BETTER HEALTH AT ANY AGE

Resources to get you feeling your best

Health and wellness have always been important, but these days, health concerns are at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Luckily, despite the pandemic, there are plenty of options to keep you feeling your best: mind, body and soul. Amarillo has a wealth of healthful opportunities, if you know where to look. Here are some of our favorite resources.

BODY

Vision

Many of us are still working from home, staring at our computer or phone screens for hours on end. To prevent eye strain, it’s important to take frequent breaks. And, as winter looms and cold weather descends, your eyes can grow even more tired and itchy. To keep your eyes healthy this winter, the experts at Broome Optical recommend running a humidifier in your home, using eye drops to keep your eyes moist, and wearing blue light filtering glasses. It’s also always important to continue to keep up with comprehensive yearly eye exams, even with social distancing mandates.

Fitness

Over the past months, people have begun to head back outside – not only to escape the confines of home, but also to find time for wellness. Running, walking and biking have become more popular than ever. Meanwhile, as gyms have opened back up, they’ve instituted protocols to keep clients safe during the COVID pandemic. For example, the Amarillo Town Club requires masks of all employees and guests except while in the pool. The club is also enforcing a 50% occupancy rate, while requiring social distancing, shutting down steam rooms and hot tubs, and placing a 10-person capacity restriction on group classes.

Several Amarillo organizations are offering services beyond standard gym classes and equipment, as locals strive to make their health a top priority. The Center for Functional Medicine uses a systems-based approach to identify the root causes of illness, viewing the patient as a whole organism rather than a collection of organs. Applying an innovative approach to health care (or an ancient one, depending on your perspective), the center emphasizes an allaround dedication to wellness, prevention, fitness and nutrition. The Center’s team of physicians and fitness and nutrition coaches offers group classes – and the group even offers discounted memberships at the Amarillo Town Club.

For yoga lovers, Amarillo’s Hotworx facility offers a sauna environment, where the infrared heat absorption guarantees a next-level workout. According to health advocates, infrared heat exercise can heal old wounds, reduce stress, boost the immune system, improve flexibility, energy, clarity and focus, balance our internal systems and detoxify our bodies, all while helping us lose weight. But Hotworx doesn’t stop with yoga – it also offers other types of workouts, including “hot Pilates” and “hot cycle.” And the facility is open 24 hours; that means you’re likely to have the sauna to yourself if you visit late.

Skin Health

For many Amarilloans, living under pandemic conditions has caused new skin problems to emerge. Lack of sunlight, prolonged mask wearing, and excessive personal hygiene can be hell on the epidermis. The term “maskne” (mask + acne) arose on social media as the wearing of masks resulted in breakouts from skin irritation around the nose, lips and chin. The experts at Proffer Surgical Associates recommend washing skin with warm water – not hot – and using mild products to cleanse and moisturize. A humidifier can help with dryness, and fragrance-free products will reduce irritation.

AGING

DENTAL

Aging well means paying attention to a number of factors, from diet and exercise to supplements, cognitive exercises, skin care, breathwork and more.

Body Transformation

As you age, remaining active and eating a well-rounded diet (with very little sugar and processed foods) will help with muscle tone, strength and mobility. However, sometimes diet and exercise simply aren’t enough to produce the results we want. Cosmetic surgery has gained much wider acceptance in recent years, and for many, it’s a great option. Amarilloarea options include breast augmentation, “mommy makeovers,” tummy tucks, body contouring, liposuction, Botox, skin care and laser rejuvenation. Of course, prevention will keep your body and skin looking younger longer, and doctors recommend daily sunscreen use if you’re spending time outside.

Elder Wellness

Bfit – the outpatient therapy gym at Bivins Pointe – provides a great local option to ensure you stay healthy as you age. The facility (which is closed for COVID, but should be open again in due time) offers therapists that specialize in individual care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Best if all, Bfit provides free transportation to and from appointments.

Senior Living

Recent studies have shown that strength training is of vital importance if you want to stay strong and healthy in your later years. Other important factors for elder health include remaining socially active, eating well, and raising your heartrate through exercise. Nevertheless, during our later years, sometimes we need a little help with daily life. There are a number of excellent facilities in the region that provide in-home care, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and “respite support” (temporary help during family illnesses or vacations). Superior options include Bivins Pointe, the Craig Senior Living, and Georgia Manor. If you’re looking for help at home, Visiting Angels has been helping seniors live their best lives for more than two decades.

All-Around Dental Care

Sure, we’re in the middle of a pandemic, but that doesn’t mean that taking care of your teeth isn’t important! Even if you don’t leave the house all day, you should still brush (at least) twice a day, floss daily, and limit acidic and sugary foods. Staying on top of your dental health remains as important as ever – and that means not falling into the habit of letting appointments slip by. Area dentists are doing everything possible to keep you safe, including requiring mask wearing and limiting waiting room capacity.

Pediatric Dentistry

When it comes to dental health, good habits need to start early – and so do regular dental visits. You should begin cleaning your child’s mouth shortly after birth, and begin brushing their teeth gently as soon as they begin to come in (usually around 6 months). As they grow older, supervise them to make sure they are brushing properly, and that they don’t swallow the toothpaste. The staff at Amarillo Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics recommends scheduling the first dental visit within six months of the appearance of your child’s first teeth. We recommend a morning appointment, when children tend to be calmer, rather than an afternoon one – a time when many kids become cranky.

MIND

Rural Mental Health

These days, West Texans need mental health care more than ever. The therapists, clinicians and nurses at WT are aware of this need, and they’re doing something about it. Last month, the university announced a new graduate-level certificate program designed to increase the number of qualified mental-health professionals in the region. The program allows students to enroll in a post-master’s graduate certificate program “to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.” We look forward to seeing the rural Panhandle reap the benefits of this program in coming years. In the meantime, West Texas A&M continues to offer mental-health services to WT students who are struggling during the COVID pandemic – or for any other reason. Those services include personal counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, and therapy assistance online.

Student Mental Health

For all of its enrolled students, Amarillo College offers mental health referrals and interventions for COVID isolation, test anxiety, time management issues, life transitions, depression, anxiety – or if you just need someone to talk to. The Amarillo College Counseling Center is open for scheduled 45-minute appointments, with a dedication to helping students overcome barriers and grow into the person they want to be.

General Mental Health

After suffering a devastating fire at their downtown headquarters, the fearless folks at Family Support Services have shown how resilient Panhandle people can be. Despite the setback, Jim Womack, Brandi Reed and the rest of the staff have redoubled their efforts “to empower individuals and families through comprehensive advocacy, education, and intervention counseling services.” The number of services FSS offers is mind-blowing; if you’re struggling, Family Support Services can probably help. And all of their services are either free or extremely low-cost.

Young Minds

The teachers and support staff at AISD, Canyon, River Road, Highland Park, Bushland and beyond have shown once again why they’re worthy of praise. Panhandle teachers and administrators are currently facing a once-in-a-lifetime crisis – and they continue to meet the challenge. With myriad distance-learning options and safety protocols, Panhandle school districts are working to enrich student’s minds while remaining aware of their mental health needs. To make things easier on your kids during this difficult school year (whether they are attending in person or doing distance learning), the CDC recommends taking plenty of breaks, getting lots of sleep, exercising frequently (including outdoor play), eating well and staying socially connected.

Healing Resources for those in the LGBTQ community

There was a time when “growing up gay in West Texas” was a scary proposition. Things are slowly changing, and there’s plenty of compassionate help available. Family Support Services offers mental health resources for LGBTQ folks who are struggling, and for those dealing with HIV or AIDS, PASO (the Panhandle AIDS Support Organization) provides a welcoming environment – as well as access to medical and social services. Meanwhile, Panhandle Pride has been working “to create a thriving LGBTQ community in the Panhandle areas through enhanced individual self-worth and cultural pride,” and the LGBT Alliance of Amarillo “promotes equality to spread pride around the globe, one beautiful soul at a time.” Finally, for gay, lesbian and trans college students, West Texas A&M’s Buff Allies group ensures that no Buffaloes feel left out of the university community.

SPIRIT

Self-Care

It’s been a long few months, and a day at the spa is probably in order. Massages, facials, body treatments, and makeovers can provide a perfect chance to unwind and ease your mind. Perhaps most importantly, a visit to the spa is a way to tell yourself that you care about yourself – and that everything’s going to be OK. There are a number of great options in Amarillo, including Awaken Med Spa, Indulge Salon and Day Spa, The Spa at Proffer Surgical, and the Scarlet Door Salon and Day Spa. Local spa establishments have instituted safety protocols during the COVID crisis, but we recommend calling ahead if you have specific questions about a given spa’s safety measures.

Salt Therapy

Salt therapy may just be the treatment you never knew you needed. Third Coast Salt’s salt rooms (also known as halotherapy) help to remove toxicity from the respiratory system, improve skin appearance and function, and boost the immune system. The treatment is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and it removes airborne pollen while reducing immune system oversensitivity. If that weren’t enough, the spa also offers massage therapy, biomat therapy and yoga classes. Membership isn’t required, although members do gain access to all kinds of benefits.

Massage

If you’ve been working from home, hunched over your computer all day, a massage will do more good than you ever could have dreamed. Massages are proven to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, while helping with issues like anxiety, depression, headaches, and even PTSD. If you’re worried about COVID infection, many local massage therapists are willing to visit you in your home and wear a mask while they work on your tight muscles.

Acupuncture

Body pains and injuries can be debilitating, conditions that can be exacerbated by the stress of a viral epidemic. The benefits of acupuncture are virtually endless; the treatment can help with stress, back and joint pain, depression, headaches, eye strain, digestive conditions, autoimmune disorders, allergy problems, and on and on. The expert acupuncturists at Creek Stone Integrated Care & Spa have trained for years to learn to apply this ancient treatment, and consultations are free.

CBD

In June of 2019, the State of Texas legalized the sale of hemp-extracted CBD oil without a doctor’s prescription. Since then, thousands of Texans have used CBD (cannabidiol) to help with everything from pain relief to sleep troubles to anxiety and depression – and even to help alleviate cancer-related symptoms. While CBD shops have been popping up all over the city, one of the first sources in town was tried-and-true Valmed Home Health & Pharmacy Solutions. Valmed carries reputable CBD products that “provide a Certificate of Analysis on each product.”

HOBBIES

Gardening

We’ve all been stuck inside too much this year. But it’s never too early to start planning a garden. Decide now to have the yard of your dreams in 2021, and get to work. Winter is a great time to perform weed-killing measures on your lawn, so that the pesky plants don’t return in the spring (just make sure to use pollinator-friendly products). There’s also plenty of warm weather left in the year to construct trellises, install outdoor planters, and clean up existing beds – not to mention doing some research on what you plan to grow. Then, when the growing season hits, you’ll be ready to go. What better way to counteract the detrimental effects of spending too much time indoors than to get outside and grow something? Gardening provides so much of what we need right now: fresh air, creativity and safe social distancing.

Beekeeping

In recent decades, climate change and the rampant use of pesticides have resulted in a troubling loss in the number of America’s bees. But you can do your part to fight this trend by becoming a beekeeper. Out in Canyon, George and Paige Nester have shown everyone just how viable a Panhandle bee operation can be. Creek House Honey Farm offers beekeeping classes (just 30 bucks for adults), where you’ll learn everything you need to know to set your world buzzing.

Hiking

Well, it goes without saying that our beloved canyon is the coolest hiking site in the region; in fact, it’s one of the finest hiking places in all of the United States. From the more famous Lighthouse and Rock Garden trails, to lesser-known jaunts like the Pioneer Nature Trail or the Capitol Peak Trail, there’s something for everyone down inside the red-dirt wonderland. But hiking alone can be dangerous, so bring a quarantine buddy, or sign on with the Amarillo Hiking Club, whose nearly 600-large membership can be found on MeetUp.com.

Running

Is there a better pandemic exercise than running? All you need is a good pair of shoes and the great outdoors. And the benefits of running are endless, from weight loss to stronger bones to improved cardiovascular health. If you’re concerned about injuring yourself, talk with your doctor before hitting the pavement. And if you’re worried about getting the right shoes, discuss your options with the experts at Randy’s or Get Fit, where you can even get an in-store assessment done. These shoe gurus will help you find the exact right shoe for you, whether your feet pronate (tilt inward) or supinate (tilt outward), or if you’re prone to shin splints or flat feet.

Volunteering

There’s nothing better you can do for your spirit than to help others. But deciding where and how to volunteer can be daunting. How can you use your gifts and talents to have the biggest impact? Hands On Amarillo exists to address this very question. This local organization helps link potential volunteers with their ideal volunteering outlet, and the folks at HOA have their finger on the pulse of all the volunteer action in Amarillo. Can’t decide whether to help kids learn to read with StoryBridge or end hunger with Snack Pak 4 Kids? Hands On Amarillo can help. handsonamarillo.org.

Amarillo’s Health Scorecard

Studying the health of Amarilloans can be tricky, as the city is split into two counties – and health studies tend to go by county in Texas. But it’s easy to see that Randall County (and South Amarillo) is much healthier than Potter County (and North Amarillo). This falls in line with what we know about the two counties: The median income in Randall County is nearly $25,000 per year higher than in Potter County. Therefore, Randall County folks have more money to spend on better food, fitness and health care (as well as vacations and child care). Unfortunately, the overall health of Amarilloans is moving in the wrong direction. Here’s what we know about our city as a whole (note: these figures are from 2018, the most recent year for which we have data).

24% of Amarilloans say their health is “fair” or “poor.” That’s higher than the national average of 17%. Amarilloans are getting heavier. In 2013, 29% of Amarilloans were obese. Five years later, that figure had risen to 37%. 21% of Amarilloans in 2018 had been diagnosed with diabetes. That’s exactly twice the national average – and 10% higher than it had been five years previous. The rate of heart attacks also doubled from 2013 to 2018, from 4% to 8%. The rate of strokes tripled from 2013 to 2018, from 2% to 6% (again, double the national average).