OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR-ATHLETES
RANELLE SMITH
WESTMOORE HIGH SCHOOL
Recent sports or academic highlight?
My most recent sports highlight was overcoming an injury during my freshman year. After recovering, I qualified for state and became the first female freshman from Westmoore to place. It was such a proud moment for me.
Personal highlights?
My mom, Crystal, is my biggest inspiration. She’s where I get my courage and strength. I’m a wrestler, and outside of sports, I really enjoy going to church and spending quality time with my family.
How do you maintain balance?
Balancing life, school, and sports is all about focusing on what I can control. I stay disciplined and work hard in every area, making sure I’m setting myself up for a successful future.
Plans for the future?
I’m still deciding on colleges, but I know I want my career to focus on giving back to my community. I’d love to be an assistant wrestling coach while also working in engineering.
GRANT BARNARD
WESTMOORE HIGH SCHOOL
Recent sports or academic highlight?
Hi, my name is Grant Barnard. I’m 18 years old, a student at Westmoore High School, and I play basketball with my twin brother. Last year I was named a starter and we made the state playoffs and I led the way with the most in paint touches.
Personal highlights?
I have 8 siblings, and my parents are Carrie and Cory Barnard. Basketball is the only sport I play competitively, but I also enjoy golfing in my free time—it’s a great way to relax and stay sharp.
How do you maintain balance?
When it comes to balancing life, school, and sports, I focus on prioritizing what needs to get done first. I always make sure my schoolwork is finished before I turn my attention to basketball or other activities.
Plans for the future?
I haven’t decided on a college yet, but I’m planning to play at a D2, JUCO, or NAIA school. Right now, I have one offer, and I’m staying patient while working hard and hoping for more opportunities. As for my future, I plan to major in business.
GARRETT BARNARD
WESTMOORE HIGH SCHOOL
Recent sports or academic highlight?
Hi, my name is Garrett Barnard. My twin brother and I both attend Westmoore High School, where we play basketball together. Last season in the state playoffs I averaged 25 points per game.
Personal highlights?
I come from a big family with 8 siblings, and my parents are Carrie and Cory Barnard. Basketball is my passion, but I also enjoy golfing and spending time with my family when I’m not on the court.
How do you maintain balance?
I balance school, sports, and life by staying organized and managing my time carefully. I set aside time for everything, but basketball is always my top priority and biggest focus.
Plans for the future?
I’m not sure which college I’ll attend yet, but I plan to major in business. My long-term goal is to open my own business someday.
Happy New Year!
As we welcome 2025, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude. To our readers, thank you for your support and enthusiasm throughout 2024. To our advertising partners, thank you for helping us serve and celebrate our community. And to our incredible team of writers and photographers, thank you for your talent and dedication that made this past year so memorable.
This month, we’re excited to bring you our Health & Wellness issue. As always, we invite you to flip through the pages to find familiar faces in our City Scene section, explore the latest happenings in Business Monthly, and mark your calendars with the incredible events featured. Health and wellness touch every aspect of life, and we hope this issue inspires you in more ways than one. Discover the artistry of Chickasaw composer Jared Tate, embrace self-care with tips from Elevate Wellness, and explore the offerings of The Well in Norman. Don’t miss healthy pet advice from Bella SPCA and a fun solution to “sitting disease” from Orangetheory Fitness in Moore and South Oklahoma City.
As we embark on this new year, I pray that 2025 brings abundant blessings to you, your families, and your businesses. Here’s to health, happiness, and continued success!
Warm regards,
JIMMY DARDEN, PUBLISHER
@CITYLIFESTYLE_CLEVELANDCOUNTY
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Jimmy Darden | jimmy.darden@citylifestyle.com 405.541.5650
MANAGING EDITOR
Jerri Culpepper | jerri.culpepper@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Harlea Robinson
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Melissa "Mel" Drake, Harlea Robinson
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jerri Culpepper, Staci Elder Hensley, Nancy Middleton, DVM
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Baker Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
SARA K. SPURLOCK, DDS
JENNIFER M. JENKINS, DDS
We are excited to welcome Norman’s own, Dr. Lauren Parker to our practice! Dr. Parker is a former T-Wolf, Sooner, and graduate from OU College of Dentistry. Dr. Parker spent the last year honing her skills at AEGD in oral surgery, dental implants, and advanced comprehensive and rehabilitative dentistry. Dr. Parker is passionate about dental health, striving to provide excellent comprehensive dental care while expanding the procedures we can offer in our practice. Make sure to meet her the next time you visit!
LAUREN N. PARKER, DDS SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
321-6166
1-7: The Beacon Project (formerly Pantry Partners) held a ribbon-cutting and open house Oct. 30-31 for its new pantry space at 513 West Gray in Norman. The new pantry space is dedicated to supporting teens in our community who are facing hunger, homelessness and crisis.
4: Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Nickolson 5: Aly Burkhart, Lisa Burkhart 6: Rose Marie Sondergeld, Renee, Gobeille, Lela Odom 7: Deaven Steele, Amy Raney, Megan Walker
1-7: The Moore Police Advancing Community Foundation’s annual fundraising event recognizing local hometown heroes within the community and in the Moore Police Department took place Nov. 12 at Central Church of Christ Activity Center in Moore. 1: Chief Todd Gibson, Tim Lewis, Steve Shawn, Patti Morgan presenting Hometown Hero award to the late Mayor Glenn Lewis 2: Frank and JoAnn Randall and Shelia and Marvin Haworth, Gold Sponsors; Sheila serves on the nonprofit’s Board of Directors 3: Moore Police Honor Guard 4: The family of the late Toby Keith receiving an award recognizing him as a Hometown Hero and Patriot of the Year 5: Michael Cage and Chris Fisher, Voice of the Thunder 6: Thunder Girls, Charlie Thompson, Chief Todd Gibson, Horace Phillips 7: Donna Hoffman, Jeff Arvin, John Ireland, Shelia Haworth, Jennifer Seals, Steve Shawn, Patti Morgan
Creatividad silvestre | Wild Creativity Exhibit to Open Jan. 18
How does a kangaroo gain energy as it bounces? Why do birds have different beaks? How does a prairie dog cool its home? Creatividad silvestre | Wild Creativity invites, opening Jan. 18 at the Sam Noble Museum, invites visitors of all ages to explore fundamental concepts of biomimicry through hands-on design challenges, spotlighting the interplay between the art and science of nature and how it continues to inform our world. The exhibit closes May 4.
Norman PHIL,NPS Fine Arts Plan Black History Month Performance
The Norman PHILharmonic and Norman Public Schools Fine Arts will join forces to present messages of hope, determination and unity in celebration of Black History month in a concert scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Center for Arts & Learning, 3801 Journey Parkway, Norman. Featuring the Norman Phil led by conductors Richard Zielinski and Alicia Hollis, a Unity Choir, soloist Valarie Harding, contestant on The Voice, dance, and an exhibit. NormanPhil.com
Abbi Fuller Recognized as Rising Star
Abbi Fuller, event director for the South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, has been recognized with the chamber’s Young Chamber Professional Rising Star of the Year for 2024. This honor is awarded to young chamber professionals who exhibit exceptional dedication, creativity and initiative in their work, contributing positively to their organizations and communities. The Rising Star award highlights Abbi's commitment to driving meaningful change and fostering growth within South Oklahoma City.
Photography: Ahh Shoot! Photography
Boost Your 1st- 3rdgraders' Skills With Sunday Stars and PLS!
Help your child excel in reading and math with Sunday Stars, a free, yearround enrichment program with Pioneer Library System. This program features certified teachers, one-toone Teen Reading Ambassadors, and engaging small-group instruction. January is the perfect time to join as PLS highlights Early Learning and School Readiness! Limited spots available at Noble and Moore Public Libraries —enrollment and screening required. Contact: sundaystars@pioneerlibrary system.org.
GameDay Men’s Health Opening in Southwest OKC
Gameday Men’s Health is set to open in Southwest Oklahoma City as a premier testosterone replacement therapy clinic. The new health care facility in Southwest Oklahoma City offers innovative health solutions for men, including TRT and ED treatments, as well as medical weight-loss programs, in a unique “man cave” environment. To learn more about Gameday Men’s Health Southwest Oklahoma City, 1224 SW 104th St., Ste. A, call 405.233.8440 or visit gamedaymenshealth.com/ southwest-oklahoma-city-ok
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY WILLEFORD, APRN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS BAKER PHOTOGRAPHY
Put Your Best Face Forward
Elevate Wellness and Aesthetics’ 4 Ways to Elevate Your Self-Care During the Winter
Ashley Willeford, owner of Elevate Wellness and Aesthetics, 2312 N. Interstate Drive, Norman, shares four ways women and men can start out the new year by putting their best face forward through various skin care treatments. Learn more about this unique medical spa at ElevateWellnessandAesthetics.com
TRILIFT
Address the face’s underlying structures by toning the glamour facial muscles with a quick, pain-free, and no downtime treatment using the innovative technology that
TriLift offers. This treatment includes Dynamic Muscle Stimulation, Tripollar Radio Frequency and Radio Frequency Microneedling.
Dynamic Muscle Stimulation technology works by activating different facial muscles with electrical stimulation for a well-defined, toned and lifted look. TriPollar RF thickens and strengthens the dermal layer to treat facial wrinkles and regenerates collagen and elastin with clinically proven long-lasting results.
Smooth RF-assisted Microneedling increases the natural volume, tightens and smooths the skin texture while causing three times more natural production of hyaluronic acid. | Courtesy of The Garden Med Spa
STELLAR M22 IPL
A fast, yet gentle treatment that visibly improves pigmentation, age/sun spots, broken capillaries, acne and overall skin appearance by stimulating collagen and elastic fiber production, the Stellar M22™ Photorejuvenation treatment works with your skin to remove imperfections and stimulate collagen and elastic fiber production over a series of one to three treatments. | Courtesy of Elevate Wellness and Aesthetics
NUERA TIGHT
NuEra Tight automatically elevates and regulates the temperature in the skin tissue to the required degree,
stimulating collagen and improving signs of sagging skin and wrinkles. From larger areas of the body to a smaller facial area, FocalRF technology targets the energy penetration to the dermis layer, ensuring safe and effective treatments. A truly personalized body-contouring experience starts with FocalRF technology treating subcutaneous fat on any region of the body easily and effectively. NuEra Tight also applies two treatment modes for the effective mechanical massage of connective tissue to remodel cellulite and improve the appearance of bumps and dimpling. | Courtesy of Elevate Wellness and Aesthetics
JAN MARINI CHEMICAL PEELS
Jan Marini Skin Research’s progressive glycolic resurfacing peels address multiple skin concerns with virtually no downtime or recovery period. They can significantly decrease the appearance of fine lines and deeper-looking wrinkles. Provides noticeably firmer, brighter, softer and more supple-looking skin. Skin tone appears more even. Improves the appearance of acne lesions and helps to minimize the appearance of acne scarring. These Jan Marini glycolic chemical peels are excellent to maintain results between more aggressive procedures.
ARTICLE BY STACI ELDER HENSLEY
harmony heritage &
Chickasaw Composer Jerod Tate Blends Native Voices With Classical Sound
Native American cultures are typically rooted in traditions and storytelling. So is the world of classical music and theater.
Combining these traditions into a musical celebration of heritage is both a passion and a mission for renowned Chickasaw composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, a classically trained pianist known for his dramatic works incorporating Native American themes into music, creating a unique fusion of sound that gives listeners an emotional, dramatic and theatrical experience.
“All my works are actually based in North American legend, culture and ethos,” Jerod explained.
“That is a dedicated passion of mine in composition; it’s what I do. On my journey, I’ve been able to work with many different Native American languages. I’m very proud to bring those languages to the world concert stage, and I’m glad that people are able to attend and hear their own language on the stage for the first time.”
WHERE IT BEGAN
Originally from Norman, Jerod grew up as a self-described “theater brat.” His mother, Patricia Coleman, was a ballet dancer and professional choreographer of Manx heritage. She earned a degree in dance from the University of Oklahoma, where she also worked with legendary Oklahoma prima ballerina Yvonne Chouteau. Jerod was often on hand, watching rehearsals and absorbing the exciting atmosphere.
The other major influence came from his father, Charles Tate. In addition to being a classical pianist and baritone, Charles served as a tribal attorney for the Chickasaw and Cheyenne-Arapaho nations—even authoring the Chickasaw constitution. His career took him to Native American sites all across the United States, with Jerod tagging along.
“I was exposed to a lot of different tribes since I was a young kid, so I had a cosmopolitan experience in Indian Country itself my entire life,” he said. “My dad is also the one who started me on the piano, when I was 8. Then I started private lessons, and within three months I had announced to my family that I was going to be a concert pianist. I remember that very clearly. I wanted that life.”
With the full support of family and friends, Jerod pursued his musical career, studying at the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Music. He intended on a career in performance, but ended up composing his first-ever ballet at the request of his mother, who wanted it for her students at the University of Wyoming.
It was nerve-wracking, but nonetheless placed him firmly on the path to his current success. Jerod has since composed symphonies, ballets and operas and received many honors, including a 2011 regional Emmy Award for his role in the documentary “The Science of Composing.”
“I really love being an American Indian symphonic composer, and that’s because a lot of my heroes in classical music were very tied to their ethnic and national identities, as I am,” he said. “So I find lots of inspiration in the traditional classical music repertoire. I love bringing my heritage into the work that I do, but I’m not alone in that. All genres of fine arts do that on a regular basis.”
Jerod’s commissioned works have been performed by major symphony and philharmonic orchestras around the country, including a premiere of “Iholba’ (“The Vision”) at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra.
“That piece they commissioned is going to be played at Carnegie Hall next spring, just before my ‘American Indian Symphony’ debuts here,’” he remarked. “That’s pretty cool.”
His career has taken him around the world, and in 2024 Jerod was named a cultural ambassador by the U.S. Department of State. Recordings of his work can be heard on JerodTate.com, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora and YouTube.
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
In addition to performing and composing, Jerod has taken on the mantle of teacher throughout his career. He founded the Chickasaw Summer Arts Academy, among many other initiatives, and hosts regular workshops for Native American and other students around the country. He’s also been a composer-in-residence for multiple organizations, including Music Alive, a national residency program of the League of American Orchestras and New Music.
When asked about his favorite performance memories, he’s emphatic in stating that he is most thrilled when he hears his students perform their own compositions.
Above all, Jerod said he treasures seeing the creativity reach into the third generation with his son, Heloha, whose name means “thunder” in Chickasaw. Heloha inherited his grandmother’s dance skills and is currently studying and performing with the Oklahoma City Ballet. Despite being only 11, he’s also an accomplished horn player who plans his own musical career.
Jerod said he loves that each member of the family has their own unique creative specialty.
“I have such deep relationships with the music, dance and Native American communities in our state, and so many friends who were and are influential in Native American fine arts of all types,” he said.
“Knowing Heloha is also getting to work with these people and know them, and the fact that I’m able to pass this along to my son, is a blessing.”
Above all, Jerod said, he treasures making music that celebrates Oklahoma’s oneof-a-kind blend of mainstream and Native American influences.
“Indian Territory is quite a beautiful anomaly on our planet, and my connections with OU and Oklahoma music, theater and dance are very deep. Basically, I’m a total Oklahoma kid, of mixed heritage and mixed experiences, which is what we are.
“I’ve played major halls across the country, which I’m very proud of, but it’s this home stuff, the fact that I’m premiering my ‘American Indian Symphony’ here in Oklahoma City, that is really important to me,” he added.
“I love living here. I enjoyed raising my son in Oklahoma; most of my family are here. So I’m very patriotic on many levels about where I come from, and I believe that comes through in my music.”
Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate’s latest work is the groundbreaking “American Indian Symphony,” which features two soloists performing in six different Native American languages. Its world debut with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic is set for April 19, 2025, at the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City. The singers will perform in Apache, Cheyenne, Chickasaw, Modoc, Pottawatomi and Wichita.
NORMAN PHILHARMONIC
with the Norman Public Schools Fine Arts present: Featuring Unity Choir, Dance, Oklahoma Black Art Exhibit & Norman Philharmonic with Valarie Harding contestant on “The Voice”
Messages of Hope, Determination & Unity
A Black History Month Celebration
Saturday, FEBRUARY 8, 4:00 pm
Tickets available online at normanphil.com
$10 adults; Free for students & Norman Phil season passholders
Center for Arts & Learning, Benson Auditorium 3801 Journey Parkway, Norman OK
Norman Philharmonic
Valarie Harding
Richard Zielinski Music & Artistic Director
Evelyn Kwanza NPS Director of Fine Arts
Rob Bradshaw NPS Coordinator of Fine Arts
Unity Choir Dance
ARTICLE BY SYBIL VELARDE
whirled PEAS!
Vegetable juice is a great addition to your diet especially if you want to lose weight, gain energy, and feel great. Sometimes life gets too busy and you don’t have the time to cook healthy meals. Fall in love with leafy greens, fresh fruit, nut milks, and chia seeds all combined to make a quick, easy, and delicious contribution to your day.
Veggies And Blenders Bring The Health We Need
ENERGY ELIXIR
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 beet
• 1 carrot
• 1 celery stalk
• 1-2 inches of ginger
• 1 lemon
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
BLUEBERRY MINT
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 fresh or frozen banana
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh mint and/or 1-3 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 1 cup ice if using fresh fruit
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
GREEN SMOOTHIE
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups cucumber
• 1 cup Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup celery
• 1 handful baby spinach
• 1/3 cup fresh pineapple (for a sweet smoothie or zest and juice of a small lime for tart smoothie)
• 1 sprig parsley
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
Live a More Polished Life
The Well
A Space for Everyone
ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER
You probably don’t think of the COVID-19 pandemic as a good thing. And indeed, it caused many negative things: deaths and hospitalizations, disruptions to our nation’s and the world’s supply chain of food and essential services and products like building supplies, business and restaurant closings...
But the pandemic also brought about some beneficial changes, such as advances in remote communications and other technologies allowing employees to work full or part time from home, hold virtual business meetings, and teach public school and college classes wholly or partially online.
As the pandemic stretched out over the ensuing months, we came to realize—in a realworld way rather than just intellectually—that humans were not meant for prolonged isolation. We’re social animals. We need to share our thoughts and feelings with others while looking each other in the eye, to exchange hugs and kisses, to celebrate milestones like birthdays and anniversaries in a communal setting. Children who don’t attend school in-person may experience delays in critical social and emotional learning and/or experience difficulties learning in a virtual format.
As food, energy and health care costs rose, it also became apparent that the nation, states and local communities lacked a system robust enough to care for its most vulnerable citizens: those in minimum-wage jobs, the elderly and those with disabilities on fixed incomes, individuals and families facing major health care costs with no or too little health insurance.
In 2020, as the pandemic held its grip on the nation and world, a visionary group of community leaders here in Cleveland County expanded on work begun in 2017 to meet the evolving needs of the community; a key part of the plan was the creation of an inclusive space where meaningful connections, education and community services could be forged.
As they worked to include this vision in the Cleveland County Master Plan, they met with various groups across the nation representing virtually all segments of the population to determine the community’s strengths and weaknesses. To determine where needs are not being met, but also to identify ways to enrich this place we call home.
And on Nov. 12, 2021, the Cleveland County Wellness Square— aka “The Well”—opened in the heart of downtown Norman. This multi-purpose community center, born out of a growing need for community connectedness, further illuminated by the pandemic and a key part of the master plan, offers health and cultural programming and services for all ages, all income levels, all interests, all walks of life. A space that is truly for everyone.
“The pandemic illuminated the vision that had begun taking shape years prior,” explains Mary Bixler, communications coordinator of the Cleveland County Health Department, which operates the hub in partnership with the Cleveland County Board of County Commissioners.
“The Well was truly a vision before its time. Ironically, the isolation that we experienced during the pandemic highlighted the need for intentional programming that would draw the community together,” Mary said. “Organizers envisioned a space that would help make the residents of Cleveland County the healthiest and happiest they can be.
“Lessons from the pandemic brought us back to looking at things that really matter,” she added. “For example, the pandemic caused serious and long-lasting supply chain breakdowns nationally and globally— but while problematic, it forced us to look at the benefits of purchasing food locally, and in so doing, we’re supporting our farmers and giving the local economy a boost. With the movement of the Norman Farm Market to The Well from the Cleveland County Fairgrounds, we can further actualize the vision of this project through increased accessibility of nutritious foods, nutrition information and education, healthy lifestyle and behavior change initiatives—all while convening together as a community and supporting one another.”
To keep relevant and to meet the changing needs of the community, The Well periodically adds and changes programming. On Jan. 9, Mary noted, The Well will launch A Way to Wellness: Lifestyle Change Program, a free, nine-week educational program adapted from a state health department program focusing on diabetes management and prevention. A Way to Wellness has been expanded to interest anyone looking for information and a support system on a range of health issues.
(Photo by Windstorm Productions)
(Photo by Windstorm Productions)
Healthy lifestyle classes
IT’S ALL HAPPENING AT THE WELL
Community services
Veterans’ Services, Norman Farm Market, Health At The Well – a program supported by Norman Regional Health System, Resource fairs with booths staffed by members of several local nonprofits, such as Transition House and Red Dirt Collective
Classes and educational offerings
Physical fitness classes, Cardio Kickboxing, Yoga, Zumba, Tai Chi, Dance (mobility-limited dance classes available), Meditation, Breathwork, Beginners Pilates
Nutrition
Cooking classes in collaboration with Mid-America Tech Center and the Moore-Norman Technology Center, Meal planning, Cooking & nutrition education, Diabetes prevention and education series
Financial wellness, Financial planning/budgeting, Estate planning, Retirement & Medicaid, Home buying
General education & classes
Adult art classes, Professional Skills, Support groups, Recreational activities and classes, including: knitting, quilting, journaling, board games, and biking and pedestrian safety events
Kids’ activities
Painting classes, Martial arts, Just 4 Kids monthly event in collaboration with the Norman Arts Council’s 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk, Power of Produce monthly event in collaboration with the Norman Farm Market
Want to learn more?
Visit TheWellOK.org/all-classes/ for a listing of classes.
The Well features an app for iPhones and Androids; to easily sign up for classes, visit the website listed above. Follow The Well on Social Media! @thewelloklahoma
The popular Norman Farm Market was moved to The Well, where it is more centrally located. (Photo by Joy Hampton)
Have You Scheduled Your Pet’s Annual Wellness Exam?
Bella SPCA’s
Healthy Pet Tips for 2025
As we head into the new year, now’s the time to ensure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on all vaccines. Following are some tips to keep your pet healthy in 2025. From all of us at Bella SPCA, Happy New Year! Visit BellaSPCA.org for information on how to donate and ways to get involved. Bella SPCA Non-Profit Veterinary Hospital is located at 9101 S Western Ave., Suite 120, Oklahoma City, OK 73139; phone 405.286.2827. Visit them at bellaspca (FB & Insta) and @bellaspcavet (FB only)
ARTICLE BY NANCY MIDDLETON, DVM
Checkups
Annual check-ups are an important part of caring for our pets. It’s the time to update vaccinations and for dogs, perform a heartworm and fecal test. It also gives your veterinarian a chance to head off any potential health problems and address them early for a more favorable treatment outcome. One example where early intervention is important is oral hygiene, especially in smallbreed dogs. Accumulation of tartar can cause gingival disease and can lead to heart problems if not addressed. Obesity is something that owners often don’t recognize and can lead to many health problems like osteoarthritis.
Vaccines
Puppies, which are the most at risk for contracting contagious disease, should start getting vaccines around 8 weeks of age. They need boosters for distemper, parvo, etc., every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks, when they can get a rabies vaccination. If the dame was well vaccinated, the puppies should get protective passive immunity, which wanes after about 8 weeks. Vaccinating before 8 weeks can lower the immune response. Clients sometimes mistakenly believe that adult dogs are immune and don’t need yearly boosters and are horrified to learn their adult dog has parvo. Consult your veterinarian for proper vaccination schedule.
Foods to Avoid
Many lists are available online of foods and plants toxic to pets. There’s even a chocolate toxicity meter ( PetMD.com/dog/chocolatetoxicity), where an owner can input their pet’s info to determine whether they need to seek veterinary care. One that might surprise pet owners is xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in products, including peanut butter, that is toxic to dogs. It’s important to check labels. Store-bought treats, especially the jerky type, are often made in foreign countries that don’t have strict safety standards and are often recalled. Made in the USA doesn’t mean the ingredients are from here.
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THE (FUN) CURE FOR ‘SITTING DISEASE’
ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HARLEA ROBINSON
Orangetheory Fitness Offers Workouts for All Ages, Fitness Levels
“Sitting disease." You’ve likely heard this term used in recent years. It’s a term used to describe the health risks associated with being sedentary, or sitting—think couch potato or compulsive video gamers— for long periods of time. And it can lead to many chronic diseases, including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
The solution? Get off your chair or couch and get moving. It’s that simple—and that difficult.
For many people, especially those who haven’t been physically active for a while, the thought of starting an exercise routine can be a little scary. Others have joined fitness centers in the past, dropping out after only a short time for a variety of reasons.
Whatever your fitness level, general health or age, Orangetheory Fitness offers workouts for everyone—and unlike many of their competitors—they want their clients’ journey to be enjoyable as well.
“The beauty of Orangetheory is the workout is for everyone,” said Kat Toahty, studio manager of the newly opened Orangetheory Fitness studio at 10600 S. Pennsylvania Ave., in Oklahoma City. “The hour is just for you! Everyone has to start
somewhere, and our coaches are trained and certified to address and assist all fitness levels.
“We just want you to be the best version of yourself. We will work with you to get you to accomplish and crush your goals.”
Kat encourages those considering joining a fitness center to involve the whole family or a friend, as a little companionship (and maybe a little competition) can be motivational. Children 14 and up, accompanied by a parent, are eligible for membership. There’s no cap on the upper age range.
Of course, those (of any age) under the care of a physician are encouraged to check first with them before starting any new exercise regime, Kat said.
“However,” she added, “our coaches are trained to accommodate any and all orthopedic needs through safe modifications throughout the entire workout. It's like having a personal trainer without paying for one!”
Orangetheory Fitness offers so much more than just a workout space; it’s an inclusive community that celebrates one another’s successes, Kat says.
“Group fitness at Orangetheory is like buried treasure,” she elaborated. “You’re supported from the second you start—not just by staff and coaches, but by your peers as well.
“It’s an inviting environment. If you have never set foot in a gym or programs, we aim to bring down anxiety and make you comfortable during your experience. The amount of local success stories from weight loss, to staying healthy while fighting cancer, to becoming stronger and learning what healthy is are just a few of the things our members could tell you they have found while in their Orangetheory Fitness journey.”
“We welcome everyone to the newest Orangetheory Fitness studio in the OKC metro,” Kat said, noting that the first class is free for new clients.
“We aim to continue to enforce healthy habits through movement and gaining strength; but most importantly, gaining confidence along the way. Orangetheory is definitely different in that it's an experience and more than a workout; come take a free class and see what the hype is all about!”
Cleveland County City Lifestyle readers are invited to check out Orangetheory Fitness’s newest location in OKC or the studio at 825 SW 19th St. in Moore; phone 405.876.7178 (OKC), 405.703.5259 (Moore).
“WE JUST WANT YOU TO BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF. WE WILL WORK WITH YOU TO GET YOU TO ACCOMPLISH AND CRUSH YOUR GOALS.”
realty report
This data is a sampling of sold properties from last month. Source: OKC/Norman Multiple Listing System.
JANUARY 1ST
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
First Day Hike at Lake Thunderbird State Park
Discovery Cove Thunderbird Nature Center, Norman | 12:30 PM
Join Lake Thunderbird State Park staff for the park's annual First Day Hike. Meet at Discovery Cove Thunderbird Nature Center at 12:30 p.m. for refreshments and signup. At 1 p.m., hikers may begin one of the offered hikes. The first option is a 1.5 mile moderately difficult hike and the second option is less than a mile and stroller accessibility. 405.360.3572
JANUARY 5TH
Sunday Wine Tastings
Blu Fine Wine and Food, Norman | 4:00 PM
Every first and third Sunday of the month Blu hosts a wine tasting. This event is great for those wishing to learn more about wine, expand their exposure to different styles and varietals, and overall a fun way to spend an afternoon. The tasting costs $20/person and includes six tastes and some yummy finger foods for the table. GlDining.com/Blu
JANUARY 10TH
Norman's 2nd Friday Art Walk
Downtown, Norman | 6:00 PM
A wide variety of shops, restaurants, offices, bars, concert venues and more team up to produce dozens of free, fun arts events for the community to enjoy each month and celebrate the creativity within it. 2ndFridayNorman.com
JANUARY 19TH
Rural Fervor 2025
Lake Thunderbird, Norman | 11:00 AM
Bigger and better than before. Seethe for six hours of endurance mountain biking at the Clear Bay Trails. BikeReg.com/RuralFervorDeuce
JANUARY 19TH
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
3:00 PM
Join Norman Philharmonic in a musical celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. NormanPhil.com/Season
JANUARY 21ST
Art Adventures
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Norman | 10:30 AM
Enjoy a book and hands-on art activity before exploring the museum with your family. No advance registration is required for this free drop-in program. Recommended for ages 3 to 8 accompanied by an adult, but kids of all ages are welcome. Calendar.Ou.edu
ROW 1: Tiffany & Boomer Elcyzyn, Amber Dawson, Lisa Elrod, Jerry Flowers, Kirk Holloway, Matt Thomas, Nguyet Kieu, Cami Martz
ROW 2: Tera Painter, Lisa Ray, Susan K. Ford, Dustin Whittern, Leslie Switzer, Lonny McMillan, Wes Brozek, Kirk Little