River Oaks, TX January 2026 by City Lifestyle

The Health & Wellness Issue

JA N UA RY 2 02 6

THEY PERSONALIZE MY PRIMARY CARE Your Houston Methodist primary care physician takes the time to get to know you and your unique goals. That’s how we personalize your health care at one of more than 40 clinics throughout the Greater Houston area. And with same-day appointments, you can get the care you need, when you need it. That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it. For you.

Same-day appointments available houstonmethodist.org/pcg 713.441.7265

The Heights

10 610 Bellaire

59 West University

Texas Medical Center Southside Place

Taste the Savings Happy Hour, Happier You.

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2321 Claremont Ln - June 2026

DESIGN SMART. BUILD BETTER. LIVE EXCEPTIONALLY. Three luxury River Oaks homes in progress — shaped with intention, ready for your vision.

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Inspired for New Beginnings Each January offers a quiet moment to reset, breathe, and consider how we want to move into a new year. As 2026 begins, I’m reminded of how grateful I am to share this journey with you through the pages of River Oaks Lifestyle. This community continues to inspire me with its energy, creativity, and commitment to living well, and it is a privilege to begin another year together. Our Annual Health and Wellness Issue was curated with intention. Inside, you’ll find fresh ideas, thoughtful perspectives, and innovative approaches to whole-person wellness. From fitness and nutrition to mental clarity, emotional balance, and restorative practices, this edition was designed to support you as you shape the year ahead. My hope is that each story brings insight, encouragement, and a sense of possibility. The Inner Loop Area of Houston remains a true destination for elevated wellness experiences. The practitioners, studios, and experts highlighted in this issue represent some of the most forward-thinking voices in Houston’s health landscape. Their passion for helping others thrive is one of the reasons I love featuring them in this January edition. They bring depth, innovation, and heart to our community. A new year always feels like a blank canvas, inviting us to make intentional choices that align with who we want to become. Whether you’re embracing new goals or simply refining the rhythms that already serve you well, I hope this issue inspires you to move into 2026 with clarity, confidence, and renewed purpose. Thank you for welcoming River Oaks Lifestyle into your home each month. It is an honor to serve you, and I wish you a year filled with health, light, growth, and meaningful new beginnings.

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com M AN AG I N G E D I TO R

Gabi De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Kayla Bokemeyer | kayla.bokemeyer@citylifestyle.com SAL E S D I R E C TO R

Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T E X E C U T I VE

Jennifer Kahlden | jennifer.kahlden@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Arielle Alston | arielle.alston@citylifestyle.com SAL E S S U P P O RT C O O R D I N ATO R

Savannah Schakett INTERN

Antonio De la Rosa CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Allyson Straczek, Diane Cowen

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

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CONGRATULATIONS to Houston’s latest

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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

20 16 Featured

Healing and Hope in Houston

At the OCD Institute of Texas, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale turns her battle with OCD into helping others.

Health Meets Happy Hour

Best Regards introduces Houston’s first wellness-focused nightlife menu featuring low-calorie cocktails and macro-friendly dishes.

Ageless Beauty Made Easy

Houston Experts Share Wellness Essentials

Laura Geller shares three easy makeup tips to help mature skin glow, define, and stay fresh.

Start 2026 with new routines to cultivate healthy habits and achieve an intentional lifestyle.

On the Cover

Departments

Best Regards’ launches Houston’s first wellness-focused nightlife concept, highlighting its low calorie cocktails, macrofriendly dishes, and the growing demand for health minded options that support balance without sacrificing the social experience.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Expert Help HEALTH + WELLNESS

Healthy Lifestyle FOOD + BEVERAGE

Trend Setter BEAUTY

Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE

Local Limelight HEALTH + WELLNESS

Decor Trends HOME + DESIGN

Events

Must See WELLNESS

Photography: Ben Sassani

8560 Katy Freeway, Ste. 160 Houston, TX 77024 www.AceroBella.com 713.465.4800 Monday–Friday 8 am–5 pm by appointment

JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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ALEXANDER’S FINE PORTRAIT DESIGN

DANIEL ORTIZ

JACOB POWER

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1: Kelly Pyle, Nikki Denkler, Allison Burbach, Suzanne Gregory, Kittsie Klaes-Hance at the ‘Red Hot Gala.’ 2: Chairs Elizabeth & Alan Stein at the Houston Fire Fighters ‘Red Hot Gala.’ 3: Travis & Kathryn Boeker, Cassandra & Ryan Dalton at Children’s Museum Houston ‘Prom Night’ gala. 4: Michael & Jessica Bertuccio at the Children’s Museum Houston ‘Prom Night’ gala. 5: Brian & Nora Jarrard, Courtney & Zac Harmon at the Ronald McDonald House Charities ‘Boo Ball.’ 6: Tyler Kao, Mandy Kao, Ethan Kao at the Celebrity Paws gala. 7: Bette and Gala Honoree Ralph B. Thomas at the Lone Star Flight Museum’s Jet Setters Ball.

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© Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated. If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers.

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JANUARY 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Cistern Illuminated at the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) is pleased to announce the opening of Cistern Illuminated, a multi-sensory art experience transforming the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern into a transcendent spectacle of color, echo, and optical illusion. Visitors will be invited on a luminous journey through this underground infrastructural relic. Tours will be offered Wednesday through Sunday on the hour at 10 and 11 a.m. and 1, 2, 3, and 5 p.m., through January 18th.

Photography Courtesy Buffalo Bayou Partnership

Restaurant Lazy Lane Opens in Garden Oaks Lazy Lane, the newest concept from Doke Concepts (Heights & Co.), recently opened in the booming Garden Oaks / Oak Forest neighborhood. The new indoor-outdoor eatery is set to bring a fresh blend of refined flavor, effortless style and genuine hospitality to the heart of one of Houston’s laid-back, contemporary neighborhoods. Located at 923 Wakefield Dr., Lazy Lane boasts a natural aesthetic and day-to-night atmosphere, with an elevated yet approachable concept.

Photography by Brian Kennedy

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

CONTINUED >

See Clearly in 2026 Start the new year with healthy eyes and a fresh perspective. Your insurance benefits have renewed, making it the perfect time to schedule your annual eye exam or update your eyewear. Take the first step toward optimal vision today. Choose prevention and protect your vision.

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R OA KS

business monthly CONTINUED

Aligning Your Brand With the Right Audience is Key. For local business owners, we offer two publications to showcase your brand with the most affluent homeowners in these specific communities:

Louvre Couture at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Following on the Musée du Louvre’s landmark debut of Louvre Couture, its first-ever fashion exhibition, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, will present an adaptation of that show in November. Displaying the work of historic and contemporary fashion houses alongside masterworks from the MFAH collections, the Houston presentation also features several rare loans from the Louvre’s own holdings of historical decorative arts. The exhibition will be on view through March 15, 2026. Photography by Yannis Vlamos

With a combined readership of 167,000 we are masters at connecting you with the community and telling your story. Our partnership packages include print, digital, social media, editorial features, and networking events – all for one monthly rate.

832.655.4670 Suzanne.Schakett@citylifestyle.com 14

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Healing and Hope in Houston At the OCD Institute of Texas, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale turns her battle with OCD into helping others.

By the time Elizabeth McIngvale was twelve, life in her Houston home had begun to shift in ways no one could understand. “I was still functioning, still doing well in school,” she recalls. “Then, almost overnight, I started having intrusive thoughts and fears about my family’s safety, my faith, everything. I believed that if I didn’t do certain things a certain number of times, something terrible might happen.” What began as something quirky, but manageable quickly became paralyzing. Within two years, McIngvale was no longer attending school. She was homebound and consumed by obsessive rituals that took hours to complete. Her family, including her father, Houston furniture icon Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, searched the city’s medical community for help but found few answers. “We went to clinician after clinician in the Texas Medical Center,” she says. “Everywhere we went, we heard the same thing. They’d never seen a case as severe as mine.” Then, a moment of chance changed everything. One morning, her father opened the Houston Chronicle and read a story about the Menninger Clinic, which was then based in Topeka, Kansas. The article mentioned an OCD program. Within weeks, the McIngvales were on a plane. “That program changed and saved my life,” she says.

ARTICLE BY RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OCD INSTITUTE OF TEXAS

EXP E RT H E LP | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

At the OCD Program, McIngvale began working with a team that understood obsessive-compulsive disorder and wasn’t afraid of it. “They were confident, calm, and knew how to treat it,” she says. Through a behavioral therapy known as exposure and response prevention, she learned to confront her fears instead of obeying them. “Within days, I had hope. Within weeks, I knew I could get better.” After three months in residential treatment, she returned home to school, to friends, and to a future she had nearly lost. She would eventually earn her doctorate and return to the same program that saved her life. Menninger’s OCD unit closed and was reopened privately in Houston. In 2019,McIngvale stepped in to lead it. Today, she directs the OCD Institute of Texas, carrying on the same evidence-based model that gave her life back.

Dr. McIngvale (right) with her parents, "Mattress Mack" Jim and Linda McIngvale.

“I don’t see it as a business,” she says. “It’s a mission. We don’t treat patients as numbers or opportunities for profit. It’s about outcomes and impact, we truly run the program like that everyday.” That philosophy, rooted in empathy and science, mirrors her father’s unrelenting optimism. “My parents learned early that mental illness isn’t something you can just fix,” she says. “It’s something you manage with the right help.” The family’s openness

OCD Institute of Houston provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD, and related disorders.

Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, Director, OCD Institute of Texas

about her illness once drew scrutiny, but they never hesitated. “People told us not to talk about it publicly,” she says. “But my parents wanted our story to be able to help others going through similar situations.” Their willingness to share has done just that. Every week, people visit Gallery Furniture to tell Mattress Mack how his daughter’s journey encouraged them to seek help. “We hear it every day,” McIngvale says. “Families saying they finally understand OCD or that they got treatment because of our story.” Now one of only a handful of OCD-specific residential programs in the world, the OCD Institute of Texas treats up to 11 residential and seven day program patients at a time. For McIngvale, Houston is exactly where she’s meant to be. “This city has the biggest medical center in the world,” she says. “It should also have the best mental health care.” More than two decades after nearly losing everything, McIngvale is helping others reclaim their lives, too. “OCD is not an adjective,” she says. “It’s a chronic, debilitating condition, but with effective treatment, you can have freedom from it. I’m living proof.” ocditexas.com

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Advanced Therapies. Elevated Healing.

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LUNCH DAILY 11:30AM-3PM

Special

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ARTICLE BY RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN SASSANI

HEALTH M e e t s H a p py

HOUR “WE’VE SEEN A HUGE RESPONSE TO OUR SKINNY COCKTAIL MENU AND OUR MOCKTAILS. PEOPLE WANT OPTIONS THAT FEEL ELEVATED, WHETHER THAT’S LOWER-CALORIE OR ZERO-PROOF, AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT WE’RE GIVING THEM.” - MORGAN HANSEN

Best Regards in the Heights has launched Houston’s first wellness-driven nightlife experience, offering a full menu of low-calorie cocktails and macro-friendly dishes. The concept allows Houstonians to enjoy a night out without giving up their health goals. “At Best Regards, our mantra has always been work hard, play smart,” said owner and CEO Morgan Hansen. “We all push so hard in our day-today lives, and we deserve to indulge without losing the momentum of everything we’ve built during the week. That’s exactly what this menu is about.” CONTINUED >

BEST REGARDS INTRODUCES HOUSTON’S FIRST WELLNESS-FOCUSED NIGHTLIFE MENU FEATURING LOW-CALORIE COCKTAILS AND MACRO-FRIENDLY DISHES. 20

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Morgan Hansen owner of Best Regards. Photo by Sergio Luviano

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Empanadas

Photo by Brian Kennedy

Mushroom Bowl

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Hansen said the new Slim Margins menu highlights the growing demand for balance between social life and wellness. “We’ve always noticed a gap between how people want to enjoy nightlife and how they feel the next day. Our guests are intentional about their health. Many of them work out, track macros, or simply want to enjoy a night out without derailing their goals,” she said. Best Regards partnered with former Houston Texans chef Jacob Mertens and private chef Andre Nieves, known for creating meals tailored to athletes’ nutritional needs. “I originally hired Jacob and Andre for my own meal prep,” said Hansen. “I was looking for food that supported my personal goals without feeling restrictive. After a few months, it became clear we were onto something bigger. We realized Houston didn’t have anything in the nightlife space that reflected that same balance of flavor and intention, so we decided to build a menu that brought that philosophy to Best Regards.” Hansen believes wellness-focused nightlife is part of a broader shift. “Wellness isn’t a trend anymore. It’s part of how people live. The same way restaurants adapted to cleaner ingredients and more dietary transparency, nightlife is headed in that direction too,” she said. The menu includes both “Deductions,” macro-friendly plates, and “Write-Offs,” indulgent dishes that balance the experience. Hansen said guests have responded to both. “The cocktails were the initial draw, but the food has become just as popular because it solves a real problem. Most bar food is heavy or something you regret. Our guests appreciate that they can share great flavors without the usual calorie shock.” Creating low-calorie cocktails that still deliver full flavor required a new approach. “We started from scratch,” Hansen said. “Instead of taking a full-calorie cocktail and trying to make it skinny, we built each drink around natural flavor intensity using fresh citrus, high-quality spirits, monk fruit reductions, clarified juices, and techniques that concentrate flavor without adding sugar. If you didn’t know it was low-calorie, you’d never guess.” Best Regards’ Slim Margins menu reinforces Houston’s growing interest in wellness-focused dining, offering guests the chance to celebrate balance in every sip and bite.

Skinny Ledger & BR Fries

“WELLNESS ISN’T A TREND ANYMORE. IT’S PART OF HOW PEOPLE LIVE.”

Tuna Wonton Tacos

INSIDE BEST REGARDS’ MENUS Best Regards’ new menu is divided into two categories: Deductions and Write-Offs. Deductions include macro-friendly dishes like Empanadas (313 calories, 26 grams of protein each), Shrimp Campechana, and Carne Asada Fried Rice with filet mignon and 42 grams of protein. Write-Offs feature indulgent options such as Birria Crunchwrap Supremes, Braised Short Rib Sliders with caramelized onions and gruyere, and Savory Churros with dipping sauces. Low-calorie cocktails like the Frozen Assets and Paloma Payoff round out the offerings.

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AGELESS BEAUTY

Made Easy

When it comes to makeup for mature skin, Laura Geller believes the right products can make all the difference. Her first tip is to swap powder formulas for creamy, hydrating ones. "Choose serum or cream blush over powder," says Geller. "As we age and our skin gets drier, a cream blush melts into the skin and gives a soft, watercolor flush without clinging to texture. Look for hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane for extra moisture and glow."

Her second go-to rule is what she calls the "3 E's": eyeliner, eyelashes, and eyebrows. "A defined brow frames the face, a tight line along the upper lashes restores eye definition, and mascara opens everything up," she explains. "Adding a beige liner to the lower waterline instantly makes you look more awake." Finally, Geller says primer is essential. "It smooths texture, helps makeup last, and keeps it from settling into fine lines," she says. "I love my Spackle Skin Perfecting Primer: Hydrate for keeping skin bright and fresh." laurageller.com

Laura Geller shares three easy makeup tips to help mature skin glow, define, and stay fresh. ARTICLE BY RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF

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ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIRSTEN GILLIAM

IF YOU E AT ONE T HING Prime 131, Dinosaur Bone Marrow

CHEF TEDDY LOPEZ HIGHLIGHTS PRIME 131’S SIGNATURE BONE MARROW DISH, FROM THE FIRE-ROASTED MARROW TO THE FINAL GRILLED SOURDOUGH BITE. Nearly two years after opening its doors, Prime 131 is still a go-to for delicious, innovative meals. With vibes from New York’s Meatpacking District, the restaurant offers a protein-forward menu infused with Korean and Japanese influences. Diners can watch their meals, including prime steaks and top-tier seafood, being prepared on four open wood-fire grills and two Josper charcoal ovens. A sushi bar offers elevated rolls, including the indulgent Prime 131 Roll with A5 wagyu and foie gras, while four reservation-only Korean barbecue tables serve curated omakase experiences featuring rare global cuts. The Dinosaur Bone Marrow is part theatrical, but perfectly delicious. Chef Teddy Lopez explains why it is a must-order on the Prime 131 menu. prime131.com

THE BONE MARROW

At Prime 131, Chef Teddy Lopez begins the dish by fire-roasting bone marrow over post-oak wood. “The slow rendering gives it a rich, silky texture,” he said. The oak adds a subtle smokiness that balances the marrow’s natural fat. Lopez explained that this process “creates a savory, nutty flavor and caramelized surface that becomes the foundation for everything else on the plate.”

THE SHORT RIBS 28

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

“The protein we use to top the marrow is chopped short rib,” Lopez said. He chose short ribs for their fat content and deep flavor. The ribs are roasted over an open fire, then braised for five hours in a fermented black garlic sauce. “That combination gives us layers of sweetness and umami,” he added. The result is tender meat with a smoky finish that pairs with the marrow’s creaminess.

THE TOPPINGS

Each element adds contrast and texture. “We build the dish by layering the black-garlic short rib over the marrow,” Lopez said. Charred onion jam brings a touch of sweetness and acidity. Popped sorghum adds crunch, while thinly sliced serrano peppers offer gentle heat. Fresh chervil lends a light herbal note. “We finish it with Maldon sea salt to tie everything together,” he said.

THE BREAD

To serve, Lopez pairs the marrow with grilled sourdough from Magnol French Baking. “Their bread has the perfect tang and texture to balance the dish,” he said. Each slice is brushed with olive oil and grilled over an open flame. The bread’s crisp crust and smoky edge make it an ideal partner. “It’s meant to soak up every bit of marrow and sauce,” Lopez said, “so nothing goes to waste.”

WELCOME 2026 WITH A NEW ZIP CODE

Alex Loyd Realtor® alex.loyd@compass.com 713.851.2521 Alex Loyd is a real estate agent affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state, and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

Top 25 Compass Agent 2022 America’s Best | #23 in the City of Houston America’s Best | #76 in the State of Texas

Houston Experts Share Wellness Essentials MARICELA OLIVO & ASHLEY ESCOBAR PARTNERS MONTROSE MED SPA

What are a few simple, everyday wellness habits you recommend to clients? A good skin care routine that includes sunscreen even on cloudy days. Incorporate antiaging skin care products into your routine. A balanced, healthy diet with plenty of fluids, regular movement, and good quality sleep. Also, limit alcohol and smoking.

What are the most popular medical aesthetic procedures to consider in 2026?

Photo by Sofia Van Der Dys

Start 2026 with new routines to cultivate healthy habits and achieve an intentional lifestyle. ARTICLE BY ALLYSON STRACZEK

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

Nonsurgical and laser alternatives for face and skin health. EMFace (for the face) to improve facial health by toning muscles, strengthening connective tissues, and stimulating collagen and elastin production, which results in a more youthful and revitalized appearance. SkinPen® with Exosomes (face and body) to enhance and rejuvenate the skin by stimulating collagen production and reducing fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and pigment. It is also used to tighten the skin. The addition of exosomes enhances the results by promoting skin regeneration, accelerating healing, and providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Functional Wellness Therapy via EMSculpt Neo and EMFace for TMJ relief is an up-and-coming trend.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who wants to start prioritizing their wellness but doesn’t know where to begin? Stop by for a complimentary consultation that includes a skin analysis via a 3D imaging system.

How can regular massage therapy support overall health and stress management? Massage therapy is far more than a luxury. Massage is a cornerstone of total wellness. By lowering cortisol levels, improving circulation, and restoring nervous system balance, the body is able to heal naturally. Regular sessions help reduce chronic tension, promote deeper sleep, and enhance mental clarity, creating a foundation of calm that supports every other aspect of health.

ISAAC S. MÉNDEZ OWNER & FOUNDER RIVER OAKS ADVANCED BODYWORKS

What simple at-home stretches or habits can help relieve tension and prevent pain? Movement is medicine. I encourage clients to take brief posture breaks throughout the day by rolling their shoulders, opening their chest, and gently stretching their neck. Standing every hour, walking, or performing light hip stretches can dramatically reduce stiffness. A simple posture reset, with feet grounded, spine tall, and shoulders relaxed, helps prevent pain before it starts.

“

“Wellness is not a one-time experience; it’s a rhythm of care

How does combining massage, stretching, and skincare create more lasting wellness benefits than focusing on one area alone?

True wellness is integrative. Massage releases deep tension, stretching improves flexibility and mobility, and skincare nurtures the body’s largest organ, the skin, while promoting relaxation and confidence. When these elements work together, the results are amplified, creating harmony between physical vitality and emotional renewal.

that evolves with you, enhancing how you

move, feel, and live.”

What are a few easy self-care rituals or wellness habits you recommend keeping both the body and mind in balance? Luxury begins with intention. Start each morning with mindful breathing or gentle movement to awaken the body. In the evening, unwind with aromatherapy, gratitude journaling, or a warm bath infused with essential oils. Small, consistent rituals, with regular bodywork, create lasting equilibrium and elevate daily life into something restorative and beautiful.

Photo by Isaac S. Mendez CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R OA KS

TAREK SALTI FOUNDER & CEO ALBI WELLNESS

How can readers feel more energized every day? When the body changes, the mind naturally follows. We’ve noticed that those who approach change with an open mind and a genuine desire tend to see the best results. It all starts with setting an intention for transformation, and these therapies give your body the energy it needs to help create a new version of yourself. A simple ritual to reinforce that mindset is the box breath. Inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four, hold again for four. It’s a powerful way to reduce stress, control your nervous system, and reconnect with yourself in just a few moments.

Your therapies range from red light to hyperbaric oxygen. For someone new to these advanced modalities, how do you suggest they begin? Start with a metabolic breath analysis. In just a few minutes, we can gather valuable insights into your metabolism, oxygen use, and cellular health, allowing us to craft a personalized plan tailored to your specific goals.

How can readers address common issues like inflammation, stress, and burnout? We see tremendous results when clients combine Flowpresso, red light therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen. Flowpresso activates the parasympathetic “rest and repair” response, red light reduces cellular inflammation, and hyperbaric oxygen floods tissues with oxygen to accelerate healing. Together, they quiet the nervous system, lower inflammation markers, and restore deep calm — even for clients who have been stuck in chronic stress cycles for years.

What simple habits can readers use at home in parallel with your treatments? Start by going organic wherever possible. Reducing exposure to pesticides and processed foods lightens your toxic load and improves cellular function. Add key superfoods and supplements, such as electrolytes, shilajit, glutathione, and vitamin C, to support detoxification pathways and energy production. Combine that with daily sunlight exposure, hydration, movement, and even a few cold showers or dry brushing sessions each week to keep the lymphatic system active. Small, consistent upgrades add up quickly.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

How can families support their loved ones during in-home care? Listen. So often, families get caught up in the frenzy of care that they never ask the patient what their goals of care are and what they want for themselves. Many seniors resent losing control of their lives and become disengaged from their surroundings. Keep an open mind and be willing to have honest conversations with loved ones. Be intentional about spending time together and enjoying each other’s company. The journey in hospice care is so often one of comfort and healing that it leaves positive lasting memories long beyond the patient’s last breath. Hospice is frequently misperceived as “giving up,” and that is so unfortunate because it couldn’t be further from the truth. Hospice care is a decision to focus on living your best quality of life with those you love around you.

ZACH CHAUMONT, PT, DPT PRESIDENT BENCHMARK HOME HEALTH AND HOSPICE

How can caregivers maintain their physical and mental strength? Caregiver burnout is a rising epidemic with our aging population. It is essential to give yourself some grace and enjoy meaningful activities of your own. Our team works with the whole family to ensure that the proper support is in place, allowing patients to live their best quality of life and focus on enjoying the time they have together.

What role do nutrition, gentle movement, or mindfulness play in hospice programs? Movement and exercise are among the greatest medicines there are. Our care plans are designed to incorporate nutrition, movement, and mindfulness (intent) so that, regardless of the patient’s situation, they can find comfort and enjoy each day to the highest possible extent. That looks different for each patient and each family.

How does your team support families? The strength of our team lies in the knowledge and execution of individualized care plans. No two patients have the same physical challenges, interests, or household dynamics. All of our clinicians and office staff remain engaged to facilitate patient and family engagement. There is a difference between living and just surviving, and our team is dedicated to helping each patient achieve the best possible quality of life.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R OA KS

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V @montrosemedspa JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R OA KS

ARCHITECT STEVE CURRY FOCUSES ON Buildings with Purpose Steve Curry and his partners were the architects for the Weekley Family YMCA on Stella Link.

HEALTH CARE, KIDS’ CAMPS, AND YMCAS DOMINATE THE CURRY BOUDREAUX PORTFOLIO. ARTICLE BY DIANE COWEN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CURRY BOUDREAUX ARCHITECTS

D E C OR T R E N D S | HO M E + D E SIGN

Steve Curry ’ s Braeswood Place home – called the Bendit House – was designed by architect Lars Bang. Steve Curry and Curry Boudreaux Architects designed a new canopy for Texas Orthopedic Hospital.

In any given week, architect Steve Curry could be working on an important medical facility, planning a summer camp or contemplating a YMCA building or renovation. Curry and his partners at Curry Boudreaux Architects are a generalist practice, tackling both residential and commercial projects that serve the public in important ways. This month, Curry is the Houston Design District’s Leaders In Design honoree. His father was in the Air Force, so his family moved a fair amount before settling in Baton Rouge, where he grew up. He came here to study architecture at the University of Houston in the 1970s and stayed. Back in the 1990s, a group approached Curry and CBA about designing what would be Camp for All in Washington County. In time, they added Camp Aranzazu in Rockport, Camp Young Judea in Wimberly, Pine Cove and Camp Cullen in Trinity to their portfolio. They promote historic preservation and “adaptive reuse,” which gives new purpose to old buildings. One example is HEAL High School, a mock hospital being designed inside Nimitz High School, a collaboration of Aldine ISD and Memorial Hermann Health System to prepare students for health care jobs with good wages. “Adaptive reuse projects are ones we look for … and encompass all kinds of things,” said Curry, president of Houston Mod. “You can take a church or a pharmacy and make it into a restaurant or take a commercial building and make residences out of it. Retain the best of what we’ve got and move it forward to the 21st century and new uses.”

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R OA KS

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Restore. Rebalance. Renew. Design Your Life with Balance and Calm 281.888.6855 roabodywork.com 3930 Gibson St. Suite B Houston, TX 77007

True healing starts from within. Our expert bodywork therapies go beyond relaxation— they restore balance, relieve tension, and support your holistic well-being.

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JANUARY 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

JA NUA RY 2 N D

Houston Symphony - A Nat King Cole New Year Jones Hall | 7:30 PM Join the Houston Symphony in celebrating the new year with a special concert featuring the music of one of the most recognizable figures of America's golden era of jazz! The Houston Symphony Big Band, together with guest vocalist Denzal Sinclaire and Count Basie Orchestra trumpeter Byron Stripling, will perform a range of songs from Nat King Cole's far-reaching career. JA NUA RY 6T H

Disney's Beauty And The Beast Sarofim Hall - Hobby Center | 7:30 PM Step into the enchanting world of Belle and the Beast as one of the most beloved musicals of our time embarks on a thrilling national tour. Based on Disney's iconic animated classic, Beauty and the Beast has captivated over 35 million audience members around the globe since its debut in 1994. JA NUA RY 1 0 T H

Star Wars - Return of the Jedi in Concert Jones Hall | 7:30 PM Lord Vader's Empire is on its last legs as the Rebellion enters its third and final installment in George Lucas' epic climax to the original Star Wars trilogy. What better way to experience this pop culture icon than with a live-to-screen concert staging that brings John Williams astronomical score to life. JA NUA RY 1 1 T H

Shaggy with the Houston Symphony Jones Hall | 6:30 PM Mr. Boombastic himself meets an orchestra in Houston! Reggae fusion master Shaggy is backed by the Houston Symphony Orchestra for a special show tracing the history of reggae, rock steady, ska and dancehall music, in addition to his own greatest hits including "It Wasn't Me", "Angel", "Mr. Boombastic" and more. JA NUA RY 2 7 T H

Water for Elephants Sarofim Hall | 7:30 PM Get ready - the circus is rolling into town. The Tony-nominated musical Water for Elephants, which earned an impressive seven 2024 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, has embarked on its first national tour! After a hugely successful world premiere run in Atlanta, the musical adaptation of Water for Elephants made its Broadway debut in 2024. JA NUA RY 3 0 T H

Houston Grand Opera Presents: Hansel and Gretel Brown Theater | 7:30 PM Humperdinck's operatic adaptation of the brothers Grimm's classic fairytale comes to Houston. A glorious confection of fairytale whimsy directed by Houston Grand Opera debutant Antony McDonald, with Sasha Cooke in the role of Hansel and Mane Galoyan playing Gretel. Sumptuous and stunning, step deep into the forest with Hansel and Gretel as they encounter a wild, dark world.

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3100 Richmond Avenue, Suite 200, Houston, TX 2 Additional Locations: Upper Heights & Friendswood

A New Standard for Living Well January is about more than resolutions—it’s about intentional living. Your home is the foundation of every healthy habit you’re building. An organized environment reduces decision fatigue, improves sleep quality, and creates the space where meaningful change happens. I design personalized systems that blend productivity coaching with organization, aligning your spaces with your wellness goals-giving you the freedom to focus on what matters most.

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OPEN EVERYDAY 7am-7pm Receive 10% off your in-store purchases if you mention River Oaks Lifestyle JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R OA KS

AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. KYLE GILLETT

The New Frontier of Health

Why do so many people feel exhausted, foggy, or unwell, even when their medical tests insist everything is “fine”? Why are we prescribed quick fixes instead of being given real answers? Across modern medicine, a shift is happening. More patients are demanding real explanations, and more clinicians are rethinking what “healthcare” should actually mean. Leading that shift is Dr. Kyle Gillett, a dual board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine and an expert in metabolic, hormonal, and preventive health. Through his clinic, research, and The Gillett Health Podcast, he’s become a trusted voice for people seeking science-based, root-cause solutions rather than symptom-based band-aids. “Functional medicine is really ‘root cause medicine,’” Dr. Gillett often says. “It’s about asking why the problem exists and not just quieting the noise.” In this Q&A, Dr. Gillett breaks down the most common questions he hears from patients and offers simple, actionable guidance anyone can begin using today.

1. “WHY DO I FEEL AWFUL EVEN THOUGH MY LABS ARE ‘NORMAL’?”

Dr. Gillett: I like to say, “There is no such thing as ‘we’ve done everything.’” We can always dig deeper. Often, the labs ordered are the wrong type of assay, or important markers like ferritin or SHBG—which binds testosterone and estrogen—are completely missed. Beyond lab work, there are other factors: mitochondrial health, sleep quality, mental health, and even how sensitive your dopamine and serotonin receptors are. “Normal” labs do not always equal normal physiology for you.

2. “HOW DO I FIX MY ENERGY, BRAIN FOG, OR SLEEP WITHOUT 20 MEDICATIONS?”

Dr. Gillett: Start with a good, comprehensive lab panel to assess nutrients and hormones. Then build the foundation with sleep. My favorite tool is the 10/3/2/1/0 rule: • 10 hours before bed: No caffeine • 3 hours: Avoid large meals and alcohol • 2 hours: No vigorous exercise • 1 hour: No bright blue or white light • 0: No snoozing and no inconsistent sleep/wake times

M UST SE E | W EL L NES S

U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E “WHY” BEHIND WELLNESS ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES AND PROVIDED

Aim for 7+ hours of high-quality sleep. When sleep improves, energy almost always follows.

3. “IS MY GUT ACTUALLY CAUSING ALL THESE OTHER PROBLEMS?”

Dr. Gillett: Gut health influences most major health issues, but it’s rarely the only problem. Diet is my second pillar of health for a reason. Exercise, sleep, and stress reduction all improve gut function too. Even simple tools like self-hypnotherapy apps can reduce gut-related symptoms.

4. “WHAT CAN I DO RIGHT NOW, TODAY, TO START FEELING BETTER?”

Dr. Gillett: Focus on the pillars of health: diet, exercise, sleep, stress, sunlight, social connection, and spiritual health. Treat them like habits and find ways to make them enjoyable or easy to start. Supplements and medications are supportive tools, not substitutes. Think of them like turbo chargers: they enhance a system that’s already functioning.

A FINAL WORD FROM DR. GILLETT

“The goal isn’t to tell people what to do, rather it’s to give them the information they need to decide what’s best for themselves.” By understanding the why behind your symptoms, labs, and lifestyle choices, you become the driver, not the passenger, of your health journey.

To hear the extended conversation with Dr. Kyle Gillett, scan the QR code for an exclusive podcast episode.

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1Offer not available in all areas. Discount applied by retailer representative at time of contract execution and applies to purchase of 6 or more windows and/or doors. Cannot be combined with other offers. Buy one window or door, get the second window or door of equal or lesser value 40% off. Discount applied to lowest-priced window and/or door products in purchase. To qualify for discount offer, initial contact for a free Window and Door Diagnosis must be made and documented on or before 1/31/2026, with the appointment then occurring no more than 10 days after the initial contact. Subject to credit approval. 18-month Promo Period when no payments are due and interest accrues but is waived if balance is paid in full before Promo Period expires. Any unpaid balance owed after Promo Period plus accrued interest will be paid in installments based on terms disclosed in the financing agreement. Financing is provided by various financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. All loans are unsecured personal loans subject to credit review and approval by the lender. Renewal by Andersen retailers do not assist with, counsel or negotiate financing, other than providing customers an introduction to lenders interested in financing. This Renewal by Andersen location is independently owned and operated. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2026 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.

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