Dr. Whittemore Retires: Good Luck & Thank You

After nearly three decades of serving Central Texas patients, Dr. Archie Whittemore will be retiring. His last day at Texas Orthopedics will be December 31, 2014.

Dr. Whittemore has a deep and remarkable career in orthopedics in Texas. He earned his medical degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio followed by a residency at University Hospital in San Antonio. His first medical position was as a physician for the United States Army from 1972-1974.

Dr. Whittemore left the following note to his patients:

It has been an honor to care for your orthopedic needs. I will leave with the feeling that we have accomplished a lot together, and I hope that you will continue to have a keen interest in your future healthcare needs. I will miss our visits very much.

I am leaving a group of very dedicated musculoskeletal providers in our office that are ready to continue your care. Your medical records will remain at Texas Orthopedics. If you choose to seek medical care from a physician outside of Texas Orthopedics, please request a records release form by calling 512-439-1000. You may also print a records release form on our website www.txortho.com/contact.

I have greatly valued our relationship and thank you for your loyalty and friendship over the years. Best wishes for your future health.

Goodbye, Dr. Whittemore. Enjoy retirement!

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Austin Fit Highlights Dr. Bergin's Riding & Writing Passions

When not working with patients, Texas Orthopedics' surgeon Dr. Barbara Bergin can often be found training and riding horses. It's her passion outside of medicine, discovered almost by accident. It's also how she stays fit and active.

At the age of 40, Bergin decided to learn to ride a horse at the suggestion of a friend. She fell in love with the sport. She now competes in cow horse competitions and has received awards in a number of competitions, including third place in the National Reined Cow Horse Championships.

Austin Fit magazine caught up with Dr. Bergin to learn more about her favorite sport and what she does to stay competition ready and injury free. For Bergin it's also opened up a new, interesting chapter.

Said Dr. Bergin to Austin Fit, "Forty years ago, before I started riding horses, I never saw myself doing any of the things I do right now, except for being an orthopedic surgeon," Bergin said. "Sometimes you can't predict where you'll be later on in life, but it's important to enjoy what you do. If you have a good opportunity, take it. If you think something sounds fun, do it."

Click here to read the full article.

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Dr. Mukai on KVUE: 'Tech Neck'

We all know that texting and driving is a danger. But, did you know that texting is also a pain in the neck... literally?

A new study published in Surgical Technology International says that looking down at a cell phone is equivalent to placing a 60 pound weight on your neck. How much is 60 pounds? Six bowling balls or an 8-year old child. All this looking down can lead to a lot of aches and pains in your neck and spine, which is often referred to as 'tech neck'.

Dr. Ai Mukai, physiatrist at Texas Orthopedics, discusses the study on KVUE-TV and what we can do to prevent it.

Click here to see the story on KVUE.com

3 Winter Weather Exercise Tips

When the temperature drops, it's tempting to head outside for a great run or workout. Chilly weather is so inviting to Central Texans as we welcome a much-needed break from the heat. But it's important this time of year to remember to bundle up and stay protected from the elements while you are outdoors. Cold weather sports injuries are very common but can be avoided.

Here are things to watch for along with some helpful tips as you head out the door:

Brain freeze - literally

If your body temperature drops and you begin to shiver, your decision-making and coordination abilities suffer. Dressing appropriately for outside is key to maintaining proper body heat. Several warm, but breathable and lightweight, layers are the best option. Pay close attention to your head and feet to ensure they are fully covered.

Sprains & Strains

Cold weather can cause constricted blood vessels which do a poor job of pumping blood to your muscles and tendons. Decreased blood flow leads to inflexibility and potential sprains, strains, and other musculoskeletal injuries.

Scott Smith, MD orthopedic surgeon for Texas Orthopedics, suggests increasing the amount of time you warm up before a strenuous outdoor activity, and engaging in dynamic moves, like side-shuffles and slow jogging, until you've broken a light sweat.

Cold and flu susceptibility

The cold and flu virus spread more easily in dry, cold air. Being outside in extreme conditions can compromise your immune system leaving you vulnerable to illness. Stay healthy and prevent the spread of these germs by washing/sanitizing hands frequently, limiting contact with sick people, and getting a flu shot.

Keep up with Texas Orthopedics news by following us on Facebook and Twitter (@TexasOrthopedic).

These Docs Are Super Duper

Congrats to the eight Texas Orthopedics' physicians who made this year's Super Doctors list by Texas Monthly magazine.

The annual Super Doctors announcement highlights outstanding physicians from more than 40 medical specialties who have attained a high degree of peer recognition or professional achievement. Approximately 5 percent of Texas physicians make the Super Doctors' list.

Texas Orthopedics' 2014 Super Doctors

• Dr. Bradley Adams
• Dr. Don Davis
• Dr. Robert Foster
• Dr. Peter Garcia
• Dr. Tyler Goldberg
• Dr. Richard Lutz
• Dr. Scott Smith
• Dr. Archie Whittemore

Keep up with Texas Orthopedics news by following us on Facebook and Twitter (@TexasOrthopedic). 

Dr. Koval on KLBJ News: Men & Osteoporosis

Even though 1 in 4 men over 50 years old will suffer a fracture because of osteoporosis, few men are getting screened and treated for the disease, according to a new study published in the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.

Dr. Robert Koval, Texas Orthopedics' rheumatologist, specializes in treating and diagnosing osteoporosis and other health issues affecting the joints, muscles and bones. He spoke to KLBJ news radio about the new study and how men can improve their bone health. Click here to hear the story on NewsRadioKLBJ.com.

'Tis the Season To Lend A Helping Hand

The bitter temperatures couldn't keep the Texas Orthopedics team from fulfilling their promise - to help build a new home for a family in need through Austin Habitat for Humanity.

While the Texas Orthopedics team is used to providing medical care or administrative assistance, they proved to be great home builders, too! Some of the projects completed for Austin Habitat included landscaping, building a fence, painting, caulking, and other home improvement projects. The result was a beautiful home for a family in need.

Austin Habitat is the largest nonprofit provider of affordable home ownership opportunities in Central Texas. The mission and vision of Austin Habitat are anchored around our dedication to ending the cycle of poverty housing and the deeply held belief that everyone deserves a decent, affordable place to live.