5 YEARS
CANCER FREE
OCTOBER 18, 2019 - NOVEMBER 15, 2019 MEDICAL EXPERTS ISSUE
VOTED BEST DENT REPAIR IN DENTON COUNTY...
AGAIN See Inside to Read Why
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
HOW TO LIVE
TO BE 100
THANKSGIVING
COUNTDOWN PLANNER
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEWISVILLE, TX PERMIT NO. 977
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OCTOBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 3
CastleHillsMagazine.com
Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray
Administration
Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran
Writers & Editor Steve Gamel Brooke Ezzo
Advertising Manager
Lizzy Hoffman 972.900.7302 lizzy@murray-media.com
Production
Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene
Photography
Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com
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.
the sole property of
•
What do you call wood when it is scared? Petrified.
Editorial and Advertising Inquiries
•
When do ghouls and goblins cook their victims? On Fry Day.
•
What do you get when you cross a vampire and a snowman? Frostbite
Letters
Life in Castle Hills invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments.
Email artwork@murray-media.com. All submissions become Murray Media Group. Call 972.899.3637
or email artwork@murray-media.com www.Murray-Media.com
Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028
Life in Castle Hills 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. Life in Castle Hills 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 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2019
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
16
On the Cover is: Mike Nosker of Metro Dent
FEATURED: So
Much More Than Just Dent Repair
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 10 Flores Harbour Law: Helping Families Who Can’t Help Themselves
PHOTOS FROM CASTLE HILLS
14 Thanksgiving Countdown Planner 18 JDRF Children’s Congress Conference 19 Ally’s Wish
ARTICLES
20 What is Your Dog Trying To Tell You
08 Inside Community
22 Signs Of Depression You Need To Recognize
09 Inside Education
25 Your Friendly Spiders
12 Community Corner
28 5 Years Cancer Free
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
EDITORS PICK: How To Live To Be 100
13 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree
30 Resident Homecoming
06 8 Tips On How To Choose A Local Primary Care Doctor
26
Medical Experts
ISSUE Learn about hot topics in the general medical field along with advice from your local medical experts.
OCTOBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 5
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
6 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 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.CastleHillsMagazine.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 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 7
INSIDE COMMUNITY TRUNK-OR-TREAT FALL FESTIVAL Fri., Oct. 25 | 6:30 -8:30pm | The Learning Experience- Castle Hills 2401 Farm to Market Rd., Ste. 544 • Lewisville, TX 75056 The Learning Experience is hosting a free community event for families to enjoy a fun night of games and candy. There will be plenty of activities for all ages. Trick-or-treating, a cakewalk, a bounce house, face painting, sketch portraits and more! Don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes! There will be free registration to families who enroll at the event. For more information email castlehills@tlechildcare.com. photo courtesy of TLE-Castle Hills
AMERICAN HEROES: A SALUTE TO VETERANS, PRESENTED BY SCHEELS TWILIGHT AT BRIDGES CEMETERY Sat., Oct. 26 | 5 -7:30pm Bridges Cemetery 5044 Stanley Dr. • The Colony, TX 75056 Hosted by the Local History Committee, this event gives you the opportunity to explore Bridges Cemetery until sunset. This is a free event, but the Committee’s book, Bridges to the Future, will be available for purchase and donations will be used toward engraving stones of 25 unmarked graves and help with preservation of the cemetery. Committee members will be available to answer questions about the families and what part they played in the area’s history. There will also be a scavenger hunt for the kids. photo courtesy of Noelle Roseberry 8 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2019
SPOOKTACULAR TRAILS AND GLOW RUN Sat., Oct. 26 | 5 -10pm | Lone Star Toyoya of Lewisville Railroad Park 1301 S Railroad St. • Lewisville, TX 75057 The annual Spooktacular Trails and Glow Run event is here! Presented by the City of Lewisville Parks and Recreation Department, the family-friendly event is held at the Soccer Complex and will include a trick-or-treat trail where sponsors and vendors will be handing out candy. New this year is a social media costume contest. At the event, you can enter your photo using the hashtag #SpookyLV. To register ahead of time for the runs visit www.playtri.com/spooktacular or sign up the night of. This is a free event.
Fri., Nov. 8 | 6 -10pm Sat., Nov. 9 | 12 - 8:30pm Five Star Sports Complex 4100 Blair Oaks Dr. The Colony, TX 75056 This annual, patriotic event is a way of saying thank you and paying tribute to those who have served our country. Grab your friends and join us as we salute our veterans with some of the best musicians around. Listen to Cory Morrow and Jack Ingram Friday night, and be entertained by Sundance Head, Shenandoah, and John Michael Montgomery Saturday night. The American Heroes festival is a FREE event for everyone and tickets are not required. For more information visit www.saluteamericanheroes.com. photo courtesy of Lindsey Stansell www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
INSIDE EDUCATION THE WHOLE CHILD SERIES Thurs., Oct. 24 & Tues., Nov. 5 | 6 - 8pm LISD Administrative Center 1565 W. Main St. • Lewisville, TX 75067 Varsity Football VS Wakeland Oct. 25 | 7:00pm at Frisco Memorial Stadium
For the 2019-2020 school year, the Lewisville Independent School District is offering free, helpful presentations for LISD employees, parents, and the community. Titled The Whole Child Series, the
presentations cover a wide range of topics: suicide awareness, drugs and alcohol, social media and cyber safety. October 24 is on Trust-Based Relational Intervention and November 5 is on Human Trafficking in Room A, B, C. For information on upcoming presentations for the remainder of the school year visit www.lisd.net/page/18544. photo courtesy of Elizabeth Haas
Senior Night Varsity Football VS Independence Nov. 1 | 7:00pm at Tommy Briggs Stadium College Fair Nov. 7 | 6-7:30am Small Gym Varsity Football VS Little Elm Nov. 8 | 7:00pm at Little Elm Athletic Complex
CANDY LANE CARNIVAL Fri., Oct. 25 | 6 - 8pm Castle Hills Elementary 1025 Holy Grail Dr. • Lewisville, TX 75056
THEATRE AT THE COLONY PRESENTS ELF, THE MUSICAL
This annual carnival is a fun-filled event for elementary students and their families! Come enjoy indoor and outdoor games, multiple bounce houses, a DJ, yummy food, cotton candy, and more! The Cake Walk is back by popular demand. All proceeds help the PTA to host student learning activities and programs, provide teacher grants, and fun community volunteer activities. Save the Date for this family-fun event, admission is $7 at the door!
“Santa!! I know him!” Christmas has come early for you and your family. Grab your maple syrup and come enjoy a classic at the theatre. Seats are reserved so purchase your tickets today! Tickets start at $12. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.theatreatthecolony.com.
photo courtesy of CHE PTA
photo courtesy of Ronda Craig
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Varsity Football VS MacArthur Oct. 25 | 7-10pm at Ellis Stadium
Nov. 14 – 18 | 7pm Sat. & Sun. 2pm & 7pm TCHS Performing Arts Center 4301 Blair Oaks Dr. • The Colony, TX 75056
Varsity Football VS Lewisville Nov. 1 | 7-10pm at Hebron High Stadium Varsity Football VS Irving Nov. 8 | 7-10pm at Ellis Stadium
OCTOBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 9
Business Spotlight
HELPING
Families
WHO CAN’T HELP THEMSELVES by Steve Gamel
photography by Shani Baird @timelessimages
I
t can be overwhelming in this day and age trying to choose the right law firm for your family’s legal needs. After all, you want one that is not only experienced in a variety of practice areas that many times intertwine but also has the compassion to guide you through what is undoubtedly an emotional and confusing time in your life.
ways. Having experience in those practice
In a sea of legal options, Flores Harbour
“When you have to call a lawyer, it can be daunting,” Harbour said. “We set out to help people; we want to treat them as people as opposed to numbers.
how we take care of our clients.”
That starts by being knowledgable in a variety of practice areas, including all areas of family law, criminal defense, juvenile justice, and immigration and nationality law. Whether you’re facing a family law issue, have been charged with a crime, or are seeking a green card or visa, they bring creativity, persistence, and passion to your case.
2012. Mari grew up in Carrollton while
Law is quickly becoming that beacon of hope for Denton County residents.
Flores Harbour Law — which has offices in Denton and Carrollton — is dedicated to
being people-focused. Rather than push
you, your family, or your business through a cookie-cutter process, partners Leah
Harbour and Mari Flores have separated themselves from the pack with expert representation and a commitment to
doing what is right. They also believe
you deserve to have someone on your side who lives and works in the same community as you.
flores|harbour law 10 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2019
“I believe that family law intertwines with criminal and immigration law in many
areas helps because our goal is to help families, not hurt them,” Flores said. “We balance each other out in terms of Mari Flores and Leah Harbour have worked together for nearly a decade and opened their own practice in Leah went to Lewisville High School, giving them a unique personal tie to the community. Mari, in particular, adds another layer of comfort for their clients as a native Spanish speaker. She was also recently voted Best Immigration Attorney by Best of Denton County voters. “We treat people the way we would want our families treated,” Harbour said.
940.387.3909 | www.FloresHarbourLaw.com
Denton Location |1409 E McKinney St., Ste. 117 | Denton, TX Carrollton Location | 2340 Trinity Mills, Ste. 300 | Carrollton, TX www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
OCTOBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 11
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 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.
of those affected by breast cancer are startling.
On Monday, Oct. 21, staff at the Lewisville public health office at 190 N. Valley Parkway Denton County.... will wear pink with want to recognize breast Denton staff at the main cancer survivors, those offices at 535 S. Loop battling the disease as 288 donning pink on well as their families Thursday, Oct. 24.
and friends who serve as sources of encouragement and support.
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 12 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2019
(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.
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. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
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
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
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!
OCTOBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 13
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
find what you need.
dishes, plates, silverware, additional
countdown, but if you start two weeks
tables 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:
store last minute and not being able to 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
the risk of showing up to the grocery
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
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 pre-
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 14 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2019
a turkey, go ahead and get it a week
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,
locked in stone now, go ahead and set
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
your table. It’s almost showtime, so take a
deep breath because you’re almost there. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
OCTOBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 15
SO MUCH
MORE Than Just Dent Repair by Steve Gamel
E
ven though storm season is all but behind us and the kids have been back in school for a few months now, many of you might finally be getting your cars repaired and will need a reliable hail repair facility that is also a full-service body shop. You might not think that place exists. But it does at Metro Dent in Lewisville.
16 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2019
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
214.735.8365 | HailFreeCar.com | 1620 E. State Hwy. 121, Ste. C100 • Lewisville, TX 75056 Mike Nosker, a resident of The Colony and the proud owner of Metro Dent, is a firm believer that local residents shouldn’t have to traipse all over town working with
paint coating has become a large part of
their business. This state-of-the-art product is both ultra-violet and scratch resistant and protects a vehicle from dirt, stains,
multiple facilities on top of dealing with
and water for up to five years.
their insurance company when a major
They service standard cars and trucks as
hailstorm hits North Texas and causes a laundry list of repairs. Metro Dent is locally owned and operated and has been serving DFW better than anyone else for
dirt bikes. All Metro Dent technicians are certified and have at least 15
years of experience in
“We want to be known as a hail repair
has partnerships all over
photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)
and a one-stop-shop for any cosmetic need. We bend over backward to help return a customer’s car in the best condition we can without having them wait months. In some cases, our cycle time is three days and at no cost out of pocket to the customer,” Mike said. “If a hailstorm hits, and I need to bring in 50 more technicians to keep that cycle time and
the industry. Metro Dent the world; Mike and his team have traveled as far as all over Europe,
Australia, China, Canada, and more to handle larger hail damage
repair projects for car manufacturers. “It’s amazing to me how many people
come in here thinking we just do dents,”
Sponsored Content
trusted choice for motorists throughout Denton County and beyond for any
need, and they are the best and most
comprehensive. This includes full-body
dent repair to minor collision jobs, paint correction, detailing and reconditioning
services, glass replacement, ceramic paint coatings, vinyl wraps, and more. Ceramic www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
can leave the customers car there now, elsewhere in the area so someone else can fix it for them.” When it comes to insurance claims, you might be asking if you can choose where your vehicle is repaired. The answer is yes. Mike stressed that it is every vehicle owner’s right to choose their own facility. Metro Dent works on your behalf with a licensed independent adjuster to get your repair approved at the
but many times customers have some
of the highest quality service. Plus, they
pretty bad damage and various things that
core tasks, Metro Dent has become the
their teams have left, and while they
Mike said. “Many paintless dent repair
He added, “We make the entire process
While hail and minor collision are their
body shops are now telling customers
“We make the entire process easy, so people aren’t so scared to get their car fixed.”
places are limited in what they can fix,
their car fixed.”
over,” Nosker said. “Most of the bigger
they will transport it
quality the same, I’ll do it.”
easy, so people aren’t so scared to get
companies do now that the storms are
well as boats, RVs, and
more than 26 years.
facility that is also a full-service body shop
“We won’t be leaving town like many
need to be replaced. We can do anything cosmetic, and if it’s your first time having been in a hailstorm, our staff can handle
everything cradle to grave – even helping you call in the claim.”
All workmanship comes with a
lifetime warranty, and on qualified
insurance claims, there’s no money out of pocket. During hail season, Metro
proper level, which means you are assured can help with your deductible and still offer you a lifetime warranty. Metro Dent is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. No appointments are necessary. “I always tell people, if you’re not sure of us, everyone is on social media these days. Go look at our reviews,” Mike said.
Dent offers extended work hours, free
“We have a substantial amount and
personalized service.
about our customers.”
pickup and delivery, free car rental, and
continue to get them because we care
OCTOBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 17
JDRF CHILDREN’S
Congress Conference by Brooke Ezzo
“This is a 24-7 struggle with no breaks,
“Lexi said. “I couldn’t sit back and accept it.” JDRF is a global organization funding T1D research, specifically the Special Diabetes Program (SDP). This program provides
funds annually for research at the National Institutes of Health, the country’s premier medical research agency. The goal is to have advancements in cure therapies, prevention studies, and treatments.
Because of previous funding and research, the life expectancy of those living with T1D has increased.
Lexi says her next steps will be to continue
E
very two years, children delegates representing all 50 states and
the District of Columbia gather
in Washington, D.C. to meet with top decision-makers about the Juvenile
Diabetes Research Foundation Children’s Congress Conference.
Lexi Quilty, a local resident, was chosen to be a delegate at the conference. In
July, she had the opportunity to stand
on the steps of Capitol Hill, surrounded
by congressional district representatives
going out and spreading the word about has granted the full multi-year renewal for the program.
T1D. She is a JDRF youth ambassador
and mentor. She frequents hospitals and speaks to children recently diagnosed.
If the SDP goes unfunded, any new
She partakes in annual fundraising events,
for Americans has already skyrocketed
in the world. This year, One Walk takes
a cure and progress for new treatments
Pavilion in Fort Worth, and at Ericsson
research would be halted. Prices of insulin
including One Walk, the largest T1D event
over the last few years, and the hope for
place on November 16 at Panther Island
would decline.
North America in Dallas.
“Standing on the steps made me feel
Living with T1D is a struggle, but Lexi
something awful into something beautiful.”
of life is still attainable. She says to get
resilient,” Lexi said. “Like I could turn
wants others to know that a good quality involved with local groups, make the
and other children delegates, to apply
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune
Special Diabetes Program.
system mistakenly destroys insulin-
“Community is important,” Lexi said.
affected spend a large portion of their
tiny steps, not giant leaps. It’s
The teetering levels can put them
will never stop
pressure on Congress to renew the
The July conference lasted three days,
with one day spent on Capitol Hill. The delegates, including Lexi, voiced their
concerns and told their stories to Congress in hopes of getting the extension for the
SDP passed. Toward the end of September,
disease in which the body’s own immune producing cells in the pancreas. Those
“You need to remember to take
time with conflicting blood-sugar levels.
a learning process, and you
at risk for medical emergencies and
learning.”
devastating complications.
a short-term extension was passed by the
After being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes
resolution to the President’s desk for
new life head-on. She uses her voice to
word that President Donald Trump did sign
with the same life-changing, silent disease.
Federal government operating through
place where she could become a
across the nation will find out if Congress
changes in healthcare.
House, and the Senate sent the continuing
at the age of 10, Lexi decided to face this
signing. On September 30, JDRF received
advocate for and mentor others dealing
the continuing resolution, which keeps the
She joined her local JDRF and found a
November 21. Lexi and the JDRF chapters
18 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2019
lifestyle changes, and be persistent.
leader in the push to make
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Ally’s WISH by Brooke Ezzo
T
he 2nd Annual Lakeside Family 5K Fun Run and Relay takes place Saturday, November 9 to benefit Ally’s Wish, a nonprofit organization devoted to granting the last wish to terminally ill mothers with children. Ally’s Wish was inspired by the late Allyson Hendrickson, who passed away in 2014 after a hard fight against ovarian cancer. The idea for Ally’s Wish came to Missy Phipps after learning about Allyson’s terminal diagnosis. “She was a member of our church, and a few friends and I wanted to do something for her,” Missy said. “When God laid the idea on my heart, I called my friends Melissa Cary, Holly Reed, and Heather Bryan. I asked them to come by that night, and we talked about the idea, brainstormed, and dreamed. Ally’s Wish was born in the middle of my living room.” Allyson’s wish was the first wish granted through the organization. She had blogged for years and wanted her blog to be published for her family. Missy and her co-founders sent the blog to a publisher to be edited and now it is sold as part of their fundraising. It is titled,
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The Three Little Cowboys, named for Allyson’s three sons. Since 2014, Ally’s Wish has granted over 125 wishes and will hopefully grant 35 more by the end of this year. The Flower Mound based organization has become nationally known and referrals for wishes come in from across the country. Wishes can be almost anything. Some mothers are granted travel wishes such as Disney and Hawaii, and some wishes are charm bracelets with milestone charms to be given throughout the years. Other wishes include a puppy or even a backyard renovation. “Our main goal is to help these families forget for even a moment the road they have been called to travel,” Missy said. “To just relax and make memories that don’t have anything to do with illness, doctors, and treatments.”
family in the midst of the hardest battle of
their lives,” Missy said. “If the wish granted can give them even one minute without
thinking about the bad stuff, then we feel that we have been successful.”
Although Allyson is no longer with us, her legacy lives on in each wish that
is granted. When the worlds of these
families have been completely turned
upside down, Ally’s Wish is a glimmer of hope for them to see the goodness that
is still out there and a light for families to navigate on the darkest of roads. For more information about the 5K, the annual Gala, the nomination for
Reliant Gives, Ally’s Wish game night with the Dallas
Stars, and ways to
Through fundraising and donations, Ally’s Wish is able to not only give these mothers a last wish, but to give their spouses and children something to hold onto when the fight seems too difficult.
donate please visit
“We find that these moms almost consider this to not only be a break for them but something they can give to their
of my heart and
www.allyswish.org. My flesh and my
heart may fail, but
God is the strength my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
OCTOBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 19
WHAT IS YOUR
DOG TRYING TO
Tell You? by Steve Gamel
W
ouldn’t it be nice if when we talk to our dogs, they talk back? That sounds strange to say, but if you think about it, we’re already talking to them as if they can totally understand us. So why not be able to have a real conversation for once? After all, they’re communicating with us, too; they just can’t use words to say what they want or need. Which brings us to the topic of this article: what is your dog trying to tell you? We will do whatever it takes to keep our dogs happy and healthy, but we’re constantly at a disadvantage since they can’t communicate like we can. Realistically, we’re not going to wake up one day and suddenly find that our fur babies can talk. So it’s on us as parents, humans, masters, etc., to understand the common body language, movements, and behaviors shown by dogs.
BARKING — Barking can mean your dog is scared or angry. They could also be bored, confused, uncomfortable, lonely, hungry, or trying to alert you to someone or something that is potentially dangerous. You can tell a lot about a bark based on the pitch of the bark, how long it lasts, and the frequency. For example, a bark with a high pitch is friendly in nature, while a low pitch is a sign of aggression.
It doesn’t take a dog whisperer to know what a wagging tail, exposed belly, a tail between the legs, or an intense growl means. But what are the less obvious things they are trying to tell us?
EYE CONTACT — This can mean so many BITING AND CHEWING — When a dog gently bites or chews on something, it doesn’t always mean they are angry, fearful, or simply trying to be naughty. They could be hungry, ready to play, or are simply in need of extra attention.
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things. Unless the dog looks angry and tense, it is likely giving you constant eye contact because it loves you and wants to show affection. Relaxed eyes are telling you they are content, and large or rounded eyes mean they are surprised or scared.
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YAWNING — Humans yawn all the time, which always means we are either really bored or exhausted and need to sleep. But when dogs yawn, it could mean a variety of things. Yes, they could be tired. But they could also be showing empathy toward you. On the flip side, yawning also means they might be feeling anxious or nervous about their surroundings.
STANDING ON YOUR FEET OR BETWEEN YOUR LEGS — This can be so annoying to many dog lovers, but there is a reason for this behavior. Your dog is being extremely possessive over you and is trying to show dominance, or more subtly, he or she may have separation anxiety and is looking for constant affection.
SHIVERING — This could mean your dog is cold, especially if he or she has been sitting outside for a long time. But it can also mean they are sick, scared, or incredibly excited to see you. A good way to tell what the shivering or trembling means is to take note of what situations it commonly happens in.
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OCTOBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 21
Medical Expert Article
SIGNS OF
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.
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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 • 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
• 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
activities that you once found enjoyable
any of the symptoms or signs mentioned above, or support from family
— Daily activities such as working out,
and friends and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, it may be time to
playing with your children, and being intimate with your significant other no longer seem to matter.
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.
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OCTOBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 23
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YOUR
FRIENDLY Spiders
A
nytime we see spiders, our immediate reaction is to run the other way, call the exterminator, or stomp them into oblivion. But not all spiders are bad. Actually, there are a few native to our area that are helpful, and a few that seem big and scary but are more afraid of you. Here is A Spider’s Plea in this years’ rendition of Please, Don’t Kill Me!
by Brooke Ezzo
“Hi! It’s me — the big spider you’ve seen around. I know most people are afraid of me, but please hear me out! My name is Argiope Aurantia, but I go by Golden Orb Weaver. I am known for creating the stereotypical wheel-like spider webs. I like to stay active during the day so that I can be beneficial to you at night. You see, I might look scary, but I can help out around the house if you would allow me to stay. I eat aphids, flies, wasps, mosquitos, and other harmful bugs. Did you know that spider silk has been proven to be the strongest natural material? It is strong, flexible, and elastic all at the same time, which is why humans test it for bulletproof clothing. You may never let me inside, but please don’t kill me.”
“Don’t be afraid! I get it, too, humans. I look frightening because they think I am a brown recluse, but I am not. I am hairless with a big yellow-brown belly and dark-red legs. My name is Dysdera Crocata, but my friends call me the Woodlouse Hunter Spider. Trust me, I am not a pest. Actually, I control pests for you! My favorite things to eat are isopods, or better known as roly-polies, and woodlice. I like to hang out under rocks, bricks, or plant pots. If you try to pick me up, I might bite, but you won't need to go to the doctor. If you leave me alone, I won’t bug you.”
“Hello there! Don’t freak out. You think I am a daddy longlegs, but I am not a ground dweller like those guys. I actually prefer the corners of ceilings, the garage, and dark, damp places. My name is Pholcus Phalangioides, or Long-bodied Cellar Spider. Yes, I have long, thin legs but my body is small and oval. I am pale yellowish to light brown in color. I’m good for you. I like to eat insects and other spiders. I play a major role in our ecosystem, and I only live for a few years. So please don’t hurt me. If I cant stay inside, just scoop me up and put me outside. I promise I won’t bite, because I can’t. I am not strong enough to puncture human skin. Friends?”
“Shhhh, don’t scream. Hello! My name is Menemerus Bivittatus, also known as the Grey Wall Jumping Spider. I know you see me. I am hiding from you because I am very shy and don’t like to get close to humans. I will jump away from you. Jumping and dancing are my favorite things to do. I tap my feet so quickly you won’t even be able to see it! Although I produce silk, I don’t usually make webs. I have fangs and produce venom, but I am not a threat. If you leave me be, I’ll protect your garden from annoying bugs that eat your plants and vegetables. Aren’t you into organic gardening? Please let me stay!” www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
OCTOBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 25
Medical Expert Article
How To Live To Be
eG
amel
100 v Ste by
26 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2019
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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. OCTOBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 27
YEARS
5 FREE
CANCER by Steve Gamel
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.” 28 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2019
Whitney’s story of survival is one of the millions you will hear about as people all 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. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
photo courtesy of Whitney Ortmeier
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.
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 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 www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
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. 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 self-
exams. 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.” OCTOBER 2019 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 29
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.
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