By Krystal Krenek
Photo: Ivan Xavier Ramirez
Dr. John Gerling, McAllen orthodontic specialist, knows there are two priceless things worth pursuing that he has definitive roles in: a healthy smile and an active, fit lifestyle. By trade, he helps patients achieve optimal dental health, and by example, he continues to impact others’ self esteem and wellness through his commitment to physical fitness.
At age 60, Gerling walks through the door at The Gym at Uptown three to four times a week to work out through weight training and aerobics. He has been involved with the gym since they opened and thoroughly enjoys his time there. He jokes that he refuses to fall victim to “furniture disease,” in which “your chest falls into your drawers.” He believes the human body is designed to experience some degree of physical stress in order to function at an optimal level, and he puts that theory into practice. Instead of working out to music, Gerling listens to educational books through his iPod earbuds as a way to make his workouts seem faster and work out his body and his mind simultaneously.
“You can’t stop aging, but you can slow it down by staying in good physical shape,” Gerling asserts.
As an orthodontist, Dr. Gerling explains that dental disease can be linked to heart disease, making your oral health a good indicator of overall health. Straight teeth are easier to clean and maintain, and Gerling works to help patients achieve beautiful smiles that also reflect healthy bodies.
Through his lifestyle choices and his orthodontic practice, Gerling hopes to show just how important it is to take care of yourself and truly treat the body God gave you like the temple it is. A proper diet and a non-sedentary lifestyle can reward you with feeling better about yourself. A life lived in moderation is a positive way to live. Gerling feels he has lived a happy, fortunate life and wants to share his blessings with others, and he will continue to shape up more than smiles.
Dr. John Gerling is a Dallas native. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree, DDS, and his 2 year Master of Science in Dentistry from the Baylor College of Dentistry. He regularly pursues continuing education to stay up with the ever-changing facets of technology in his field. Gerling is a member of prominent dental and orthodontic organizations such as the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, and the Texas Dental Association. He currently serves on the board of the International Museum of Art & Science, the Palm Valley Animal Center, Quinta Mazatlan, and the McAllen Economic Development Council.
His practice, John A. Gerling, DDS, MSD, is located at 4900 N. 10th Street in McAllen. For more information, visit www.DrGerling.com. To set up a consultation or schedule an appointment, call 956. 687.2004.
