OCTOBER 18, 2019 - NOVEMBER 15, 2019 MEDICAL EXPERTS ISSUE
READY FOR ALL YOUR
HEALTH NEEDS
5 YEARS
CANCER FREE HOW TO LIVE
TO BE 100 SIGNS OF
DEPRESSION
Corinth - Hickory Creek - Shady Shores - Lake Dallas
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LakeCitiesLiving.com
Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray
Administration
Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran
Writers & Editor Steve Gamel Brooke Ezzo
Advertising
Kelly Murray Kelly@murray-media.com
Production
Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene
Photography
Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com
Letters
Lake Cities Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email artwork@murray-media.com. All submissions become the sole property of
It’s That
TIME OF
YEAR
W
e have finally reached my favorite time of the year! Not only is Halloween right around the corner, but the spookiness of that fun night quickly leads to Thanksgiving and, of course, Christmas. In no other time of the year do we have so many family-oriented festivities in such a short period of time. I don’t know about you, but I can hardly even contain myself thinking about all the fun times Scott and I will share with our kiddos.
They grow up so fast, so make sure you take advantage now. In honor of Halloween, I thought I’d spend the rest of this column telling a few jokes. These jokes were pulled from various sources across the Internet. I know most of them are pretty corny, but I hope they all bring a smile to your faces. •
What’s it like to be kissed by a vampire? It’s a pain in the neck.
•
How does a girl vampire flirt? She bats her eyes.
•
What do you call wood when it is scared? Petrified.
•
When do ghouls and goblins cook their victims? On Fry Day.
•
What do you get when you cross a vampire and a snowman? Frostbite
Murray Media Group. Editorial and Advertising Inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email
artwork@murray-media.com www.murray-media.com
Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 Lake Cities Living is published monthly by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Lake Cities Living is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2019 Murray Media Group
I hope you enjoy this issue. And please don’t forget to send us Halloween trick-or-treat photos of your favorite princesses, vampires, ghouls, and goblins. You may just see yourself in the next issue.
Sincerely, Kelly Murray
Publisher of Murray Media Group kelly@murray-media.com
4 | ARGYLE LAKE CITIES LIVING LIVING | OCTOBER | OCTOBER 2019 2019
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS 29
16
On the Cover: The Team of Connections Wellness Group
FEATURED:
Ready For All Your Health Needs
ASK THE EXPERTS
12 Inside Community
06 Real Estate with Make the Move Team
13 Inside Education
27 Fitness with Outlaw Fitcamp
14 The Spirit of Christmas Events
PHOTOS FROM LANTANA 21 Spirit of Christmas Fun Run 26 Lake Cities Homecoming ARTICLES 07 Community Corner
18 5 Years Cancer Free 20 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree 22 How to Live To Be 100 23 Calling All Mentors!
09 Foodie Friday with Jay Marks Real Estate
24 Signs Of Depression You Need To Recognize
10 8 Tips On How To Choose A Local Primary Care Doctor
30 Thanksgiving Countdown Planner
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EDITORS PICK: Retired & Rocking
Medical Experts
ISSUE Learn about hot topics in the general medical field along with advice from your local medical experts.
OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 5
Ask The Expert: Real Estate
BUILDING A HOME Could Be
CHEAPER Than You Think
T
here are potential new homebuyers out there who are itching to build the home of their dreams but don’t think they can afford it. If you are one of these people, think again. Not only can your local realtor get you into the home you want, but chances are it will also include all the bells and whistles for less than $250,000.
News is beginning to spread that several big-name homebuilders like Ashton Woods, Megatel, Trendmaker, and Meritage, to name a few, are promising to build quality homes that are in the low $200s. These new communities — word is there will be roughly 8-10 throughout Denton County — will have the look and feel of master-planned developments, complete with pools, hiking and biking trails, parks, and other open spaces. Areas being considered are Aubrey, Pilot Point, Krum, and North Denton — all within a stone’s throw of the Lake Cities.
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| OCTOBER 2019
This should be music to your ears right now. Buying a home is overwhelming
for a lot of people, mostly because it is
extremely difficult to get into anything for less than $250,000 — let alone build one from the ground up. The developments
we’re talking about will not only have all
the amenities, but they’ll also be charming homes you can grow your family in.
ago that interest rates are in the high 3% to low 4%. That’s super cheap when you consider rates on most credit cards are 12% or higher – and most people use those every single day. If you have any questions when it comes to real estate or anything else that has to do with the Lake Cities or surrounding communities, give my team: Make The Move Team at eXp Realty or me a call. It is always a great idea to have a local realtor representing you in the new home buying process. We will have your back at all times.
Another perk is that interest rates are
still low. In fact, if you are considering purchasing a new home in the Lake
Cities area or surrounding communities, doing so before the end of 2019 is a
smart move. I mentioned a few months
by Beth Caudill Make the Move Team 940.320.2777 www.MakeTheMoveTeam.com
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COMMUNITY CORNER:
Wear More Pink
THIS OCTOBER by Denton County Commissioner Precinct 4 Dianne Edmondson
C
okie Roberts, a longtime journalist for NPE and ABC, recently joined the legions of women whom
we have lost from breast cancer or from complications in battling the disease. Since October is Breast Cancer
Awareness Month, I think she would expect us to mention her if only to encourage women and men to be
more aware of symptoms and to get regular checkups.
The numbers of those affected by breast photo courtesy by Commissioner Dianne Edmondson If you would like to receive a newsletter, please contact Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson at Dianne.Edmondson@dentoncounty.com and ask to be placed on the email list. OR CALL AT 972.434.3960.
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cancer are startling.
Each year, physicians diagnose more
than 200,000 cases. More than 40,000 women die of female breast cancer nationally each year.
This month, Denton County as a whole and the Denton County Public Health
(DCPH) want to recognize breast cancer survivors, those battling the disease as well as their families and friends who serve as sources of encouragement and support. We also applaud the efforts of medical professionals and researchers working to find a cure. On Monday, Oct. 21, staff at the Lewisville public health office at 190 N. Valley Parkway will wear pink with Denton staff at the main offices at 535 S. Loop 288 donning pink on Thursday, Oct. 24. I hope you will consider supporting the efforts to find a cure. But it is also just as important to schedule a visit with your doctor for a regular checkup. So, this month, wear a little more pink than usual and think of those friends, family members and even celebrities like Cokie Roberts who have dealt with this disease.
OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 7
8 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| OCTOBER 2019
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Craft Pies Pizza Co. :Foodie Friday DFW
CRAFT PIES Pizza Co.
T
his month we set out to explore what it is about Craft Pies Pizza Co. that has had people in Flower Mound raving
about the Lakeside DFW location all over social media.
The Craft Pies Pizza concept started
with three guys who had a dream to be
entrepreneurs, a small budget, and a pizza
oven that didn’t even work. After observing how businesses like Subway operate for photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW
years, they wanted to bring a unique twist to the fast-casual pizza concept.
Flat-price pizzas no matter how many toppings you load on.
You can start with a 7” crust, an 11.5” thin
crust, or a 10” Gluten-free crust (at $5.95,
$8.95 & $11.95 respectively) and no matter how many toppings you choose, the price stays the same!
After you choose your crust, choose a 855.611.0311 www.craftpiespizza.com 2451 Lakeside Pkwy., Ste. 100 Flower Mound, TX 75022
sauce, whether it’s a classic red sauce or their buffalo sauce. Then load on some cheese, meat, veggies and finishes like arugula, sriracha, or balsamic glaze.
Same goes with their “Build-Your-Own” salads. Pick your greens, meats, veggies, and dressing. And no matter what you choose, the cost is $8.95! If building your own pizza or salad is too overwhelming for you, they have some original recipes on their menu you can choose from instead. We tried out three of their top-sellers while we were there: the classic Margherita; their Caribbean BBQ topped with bbq sauce, mozzarella, chicken, Canadian bacon, red onion, pineapple, cilantro; and their Alfredo Heaven made with white sauce, mozzarella, chopped garlic, chicken, bacon, peppadew peppers, arugula, balsamic drizzle. Their dough is made using an authentic recipe from Naples, Italy (also known as the birthplace of pizza). I love the thin, light quality of the crust. It’s the perfect vehicle to enjoy all the deliciously fresh toppings and finishes you put on top. So, the next time you or the family are craving pizza, we’d recommend you get yourselves over to Craft Pies Pizza Co. in Lakeside DFW. Everyone can get the pizza they want at a great price point. And you’ll also get a taste for their culture of “servant leadership” which trickles down to all of their employees and how they treat their customers.
972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022
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OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 9
8 Medical Expert Article
Tips On
HOW TO CHOOSE
A Local Primary Care Doctor
F
inding the right primary care doctor can be extremely overwhelming, especially if you haven’t found the right one or have moved and don’t know where to begin. But there’s no denying that you need one. This is the one doctor
who is supposed to know you the best. They should know your medical history inside and out as well as your lifestyle, personality, and where to send you if they can’t help.
If you’re with them long enough, you will develop an uncanny level of trust. Basically, choosing the right primary care doctor is the most important health decision you could ever make. So if you’re in the market for one, where do you start? How do you narrow your search? Start with these 8 tips:
Ask For Referrals
Perhaps there is no better stamp of approval than a referral from a friend, family member, coworker, or even another healthcare professional. Anyone who has been a patient can fill you in on everything from wait times to the quality of the office staff and the doctor’s bedside manner. This doesn’t guarantee that you and that
10 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| OCTOBER 2019
primary care doctor will be a good match. But a referral is a great place to start and will help you proceed with confidence.
Look At Where Their Office Is
You could get five or six quality referrals from friends and family, but make sure they are all close to where you live or work. People tend to visit their primary
by Steve Gamel
care doctor more than any other medical professional, so if possible, seek out convenient options.
Check Which Insurance They Accept Just like no two doctors are the same, not every doctor’s office is structured the same in terms of what types of insurance they take. Obviously, you will pay less out of pocket with an in-network doctor, so do your research or even call the office and ask the front desk. This will help you avoid any surprises.
Look At Hospital Affiliations To piggyback off the previous tip, it’s
important to know which hospitals the doctor uses. While the doctor accepts your insurance, the hospital may not. You may also not feel comfortable
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at that particular hospital should the need arise. Knowing this will help narrow down your search.
Conduct Online Research In today’s age of social media, you
don’t have to rely solely on friends and
family to point you in the right direction. Search reviews on Yelp and Facebook
or on the doctor’s website to see what
other patients have to say. You can also
Basically, choosing the right primary care doctor is the most important health decision you could ever make. how busy the doctor typically is, and if
your personalties match. Compatibility is huge; your local primary doctor and his or her staff should put you at ease when in their presence.
see if the doctor has written anything
Research Accessibility
professional bio online.
beyond the typical 9-5 shift to provide
Pay The Doctor A Visit
This may be a deciding factor for you
that’s been published or if they have a
If you’ve checked off every box above, now is a great time to drop in or schedule a meet and greet with the doctor and his or her nurses. This will give you the chance to see with your own eyes how the facility is operated, how long you have to wait, www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
Many doctor’s offices nowadays are going evening and weekend appointments.
if you work long hours and can only get in during odd hours.
Working As A Team Rather than dictate a set of instructions with every visit, your primary care doctor should want you to be just as much a part of the
treatment program as they are. They should encourage questions, listen more than
they talk, and when they do speak, do so in language that you can understand.
What did we leave off? Do you have any tips for your fellow neighbor when it comes to choosing a quality primary care doctor? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.
OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 11
INSIDE COMMUNITY RIDE TO ELIMINATE POLIO Sun., Oct. 20 | 8am - 6pm | Mad Duck Sports 721 Northwest Hwy. • Grapevine, TX 76051 The first annual Rotary District 5790 Ride to End Polio is coming to Grapevine this year, and Lake Cities Rotary has joined in the cause. New cases of polio have declined over the years but the cases still found are in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The hope is to eliminate polio or have children in these countries immunized against the disease. The district goal
is $75,000. The 25-mile bike ride will start and end in Grapevine, consisting of experience Rotary riders and their families. If you would like to support your Lake Cities Rotary, visit http://tinyurl.com/5790Polio. To register, email rotaryjon@gmail.com. photo courtesy John Smyers
BUY FRESH. EAT LOCAL. TRUNK OR TREAT Thurs., Oct. 31 | 5 -7pm City Park, Lake Dallas 101 E Hundley Dr. • Lake Dallas, TX 75065 The annual Trunk-or-Treat is back! This family event is a fun, safe way to spend your Halloween. There will be face painting, balloon artists, bounce houses, a hayride, the Boogie Woogie Choo Choo, and yummy food! Featured this year will be a Trunk Decorating Contest, a Costume Contest, and a Pumpkin Carving Contest. For rules and prize information, please www.lakedallas.com/222/ trunk-or-treat. 12 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| OCTOBER 2019
Each Sat., till Oct. 26 | 7am-12pm Lake Dallas Public Library 302 S. Shady Shores Rd. Lake Dallas, TX 75065
BIRTHDAY BOXES FOR ZOIE’S PLACE
The market season is coming to a close. Don’t miss out on the last few weekends, the last date this year is October 26. Come support our Denton County farmers. If you are interested in becoming a vendor for next year, visit www.LakeDallas.com. Follow the Community tab, click on Farmers Market and fill out an application. Send your application to Natalie McAdams at nmcadams@lakedallas.com.
Trish Kinsman of Lake Cities puts together birthday boxes and donates them to Zoie’s Place; an organization that helps teens transition from foster care to adulthood. These boxes consist of gift cards for restaurants and clothing stores, to handmade items, candles, and fuzzy socks. Each box is tailored to each young lady at Zoie’s Place. If you would like to support these boxes, or would like to volunteer, please email volunteer@zoiesplace.org for opportunities or visit zoiesplace.org to learn more about this organization.
photo courtesy Natalie McAdams
photo courtesy to Zoie’s Place www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
INSIDE EDUCATION LAKE DALLAS HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR Tues., Oct. 22 | 5:30 -7pm | LDHS Cafeteria 3016 Parkridge Dr. Corinth, TX 76210
LDISD EVENTS
Lake Dallas High School presents a College and Career Fair for middle and high school students. There will be recruiters
from 40+ universities, technical, and military schools available to help our students answer any questions. Trade schools and industry base organizations will also attend for any students looking to certify and start a career. The fair includes three workshop sessions; High School Career Connect to talk about transitioning into college, two LDHS English teachers will address essay writing, and Texas Workforce will discuss interview skills and resumes. This will be a great opportunity for students. photo courtesy of John Modica
LD Elementary PTA Chick-fil-A Spirit Night Oct. 23 | 3:30 - 8pm LD Middle School Internet Safety Night at LDMS Cafeteria Oct. 30 | 6 - 7pm
VETERANS DAY BREAKFAST
Leader in Me Field Trip Nov. 15 | 8am - 2pm
Mon., Nov. 11 | 7 -8:30am | LDMS Library 325 E Hundley Dr. • Lake Dallas, TX 75065 This Veteran’s day, Lake Dallas Middle School is hosting its’ annual breakfast for all of our community Veterans as a way to honor and thank you for your service. Any veteran and their family members are welcome. The campus provides a delicious breakfast hosted by the LDMS student council. Please join us so we may show our gratitude for the sacrifices you made on our behalf. photo courtesy of Melaynee Broadstreet
LEADER IN ME PROGRAM The Leader in Me program from FranklinCovey is now present on all three campuses in Lake Dallas ISD. Each staff has participated in the Leader in Me book study and trained in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This program was started six years ago to help the 5th grade program transition to middle school. The idea is to engage with students and help to teach them about leadership from a national and scholastic viewpoint. Students are able to apply for the program in 4th grade. To learn more about this program visit www.leaderinme.org photo courtesy of Karen Dower www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
GUYER
EVENTS Guyer High Varsity Football Vs. Eaton Oct. 25 | 7pm at Northwest ISD Stadium Guyer High Varsity Football Vs. Byron Nelson Nov. 1 | 7pm at Northwest ISD Stadium Guyer High Varsity Football Vs. Keller Fossil Ridge (Senior Night) Nov. 7 | 7pm at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex
OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 13
The Spirit of Sponsored By
CHRISTMAS T
he Spirit of Christmas provides a Thanksgiving meal and Christmas gifts, which includes shoes, clothes and gifts, to children in families that fall below the poverty line. Here in the Lake Cities area we have several events and volunteer opportunities.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
COAT DRIVE
CANNED FOOD SORTING
ANGEL TREE ANGELS
Sept. 15 - Nov. 15
Nov. 23 | 10am - 3pm Lake Dallas Elementary School
Pick up angels from the tree at Angelina’s, Walmart, Lake Dallas Public Library, Ciera Bank, and Point Bank.
Take gently used coats to Daisy, Classic, or Corinth Cleaners and tell them they are for the Spirit of Christmas. The cleaners will handle the rest.
All angels need to be returned by Dec.15.
To donate a new coat call 940.594.4417 or email SOC@ThereHasToBeMore.org
WRAPPING PARTY Dec. 20 | 6:30pm - TBA Join the fun at the Lake Dallas Middle School as we wrap our way into the Christmas Spirit! Enjoy time with friends and neighbors as we wrap new gifts for the Angel Tree children of the Lake Cities area. There will be Food, a Live Auction, Music, Fellowship, and Fun. You don’t want to miss out on this.
Do you want to sponsor the wrapping party, provide food, or entertainment? Contact us today! 14 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| OCTOBER 2019
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OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 15
Connections Wellness Group
READY FOR
ALL YOUR
HEALTH NEEDS by Steve Gamel
W
e all expect to receive a higher level of care when we go to the doctor, even it’s for a few annoying sniffles that keep us up late at night. But at no point have we been able to visit one facility for all our needs, from sniffles and the flu to depression, anxiety, and anything else that keeps us from living a healthy life.
That all changed when Connections
Wellness Group opened its door. Or, Connections Wellness in Denton has
become the go-to source for well over 1,750 patients who have been craving
940.222.2399 ConnectionsWellnessGroup.com 2701 Shoreline Dr., Ste. 151 Denton, TX 76210
in their backyard. Essentially, this is a
team of physicians from all disciplines collaborating with behavioral health
providers in a model that has never been attempted in DFW. And with the addition of a primary care wing in June, there’s no need to go anywhere else.
“Everything our patients need is right here, or right across the parking lot,”
said owner and social worker, Awstin
Behavioral Health PSYCHIATRY
16 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| OCTOBER 2019
He added, “We hope that you don’t need us, but we’re here if you do.” The idea behind the Connections Wellness Group’s model is that with one phone call, a patient can have a team of doctors working together to seek solutions in areas such as psychiatry, medication management, couples and
TRAUMA TREATMENT (EMDR)
COUNSELING
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photography by Your Candid Memories
an all-encompassing medical plaza right
Sponsored Content
should we say doors?
Gregg, a former hospital CEO who has reinvented the wheel when it comes to holistic healthcare. “I can honestly say there isn’t another organization that has medical health, pain management, and mental health working together the way we do. We started nine months ago, and we’ve become the highest-rated, highest accredited, and most awarded practice in Denton in 2019.”
family counseling, routine wellness and
“Our team is composed of phenomenal
therapy for children, and more.
to shine has been a gift. It’s a dream
illness visits, trauma treatment, play
By adding primary care to their suite of services, they are holding true to that
holistic care model. Connections Primary Care can treat chronic illnesses and
handle sick visits for patients of all ages.
They also offer IV hydration, which is great
for patients who are stressed, dehydrated, or are struggling with conditions such as extreme acne. When needed, they can
also offer hormone therapy treatments. Leading that charge is the duo of Kristi Richards and Dr. Trisha Dipprey.
talent. Providing a platform for this talent come true to watch it all grow from a
small two-person team to now providing employment to over 56 employees,”
Awstin said. “If you’re sick, you can call us, and we’ll get you in the same day.
If you’re too sick to come to us, we’ll do
a tele-video and order medication for you. There isn’t a barrier to treatment we won’t overcome with you to help.”
Connections Wellness Group was named a Best of Denton County winner in three categories and a Top 3 finalist in four
others. These number of nominations led
Kristi Richards is a double
the field in the Medical Health category.
board-certified Family Nurse
In February, the practice passed a joint
Practitioner and Wound Care Nurse
with an extensive 30-year practice history in Canada and the United States that encompasses multiple care settings
commission survey and received national accreditation for quality in the healthcare
field. In April, they did it a second time to become double nationally accredited.
including Internal Medicine, Family
Practice, Outpatient Wound Care, Home
Health, Occupational Health, and hospitalbased care. She embraces the concept that patient care is patient-centric and
This accreditation is something less than one percent of other private practices
in DFW has achieved. On a local level, Connections Wellness Group has also
“Kick the Stigma” where the university
to have a strong voice in their own
provides key information and resources
healthcare. Dr. Dipprey transitioned
to its student body regarding mental
out of Critical Care Medicine and
began a multi-year career in Emergency Medicine for many different North
health. During all home football
games, Connections Wellness Group is
highlighted during any field goal, kickoff,
Texas hospitals. She also covered
Internal Medicine services for multiple DFW metroplex psychiatric facilities.
or punt. It’s all in an attempt to keep the conversation going when it comes to mental health.
Dr. Dipprey has always had a desire to have her own Internal Medicine clinic
“You can be good at hiding depression
at Connections Wellness Group, decided
Sometimes it’s stomach ulcers; sometimes
and thus, in collaboration with the team
MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
Owner of Connections Wellness Group
started a partnership with UNT called
believes that people should expect
to open Connections Primary Care.
Awstin Gregg
and anxiety, but your body keeps score. it’s hypertension. But all the time it’s
PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION (PHP)
treatable,” Awstin said. “That’s why it is so important to have medical and mental health working together. When you have that, people get well quicker and stay well longer.” Awstin should know. He saw large gaps between existing levels of care and set out to be patient-focused. So far, his plan is working seamlessly. “Our goal is to spread awareness as best we can,” he said. “When we heal people the right way, everyone benefits.”
Physical Health PRIMARY CARE
OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 17
YEARS
5 FREE
CANCER
W
hitney Ortmeier was supposed to feel as if a huge weight had finally been lifted off her shoulders this past April. She was celebrating her 38th birthday on top of being five years cancer-free, a massive benchmark experts say is when the odds of a reoccurrence is no longer likely.
But Whitney and her family couldn’t help but notice some lingering anxiety. “I still questioned it because I had [breast cancer] twice,” said Ortmeier, a longtime Flower Mound and Highland Village resident who works for the ML Group in Flower Mound. “I did the most drastic thing you can do, and it came right back.” She added, “The anxiety is there, but the celebration is bigger. It worked out for me. It doesn’t work out for everyone.” Whitney’s story of survival is one of the millions you will hear about as people all
18 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| OCTOBER 2019
over the world pause for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, with one in eight women being diagnosed in her lifetime. While breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, there are still over 3.3 million survivors alive in the United States today. Whitney survived two separate breast cancer diagnosis in two years, each in the month of April. The first was in 2013. Whitney and her husband had just sold
their house and needed to be out in two
weeks. After a long day of packing up the house and moving boxes, Whitney, who was 32 at the time, settled in to take a
shower and discovered a painful lump on her left breast.
“I remember thinking, ‘What is that?’ It hurt, and they say cancer doesn’t
hurt … so I just figured I was super sore from moving everything,” she recalled.
“At the same time, the lump was huge.” Whitney did the right thing and had the mass checked. Initial test results came
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photo courtesy of Whitney Ortmeier
by Steve Gamel
back negative, but one of her doctors still felt like something wasn’t adding up. Sure enough, further biopsies revealed the cancer was everywhere in her breast. This set off a whirlwind chain of events that saw Whitney get a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery all to have the cancer return exactly a year later. At that point, she went through 44 rounds of radiation. In between that, her and husband, Daniel, got pregnant with their second child but lost their baby at 14 weeks. “Trying to explain every detail of the story is way too much because it’s the wildest thing ever with all the surgeries and being incredibly scared,” Whitney said. “[Death] did cross my mind, and Daniel was mad at God and everyone … but it’s something you just can’t control.
I did question, ‘will my daughter have a mommy?’ As a mother, you just try to keep going and hope that God will heal me. I had a great team of doctors around me too.” Whitney said her biggest message to other women is early detection and selfexams. Had she not found both lumps in a self-exam, and had her doctor not questioned the initial test results, things could have turned out much differently. And the statistics back that statement up. When breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 100%. “If you see or feel something, what’s the big deal in taking the time to go have it checked out?” Whitney said. “It may be something, or it may not be anything. But at least you can put your head on the pillow at night knowing it’s okay.” She added. “I’m so excited because I’m still here and my daughter is now in the fifth grade. It’s happy tears because look at how far we’ve come. Five years is a big deal. We don’t take anything for granted.” www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 19
SHERIFF ’S
CORNER with Sheriff Tracy Murphree
C
CRIMES AGAINST SENIOR CITIZENS
rimes against Senior Citizens continue to increase each year nationwide as well as in Denton
County. The elderly are targets for criminals for a variety of reasons. Senior
If you are elderly or have relatives and friends who are, please be aware and share this information with them.
•
Telephone Scams
egg,” own their own home, and have
•
Fraudulent Charities
•
Home Improvement Scams
•
Identity Theft
fond of elderly widows who may be lonely
•
Purse Snatching
and crave attention.
•
Pigeon Drops
generally more trusting and less likely to report scams. Con artists are especially
20 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| OCTOBER 2019
being scammed: •
Request any solicitations in writing
•
Never give personal information to
•
Don’t be pressured into
someone you don’t know
contributing or making decisions about a major purchase
•
NEVER pay in full before services
•
Never send money for free gifts
•
Check with the Better Business
are rendered
Bureau before hiring someone to do work for you
Things to be aware of:
citizens are more likely to have a “nest excellent credit. Elderly people are
The following steps may prevent you from
•
Shred any personal information
•
Never carry large sums of money on
before discarding
you, as well as, valuable jewelry or all your credit cards
REMEMBER, if it sounds too good to be true, IT IS!
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Fun
Photography Credit: Pam Hawkins and Krystal Kaye Images
RUN
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OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 21
Medical Expert Article
How To Live To Be
eG
amel
100 v Ste by
W
e all want to grow old and live long happy lives. But what about making it to 100
years old? Would you want to? It’s a
safe bet more than a handful of people
reading this have at least thought about being able to blow out 100 birthday
candles someday. But the odds are so
astronomically against it that most of us aren’t holding our breath.
Even through the power of modern-day medicine, there’s no way to guarantee
you’ll reach the century mark. But you can certainly improve your chances — maybe.
If you’d like to live to be 100, here are 8 ways to improve your chances of being a centenarian.
CHOOSE A HEALTHIER WAY OF LIVING
You can lump a ton of stuff into this life
strategy, including working out regularly, eating better, cutting out sugars and
processed foods, avoid smoking and
excessive drinking, visiting the doctor
regularly, getting screened early for agerelated diseases, and more. Adjusting
your daily habits alone could add a ton of years to your life.
22 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| OCTOBER 2019
CHALLENGE YOUR MIND Don’t just accept status quo as you age. There are always opportunities to learn a different language, learn to play a musical instrument, read a book, and even go back to school. Stimulating mental activities, even if it’s doing a crossword puzzle every morning at breakfast, will keep you mentally alert as you age. BE POSITIVE There’s something to be said for being positive, smiling often, and being nice to those around you. Some people are wired to be pessimistic, but there are studies that suggest practicing more optimism toward life and everything else is linked to longer lifespans. BRUSH AND FLOSS Who knew that brushing your teeth and doing all you can to avoid cavities could help you live longer. But it’s true. In fact, poor oral hygiene is one really good way to lower your life expectancy. Diseases such as heart disease, dementia, and stroke have all been linked to an unhealthy mouth. IMPROVE YOUR SLEEPING HABITS We all struggle to get a good night’s sleep, but too much of that over a long period of time can hurt us physically, mentally,
and emotionally. Per the Journal of Sleep Research, getting fewer than six hours of sleep a night comes with a 10 percent increase in the risk of an earlier death. Shoot for seven to eight hours of sleep.
VACATION OFTEN Work and the desire to be successful often get in the way of a healthy work-life balance. Vacationing often is not only fun, but it also allows our bodies and mind to destress, rest, and take a much-needed step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Vacations also help us avoid such things as cardiovascular disease and excess stress. BE SOCIAL Surrounding yourself with friends and family and maintaining deep social connections as you age can help combat loneliness, depression, and even help you live longer. Those who have a reason to live tend to live longer. GET A PET Cat and dog owners tend to live longer than those who don’t have pets. According to BestLife, people who own dogs reduced their risk of death by 11 percent. Owning a cat could cut your risk of a heart attack by nearly one-third. Did we leave anything out? Send us a message and let us know what your secrets to a long life are. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
CALLING ALL
MENTORS! Denton ISD Looks to Build on Mentorship Program by Steve Gamel
T
he Denton Independent School District announced recently in a press release that it is still looking for a few good mentors and volunteers to provide additional encouragement and assistance this school year for students at all 42 of its campuses. Through the Denton ISD mentoring program, mentors and mentees will meet each week for 30 to 60 minutes to talk about everything from life and school to goal-setting, completing homework, or simply reading a book together. The goal, of course, is to help our students succeed in a positive learning environment. Per the press release, no previous teaching experience is necessary to be a mentor. But some of the best mentors in previous years have been the ones who are patient, committed, and willing to listen to their student.
When you become a mentor, school district officials will work with you to place you at a location that is convenient for you in terms of geographic location. They will also help you find the perfect volunteering event or mentee match based on grade level and area of need (i.e., reading, academics, social/emotional). Beyond mentorship, Denton ISD also has a program focused on providing volunteers for events such as Read Across America and Career Days. Opportunities are available to assist with fall festivals, spring field days, teacher assistance, outdoor classroom clean-up, painting murals, and more. To get started and get matched with a mentee, visit www.dentonisd.org/mentor. For more information
regarding volunteer or mentee opportunities, contact Courtney Martin, Community Engagement Specialist, at cmartin@dentonisd.org or 940.369.0146. You can also call Chris Ice, Community Engagement Specialist, at cice@dentonisd.org.
All volunteers and mentors must complete an application and undergo a background and reference check each year. The 2019-2020 volunteer application (background check) can be found at www.dentonisd.org/volunteer.
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OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 23
SIGNS OF
Medical Expert Article
Depression YOU NEED TO RECOGNIZE by Steve Gamel
W
e all go through down periods in our lives where we feel sad. Maybe we lost a loved one,
didn’t get that promotion we had been working so hard for, got divorced, or
moved to a new city and are struggling to adjust. These feelings are normal and are
typically a short-lived emotional response. But sometimes, what we think is just sadness is actually depression, a
serious mental health disorder that is so
overpowering that it affects almost every part of a person’s life.
According to the World Health
Organization, depression affects
more than 300 million people of all ages and is the leading cause of
disability worldwide. More women
are affected by depression than men,
and at its worse, depression can lead to suicide.
Here are a few risk factors
that can make anyone more
vulnerable to depression, per
helpguide.org.
• Loneliness and isolation • Recent stressful life experiences 24 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| OCTOBER 2019
• Family history of depression • Financial or marital strain • Early childhood trauma or abuse • Alcohol or drug abuse • Health problems or chronic pain • Unemployment or underemployment Sadly, depression is on the rise globally,
which means there is an increased need to spread awareness and education
so we can recognize the symptoms of depression and get help.
Below are just a few of the common symptoms of depression:
• An overwhelming feeling of
hopelessness or helplessness —
When you are depressed, you can feel as though the struggles you
are going through or the situation you are facing will never improve. • Complete loss of interest in daily
activities that you once found enjoyable — Daily activities such as working out,
playing with your children, and being
intimate with your significant other no longer seem to matter.
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• Loss of energy — We all get those periods of feeling physically
drained, but when it happens all
the time and is followed by intense fatigue, aches and pains, and
lethargy, you may be depressed. • Strong feelings of worthlessness — You are constantly criticizing yourself and never feel good
enough. We may compare ourselves to others and feel inferior around
loved ones, coworkers, and friends. • Reckless behavior — Suddenly taking on substance abuse, excessive
gambling, or other reckless activities when they are typically not in your
nature may be a sign of depression. • Thoughts of suicide — You talk openly
about death, suicide, or have thoughts of harming yourself. You may even be
saying things like, “I just want out of this.” • Unintentional weight loss or gain — Depression not only wreaks havoc on your emotional state but also affects you physically. This can
include rapid and unintentional weight gain or loss.
Perhaps the most striking part about
depression is that many times, we don’t
even realize we are depressed. This is often because you’ve been depressed for so
long that it simply feels normal to you, or
you don’t even notice it since many of the
symptoms mentioned above are subtle at first and develop gradually over time.
Your friends at Murray Media Group want to remind you that your mental health is
nothing that should be taken for granted. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms
or signs mentioned above, or support from family and friends and lifestyle changes
aren’t enough, it may be time to seek help
from a mental health professional. There are many effective treatments for depression, including therapy and medication.
*This article is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice on depression. Please consult with an expert. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 25
Resident
HOME COMING
Photos were submitted by area residents. If you’d like to submit your photos for publication or if you have any questions please email us at artwork@murray-media.com.
26 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| OCTOBER 2019
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Fitness :Ask The Expert
PREPARE FOR
TEMPTATION by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Jesse James Fit & Outlaw Fitcamp JesseJamesFit.com OutlawFitcamp.com
W
e are officially on the verge of holiday season…and with it a myriad of food temptations and weight gain traps. Don’t fret, if you act now there’s still time to tighten up before putting on your holiday finest.
Do these 5 things NOW to quickly shape up:
1. Eat More Veggies: Your mom was right, eating vegetables really is a good idea when aiming to drop
pounds. Why? There are a couple of reasons. First, veggies are low
3. Double Up On Water: Not only will staying extra hydrated help your
skin to have a healthy glow, it will
also speed up your fat loss efforts.
Most of us are walking around in a
state of chronic dehydration, which contributes to fatigue, stubborn
in calories and high in fiber, which
weight gain, and constipation. By
packing on pounds. Second, the
day, and by limiting your intake of
vegetables nourish your body
healthier and more radiant.
means that you’re filling up without
drinking more water throughout the
vitamins and minerals in fresh
caffeinated beverages, you’ll become
and cut down on cravings.
4. Eat Low Carb (After 4pm):
starting with the recipe for Greek Stew below. Don’t forget that sugar counts as carbs, so skip that sugary dessert and try a grapefruit for dessert. 5. Lock Down A Routine: If you’re
not yet working out consistently or have yet to develop a routine that includes exercise, then now is the time. Starting now will give you the jumpstart you need to continue through the holidays and help with holiday weight gain. Once you develop a fitness routine, it’s harder to stop during the holidays and much more difficult to begin if you have yet to develop that routine in
2. Add Five Minutes: Each week,
One of the easiest ways to drop a few
you to add five minutes to your
holidays is to eat low carb after 4 p.m.
slight increase from week to week will
that are centered around salads and
fat burn will pay off nicely. Use these
pastas. If you simply must have your
Call or email today, and we will get
of exercise, such as burpees, squat to
day, then eat it for breakfast or lunch
program that will get you back in control
your lifestyle. We’d love to get you
between now and New Years, I want
inches around your waist before the
workouts. Just five more minutes. The
each day. This means eating dinners
hardly be noticeable, but the extra
vegetables rather than breads and
extra five minutes to do intense burst
oatmeal or whole grain bread each
you started this week on an exercise
presses and walking lunges.
and give low carb dinners a try –
of your body.
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into phenomenal shape before the holidays and into the new year, and to give you the foundation that will keep you lean and healthy for life.
OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 27
28 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| OCTOBER 2019
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Retired&
photo courtesy of Rick Troutman
ROCKING M
ost 66-year-old retirees settle down to a life of relaxing and travel after a successful business career. Rick
Troutman was never one to conform to the norm — he had different plans.
An accomplished guitarist with more than 50 years of performing both
domestically and internationally, Rick
decided that living a sedate life was not his cup of tea. A couple of years ago, Rick formed NT4, a Classic Rock and
Blues band composed of professional players with decades of experience. “Playing guitar and performing has
few individuals are aware I can lay down
So why would a 66-year-old not give up
that is second to none,” Troutman said.
many years after learning his craft? Simple,
a jam on my 1987 Les Paul Custom Guitar When NT4 was established in the summer of 2017, Rick looked no further than his
fellow performer Scott Callis to be the first person he asked to join the band.
“Scott and I played in a local worship band
several years ago, and I knew he was a great player. I wanted him to be part of the band,” Rick said. Following Scott was drummer Ted Linich, bass player Jerry Steed, bass player, and vocalist Kaleb Tirman.
on dreams of playing in front of fans so
as Rick stated, “Once you get the crowd dancing and having a good time, that’s
what it’s all about. And the adulation isn’t too bad either,” Troutman said with a sly smile on his face.
What’s in the future for an upcoming
classic rock and blues band where the
average band member age is pushing 60? “As our fan base continues to grow, more
and more individuals are looking to book us. That’s a good thing. The more we
been in my soul since I picked up a
“This is a serious project for all of us,”
Rick proclaimed. “In fact, the first job I
I know people have one of two thoughts:
was in the eighth grade,” Rick said.
to relive their youth, or two: these guys
“My ultimate goal is to take NT4 into the
Rick admits that was a long time ago, but
said. “Fun is important to everyone in
music. I completed a solo album years
product is always of utmost importance
leave a legacy of music for people to
guitar when I was only 12 years old.”
Troutman said. “When we walk on stage,
received payment for was a gig when I
one, these are a bunch old-timers trying
his musical passion has never waned.
If Rick’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he was President of the Boys and Girls
Clubs of North Central Texas for the last
four years. He and wife, Babs, have been community leaders since they took up
residence in Corinth in December 1998. “Many people know my passion for
helping others and my political stance, but www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
perform, the better we get, and that only
helps us establish us in a very competitive music market,” Rick said.
have been performing for years,” Rick
studio and record an album of original
our band, but providing a professional
ago, and it would be great if we could
during our performances.”
Now two years down the road since their inception, they are getting noticed by
both businesses looking to book great
entertainment and fans of their music. As one patron of a local brew house posted
recently on Facebook, “NT4 is a killer band.”
enjoy for years to come,” he said.
When Rick starts talking about his musical passion, it’s easy to see that probably
that goal will come to fruition along with amassing a big fan base.
“In the end, it’s only rock and roll — but I really do like it,” Troutman said.
OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 29
Thanksgiving Countdown Planner by Steve Gamel
I
f you’re planning on hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year for your larger-than-life family, it’s likely that your
mind has already begun processing all
the things you must do well in advance to ensure the day goes off without a hitch. After all, you can never plan too far in
advance for Turkey day, especially if it’s your first time being in charge.
stuffing and cranberry sauce to homemade dishes, family recipes, and desserts. Take Stock of All Your Supplies:
Do you have the necessary equipment
you need.
dishes, plates, silverware, additional tables
countdown, but if you start two weeks
for children, tablecloths, etc.
start your Thanksgiving countdown three
if you need several or if you’re ordering
you’re stress-free on the big day. Here are
until the last minute. The Food Network
purchase out of the way now, especially
weeks to a month in advance so that
a specialty bird. Bottom line: don’t wait
a few basics to get you started:
suggests that you assume two pounds of
Create Your Guest List and Send RSVPs:
minute and not being able to find what Clean The House: This is a biggie. A lot
We’re talking about pans, dishes, serving
Order The Turkey: You want to get this
3 WEEKS BEFORE THANKSGIVING
risk of showing up to the grocery store last
and supplies to make this thing happen?
So how far in advance should you start
planning? Experts say you should at least
worried about. This way, you don’t run the
turkey per adult and one pound per child. 2 WEEKS BEFORE THANKSGIVING
of people panic over this piece of the ahead of time, you’ll be able to break
up the task over a longer period of time rather than doing it on the morning of. FINAL WEEK Start Meal Prepping: During the final
few days leading up to Thanksgiving, go
ahead and start prepping the pies, sauces, etc. to get some of that out of the way ahead of time.
Consider how many people you can
Finalize Guest List: By this point, you
Pick Up The Turkey: If you’re defrosting
family either by sending formal invitations,
to be able to make it, including any out-of-
ahead of time. If you’re buying it
making a phone call. This is particularly
with the next item on the to-do list.
entertain, and then reach out to friends and
should have a good idea of who’s going
email, group invites on social media, or
town guests. This will help you a great deal
important if anyone is coming in from out of town. Also, it’s an opportunity to ask about any dietary restrictions.
Plan Your Menu: Write down your ideal
menu, from the turkey and classics such as 30 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| OCTOBER 2019
a turkey, go ahead and get it a week
pre-cooked, you can safely grab it two or three days ahead of time.
Start Grocery Shopping: A lot of fanatics
Start Setting The Table AND ENJOY:
items, and that’s fine. But at this point,
in stone now, go ahead and set your
suggest starting with the nonperishable why not get everything you need — and if necessary, freeze anything that you’re
Since your guest list is pretty much locked table. It’s almost showtime, so take a deep breath because you’re almost there.
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