7 – 9 PM |
A FREE CONCERT SERIES BENEFITING LOCAL CHARITIES EVERY FRIDAY THROUGH JULY 28
JUL 07 Memphis Soul Premiere Motown & Classic Dance Band
Dogwood Canyon Audubon
Donation Items: Printer paper, paper gift bags with handles (white or kraft paper, various sizes), gift wrap tissue paper (white), craft felt, pipe cleaners (colors), popsicle sticks, Elmer’s glue.
JUL 14 The Nupower Band R&B / Jazz
Bridges Safehouse
Donation Items: Diapers Side 4,5,6 Pullups 2T, 3T, & 4T, Hygiene items (deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, soap etc.)
JUL 21 Lady D & The Ru Rubies Soul / R&B / Jazz & Blues
Soaring Eagles
Donation Items: Prizes for Bingo – Colored gel pens, stickers, adult coloring books, puzzles 24p, jewelry, baseball caps, sports related items.
JUL 28 Party Machine presented by Emerald City Bands
Variety Hits
Cedar Hill Education Foundation
Donation Items: School Supplies
Most summer-related ER visits are preventable with a little precaution, but we’ll always be here when you need us. Remember to use sun protection and insect repellent, stay hydrated, wear life jackets, and leave the fireworks to the professionals. Helping keep our friends and neighbors safe. That’s community and why so many people Trust Methodist
For more summer safety tips, scan the QR code
Are any of these symptoms in your legs disrupting your life?
• L e g / A n k l e S w e l l i n g
• P a i n / C r a m p s i n L e g s
• S k i n D a r k e n i n g
• L e g T h r o b b i n g / A c h i n g
• V a r i c o s e V e i n s
• R e s t l e s s L e g s
• L e g F a t i g u e / H e a v i n e s s
• O p e n S k i n W o u n d s
• S k i n B r e a k i n g D o w n
• I t c h i n g / B u r n i n g
• N i g h t C r a m p s
H. Texas Health Mans eld 2300 Lone Star Rd. Mans eld, TX 76063 682.341.5000
1. 120 N. Miller Rd., Ste. 300 Mans eld, TX 76063 682.341.7510
Dawn Duvall, APRN-CNP Renee Baril, FNP-BC
2. 1757 Broad Park Circle N., Ste. 201 Mans eld, TX 76063 817.806.1130
Hussein Alammar, M.D. Nkechi Onyegasi, FNP-C Andrea Anderson, FNP-BC
3. 2302 Lone Star Rd., Ste. 200 Mans eld, TX 76063 682.341.7200
Chandini Sajja, M.D. Prabhash Kakarla, M.D. Specializing in geriatrics
4. 151 Walton Way, Ste. 107 Midlothian, TX 76065 469.672.2100
Bobby Brite, FNP-C
“The hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.”
— Romans 13:11
This month, my family will be enjoying some much-needed vacation. I can’t wait to get away from clocks and deadlines and just enjoy the people God has given me. I look forward to lazy days playing games with the grandkids, late nights talking about everything and nothing with my grown children, and languid mornings of sleeping as late as we want. Vacation is a time to forget about the things that can fill our days with stress, to just relax and connect.
But no matter where we are or what we’re doing, the Lord goes before us and can make the fields ripe for Gospel harvest. Even on vacation, it’s important to witness and spread the love of Jesus. We want to always be on the lookout for the opportunities God gives us and the people He puts in our path. We may never know this side of heaven what impact our testimony can make.
As Romans 10:13–14 asks, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”
There is urgency for truth.
Summertime fun has arrived in the City of Mansfield, and we are ready to go! Our city will host the ever so popular Mansfield Rocks Fourth of July celebration in a big way. This event will take place on Monday, July 3rd. Visitors to the city and residents will be treated to fun and games in various locations throughout the city. The event will culminate with our "Fireworks Spectacular" later that night. For tickets, go to www.mansfieldrockin.com.
Come and enjoy our city parks!
The Parks and Recreation Department is challenging families to spend 100 hours of quality time playing outside. We know that summertime in North Texas is hot, we have plenty of trees and pavilions available for you to find some good ole shade and enjoy the outdoors. The 100 hours challenge is part of a citywide campaign to encourage screen-free family and friends time together. Families can track their hours through a coloring sheet
that can be downloaded and submitted through our website at www.mansfieldtexas.gov/1900/100-Hours-of-Play.
To add to the fun, the Parks and Recreation department is hosting "Play" dates at different park locations. This is just what good family fun feels like. I hope that you take advantage of this opportunity. Every child who submits hours or attends an event will be entered in our weekly drawing for a prize. Those who submit their information will also become eligible for the grand prize, which will be announced at the end of the summer.
We continue to applaud the volunteers and staff at our city library as they invite all to be a part of the Summer Reading Club. Prizes are available for those who participate up through July 28th; it is free for all ages. For more information, go to www.mansfieldtexas.gov/src. I hope to see you soon!
There are so many fun activities and places to enjoy in our beautiful city this summer, with even more development coming soon!
Andretti Karting and Games and Bass Pro Shops broke ground in spring 2023. Andretti plans to open later this year and Bass Pro Shops will open in mid-2024. Big Shots Golf also plans to open in
In Epic Central, 2951 S. State Highway 161, the following restaurants are open or are scheduled to
• Finch Grill & Raw Bar – Now Open
• Loop 9 BBQ – Now Open
• Vidorra Cocina de Mexico –Opens July 1
• Serious Eats Pizza, Sliders and Shakes – Expected to open Sept. 1, 2023
JIM ROSS
I’m always proud and humbled to serve as mayor of the American Dream City but never more so than last month when The City of Arlington received eight awards—including three first-place—at the annual Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO)
The awards recognize outstanding communication by Texas communities in a variety of categories including website, social media, video production, and publications. This year follows up a strong campaign in 2022, where our Office of Communication took home seven awards at the TAMIO conference in Houston.
This year’s TAMIO awards saw the city’s five-part docuseries, Journey to Baseball Town, which has collectively received more than 1 million views on Arlington’s YouTube channel, take home first place for Best Special/One-Time Program. The Office of
EpicCentral also offers free entertainment all summer at the Jambox, the outdoor stage located between the restaurants. Here is the lineup for July:
• July 15 – Paul Renna & Special Guest, 7-9:30 p.m.
• July 22 – David & Carlos EPIC Reunion Show 7 - 9:30 p.m.
• Jul 29 – Mahogany the Artist 7-9:30 p.m.
To view a complete list of all new development in the city visit www.gptx.org.
Have a great summer in our Grand City!
Communication’s partnership with the Arlington Animal Shelter received a first-place award for Most Creative with Least Dollars Spent for its 12 Days Before Christmas video promoting adoptable animals. And the city’s multi-faceted social media campaign for Hispanic Heritage Month received first place for Best DEI Outreach/Campaign.
Additionally, the city received awards of excellence for Internal Communications: On the Clock, Social Media Campaign (Planned): Hispanic Heritage Month, Regular/Recurring Program: American Dream Chapters, and Educational PSA: FY23 Budget Video as well as an award of honor for Media Relations: Bakari Williams Protocol Media Relations. Thank you and congratulations to the hardworking men and women in the Arlington Office of Communication.
JULY
Arlington
Check out this season’s acts and join us for free concerts on the lawn. You don’t want to miss them. Open seating is available on the lawn. Please bring blankets and lawn chairs. You also can bring your own food and coolers with beverages, but no glass containers. Parking is free. Visit our website for performers, dates and times. Founders Plaza, 100 W. Abram St.
LEVITTPAVILIONARLINGTON.ORG
JULY 5
Arlington Parks and Recreation
50+ -- Celebrate with some good old fashioned ice cream floats and a fun game of bingo! Join us in the Senior Hall where we will have prizes for the bingo winners and floats. 12:30-2pm. Free. East Rec Center 1817 New York Ave.
JULY 11 AND 13
Arlington Parks and Recreation
Join us as we take on the outdoors, visiting different parks and trails around the area. From hiking to enjoying the great weather. Ages 12-15. 9am-5pm. Cost is $90. Dottie Lynn Rec Center. Visit our website for more information and to register.
NATURALLYFUN.ORG
july 8
SPLASH & DASH JUNIOR TRIATHLON
Arlington Parks and Recreation
Join us for the First Annual EAST Splash & Dash Triathlon. Athletes will swim laps in our indoor pool and then head outside to bike and run around Bob Cooke Park. Distances will be determined by age. Participants should bring their own bike, towel or any other desired equipment. Price includes event registration, finisher’s medal and post-race snacks. Ages 6-12. 9:30am-10:30am. Cost is $35. 1817 New York Ave. Visit our website to register.
NATURALLYFUN.ORG
JULY 15
Grand Prairie
Join us for our 2023 Inaugural Chicken N Pickle 5K as we run through and around the Epic Waters. Includes designer shirt, custom CNP medal, chip timing, live results and awards. Free photos, come dress in your best pickle style outfits for best costumes, great food and lots more. Race location is Chicken N Pickle, 2965 State Hwy 161 Grand Prairie. Visit our website for race information/ registration and much more!
RUNSIGNUP.COM/RACE/TX/GRANDPRAIRIE/ CHICKENNPICKLE5K
JULY 20
Mansfield
Mansfield Commission for the Arts and Animal Care & Control invite you to create a paw-sitively adorable work of art with a shelter dog! 10am-11am. Free. The LOT, 110 S. Main St.
JULY 21 AND 27
FRIDAY NIGHT SKATE
Arlington Parks and Recreation
Come and skate with your friends, playing games and participating in skating activities throughout the evening. 2 slices of pizza and a12oz drink can be added on for an additional $5. Save $5 if you bring your own skates. 7pm-10pm. $15/person. 13 & under. Elzie
Odom Athletic Center, 1601 NE Green Oaks Blvd. Visit our website to register.
NATURALLYFUN.ORG
JULY 29
GLOW GIRLS
Arlington Parks and Recreation
GLOW (Growing Leaders in Outdoor Wilderness) Girls is an outdoor education program for young females, ages 8-12 years old, who have limited access to outdoor programming. This program is provided free of charge, utilizing a grant from Texas Parks & Wildlife. This program will have the participants learn the basics of map reading, how to utilize a compass, receive an introduction to how GPS units operate and enjoy time geocaching. The location will be at Cliff Nelson Rec Center. Shuttling also available from the East Library & Rec., 1817 New York Ave. 10am-12pm. Visit our website to register.
NATURALLYFUN.ORG
see more events in your area on LIVINGMAGAZINE.NET
Helen (Ellie Kemper) has always lived as far from the edge as possible. Finding herself newly divorced and a little lost, Helen decides she needs a reset and signs up for the “Adventure of a Lifetime!”
The adventure is a backcountry survival course hiking the Appalachian Trail with a group of oddball strangers. From the beginning, Helen’s plan to be the best hiker is tested, and she finds more than just herself in the wilderness. Based on the wildly popular novel by Katherine Center, Happiness for Beginners reminds us that sometimes you have to get lost before you’re found.
JULY 14 // COLTER WALL
LITTLE SONGS
JULY 21 // GRETA VAN FLEET STARCATCHER
JULY 28 // JONI MITCHELL
JONI MITCHELL AT NEWPORT
JULY 18, 1979 // BREAKING AWAY
DIR. PETER YATES (SUSPECT)
Academy Award winner for Best Original Screenplay, Breaking Away follows four working-class friends from Indiana navigating post-high school uncertainty. Dave, an aspiring cyclist, forms a team with his friends to compete against privileged college athletes. The film explores friendship, class struggle, and the pursuit of dreams in a heartwarming coming-of-age story.
JULY 4 // THE SECOND CHANCE STORE
BY LAUREN BRAVO
City dweller Gwen feels like she’s living a secondhand life. She’s thirty-eight, perpetually single, and in dire need of a dentist’s appointment.
When she’s let go from a job she drifted into a decade ago, Gwen realizes it’s time to make a change, starting with cleaning out her apartment. In the charity shop where she literally and metaphorically unloads her baggage, she discovers a group of weird and wonderful people devoted to finding a new home for donated items that have lost their use elsewhere. Gwen volunteers there — and finds a new home for herself among her fellow workers while discovering joy in the untold stories of secondhand things.
BY MIKE MAZYCK
There is a question that looms deep in the heart of some men. It is the question that, as young boys, drew us to toy guns and action figures. It is the question that, as men, draws us to epic movies like Gladiator, Rocky, The Patriot, and Braveheart . Some think it’s because we just like violence, action, and gore. However, that is not the reason. The reason is because of this deep and abiding question that lurks in the depths of our hearts. It haunts us every day. I could not describe this question better than John Eldridge did in his book Wild at Heart: Do I have what
it Takes? This is the question that lurks in the shadows of a man’s soul. Am I enough?
When that day comes, will I rise, or will I cower? Will I fight, or will I run? Will I be victorious, or will I be defeated? It’s the same reason we are drawn to sports and all forms of competition. The rules of engagement are clear, a battle is fought, one man (or team) stands victorious, and another is defeated. We are filled with joy when our team wins as if it was us who won. It’s because we are living vicariously through them as we watch, seeking to answer that looming question in our hearts. There is a question that looms deep in the heart of some women as well. It lurks in the shadows and haunts them, just as a man’s question does. That question is: Will I be loved? Will I win the heart of a man? Will I be adored? Once again, Am I enough? It’s why they begin dreaming and planning their wedding day as a child. And in our age, as some live with husbands who have neglected them, it’s the reason they are pulled into romance novels. They live vicariously through the characters, seeking something their soul yearns for.
When we see these common instincts, we would do well to ask ourselves how they got there and why? Is God speaking to us? Oh yes! He is! And if you don’t find the answer, you will live your years on this earth only to come to an end and realize I never truly lived!
My friend, I will answer these questions for you if you listen. I don’t write as a proud man with all the answers but as a man who has most certainly learned the hard way. Men,
If you call yourself a Christian. If you call yourself by that great and glorious name of Jesus Christ, our commanderin-chief, who has shed His blood for you. As your brother in Christ, I beg you to rise up and fight! Do you want to know if you have what it takes? You are receiving your answer right now! What battle are you fighting? Are you waging war in your business and career? Are you building your kingdom? Are you filling your accounts and slaying the American Dream? I ask you now, where are you waging war? Where is your conquest? If it is of this world, you have missed the mark. You have missed the entire point of the Gospel itself.
You will stand before Him on that day, the One who placed that very question within your heart, and you will have your answer! You were created to fight, yet you did not. You never picked up your sword. You fought the wrong fight. You will be ashamed. You were like
that man in Gladiator who was in the Coliseum. The battle raging all around him. Instead of fighting, as that man did, you’re playing with your action figures on the ground, oblivious to the actual war raging around you.
I do not write these things to shame you. I was that man. I am pleading with you as your brother in Christ. Pick up your sword! Rise up and fight! Put away the distractions of this age, the pursuit of money, the pointless hobbies, the entertainment of this world, and social media. It is because of these things that you are being defeated by the enemy on the field of battle. Fight for the souls of men! Fight for the heart of your wives. Fight for your children. Pursue Godliness! Throw yourself into His Word! It is your only hope of victory. Remember the words of our brother Paul, no soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. (2Tim.2:4)
If you are a daughter of God, I’m writing to you. We know the divine plan is that your husband would model Christ to you. That he would lay down his life for you. That he would nourish and cherish you. We also know this is not happening in some homes today. Do not fixate on your husband’s neglect. If he is truly a believer, God will have His way with him. Never forget that the relationship with your husband is only a shadow of the real thing. It is only a symbol of something infinitely greater. It merely points you to Him. Your husband’s love will never quench the thirst of your soul.
So, therefore, cast off the distractions of this age and pursue the One who has pursued you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8) The authentic and eternal love story is at your fingertips. Throw yourselves into His word and be filled with His Spirit. Everything you are yearning for is on those pages. Do you see the divine irony of it? Men play with toys on the battlefield while the real fight rages around them. Women are reading fictional romance stories while authentic and divine eternal love is right before them for the taking. I am not talking about right and wrong. I’m talking about what you’re missing out on! Cast yourselves into His arms, and you will find that all the love stories of this world are not worthy to be compared with the adoration that awaits you.
To read more of Mike’s writing, visit MikeMazyck.com
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
– James 4:8
Advanced medical aesthetic care in a spa environment may sound luxurious … but you can skip the trip to Hollywood for the best in these rejuvenating treatments. United Dermatology Associates (UDA) brings the star treatment to North Texas with
an elevated spa experience featuring popular treatments and procedures –all in a beautiful, comfortable setting with the expertise of medical and aesthetic professionals.
Dr. Jeannine Hoang and Dr. Ashish Arshanapalli have created the Spa at
UDA to practice the latest aesthetic treatments. For example, United Dermatology Associates now brings Mansfield a revolution in hair restoration: SmartGraft, a new paradigm in treatment for anyone experiencing hair loss.
Dr. Arshanapalli shared this brief Q&A to give us his insights on this exciting approach to hair restoration. What is hair restoration, and what techniques are offered at UDA?
Hair restoration is the process of stopping hair loss and attempting to re-grow hair to restore one’s natural hairline. Hair restoration generally involves medications, procedures, or both.
UDA offers the full spectrum of treatments available including medical therapy, platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections, laser treatments, low level light therapy (LLLT), and hair transplantation
Can you tell me about hair transplantation?
Hair transplantation moves hairs from an area where the patient has good hair density to an area with lower hair density. The goal is to increase the density of hair in the recipient site without any noticeable change in the appearance of the donor site. At UDA, we use the follicular unit extraction (FUE) method of hair transplantation using the SmartGraft device. This allows us to move hairs without leaving any appreciable scarring in the donor area. The older method of follicular unit transplantation (FUT) leaves a large linear scar on the scalp.
Are the results permanent?
Yes, but it’s not that simple. The hairs that are transplanted will be there permanently, but without any additional treatments (such as medical therapy) the surrounding hair can continue to thin. That’s why it’s really important to see a hair loss expert for the best, most natural results.
What is the recovery like after a hair transplant procedure?
Unlike prior techniques, SmartGraft’s FUE method does not use scalpels or sutures, so recovery is much easier. You need about a week of down time after the procedure, and then you can go back to all your normal activities. There is little to no pain during or after the procedure, and your scalp will looks totally normal by the end of that fi rst week.
Do you have to shave your head for the SmartGraft procedure?
No. For males, the hair can be cut into a short fade in the donor area and the hair can be left at normal length in the recipient area. For females, a thin strip on the back of the head can be shaved while leaving the rest of the hair at normal length. This way, the donor site can be completely hidden with the rest of the hair.
Does the hair transplant look like ‘hair plugs’ when it is healed?
No. Older methods of hair transplantation involved movement of multiple hair follicles all at once. This made the transplanted hair look artificial and unnatural. The process has been refined greatly, and now only individual hair follicles are moved. Once everything is healed, it has a completely natural look.
What areas can be treated by hair transplantation?
We can transplant hairs to increase density on the scalp, eyebrows, and even beard area.
Who is a good candidate for hair transplantation?
Anyone who suffers from androgenetic alopecia (what is commonly referred to as male pattern and female pattern hair loss). There are considerations that can affect the quality of results of a hair transplantation procedure, but anyone who is unhappy with their hair loss could benefit greatly from a consultation with us.
Restoring lost hair can bring some people life-changing benefits in confidence, and emotional well-being, and we are excited to offer this service at United Dermatology Associates! Is SmartGraft right for you or a loved one? To inquire, call UDA’s Hair Restoration Specialists at 682-214-HAIR.
The Spa is located at UDA’s Mansfield location and offers a full menu of services delivered by medically trained professionals in a luxury setting, including:
• Hydrafacials
• EmSculpt – builds muscle and burns fat
• CoolSculpting
• Ultherapy
• Radiofrequency
• Vampire Facials (microneedling with PRP)
• PDO Thread Lifts
• Premier Chemical Peels
• Laser hair removal
• Derma V
• Ultra Laser
• Keralase treatment for hair loss
• Genius RF microneedling
• Swift Wart treatment
Botox® and Dysport® injectables are powerful tools to improve the look of wrinkles. The procedures are FDA approved to treat frown lines between the brow (glabella), and are also effective on forehead lines, crow’s feet, lip lines and neck lines. These quick and painless treatments can help prevent the early signs of aging, and are also effective for deeper wrinkles. Results are apparent within just a few days, and last an average of 3-4 months.
The greatest benefit offered by the Spa at UDA is its staff of licensed aestheticians, laser technicians and medical assistants who are passionate about providing the highest quality care available. All are certified in best-in-class technologies that achieve the most beneficial results.
The Spa at UDA is ready to help you transform your skin – or simply enjoy some pampering and relaxation. If you’re ready for a spa day or have skin health care needs, please visit UDA at unitedderm.com to learn more about the practice or request a consultation.
New! Patients can now communicate with staff via Klara! Simply text (817) 402-1619 to get the conversation started.
FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT, SERVING THE COMMUNITY MOST OFTEN MEANS RESPONDING TO CALLS AND MAKING ARRESTS. However, it also means sitting down for a chat with a cup of coffee or even working the drive-thru! The Arlington Police Department would like to thank McDonald’s on Abram St. for hosting Coffee with Cops — and all the community members who attended.
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!
Baxter Louie
Miss Ruby
Enzo
Bailey
Greyson
We all know the saying a dog is “man’s best friend.” The question is, are we returning the favor? Anyone who has watched an infomercial on cable TV showing how some dogs are mistreated or neglected by their owner knows how upsetting this can be. Sometimes, however, people don’t even realize they are neglecting their pet’s health.
Summer, for example, is a dangerous time for dogs, especially those that spend most of the day outdoors. They are more prone to heat stroke than humans because people sweat more readily than our furry friends, whose meager sweating is mostly through their paws. Instead, dogs try to regulate their body temperature by panting. Not leaving a dog in a yard with enough shaded areas, drinking water, or sunscreen on their nose, ears, and belly can lead to heat stroke and death. A word of warning — do not use your human sunscreen on a dog. It has ingredients such as zinc oxide that are harmful to animals. Purchase sunscreen formulated for dogs instead.
You should not leave a child or a pet in a car as they can overheat in minutes. Statistics show that the interior of a vehicle can reach 120 degrees in 10 minutes, even if you leave the window open a little.
Hydration is essential. Dogs, like people, need to drink plenty of water during the summer. Water should be cool, but not necessarily ice cold, which can cause gastric problems.
Puppies and older dogs are more at risk for heat stroke, as are dogs that are overweight, have exceedingly thick fur coats, or are bred for colder climates, such as Siberian Huskies and Malamutes. A dog with a respiratory condition or is on medication should be closely monitored and
have their time outdoors monitored during the summer. Veterinary experts say dogs with short noses (Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs) are also at a higher risk. And resist the urge to have your dog shaved. Their fur coat is a form of insulation and protects them from sunburn.
Many dog breeds need regular exercise for their wellbeing; thus, summer poses a challenge when the asphalt and concrete heat up. So, avoid taking your dog for a walk in the late morning or afternoon.
Walk dogs in the morning and shorten their walks because heat and humidity can result in dehydration at any time of the day. Walk your dog on the grass, if possible. And invest in a set of booties even if you believe it will be a waste of time. It’s worth seeing if your dog will tolerate them because asphalt will burn the pads on your dog’s paws.
A pool can be a great place to cool off, but swimming is strenuous exercise, and your dog will still be exposed to the sun and heat. Limit their time in the pool, and rinse them with a hose afterward to eliminate chlorine. Also, dry your dog’s ears thoroughly to avoid infections.
Despite taking all precautions, your dog may suffer from heatstroke. Symptoms include vomiting, increased panting, difficulty standing, and difficulty breathing. Try to cool down your dog with a hose and go to your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic as soon as possible.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Around 75% of menopausal women experience symptoms, with one-third reporting that they negatively affect their lives.
• Some supplements herbal/ botanical treatments, and prescription medications may disrupt your endocrine system and circulating hormone levels. Always check with your practitioner before taking anything new.
• Testosterone treatment in just as important for women as it is for men.
Endocrine glands in women include the ovaries. They produce female estrogen hormones (estradiol, estrone, and estriol), as well as progesterone and testosterone. Important for regulating the menstrual cycle and for childbearing, estrogen also helps keep cardiovascular tissue healthy and cholesterol within desired ranges. It protects the brain with proper blood flow and affects mood, fat mass, and bone density. With all this and more, it’s easy to understand why depleted estrogen levels can wreak havoc with women’s health and sense of well-being.
Significant changes in a woman’s mental status, body composition, and mood occur due to decreasing estrogen and progesterone levels that occurs during perimenopause which generally starts between ages 45 to 48, menopause (the average age for menopause is 51 in the U.S.), and continue through postmenopause. Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, chills, chronic insomnia,
mood swings, low libido, vaginal dryness, weight gain, thinning hair, dry skin, loss of breast fullness, feelings of depression and anxiety, and cognitive changes, including brain fog, resulting in complications such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and urinary incontinence may also occur. Testosterone levels typically start declining in the late 20s and early 30s, and results in loss of energy, loss of libido, cognitive changes, loss of muscle mass, anxiety, depression, and more.
Laboratory tests measure hormone levels in blood, urine, or saliva samples, and your provider may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) based on the results and your health history. HRT treatment options include prescription pharmaceutical medications that deliver estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone via pills, creams or gels, pellets, or patches. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a safer alternative to historically
utilized synthetic HRT. Bioidentical means that the hormones look chemically identical to those your body produces. Derived from plant-based sources such as soy and wild yams (don’t worry, no cross allergy here), BHRT is considered a natural treatment that is readily absorbed into the body. BHRT is commercially available (pills, patches, & gels) but is also available in customized, compounded creams, pills, troches, and small pellets that can be placed under the skin.
Initiation of BHRT should include hormone testing to analyze and determine the appropriate treatment plan for each individual person and to detect if changes need to be made to the personalized plan of care.
Fortunately, women are no longer relegated to silently suffering with “the change of life.” We have more treatment options today than ever before to help combat the symptoms of female hormone imbalance and restore quality of life.
HORMONES ARE POWERFUL CHEMICAL MESSENGERS PRODUCED BY OUR ENDOCRINE SYSTEM. TRAVELING THROUGH THE BLOODSTREAM TO TISSUES AND ORGANS, THEY HELP REGULATE MANY BODY FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING METABOLISM, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, ENERGY PRODUCTION, AND REPRODUCTION.
According to data from the nonprofit Hearing Health Foundation (HHF):
• Women with hearing loss are more likely to feel depressed.
• If you have diabetes, you’re about twice as likely to experience hearing loss.
• Many of the same lifestyle behaviors that affect the heart impact hearing.
• Addressing hearing loss may benefit cognitive function.
AS MANY AS ONE-THIRD OF U.S. WOMEN IN THEIR 50S EXPERIENCE SOME DEGREE OF HEARING LOSS. BY THE MID-60S, THAT NUMBER GROWS TO NEARLY TWO-THIRDS. FOR MOST OF THEM, HEARING AIDS CAN HELP, BUT ADDRESSING HEARING LOSS ISN’T SOMETHING YOU SHOULD PUT OFF. THE SOONER IT’S ADDRESSED, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF MAINTAINING YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE AND AVOIDING A NUMBER OF HEARING-LOSS-RELATED HEALTH CONCERNS.
Addressing your hearing loss has to do with more than just hearing. It’s about maintaining and improving your relationships at home, work, and socially. Hearing can impact your earning potential and increase your chances of experiencing depression and feelings of social isolation. Extensive research has shown that hearing loss is associated with depression, particularly in women, because women with hearing loss are more likely to withdraw socially when interacting becomes too frustrating. That isolation is strongly linked to depression and even dementia.
Additionally, according to the nonprofi t Better Hearing Institute, your ears may be a window to your heart, as cardiovascular and hearing health are closely linked. Some experts believe the inner ear is so sensitive to blood flow that possible abnormalities
in the cardiovascular system can be noted in the ear earlier than in other parts of the body. This is important because, according to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer of women.
Several recent studies indicate that the same lifestyle behaviors that affect the heart impact hearing. One found that a higher level of physical activity is associated with a lower risk of hearing loss in women. Another found that smokers — and even second-hand smokers — are more likely to suffer hearing loss. And a third found that regular fish consumption and higher intake of heart-healthy longchain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with a lower risk of hearing loss in women.
Hearing loss has also been linked to diabetes, with diabetic women being
twice as likely to experience hearing loss, particularly as they age and when diabetes is not well controlled with medication. And about 11% of women in the U.S. are affected by diabetes.
Now for the good news. Addressing hearing loss at its onset can benefit all these areas and improve cognitive function and mood. Research showing a link between hearing loss and dementia has also shown that interventions, such as hearing aids, can help delay and even prevent dementia.
For all these reasons, scheduling a comprehensive hearing test by a hearing healthcare professional as part of your annual health screenings is important. So, this year when you plan your mammogram, pelvic, and dermatological screenings, call your local audiologist and schedule your hearing screening.
• Seventy percent of those living with chronic pain are women.
• Chronic pain is pain that lasts for over three months. The pain can always be there, or it may come and go.
• Research shows that men and women experience pain differently and are more likely to suffer from multiple chronic pain conditions.
Make Sure You’re a Member of the Team
FOR ONE IN FOUR AMERICAN WOMEN, MOST DAYS BEGIN AND END WITH SOME DEGREE OF PAIN. FOR THEM, THERE ISN’T AN ASPECT OF LIFE — WORK, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIPS, FITNESS, EMOTIONS — THAT ISN’T MARKED BY THAT PAIN. IF YOU JUDGE THE QUALITY OF EACH DAY BY HOW MUCH OR HOW LITTLE PAIN YOU’RE ENDURING, IT’S IMPORTANT TO PARTNER WITH THE RIGHT PAIN MANAGEMENT TEAM AND TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN YOUR OWN PAIN MANAGEMENT.
Recent scientifi c studies have explored how men and women cope differently with pain and even speculated that women experience more pain than men yet receive less treatment. Whether your pain is due to fibromyalgia, endometriosis, arthritis, cancer treatment, migraines, gastrointestinal distress, injury, or any number of things, pain management professionals are specifi cally trained to diagnose and manage chronic (ongoing) pain. Some practices focus on specifi c diagnoses or pain in a particular region of the body, while others offer comprehensive pain management.
Because pain management is often an ongoing reality — lasting months, years, or a lifetime — it’s important to find a team that emphasizes empowering
and educating you, encouraging you to take an active role in your pain management. Your team should comprise a number of professionals in the areas of interventional pain management, neuromusculoskeletal medicine, sports medicine, and osteopathic manipulative medicine who works cooperatively and collaboratively with each other and with you, offering you the tools to enjoy the best life you can regardless of the pain you may be experiencing.
Pain management isn’t about covering up symptoms with medication but about diagnosing the root causes of your pain and fi nding ways to increase your productivity, minimize your medication use, maximize your physical activity, and improve your quality of life. There are
many ways you can — and should — be part of these efforts. Physical therapy, for instance, may include active and passive exercises performed by the physical therapist but also strengthening exercises for you to complete on your own. You may receive PRP injections or a pain pump but also be advised to lose excess weight exacerbating your pain or eliminate certain foods from your diet. You may also be asked to keep a pain journal to help evaluate the success of ongoing treatment.
Your pain management professionals should serve as your teachers, advocates, and cheerleaders as together you work toward regaining function and improving your quality of life regardless of the pain you may be experiencing.
Women are more likely to have different pain symptoms than men, experience pain more intensely, and respond differently to treatment. Our team understands a woman’s pain is different so we take a whole-body approach to managing it Instead of focusing on treating a few symptoms we focus on understanding and diagnosing the complete pain cycle to determine the best, most effective way to reduce pain and restore function
As the newest member of the Regency team, Dr. Cindy Ng is the only female Interventional Pain Management and Sports Medicine doctor in the Mansfield area and one of the few across Tarrant County As a female doctor she understands the struggles a woman can face to overcome debilitating pain When working with women, Dr Ng and her team take time to get to know their patients; asking questions and actively listening to better understand their situation Once diagnosed, they work with each patient to customize a treatment plan to meet their individual needs with the goal of improving daily function, activity, and quality of life.
What could you be doing if pain wasn’t holding you back? Call Regency today and let Dr. Ng and her team get you back to the life you enjoy.
• Periodontal disease is a risk factor for preterm and low birth weight babies.
• Gum disease risk increases with age, but can start at any age.
• You’re missing over 40% of tooth surfaces when you don’t floss.
• Gingivitis is preventable and reversible. Periodontitis isn’t, but can be improved and managed so it doesn’t progress.
Oral Health is Linked to Overall Health
DID YOU KNOW THAT YOUR ORAL HEALTH AND OVERALL HEALTH ARE INTERTWINED? RESEARCH INDICATES THAT GUM DISEASE HAS BEEN LINKED TO CARDIOVASCULAR AND RESPIRATORY DISEASES, STROKE, DIABETES, ALZHEIMER’S, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, SOME CANCERS, AND MORE. WOMEN ARE ESPECIALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO ORAL HEALTH ISSUES RESULTING FROM HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS WHICH OCCUR DURING PUBERTY, PREGNANCY, AND PRE-, PERI-, AND POST MENOPAUSE. USING HORMONE-BASED BIRTH CONTROL AND EVEN MENSTRUATION, WHICH INVOLVES HORMONAL SHIFTS, HAS BEEN CONNECTED TO GUM DISEASE.
Symptoms of gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, include irritation, redness, and swollen gums around the base of the teeth. Left untreated or undertreated, gingivitis may progress to a more advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis, signifi ed by an infection that can spread to underlying tissues, the jawbone, and systemically to different bodily organs. In addition to causing or worsening certain chronic diseases, periodontal disease can cause receding gums, tooth loss, and jawbone damage.
The development of periodontitis starts with plaque in most cases. Treatments include deep cleaning teeth below the gum line with a laser to remove plaque and topical antibiotics to help control the
bacteria and shrink periodontal pockets. Periodontal pockets are spaces or openings surrounding the teeth under the gum line fi lled with infection-causing bacteria.
Flap surgery may be required in severe cases. This involves a periodontist cutting the gums and lifting them back to remove plaque deposits in pockets around the teeth. When done, the gums are sutured closely around the teeth.
Periodontitis is typically a result of poor oral hygiene, yet sometimes, other culprits are involved. Changes in eating habits can lead to an increased risk of gum disease during pregnancy. An ill-fitting or damaged bridge can lead to bacteria build-up along the gumline. Either a bridge replacement or getting dental implants to replace missing
teeth provides a solution. A misaligned bite and crowded, crooked, diffi cult-toclean teeth can contribute to periodontal disease. Getting your teeth straightened with traditional braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign will not only create a beautiful smile but also help you avoid getting gum disease.
Fortunately, good oral health is usually achieved and maintained with proper oral hygiene — flossing, brushing, and using a rinse as directed by your dentist — and regular dental check-ups with professional cleaning. Don’t wait until you have a problem before seeing your dentist. Preventive, proactive care can boost your oral health and reduce your risk of gum disease.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Americans spent over $16 billion on cosmetic procedures last year
• Starting non-surgical aesthetic treatments early can delay the need for surgical treatments as you age
• Over the past 25 years, non-surgical cosmetic treatments increased more than 500%
• While once considered a luxury, aesthetic treatments are now seen as essential in a competitive workforce and within our social culture
ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF AESTHETIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY (AAAMS), 92% OF AMERICANS UNDERGOING COSMETIC PROCEDURES — SURGICAL AND NON-SURGICAL — ARE WOMEN. HERE’S A PEEK AT SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR NON-SURGICAL OPTIONS.
Botox - This injectable neurotoxin treatment relaxes facial muscles relatively quickly and with minimal discomfort. It smooths lines and wrinkles, making you look refreshed and well-rested. Results typically last around four months.
Laser Lipo - A low-wave laser gently liquefi es fat without destroying healthy tissue, which is removed via a thin tube and gentle suction. The minimally invasive procedure usually requires less downtime than traditional liposuction.
Noninvasive Body Contouring – A variety of technologies contour and shape the body using various methods such as radiofrequency energy, ultrasound, and cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting). Some offer fat reduction and skin tightening, and others can even minimize cellulite.
Ultherapy – This noninvasive procedure uses ultrasound to stimulate collagen and elastin production to lift the neck, chin, and
brow and help improve lines and wrinkles on the upper chest.
Chemical Peels - By removing old skin, new skin layers replace it, resulting in a brighter, clearer, smoother, more youthful-looking complexion. In general, the stronger the peel, the more dramatic the results and the longer the recovery period.
Brow Lamination - This noninvasive alternative to microblading uses a setting lotion to help the brows stay up (when brushed forward). Results last about six weeks.
Lip Blushing - This semi-permanent lip stain or cosmetic tattoo color corrects while enhancing lip shape and size. Tiny needles deliver small deposits of pigment layer by layer.
Lip Augmentation - Lip injectables use fillers such as Juvéderm or Restylane or fat removed from your body to make your lips look fuller, defi ne your cupid’s
bow, and smooth lip lines. Dermal fi ller lip augmentation takes 20 or 30 minutes, and there’s minimal downtime.
Non-surgical Nose Job - Nose shaping with hyaluronic acid-based injectable fi llers such as Juvéderm offers results that, while temporary, can smooth out small bumps, create nostril symmetry, and lift the tip of your nose or make it more prominent.
Laser Therapy Facial Treatment – A variety of laser technologies are used to lift and tighten the skin, smooth lines and wrinkles, address uneven or dull skin tone and hyperpigmentation, address large pores and acne scars, and more.
Liquid Facelift - This procedure uses injectable fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane to gently lift facial features by restoring volume. It also reduces wrinkles and folds and creates a more rested look. Depending on the fi llers used, results last anywhere from four to six months to a year or more.
We all lose and regrow hair throughout our lives (between 50 and 100 strands per day). But when more falls out than grows in, you’re experiencing hair loss, of which there are three different types. Anagen effluvium is caused by medications such as chemotherapy which poisons growing hair follicles. Telogen effluvium happens when an increased number of hair follicles reach the stage where they naturally fall out. Androgenetic alopecia/female pattern alopecia/female pattern hair loss (FPHL)/baldness, the most common, is when hair thins over the top of the head and on the sides.
It’s estimated that 40% of all hair-loss sufferers — including around 30 million US women — will experience noticeable hair loss, most often female-pattern hair loss (FPHL).
Female hair loss is most common in:
• Women over 40
Hair loss myths abound, including:
• Hats cause baldness
• Shaving your head makes it grow back twice as thick
• Hair loss is inherited from only the mother’s side
• Dandruff makes your hair fall out
• Standing on your head stimulates hair growth
• Washing hair in cold water helps prevent hair loss
None of these are true.
• Women who’ve just had babies
• Women who’ve undergone chemo or been affected by other harsh medications
• Women who wear tight ponytails, and tight braids, use harsh chemicals on their hair
• Menopausal women
Treatment depends on the hair loss cause. It can be due to stress or hormonal changes such as those that occur with pregnancy and should stop on its own over time. Similarly, hair loss due to tight braids, ponytails, or harsh chemical treatment can be rectified by stopping the practice. Hair loss due to nutritional defi ciencies can be treated with a healthy diet and supplementation. Rogaine helps with FPHL but must be used indefi nitely and avoided when you’re pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
For a more permanent solution, there’s follicular unit extraction (FUE) such as
SmartGraft, which takes individual hair follicles from one area of your head and moves them to another area where hair is thinner or absent. Hair restoration professionals use “micropunches” to harvest single hair follicles and move them, leaving behind almost no signs of extraction and with little or no side effects. There’s also the Hairmax LaserComb and the Theradome LH80 PRO, both FDA-cleared, low-light lasers for treating FPHL. Other medications currently being studied include spironolactone and other anti-androgens, finasteride and other alpha-reductase enzyme inhibitors, estrogens, prostaglandin analogs, steroids, and additional light treatments.
In the meantime, ask your favorite stylist about tips and tricks such as a short, layered haircut that can make your hair loss less noticeable.
YOU SEE IT IN THE MIRROR. THE PART IN YOUR HAIR IS WIDENING. YOU NOTICE BALD SPOTS. YOU’RE SHEDDING MORE HAIR THAN USUAL. THESE ARE ALL SIGNS OF FEMALE HAIR LOSS. IF YOU’RE SEEING THEM, IT’S PROBABLY TIME TO CONSULT A DERMATOLOGIST, ENDOCRINOLOGIST, OR HAIR SPECIALIST.
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HOW TO CHECK, STRENGTHEN, AND MAINTAIN YOUR BALANCE
BY LESLIE CHATMAN
Can you stand up from a seated position in a chair without using your hands? Movement and balance are essential to maintaining health at every age. Since the ability to maintain balance can decline with age, medication side effects, or the onset of various impairments, making efforts to retain it should start early.
Below are two simple tests you can do at home to check your balance. Have a partner spot you to help prevent a fall or injury, especially if keeping your balance is difficult.
While wearing supportive athletic shoes, stand, cross your arms over your chest, forming an “X,” place feet and ankle bones together, and close your eyes. Try to hold this position for 60 seconds or more.
Another test is to stand, cross your arms over the chest, forming an “X,” lift one foot towards the standing leg, place the foot on the inside of the knee, and close your eyes. This is similar to the tree yoga pose, except for hand placement. Try to hold the position without moving for 30 seconds or longer.
Maintaining either of these poses for the time noted without significant movement or aid indicates you likely have good balance. If you feel the need to test in a clinical setting, visit your healthcare provider. They may detect issues that are causing poor balance and assist in bettering it.
Maintaining balance begins with fortifying one’s posture. This requires engaging in exercises that strengthen muscles in the legs and core. Not only will this strength minimize falls, but it will also improve your general ability to move around with confidence.
To build leg and core muscles to improve balance, the exercises selected should have slow, systematic movements that precisely target the area of focus. Walking, stair climbing, tai chi, and yoga are all good options. If balance is a current struggle, have a partner assist you.
Stand behind a chair or at a counter or table that is at least waist high and brace yourself using both hands to keep steady. Raise both heels as high as possible, balancing on the balls of the feet, hold for a few seconds, then relax. Next, raise your toes, balancing on the heels of your feet, hold for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat this 10 times, resting only briefly between each cycle.
With arms extended out, forming a “T,” walk straight, heel-to-toe, as if walking on a tightrope, pausing between steps for 30 paces. Turn and walk back 30 paces to the original position.
Stand straight, feet apart, and positioned under the widest part of the hip. Lift the left foot, balancing all weight on the right foot. Hold for 30 seconds, then relax. Repeat the same actions with the right foot. Repeat this for three cycles, with both feet resting briefly between cycles.
ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER IS NOT JUST A CHILDHOOD CONDITION
BY PETE ALFANOParents have learned they can’t always blame a sugar high when a child is fi dgeting with their hands, cannot sit still, or is easily distracted from a task such as schoolwork or even watching TV. This behavior can indicate attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder, more popularly known as ADHD. Children as young as three have been diagnosed with the disorder, although the average age is seven. But ADHD is not just a childhood affl iction. Studies cited by Web MD show that as many as fi ve percent of adults suffer from a form
of the disorder, and only a small percentage know they even have it. Often the symptoms are present in childhood but were never diagnosed or deemed severe enough to seek medical or psychiatric attention.
So, while symptoms of ADHD may diminish with age, people don’t outgrow them entirely. There are several red flags for adults. Among them are diffi culty multitasking and prioritizing, quick to anger, inability to complete a task, impulsiveness, procrastination, excessive talking, fi nishing
another person’s sentences, fidgeting, forgetfulness, anxiety, disorganization, and mood swings. Raise your hand if you admit to having one or more of these traits. But that doesn’t necessarily indicate you have ADHD. Keep in mind that having some of these symptoms might indicate other mental issues such as anxiety, depression, autism, bipolar disorder, sleep disorder, and hearing loss.
For adults, ADHD can impact their family life and impair their careers. Not fi nishing a project on time, inability to focus on tasks, and habitual lateness can have consequences ranging from not being considered for a raise or promotion to dismissal. Some aspects of ADHD, such as forgetfulness, cannot always be associated with aging either. And if you are the type who gets upset easily when the line isn’t moving fast enough at a grocery store, bank, or another venue, it may also be a sign of ADHD.
Medical science admits there has not been much research on ADHD in adults. The Centers for Disease Control cites sleep deprivation, stress, a poor diet, and a general lack of interest in
anything as possible causes. ADHD shouldn’t be taken lightly. It can affect relationships and make day-to-day living difficult for adults and the people in their life. Given how disruptive ADHD can be, seeking medical help is a priority. A primary care physician can evaluate a patient’s behavior and refer them to a clinic that specializes in treating the disorder. A preferred method of treatment is psychotherapy and education. But cognitive therapy is also supplemented by medications. Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine are three popular stimulants taken in tablet form. However, they should be taken only under medical supervision because they pose potentially serious side effects, including hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, hypertension, strokes, and cardiac arrhythmia. These drugs are also addictive if abused. The risk-reward of taking medications like these will be worth it if it can improve a person’s mood, focus, and ability to interact better with family, friends, and at work. One thing should be clear, symptoms of ADHD should not be ignored. The disorder can be debilitating and negatively affect a person’s health and well-being.
Medical research into the causes and treatment of ADHD in adults continues on parallel tracks. Like almost everything else involving our health, scientists are looking at DNA and how our brains are wired for possible early detection of ADHD. Because most cases are diagnosed in children, a strong genetic component may enable doctors to diagnose the disorder and begin treatment earlier. There is no cure for ADHD. Thus, psychotherapy and medications will likely define treatment going forward.
Clinical studies are ongoing to determine whether new medications are more effective and have fewer side effects. Viloxazine, a non-stimulant, has shown positive results in children. Other newer drugs, such as Azstays (brand name), Centanafadine, a non-stimulant, and Mydayis, have shown positive results. Unfortunately, all these and others being tested in clinical trials are potentially addictive and must be administered under a doctor’s or psychiatrist’s care.
Have you ever wondered what’s included in a Mommy Makeover? The broad answer is it includes whatever you require to reshape and restore the appearance of your body after childbearing. Here are a few of the most popular procedures.
Breast Augmentation – Mommy Makeovers typically include breast enhancement. Augmentation, designed to restore firmness, fullness, and lost volume, is usually achieved by placing breast implants. Innovations in breast implant technology, along with a wide variety of implant types, shapes, and even textures, enable you to choose a breast size, feel, shape, profi le, and projection.
During your consultation, expect your plastic surgeon to discuss the types of implants available and breast implant placement options. Placement may be through the armpit to avoid a scar directly on the breasts if you’re a good candidate and under or over the muscle. Talk with your plastic surgeon about the best option for you and why.
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Breast Lift (Mastopexy) – A breast lift raises droopy breasts to a perkier position on the chest and improves the overall shape. This is achieved through excess skin removal, breast tissue redistribution, and placing the nipple in a more appealing (usually higher) position. And since the nipples can become larger with pregnancy, the procedure can include making the areola smaller, also known as nipple reduction.
Breast Augmentation and Lift – This popular combination can beautifully restore droopy, deflated breasts. Together, the two procedures rejuvenate the breast shape and position and provide the size, projection, and fullness you desire.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) – Tummy tucks are highly customized to the patient based on needs and goals. They generally include tightening stretchedout, weakened abdominal muscles and removing excess skin and fat. A more extensive version called a circumferential tummy tuck, extends around the body to include the removal of excess skin and fat on the lower back and even the upper buttocks.
When looking through tummy tuck before and after photos during your consult, make sure they represent work done by the plastic surgeon. Pay attention to the belly button, which should appear natural-looking and positioned in the right place.
Liposuction (Lipoplasty) – This popular, time-honored cosmetic procedure uses suction to remove stubborn fat from targeted body areas. Most Mommy Makeovers include some liposuction to recontour the fi gure. Treatment areas include the bra line, fl anks, hips, thighs, and buttocks. The extent of the treatment can range from a small amount of fat removal to a technique called Lipo 360, where liposuction is performed all the way around the midsection.
Brazilian Butt Lift – Some pregnancies leave women with a “mum bum” that’s virtually impossible to get rid of, regardless of the number of hours spent in the gym. Since most Mommy Makeovers include liposuction, adding a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) to your body restoration plan makes sense if you’re a good candidate. A BBL involves taking fat removed via liposuction and transferring it to the buttocks to sculpt, reshape, and lift your bottom without implants.
As you embark on a Mommy Makeover, it’s vital to be candid with your plastic surgeon during the consultation and throughout your journey. Don’t be shy about asking questions and expressing your goals and concerns. Be sure to ask about recovery and expected downtime so you can plan for this and give yourself adequate time to heal.
It takes time to recover from a Mommy Makeover. Be sure to prepare well before your surgery date and then allow yourself enough time to rest comfortably and heal properly.
Pick up prescriptions and groceries and prepare and freeze meals in advance. Plan menus for your family from restaurants that offer delivery service. Create a personal recovery “nest” with snacks, water, tissues, wet wipes, medications, entertainment, electronics chargers, pillows and extra pillowcases, and anything else you need within easy reach of your bed. Your goal is to stay as comfortable and relaxed as possible as you heal. Ask friends and family if you need anything else, such as assistance placing pillows or changing sheets.
Plan for two to three weeks of downtime and follow your plastic surgeon’s recovery directions in detail, which usually includes waiting up to six weeks before engaging in strenuous activity. This is no time to try to be Superwoman or take shortcuts. It can affect the duration of your recovery and even your results.
Arrange for help with pets, the kids, cooking, errands, and household chores for a few weeks. Women so often put children and family before themselves. Remember to make this time about you and your needs. Please talk with your family about this so they, too, are prepared and know what to expect as you recover.
In the world of design, what’s old inevitably becomes new again, and a similar pattern is inspiring today’s on-trend color palettes for home decor. The latest styles reflect reviving and soothing colors influenced by heritage and romance, lending to a look that is familiar in an individualistic way.
Whether living through the romance of rural lifestyles, the comfort of home, or the nostalgia from far-off times, some of today’s most beloved design aesthetics celebrate the past, present, and future while bringing balance, hope, and comfort for you and your family to embrace.
Using color to evoke feelings and emotions is hardly new, but combining a carefully curated color palette with other design elements can allow you to create a look that pays homage to the past while breathing new life into your living space.
Reimagining classic, familiar tones allows you to achieve a design motif that is equal parts reminiscent and refreshing.
Striking a balance between old and new can take many forms, as these styles show:
Heritage Revival: An interest in reviving the past is evident in design trends like a remerging appreciation of antiques and vintage elements, such as oversized furniture and traditional shapes. To capture this style, your design should focus on contrasting old and new for a mix-and-match look.
A cohesive color scheme can allow the various elements to stand on their own while working in harmony for an intentional
design. For example, the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams 2023 Color Collection of the Year includes a combination of familiar tones that have been thoughtfully curated by design experts who borrow color and design concepts from the past for a hopeful future and a sense of belonging. Hues like Poetry Plum and Hot Cocoa evoke warmth and depth, while moderate shades like Restrained Gold and Glamour offer fresh ways to incorporate mid-range neutrals. Meanwhile, soft tones like Natural Linen and Cool Beige offer subtle color for lighter, brighter spaces.
Mixing and Matching of Eras: A new take on retro design is emerging in which eras are blended and new and old furnishing work side by side. To get this look, you’ll craft a space that marries historical and contemporary design, celebrating both old and new. To design for longevity, incorporate pieces that are ambiguous in era and stand the test of time.
Vintage Homestead: Reviving design elements from the past with mixed patterns, classic shapes, and vintage decor
adds up to comfortable and comforting design. With this trend, prints, and patterns encompass a range of styles, reinforcing how interiors connect to fashion. Mixing classic elegance with sleek vintage shapes is refi ning the concept of polished comfort. To achieve the look, curate pieces in heritage shapes and patterns, along with retro accents. Be sure to incorporate vintage lighting and glass, as well.
A versatile color choice like Darkroom, the 2023 Color of the Year from HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, is an alluring shade that is classic enough for heritage interiors but also modernly retro for a throwback-inspired aesthetic. It’s neutral perfect for creating an eclectic yet modern look inside and out.
Get inspired to combine the past with the present for a comforting design that’s all your own at hgtvhomebysherwinwilliams.com.
Courtesy: Family Features and HGTV Home for Sherwin Williams
BY PETE ALFANO
As you lie in bed at night counting sheep, have you ever thought about the 100 gallons of water that may be sitting above your head? Because various reasons make it nearly impossible for Texas houses to have a basement, many two-story homes have water heaters in an accessible walk-in attic on the second floor. That’s great news for helping keep that water hot during a typical Texas summer, but a leak from a faulty valve or pipe or other major malfunction that goes unnoticed can result in water spilling over a drain pan and flooding the floor. That will result in water dripping from the ceiling on the floor below, and, well, you can imagine the cost of the cleanup and repairs and what happens to your homeowner’s insurance premium. Sure, it makes more sense to have the water heaters in the garage if you have one, although they should be placed on a platform at least 18 inches above the garage fl oor if the water heater is gas-powered. This protects the heater from potentially combustible gasoline fumes emitted by your car. In any case, a homeowner should not ignore their water heaters. The easiest solution is to get an annual inspection from a plumbing company to ensure the water heaters are functioning properly and efficiently.
However, there are 364 days between inspections, so homeowners should diligently check their water heaters once a week. It is easy to forget about them when they are out of sight and out of mind. Inspect the heaters to determine whether there are any leaking pipes or valves and that no moisture has accumulated in the drain pan, not even a few drops. That could spell trouble is on the way. If there is water around the pipes, valve, or in the drain pan, turn off the water
to the heater at the source and call a professional. If you are not getting any hot water, check the pilot light on the water heater. A flame ignites a gas heater, while an electric heater uses a heating element to start the heater. Double-check that the circuit breaker dedicated to the water heaters hasn’t tripped. Make your water heaters more efficient by insulating the hot water heater pipes. You can also insulate the water heater tank with a relatively inexpensive insulation blanket or even use bubble wrap. Check the thermostat to see the temperature of the water. Most experts recommend keeping water heaters at 140° to prevent bacteria from forming, but others suggest 120° is hot enough and will cut down on scalding. It also will lower your heating costs.
If you are adventurous and want to maintain the water heaters yourself, flush the heater at least once a year. Unplug an electric heater or turn down the thermostat on a gas heater so it isn’t going to start making more hot water. Then turn off the cold-water supply valve and attach a garden hose to the drain valve. Using the pressure relief valve or turning on a hot water faucet in the house allows air into the tank. At this point, you turn on the drain valve, and the tank should begin emptying. Water heaters collect sediment, which affects their performance and life expectancy. You can drain the tank into a floor drain, outside your house, or into buckets. Remember, the water will be extremely hot.
With regular maintenance, a water heater will last for 10 years and probably longer. But neglect will shorten its lifespan and may leave you in fi nancial hot water.
Watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe are not only healthy and nutritious, but they are perfect for summertime picnics, pool parties, or any occasion that calls for a refreshing and tasty treat.
Watermelon is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for hot summer days. The bright red flesh and green rind make it a colorful addition to any table or spread.
It is also a good source of vitamin C, which helps support a healthy immune system, and vitamin A, which is important for maintaining healthy skin and eyesight. It is also high in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer.
This versatile fruit can be enjoyed in many ways, from sliced and diced to frozen treats and craft cocktails.
Honeydew is a lesser known but equally delicious type of melon. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber and is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to salads, fruit skewers, or smoothies.
Cantaloupe is another popular type of melon, with a rough, netted rind and sweet, juicy flesh. Like watermelon and honeydew, cantaloupe is a good vitamin C and A source. It is also high in potassium, essential for maintaining
healthy blood pressure levels. In addition, cantaloupe is a rich source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that can help protect against certain types of cancer and heart disease. But these melons are more than just tasty. They can also be a source of fun and entertainment. Have you ever tried a watermelon-eating contest? Participants try to eat as much watermelon as possible within a specific time frame, with the winner receiving a prize. It's a messy but fun activity that is perfect for summertime parties.
Honeydew and cantaloupe can also be used to make fun and creative dishes. For example, hollow out a honeydew or cantaloupe and use it as a fruit salad or sorbet bowl. Or use a melon baller to create fun and colorful fruit skewers.
If you're feeling crafty, watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe can also be used as a canvas for creative carving. From simple shapes to intricate designs, there are endless possibilities when it comes to melon carving. It's a fun activity perfect for involving the whole family. Whether you're hosting a summer party, looking for a healthy snack, or just looking for a fun activity to do with the kids, these juicy fruits are sure to delight and satisfy. So, the next time you're at the grocery store, be sure to grab a few melons and get ready to have some fun!
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 has been collaboratively trained to provide her clients with a private and less stressful way to resolve their family law disputes than in a courtroom. She is proud to work with a team of highly specialized professionals to address the entire family’s needs as she assists her 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.
Texas summers are toasty, and the sizzling sun can limit activities outdoors. Take a pass on perspiration with these ideas for chilling out with the family.
Caves are technically not indoors, but they are cool places, literally. Texas caves might warm to about 72 degrees — at which point the humidity makes it feel like 80 degrees — but they are often a bit cooler, especially when the outside temperature is 100 and rising. They’re cool places metaphorically, too. A woman in Spain recently emerged from 500 days voluntarily spent in a cave and said she could have gone longer. She loved it. Luckily, you don’t have to move in to get a sense of what there is to love. For the cave-curious, Texas’ awesome subterranean spaces are must-see destinations.
For a few seriously marvelous moments underground — usually more like an hour and a half per walking tour — visit Texas’ largest cave, Natural Bridge Caverns, about 20 minutes west of New Braunfels. On guided cave tours, which you should always book ahead of time, you’ll learn how the boys of the Civilian Conservation Corps cleared debris out of Longhorn Caverns near Inks Lake during the Great Depression. Meanwhile, Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown was discovered in the 1960s and is home to ancient fossils in addition to stalagmites, stalactites, and other shapes from the furthest reaches of your imagination. Surprisingly, Cave Without a Name in Boerne hosts monthly live music performances inside the cavern. Some, but not all, sell out months in advance.
Inner Space Cavern
Photos: Great Wolf Lodge, Modern Museum of Art Fort Worth, Kalahari Resort, Longhorn Cavern State Park - J.L. Cruz Photography, Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, San Antonio Aquarium - Carolyn Flores, Adobe Stock
Longhorn Cavern State Park
Museums don’t have to be stuffy and serious. You’re allowed to laugh at the art, especially if a baby portrait looks like someone’s grandfather. For that kind of entertainment in an immaculate space cold enough to make you put on a sweater, look no further than one of Texas’ most respected and venerable museum institutions. If humor is not what you’re looking for, you could just gaze at the art and respectfully ponder the brushstrokes. Maybe book a docent-led tour to really fill your brain with fun facts and stories about the historical currents that led to the works on the walls. With important art from ancient to modern times as well as vibrant contemporary work from around the globe, Texas’ museums are truly world-class.
In Dallas, you can wander down Flora Street one block from the fantastic Crow Collection of Asian Art to the relatively massive Dallas Museum of Art. The DMA boasts more than 24,000 pieces
in its collection. Mosey on over to Fort Worth, where a whopping 14 museums mean more than we can do justice to here. The Modern Art Museum is a spectacular center of culture, but the nearby Kimbell is also more than worth your time. Should Houston be more your speed, The Museum of Fine Arts, Rothko Chapel, and Space Center are another bevy of riches for the public to enjoy.
Sunscreen is superfluous at an indoor water park where the UV rays don’t reach the lazy river. To be clear, UV rays do get past windows, but we’re talking parks with roofs and layers of slides, chutes, and tubes. Some genuinely massive indoor parks have splashed down in recent years, including Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas’ largest indoor park at 223,000 square feet with hotel and dining options. Grapevine’s Great Wolf Lodge books out themed rooms for guests and lots of extra activities, while Grand Prairie’s Epic Waters Indoor
Waterpark calls itself the largest indoor amusement park in North Texas. Each offers up plenty of family-friendly fun with wave pools and more.
Unless you grew up inside a submarine, aquariums are sure to have something unimaginably stunning in store for you. On par with a first trip to the zoo, a first aquarium visit is more than just an exciting day. Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi is the largest in the state and includes a beautiful coral reef replica and a beautiful flower garden. The San Antonio Aquarium is designed to be interactive so visitors can feed or pet almost any animal. You won’t feed any whales, but you might interact with reptiles and birds. Wind your way down from the top of the Dallas World Aquarium’s multi-level design through the rainforest area and enjoy the serene blue glow of the shark tunnel. It’s not scary. It’s fun. We have it on good authority from many children.
Space Center Houston
Great Wolf Lodge
San Antonio Aquarium
Kalahari Resort
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
BEAT THE HEAT WITH THESE CHILLED TREATS
BY JENNIFER BAJSELTIPS & TRICKS: You can change the layers with different fruit or flavors. Place serving bowls in freezer before serving to keep semifreddo from melting so quickly in hot months.
SERVINGS: 12 | PREP: 30 MIN. | COOK: 7 HRS. 30 MIN. | TOTAL: 8 HRS.
INGREDIENTS: 4 cups heavy cream | 2 ½ cups sugar, divided | 8 egg yolks | 2 tsp. vanilla | Pinch of salt | 1 pkg frozen raspberries | 1 pkg frozen blueberries
DIRECTIONS: WHIP heavy cream until medium peaks are formed using a hand mixer, set aside. USING a double boiler, place water in bottom pot and bring to a simmer. COMBINE sugar and egg yolks in the top pot and place over the bottom pot. BEAT eggs and sugar until double in size. ADD vanilla and salt. REMOVE from heat and fold in whipping cream. Divide the egg mixture equally into three bowls. DISSOLVE ¼ cup sugar in a separate pot with the frozen raspberries and cook until softened. BLEND raspberries into a puree using a blender. REPEAT with blueberries. ADD raspberry puree to one of the egg mixtures. ADD the blueberry puree to a different egg mixture. RESERVE the third egg mixture for the white layer. WRAP a loaf pan with plastic wrap. POUR in the raspberry layer. FREEZE for 30 minutes. REMOVE from freezer and add white layer, freeze again for 30 minutes. REMOVE once more and add the blueberry layer. COVER and freeze until ready to serve.
SERVINGS: 12 | PREP: 10 MIN. | COOK: 2 HRS. | TOTAL: 2 HRS. 10 MIN.
INGREDIENTS: 8 oz. cream cheese softened | 3 cups whipping cream | 1 cup powdered sugar | 1 pkg lime Jell-O, not prepared | 2 Tbsp. lime juice | 1 lime, zested | 1 tsp. vanilla | 1 pkg gingersnap cookies
DIRECTIONS: COMBINE the softened cream cheese and whipping cream in the bowl of a stand mixer. USING the whisk attachment, blend until smooth and cream begins to stiffen. ADD powdered sugar, lime Jell-O, lime juice, and vanilla. LIGHTLY coat the bottom of a 9” springform pan with the cream filling. LAYER with gingersnaps and another layer of cream filling. CONTINUE layering, ending with the top layer of cream. Zest the top with lime. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
SERVINGS: 12 | PREP: 20 MIN. | COOK: 8 HRS. | TOTAL: 8 HRS. 20 MIN.
INGREDIENTS: 1 pkg Oreo cookies, crushed | 5 Tbsp. butter melted | 8 oz. cream cheese, softened | 1 ½ cup peanut butter | ½ cup powdered sugar | 1 cup milk | 16 oz. whipped topping | Mini peanut butter chocolate cups, divided | Chocolate syrup (optional)
DIRECTIONS: PREHEAT oven to 350°. Place cookies in a food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs. COMBINE chocolate crumbs and melted butter in a mixing bowl. PRESS crumb mixture into a 9” pie plate and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool. BLEND cream cheese and peanut butter in the bowl of a stand mixer using a paddle attachment. ADD powdered sugar and milk. CONTINUE blending until smooth. FOLD in whipped topping. CHOP ¼ cup of peanut butter cups. SPRINKLE onto crust. TOP with filling. COVER and place in freezer for 2 hours. REMOVE pie from freezer and decorate with chocolate syrup and peanut butter cups. COVER and continue to freeze another 6 hours or overnight. TRANSFER to refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.
TIPS & TRICKS: Reserve 1 cup of filling in the refrigerator in a piping bag to use for decorating. I found peanut butter-filled Oreo cookies to use, which added to the peanut butter flavor. Any chocolate cookie will work.
Jennifer is a private chef in Dallas, TX, with a passion for home-cooked meals with a global influence. In addition to cooking, she hosts an Italian cooking show on national streaming television. To follow her, go to JenniferBajsel.com or find her on Instagram @JENNIFER_BAJSEL
Slip-on a style that’s been Setting Trends Since 1979. Made with an old-school canvas upper, the Color Theory Checkerboard Classic Slip-On honors Vans’ legendary laceless silhouette while offering a fresh look that boosts the appeal of this easy-to-wear shoe.
$65, VANS.COM
RETRO RIDE
Have some fun in the sun SoCal style with the limited edition 50th Anniversary Retro Malibu Golf Cart pool float collaboration between FUNBOY and Malibu Barbie. This original design is large enough for two adults and includes a fringe-lined removable mesh shade, dual cup holders, three handles, and a tether point.
$139, FUNBOY.COM
The Polarbox Pop features an attractive vintage design that keeps your drinks and meals cold with style. Available in five colors with a beautiful matching leather strap and two side buckles that allow you to hold the top of your polarbox tight, carry it by hand or hang it over the shoulder.
$60 AND UP, POLARBOXSTYLE.COM
Pop on the court with this vibrant pickleball gift set . Includes two paddles with a lightweight and powerful polymer honeycomb core and gripped handles, two perforated pickleballs, sweatbands, and a cloth tote.
$160, ANTROPOLOGIE.COM
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