Living Magazine October 2022

and why so

Arianne M. Gallaty, MD

Fellowship Trained Breast Surgeon Hablo Español

Danielle Lipo Jacobbe, DO Fellowship Trained Breast Surgeon

A. Seyi Ojo, MD

Fellowship Trained Breast Surgeon

Finally, a system that makes sense! Located on Broad Street in the heart of Mansfield! Our treatment suites are gorgeous and offer unique hourly rental rates helping your run your business efficiently without overpaying for long term rental space

We provide you with an EMR system, a scheduling app, and offer assistance onboarding a medical director

Space is very limited so call today for more details.

October

Mansfield National Golf

This event is our organization’s largest fundraiser and the funds we generate purchase items for the Arlington Police Department (APD) not included in the city budget.

Funds from this year’s Scramble will cover the cost of training for Mounted Patrol officers and their horses to properly handle crowd control and buy drones used by APD officers for analyzing accident scenes and surveillance at active crime scenes. We are looking for golfers and items we can add to our raffle list of prizes. Golfers purchase raffle tickets drawn to win some great prizes that we will have on display.

More Information is on www.acpaaa.org.

Contact Paul Goodman at 817 937 2512

Methodist Family Health Center – South Arlington welcomes Tina Joseph, DO

Tina Joseph, DO, has lived in the DFW area for more than a decade, and now she’s making Methodist Family Health Center – South Arlington home.

She joins family medicine doctors Minh Le, DO, and Stephanie Tipton, DO, as the center’s newest primary care provider. But that’s not all that’s happening at our South Arlington center.

Designed with your comfort and the quality care you deserve in mind, we’re adding nearly 3,000 square feet of new space and renovating almost 2,000 square feet of existing space. Among the features of this new blueprint are six exam rooms, three new o ces, three new restrooms, and an expanded waiting room. Growing to meet the needs of our neighbors. That’s community, and why so many people Trust Methodist.

Visit us at

MethodistHealthSystem.org/SouthArlington or call 817-985-4547

Methodist Family Health Centers and Medical Groups are owned and operated by MedHealth/Methodist Medical Group and are sta ed by independently practicing physicians who are employees of MedHealth/Methodist Medical Group. The physicians and sta who provide services at these sites are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System or any of its a liated hospitals.

Stephanie Tipton, DO Minh Le, DO

Tina Joseph, DO

Run with Heart

November 12, 2022

Step out for your health and a good cause. Choose from a half-marathon, 5K, or one-mile fun run/walk. Enjoy family activities including; clowns, music, and face painting!

THE RACE STARTS AT Methodist Mans eld Medical Center 2700 E. Broad Street · Mans eld, TX 76063

7:30 A.M. USATF-certi ed half-marathon*

7:45 A.M. 1M fun run/walk 8:10 A.M. USATF-certi ed 5K* *chip-timed

Methodist Mans eld.

Juan Gavalda, MD, Salvador Gavalda and Family

OCTOBER 2022 | comfortinside this issue

39 | top HEALTHCARE

on the cover

20 I MANSFIELD FAMILY DENTISTRY

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

40 I TEXAS HEALTH HOSPITAL

42 I UNITED DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES

PROFILED

24 I ELLIOTT MANAGEMENT LLC

28 I SHEILA EPPERSON

features

32 MAD ABOUT PLAID

Add a Little Prep in Your Step with this Timeless Print

38 THE KIDS ARE GONE, NOW WHAT? How to Navigate the Empty Nest Years

76 GETTING THROUGH GRIEF

Helping Your Child with the Loss of a Loved One

80 A NOT SO MOM MOBILE

Merge Function and Style When Choosing a Family Car

Correction: Elvis Presley’s visit to the Cotton Bowl was in 1956, not in 1950, as the September story “Lone Star Lowdown” stated.

60 WELLNESS

OPTIMISTIC OUTCOME       NOW HEAR THIS

AESTHETICS

HOLIDAY HUSTLE  BOTHERSOME BITE

BEYOND BLACK AND ORANGE BENEATH YOUR FEET

WIMBERLEY

letter from the publisher

Anna Charles, LaRue Novick, Meredith Knight

“My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.”

1 John 3:18

Fall is one of my favorite seasons, when the morning cool lasts longer and longer and the evenings are pleasant enough for an after-dinner stroll. It’s time to break out some sweater, add a favorite scarf to your outfit, leave those sandals at home, and step out in your boots. We may not enjoy the riot of red, orange, and yellow leaves they do up north, but October in Texas still means falling leaves, hometown football games, pumpkin patches, hayrides, apple cider, and soup on the stove. Bring it on!

Fall is also a great time to begin looking for ways you can the hands and feet of Jesus this holiday season. The food bank is stocking up to provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need. Operation Christmas Box is accepting boxes of Christmas cheer to help spread the gospel message to impoverished countries. Start praying about inviting a lonely person to join your family for a holiday celebration or including them in holiday activities at your church. We can’t all be missionaries to foreign countries, but we can reach across the street, across the classroom, or across the office and extend Jesus’ love to whomever He places in our path this coming holiday season.

MISTY DANIELS, OWNER/PUBLISHER

mdaniels@livingmagazine.net 682-556-1246

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jennifer Kelley GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Joseph Villegas Justin Womack

CLIENT SERVICES MANAGERS Jenefer Grady Veronica Garza

MAILBOX • INBOX • ONLINE

l

e

s f r o m

O UR M A Y O R S

m a y o r MICHAEL EVANS

The fall season has arrived, and the city of Mansfield is inviting you to join us for October fun. The month begins with Mansfield Reads! We are asking our residents to connect with us in our "One City, One Book" program. This is a community-wide reading event that encourages all Mansfield citizens to read the same book at the same time. This year’s selection is "The Guide," a gripping and moving novel by Peter Heller. Enjoy an "Evening with the Author." We are happy to announce that the author, Peter Heller, will be in town on October 20th at 7 p.m. at the Legacy High School Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit mansfieldlibraryfriends.org/2022-mansfield-reads.

What is October without the fun of Halloween? Enjoy ghostly activities all month long during our "Haunted Mansfield" celebration. Activities range from a spooky night hike at Oliver Nature Park to a ghost hunt at the Farr Best Theater, and our "Boo

Bash!" We will also feature "family night" at the Mansfield Activities Center (The MAC). Participants will be able to enjoy trunk-or-treating, a plethora of games, and costumes. For information about all of our Haunted Mansfield Events, visit visitmansfieldtexas.com.

Finally, we are gearing up for our acclaimed Veterans Day Parade and Salute, so mark your calendars for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5th. A musical patriotic salute will happen immediately after the parade in front of The LOT, our local amphitheater that is located in our historic downtown. In addition to the parade, the City of Mansfield will host two special military exhibits: "Women in Aviation" and "Remembering Our Fallen," starting on Oct. 10 and Nov. 4 respectively. For more details about these and other fun-filled events, visit mansfieldtexas.gov/VeteransDay.

We will begin the new budget year, which began effect Oct. 1, in strong financial position. After cutting the property tax 1/2 cent in the 2021-2022 budget, we are repeating that in 2023, with not only another 1/2 cent reduction in the property tax rate, but also a 2.5% increase in the homestead exemption (which was approved by City Council earlier this year to go into effect for 2023). Don’t forget if you are age 65 on Jan. 1, an additional $45,000 exemption on your home value may be applied for at the appraisal district. When you file for the Senior Exemption, the amount you pay for property tax freezes and will not go higher, even when the value of your home increases. You may also be eligible for a disabled or disabled veteran exemption and should contact your appraisal district.

In addition we recently announced big news for

m a y o r JIM ROSS

I never grow tired of bragging about the City of Arlington. Case in point—the $73,000 grant we received from North Central Texas Council of Governments to embark upon a new print and digital outreach campaign designed to increase residents’ awareness of recycling options. You asked how you can do a better job recycling, and this grant is the response.

Arlington citizens have always been eager to do their part for our planet. This grant, with funding from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, will allow us to educate ourselves about what materials can and can’t be recycled to reduce recycling contamination. We’re launching this effort in response to a 2021 survey that indicated Arlington residents were interested in recycling but that the city needed to build community trust in the recycling program through further education and outreach. Let’s make a difference together!

Grand Prairie: Bass Pro Shops and Andretti Indoor Karting and Games are both coming to two, locating south of IKEA on the east side of SH161. Consturction should begin early 2023 with grand openings early 2024. We are very excited to wecome this destination retailer and entertainment venue to our robust family of attractions.

If you have little ones in your life, here’s a great opportunity to pass along some of that environmental awareness to the next generation. The 2022 Value of Water Mini Poster Contest Arlington offers students in PreK through 4th grade an opportunity to compete for a chance to win a variety of fun, water-related prizes, free passes to the upcoming Here Be Dragons: From Lizards to Legends exhibit at the River Legacy Nature Center, and the thrill of having their artwork displayed in City of Arlington buildings.

Sponsored by Arlington Water Utilities, Arlington Public Library, River Legacy Nature Center, and Tarrant Regional Water District, the contest is open until 5:00 PM Friday, Oct. 14. Find details at S aveArlingtonWater.com. As always, thank you all you do to make Arlington the best place on the planet to live, work, play, and worship.

MAN S FIEL D

m a y o r RON JENSEN

GRAN D PRA I RI E

ARL I N GT O N

OCTOBER 8

COMMUNITY GARAGE

SALE & MARKET

Arlington Parks and Recreation

Join us to buy and sell treasures at our Community Garage Sale & Market event. Free to attend. 9am-12pm. Vendor fee $25/ space, $10/table and two chairs. Register to claim your spot as a seller. Cliff Nelson, 4600 W. Bardin.

NATURALLYFUN.ORG

OCTOBER 8 AND 22

MOBILE PET ADOPTION EVENT

Arlington

Adorable adoptable pets looking for new homes will be available at the mobile adoption unit for immediate adoption! Visit with adoptable cats available inside PetSmart! Adoptions will be at the Petsmart® in South Arlington, 203 E. I-20 (Arlington Highlands) 10:00am-3:30pm. Scheduled events are subject to cancellation without notice due to weather conditions (heat, cold, storms, etc.) for the safety and protection of adoptable pets, volunteers, and staff.

OCTOBER 15

MAYORS COMMUNITY WALK “PINK OUT”

Grand Prairie

Join Mayor Ron Jensen for a stroll through downtown Grand Prairie. This event will be a “Pink Out” in honor of breast cancer awareness month. 9am. Grand Prairie Farmers Market, 120 W. Main St. Learn more about Get Fit GP.

OCTOBER 15 AND 29

BARKS & REC HIKING CLASS

Mansfield

The pups are back and ready for a new challenge. Our popular Barks & Rec program which pairs participants with shelter dogs is

october 28

HALLOWEEN TOT PARTY

Arlington Parks and Recreation

Join us in a Tiny Tots themed adventure. Tots are required to be escorted through activities by a parent or guardian 18 years or older. Participants may come and go to make their way through designated stations at their leisure. Ages 6 mos. – 5 years. $5. 10am-12pm. Dottie Lynn Rec Center, 3200 Norwood.

NATURALLYFUN.ORG

heading to the trails. Sign up to take a hike through Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park and bring a dog from Mansfield’s Animal Care and Control shelter along to check out the woods and fields. Ages 14+. 9am-10am. 1650 Matlock Rd. Visit our website to register.

MANSFIELDTEXAS.GOV

OCTOBER 22-23

EPIC “HAUNTED” CAMPOUT

Grand Prairie

Get your tents and sleeping bags and get ready for a spooky good time at EpicCentral GrandLawn hosted by the Parks Dept. Be sure to bring decorations for the tent decorating contest. Halloween movie classics and other fun activities throughout the evening. Participants will then spend the night under the stars with breakfast being provided the next morning. Saturday 4pm – Sunday 9am. $15.Registration is open now. 2960 Epic Place. For details and to register visit our website.

PREKINDLE.COM/EVENT/45197-EPICHAUNTED-CAMPOUT-GRAND-PRAIRIE

OCTOBER 26

FRIGHT FIEST

Arlington Parks and Recreation

Boogie on down and join us for a spook-tastic costume party! We’ll have competitions, prizes and snacks. Ages 55+. FREE with Senior Activity Pass or day pass. Pre-registration required. 1pm-2:30pm. East Rec Center, 1817 New York Ave. Visit our website to register.

NATURALLYFUN.ORG

OCTOBER 28

BOO BASH

Mansfield

A great alternative to going door-to-door. Bring the family to the MAC for a night of trunk-ortreating and Halloween candy! Everyone must be registered including adults. Parents must attend with child. 6pm-pm. $5. MAC, 106 S.

Wisteria St. Visit our website to register.

MANSFIELDTEXAS.GOV

OCTOBER 28

TRAIL-OR-TREAT

Arlington Parks and Recreation

Get dressed up and have fun with our games, giveaways, bounce houses and candy. Free! 6pm-8pm. Free meal with pre-registration. Bob Cooke Park, 2025 Craig Hanking. Visit our website for registration.

NATURALLYFUN.ORG

OCTOBER 31

STREET ‘N TREAT

Grand Prairie

Join us for an enjoyable Halloween event! Participants will enjoy free games, face painting, kid’s crafts and trick-or-treating at Grand Prairie City Hall. Prepare to dress to impress, ask “Trick-or-Treat” and bring a bucket for candy. 6pm-8pm. 200 Block of W. Main St.

SAVE THE DATE

DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE 2023

Arlington Parks and Recreation

Our Daddy Daughter Dance is March 4, 2023. Registration opens November 1 and goes thru November 30. $24 per person. Visit our website.

NATURALLYFUN.ORG

see more events in your area on LIVINGMAGAZINE.NET

IN OCTOBER

OCTOBER 21 // TICKET TO PARADISE IN THEATERS

Queen of the Rom-Com, Julia Roberts, reunites with George Clooney on the big screen as exes who find themselves on a shared mission to stop their lovestruck daughter from making the same mistake they once made. While planning their sabotaging schemes, they discover the sweet surprise of second chances.

MONTH’S MUSIC

OCTOBER 21 // TAYLOR SWIFT MIDNIGHTS

OCTOBER 14 // TODD RUNDGREN SPACE FORCE

OCTOBER 21 // SIMPLE MINDS DIRECTION OF THE HEART

WHAT TO READ

OCTOBER 13, 2000 // BILLY ELLIOT

JAIME BELL, JULIE WALTERS DIR. STEPHEN DALDRY (THE HOURS)

In this coming-of-age dramedy set in in North East England during the 1984–1985 miners’ strike, a young boy stumbles upon a dance class during his weekly boxing lesson. His working-class father’s preference for boxing over ballet causes Billy to become torn between his unexpected love of dance and the disintegration of his family.

OCTOBER 18 // MADLY,DEEPLY:THEDIARIES OF ALAN RICKMAN

BY ALAN RICKMAN; FOREWORD BY EMMA THOMPSON

Alan Rickman remains one of the most beloved actors of all time across almost every genre in the American and British markets, from his breakout role as Die Hard’s Hans Gruber to his heart-wrenching run in the Harry Potter series as Professor Severus Snape and beyond.

But Rickman’s artistry wasn’t confined to just his performances. Fans of movies, theater, and memoirs at large will delight in the intimate experience of Rickman detailing the extraordinary and the ordinary in a way that is “anecdotal, indiscreet, witty, gossipy and utterly candid.” He grants us access to his thoughts and insights on theater performances, the craft of acting, politics, friendships, work projects, and his general musings on life. Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman was written with the intention to be shared, and reading it feels as if he is chatting to a close friend.

Imagery from Ticket to Paradise (2022), Universal Pictures. Movie image from Billy Elliot (2000), Working Title, and BBC Films. Book cover from Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman by Alan Rickman (2022), Henry Holt and Co., with description excerpt from the publisher. Album covers and all other materials are presented for non-commercial illustrative purposes.

THIS MONTH IN MOVIE HISTORY

BY:

MANSFIELD FAMILY DENTISTRY

WELCOME TO YOUR DENTAL HOME

Americans buy 14 million gallons of toothpaste and four million miles of dental floss every year.

BY MEREDITH KNIGHT

Forty years is a long time to do anything, but for the Bauer family, that time has flown by. Four decades ago, Dr. John Bauer and his wife, Terri, embarked on a challenging adventure together as they launched their partnership, not only as mother and father of a growing family but as owner/operators of a brand new dental practice in the then sleepy town of Mansfield, Texas. Even before the idea of the “dental home” was being emphasized by the dental and medical community, that’s exactly what they set about to create.

The Bauers imagined one location where the families of Mansfield could come to have all their dental needs met—from childhood through old age—from preventative dentistry to restorative and cosmetic. Word quickly got around that at Mansfield Family Dentistry patients come first and their patient base grew. As Terri ran the office, crafting a warm, welcoming environment, Dr. John committed to constantly reeducating himself about emerging dental technologies and cosmetic offerings that could only have been imagined 40 years before.

As the town of Mansfield ballooned in population and dental technology experienced monumental leaps forward, the Bauers welcomed a breath of fresh air into their practice in the person of their son, Dr. Cody Bauer. Dr. Cody brought with him a new perspective, a passion for advancing technology, and a special rapport with the youngest dental patients. And as John and Terri welcomed grandbaby after grandbaby into their family, their young dental patients grew up and returned with their own kids allowing the Bauers to serve three—and even four—generations in some families.

A TRUE DENTAL HOME

Dr. John and Dr. Cody begin seeing patients as soon as they’re ready to sit in the chair for routine cleaning. The architype of a dental home, the Bauer family offers young patients and their parents and grandparents everything from simple cleanings or filling to complete cosmetic procedures— including teeth straightening and full-mouth makeovers. That way, once a patient feels comfortable under their care, they don’t need to be referred elsewhere for special services. As technology advances, the Bauers investigate each new offering and invest in the very best for Mansfield Family Dentistry helping them offer a true one-stop-shop for all the dental needs of Mansfield families.

ALL UNDER ONE ROOF

“When we realize, during a routine check-up, for instance, that a patient needs a root canal, tooth extraction, or dental implant or when they inquire about a cosmetic procedure, the last thing they want is for us to refer them out to another dental practice,” Dr. John said. “That’s why we’ve undertaken hundreds of hours of continuing education and investing in the latest, cutting-edge dental technology, so we can provide cosmetic procedures such as tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, inlays, onlays, Invisalign clear braces, and permanent dental implants, right here in their dental home.”

Mansfield Family Dentistry and the Bauer family are happy to offer these preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services to their family of patients:

• Dental Implants

• Root Canals

• Sedation Dentistry

• Tooth Extractions

• Porcelain Veneers

• Dental Crowns

• Dentures

• Dental Bridges

PATIENT EDUCATION ADVOCATES

The Drs. Bauer place an emphasis on patient education and empowerment. “We want you to be your own best oral health advocate,” Dr. Cody said. “It’s not just about the health of your

about the affect your oral health has on the rest of your body and on your chances of developing conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and other serious illnesses. We take seriously our job to provide each patient with the tools they need for a lifetime of vibrant oral health. We want to be your partners in that journey.”

YOUR FAMILY DENTAL TEAM

“Cody, Terri, and I along with our dynamic team want every patient who comes through our door to feel like a member of our family because that’s what they are,” Dr. John said. “There’s nothing more rewarding to us than building relationships with our patients and being able to watch them grow, from before they lose their baby teeth to the day they bring their own kids to see us.”

For children as young as three, the Mansfield Family Dentistry team takes it slow, talking to kids, explaining each thing they do before they do it, and taking extra time to educate parent and child about caring for their teeth for a lifetime of optimum oral health. “We follow the child’s lead, never proceeding with treatment until they’re ready,” Dr. Cody said. “When they know what to expect, it takes the scary out of dentistry. Parents are invited to accompany young child into the operatory, but for older kids, we let them decide if they want Mom and Dad there or would rather have them wait in the waiting room.”

WELCOME HOME

For more than four decades, the Mansfield community has counted on the Bauer family for know-you-by-name dentistry that’s also at the leading edge of dental technology. “I’m a bit of a techno nerd, so I love learning about the latest dental breakthroughs and incorporating the ones with a proven track record into the practice,” Dr. Cody said. Both of the Drs. Bauer go over and above in continuing education, so they’ve got your family covered with everything from routine maintenance to conservative restorative dentistry—all the way to dramatic smile makeovers.

If you’re searching for a true dental home for your family, fi nd out more about Mansfield’s one-stop dental shop at MansfieldDentistry.com.

RESTORE my soul

BY LAURA L. SMITH

Sabbath.

I knew that word back in Sunday school, but I never thought about what it meant to practice it. And, yes, Sabbath takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, it’s like riding a bike in a field. Freeing. Peaceful. Restorative. Fun.

For decades my idea of Sabbath was going to church on Sundays. But Sabbath is more than that. God didn’t create the Sabbath because he needed a rest. He’s God. He doesn’t get tired. God asks us to take a day off every week so he can restore us.

God modeled Sabbath from the beginning of the world: “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy.” (Genesis 2:2–3).

Ferris Bueller didn’t invent the day off. God did!

And he invites us to take advantage of it. God feels so strongly about us taking time to rest that he made it one of the Ten Commandments: Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. (Exodus 20:8)

Sabbath is taking our to-dos, our work — whatever that is — and handing it over to God, saying, “I believe you are who you say you are. I believe that when you ask me to take a break, it’s for a good reason. I believe that you’re able to keep the world spinning, my company running, my family fed, if that’s your desire, even if I take a day off.”

What defines work? What do you need to take a day off from?

That’s between you and God. For me, Sabbath means taking a day off from my work of writing and speaking. I have decided that my email, social media, and work planner are off-limits on my Sabbath.

For you this could look totally different.

Making dinner drains one of my friends, so she never cooks on her Sabbath. For me, cooking when I have time (versus frantically throwing

together things in the kitchen in a time crunch) is luxurious. One Sunday my daughter and I turned on French café music — accordions accompanied by the brush of cymbals — and spent over two hours shredding sharp Gruyère, slicing thick chunks of baguette, and dancing around the kitchen preparing a fondue feast for our family. It was a blast, and nothing about it resembled work.

When I started practicing Sabbath, I frequently picked up my phone by instinct. Someone emailed me — shouldn’t I email them back? I didn’t get much work accomplished Thursday because of the field trip I chaperoned, so couldn’t I sneak back some time now?

God doesn’t want us to be legalistic about this. Remember, he doesn’t need you to rest. This is for you. God designed work to be completed in six days. Trust him. You know which things consume you maybe a bit too much. I know it’s hard to let go for an entire day, but God wants goodness for us.

Jesus put it this way: “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of the people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27 NLT).

God created the Sabbath for us ! He made it so we would be fulfilled — so our needs of rest and restoration would be met. It’s real. It works. This beautiful thing God designed for us when he created the universe actually restores our soul.

Sabbath has become my favorite day of the week.

Why? Because I exhale. I’m not rushing from church to the next and the next. I take a slow sip of my mocha and savor the froth, let it tickle my tongue. I’m an introvert,

so introverted things refuel my tank. I journal. I call my mom or a friend and can be fully present for the conversation because I’m not trying to do anything else. Sometimes I’ll pull out my acrylics and paint, or maybe I’ll write a couple of cards to friends. I’ll go for a walk with my kids or sit and read a book — and not just a snippet but an actual chapter or two or five if the day permits. I’ll paint my fingernails and toes in candy-colored shades that make me smile.

If you’re an extrovert, you’ll refuel differently. Maybe you visit with friends over a bonfire in your backyard or a game night. You know the things that restore you.

God offers us peace and restoration with Sabbath. It might take several weeks or months or iterations of practicing Sabbath, of really letting go of some things, of releasing yourself to the rest God intended when he created the Sabbath. God’s not evaluating you on how you take Sabbath; he’s inviting you into it. It was always meant as a gift. Receive it. Relish it. Let it restore your soul.

This article is adapted from Restore My Soul: The Power and Promise of 30 Psalms used with permission from Our Daily Bread Publishing. ©2022 by Laura L. Smith All rights reserved.

ALAN ELLIOTT

Elliott Management LLC

BY DREW ANDERSON

In a world where every day, more business, shopping, and financial decisions are made online, cybersecurity is more important than ever. Families and businesses alike must make sure they are protected from unseen cyber threats. Alan Elliott started Elliott Management LLC out of a desire to start a legacy of protection. His 20 years of cyber security experience have taught him that while technological advances often make life easier, there are countless hidden dangers if you don’t know how to protect yourself. Elliott Management LLC aims to change the way your information, both personal and financial, is protected.

After the birth of his first son, Alan Elliott knew he wanted to follow in the footsteps of many successful Americans and start his own company. He decided to lean on his 20 years of experience working in the federal government’s cyber security community, and Elliott Management LLC was born. Elliott Management LLC is designed to be the prominent cybersecurity assessment service provider for commercial, private, and government information systems and networks. “We take the time to understand what needs to be protected and the why behind it. From there, we focus on developing the best how, says Elliott.” The goal of Elliott Management is to solve today’s problems while preparing for and creating tomorrow’s solutions.

Elliott Management’s secret to success is the company’s vast, real-world experience. Alan Elliott and his staff have years of experience protecting some of our nation’s most sensitive capabilities and technologies. That knowledge has helped them design, engineer, and implement valuable cybersecurity and risk management strategies. It has also made them a leader in the ever-evolving cybersecurity industry. “Our vision, says Elliott, is to incrementally improve our position as leaders in the cybersecurity community every minute and every hour of every day.”

And with so much potentially at stake, it seems like a safe bet to turn to a company dedicated to utilizing experience and expertise to keep your data safe.

After growing up in Rochester, New York, and serving in the U.S. Navy, Alan Elliott and his wife currently raise their family in south Grand Prairie. Elliott serves his community as a mentor for the non-profit organization R.E.A.L. Youth Mentoring. When he’s not focused on cybersecurity, he enjoys spending time with his family, mentoring the youth and improving his “Charles Barkley” golf swing.

When it comes to cybersecurity, Alan Elliott and Elliott Management LLC know that it is important to be proactive instead of reactive. According to Elliott, “proactively

monitoring your cyber risk is a requirement in today’s digital world.” With so much data and important information being stored in the virtual world, Elliott Management LLC is firm in its belief that everyone needs cybersecurity. For more information or to take advantage of a no-cost risk assessment, visit their website (ellimgmt.com) or email elliott@ellimgmt.com.

610 Uptown Boulevard Suite 2000

Cedar Hill, Texas 75104 | (469) 523-1358

“WE TAKE THE TIME TO UNDERSTAND WHAT NEEDS TO BE PROTECTED AND THE WHY BEHIND IT. FROM THERE, WE FOCUS ON DEVELOPING THE BEST HOW.”

– ALAN ELLIOTT

Security.

Security.

We are changing the way your information, both personal and financial, is protected.

We are changing the way your information, both personal and financial, is protected.

Cybersecurity, Enterprise IT, and Security Management.

Cybersecurity, Enterprise IT, and Security Management.

The challenges of tomorrow revolve around the protection of infrastructure, information and information assets, which are critical to public safety. Solutions to these challenges must be agile and innovative and, here at Elliott Management, we accept that challenge!!

The challenges of tomorrow revolve around the protection of infrastructure, information and information assets, which are critical to public safety. Solutions to these challenges must be agile and innovative and, here at Elliott Management, we accept that challenge!!

Our mission is to be the prominent cybersecurity assessment service provider fortifying commercial, private, and government information systems and networks.

Our mission is to be the prominent cybersecurity assessment service provider fortifying commercial, private, and government information systems and networks.

Our vision is to incrementally improve our position as leaders in the cybersecurity community every minute and every hour of every day. One customer at a time, transforming them into satisfied, loyal repeat customers and utilizing our most precious resource, our people, to solve today’ s problems while preparing for and creating tomorrow’s solutions

Our vision is to incrementally improve our position as leaders in the cybersecurity community every minute and every hour of every day. One customer at a time, transforming them into satisfied, loyal repeat customers and utilizing our most precious resource, our people, to solve today’ s problems while pre s

Alan D. Elliott, Sr. Chief Executive Officer

610 Uptown Boulevard, Suite 2000 Cedar Hill, TX 75104 469.523.1358

610 Uptown Boulevard, Suite 2000

Cedar Hill, TX 75104 469.523.1358

THRILLS & CHILLS

Six Flags Over Texas, the Thrill Capital of Texas, unleashes the scariest and best Fright Fest ever, September 24 – October 31. This year, there are new family-friendly thrills by day at Kids Boo Fest and the tastes of delicious German cuisine at the Oktoberfest Food Festival. Fright Fest takes over at night with six Haunted Houses, six new Scare Zones, five Monstertainment live shows, limited time treats, and the return of the infamous Arania. www.sixflags.com

CENTURY 21 JUDGE FITE

SHEILA EPPERSON

BY DREW ANDERSON

For most people, purchasing a home is the largest and most substantial investment they will make in their lifetime. Conversely, selling a home can be an emotional, sentimental and stressful experience. Whether you are buying or selling, utilizing a thoughtful, dedicated realtor can make a tremendous impact on any real estate transaction. Sheila Epperson, a realtor with Century 21 Judge Fite, is committed to making the real estate process a simple and easy experience for her clients.

Sheila, whose father was in the Air Force, understands the impact of moving. As a child, her family relocated frequently around the country throughout her father’s military career. That experience has helped contribute to her effort to go above and beyond for her clients. For Shelia, real estate isn’t just another transaction. Her mission is to form lifelong relationships with her clients and serve families and her community through her dedication and never give up mentality. That includes working tirelessly for any potential buyer or seller. “When I meet with potential customers, I give them a list of 181 activities that I will do for them as their realtor. I am driven, a perfectionist, and I will not give up until I accomplish what I set out to do,” says Sheila.

“When I meet with potential customers, I give them a list of 181 activities that I will do for them as their realtor. I am driven, a perfectionist, and I will not give up until I accomplish what I set out to do,”

– SHEILA EPPERSON

What sets Sheila apart isn’t just her dedicated attitude. She is a strong believer in continued education and is constantly working on expanding her knowledge base. She currently has a GRI designation, a title bestowed upon just 10% of realtors in the state of Texas. Her combination of knowledge and her devoted approach makes a noticeable difference for her clients. “We first used another realtor with little success selling our home said SC Rhodes, one of Sheila’s former clients. Shelia Epperson is on her game and plays to win. She is a hands-on realtor but not at all over-bearing. She truly listens to your wants, and I would recommend her to anyone trying to buy or sell in DFW.” Shelia’s dedication has earned her Quality Service awards in both 2019 and 2021.

Shelia’s commitment to her community goes beyond her profession. As a teenager, she settled in Mansfield, Texas and has been in the area ever since. It was there she met her high school sweetheart, and now husband, Eric. Together they have raised two children, Dylan and Cami. As a family they invest in their community through Liberty Church’s various outreach ministries, including serving monthly with the Food Bank.

When you’re making substantial and lifechanging decisions, it is important to have someone like Shelia in your corner. You need someone dedicated, professional and committed to meeting your every need. Whether you are moving across the country or across the street, the process can be made so much easier with the right realtor. And Shelia Epperson believes she is the right realtor. According to her buyer’s service pledge, “I guarantee I am the right person to get the job done.”

2651 E. Broad Street, Suite 107 Mansfield, Texas 76063 (817) 312-8166

PET CLUB

FEATURED PETS this month

PET CLUB MEMBERS

To join the club, visit LivingMagazine.net/pet-club Send your pet’s name, your name, your address, and a clear photo of your pet. They might just turn up in a future issue of Living!

Clawsie

Love Bug & Gus Gus

Pumpkin

Pork Chop Biscuit

Poupette

Winston

ANTONIO

The Kids Are Gone

Now What?

HOW TO NAVIGATE THE EMPTY NEST YEARS

BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT

My friend, Coleen, said it best. When we both had three kids under age six, she told me, “The days are long, but the years are short.” Both turned out to be true. When your days are filled with diapers and temper tantrums followed by field trips and school projects, and eventually driving lessons and college resumes, it’s hard to imagine there will ever be a time when your time is your own. Then suddenly, it is.

My husband and I are two years into our empty nest adventure and just finding the sweet spot. But we didn’t get there without some blue days, wondering who we’re supposed to be now the kids are gone. Some things on our path toward becoming empty nesters we did well, and some we could have done better.

Allow Yourself to Grieve

I’m pretty sure I started crying in August of our youngest child’s senior year and didn’t stop until his second semester of college. And that’s okay. One of the best seasons of life was ending, and it deserved a mourning period. I still have moments now, like this month, when he accepted an assistantship in California, but I think giving myself permission to grieve helped.

Find Fulfilling Hobbies

This is one area where I scored a solid B+. About five years before our last one left the nest, I started building a small hobby farm. I began with a half dozen chickens, planted an assortment of fruit trees, and planted a vegetable garden. I got a couple of beehives and started teaching myself to can, forage, and concoct herbal

,remedies. Your hobbies might look different but finding something that excites and engages you gives you a reason to get up each day while keeping your mind sharp.

Don’t Stop Dating Your Partner

We didn’t do quite as well at this, but we’re making up for lost time now. There’s a reason you chose the partner you did, and the empty nest years are a great time to rediscover why. Look for ways to pamper each other as you did in your newlywed days. Plan trips and adventures together. You’ve earned it.

Invest in Friendships

I have some fantastic friends and plenty of time to reconnect with them now. Join a Bible study. Start a book club. Plan some girlfriend trips. Take a pottery class with a buddy. Volunteer together. Host a good old-fashioned dinner party. If you’re blessed to have a sibling, spend quality time with them.

Expand Your Culinary Skills

Your picky eaters are gone. Have fun learning new skills in the kitchen. Buy a new cookbook and cook your way from cover to cover. I like to have my husband rate each recipe from one to ten. Then I can go back and only cook his favorites.

There is life after the kids leave home, and one of the best things about this stage of life is those amazing people you’ve raised. Make no mistake, they still need you. It’s just on a different level now.

HEALTHCARE

TEXAS HEALTH HOSPITAL MANSFIELD

The year 2020 was a chaotic time to work in healthcare in any capacity, let alone open a new medical facility. Yet, that’s exactly what happened in Mansfield, Texas with the opening of Texas Health Mansfield. During the first 18 months of operation, the hospital and its caregivers were called into action during three COVID surges, a historic winter storm, and a national shortage of healthcare workers.

Through it all, they pulled together to overcome each new challenge as it arose. In fact, the unprecedented conditions of the past two years have brought the doctors, staff, and management of Texas Health Mansfield together as a family making them stronger than ever before. This overcoming mindset is a result of the culture that’s been fostered within the hospital, a culture founded on three pillars:

• Care for each other

• Care for the patient

• Care for the business. With these three principles at its core this healthcare facility focuses on the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.

COMMUNICATION AND ACCESS TO CARE

Let’s face it. Hospital experiences can be stressful, confusing, and vulnerable for patients and their families. Hospitalization can leave patients feeling lost, especially if they don’t understand their plan of care. Texas Health Mansfield takes a consumer-focused and multidisciplinary approach to patient care. They place communication between healthcare workers and patients at their core. This commitment has garnered recognition for Texas Health Mansfield as the top hospital in their market. Obtaining outstanding reviews is no easy feat. The growing list of five-star patient reviews speaks volumes about the highquality care that is the standard at Texas Health Mansfield.

DESIGNATED TRAUMA IV EMERGENCY FACILITY

With a focus on offering quality healthcare to Mansfield and the surrounding communities, Texas Health Mansfield has successfully evaluated and expanded its available services. The facility earned a designated trauma IV emergency status, making them well

equipped to care for you and your loved ones during unexpected emergencies. When it comes to their littlest patients, they’re proud to be able to treat and discharge more than 97% of pediatric patients, with the remaining three percent receiving exceptional care at nearby children’s hospitals.

COMPREHENSIVE ORTHOPEDIC SERVICES

Texas Health Mansfield has also launched The Orthopedic Alliance. After recognizing a need in the Mansfield area for comprehensive orthopedic services, the THM team assembled a one-stop shop offering a full menu of orthopedic services. In partnership with nearby independent practices, Texas Health Mansfield offers patients easy access to orthopedic care through multiple physician offices.

Whether you’re in need of a new physician, lab work, physical therapy, imaging services, surgery, or wellness education, Texas Health Mansfield can help you access care quickly within a 10-minute drive. You’ll also have access to a nurse navigator to make care more streamline and accessible. A personal

nurse navigator is available to guide patients through every step of their health care journey, from scheduling appointments to providing updates, to explaining lab results and answering follow-up questions.

QUALITY HEART CARE

This summer, Texas Health Mansfield launched their heart attack program offering access to a 24/7 cath lab for high-acuity patients suffering from a STEMI (ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction). In a continued effort to expand clinical services, their quality team is actively working on pursuing a primary stroke certification which is estimated to launch in 2023. When it comes to accomplishing their goals, they say working with highly experienced physicians and nurses whose primary focus is to deliver only the best care has been an incredible blessing.

HERE FOR THE MANSFIELD COMMUNITY

At their core, Texas Health Mansfield is committed to supporting their community. Their mission to Extend the Healing Ministry of Christ travels far beyond their hospital walls. Before breaking ground on the construction of their facility, President and CEO Kenneth Rose prioritized building lasting relationships with the community. As

a result, Texas Health Mansfield has initiated a volunteer program where team members volunteer at local nonprofit organizations each quarter. Team members in every department have up to four volunteer hours available each year, meaning in both clinical and nonclinical settings, the team has equal opportunities to give back to the community. With nearly 800 hours volunteered, team members have “paid it forward” at the Mansfield Mission Center, Harvesting in Mansfield Center, Mansfield Activities Center Senior Citizen Program, and Manna House in Midlothian.

IT’S ALL ABOUT CARE

It's an honor for Texas Health Mansfield to serve Mansfield and the surrounding communities. Opening amidst many challenges, they have been blessed with the opportunity to support the growth right outside their hospital walls. This organization thrives on caring for their team, caring for their patients, and caring for their growing business. Everything their team does revolves around providing every patient with exceptional care of the whole person, not just their illness or symptoms. Treating others as they would their loved ones is truly what they do best. Patients can always count on Texas Health Mansfield’s team to be humbly at their service.

TEXAS HEALTH HOSPITAL MANSFIELD IS HAPPY TO OFFER THE GREATER MANSFIELD COMMUNITY:

• Digestive Health

• Emergency Care

• General Surgery

• Cardiovascular Services

• Imaging Services

• On-Site Lab Work

• Orthopedics

• Women’s Health

• Physical Therapy

TAKE HEALTH INTO YOUR OWN HANDS WITH THE ADVENTHEALTH APP. WITH ONE HANDY DOWNLOAD YOU CAN:

• View Lab Results

• Pay Bills

• Message Your Care Team

• Schedule Appointments

• Access Urgent Care Video Visits

• Access Health Records

TEXAS HEALTH MANSFIELD IS MAKING IT EASIER TO OBTAIN NON-LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY CARE WITH INQUICKER.

• Schedule an emergency room visit online at TexasHealthMansfield.org.

• Wait in the comfort of home.

• Arrive at your projected treatment time.

CONTACT 2300 Lone Star Road Mansfield, Texas 76063 (682) 341-5000 TexasHealthMansfield.org

L-R: Ronny Ford, M.D., Vice President/ Chief Medical Officer, Stephanie Nelson, Vice President/ Chief Financial Officer, Kenneth Rose, President/ Chief Executive Officer, Kristen Sutton, Vice President/ Chief Nursing Officer, and Renee Crawford, Human Resources Business Partner

UNITED DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES

Brian Cook, PA-C

Tiffany VanGundy PA-C Jeannine Hoang, MD

Jason Tharpe, PA-C

United Dermatology has served patients in Mansfield, Arlington and surrounding areas since 2007. With five locations across Mansfield, north and south Arlington, Burleson and Flower Mound, UDA offers a full range of skin health services including cosmetic and aesthetic care, medical dermatology and dermatological surgery. The practice’s founder, Dr. Jeannine Hoang, has built a thriving team focused on unparalleled medical care and innovation.

Dr. Hoang’s aesthetic philosophy focuses on preventative treatments, favoring early, simple interventions that prevent and stall the signs of aging. She has curated a collection of treatment options that address all aspects of aging skin. Dr. Hoang and her team focus on delivering the most natural-looking results with minimally invasive procedures that are personalized to each individual’s issues and concerns. “Prevention is better than treatment,” says Dr. Hoang. “Getting to someone earlier rather than later in the course of aging is a powerful tool in maintaining a youthful appearance.”

Dr. Hoang also believes in treating the total patient and takes a holistic approach to beauty. Her knowledge of anti-aging and longevity goes beyond dermatological treatments, addressing a range of health aspects including nutrition, exercise, mental health, sleep and hormones – as all of these can have an effect on a patient’s appearance.

COSMETIC

Dr. Hoang and the UDA team specialize in subtle, noninvasive cosmetic treatments and minimally invasive enhancements that provide the most natural looking results possible. She introduced The Spa at UDA – located at the Mansfield location – in 2013 to focus on aesthetic treatments. The Spa offers a full menu of typical spa services delivered by medically trained professionals in a luxury setting.

SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Injectables including Botox® and Dysport® (also available at other UDA locations)

• Various Hydrafacials focusing on specific patient needs

• “Perk” treatments including noninvasive lift procedures

• Add-on treatments and boosters including lymphatic face therapy, red/blue light therapy and Dermaplaning

• Waxing

• Tinting

MORE ON INJECTABLES

Botox and Dysport injectables are powerful tools to improve the look of wrinkles. The procedures are FDA approved to treat the frown line between the brow (glabella), and are also effective on forehead lines, crow’s feet, lip lines and neck lines. When used around the eyebrow, they even provide a subtle eye lift. These quick and painless injections provide visible results within a few days that last an average of 3-4 months.

UDA Mansfield also offers clients service from one of the nation’s best injectors. Mimi Phan, PA-C, was nominated for

2021’s Top 100 Best Aesthetic Injectors in America® – a tremendous honor that recognizes her skill and success in non-surgical facial and body rejuvenation. Her signature natural full facial rejuvenation with Botox and filler treatments are well recognized by many in the aesthetic industry and on various social media platforms. Her Instagram page (@PhantasticDerm) has more than 98,000 followers. Mimi’s skills are so impressive that she’s also a Galderma trainer, teaching and training other aestheticians on injectables.

Additional cosmetic care offerings include various laser and light treatments, fat reduction, scar treatment and hair restoration.

MEDICAL

UDA’s team of skilled providers also uses the latest technology and treatments to help patients with medical conditions including acne, cysts, eczema, infections, psoriasis, rosacea and shingles, along with melanoma and skin cancer – and many others. UDA providers create long-term relationships with patients through annual skin exams and ongoing consultations and treatments as their skin care needs change over time.

SURGICAL

Dr. Hoang and UDA’s team of highly trained providers routinely perform a variety of surgical procedures to treat both benign and malignant skin conditions. All procedures including excisional surgery, electrosurgery and cryosurgery are done at UDA offices under local anesthesia.

Dr. Ashish Arshanapalli joined the UDA team in 2020, bringing remarkable expertise in Mohs surgery. This involves removing a skin cancer layer by layer, with the surgeon microscopically examining each section as it is removed. Mohs surgery allows complete removal of the cancer while sparing the maximum amount of healthy skin and provides the highest cure rate for removal of skin cancer (97-99%).

ABOUT DR. HOANG

Jeannine Hoang graduated summa cum laude from The University of Texas at Austin and earned her MD at Baylor College of Medicine. She completed an internship in internal medicine at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas and a residency in dermatology at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. She opened her first office in Mansfield, then soon opened additional locations across DFW to meet growing demand.

Dr. Hoang oversees all UDA locations and has assembled a talented group of providers who are passionate about helping patients achieve optimal skin health through proactive, preventative medicine. In addition to Drs. Hoang and Arshanapalli, the practice includes a team of skilled Certified Physicians Assistants who are similarly dedicated to providing patient-focused care that delivers superior results.

If you’re ready for a rejuvenating spa day, have immediate skin health care needs, or are looking for a long-term skin care provider, please visit unitedderm.com to learn more about the practice or request a consultation.

OUR PROVIDERS

Mansfi eld: Dr. Jeannine Hoang Dr. Ashish Arshanapalli Brian Cook, PA-C Tiffany VanGundy PA-C Jason Tharpe, PA-C

Fielder-Arlington: Uyen "Mimi" Phan, PA-C

Matlock-Arlington: Lisa Ostrowski PA-C

Flower Mound: Thê Tran, PA-C

Burleson: Thê Tran, PA-C Dr. Jeannine Hoang

CONTACT

Mansfield 130 Regency Parkway Mansfield, Texas 76063 (817) 539-0959

Fielder – Arlington 723 North Fielder Road, Suite C Arlington, Texas 76012 (817) 539-0959

Matlock – Arlington 3132 Matlock Rd, Suite 307 Arlington, TX 76015 (817) 468-3131

Burleson 780 NE Alsbury Boulevard, Suite B Burleson, Texas 76028 (817) 529-1753

Flower Mound 4335 Windsor Centre Trail, Suite 110 Flower Mound, Texas 75028 (469) 635-5990

GI ALLIANCE MANSFIELD

BY DREW ANDERSON

Experiencing stomach, intestinal or digestive issues can be debilitating and can often wreak havoc on your everyday life. Those internal issues can be scary, painful and frustrating. Finding the right gastroenterologist can make the difference between continued pain and the relief you desperately want.

At GI Alliance Mansfield, three skilled doctors and one nurse practitioner have combined their specialized experience in one brand new, state of the art facility. No matter what gastrointestinal problems you’re experiencing, the doctors at GI Alliance Mansfield are confident their knowledge and expertise can fast track you on the road to recovery.

Dr. Moustafa Youssef is a highly skilled, board-certified physician in both gastroenterology and internal medicine. Dr. Youssef specializes in colon cancer screening (colonoscopy), GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), constipation, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and the management of inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Dr. Youssef believes in personalized medicine and endorses natural, easily obtainable products that can help improve many common GI issues. Dr. Youssef was among the first doctors in DFW to offer the Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) procedure for treatment of acid reflux. In his free time, Dr. Youssef enjoys being outdoors, cooking and traveling. He and his wife, Nesma, have two children, Hana and Yahya.

Dr. Suwebatu Odunsi-Shiyanbade is a board-certified gastroenterologist practicing in the Arlington/Mansfield area for over 12 years. She is well skilled to diagnose, treat and manage all forms of digestive diseases. She has a broad clinical background and particular interest in colon cancer screening

and prevention, inflammatory bowel diseases and women’s health. She prides herself in listening to the patient and providing individualized care. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and has trained at acclaimed institutions including UT Southwestern and Mayo Clinic. Dr Odunsi-Shiyanbade and her husband live in Arlington with their two daughters. She enjoys reading and visiting local parks and museums with her family.

Dr. Gregory Brennan is originally from Massachusetts and received his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. He completed his internal medicine residency at UT Southwestern and gastroenterology fellowship at the University of California Irvine. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Additionally, he serves as an assistant professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Dr. Brennan treats a wide range of digestive diseases involving the esophagus, liver, pancreas, intestines and colon. Outside of the office, Dr. Brennan enjoys spending time with his family including his wife, two young children and dog.

Littee Anna Sam is a board-certified nurse practitioner with over 4 years of experience. Prior to that she spent 14 years as a registered nurse. She received her BSN in 2005 and a master’s degree in nursing in 2018. Goal oriented, passionate and dedicated, Littee has demonstrated expertise in supporting, diagnosing and treating patients with acute and chronic gastrointestinal illnesses. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time with her husband Anil Sam and their two children, Ethan and Evana.

CONTACT

647 North Miller Road Mansfield, Texas 76063 (817) 415-9680 GIAlliance.com

The thing that ’ s changed is the Location

Dr Thomas and his experienced staff are built upon providing exceptional dentistry to each patient while providing a comforting atmosphere

When Integrity Counts... HONEST, PATIENT DRIVEN CARE SINCE 1983.

Knee pain is treatable.

From young athletes to older adults, knee injuries are one of the most common orthopedic injuries we treat. Knee pain can be a very debilitating and life-altering problem for today’s active adult. Our orthopedic specialists focus on complete knee health so you can stay active, strong and mobile.

Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. ©2022 Baylor Scott & White Health. BSWOSH_12_2022_Knee_v1_BR. Baylor

Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital – Arlington is a hospital in which physicians have an ownership or an investment interest. The list of physician owners or investors is available upon request. We are fully licensed by the state of Texas and Medicare certified. Our facility is also accredited by The Joint Commission. We are an affiliate of United Surgical Partners International, and partnered with local physicians. Physicians are members of the medical staff and are neither employees nor agents of Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital – Arlington, United Surgical Partners International, Baylor Scott & White Health, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates. Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital – Arlington complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.

Andrew

MD, FACSMD, FACS

Joshua Trussell, MD • Ivan Cruz Jr., MD

There are many options when it comes to hormone optimization, but there’s only one Biote Method peformed by Biote Certified Providers. When you’re ready to optimize your life, make sure and ask your provider if they are Biote Certified.

Learn more at biote.com | Provider o er discount program at myhormonelevels.com

NOW HEAR this

BY ANNETTE BROOKS

“Can you hear me now?” This line from a classic wireless phone company ad is humorous, but when it comes to our hearing, it’s no laughing matter when others wonder if you can hear them. Hearing loss doesn’t just limit social interaction and verbal communication, it can lead to anger and frustration, isolation, and depression. It’s also a safety hazard when you can’t hear a car horn, a fi re alarm, or other warning sounds.

HEARING LOSS CAUSES

Several culprits contribute to hearing impairment, including: Loud noise. Noise from loud music, industrial equipment, and even products like lawn mowers and snow blowers can damage the inner ear, resulting in permanent hearing loss. Loud noise also contributes to tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Age. Over time, wear and tear on the hairs or nerve cells in the cochlea that send sound signals to the brain can cause damage. When these electrical signals aren’t transmitted efficiently, hearing loss may occur.

Heredity. Your genetic makeup may make you more susceptible to ear damage from sound or deterioration due to aging.

Smoking. Smokers have a higher risk of suffering from noiseinduced hearing loss. Smoking irritates the middle ear lining, and the nicotine in cigarettes blocks the neurotransmitters that send auditory information to your brain.

Poor diet. Consuming excessive fats and sugars or failing to get adequate nutrients and vitamins may interfere with the flow of blood through the body, particularly to the ears.

Medication. Certain prescription medications diuretics can damage the cells inside your ears. Talk with your doctor about all potential side effects of the medications you’re taking, including hearing loss and tinnitus.

Diabetes. Hearing loss can be twice as common in people with diabetes compared to those who don’t have this disease. Other problems that affect hearing include ear infections, ruptured ear drums, abnormal bone growths, and tumors.

BREAKING DOWN THE HEARING AID BARRIERS

Only 20% of people who would benefit from hearing aids use them, but this can be improved by debunking misconceptions and providing helpful information.

Some of the best news is that bulky, old-fashioned hearing aids are a thing of the past. Today’s ultra-small, high-tech hearing aids are barely noticeable. Chances are most people you meet won’t even realize you’re wearing them.

Next generation hearing aid technology also works better than ever to help address hearing loss. Sophisticated features and functions include, but are not limited to, programmability for a personalized listening experience, advanced sound processing, frequency response, fully integrated sensors, the use of AI (artificial intelligence), digital noise reduction, and connectivity to smartphones and other devices via Bluetooth.

Lastly, cost concerns can be overcome for most people. Hearing aids aren’t generally covered by third-party insurances or programs like Medicare but ask your audiologist about affordable payment options and fi nancing.

HEARING LOSS: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, AND SOLUTIONS

October Is Month AUDIOLOGY AWARENESS

Month

Did you know that hearing your best requires more than just a hearing aid?

Did you know that hearing your best requires more than just a hearing aid?

Audiologists are medical professionals that help prevent, diagnose, treat and manage hearing loss and balance disorders in individuals of all ages. Purchasing hearing aids is a life-changing decision. Shouldn’t you have a team of experts guiding you to make the right choice?

Audiologists are medical professionals that help prevent, diagnose, treat and manage hearing loss and balance disorders in individuals of all ages. Purchasing hearing aids is a life-changing decision. Shouldn’t you have a team of experts guiding you to make the right choice?

Schedule an appointment with one of our audiologists during the month of October to receive:

Schedule an appointment with one of our audiologists during the month of October to receive:

In-o ce demonstration Risk-free trial Up to $400 discount on new hearing aids*

In-o ce demonstration Risk-free trial Up to $400 discount on new hearing aids*

Now with o ces in Arlington and Fort Worth

Now with o ces in Arlington and Fort Worth

ARLINGTON

ARLINGTON

101 West Randol Mill Rd., Suite 100 Arlington, TX 76011

101 West Randol Mill Rd., Suite 100 Arlington, TX 76011

www.northtxhearing.com

www.northtxhearing.com

FORT WORTH

FORT WORTH

904 Pennsylvania Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76104

904 Pennsylvania Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76104

www.advancedhearingaidcenter.net

www.advancedhearingaidcenter.net

*Discount applies to the purchase of two advanced or premium level hearing aids. Appointment must be scheduled by October 31, 2022. Prior sales are excluded.

*Discount applies to the purchase of two advanced or premium level hearing aids. Appointment must be scheduled by October 31, 2022. Prior sales are excluded.

OPTIMISTIC outcome

If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, take heart. With significant advances in detection and treatment, the number of women who died from breast cancer dropped about 40% in the past 25 years, according to a recent American Cancer Society report.

Early detection is a major contributing factor. Caught in its earliest stage, the breast cancer survival rate is up to 99%. Plus, you may have more flexibility in advanced treatment options and better chances for a lower recurrence rate. Check out some of the options available to women below, and remember, a breast cancer diagnosis today doesn’t always mean an unfavorable outcome. I can genuinely say this as a three-year breast cancer survivor myself.

TISSUE-SPARING BREAST SURGERY

Mastectomy — entire breast removal — used to be the de facto standard. Now, depending on your diagnosis and if you’re a good candidate, a tissuesparing surgery called lumpectomy may be an option. Lumpectomy involves

A BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS DOESN’T HAVE TO SPELL DOOM AND GLOOM

BY ANNETTE BROOKS

removing the tumor plus a margin of surrounding breast tissue which is examined to determine if it’s cancerfree. Recovery is understandably easier with lumpectomy, and per the National Cancer Institute, researchers found that women who had a mastectomy had a lower quality of life score than those who had a lumpectomy.

When mastectomy is required, you may be a candidate for nipple-sparing and skin-sparing mastectomy based on your diagnosis. These options apply if you’re having immediate breast reconstruction after breast surgery. A plastic surgeon who works with your breast surgeon in the operating room performs reconstruction after the lumpectomy or mastectomy is complete.

NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER’S

RADIATION THERAPY

Radiation therapy is an essential breast cancer treatment component and the standard of care following breastconserving surgery (BCS). Previously, the entire breast was externally irradiated over fi ve to seven weeks after BCS. Side effects can linger for years after radiation treatment, so this is something you want to avoid whenever possible. Today, state-ofthe-art linear accelerator (LINAC) technology pinpoints radiation at breast cancer tumors with precision and accuracy, sparing nearby healthy tissue. It also enables accelerated partial-breast radiation, an option for certain women with early-stage breast cancer.

YOU MIGHT AVOID CHEMOTHERAPY

Chemotherapy isn’t automatically prescribed for all breast cancer patients these days. A federally funded study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in 2018 and published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that many women with the most common type of early-stage breast cancer — hormone receptor (HR) positive, HER2 negative with no spread to the lymph nodes — could safely avoid chemotherapy. This equates to around 70% of breast cancer patients.

We can thank a gene expression test called Oncotype DX for this. Performed on the excised breast cancer tumor, it predicts how likely breast cancer will recur, creating a “recurrence score” between 0 and 100. A score of around 25 or less suggests a low risk of recurrence and that the benefits of chemotherapy will likely not outweigh the risks of side effects.

REDUCE YOUR RISK

While there’s no sure way to prevent breast cancer, you can take steps to lower your risk. The American Cancer Society promotes maintaining a healthy weight and limiting or avoiding alcohol and staying physically active. And the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that “Physical activity can reduce breast cancer mortality by about 40% and has the most powerful effect of any lifestyle factor on breast cancer outcomes. At least 150 minutes per week of physical activity is recommended.”

You Don’t Have to Face It Alone

Few things are worse after a breast cancer diagnosis than being alone with your thoughts and fears running wild with no one to talk to who can truly understand what you’re going through. Support groups help, and research indicates that receiving and giving support can reduce anxiety and stress.

Keep an open mind when evaluating different groups because no support group model is suitable for everyone. Your breast cancer surgeon should be able to recommend local and online support groups, and your cancer treatment center will likely have an active breast cancer support group. Other considerations include:

The National Breast Cancer Foundation hosts a monthly support group with a facilitator. NationalBreastCancer.org/nbcfprograms/breast-cancersupport-group

The American Cancer Society offers support groups and one-on-one support through the Reach To Recovery program. Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients are paired with breast cancer survivor volunteers. Cancer.org/ support-programs-and-services/ reach-to-recovery

HOLIDAY hustle

LOOK REFRESHED WITH LAST-MINUTE AESTHETIC SERVICES

BY ANNETTE BROOKS

You want to look your best for family gatherings, events, parties, and pictures, but who has time to recover from aesthetic procedures during the holiday hustle and bustle? Even services touted as having no downtime doesn’t necessarily mean you can get something done in the morning and be party-ready that evening.

The key is to be completely open with your aesthetician about the time between your cosmetic procedure and attending social activities, so they can recommend the right services.

NO RECOVERY TIME

A customized facial is your best bet if you don’t have time for recovery before a party or event.

Combining services like hydrodermabrasion (HydraFacial) with oxygen infusion can leave your face incredibly smooth and radiant. Hydrodermabrasion addresses signs of aging, uneven skin tone, and dull, dehydrated, or oily skin. It also can minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines. An oxygen skin infusion following hydrodermabrasion is the icing on the cake, accelerating skin hydration, soothing and brightening your skin, and reducing irritation or redness for a radiant fi nish.

Don’t worry if your aesthetician doesn’t offer these services. There are plenty of others that provide incredible results. Tell your aesthetician what you want to address and your goals so they can suggest treatments that meet your needs. Consider combining a luxury facial with LED light therapy, which sends light waves into your skin to trigger intracellular reactions. The wavelength associated with each color of light — red, blue, amber (yellow), and green, addresses different issues. LEDs are usually safe for all skin colors and types.

MINIMAL RECOVERY TIME

Sometimes beauty takes more than a single day to appear. Injectables are popular for a good reason — they work — but you may experience some bruising and redness afterward. Plan for this, just in case. Get injections at least one week and preferably two before a holiday gathering.

Wrinkle smoothing Botox or Dysport injections take only around 20 minutes, so you can zip in and out of your appointment and be on your way. You’ll likely see improvement in about two to four days but be aware the full effect might not appear for a week or two.

Dermal fi llers add volume, fi ll in lines and wrinkles, and plump up your lips. You’ll see immediate results, but recovery time varies for each individual and type of fi ller. Be prepared to experience slight redness and swelling in the treatment area for up to a few days after the injection. This is normal.

With or without injections, a light peel that includes the face, neck, and décolletage is a fabulous way to smooth and brighten your skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture. Consider a fruit enzyme peel that exfoliates with natural chemicals found in fruits. A light glycolic peel shortly before a social activity is another option. Expect your skin to be red after treatment and to peel for a few days.

Smooth, Silky Skin with Zero Downtime

Dermaplaning is a comfortable, low-risk procedure with little to no side effects and no downtime. Simply put, it’s an ultra-close facial shave that sounds like no big deal. Oh, but it is, which is why dermaplaning is a favorite among Hollywood stars before they walk the red carpet.

Dermaplaning is different than shaving your face with a regular razor. Using light strokes with a safe yet sharp exfoliating tool, your aesthetician will gently scrape your cheeks, chin, forehead, and temples to remove dead skin cells and vellus hairs. Vellus hairs make up the ultrafi ne, short, wispy “peach fuzz” that covers the face and body. Exfoliation and vellus hair removal smooths your skin and prepares it to absorb applied products and treatments more readily.

Professional dermaplaning is usually integrated with customized facial treatments to give the skin a fresh, luminous appearance. For me, dermaplaning, HydraFacial, and LED light therapy, in this order, produce amazing results. Be sure to find a provider who is experienced in dermaplaning and can create a treatment plan designed to deliver the best results for your skin type.

BOTHERSOME bite

Oral care is an important part of your overall health. The mouth is a gateway to our digestive and respiratory systems and impacts our overall health, but there’s more to having oral health than healthy gums and teeth. Proper function is also important, including how your teeth come together. A bad bite (malocclusion) — when your upper and lower teeth don’t fit together correctly — can cause problems ranging from loose fi llings and chipped, broken, or worn-down teeth to headaches and toothaches.

HEALTH ISSUES CAN OCCUR WHEN YOUR TEETH DON’T MEET

Treatment for malocclusion includes traditional braces and clear aligners such as Invisalign, tooth removal to ease overcrowding, and in some cases, jaw surgery. People with a missing tooth may be advised to get a dental implant or bridge to help even the bite and keep the teeth from moving out of alignment.

LINKED TO A PAINFUL JOINT DISORDER

Did you know misaligned teeth may also affect the temporomandibular joints (TMJs)? Connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull on each side of your head just below the ear, your jaw joints act like sliding hinges. They enable you to open and close your mouth, move it side-to-side, and talk, laugh, yawn, and chew.

Muscles that control the TMJ must work harder when teeth aren’t aligned properly, and this overuse often results in pain and infl ammation of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles and tissues. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can also result from missing or worn-down teeth and ill-fitting crowns that affect the bite, jaw injuries, and arthritis. Then there’s that old bugaboo stress, which can cause you to clench your jaw throughout the day and grind your teeth while asleep (called bruxism), putting excess pressure on the jaw joints.

Symptoms include your jaw clicking when you open and close your mouth wide, headaches, unexplained earaches, jaw lock, tooth loss, and dizziness, to name a few.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT ARE ESSENTIAL Mild TMD can be uncomfortable. Sometimes the pain will radiate from the jaw to behind the eyes, the face, neck, ears, head, and even the shoulders, becoming so acute it profoundly impacts your quality of life. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as naproxen or ibuprofen helps relieve the pain and infl ammation. Muscle relaxants may also be prescribed. A cold pack applied to the affected areas can be beneficial, and jaw-stretching exercises and neck massages may help alleviate the discomfort.

A removable, custom-made TMJ oral appliance or splint, similar to a mouth guard, may also be recommended. Customarily worn at night, these devices help reduce pressure on the TMJs by preventing the teeth from grinding and clenching. In extreme cases, surgery is used to address TMD.

Since TMD mimics a host of different medical problems, it’s often misdiagnosed. If you believe you may suffer from TMD, see a dental professional experienced in diagnosing and treating the condition.

Out of Alignment

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, teeth crowding and protrusion, too much space between the teeth, and malocclusion cause a variety of dental problems when left untreated. Bite misalignment includes:

Crossbite – When the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. It can involve groups of teeth or a single tooth. Untreated, the jaw may shift to one side, lopsided jaw growth, and worn-down tooth enamel.

Underbite – When the lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw, it can cause chewing problems and result in wear and tear on the front teeth, making them prone to breakage and chipping.

Open bite – An anterior open bite is when the back teeth are together, and the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. Causes include excessive sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing. A posterior open bite is when the back teeth don’t meet, but the front teeth do. Untreated, it may result in swallowing and speech problems.

Deep bite – When the top front teeth excessively overlap over the bottom teeth, TMJ issues, tooth loss, gum disease due to bruxism, and more can occur.

BENEATH your feet

TRENDING FLOORING OPTIONS ARE WARMER, WIDER, AND MORE WONDERFUL THAN EVER

BY CHERYL ALEXANDER

What are the current most sought-after fl ooring options available? New flooring trends reflect the continued dominance of luxury vinyl, porcelain, and laminate wood-look flooring, with stone imitations popping up, too. Flooring colors are warming up as cool grays make their way into browner tones, while natural and imitation wood and stone floors are more rustic. More waterproof products, larger tiles, and wider and longer planks are also trending. Here is a hot list of what materials are best beneath your feet.

GETTING WARMER

One of the most significant shifts is the move to warmer tones of gray that combines the Japanese interior style of warmth and natural elements with the clean, minimalist Scandinavian influence. The warmer tones, too, are following the pandemic when people began desiring cozier, more nostalgic spaces. Grayish brown floors can add comfort and visual warmth, inviting you to slow down.

Airy coastal colors are trending alongside grays, and porcelain tile is still a solid alternative for faux wood flooring.

LUXURY VINYL LEADS

Vinyl planks and tiles are abundant, overshadowing other types of flooring these days. With improved technology, more realistic imitations of wood and stone are available more than ever before. More rigid core floors (higher-quality, more stable luxury vinyl flooring) and thicker wear layers on the surface make these products more durable.

LAMINATE LOOKS GREAT

Your experience with laminate may have left a cheap, shiny, plastic impression on you, but today’s options will surprise you.

Laminate floors have come a long way. While the construction is the same — layered composite of compressed wood fiber atop a durable fiberwood base —better technology makes the image layer look more realistic. Laminate flooring with bevels and an embossed texture that mimics natural wood are now competing toe-to-toe with the best luxury vinyl planks.

REAL WOOD RULES

Natural hardwood is king for those who want it and can afford it. These options, too, are shifting from cool grays toward warmer tones, richer browns, and hand-scraped rustic surfaces. Lighter shades are trending that lean into a light, coastal feeling.

ENGINEERED WOOD IS GOOD

Another popular option is engineered wood, which consists of natural wood on the surface with a composite of wood fibers, particles, strands, and veneers forming the rest of the plank. It is typically less expensive than solid hardwood.

SET IN STONE

Natural stone will remain a durable and elegant floor choice, and for some, nothing can compete with real marble, travertine, limestone, or slate. However, plenty of stone looks are trending. Stone-like porcelain and luxury vinyl are everywhere, from living rooms to laundry rooms. The latest styles are showing up in numerous beige tones, making a comeback after years when just about everything was white and gray.

BEYOND BLACK and orange

FORGET THE GO-TO COLORS THIS HALLOWEEN

BY COURTNEY WARREN

When it comes to holidays and celebrations, I love tradition — candles on a birthday cake, a Christmas tree accompanied by wrapped presents, and a Thanksgiving green bean casserole covered with a crunchy onion topping. But there is fun to be had in mixing things up, and some elements of the holidays are open to interpretation. I believe only using black and orange for Halloween is one of them. Don’t be afraid to infuse some variety into the upcoming holiday.

HUES OF BLUE

Are you setting a fall table? Add sprays of fresh or dried blue hydrangea to a centerpiece of white pumpkins, grey-green foliage, and eucalyptus. Add a little ambiance with twinkling votives.

MARVELOUS METALLICS

In my opinion, you can’t have too much sparkle, and fall pumpkins offer an opportunity to glam it up. Dip white pumpkin stems in glue and then in chunky glitter. Or paint a drippy glue pattern on the tops and sprinkle with glitter creating a stunning effect in daylight or candlelight. Pair this with gray or white pumpkin accents. Whether real or faux, this DIY project is an excellent way to spice things up.

GRAY AND WHITE

Many holiday decorations are trending toward neutral tones, and Halloween is no exception. Look beyond the usual pumpkins at the patch and arrange some ghostly gray, white, and cream pumpkins with twining greenery and wood or burnished metal accents.

PRETTY IN PINK

We all know pink works for Valentine’s Day, but pink for Halloween? Absolutely! Pink peps things up, especially when playfully paired with pops of black.

Think outside the box, forget the go-to colors for Halloween, and re-interpret fall decor to your taste. Just don’t re-interpret so much that you become the house that gives trickor-treaters apples instead of chocolate. Some traditions are best left alone.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Courtney Warren is a Rockwall native interior designer whose award-winning design work has been featured in numerous national magazines and media and whose clients span the North Texas area. She believes “you deserve a beautiful home you can be proud of, and it doesn’t have to be complicated.” She loves decorating for the holidays, and her most embarrassing Halloween costume was when her parents made her dress up as a Magic Skunk. You can find her recent projects on Instagram and Facebook at @courtneywarrenhome or courtneywarren.com.

Donna J. Smiedt

Board Certi ed Family Law Attorney (by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization) Certi ed Family Law Mediator Collaboratively Trained 38 Years in Family Law Experience

Donna J. Smiedt and Desaray Muma have been collaboratively trained to provide our clients with a private and less stressful way to resolve their family law disputes than in a courtroom. We are proud to work with a team of highly specialized professionals to address the entire family’s needs as we assist our clients in developing a new family dynamic, post-divorce, which includes providing tools to problem solve and co-parent for the best interest of their children.

Donna

Smiedt

GETTING THROUGH

GRIEF

HELPING YOUR CHILD WITH THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE

BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT

You know how hard it can be if you’ve lost someone you love. Now, imagine you’re a little kid who doesn’t even grasp the concept and finality of death. Death can occur in many ways. It can be sudden and accidental or prolonged and expected. However it happens, it’s never easy to accept or fully understand.

But if your child is experiencing the death of a loved one, there are things you can do to make it easier on them.

Use simple words. Tell your child that someone has died in a calm and caring way using clear, direct words, not euphemisms.

Allow them to grieve their way. Every adult reacts differently to death. Every child does, too. Some will cry. Some will respond with a barrage of questions. Some seem not to react at all. Be present. Comfort your child.

Answer their questions directly and patiently.

Offer them words for their feelings. Encourage children to express what they’re thinking and feeling. Label some of your feelings to make it easier for them to share theirs.

Tell your child what to expect. If this death means changes in your child’s life or routine, talk to them about what those changes might be to help them feel prepared.

Explain what will happen next. Your child likely has no experience with wakes, funerals, memorial services, or burials. But joining in these rituals can help them find closure. Just tell them as much as you can beforehand about what will occur and why.

Offer your child a role. Taking a small, active role in the services allows kids to feel part of things and can help them process their loss. An older child might read a poem. A younger child might help select songs to be played or help you gather photos to display.

Help them remember their loved one. Encourage your child to draw pictures or write stories about the loved one. Share some of your memories and let your child know how much joy they brought into the person’s life. Explain to your child that it can take time to feel better after someone so special dies, and that’s okay.

Be there for them long after the service. Over the next few weeks or months — or years — your child will be revisited by sadness and grief and may come up with more questions. Keep conversation lines open, so they know they can talk about their feelings. Some kids may have trouble sleeping or feel particularly sad at night when they have more time to think. Assure them things will get better. It just may take a while.

Remember, regardless of age, grief is a process that differs for each person. Talk often and listen to how your child is feeling. Assure them that healing doesn’t mean forgetting. Their loved one is never completely gone as long as they remember them with love.

Don’t hide your grief from your child. Allow your child to see that it’s normal and healthy to cry and feel sad because their loved one is gone.

Don’t avoid talking about the person who’s died, thinking it will cause your child pain. Re-living memories or sharing stories can help your child heal and find closure.

Don’t hesitate to ask for support from your child’s school counselor, physician, Sunday school teacher, pastor, or a hired mental-health professional trained in bereavement.

Don’t put a time limit on bereavement. Everyone grieves in their own way and on their own timeline.

Give yourself and your child time to adjust to the new normal.

Don’t make your child think they can only be sad now.

If their loved one made them happy, then remembering them and talking about them should bring laughter along with the tears, and that’s okay.

Don’t change your child’s daily routine. Consistency and predictability help children feel safe. Try to keep daily routines and activities as normal as possible, as soon as possible.

Gain access to helpful content, local promotions, including giveaways and other fun tidbits

MOM a not so

m o bile

MERGE FUNCTION AND STYLE WHEN CHOOSING A FAMILY CAR

BY SYDNI ELLIS

Is it time to move on from your minivan? Yes, they are convenient and typically get decent gas mileage, but when you’re driving from school pickup to a play date to karate class to the grocery store and back home, you deserve a stylish ride. And (no offense) a minivan, isn’t it.

From cars with fabulous features to SUVs that fit everyone in your family, including the dog, there’s something for everyone. Here are some cars with style, plus one cool minivan for those who just can’t let it go.

Compact SUV: 2022 Hyundai Tucson

Completely redesigned for 2022, the Hyundai Tucson is perfect for parents who want it all — stylish design, safety features, affordable price, and plenty of space to spread out. Optional highend extras include a panoramic sunroof, blind-spot view monitor, and remote smart parking assist. It seats five, with cargo space to spare.

Mid-Size SUV: 2022 Kia Telluride

Big families, or those rocking the carpool lanes, should consider the 2022 Kia Telluride. This mid-size SUV seats eight and has a standard forward collision avoidance assist and standard safe exit assist. Upgrade to get the Kia Connect with remote start, climate control, and find my car — all from the convenience of a smartphone app. One-touch sliding and folding second-row seats make it easier for older kids to crawl in the back, and the optional leather trim and heated/ventilated seats for the second row are a nice touch.

Large SUV: 2022 Jeep Wagoneer

Bigger is better in Texas, and you can’t go wrong with the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer, an SUV with a vintage name and new technology. It has an interactive display on the passenger dash and two entertainment screens mounted on the back of the front seats for kids. Up to eight passengers can relax in the spacious SUV.

Sedan: 2022 Honda Accord

The 2022 Honda Accord is roomy for a sedan with a luxe entertainment system and plenty of perks that make life with kids easier. These include wireless phone charging, leg room for up to five people, a blind spot information system, an intelligent cruise control system, and great fuel economy. Plus, it has a sleek design.

Wagon: 2022 Subaru Outback

Fans of the wagon-style car will love the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness. This one has a h igher-end interior, an impressive infotainment center, and plenty of room that seats up to five.

Features include elevated ground clearance, off-road wheels, and all-terrain tires for adventurous drives.

Minivan: 2022 Toyota Sienna

If you can’t resist getting a minivan, choose the 2022 Toyota Sienna, which is as un-minivan-like as you can get. Its exterior looks like an SUV, albeit one with powered sliding doors, and its interior has one-of-a-kind features, like longer captain chairs. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and radar-based adaptive cruise control go a long way to tempt you to stay in a “mom mobile.”

ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR FAMILY RIDE

Fast-food wrappers and smudgy windows may be inevitable living with kids, but these car accessories can still make your family car seem cool.

Munchkin Brica Sun Safety Car

Window Rollershade with Heat Alert: Keep your kids cool and protect your windows from dirty fingers simultaneously with these convenient shades. They even have a sensor to alert parents when the car is too hot for little ones. $16, Target.com

High Road CarHop Car Seat Organizer:

This insulated car organizer will keep your kids’ snacks, books, and toys in one convenient spot. It can be used as a cooler and a storage container and includes cup holders and outside pockets for convenient access to everything your kids need. $34, Amazon.com

Autumn Owl Visor & Vent Clip

Fragrance Holder: Your car will smell like a dream without a plug or battery. Simply fill it with your favorite scent and clip it on or a long-lasting, fresh aroma. $9.50, BathAndBodyWorks.com

FALLING FOR Wimberley

THIS “BELLE OF THE BLANCO” WILL WIN YOUR HEART

BY CHRISTINA GARCIA

It’s been almost a century since cattle drives pushed through the main town square, but Wimberley still shines with a rustic Hill Country charm. What was once a village has swelled with a horseshoe-shaped downtown area unfolding next to the ancient cypress trees over Cypress Creek, a waterway just off the larger nearby Blanco River. Attractions range from galleries, antiques, and nurseries to popular springfed watering holes. Local eats offer everything from Texas comfort food to European-inspired fare, while locally brewed farmhouse ales and fermented wines quench your thirst in this “little slice of heaven.”

GET SETTLED IN Rent chic, gorgeously detailed tents (think as big as a bedroom or larger) with nearby private hot tubs, outdoor showers, and hammocks on wooden decks at The Yurtopian. If you prefer pampering, head to The Blair House, where you will fi nd a luxurious spa, fine dining, and more. And Cabins on the Square puts you steps from Wimberley’s popular main square and the gentle Cypress Creek Nature Trail and Preserve.

Christina Garcia, Yurtopian Photo: @texas.explorer Cypress Creek

Ceremony Botanical Studio

RETAIL THERAPY

Shop till you drop on the main square in one of the more than 50 inviting stores in stone and wood frame structures. A rugged sense of style pervades the shops with hand-tooled leather, colorful beaded hat bands, and other lovingly made garments and textiles. Get some luxurious candles or handmade jewelry from the Gold Dust Boutique, or fi nd a treasure from the past at one of the antique shops that offer some truly unique fi nds. Ceremony

Botanical Studio is an enchanted place to pick up a potted succulent. Visit on the fi rst Saturday of the month from March through December for Market Days at Lion’s Field, where nearly 500 vendors assemble at the Hill Country’s largest outdoor market.

COOL OFF

Your stress is water soluble in Wimberley. Two popular areas for enjoying some watery relaxation — Blue Hole and Jacob’s Well — are essential stops. Though requiring reservations made months in advance, the planning is well worth it.

Blue Hole’s three-acre spring-fed swimming area is a stunning waterway flowing in the cool shade of giant cypress trees. Swing off a rope to make a big splash, and then swim to shore to eat your picnic lunch at the patio tables nearby.

The Yurtopian

Blue Hole

R & R at Jacob’s Well means sitting in full sun in the shallow area surrounding an artesian spring or diving into the 140-foot-deep spring opening. The waters are an icy balm to the hot summer sting at a cool 68 degrees.

If you stop by on a whim, Cypress Falls Swimming Hole is a great way to take a dip without making an advance reservation. Many Adirondack chairs on the shore make good lounging spots, and you can rent or bring your own canoe or stand-up paddle board.

EAT + DRINK

Scouting out delicious grub is delightfully easy in Wimberley. More than 40 restaurants serve everything from old-fashioned Southern food and Italian fare. With delicious margarita flights on the patio at Hays City Store & Ice House, local farmhouse-style beers from Roughhouse, and wines from the nearby limestone hills that make up the Hill Country served at Social on the Square and Hill Country Wine Shop, you can’t go wrong. Stop into El Olivo for a mind-blowing menu of creative classics and a wall of wines and other goodies. Go casual at Wimberley Cafe if you’re looking to feed the whole family on a budget.

JOIN THE CULTURE CLUB

Visit the restaurants overlooking Cypress Creek for live music or venture ten minutes southwest from the main square to the Devil’s Backbone Tavern for an unforgettable dance hall event or open picker’s circle in the haunted, hundred-year-old stone structure.

The town’s small galleries will entrance you with colorful bluebonnets, lyrical figurative sculpture, and everything a Hill Country artist can dream up, too.

Jacob’s Well

Hays City Store & Ice House

Gold Dust Boutique

SEASONAL soups

FILL A BOWL, AND YOUR BELLY WITH FALL FLAVORS

BY MELISSA TATE

TIPS & TRICKS: Most butternut squash recipes call for heavy cream, but this one does not, making it an excellent option for vegan menus.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

SERVES: 6 | PREP: 10 MIN. | COOK: 35 MIN. | TOTAL: 45 MIN.

INGREDIENTS: 2 Tbsp. olive oil | 1 yellow onion, diced | ½ tsp. salt | ½ tsp. pepper | 1 (2 to 3 lb.) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed | 3 tsp. minced garlic | 1 Tbsp. sage | 1 tsp. ginger (powder or freshly grated) | 3 cups vegetable broth | ½ tsp. pepper | ½ tsp. salt OPTIONAL FOR TOPPING: Dried rosemary | Red pepper flakes | Freshly ground pepper

DIRECTIONS: HEAT oil in a large pot over medium heat. ADD the onion, salt, and pepper. SAUTE until onions are soft, about 5 to 8 minutes. ADD squash and cook until it begins to soften, about 8 to 10 minutes. ADD the garlic, sage, and ginger. COMBINE with onions and squash. COOK for 1 minute. ADD the broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer. COOK until squash is completely tender, 20 to 30 minutes. COOL just a bit, and then begin to blend in batches. POUR soup into a blender and blend on high until you reach desired consistency. You can make batches with a different consistency to add texture to the soup. ADD more broth if too thick. SEASON to taste with salt and pepper. If needed, bring the soup back to temperature over low heat. TOP with dried rosemary, red pepper flakes, and fresh pepper, if desired.

JAMBALAYA SOUP

SERVES: 8 | PREP: 15 MIN. | COOK: 35 MIN. | TOTAL: 50 MIN.

INGREDIENTS: 3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided | 1 lb. Andouille sausage, thinly sliced into rounds | 2 small bell peppers, seeded and diced (any color) | 1 small white onion, diced | 4 tsp. garlic, minced | 1 cup rotisserie chicken, diced | 6 cups chicken stock | ¼ cup flour | 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz.) | 1 cup uncooked white rice | 2 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning | 2 bay leaves | 1 tsp. dried thyme | salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS: ADD 2 Tbsp. of oil to a large stock pot over mediumhigh heat. ADD sausage and saute 2 to 3 minutes. ADD in the remaining oil, bell pepper, and onion. STIR to combine. SAUTE for 5 to 6 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent. STIR in the garlic and chicken, and cook for 1 minute. SPRINKLE the flour over the mixture, stir to combine, and cook for 1 minute. STIR in chicken stock. ADD in tomatoes, rice, cajun seasoning, bay leaves, and thyme. STIR and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to mediumlow and cook for 15 minutes, frequently stirring until rice is soft and cooked. SEASON with salt and pepper. SERVE warm.

TIPS & TRICKS: If you are a seafood lover, you can also add shrimp. After the rice is cooked, add 1 pound of raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. Cook for 5 more minutes or until shrimp is cooked through.

CHICKEN CORN CHOWDER

SERVES: 6 | PREP: 25 MIN.

COOK: 15 MIN.

TOTAL: 40 MIN.

TIPS & TRICKS: Add crispy bacon pieces, shredded cheese, and diced jalapeño to the top for extra flavor.

ABOUT OUR CHEF

Melissa is a freelance food writer with a passion for hospitality and home cooked meals. Along with writing, she helps her husband run their working ranch and event venue in Rockwall, Texas. To follow her cooking and ranching adventures visit MelissaTateTX.com or find her on Instagram at @MELISSATATETX

INGREDIENTS: 1 Tbsp. butter | ½ cup onion, finely chopped | ½ cup celery, finely chopped | 2 Tbsp. flour | 3 cups milk | 2 cups rotisserie chicken, cut into bite-size pieces | 1 can creamed corn (14.75 oz.) | 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen corn kernels | 1 ½ tsp. fresh thyme, chopped | ½ tsp. salt | 1/8 tsp. pepper

DIRECTIONS: MELT the butter in a large pot over medium heat. ADD onion and celery, and cook for 3 minutes or until tender. ADD in the flour, and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. STIR in the milk and the remaining ingredients. BRING to a boil and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.

A SMATTERING of stuff

THAT’S MAKING US SAY “WE LIKE IT!” THIS MONTH

BY HEATHER WITHERSPOON

GORGEOUS GOURDS

Softly colored faux florals, grapes, eucalyptus, and trailing vines, mix marvelously in these Secret Garden Pumpkins, adding a touch of Halloween without being too moody and dark.

$50 EACH, GRANDINROAD.COM

TASTEFUL TINT

The graduated shades of light to dark in Le Creuset’s new hue Nutmeg are a welcome companion to any palette. Its organic softness can soothe fiery colors, spice up classics or elegantly stand alone.

PRICE VARIES, LECREUSET.COM AND SURLATABLE.COM

LIGHT THE WAY

Welcome your guests with this spellbinding Harry Potter Doormat scripted with the word, Alohomora and golden keys with light-up fobs.

$49, POTTERYBARN.COM

BLUE SUEDE SHOES

A moc toe, decorative strap, and bold buckle define the not-so-basic Buckley Suede Slide that is set atop Birkenstock’s classic, contoured cork footbed that is known for its legendary comfort and support.

$150, BIRKENSTOCK.COM

Landon Day