Heart of Houston

A Year We Will All Remember

by Warner Roberts

WHAT A YEAR! WHAT A

YEAR! WHAT A YEAR! 2020 has been like none other we have experienced—a pandemic, losses, gains, changes, masks, heroism and an election...

Our community continues to struggle with the effects of shutdowns and slowdowns, and Houstonians continue to openheartedly support the community.

Our Houston Rockets fell to the L.A. Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals and Coach Mike D’Antoni stepped down as the Rockets’ coach.

Our Houston Astros saw A. J. Hinch, manager, fired for his role in the sign-stealing in past seasons. And, they fell to the Tampa Bay Rays in playoffs.

Our Houston Texans also saw major changes. Bill O’Brian, Texans head coach and general manager, was fired after a 0-4 start to the season. The Houston Texans Foundation donated $100,000 to launch the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund Texas partnering with the United Way Community Foundation.

It’s finally time to vote! I heard this on a podcast this morning, and I always get chill bumps when I hear the truth. The statement immediately covered me with chill bumps.

The moderator was saying that if Martians landed on our planet, actually in our cities, all over the country and the world, without hesitation, we would all come together to protect our families, to safeguard our friends and even strangers alike. We would spring into action to protect everyone in our vicinity. We wouldn’t stop to ask whether they were Republican, Democrat or Independent. We wouldn’t stop to see if they were Black, White, Asian, Indian, Italian, Greek, Iranian, Palestinian, Israeli, Chinese and on and on. We would jump in the same fox holes and unite. Our human being instinct would kick in as well as our love for humanity. We would instinctively do our best to protect each other.

A great analogy is 9/11 in New York City. The human being in all of us kicked in, and humans did everything they could to help each other. No of Greater Houston and the Greater Houston

questions asked. As this important election winds down and the dust settles, we must remember our best selves. We must remember how important it is to love each other, through thick and thin. Bottom line is that we are all alike, we truly are each other and belong to each other. We don’t really need a disaster to remind us and unite us.

Have you done something for somebody today?

Houston Texans’ Owner a True Gift to Our City

Janice McNair wins our hearts every time.

One of the most generous people who ever lived in our city is Janice Suber McNair, the co-founder and senior chair of the Houston Texans and co-founder of McNair Interests. Following her husband Robert McNair’s death in 2018, Janice became the team’s principal owner. Her son, Cal McNair, is the current CEO and day-to-day head of the franchise. But, it is Janice who represents the Texans at NFL owners meetings and other league functions. She is one of only ten female NFL team owners.

Since moving to Houston in 1960, Janice has raised four children and embarked on a lifelong career of giving back to the community. She is also a longtime breast cancer survivor. The McNairs have been champions of philanthropy for decades.

Combined contributions made through The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, Houston Texans Foundation and The McNair Educational Foundation total more than a half billion dollars to charity.

With the inception of the Texans in 2002, the McNairs started the Houston Texans Foundation. Since 2002, more than $35 million has been raised through annual fundraising events, disaster response programs, United Way campaigns and partnerships with nonprofit organizations.

This year, Janice and the McNair family donated $500,000 to Interfaith Ministries, Meals-on-Wheels and the Houston Food Bank. The Houston Texans Foundation donated $100,000 to launch the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund Texas partnering with the United Way of Greater Houston and the Greater Houston Community Foundation. When I asked her what was the hardest part of owning an NFL team, she said: “The hardest part about being an NFL owner is losing games. The best part about being an NFL owner is winning games.” Win or lose, Janice, you are our hero!

Alex Hunt R. Melissa Masoom

Yanine Krohn

Nancy Truong Margaret Tucker David Adams Kourtney Parker

Hunt Law Firm focuses on a wide variety of family law matters, including divorce, modification, enforcement, child custody, child support, adoption, name change, and grandparents’ rights. Serving its clients as a multilingual firm with attorneys who speak Vietnamese, Spanish and Bengali, the firm has convenient locations in Katy and Cypress. Read more about the firm at familylawyerkaty.com.

I’m a Believer This past January, my roommate convinced me and two other roommates to sign up for a free class at Orange Theory. She too was weird. One Orange Theory’s competitive environment of those people who loved to work out. But when she showed me her transformation photos, I could keeps enthusiasts coming back for more. see why she wanted to keep going back. When we arrived for our class, we were welcomed by the manager and walked through the Orange Theory strategy—monitors worn on your arm measure your heart rate which is projected onto screens inside the room along with the other clients. As your heart rate changes, your sector of the screen will change from blue to green, to orange, to red depending on how hard your body is working. The goal of the class is to reach at least twelve “splat points,” or minutes within the orange and red zones. Attaining this goal gives you the bonus of post-exercise oxygen consumption, referred to as “afterburn.” This means your body will burn calories at a higher rate for hours after your workout. Of course, having all of our information like splat points and burned calories on the screen made me want to do better than everyone else, especially my roommates. By the end of the class, I couldn’t believe how many calories I had burned. The class was so different from what I had expected. Initially I was scared of being the leastfit person there, but it accommodates all levels

EXERCISE WAS NEVER of ability. Coaches don’t yell at you, or make you SOMETHING I ENJOYED. I’ve share your hopes and dreams—two extremes that avoided friends’ invitations to go on I was weary of in any fitness class. It was a perfect walks for years because I’d rather hang balance of challenge and feasibility. out on the couch. Due to my mom’s I signed up for a membership that week and health freakishness, I’ve always considered myself started going eight times a month. Routines what many people call “skinny-fat”—being pretty are developed by specialists and change every slim but also having no tone or muscle. When I day, with a focus on either power, strength or got to college I had freedom over my own eating. endurance. The feeling of hitting personal bests

I learned the hard way that I couldn’t down all the is one that really translates into confidence and

“free” food in the cafeteria (Did you know you have energy outside the gym. Being able to run faster to pay for that?!) and had open access to soda for and at longer distances every class is something the first time in my life. Hi that kept me looking forward

Dr. Pepper. One year and 10 Over the years, I’ve to going back. pounds later, my roommate took up running and heard several friends I’ve always been the person who quits as soon eventually was running up to from different circles as I get tired, but when my 10 miles every single day. I couldn’t believe that people rave about Orange roommates and I signed up for the Orange Theory Half actually chose to do that... Theory. At first, I Marathon together (13 miles just not my thing, I guess. Until it was. thought, Ugh another split between us, not just me!) I was so proud to be the

Over the years, I’ve workout cult. only one who could run a heard several friends from full mile without stopping. As different circles rave about Orange Theory. At first, little as it seems, for me, that was something I had

I thought, Ugh another workout cult. I envisioned never been able to do before and I felt a sense of the candles and kumbaya that I had experienced accomplishment and excitement for what I could and despised in other workout classes. Little did I do next. I do believe Orange Theory is a special know that I would soon be joining them as a loyal place that delivers on its promise. To join the Orange

“OTF-er.” Theory team visit orangetheory.com.—Nora Brasher

Dr. Fawcett has been providing a wide range of services in general dentistry in his hometown for more than 34 years, with a special focus on cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and full smile makeovers.

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GALILEOS® 3D technology for precise surgical planning and full implant design, which helps him to consistently achieve superior outcomes for his patients.

ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS RIGHT FOR ME?

If you are missing one tooth, several teeth, or even all of your teeth, dental implants may be able to provide you with the freedom, confidence, and outstanding smile aesthetics that so many of our patients already enjoy.

During a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Fawcett, you can find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants. He will perform a full oral examination to establish the status of your dental health and review your medical history to determine if dental implants are the best tooth replacement option for you.

WHY CHOOSE DR. FAWCETT FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

In addition to his many impressive credentials, Dr.

Fawcett has received extensive training specifically in dental implants. His knowledge and valuable experience allow him to plan and perform every stage of the procedure—including placing implants and creating/ securing final restorations—all within our office using the most advanced technology available. This process is not only convenient and efficient, it helps improve precision, predictability and quality from start to finish.

From porcelain veneers and dental implants to periodontal care, All-on-4 (“teeth-in-a-day”), and complex full mouth rehabilitation cases, Dr. Fawcett utilizes his expertise in combination with innovative technology and superior materials to create healthy, beautiful smiles for his patients. His attention to detail and dedication to quality are evident in the custom treatment plans he designs to meet the unique dental needs and cosmetic goals of each individual.

Q. What are your best tips for proper posture while working from home? Also: What’s your take on standing desks?

A. Working posture has become a hot topic, since more than 80 percent of our workforce is required to sit at a desk or in front of a computer. A lot of money has been spent on optimization of workplace ergonomics. Though these studies seem to be looking out for the best interest of the individual, the reality is that ergonomics is about creating the most productivity in a workplace.

I tend to take a more client-centric approach to the workstation and to combatting sedentarism. The key is to move frequently. For example, a variableheight desk can provide diversity of work posture. When taking a call, stand up and walk around while talking business. Don’t be afraid to work from the floor or other surfaces when possible. The body is built with mechanoreceptors, which are sensory signals that tell the body we have been in any position for too long. You know this when you have been sitting on the floor, and your body tells you to change positions every five to 10 minutes. This is healthy!

The message here is: Rather than finding the perfect chair or desk, find diversity in work posture and move frequently. It might decrease your productivity 10 percent in the moment, but it will increase your longevity one-hundred fold. —Dr. Brent Anderson, founder of Polestar Pilates and fitness expert

20 How long you need to exercise at a moderate intensity to improve your mood and blow off steam, according to a University of Mississippi study.

MINUTES

UP TO 10%

How much replacing one daily soda or juice with an unsweetened drink slashes your risk for type 2 diabetes, according to a new Harvard study.

30%

How much more likely you are to consider yourself happy if you fit in the recommended 30 minutes of exercise most days compared to those who don’t, a new study in BMC Public Health found.

Q. Between dealing with the pandemic and being home so much, I’m stress-eating more than ever. What are some strategies for dealing?

A. Let’s face it, the past six months have been turbulent times, filled with fear, anxiety and stress, all emotional eating triggers even in the best of times. It’s no surprise that you may turn to food as a source of comfort, since there is a biological connection between food and emotions. Serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates appetite, mood and sleep, is produced in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby affecting how you feel. But while finishing that bag of chips or pint of ice cream might ease what ails you in the moment, it’s only a temporary fix that over time can have long-lasting ramifications for your overall health. The good news is, there are ways to break the vicious cycle and get you on track. Here are some of the best, science-backed methods:

Keep a food journal. Record what and how much you eat, how you’re feeling at that moment, and the time of day. After a week or two, you will be able to identify the pitfalls that are derailing your diet. Then ask yourself, is it because you are skipping meals? Or you’re not exercising regularly? Are you eating very late at night, or is your diet filled with junk food? Do you eat when you’re mad, sad or bored? It’s important to get in tune with your body and differentiate between real and emotional hunger.

Eliminate processed foods and refined sugars, which can have an adverse effect on your mood by causing blood sugar levels to spike, then fall dramatically. Start with a healthy breakfast, such as a low-fat yogurt smoothie, an egg-white omelet with veggies and whole grain toast or oatmeal topped with fruit to provide the energy you need to get you through the day.

Keep “danger” foods—things that tempt you to mindlessly eat—out of house. Stock your pantry with sensible, healthy snacks, like pre-portioned bags of air-popped popcorn or trail mix, or bananas and frozen grapes. If late night eating is an issue, have a soothing cup of chamomile tea to prepare you for a restful night’s sleep instead. No need to deprive yourself, though: Factor in some dark chocolate or a glass of red wine, which, in moderation, are mood boosters too. Too much and it has the opposite effect.

Instead of turning to food, blow off steam and reset with some Pilates, a long walk or meditation. Even if your studio or gym is closed, schedule a Zoom class with your favorite teacher, or check out online workouts such as Pilatesology.com, Peloton or Obé. Or treat yourself to a bubble bath or mani/pedi for a little pampering to ease your nerves.

Unfortunately, food won’t magically erase your problems; you need to tackle those head on. But by making even small changes, you will notice how much better you feel and will avoid tipping the scales in the wrong direction. Consuming a healthy, balanced diet, along with regular exercise, proper hydration and plenty of sleep are the keys to not falling too far down the emotional eating rabbit hole. —Leslie Horowitz, MS, is the author of the health blog alphabitesnyc.com