Whether you’re the one doing it or the one who has to listen to it all night, snoring can interfere with the restful sleep that’s so important for optimal health and wellness. It may even be a sign of a more serious problem: sleep apnea. If left untreated, this sleep-related breathing disorder can cause daytime exhaustion, headaches, memory loss and even affect your heart.
If you are a chronic snorer or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, a custom-made oral appliance from Dr. Sandi Hamm’s dental office may be all you need to finally get a good night’s rest.
Contact Dr. Sandi Hamm at 817-477-4441 to schedule a FREE consultation!
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letter from the publisher
Fall is coming, y’all. Although, here in Texas it takes its sweet time getting here.
When I think of fall—my favorite time of year—the main thought in my mind is FOOTBALL. That may not seem like a girly thing to say but raising my children as a one-parent show, football was something sorely lacking in our home. I remember the days I’d say to my boys, “Hey, anybody want to watch some football? “We’d sit there, excited for kick-off from our beloved Cowboys but, by the end of the first quarter, I’d be watching alone. Lol
Now that I’m married to the most enthusiastic man ever, watching football has taken on a special meaning for me. There’s the smell of stew cooking, mesquite wood on the smoker, cooler weather, my husband giving me updates on various players, why they threw the wrong pass, and his fantasy football scores, of course.
God sure gives me beautiful flashbacks and has made this chapter in my life so precious. Whatever fall means in your life, I hope you cherish everything it brings—like never before.
MISTY DANIELS, OWNER/PUBLISHER
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letters from OUR MAYORS
mayor DAVID COOK MANSFIELD
Mansfield Animal Care & Control was challenged this summer as shelters across the region were faced with unprecedented numbers of animals in our facilities, many of them the result of owner surrenders. But Mansfield has dedicated shelter staff, as well as great volunteers who do everything possible to find homes for the dogs and cats housed there.
The shelter and parks & recreation partnered on the award-winning Barks & Rec program where volunteers train for a 5K by running with shelter dogs, many of whom are ultimately adopted by either the volunteers or at the 5K event. The shelter also this year began opening the second Saturday each month for adoptions.
Then there’s the work of SMASH (Supporting
Mansfield Animal Shelter), a citizen organization promoting shelter adoptions. Their Facebook page is filled with wonderful animal portraits, donated by local photographer Glenda Beckwith, that present these sweet shelter pets in the best light possible to help them find a home.
These partnerships are another great example of how the City and the Mansfield community join forces to address a need in the community. In this case, those in need are our four-legged friends.
mayor RON JENSEN GRAND PRAIRIE
As you fall into autumn, fall in love with a new pet from Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, now bigger and better. After completing a recent remodel and expansion, Prairie Paws is able to offer more puppies, kittens, dogs and cats…and the occasional exotic pet…seeking forever homes. Normal adoption fees are $70 per animal, which includes sterilization, microchip implantation, core vaccines, rabies vaccination and heartworm testing, if applicable. Photos and descriptions on the website, www.gptx.org/paws, are updated twice a day. Not sure you are ready to adopt? Enroll in our foster program. Foster homes provide affectionate temporary basic care for a pet until they can find a loving forever home. The shelter also offers vaccination clinics and spay/neuter clinics. So, next time you are
in the market for a pet, come visit Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, 2222 W. Warrior Trail, first to find your favorite furry friend.
Live Life Grand,
Fall is a busy time in The American Dream City. Friday nights see families gathered under the lights cheering for their favorite high school team. There’s college ball on Saturday and pro ball on Sunday, bonfires, cookouts, and fall festivals galore. It’s a great time to gather with old friends and hopefully meet some new ones. One place lots of fall memories are being forged is the Doug Inman Miracle League Field in Randol Mill Park.
There’s just nothing like playing baseball to put a smile on a kid’s face. But for too long kids with disabilities were relegated to the sidelines. Now thanks to the nonprofit Miracle League children and young adults can enjoy playing baseball, regardless of their abilities.
Miracle League DFW draws hundreds of ball players from Arlington, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, and elsewhere.
Games are played on a custom-designed field with cushioned synthetic turf and adaptive equipment to help prevent injuries. Local high schoolers buddy up with players, helping them play, and local cheerleading squads take turns cheering.
This is the league's 14th year on the Doug Inman Miracle League Field located at 1901 West Randol Mill Road. Whether you know a player or helper or not, I guarantee you’ll enjoy watching a few games. You’ve never seen more ready smiles—or bigger ones at that. The league’s fall season runs from mid-September through October with a spring season from mid-March through April. For more information on Miracle League DFW, including how to register or volunteer, visit MiracleLeagueDFW.com.
mayor JEFF WILLIAMS ARLINGTON
OCTOBER 5
WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S
Arlington
Join us to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease! TCC-Southeast Campus, 2100 Southeast Pkwy. Arlington. Registration 8am, walk 9:30am. Call 817-336-4949.
ARLINGTONWALK@ALZ.ORG
OCTOBER 11
INCLUSIVE FAMILY GAME NIGHT
Arlington Parks and Recreation
This game night is for families who have a member with an intellectual or developmental disability. Light snacks will be provided. Play games while we get to know each other. We will be light and sound sensitive. 7pm9pm. Ages 5+. Cost $15. Cliff Nelson Rec Center, 4600 W. Bardin Rd.
OCTOBER 11-13
SOUTH STREET ART FESTIVAL
Arlington
Come to the Downtown Art District of Arlington featuring up to 100 local, regional and national artists selling work. Stroll down and see booth after booth of one of a kind original art from skilled artisans. Live entertainment, wine tastings and craft beer. Free to attend with free parking on downtown streets and parking garages. 300 W South St.
SOUTHSTREETARTFEST.COM
OCTOBER 12
MOBILE PET ADOPTION EVENT
Arlington
Adorable adoptable pets looking for new homes will be available at the mobile adop-
tion unit for immediate adoption! Visit with adoptable cats available inside PetSmart! Adoptions will be at the Petsmart® in South Arlington, 203 E. I-20 (Arlington Highlands) 10:30am-3:30pm.
OCTOBER 12-13
RIVER LEGACY’S FALL FESTIVAL
Arlington Parks and Recreation
Families come and enjoy animal explorations, face painting, storytelling, hayrides and more. Partnering with Shoes for Heart, drop off new or gently worn shoes at admission gate to receive a free activity coupon. The shoes are recycled to benefit micro-entrepreneurs in developing countries. Admission is $8 for all ages 3+. 11am-9pm. 703 N.W. Green Oaks.
RIVERLEGACY.ORG
OCTOBER 17-19
HAUNTED MANSFIELD
Mansfield
From trick or treating, ghost tours, a walk through haunted house and even a chance to do a paranormal investigation! Get in the Halloween spirit with this three day event at different locations. Cost vary for each event.
Children and parents of all ages can swim and take part in Halloween activities. 6pm-8pm. $2.50 per person. Hugh Smith Indoor Pool, 1815 New York Ave.
october 27-28
FAMILY FUN CAMPOUT
Arlington Parks and Recreation
Spend quality time with your family enjoying a night of camping out in the park. Decorate your tent and hand out treats while your kids tent or treat! $10 per person. Children 2 and under are free. Register online. 4pm-7:30am. Veterans Park, 3600 W. Arkansas Lane.
NATURALLYFUN.ORG
OCTOBER 26
NIGHT AT THE MOVIES
Arlington Parks and Recreation
Watch a big screen family friendly movie at Cliff Nelson Rec Center gym. Ages 5+. $5 per person. Popcorn, juice, water and soda will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. 6pm-9pm. 4600 W. Bardin.
OCTOBER 26-27
EPIC CAMPOUT
Grand Prairie
Pack those tents and sleeping bags for a spooky good time at our Halloween themed campout on the Grand Lawn at Epic Central. Campers will have the opportunity to participate in many activities such as: laser tag, scavenger hunt, flashlight night hike, and s’mores making! Bring decorations for your tent to compete in the “tent decorating” contest! We will show the movie Hocus Pocus. Enjoy breakfast the next morning. 4pm-10am. $5/person. Ages 2+. 2960 Epic Place. For more information, call 972-237-8115.
GRANDFUNGP.COM/EPICCENTRAL/
OCTOBER 27
ST. JUDE CATHOLIC PARISH FALL FESTIVAL
Mansfield
All are welcomed to come celebrate 120 years of faith here in Mansfield TX. Sunday October 27, 2019 8:30am to 8:00pm. 500 E. Dallas Street, Mansfield. There will be food, entertainment, auctions, prizes, etc.
STJUDEMANSFIELDTX.ORG
see more events in your area on LIVINGMAGAZINE.NET
UPCOMING EVENTS
A NIGHT OF WORSHIP WITH JOSEPH PRINCE
Sunday, October 20th at 7:30pm
The Theatre at Grand Prairie
Come prepared for God to release His anointing upon you as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to Him! You can also expect a time of partaking of the Holy Communion, along with a word of exhortation by Joseph.
TY HERNDON
Wednesday, October 2nd at 8pm Arlington Music Hall
MARK CHESNUTT
Thursday, October 3rd at 7:30pm Arlington Music Hall
CHRIS JANSON
Saturday, October 5th at 8pm Arlington Backyard
WALK THIS WAY - AEROSMITH TRIBUTE
Saturday, October 5th at 8pm
The LOT Mansfield
BACK IN BLACK
Saturday, October 5th at 7pm Texas Live! Arena
RONNIE MILSAP
Friday, October 11th at 8pm Arlington Music Hall
MASTERCHEF JUNIOR LIVE!
Friday, October 11th at 7:30pm
The Theatre at Grand Prairie
VEGAS STARS
Friday, October 11th 9:30pm Texas Live! Arena
THE DIRTY RIVER BOYS
Sunday, October 13th at 8pm Levitt Pavilion Arlington
PEPPA PIG LIVE!
Sunday, October 27th at 3pm
The Theatre at Grand Prairie
COMING TO THEATERS
OCTOBER 11 // THE ADDAMS FAMILY OSCAR ISAAC, CHARLIZE THERON DIR. CONRAD VERNON & GREG TIERNAN
They’re creepy and they’re kooky / Mysterious and spooky / They have a CG movie / The Addams Family / Morticia’s Charlize Theron / PG so there’s no swearin’ / A timely Halloween pairin’ / The Addams Family / So mom bust out the plastic / It might just be fantastic / We’re not being sarcastic / The Addams Family
OCTOBER 29, 1993 // TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS CHRIS SARANDON, CATHERINE O’HARA // DIR. HENRY SELICK (CORALINE)
Initially feared to be too “dark and scary for kids” by Walt Disney Pictures executives, this stop-motion tale about Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, has become a widely acclaimed cult classic and family favorite that routinely receives October theatrical screenings and is historically well-regarded for its pioneering visual effects and style.
THIS MONTH IN MOVIE HISTORY OUR BOOK PICK
OCTOBER 22 // THE QUEENS OF ANIMATION BY NATHALIA HOLT
Presenting “the untold story of the women who transformed the world of Disney and made cinematic history,” this group biography takes a closer look at the largely forgotten female writers and animators who helped craft some of the world’s most beloved animated films running the gamut from Snow White to Cinderella and through the present day.
OCTOBER
FABULOUS faith
A CANCER DIAGNOSIS IS ALWAYS A DIRE PROSPECT, but more so when the patient is a child. The Fabulous Faith's Foundation is a local non-profit with the goal of funding cancer research in the hopes of ending pediatric cancer. The all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization also helps support the families of pediatric cancer patients and cancer facilities and works to raise awareness of childhood cancers. The foundation was named in honor of precious Faith Rose Lautzenheiser who was lost to osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, when she was only ten.
fun. There was also the first annual Fabulous Faith Pet Parade, plenty of family-friendly pre-race activities, and a touching dove release, at the end of the parade, honoring Faith Rose and all children affected by cancer.
FUNDING CANCER RESEARCH IN THE HOPES OF ENDING PEDIATRIC CANCER • FOR MORE INFO VISIT FABULOUSFAITHSFOUNDATION.ORG
One of their major fundraisers, the 5th annual Fabulous Faith 5K, took place in Mansfield on Saturday September 14 and the competitive street race, which began at Vernon Newsom Stadium on East Broad, was only part of the
A live DJ was on hand. Rival Cheer entertained the crowd, joined by Star Wars characters and Disney princesses, and medals were awarded in individual categories, as well as team trophies for largest team and best team spirit and a pet parade champion. 450 runners participated in this year’s race and a whopping $43,000 was raised to help with the goal of ending childhood cancer.
THE ORGANIZATION SUPPORTS
FAMILIES OF PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS AND CANCER FACILITIES AND WORKS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF CHILDHOOD CANCERS
DEEP DIVE
A CLOSER LOOK AT WHAT THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS HAS TO OFFER ALL MONTH
BY MELISSA TATE
WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT GOOD MUSIC AND GREAT FOOD make for a fine time. And the State Fair of Texas has always done well at providing both. But as we also know, everything is bigger and better around here. So this year, they have rolled out some new additions to please your ears and your tastebuds. The Lone Star Music Series is comparable to a 24-day Texas music festival. This new series offers over 45 live musical acts by Texas musicians on 4 different stages across the fairgrounds. As always, the Chevrolet Main Stage will have national acts playing throughout the 24 day fair season while the Lone Star Music Series will have talent from the DFW area on the Texas Monthly Stage, Bud Light Stage, Dr Pepper Stage and Coca-Cola Stage. Genres range from Americana and country to jazz and pop with a few amazing cover bands sprinkled in. Artists like 1100 Springs, The O’s, Kamica King and harpist Mary
Miller are included in the all Texan line up that is available to you at no extra cost with your admission ticket.
The Big Tex Choice Awards winners have been announced and you are in for a treat. The winner of “Best Taste - Savory” was Ruth’s Stuffed Fried Taco Cone. It tastes like a classic street taco rolled into a mouth-watering Tex Mex nacho. And it’s perfect for eating while you walk. The winner of “Best Taste - Sweet” was the Big Red Chicken Bread, a Big Red flavored donut served with a deep fried chicken wing resting right in the donut hole. It’s the State Fair’s version of chicken and waffles. And the winner of “Most Creative” was Fla’Mango Tango. Mango chunks are deep fried in a flaky pastry and served with a side of strawberry mango sorbet. It’s a perfect amount of cool and refreshing for those days when we ask ourselves if it really is fall.
• TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT EVERYTHING THE STATE FAIR HAS TO OFFER, VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT BIGTEX.COM.
If loud music and deep fried foods aren’t really your style, you may want to take advantage of some other things the State Fair of Texas has to offer. For the second year in a row the fair is practicing sensory-friendly mornings. Every Wednesday from 10 AM until 1 PM the fairgrounds will have a more peaceful vibe as lights and sounds are turned down to their lowest noise level or off completely. This allows guests who prefer or need a quieter, less stimulating environment to experience the fair in an enjoyable atmosphere. The fair also provides a sensory-friendly guided itinerary which can be found online and at guest services. The guided itinerary points guests towards attractions that are easier on the eyes and ears and gives the exact location of three different “quiet zones” throughout the fairgrounds. Whatever your preference or needs, the State Fair of Texas has done a great job of accommodating their guests and providing new and exciting attractions.
PET CLUB
Popiet
“Popiet is named after a French dish, paupiettes de veau! We adopted her in France and now she’s with us in Texas.”
- OPHELIE S.
Bruno THE BULL TERRIER
“Bruno works hard at a local law firm, and as you can see he adheres to their professional dress code by wearing his tie.”
- KRISTYN S.
Winston Churchill
“This is Winston Churchill, our three year old Australian Shepherd!”
- DEBBIE D.
THIS MONTH’S GIVEAWAY
No odor and less cleaning—Kitty Poo Club is an all-in-one litter box solution that includes 30 days worth of odor destroying litter and a sealed tray with waterproof coating, delivered to your door each month!
KITTYPOOCLUB.COM
PET TRIVIA QUESTION!
ONE OF THE FOLLOWING FACTS IS INCORRECT. WHICH ONE?
A) Australian shepherds are not from Australia
B) Winston Churchill once received a letter containing the phrase “O.M.G.”
C) Paupiettes de veau is a French dish prepared especially for dogs
D) A bull terrier was once the official greeter of Juneau, Alaska
PET CLUB MEMBERS
Every month, all Living Pet Club members are automatically entered to win our giveaway! To join the club and receive a free membership magnet for your pet, send your pet’s name, your name, your address, and a clear photo of your pet to pets@livingmagazine. net. They might just turn up in a future issue of Living!
PETS@LIVINGMAGAZINE.NET
(C: Yes, the other three are true, shockingly enough—paupiettes de veau is French for “veal rounds” and is most certainly not for dogs!)
THINK YOU KNOW TEETH?
WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW COULD HURT YOU
BY MEREDITH KNIGHT PHOTOS BY LAUREN MEDEAN
Dr. John Bauer believes an informed patient is a successful patient. For over three decades, he’s provided conservative and comprehensive dental care with an emphasis on patient empowerment. Now, with the help of his son, Dr. Cody Bauer, and practice manager wife, Terri, he spends his days educating patients of all ages to be their own best dental advocate. With that in mind, here are some common dental myths they’d like to debunk.
1. Baby teeth will fall out, so there’s no need to see a dentist. “Baby teeth play an important role in guiding permanent teeth in direction and in health,” Dr. Cody said. “They foster good nutrition through proper chewing. And they aid in proper speech development. For all those reasons, your child’s baby teeth are important, and they should be seen by a dentist, at least by age three.”
2. Teeth Whitening is harmful to teeth. “Teeth whitening is safe, quick, and inexpensive, although some patients experience minor tooth sensitivity and gum irritability that subsides quickly,” Dr. John said. “We create custom bleach trays and send patients home with a special bleaching agent they use in the trays, a few hours each day, to whiten and brighten enamel without altering tooth structure or existing dental work in any way.”
3. Chewing sugarless gum can replace brushing your teeth. “Chewing gum may clean your teeth slightly, but the dental hygiene benefi ts are negligible,” Dr. Cody said. “It’s important to properly brush and floss at least twice a day to remove plaque on and between your teeth.”
4. You can’t go to the dentist while you’re pregnant. “Getting a dental check-up while you’re pregnant is not only important, it’s completely safe,” Dr. John said. “Your hygienist can clean your teeth and your dentist can safely perform simple procedures like filling cavity, before your baby is born. Your dentist can also help with any pregnancy-related dental symptoms you may be experiencing.”
5. If you have a cavity, you’ll know it. “Tooth decay typically doesn’t manifest symptoms until it’s fairly severe,” Dr. Cody said. “When decay is advanced, it causes pain because of damaged tooth nerve. The best way to make sure it never gets to that point is to check in with us, every six months. Let our outstanding hygienists clean your teeth and let us conduct a thorough exam to catch problems while they’re small and easy to address. It’s never a good idea to postpone dental care.”
6. Tooth sensitivity equals tooth decay. “Not necessary,” said Dr. John. “Sensitivity can be caused by gum recession or teeth hypersensitivity. Brushing the wrong way can wear away the enamel of your teeth exposing nerves. Or a broken or cracked tooth can cause sensitivity. Report any sensitivity to your dentist and let him ascertain the cause.”
Drs. John and Cody Bauer believe in taking time to discuss these and other matters in an unhurried, down-home manner. Along with their dynamic staff, they offer the latest, most advanced dentistry in a warm, know-you-by-name atmosphere.
ONE-STOP SHOP
Whether you’re looking for someone to stay on top of routine maintenance of your teeth and gums, you need to get back on track with some restorative dentistry, or you’re ready to make some changes with a complete smile makeover, Mansfi eld Family Dentistry can do it all under one roof. With everything from dentures, crowns, and bridges to extractions and dental implants, Drs. John and Cody Bauer can handle it. They even offer Invisalign Clear Tooth Aligners for straightening teeth and beautiful porcelain veneers to correct chips and gaps.
GENERAL DENTISTRY
John, Terri, and Cody Bauer place an emphasis on relationships: with their patients, with their family, and with their community. Because it’s always better to preserve the natural tooth than to have to make restorations later, Drs. John and Cody spend time partnering with each patient, teaching them to advocate for their own optimum oral health. This begins with routine cleanings and exams and includes things such as dental sealants and fluoride treatment to keep natural teeth and gums healthy and intact.
For three decades, Mansfield families have recommended Mansfield Family Dentistry to their family and friends and have returned, generation after generation, for state-of-the-art care and downhome friendliness. Call (817) 473-0291 to schedule your appointment.
“THEREFORE, SINCE WE ARE SURROUNDED BY SUCH A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES, LET US THROW OFF EVERYTHING THAT HINDERS AND THE SIN THAT SO EASILY ENTANGLES. AND LET US RUN WITH PERSEVERANCE THE RACE MARKED OUT FOR US, FIXING OUR EYES ON JESUS, THE PIONEER AND PERFECTER OF FAITH.”
HEBREWS 12:1-2
Ihave an obsession with shoes. Not only do I love bright, bold shoes that make a statement, but I love my shoes being in pristine condition at all times. If they get dirty, I wipe them down. If they get scuffed up, I use a magic eraser to remove the scratches. And if my shoes have any inclinations of wear and tear, I box them up and tuck them away in my closet. However, I heard something a few months back that rocked me to the core as the words that were spoken oozed profound truths, especially when it came to my life. “Sometimes wearing our own shoes is unbearable.”
Not only did I begin to visualize all the shoes I threw out because life had gotten the best of them, I began thinking about the many times I have looked at someone else’s shoes and thought to myself, “I need those shoes on my feet!” Honestly, it was not always the shoes on their feet that I felt I desperately needed. Sometimes it was the mere appearance of their shoes that left me dripping in envy, as I desired to have what I blindly believed I lacked.
In Hebrews 12:1-2, God tells us to run our race with our eyes upon Him. Nowhere in this passage does God say to run our race looking to our right and to our left comparing our lives to others. He doesn’t tell us to run our race in someone else’s gifting or anointing. And He doesn’t tell us to run our race squeezing our feet into someone else’s shoes, as you will most likely trip, stumble, and fall because they were never designed to “fit” you in the first place.
From a young age, we so often try on someone else’s shoes to see if they “fit.” We want to be able to walk in the person’s shoes that we love, admire, and look up to. Unfortunately, some of us trek through life never finding the shoes that fit us best because we so often trash the shoes that have not only worn us out, but have been torn apart from all the valleys and ditches we’ve had to travel. We tirelessly search for the picture perfect pair that looks good on our feet, disregarding fit and comfort because we desperately want those sparkly red shoes where we can click our heels
together, clicking away the past hurts we have endured.
Before you toss your raggedy old shoes away and before you try and find a brand new pair of shoes that doesn’t have any scratches, holes, or wear and tear, let God take out His shoe polish and clean up your shoes. Go into your closet and find those old shoes that you have buried in the corner. You know, the ones that your toes were busting out of. The ones you tried to replace because you were too embarrassed for anyone to see, that they might think you have “dirty” shoes. Get them out. Allow God to patch up, heal up, and clean up what you were so eager to throw in the dumpster into a pristine looking pair of shoes that you can once again wear with bold confidence.
Trust me, God wants to lace up your shoes so securely that you can run your race with strength and perseverance. He wants to take all the scuffs, scratches, and holes that your shoes have endured and He wants to polish them up so well that you won’t be looking at someone else’s new shoes in envy—instead others might turn their heads and become locked in on your shoes because they see God’s healing and anointed, redemptive love illuminating through each step that you take. So, wear your shoes with a bold confidence no matter what they look like because He will give you the right shoes in the right season to run your race with GOD speed.
God is giving you a pair of shoes that He has sized up for your feet, for your journey to run your race well. Do not push aside or toss away those old raggedy shoes. Put them on. Allow God to re-lace them and polish them up so you can walk, skip, and run in them again as you are released and set free from the holes that once had you too embarrassed to wear them. God will give you that nice new pair of shoes you have been wanting. You just might need to sit on the ground with Him for a while so He can teach you how navigate through the wooded trails so your shoes don’t fall apart again.
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY OF MANSFIELD
DANNY WRIGHT, DDS, DEBORAH C. SULLIVAN, DDS, MS, AND COREY MENOU, DDS
Dr. Danny Wright and Dr. Deborah Sullivan of Pediatric Dentistry of Mansfield are boardcertified pediatric dentists with a succinct objective for each of their young patients.
“Our goal is to teach children how to become confident, fearless dental patients and to help parents raise cavity-free kids,” said Dr. Deborah Sullivan. “I truly believe that God has gifted me to calm, comfort, and help other people— especially the littlest ones.”
Dr. Danny Wright is totally onboard, “We view it as a privilege to be a part of our young patients’ lives and take pride in educating them in establishing healthy oral habits. Our aim is to provide a fun, non-threatening environment that allows kids to actually enjoy coming to the dentist.”
Now, they’re happy to welcome another like minded pediatric dentist onto the Pediatric Dentistry of Mansfield team. Dr. Corey Menou was first exposed to pediatric dentistry during a mission trip to Mexico, while he was in dental school. “I was able to see how large an impact a pediatric dentist can have in the lives of their patient’s overall healthcare,” he said. “As soon as I walked into Pediatric Dentistry of Mansfield, I knew we shared a philosophy of putting young patients fi rst and providing the highest level of preventive and restorative care with kindness, compassion, and smiles.”
In fact, Drs. Wright, Sullivan, and Menou hear from astonished parents all the time whose
children ask when they can return to the dentist. That may be because of their philosophy of “treating the child, not the tooth”. Or it may be because they look upon dentistry not merely as a job but as a ministry. “God calls us to serve others and to try to bring joy to other people,” Dr. Danny Wright said. “Our obvious goal is to take care of our patients’ dental needs. But more importantly, we want to do it in a way that is pleasant and easy for the child to tolerate.”
“We want to raise up a generation who sees going to the dentist as a happy, positive experience,” Dr. Menou said. “Nothing drives me more than seeing a nervous patient through their fi rst dental experience and watching them grow into a confident young person who’s excited about taking care of their oral health.”
CONTACT
1830 E. Broad Street, Suite 104
Mansfield, Texas 76063
(817) 473-7171
PediatricDentistryOfMansfield.com
Drs. Wright, Sullivan, and Menou discuss diet, hygiene, and helpful hints to help parents keep their children cavity-free. When dental treatment is necessary, they provide the highest quality restorations and offer all levels of anxiety-reducing sedation. And to keep smiles beautiful and authentic looking, they offer aesthetic white fi llings and white crowns.
“I WAS ABLE TO SEE HOW LARGE AN IMPACT A PEDIATRIC DENTIST CAN HAVE IN THE LIVES OF THEIR PATIENT’S OVERALL HEALTHCARE,” SAID DR. MENOU. “AS SOON AS I WALKED INTO PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY OF MANSFIELD, I KNEW WE SHARED A PHILOSOPHY OF PUTTING YOUNG PATIENTS FIRST AND PROVIDING THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF PREVENTIVE AND RESTORATIVE CARE WITH KINDNESS, COMPASSION, AND SMILES.”
MANSFIELD COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER
MICHAEL L. THORNTON,
DO, FACOS
If you’re considering cosmetic surgery to improve your overall look or restore and rejuvenate your face, breast or body you want a surgeon who’s highly trained, well-qualified, board certified, and experienced in the various types of procedure you’re considering.
Look no further to Texas native Dr. Michael L. Thornton, who is a fellowship-trained, double board-certified cosmetic surgeon and Diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Patients travel from across the country to his state-of-the-art Mansfield Cosmetic Surgery Center, where Dr. Thornton provides an extensive array of procedures in facial plastic surgery, breast augmentation, breast lift and reduction, breast implant revision, body contouring following massive weight loss, abdominoplasty and liposuction, mommy makeover, Brazilian buttock contouring, gynecomastia surgery for men, and non-surgical skin rejuvenation from our aesthetic Medical Spa.
With more than 15 years of combined surgical training and operative experience, it’s no surprise that Dr. Thornton is consistently named “SuperDoc” for the past 6 years in addition to being selected as Reader’s Choice “Best Cosmetic Surgeon” for the past four years in Living Magazine Arlington & Mansfield for 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. In addition, Dr. Thornton is past president of the Texas Cosmetic Surgery Society and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
(ABCS) where he’s also serves as an oralboard examiner for the ABCS.
Dr. Thornton enjoys getting to know his patients individually as each private consultation is booked for approximately one hour and Dr. Thornton will spend as much time necessary to establish a comprehensive and thorough physicianpatient relationship. In addition, Dr. Thornton will personally see you during all post-operative visits to actively engage in your healing process and assure the highest physician-level care.
SERVICES
• Facelift and Facial Rejuvenation Surgery
• Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift & Reduction
• Abdominoplasty & Liposuction
• Mommy Makeover
• Gynecomastia & Male Cosmetic Surgery
• Botox® / Xeomin® & Dermal Fillers
CONTACT
550 N. Walnut Creek Drive, Suite 120
Mansfield, Texas 76063
(817) 477-9000
MansfieldCosmeticSurgery.com
Established in 2008, the 3,500-squarefoot Mansfield Cosmetic Surgery Center is beautifully adorned in Mediterranean Tuscan style, featuring a spacious foyer, three private examination rooms, a medical spa facility, and a private operating room. Personal attention to detail defi nes Dr. Thornton’s surgical practice and his medical staff is dedicated to putting you at ease, fostering an environment of compassion and excellence.
Because of the ability to foster genuine personal relationships, Dr. Thornton and his medical staff are frequently recommended to friends and family, while his regular patients return for additional treatments, for everything from extensive body contouring and cosmetic breast surgery to mommy makeovers and non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Browse Dr. Thornton’s extensive gallery of stunning before and after photos at MansfieldCosmeticSurgery. com and call 817-477-9000 to schedule your own complimentary consultation.
BY MEREDITH KNIGHT
RESURGENCE WELLNESS
As an Auburn University linebacker, Chris Chappell had the world on a string. He was young and healthy and at the top of his game. Then, in the matter of seconds, he suffered a career-ending knee injury. It was during his rehabilitation he began to rethink the existing healthcare model and envision what it could be. With renewed fervor and focus, he threw himself into obtaining his nursing degree.
As an RN, Chris worked in surgery and ER and eventually opened Resurgence Wellness with the idea of addressing each patient’s unique lifestyle—to change their lives. Chris found likeminded visionaries in Drs. Matthew Cerniglia, Brook Hall, and Rick Westbrook, and Nurses Jake Sanchez, Savannah Houston, and Teresa Scott. Together as t Resurgence Wellness, they provide true concierge wellness care, catering to patients looking for better overall health, more time with their primary care provider, and no waiting or rushed appointments. They even make house and office calls.
Founded on a patient empowerment model, Resurgence Wellness is not about reacting when a patient gets sick but working proactively—in partnership with the patient—to keep them healthy to begin with. Resurgence Wellness treatments are safe and non-invasive with the goal of discovering the root cause of any health issues, resolving health concerns, and restoring vitality—at any age.
INDIVIDUALIZED CARE
Resurgence Wellness medical professionals spend their days helping patients make big-life transformations in order to live a vital life and get back to owning each day. Whether you need to lose weight, stabilize your hormone levels, improve your sex life, or boost your immune system, they’ll begin by creating an individualized treatment
plan to enhance your body’s capacity to heal itself—not just treating symptoms, but fi nding the underlying causes. Before creating your customized wellness plan, they take time to discuss any symptoms, your medical health, and your current lifestyle habits so you play a vital role in your new healthy lifestyle.
TREATING THE PATIENT—NOT THE ILLNESS
Modern medicine has become very specialized—with specialists for each part of the body who aren’t necessarily communicating with each other. Resurgence Wellness medical professionals looks at each patient as a whole— physically, environmentally, spiritually, nutritionally, emotionally, and socially and the ways the different systems of their body relate to one another, considering the way an issue with your heart (for instance) relates to a hormone imbalance or how stress may be affecting your digestive system. And while modern pharmaceuticals can be a wonderful thing, they believe they should be considered as a last resort.
If you’re looking for a medical provider who will slow down, take time, and hear what you have to say, find out about their day-today life, your diet, your stresses, activity level, family, and medical history then partner with you in your journey toward optimum health, call Resurgence Wellness and begin your wellness journey today.
Over 36 million American adults have some degree of hearing loss.
The statistics are shocking. Hearing loss is an increasing health concern in this nation that is often preventable. Make an appointment with Audiology Experts this October during National Audiology Awareness and Protect Your Hearing Month.
On average, most Americans don’t know how to recognize the first signs of hearing loss or which health professional is qualified to diagnose and treat the condition. If you think you may have a hearing loss, you need to see an audiologist.
An audiologist is a licensed and clinically experienced health-care professional who specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating people with hearing loss and balance disorders. The first step in treatment of a hearing problem is to get your hearing evaluated by an audiologist. A hearing evaluation will determine the degree of hearing loss you have and what can be done.
BY MEREDITH KNIGHT
ACCENT ON YOU PLASTIC SURGERY AND MEDI SPA
DR. Y ANTHONY NAKAMURA
With over 30 years of experience as a boardcertified plastic surgeon and esteemed cosmetic enhancement expert, Dr. Y. Anthony Nakamura believes in providing natural-looking results for his patients who flock to him from all over the country. Whether you’re interested in breast augmentation, a tummy tuck, or a complete Mommy Makeover, Dr. Nakamura can help you to achieve the outcome of you want with a procedure tailored specifically for you.
ENTHUSIASTICALLY REFERRED
Almost from the beginning, Dr. Nakamura turned heads with the dramatic, yet natural-looking results he accomplishes in plastic surgery and body contouring. Now with thousands of happy patients in his wake, most of the new patients he sees were referred to him. He also sees many repeat patients, so happy with the changes they’ve made that they’d like to do further tweaking.
FULLY ACCREDITED
Accent on You Plastic Surgery Center is a fully accredited, free-standing surgery center with at least five nurses in the building to assist with the care of patients and their families. When you call with questions before or after your surgery, a nurse or nurse coordinator is readily available to answer your call and relay your questions of concerns to Dr. Nakamura. “As I’m only steps
away, you will get the answers you need quickly,” he said.
HIGHLY PERSONALIZED CARE
Dr. Nakamura patiently walks each patient through treatment options, including likely outcomes and any potential risks and complications of surgery. All services are specialized and individual for each patient. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere enables patients to carefully consider their options, so they know the decisions they make are the right ones for them.
MED SPA SERVICES
(817) 417-7200 AccentOnYou.com
In addition to plastic surgery procedures of the breast and body, Dr. Nakamura also oversees Accent on Your Med Spa offering excellence in chemical peels, fillers, facials, lash extensions, microdermabrasion, microneedling, CoolScuplting, and physician grade skincare products.
MEET DR. NAKAMURA
A graduate of the University of Texas, Dr. Nakamura completed med school
at UTMB Galveston, his internship and residency training at LSU School of Medicine, Charity Hospital New Orleans and residency training in plastic surgery at UTMB Galveston. Dr. Nakamura is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Society Medical Association, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and Texas Medical Association and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
When not on the job, Dr. Nakamura enjoys playing golf, skiing, reading, and playing the piano. A fi rm believer in giving back, he supports Locks of Love, Boys and Girls Club, The Make a Wish Foundation, and other worthy causes. Ask him about his greatest accomplishment though and he doesn’t hesitate, “It has been watching my son and daughter grow into adults I love and admire.”
Dr. Nakamura is now accepting new patients.
Arlington Pain & Therapy provides a full range of treatment options and services for patients suffering from chronic and acute pain. Our highly skilled team offers a wide range of treatments, from conservative pain management to the most advanced minimally invasive procedures to help our patients get back to their everyday activities as quickly as possible and without heavy reliance on medications. Our goal is to reduce pain to its lowest possible level and limit the impact it has on the lives of patients we serve.
817-419-6111
At Arlington Pain & Therapy we are committed to "Redefining Pain and Getting You Back to the Good Life." Take the first step toward relief and contact us today!
MOUSTAFA YOUSSEF, MD AND IMAD I. AHMAD, MD
DIGESTIVE HEALTH ASSOCIATES OF TEXAS
Digestive tract problems can be a real pain in the gut. If chronic gastrointestinal issues have been plaguing you, don’t hesitate to seek the help of experienced, board certified specialists who offer tremendous knowledge, skill, and precision in comprehensive GI care and stateof-the-art treatments. Dr. Moustafa Youssef and Dr. Imad Ahmad are experienced physician team members of the renowned Digestive Health Associates of Texas (DHAT), providing their patients with a compassionate, hands-on approach to GI support.
MEET DR. YOUSSEF
Specially trained in IBD including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, Dr. Youssef is passionate about using different methods to help his patients.
“I practice personalized medicine,” he explains. “I use a comprehensive approach and consider alternative remedies before suggesting surgery.” Multiple approaches to GI issues like IBS can be improved by using natural products found on grocery store shelves. “I utilize simple recipes for patients to make at home with these easyto-find products.” Probiotics are added to improve GI health.
Dr. Youssef specializes in upper, lower, and capsule endoscopy. He uses an upper endoscope to perform the nonsurgical outpatient TIF procedure that targets and relieves chronic acid reflux. For screening colonoscopies, both Dr. Youssef and Dr. Ahmad offer DHAT’s Direct Access program. For
CONTACT
309 Regency Parkway, Suite 201
Mansfield, Texas 76063
(817) 877-0888
Fax: (817) 877-5039
DHAT.com
BY MELISSA
patients ages 50 and above, a colonoscopy can be scheduled simply by dialing a direct phone number. The doctors encourage patients to be proactive by utilizing this convenient system.
Board certified in both gastroenterology and internal medicine, Dr. Youssef enjoys the outdoors for leisure and loves fishing and traveling. He and his wife, Nesma, have two children, Hana and Yahya.
MEET DR. AHMAD
Originally from Pakistan, Dr. Ahmad quickly adapted to the technological field of medicine.
“Foreign graduates have a more complex background and improved skill set when they transition to the U.S.,” he says. Fluent in five languages, he is always working to improve his knowledge and skills. “I’m nuts about technology,” he says, confessing, “At age 41, I still play video games!” He explains the 3D resolution of the games helps develop good hand/eye coordination
for performing intricate procedures. Dr. Ahmad’s ultimate goal is to take care of and connect with patients, be it through laughter or tender compassion. He believes there’s truth in the adage “laughter is the best medicine,” as it can provide a therapeutic quality for patients.
Although he treats a large breadth of gastrointestinal disorders, Dr. Ahmad specializes in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and ERCP—a focused EUS using a unique scope to view the pancreas through the bile duct—allowing him to remove stones and lesions if necessary. He is the only physician in Mansfield that performs this procedure, often being referred by other physicians in the area.
Married to a rheumatologist, Dr. Ahmad and his wife have three young children. A highly-skilled physician, he is board certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine and has performed more than 2,000 procedures to date.
GAUTIER / PHOTO BY TRACY ALLARD
BY MEREDITH KNIGHT
said. “Then I’m blessed to see how happy and full their lives can become.”
TRINITY BARIATRIC INSTITUTE
DAVID C. DYSLIN, MD, FACS, FASMBS
As early as junior high school, David Dyslin knew he wanted to be a surgeon. Now, he spends his days extending the lives and improving life quality of his bariatric patients. “Bariatric surgery enables me to offer men and women the opportunity to lead healthier, fuller, more productive lives by taking their health into their own hands,” he
Dr. Dyslin began his surgery training at a time when open surgery was the norm and helped pioneer laparoscopic bariatric surgery and robotic surgery. “I feel like exposure to all three has made me a more skilled surgeon,” he said.
For Dr. Dyslin, the best part of any day is talking with his patients, getting to know them, and being a part of their weightloss/health-restoring process. Because each weight loss journey is unique, Dr. Dr. Dyslin offers laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, duodenal switch and bariatric revision surgery, including lap band removal or conversion.
Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Dyslin also performs robotic surgery and abdominal wall reconstruction for hernia repair as well as laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery right here in Southeast Tarrant County. “I couldn’t do what I do without an outstanding team including my office staff, dietician, licensed counselor, and my OR team who give their best to my patients every day,” he said.
INTRODUCING OBALON GASTRIC BALLOON
.com
Dr. Dyslin’s patients are achieving dramatic weight loss with the innovative Obalon gastric balloon procedure. The Obalon is the fi rst and only swallowable FDA-approved 3-balloon system for weight loss offering
effective weight loss without the need for surgery, long recovery, or scarring. “The balloons remain inside the patient for six months and are removed endoscopically after that point,” Dr. Dyslin said. “With proper diet and exercise, patients are losing an average of 20-30 pounds.”
LINX® REFLUX MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) can greatly affect your quality of life or make you dependent on over-the-counter and prescription medications, just to fi nd relief. Dr. Dyslin is now offering his patients a flexible bracelet—approximately the size of a quarter—that can be implanted laparoscopically around their esophagus. Once there, it strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter—the muscle that allows food to enter and remain in the stomach, encouraging food to stay in the stomach. Dr. Dyslin’s LINX patients are experiencing immediate relief from GERD symptoms.
A fi rm believer in giving back, Dr. Dyslin participates in medical mission trips to Haiti and Nicaragua and attends meetings to improve care in resource-limited environments. “These activities always remind me how blessed we are to live in Texas and of our obligation to share our time and talent with those less fortunate.” Dr. Dyslin is now accepting new patients.
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GLORIA STRICKLAND
I had gained 30 pounds in the last year and felt very tired and experiencing sleepless nights. Diet Solution Centers was the answer! Heather and Celeste made my mission fun and easy. I met my goal in only 12 weeks! I lost 33 pounds and 9 inches off my waist! I am full of energy and sleeping great. I tell everyone about DSC! Thank you!!
Dr. Sandi Hamm Offers:
• Teeth Whitening (At Home or In Office)
• Checkup & Hygiene Care
• Porcelain Crowns/Veneers
• Dental Implant Restorations
• Invisalign (Invisible Braces)
• White Fillings/Cosmetic Bonding
• Teeth Grinding Relief
• Gum Disease Therapy
• Smile Makeovers
• Snoring Relief
(Not your ordinary Dental Team!)
Everyone wants to have a smile they feel good about, no matter their age, gender, profession, or circumstance.
Understanding that simple fact has allowed Dr. Sandi Hamm to provide not only exceptional results, but also a pleasing experience.
So whatever the story may be...
Dr. Sandi Hamm would like to be a part of yours.
Kristin Bradford Patient of Dr. Sandi Hamm
Helping you prevent heart disease is our primary goal at Havard Heart. Whether you already have heart disease or are interested in reducing your risk of having the first heart attack or stroke, aggressive preventative measures are needed. Preventive cardiology focuses on risk factor modification with a combination of lifestyle improvements, state- of- the- art cardiovascular testing and medical therapy where appropriate. Havard Heart is a comprehensive preventative and diagnostic cardiology practice where you can learn not only about treating heart disease but actually helping reduce your own risk of developing heart disease. Call today to find out how Havard Heart can work with you to keep your heart beating in perfect harmony.
Holding Pattern
It’s officially autumn, but our signature Texas heat means that it can feel a little bit like being trapped between seasons while we wait for summer to fully give way to the cooler temps we’re all waiting for. In the meantime, we’ve tried to strike a balance with some cooler looks that still elicit the feeling of fall, thanks to some seasonally suitable patterns and colors.
Gianni Bini | $109
Abby Floral Print V-Neck Bishop
Sleeve Smocked Waist Blouse
Floral
Paisley
Lauren Ralph Lauren | $135
Print Georgette Mock Neck
Sheer Long Bishop Sleeve Top
Sugarlips | $69
Print Mock Neck Ruffle
Shoulder Peasant Blouse
Gianni Bini | $109
Molly Asymmetrical Hem Ruched
Leopard Print Chiffon Skirt
People | $98
Rainbow Dreams Cotton Blend
Stripe Wide Long Balloon Sleeve Top
Vince Camuto | $99
Long Sleeve Batwing Smocked Cuff Houndstooth Blouse
EXPERIENCE THE FASCINATING Po ibilities
Womens Hair Design
Specializing in Cut and Color
Relaxer s
Extentions/Hair Dreams System
Extentions/Sew-in System
Custom Wigs
Ker atin Smoothing
anything but ROUTINE
ONE WOMAN’S REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAMMOGRAM KICKS OFF A JOURNEY INTO THE UNKNOWN BY ANNETTE BROOKS
IT TOOK A WHILE TO ACTUALLY
SAY IT OUT LOUD. INSTEAD, I HAD A “MALIGNANCY” OR “A CLUSTER OF ABNORMAL CELLS.” FINALLY, WHEN I COULD SIMPLY STATE THAT I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH INVASIVE
BREAST CANCER, IT WAS, SURPRISINGLY, A RELIEF. MAYBE MORE OF AN ACCEPTANCE.
Abnormalities were discovered during my routine 3D screening mammogram, before symptoms appeared and before a lump could be felt. Initially and throughout the ordeal I tried to focus on the positives. I found comfort in the fact that I hadn’t put off getting the routine screening mammogram, but truth be told, I had postponed them in the past for reasons that seemed insignificant now. It had been easy to come up with them then—too busy with work, helping family members—basically taking care of everyone else but myself, which is something most women are familiar with.
And although you hear that a woman’s chances of having invasive breast cancer in her lifetime are one in eight, and about the importance of catching breast cancer early while it’s most treatable, you think, “hey, this happens to other women, not me.” Or you just shelve it away somewhere in a nice little mental compartment and tell yourself you’ll get to it when you can.
Yet all the positivity I was trying to project was overshadowed by my fear of the unknown. While waiting for the biopsy results, I would awaken throughout the night, my mind racing through all sorts of scenarios. When the call finally came, I learned I had a small, non-aggressive cancer (hooray for lazy cancer!) in one breast and a lump that was most likely benign in the other. This gave me lots of much-needed hope, but I wouldn’t know if the cancer had spread to any lymph nodes until after surgery.
The next step was to find a breast surgeon, but really, how do you choose? It’s such a significant decision to make during a time when your emotions are scattered all over the place. I had to collect myself and focus. Ultimately, I selected a breast surgeon with great credentials who had been diagnosed with breast cancer herself at an early age. Her level of commitment to helping her patients fight the good fight was as extraordinary as I suspected. After the consultation, I felt completely comfortable with my decision and walked out of her office feeling more at ease and in greater control of my destiny.
Some of the first words I uttered during my consultation with my breast surgeon were, to put it bluntly, “Cut them off! They need to go.” I was sure she heard it all the time. She carefully explained that with early stage breast cancer the overall survival rate
A few days following surgery my husband and I headed to a condo in the White Mountains where I could relax and heal, with an okay from my surgeon. Then came the post-op pathology results. My stomach churned as I took the call that would give me the results during lunch at a local café. Was the benign mass actually cancerous? Had the cancer in the other breast spread beyond into the tissue margins around the lump, meaning more surgery? Had the cancer spread to the lymph nodes? Fortunately, the answers to all these questions were no. A couple of weeks later the results from a genomic test arrived. Good fortune was once again on my side. A low score indicated the benefits of chemotherapy wouldn’t outweigh the risks. Only radiation therapy would be necessary. I could finally relax.
YET ALL THE POSITIVITY I WAS TRYING TO PROJECT WAS OVERSHADOWED BY MY FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN.
Today, I remain extraordinarily grateful that God has granted me a new lease on life. My journey through recovery as a survivor isn’t over, but at least I have that luxury. Although you hear this so often it has almost become cliché, early detection and treatment saves lives. It surely saved mine. And believe me, it’s not so cliché when it’s your life hanging in the balance. So please, if you are due or past due for a screening mammogram, make an appointment today. It took me around an hour, including drive time, to get a noninvasive, life-saving imaging test. Isn’t the rest of your life worth that?
give it a SHOT
OCTOBER IS THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR FOR IMMUNIZATION AGAINST THE FLU
BY DAVID BUICE
For Texans, fall brings an abundance of wonderful things. Cooler weather, football, pumpkin patches, Halloween, and Thanksgiving are a few of the season’s delights.
Unfortunately, fall is also flu season, and infection can mean several days of fever, aches, pains, and overall misery— and in some extreme cases, hospitalization or even death. Usually, less than half of the United States population elects to receive a flu shot each year. If you’re among the hesitant, here are a few answers to some common questions.
WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO GET A SHOT?
It takes up to two weeks to build up immunity after being vaccinated, and medical authorities such as the CDC recommend getting your shot before the end of October. However, you can still protect yourself against late flu outbreaks if you get a shot later.
WHO SHOULD GET A FLU SHOT?
Just about everyone six months old or older should get the flu vaccine every year. Immunization is especially important for children up to five years old, pregnant women, adults 65 and older, people with underlying health conditions, and those living in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE PROTECTION?
Vaccine effectiveness varies, but on average it tends to be about 60 percent effective for adults 18 to 64 and somewhat less for those 65 and older.
SHOULD I GET A SHOT EVERY YEAR?
Yes! Because flu viruses evolve so quickly, last year’s vaccine may not afford protection against this year’s viruses. Manufacturers produce new vaccines yearly to keep up with rapidly adapting flu viruses. Also, the effectiveness of the antibodies the body produces after getting your shot may decline over time, which is another reason for getting a yearly vaccination.
IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE SHOT?
A nasal spray vaccine has been approved for those between two and 49 years old. The spray is not recommend for those 50 and older, pregnant women, children aged two to 17 who are taking certain medications (consult your doctor), and people with weakened immune systems.
CAN THE VACCINE GIVE ME THE FLU?
No! Because the vaccines use a weakened or dead version of the flu virus, they cannot make you sick. However, some may experience muscle aches and a slight fever for a day or two after vaccination, a possible side effect of your body’s production of protective antibodies. If despite immunization you still get sick, the CDC recommends staying home as long as you have a fever and for 24 hours after you’ve become free of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
strong in THE TOOTH
YOUR TEETH HAVE NATURAL SUPER POWERS—THEY JUST NEED A LITTLE REGULAR CARE
BY SAMANTHA GLUCK
It’s true that a genuine smile has an almost mystical power to transform the hearts and minds of people in a room—and healthy teeth are a big part of that beautiful smile. Teeth also allow us to eat and speak properly, so it’s important to care for them.
DO TEETH HAVE WAYS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES?
You bet they do! Enamel covers the outside of your teeth and it’s second only to diamond in strength. Despite this incredible strength, neglect of the enamel is the fastest way to diminish its powerful protection of the tooth’s interior structure, called dentin.
Failing to care for the super strong enamel covering your teeth is like giving kryptonite to Superman. It becomes weak and vulnerable to the opportunistic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) that constantly attempts to breach this resilient barrier. When bacteria penetrate your tooth enamel, a cavity begins to form, which permanently damages it and may lead to infection.
Most people wouldn’t ever guess the other way teeth protect themselves. It’s with saliva. A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that saliva plays an active role in protecting teeth from cavity causing bacteria. Rather than kill the bacteria, your saliva keeps it suspended in its gel-like form, greatly reducing its ability to attack the teeth.
6 WAYS TO GIVE YOUR TEETH SOME SUPPORT
Although your teeth seem to have some pretty impressive self-protective abilities, they still need your help. Harness your inner superpowers to care for your beautiful, natural teeth:
Push away sugary and acidic foods. Sugary foods promote tooth decay and too much acidic food results in damage to tooth enamel.
Resist very chewy or hard foods. Chewy foods tire out your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). And watch out for very hard foods, which can actually alter your bite structure over time.
Lift that drinking water. Carry a water bottle with you and stay hydrated all day. Water dislodges food from your teeth and rinses away substances that may stain your smile.
Brush and floss twice a day. Brushing and flossing are simple tasks yet powerful tools for protecting the health of your natural teeth. Remember, twice a day, every day.
Protect teeth from injury. Shield your teeth from injury by always wearing a mouthguard when playing contact sports.
See your mouth’s best friend, your dentist, twice a year. Visit your dentist twice annually for a checkup and professional cleaning.
Be a superhero by helping your natural teeth stay healthy. And don’t forget to smile. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
THE FLOYD RESIDENCE NEAR AUSTIN, TEXAS
NEXT generation
NOW A DAD HIMSELF, AN ARCHITECT’S SON REBUILDS HIS FATHER’S HOME FOR HIS OWN FAMILY
PROJECT BY DAVE FAZIO OF FAZIO ARCHITECTS, WITH JASON FLOYD
BUILT BY MARK MOULCKERS
INTERIOR DECORATION BY RYAN VAN HORN-ZAKOTNIK OF VZ ABODE
ORIGINALLY OWNED BY LOCAL ARCHITECT ROBERT NEWTON FLOYD
PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESCRIPTIONS COURTESY OF FAZIO ARCHITECTS
When local architect Robert Floyd’s cedar plank home burned down to the slab more than ten years ago, he drew up plans to rebuild it, but passed away before any progress could be made. He left the property to his son, Jason, who decided to partner with Dave Fazio—Robert’s friend of more than 30 years—and create a new place to live that honored the original home. “This land holds a lot of beautiful, tragic, and complicated memories,” says Ashley, Jason’s wife.
“The imprint was already there. We tried to channel Robert and honor his legacy to design a home that he would have designed—or at least approved of. It was a family affair, Jason’s past and present, and his father’s past and present,” Fazio says. The house was built to fit naturally into its wooded surroundings. “The screened-in porch is our favorite area of the house,” Ashley says. “The wrap-around balcony has the best view, and it connects the inside and the outside.”
WE WANTED A COMFORTABLE, INVITING, WARM LOOK WITH MODERN LINES
“We wanted a comfortable, inviting, warm look with modern lines that fit into the surroundings, since we’re in the woods,” says Jason’s wife Ashley. “We have two young kids, so we wanted it to be beautiful but not scary if they brought juice into the living room.”
“They considered everything,” Jason says, “including the angles of the sun and not having to use a ton of electricity to cool down the house. The place is two-and-a-half times larger than our old house, but has the same electric bill.”
“It is almost surreal to be back here raising our boys, watching them navigate and explore the land where I made my
childhood memories and met my wife. I feel beyond blessed to be back here with my own family, in a house Ashley and I created together knowing it would be our forever home,” Jason says.
ABOUT THE ARCHITECT:
FAZIO Architects of Austin believes that each proj ect is a summation of the client’s vision guided by the parameters of function, budget, and the characteristics of the site. They are committed to enhancing and protecting both the cultural and natural environments of the communities they serve.
FAZIOArchitects.com
home RUN
AROUND-THE-HOUSE TASKS YOU CAN QUICKLY GET KNOCKED OUT IN A WEEKEND
While home maintenance isn’t the most glamorous part of home ownership, you’ll be amazed at how many chores you can knock out in a weekend with just a little hustle! You might be out of breath when you’re done, but you’ll find that the place is cleaner, more accessible, and in good working order.
START SMALL.
Tackle the junk drawer—set a timer for fifteen minutes and go for it! Put important documents in the file cabinet and trash those old PEZ dispensers and fridge magnets. You will wonder why you didn’t do it years ago.
CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTERS.
Air filters are an important part of keeping your home’s central heat and air running properly. Take the time to swap out dirty air filters every three months. Save the sizes on your phone so you know what you need.
WRAP INSULATION AROUND OUTDOOR WATER PIPES.
Don’t let DFW’s mild winters fool you into believing you don’t have to take precautions against frozen pipes. While you’re at it, unhook and drain your water hoses before freezing temperatures arrive.
CLEAN BEHIND THE REFRIGERATOR.
Cleaning behind and underneath your refrigerator can prolong its life. Unplug the fridge and clean any dust build-up on the condenser coils if they are accessible on your model.
CLEAN THE GARBAGE DISPOSAL.
To freshen your sink area, grab some disposal cleaning tablets, or go with the old baking soda and vinegar trick followed by a flush with hot water. A little lemon peel never hurts, either!
CLEAN YOUR WASHING MACHINE’S DRAIN.
Soap residue, clothing fibers, and general gunk can build up in your machine, damaging its lifespan. Find the drain and clear it out!
TOUCH UP CHIPPING PAINT.
Baseboards get scuffed and walls get dinged. Grab that extra paint from your garage and do a quick touch-up on the affected spots.
GET YOUR GUTTERS CLEANED.
Unless you’re a particularly audacious DIYer, this is probably the item on this list best left to the pros, and it is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your home. When gutters aren’t cleaned at least once a year, debris can allow water to back up, causing damage or leaks. Get them cleaned out!
THINK ABOUT YOUR GUESTS.
With the holidays on the way, you may likely be welcoming both the very young and the not-so-young alike into your home. Consider how you can care for them by making things more safe and accessible, from installing a safety bar in the shower or picking up some safety latches to simply finding places to move rugs so toddlers or people with walkers or wheelchairs can get around better.
A travel writer reflects on her journey during Global Diversity Awareness Month BY JENNIFER SIMONSON
S CULTIVATING CULTURAL COMPASSION
OCIAL STUDIES WAS ALWAYS MY FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL. I LOVED LEARNING ABOUT FAR-AWAY PLACES, HOW PEOPLE LIVED ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GLOBE, THE WAYS OUR CULTURES WERE DIFFERENT. IT SPARKED A LIFELONG DESIRE TO EXPLORE THE WORLD.
My travels have taken me to a small mountain village in Peru where a group of women showed me how they used bugs and plants to dye their clothes before serving me a traditional Peruvian delicacy—Guinea pig. I once spent an evening in a Moroccan cafe talking with a young Muslim woman about her experiences with online dating, and how she believes that God doesn’t care if she covers her head, but she does it anyway to show respect to her parents. On a street corner in Havana I met an aging musician who says he doesn’t agree with American politics, but he loves American people and hopes the two countries can become friends again soon. I watched the evening news in a living room in Nicaragua as news of Ronald Reagan’s death broke. The man who owned the house, still scarred with bullet holes from the Contra War of the 1980s, simply said “I lost a lot of friends because of that man,” before turning away to fix dinner for me.
As Americans we are told certain parts of the world are safe to travel, while we are warned against other parts. Despite this guidance, I have run into anti-American sentiment in places that are generally accepted to be all clear. And in countries with many warnings—with different religions, political systems, places where poverty runs rampant—I have felt quite welcome. By and large, when I travel I am treated like a guest. People are patient with my stilted language as I strike up conversations in markets, at bus stops, by beaches, and on street corners. They’re excited to talk about their culture with a foreign person, and they’re usually curious about who I am and where I come from.
I try to take that attitude home with me. I try to be open, curious, and respectful of other people’s cultures.
Not just with people who are visiting my country, but with those in my own community that I might be inclined to stereotype because they have different opinions, a different background, or believe in a different way of life than I do.
As a travel writer, people sometimes ask me for tips. My main piece of advice is just to try and see how people live, at least for a day. Go to the countryside, check out the villages, eat at the local places. Strike up a conversation with anyone around you. Ask them about their life, their family, their culture. Ask them about dating and about food. Try to understand that they’re people, just like you, with the same wishes, fears, curiosities.
Travel has taught me that my assumptions and preconceptions about other people are usually wrong. It has taught me to question those who seem to mean well while they’re telling me which people and what places and what ideas to fear. It has taught me to love my country even more deeply—not just because I was born here, but because I can see it clearly contrasted against other cultures.
Understanding others has taught me not to fear the world around me, but to explore it with an open heart. Truly understanding your next-door neighbor—or someone halfway across the world—starts not with an assumption but a conversation.
care GIVER
MY RETREAT TO THE SANDY SHORES OF PLAYA DEL CARMEN
BY BRANDON DAIKER
There is a small gecko hanging out on the floor of my supposedly private palapa-style bungalow at the Mahekal Beach Resort (sounds kinda like magical) in Playa del Carmen. It is improbably beautiful lodging in an improbably beautiful place. No wonder it’s attracted a literal lounge lizard. I, on the other hand, am flying solo because we’re doing an issue on “care” and I’m a new father in search of some me time. Two weeks before my flight I break my wrist and our drain line blows up. Yep I’ll take that care now please.
The people all over the resort call me Señor Brandon and my room number is easy to remember, because it is 5. All of the rooms have little outdoor areas, some adorned with hammocks. There is a cigar bar and a place to paint pottery, and a few pools. I have a water fountain outside my room that is just for washing my feet. I can see the ocean from my bed. There is no TV and I don’t need one. I sit on the patio and drink an IPA from Cervecería Allende in San Miguel. The beach is buzzing. It’s Friday night and I could get used to this.
I am whisked away to a special lobster dinner at the on-site beach-front Zapotewood-fired eatery Fuego. Partway through my gastronomical annihilation of this smoky and delicious creature, I am beckoned steps down the beach to witness the release of more than two hundred little baby sea turtles. The sweet sounds of live acoustic music fill the air as they get washed out to sea. In my mind I imagine their tiny screams, “eeeeee!”
After dinner, an unfamiliar question. What do I do when responsible for nothing and nobody but myself? There is a bottle of local mezcal on my table, secretly delivered. I avail myself of it while having a sit in my private pool. I amble along the
shore and feel the still-warm sand stick to my feet like Fun Dip as the booming bass of beachfront clubs sails through the air. Is this me time? I open the doors of my bungalow and let the warm breeze roll in, acknowledging this exotic experience by reading a few pages of an old paperback copy of Moonraker in my dimly-lit room and polishing off my mezcal. After Bond tells M about Hugo Drax I pull the sheet up and look at the clock. It is 9:45 and I am living very large.
The next morning I plunk a Nespresso pod into the machine then sit on the patio and watch the sun come up as I sip my coffee. Then a most disheartening thought washes into my brain like a little baby sea turtle. I wish my family was here. Gah! I am here to escape the tribulations of the daily grind, to dodge my daughter’s endless needs and my relentless list of household obligations! And yet.
I head to Las Olas (the waves) for fresh fruit and a mushroom quesadilla they grill right in front of me. At the resort’s spa, I wear a fluffy robe and soak in the circular jacuzzi pool. After, they give me an hour-long massage that nearly fuses my soul with the table. Marbella puts weird crystals in my hands and works around the metal-reinforced brace strapped to my left forearm.
I grab a ride up to Plaza las Americas to catch a flick. As I approach the counter to buy my ticket I try to seem like I know what I am doing and act like I belong here. I am barely able to yammer out enough Spanish to buy the ticket. I am wearing swim trunks. There are lots of families with little children. I look at them and remember my own. Gah!
Eventually I sink into the chair and watch as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in this latest installment of the Rápidos y Furiosos
A TOAST TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN AND MAHEKAL, WHICH HAVE PROVIDED ME WITH MORE TIME TO CARE FOR MYSELF THAN I’VE FULLY UNDERSTOOD WHAT TO DO WITH.
series somehow attaches a giant chain to a helicopter and prevents it from flying away while standing atop a moving vehicle which he is grabbing with one arm while holding the chain in the other. He screams loudly! But seems fine afterwards.
On Sunday morning I shower then head down Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) past rows of shops selling cigars, lunch bites, travel services, jewelry, and crafts. At the end of the street I walk into an Old Navy just to wander around under the air conditioning.
Later that night my kind hosts welcome me for a “toes in the sand” dinner. On the beach there is one table with one chair, set just back from the shore. As the sun starts to sink in the distance, I notice locals casting glances in my direction. How many fancy dinners does James Bond eat alone? I feast on giant shrimp, tomato bisque, polenta, cinnamon ice cream. They pop a bottle of champagne. I drink the whole thing, trying to figure out if this is the first time I’ve done it.
I raise my glass to the beach in front of me, a toast to Playa del Carmen and Mahekal, which have provided me with more time to care for myself than I’ve fully understood what to do with. It’s been refreshing being alone but as I wrap up my last night in Mexico sin mi familia , I reckon with the truth—caring for myself doesn’t have to mean being by myself.
Back in the room, I notice the gecko parked on the windowsill. Is it gazing at the moon? I take a glance too. It doesn’t feel as weird if we’re doing it together.
THE HEALING STARTS
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BY ANNETTE BROOKS
Hungry In Hungary
An unplanned experience creates lasting autumn memories
There’s something special about spurof-the-moment plans that create an unforgettable experience. One of the highlights of my visit to Budapest, Hungary began with an impromptu excursion through the city’s expansive neogothic Central Market Hall. The first floor was a sight to behold, with rows of shops and stalls brimming with beautifully displayed produce, prepared meats, cheeses, spices (heavy on the paprika, of course), Hungarian spirits, and merchandise such as aprons and wooden spoons. Leaving the market on a foodie high, my husband and I signed up for a halfday local cooking class.
Being the first to arrive at the class gave us time to hang out with our instructor, Brigitte. After showing us around the kitchen, she invited us to enjoy an aperitif of cherry pálinka, a Hungarian fruit brandy with origins traced back to Transylvania. It was well before noon, but we were in Budapest. Why not? As our noses flared from the shot, she joked that pálinka should be consumed away from an open flame. We felt connected with her and with this 1,100-year-old country—located more than 5,600 miles from Texas.
Once all the class members had arrived, we began chopping, shredding, and cooking. On the menu was goulash (akin to vegetable beef soup), chicken paprikash, spaetzle, and apple strudel—all made from scratch except the phyllo sheets for the strudel. As the soup simmered, we began preparing the paprikash with its colorful, aromatic sauce, following Brigitte’s guidance and tips.
Freshly grated apples joined sugar and cinnamon. After painting melted butter onto paper-thin sheets of phyllo dough, we squeezed as much of the apple juice as possible from the shredded fruit before filling the pastry. Brigitte poured the left over cinnamon and sugar-laced juice into tiny glasses and we toasted to good food and meeting new friends. Naturally, another shot of brandy was in order after this. As we cooked, laughed, and shared stories fueled by pálinka, I watched my smiling husband make the spaetzle dough and push it through a strainer perched atop a pot of boiling water. He had never looked so happy cooking before.
We dined family style at a big wooden table with Brigitte and our fellow “chefs,” toasting our culinary prowess with a glass of Hungarian wine. After hugs and farewells, we left via taxi with a cookbook and apron to commemorate the experience.
Back home, as the leaves in the woods behind our house became tinged with autumn color, we prepared the same chicken paprikash recipe using paprika we brought back. Each bite of this hearty dish returned us to the Hungarian kitchen and the experience we shared.
simply SATISFYING
There’s no better way to care for someone than to whip up a batch of feel-good comfort food that might just conjure up some childhood memories
CLASSIC VEGETABLE SOUP
MAKES: 12 BOWLS | TIME: 1 HOUR
INGREDIENTS:
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cups thinly sliced onions
1 cup sliced celery
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
4 cans (14.5 ounce) vegetable broth
1 can (28 ounce) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
8 cups mixed cut fresh or frozen vegetables of your choice
salt and pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
HEAT oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and Italian seasoning, season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent, 5 to 8 minutes.
ADD broth, tomatoes and their juice, and tomato paste to pot, bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 20 minutes.
ADD vegetables to pot, and return to a simmer. Cook uncovered until vegetables are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as desired. Let cool before storing extra.
BEST WHEN FRESH:
Serve warm with butter and a light sprinkle of sea salt.
INGREDIENTS: 1 Tbsp. active dry yeast | 1 Tbsp. sugar | 1 Tbsp. salt | 2 cups warm water | About 5½ to 6 cups all-purpose flour | flour for dusting | boiling water
INSTRUCTIONS: IN A LARGE BOWL , mix together the yeast, sugar, salt, and water. Let stand until the yeast is dissolved. Gradually add the flour to the liquid and mix thoroughly until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Put the dough onto a floured surface to knead. KNEAD the dough with the heels of your hands, rotating 90 degrees between kneads, and dusting with flour as needed to prevent sticking. LET the dough rest while you clean and grease the mixing bowl, then knead for 2 more minutes and return the dough to the bowl. Cover with a damp towel and leave on the counter for 2 hours to rise. ONCE RISEN, punch down the dough and briefly knead for a moment to remove air bubbles. Shape into a Frenchstyle loaf, then place on a cookie sheet and sprinkle very lightly with flour. Let rest for 5 minutes. Lightly slash the top of the loaf and brush with cold water. POUR an inch of boiling water into a roasting pan on the bottom rack of the oven. Place baking pan with loaf on middle rack. Bake at 400˚F for 35 to 45 minutes until loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
PERFECT CHOCOLATE PUDDING
MAKES: 4 PUDDINGS TIME: 10 MINUTES PREP + COOLING TIME
INGREDIENTS: 1/3 cup flour | ¾ cup sugar | ¼ tsp. salt | 1 cup milk | 4 egg yolks | 1¼ cup cocoa powder | 1 tsp vanilla | 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
INSTRUCTIONS: IN A HEAVY SAUCEPAN , combine flour, sugar, salt, and cocoa. Mix well, then place saucepan on cook top. Over medium heat, gradually stir in water and milk until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. WHISK egg yolks in a separate bowl, then slowly add yolks to saucepan and bring to a boil, whisking constantly until thickened. REMOVE pan from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Allow pudding to cool about 5 minutes. Divide evenly between custard cups and refrigerate until ready to serve. TIPS & TRICKS: Top chocolate pudding with whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles or a fresh sprig of mint for added taste and texture.
A SMATTERING of stuff
THAT’S MAKING US SAY “WE LIKE IT!” THIS MONTH
IN THE BAG
Though we can’t recommend using it to go trick-or-treating, this mini saddle bag from Cuyana is making waves as worn by the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, who was spotted carrying it on a royal tour of Australia.
$225, VARIOUS COLORS AT CUYANA.COM
HERBACIOUS
In celebration of our carethemed issue, why not giving your skin a little extra attention? Try the traditional herbal goods in the Holistic Introduction Collection from the Brooklyn Herborium, which are all handmade and bottled in small batches without all the bad stuff and with plenty of good stuff.
$96, BETWEENYOUANDTHEMOON.COM
A NICE KOMBO
Though the heat of summer slowly gives way to fall, we’re not out of the woods yet—consider cooling off with a handcrafted hard kombucha from Flying Embers, a sparkling probiotic tea in a variety of flavors that have a natural sweetness with zero sugar and just 85 calories.
$14/FOUR PACK, 16 OUNCE CANS, FIND RETAILERS AT FLYINGEMBERS.COM
A CUT ABOVE
Few pieces of home decor are as critical to holiday cheer as the noble jack-olantern, and rather than handing your kids flimsy supermarket tools again this year, try picking up a nicer quality set from an outfit like Elmchee, which offers all you’ll need in one handy package.
$18, AMAZON.COM
HEAD OF THE CLASS
Stop down this month now that your kids are back to school and recognize the important work being done by teachers all over the planet in honor of World Teachers’ Day, recognized since 1994, which focuses on “appreciating, assessing, and improving the educators of the world.”
OCTOBER 5, UNESCO.ORG
e grass
withers
& the owers fade, but the word of the Lord stands forever
