthcare they’ve come to know from Houston Methodist, now right in their backyard," Powers said. The full-scale acute care hospital will feature 100 beds, an 18-bed emergency department, and state-of-the-art childbirth and neonatal ICUs. As the hospital grows, it has the capacity to expand to 500 beds, ensuring it can meet the needs of a rapidly growing community.

 

What sets this hospital apart is its commitment to integrating advanced technology to enhance patient care. "Every room will be equipped with ambient intelligence sensors that monitor patient movement, automatically alerting staff if attention is needed, like in the case of a fall," Powers explained. "And digital whiteboards will offer patients real-time updates on their care, medication, and even the names and photos of their healthcare team." For those who prefer hands-free control, patients can adjust the room’s temperature, lighting, and contact a nurse using voice commands. It's a futuristic approach that makes healthcare more personalized and patient-centered.

 

Surgical patients will also benefit from robotic surgery tools, offering precision and minimally invasive procedures that result in faster recovery times. "These tools allow us to be more precise, improving outcomes and reducing hospital stays," Powers said.

As the new facility prepares to open, it’s clear that Houston Methodist Cypress is dedicated to being a true part of the community. Powers shared that the hospital has already formed strong partnerships with local organizations like the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce and Cy-Fair ISD. And with a commitment to community engagement, the hospital will host events, sponsor local races, and offer programs to bring people together.

 

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Coles Crossing resident Michael Gaines couldn’t have been more excited. "Houston Methodist is a world-class facility in our backyard, where me and my family can leverage our healthcare needs," he said. "It has cutting-edge technology, a fantastic medical staff, and it’s a great option for Coles Crossing residents." The excitement was shared by Amy Ramon, Fire Chief for Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9. "Houston Methodist is a quality hospital," Ramon said. "Residents can get immediate care, transport, and drop-off within minutes. We cover 164 square miles northwest of Houston, Texas, and with our fire stations running engines, rescues, aerials, and medic units, we’re ready to partner with the hospital to serve the community."

 

Looking ahead, Houston Methodist Cypress is ready to tackle the future of healthcare. "We’ve designed this hospital with flexibility in mind, so as new technologies and treatments develop, we’ll be able to integrate them seamlessly," Powers explained.

The hospital is set to transform the way Cypress residents experience healthcare, offering a level of care, convenience, and community connection that will make it an invaluable asset for years to come.

 

Sleep, what we all need as growing young people and as adults.  

Remember the old joke about wanting to sleep for 10 hours like you did when you were 3 years old.  It still rings true today for most of us and like so many issues of our time, there has been lots of research done on the topic of sleep deprivation, why it occurs and some tips on things to try to improve your sleep habits.

 

What are the sleep stages? 

The first three stages are non- REM sleep.  Different phases of taking you from being awake, to relaxing your breathing, your heartrate, your blood pressure and your muscles.  

When you get to REM sleep about 90 minutes after falling asleep, you go into overdrive.  REM stands for “Rapid Eye Movement”.  

Your eyes are moving back and forth behind your eyelids, your breathing, heartrate and blood pressure increase almost to awake levels.  

This is when you may have a sleep disorder, waking up, restless leg syndrome, and other things. 

Interestingly, when your sleep mode is working the right way, you dream in REM stage, but your muscles are paralyzed to keep you from acting out your dreams (remember falling off the cliff?  You can’t jump).

 

Some of the sleep disorders include; Irregular sleep wake rhythms, insomnia, narcolepsy, nightmares, sleep apnea an restless leg syndrome.  These different disorders have many causes, and everyone reacts to them differently.  

One person who is sleep deprived may sleep like a log when the opportunity comes to sleep, while others can’t fall asleep while exhausted.  

 

There are treatments, medications and even surgery for different kinds of sleep disorders and as always, this article is meant to make you aware of some symptoms and tips on improving your habits.  Please visit your doctor for treatments and medications.  One tip seems to come up in research and that is seeing a neurologist for sleep issues has been recommended. 

 

Tips for improvement will seem obvious and you may already be doing some of these.  Every little effort you can make within your lifestyle of working, raising kids, running your household, etc., will benefit you.

Spend time in the sunshine
Exercise 30 minutes a day
Eat meals at consistent times
Avoid heavy foods, alcohol and nicotine two hours before bed
Napping before 3pm and not more than 30-45 minutes (otherwise you may make it harder to fall asleep at night)
 

Sleep deprivation can slow you down, cause depression and one study showed for every 1 hour a night college student average under the 7-9 hours per night of sleep, their GPA went down .07 on a 4.0 scale,

 

Enjoy your life and get as much sleep as you can.

 

Hello Coles Crossing Neighbors! My name is Rich Henderson and I’m pleased to announce my candidacy for the Coles Crossing HOA Board.

 

I am a 17-year resident of Coles Crossing, having moved here in 2007 shortly after my wife Melissa gave birth to our twin daughters. We wanted to live in a family-centric community with exemplary schools and beautiful natural surroundings; Coles Crossing was the obvious choice. My children thrived at Sampson Elementary before moving to Spillane and then Cy-Woods where they are currently juniors.

 

Two events compelled me to get involved in the community. First, I saw the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey and how so many of my friends wanted to provide service in our neighborhood but didn’t know what to do. Soon after, my wife apprised me of issues with the HOA Board President who was stealing from our community. I attended a few meetings and heard the dismay from neighbors but also a lack of an organized response. I knew it was my turn to step up and get more involved in the community. In 2018 a small group of neighbors and myself founded the Coles Crossing Dads Club, for which I have served as the President since its establishment.

 

The mission of the Coles Crossing Dads Club is to strengthen Coles Crossing through the fellowship of its fathers. In our seven years, we’ve raised over $60,000 from various fundraisers including our annual BBQ Cook Off. We’ve awarded scholarships to neighborhood seniors, provided funds to Coles kids with medical conditions, sponsored both the Coles Crocs Swim Team and the Sampson PTO, completed home projects for neighbors in need, run the annual Christmas Lights Contest, and most recently made a significant contribution to the building of the new Sampson playground. Leading the 70+ Coles Dads for the betterment of our neighborhood is one of my proudest accomplishments.

 

Professionally, I have worked in the automotive industry for 26 years since graduating from Texas A&M University. I currently serve as a corporate operations manager with Volkswagen Group of America, and manage the most profitable and highest market-share Volkswagen dealership group in the region.

 

This March I will step down from my post as President of the Dads Club. I see serving on the Coles Crossing HOA Board as a natural progression in my community service and ask for your support in voting for me as the next member of the Board.

 

 

 

My name is Dan Forlenza, and I am a proud resident of Coles Crossing. My wife Isabel and I have called this wonderful community home for 20 years, raising our three children, all of whom attended Sampson Elementary, Spillane Middle School, and Cypress Woods High School. Over the years, Coles Crossing has become an integral part of our family’s life, and I am deeply committed to giving back and ensuring it remains an attractive and thriving community that all are proud to call home.

 

I have actively contributed to the community through mentorship programs at Spillane Middle School, Cypress Ranch High School, and currently, Goodson Middle School. Additionally, I have served as the captain for the Coles men’s tennis league for the past nine years. My approach to leadership has always been rooted in listening first, having an open mind, and fostering a transparent decision-making process. I believe in making decisions based on logic and facts, taking emotion out of the equation to find the best possible solutions. I really do not like bureaucracy. I believe it is a leader’s job to eliminate roadblocks that prevent good ideas from being expressed and acted upon.

 

With a 25-year career as a technology executive, where I led teams of over 1,000 employees and managed budgets exceeding $100 million, I bring extensive experience in managing large-scale operations and making complex decisions. Currently, as the President of my own consulting company, I continue to guide organizations in the structure, operations and people required to achieve success.

 

The main goal of an HOA board member is to serve the people and interests of the community, and I will always hold this as my top priority. If given the opportunity to serve on the Coles Crossing HOA Board, I am confident that my experience, dedication, and leadership can contribute to making our community the best it can be.

 

My Approach to Leadership
I believe in:

Integrity: I believe in “doing what is right”. A leader should be able to defend their decisions because they have nothing to hide. Open communication and sharing information are key to achieving alignment and understanding.
Courage: It can be difficult to go against where the masses are leaning but sometimes it is necessary to steer in the right direction. If you keep the overall goals at the top of your mind, which in this case is to serve the Coles Community with the best solutions, the answer becomes clearer.
Collaboration: Valuing diverse perspectives while providing clear direction when necessary. I love hearing ideas different than my own and can change course when better ideas are presented. The best solutions usually come from many differing ideas melted together.
 

Efficiency: Pulling the information we have in hand and the knowledge at our    disposal to make decisions in a timely manner. Our decisions do not need to be perfect, but it is important that we are continually improving and moving forward.  

I am Brandylee Marsh, and I am running again for a position on the Coles Crossing Board of Directors.  My family moved to Coles Crossing in 2001, when my husband and I had just one child. Coles Crossing’s master plan instantly attracted us: homes for every stage of a family’s life, a planned elementary school, and thriving neighborhood events to bring our community together.  

 

We moved into a cottage home and developed lasting relationships with our neighbors. As our family grew and we realized we needed more space, the decision to remain in Coles Crossing was an easy one. We built our dream home, in 2006. My family has had the prototypical Coles Crossing experience of growing in (and with) the community.

 

Our time in Coles Crossing has been steeped in volunteerism, giving time to Sampson Elementary, both as a member of the PTO and a Science Resource Center liaison. I also served on several community committees, including volunteering as a member of the Events Committee and later becoming the Events Committee Chair.

 

I am most proud of my work to expand community events from 4 each year to 24.  The Community Center became a bustling hive of activity for all ages and interests with offerings like storybook hours, scrapbooking retreats, quilting nights sponsored by the Quilting Club, sewing lessons for kids, and Mommy and Me playdates, as well as the Casino Night, Luau and Bunco Tournaments for adults.  I worked with our Playgrounds  Committee to design and build our new playground at the Community Center and update the playground at the Tennis Courts.

 

I also have been committed to scouting, as all five of my sons have been active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.  I helped found Scouts, BSA Troop 1791, where I continue to serve as Scoutmaster and have served in several volunteer capacities within our neighborhood Cub Scout pack (Pack 1179).

 

As a board member, I have worked hard to bring transparency and honor in all I do. I’d like to host quarterly town hall meetings, in person and virtually, to gather community feedback, as well as take a hard look at the needs of the community and how we’re leveraging our committees to meet those needs. I believe in the visionary servant leadership model. I have a people-first mindset and believe in collaboration.

 

Although Coles Crossing is marked by sections, our community has no such boundaries.  We are part of a single community. It is critical that we foster the sense of community that brought so many families, like my own, to Coles Crossing.

 

 

When we turn the faucet on or flush our toilets, we often give little thought to what goes on behind the scenes to ensure that happens without incident. The operation and
maintenance of these systems is always important, but it becomes even more critical during a hard freeze and other weather emergencies.  MUD 364’s Board of Directors would like to take a moment to shine a light on our operator, Municipal Operations and Consulting (MOC). Keeping the water on during a storm or freeze can be a serious challenge. During our most recent winter storms, MOC worked tirelessly to man the facilities and call centers and provide a fast response to any issues. We all owe them a huge thank you for their outstanding effort.

 

Questions:

 

Municipal Operations and Consulting’s key responsibility in an emergency is customer service.  While making sure all our district’s customers always have a potable water supply is extremely important, and goes a long way toward customer service, it is not the only thing we are concerned about during a winters storm or hurricane.  MOC also wants to ensure that each customer is able to speak to a knowledgeable person if they have an issue and can get a quick resolution to any issues that arise.  

 

MOC has learned many lessons over the 23 years that we have been in business.  For every emergency, whether a winter storm, hurricane, or even a tornado like Houston had in May of 2024, the best preparations are done far in advance.  Throughout the year, MOC exercises generators weekly, filters diesel fuel of each generator biannually, and maintains a strict PM (preventative maintenance) program on both stationary and portable generators.  

 

To prevent problems during a winter storm, we begin winterizing facilities in late September and have several inspections at each facility to ensure nothing is missed.  Each inspection is done using an online form so that pictures can be uploaded, and management can see what facility inspections are pending.  It is easy for an operator that visits a facility every day to overlook something small that could be very important during a freeze.  MOC wants to make sure those items are identified and corrected before they cause a problem later. 

 

Additionally, MOC has a disaster plan that details each field employees’ responsibilities during an emergency.  While the disaster plan is a living document, changes regularly, and is available online for each employee, we print these before hurricane season each year.  This way, if there is a loss of internet service, each field employee will have what they need. Before hurricane season, our area managers also meet with new employees in the field to walk them through their emergency duties so there is no confusion.  

 

 

Finally, during emergencies, all of MOC’s field staff are stationed in a designated area to minimize response time and the need to drive on the main roads.  If possible, we have staff in the districts before the event, assuring there will not be a lag in available personnel.  The plant operators will monitor water and wastewater facilities 24 hours a day to ensure everything is operating as it should.  The field techs will monitor the neighborhood for issues like leaks or sewer backups and be available to respond to any customer emergencies quickly. 

 

During winter storm Uri, it became obvious that, due to the power shortage, the generators at a significant number of water and wastewater facilities were going to run longer than the onsite fuel supply would support.  The roads were too icy for the fuel delivery companies to drive their heavy delivery trucks on, so we were forced to adapt.  We quickly loaded fuel tanks on trailers and flatbed trucks.  Using credit cards to pay at the pump, our staff was able to purchase fuel from truck stops that had power, even if they were not open.  Some of us had 50-gallon tanks that would keep a generator fueled for a few hours, while others had 1000-gallon trailers that could fill up a large generator in two trips.  Since winter storm Uri, we have purchased more permanent fuel trailers and have created an in-house app that our field staff can use to request fuel during emergencies.  MOC has also amended our disaster plan so that numerous employees are exclusively dedicated to delivering fuel.  During Hurricane Beryl, we found the system to be a huge success. 

 

As discussed earlier, during emergencies, it is extremely important for our customers to be able to speak with a knowledgeable CSR (customer service representative) when they have an issue and get a quick response.  Prior to a winter storm or hurricane, MOC’s office staff are stationed at our office in Cypress and take shifts answering customer calls 24/7.  During these emergencies, MOC wants every customer to be able to speak with a person that can access their account and immediately dispatch a field tech if needed.  When we built the Cypress office, we made sure the onsite generator could run all the air conditioners, heaters, and IT systems needed to keep staff comfortable and able to give excellent service to customers.

If an issue needs to be communicated quickly, MOC has the ability to send emergency emails and/or text messages to customers that have supplied their information.  We can also post updates to our website to keep customers informed.  

 

One way residents can support MOC’s efforts to maintain water service during extreme weather events by preparing their homes for the event. For example, during winter storm Uri, some districts experienced water usage skyrocket due to broken pipes.  Many residents left their homes due to the lack of electricity and either went to stay with friends, family, or in a hotel.  When pipes burst in numerous homes, in addition to residents dripping their faucets to keep pipes from freezing, the water plants had a hard time keeping up with the demand.  While we completely understand that it is hard to plan for every scenario, as Benjamin Franklin said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”