Our care revolves around you, to get you back on your game and keep you there. Whether you need relief from tendinitis or a torn ligament, you’ll get the same leading-edge treatments that we provide to the Houston Rockets. To help you come back sooner and stronger. This is orthopedic care designed around you. memorialhermann.org/orthopedics You
Founded in 1976, Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre is the only professional non-profit art organization for the south side of Houston that creates triple threat dancers and an eclectic season that entices diversified audiences. We create four productions each year and one musical every other year that highlights the strength of our dancers and stretch their talents.
We perform 30 shows a year for 12,00015,000 patrons, at the University of Houston Clear Lake - Bayou Theatre. We hire 3 - 5 professional dancers and hold open auditions to accept an average of 50 - 70 company members, ages 13 - 29, each year.
Every August, open auditions are held for The Nutcracker, where we cast 125-140 performers and community members ranging from 5 - 95 years of age.
Our annual fundraiser, The Sugar Plum Fairy Gala, has grown into one of the largest events in the Bay Area. Over 900 patrons enjoy a magical introduction to the holidays each year at the South Shore Resort, complete with a weekend experience.
One of our biggest assets is the notoriety we have as being “the community ballet” for Bay Area Houston.
Appearances at community events demonstrate the company’s support and interest in collaborative projects and interactive experiences that are mutually beneficial for both the organizations and particularly the entire South Houston area.
In 2024, we performed 29 events, pro bono, and plan to do more this upcoming year.
Broadening our outreach and increasing work collaboration has proven to show a dramatic increase in our audience demographics. This important aspect is now the driving force of our future artistic decisions.
We are most excited about our upcoming 50th year and are already planning large celebrations that will include other arts organizations as well as many of our successful alumni.
BAHBT is proud to continue its long-standing commitment to bringing cultural enrichment to everyone in the Bay Area Houston while providing tutelage for the aspiring artists of tomorrow.
We pride ourselves on using classical ballet as our basis with the excitement of contemporary dance and theater.
We are honored to have Mr. Nelson Madrigal serve as our Artistic Director. Having a worldrenowned artist as the lead for our artistic staff, as well as the instructor for training, entices many dancers to our area.
December is our annual production of The Nutcracker. We do twenty-one shows, including six for title one students to visit the theater during the school day. As with all our productions, we do free public vignettes at local parks and libraries. We also have incorporated ballet lessons with the Sugar Plum Fairy at parks the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Don’t miss our next production - The Best of BAHBT - which highlights our diverse classical and contemporary talented company. The Show will be held April 4-6.
Tickets can be purchased at www.bahbt.org. Be sure to follow our social media bahbt.org to catch all our activities and announcements.
Come see us at Bay Area Pet Adoptions! We are looking for our Forever Home!
The real “Queen B” aka Butters is ready for her furrever home!! With the right amount of sweet and just enough spice, this girl is sure to livin up your home!! She would do best in a home with older children who will understand her moods!! She’s still playful, but prefers to lounge in a comfy bed, watching over her kingdom!! Let’s find this lady a palace to call her own!
Meet Flingaroo, a cat with a personality as unique as his name. He’s a blend of sweet and smart, with a dash of goofy thrown in for good measure. Flingaroo is the kind of cat who’ll make you laugh with his playful antics one moment, then melt your heart with his shy sweetness the next. His curious nature means he’s always up for exploring new toys or learning new tricks. But he’s also content to just curl up and enjoy a quiet moment. Flingaroo is looking for a forever home where he can share his love and laughter. He’s more than just a pet, he’s a companion who’ll bring joy and companionship into your life.
Meet Coconut, a charming adult dog with a personality as sweet as her name suggests. She is a friendly companion, always ready to greet you with a wagging tail and playful spirit. Her intelligence is clear in her quick learning and problem-solving skills, while her loyalty makes her a steadfast friend. Coconut has a mellow side too, she’s happy to lounge around and enjoy quiet moments. But don’t be fooled, her goofy antics and funny demeanor will keep you entertained. Her playful nature is infectious, bringing joy to everyone around her. Adopting Coconut means gaining a loyal friend, a playful entertainer, and a sweet soul who will fill your life with laughter and love. Coconut is a 2-year old Scruffy gal. This girl is sure to put the biggest smile on your face. She loves car rides and all dogs she meets. Coconut loves going on long adventures. Trying to meet a daily step quota? This girl will be sure to keep you on track! Let’s get you in here to meet this amazing, beautiful, fun loving gal today!
Bali is a beautiful 5-year-old German Shepherd with a heart as big as her love for adventure. She will always greet you with a wagging tail and a smile. She has an easy going and friendly demeanor, making her wonderful with both people and other dogs. She admits to enjoying creature comforts and thinks the couch is the perfect place to spend time with her human. She lights up during her daily walks, happily exploring the world, and enjoys an occasional game of fetch. Whether it’s a long stroll, a game of fetch, or simply relaxing together, Bali will bring endless warmth and happiness to her forever home.
Meet Icelyn, a young feline with a heart as warm as a summer’s day. Her sweetness radiates like honey in the sun, making everyone around her feel cherished. Icelyn’s friendly nature is infectious, turning strangers into friends with just a soft purr. She’s smart, too, quickly understanding the routines of her surroundings and adapting to them. Loyalty is her middle name, and she’s always there to provide a comforting presence. Icelyn is also mellow and gentle, her calm demeanor making her the perfect companion for quiet evenings. Her personality shines bright, a testament to her resilient spirit. Icelyn is ready to bring joy and companionship to a loving home. Adopt Icelyn, and let her fill your life with sweetness, loyalty, and gentle love.
Meet Elsa, a Husky every bit as sweet and enchanting as a princess. With her striking icy-blue eyes and soft, fluffy coat, Elsa turns heads wherever she goes. But it’s her gentle, affectionate nature that truly makes her special. Elsa adores people and has a way of making everyone feel like royalty in her presence. She thrives on companionship, whether it’s cuddling up for a cozy evening or prancing happily by your side on an adventure. Despite her Husky spirit, Elsa has a calm and loving demeanor that makes her the perfect best friend. She’s not just a beautiful face—she’s a loyal, kind-hearted soul who’s ready to shower her forever family with love. Could this snow princess be the missing piece of your heart?
The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership had its annual banquet at the beautiful South Shore Harbor Resort and Conference Center. Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp was the recipient of the prestigious Quasar Award for his vision and contributions for Aerospace and the Economic Development of the Bay Area. Chancellor Sharp was unable to attend, so Texas A&M Vice Chancellor Bishop accepted the award.
Texas A&M Vice President and former astronaut Col. Folsom acknowledged the leadership Chancellor Sharp provided the System and the Bay Area. State Representative Greg Bonnen introduced A&M Vice Chancellor Bishop and elaborated on the important role Texas A&M is playing in the future of the Bay Area.
President of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, Brian Friedman, introduced the elected officials: Mayor of Pasadena Jeff Wagner, Mayor of League City, Nick Long, Friendswood Mayor Mike Foremon, Mayor of Seabrook, Thomas Kolupski, Mayor of LaPorte Rick Helton, Webster Mayor Donna Jasso, State Representative Dennis Paul, Houston Councilmember Fred Flickinger. Representing United States Senator John Cornyn, Jay Guerrero, Representing U.S. Senator Cruz, Grant Murray, and representing Brian Babin, Will Carter, and many Distinguished City Council members.
The ballroom was full of dignitaries including the Chancellor of San Jacinto College and her husband Rusty, President of the University of Houston Clear Lake Richard Walker, Lt. Col. Ian O’Sullivan of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and his wife Stephaine, and Clear Creek Supertindent Karen Engle and her husband Mike.
After a very productive year leading BAHEP, Gwen Griffen, President of Griffen Communications, passed the torch to the 2025 Chair Kelly Page, President of Barrios Technology. Her goals for the organization are amazing; stay tuned, Bay Area Houston!
There supporting these leaders were most of the Bay Area Aerospace, Healthcare, Aviation, and businesses in the area. Seen congratulating them were UTMB Steven Jones and his wife Yvette, MRI Debbie Kropp and her husband Tim, GB Tech Gale and Jean Burkett, Barrios Technology Sandy Johnson cheering on her daughter, Joyce Abbey, Agis Aerospace Bif French, Moody Bank Andy Mann, HCA Clear Lake Todd Caliva, Memorial Hermann Rebecca Lilly, Methodist Hospital Carl Little, and Clear Lake Chamber Cindy DeWease and husband Jeff, to name a few in the crowd.
The Director of NASA Johnson Space Center Vanessa Wyche and her husband George were beaming as they visited with the leaders in the room knowing the future is bright for the Bay Area.
Galveston, TX
The iconic Sea Star Base Galveston (SSBG) property, a maritime treasure and a beacon of aquatic education and adventure, is preparing for a potential transfer of ownership, that will mark the closure of an unforgettable era for the Galveston community.
Founded with a vision to inspire the next generation of sailors, explorers, and marine enthusiasts, SSBG has been a cornerstone of Galveston’s coastal identity since its inception. Local leaders Wes Doolin and PJ Nelson have spent years of dedication and exhaustive efforts keeping the base a community resource and continue working as they try to ensure that the next generation have the same opportunities and privileges.
SSBG was originally developed as a state-of-the-art waterfront facility by Captain Charles & Rosemary Doolin, designed to serve both local and visiting students, scouts,
By Amber Cyr
and families with an unparalleled opportunity to experience maritime education.
Over the years, the base hosted tens of thousands of individuals through its sailing programs, environmental education initiatives, and various events. Its mission has always been clear: to cultivate a deeper connection to the ocean and foster a love of the sea.
SSBG owners and management spearheaded efforts to rally local support and maintain the facility as a Galveston-based operation. Numerous campaigns, community outreach, and negotiations were held in hopes of securing a path forward that would ensure SSBG remained a community-driven asset.
As Sea Star Base Galveston transitions to new ownership, the future of the facility remains uncertain. However, the legacy built by its founders,
staff, volunteers and community supporters will not be forgotten. Wes Doolin and PJ Nelson have expressed their hope that future owners will continue to recognize the importance of SSBG’s contributions to the Galveston community and maritime education.
“Sea Star Base Galveston as an entity remains committed to advancing maritime education and certification, fostering job opportunities across the Gulf of Mexico and beyond, and promoting responsible boating practices with a deep respect for our natural environment.
This bond transcends borders, language barriers, and distances, connecting humanity through a shared commitment to the sea,” said Wes Doolin.
PJ Nelson shared similar sentiments, saying, “Our time here has been truly invaluable, and we believe in the strength of this community. I’m confident the base will continue to bring meaningful and innovative ways to connect with the ocean.”
Although the transition to new ownership has yet to be finalized, the Galveston community remains passionate about a facility that has meant so much to so many and the memories and legacy of Sea Star Base will endure as an integral part of the City’s rich maritime heritage.
ach year, The American Heart Association (AHA) launches its Woman of Impact fundraising campaign, and I am honored to be a 2025 Woman of Impact Nominee. From February 7th – April 10th, our team goal is to raise $25,000 which will go directly to AHA and the Go Red for Women Bay Area.
The American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact initiative is an inclusive initiative to drive awareness and raise funds for women’s heart health in local
This cause is close to my heart because I am a Heart Survivor of 5 years. If it weren’t for going to a Go Red For Women Luncheon, I am not sure where I would be
I was at a luncheon when I realized that all of the symptoms they were talking were symptoms that I was having. 2 months later, I had Open Heart Surgery. Being a nominee helps bring together champions from within our networks to form an impact team, set a goal, explore fundraising opportunities, and have a direct impact on women’s health and the Go Red for Women mission.
Together, we are a relentless force, using our voices to advocate for women’s heart health and raise awareness that cardiovascular disease is the No.1 killer of women. Why? Because losing even one woman is too many.
You can help by making a taxdeductible donation through this link or
scanning the QR code attached here : Please also share this campaign with others who might want to join us in creating healthier, longer lives for all. Thank you for your support!
Sincerely, Amy Doherty
p.s. Does your company have a matching gifts program that might be willing to match your donation?
Join me in making an impact! Scan this QR code with your phone to visit my website
By Blaine Ochoa
Ibelieve that throughout life you have to boldly pursue what you’re passionate about and what makes you happy; and to always be genuine and lead with love.
Being a musician is something I truly enjoy, and being a singer-songwriter I love that I’m able to create something meaningful and turn it into music. Music is art. I wanted to create the most beautiful, epic and authentic song possible. “July” is a love song and a representation of love. It also represents hope, vulnerability and strength. I think “July” is all of those things.
It is a very special song to me and I’m excited to be able to share my music with others and I hope that it connects and resonates with listeners in their own special way.
Stepping into this new chapter of my life feels a little unknown but magical. I’ve always envisioned myself making and releasing music and I’m excited that the moment is finally here.
This is the first of more songs to come in 2025. “July” was written by singer-songwriter Blaine Ochoa and produced by multi-platinum producer Mickaël Zibi. Her debut single, “July” is available on all music streaming platforms such as, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, iTunes, Pandora and YouTube.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Arianna Vetere
STYLIST: Brandon McClendon
DESIGNERS: Balenciaga
MAKEUP ARTIST: Misty Rockwell Cotter
MAKEUP PRODUCTS: Blaine Beauty
Make marinade:
By Robyn Weigelt
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon fresh
Rosemary
6 -7 cloves of garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6 tablespoons Olive Oil
2-3 tablespoons of butter
Combine 4 tablespoons of olive oil, chopped garlic cloves,fresh rosemary chopped salt and pepper in a large ziplock,marinade in refrigerator for 24-48 hours massage lamb racks a few times while in refrigerator to marinate evenly
Cooking Instructions :
Pre heat oven to 350 Place the rack in a skillet and and sear all sides of the rack of lamb. Then move to the oven and cook for 15 minutes for medium rare. Melt the butter and diced garlic cloves in a saucepan , once lamb is ready to carve and platted drizzle over the lamb rack.
By Pastor Brad Heintz
What makes a good news story? Is it the facts? Is it the narrative? Is it the scoop? It is the timing? Is it the happy ending? Is it the feeling you have when you are done reading, watching or listening to it?
Have you noticed lately that there is less and less good news?
"Psychology Today" shared recently that research shows bad news is much more likely to be spread than good feed. Basically, research is showing that bad news stimulates our brain at a base level, so subconsciously bad news stories get a rise out of us. Increasing bad news exposure therefore can be addictive like an adrenaline junkie. It’s like me eating a bag of chips. I know that they are bad for me, but they taste so good and I can’t stop! But what if we exposed ourselves to more good news? Would that change everything?
Would there be more peace, more hope and a positive feeling for the future? If you love a good news story, may I suggest that you take time to read and experience the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
Why? Because it has everything in it that makes a good news story. It has drama, suspense, murder, sacrifice, pain, grief, love, hope, and the happiest of endings. Plus, it is all true and really happened. The Resurrection changes everything. I encourage you to experience the Resurrection this Easter at a house of worship of your choosing. At Living Word Church, we not only read but experience the Good News Story of Easter but also actively participate in the death and resurrection observances on Easter Weekend, April 18-20. So that what is said in Galatians 2:20 can come true for you and me. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 NIV) His Good News can become your Good News and have a lasting impact upon you that changes everything. May The Good News of Easter make a difference this year.
Pastor Brad Heintz is the founding pastor of Living Word Church in Taylor Lake Village, Texas, a vibrant family-style, non-denominational gathering of believers who take a pure, simple and real approach to faith and life. www.LWCBA.org
abulous food, delicious drinks, and endless entertainment are always on the menu at T-Bone Toms. The Superbowl Party at T-Bones is a must with beverage and appetizer specials, free swag, and a halftime flick ball contest. Watching the Superbowl in the bar just adds to the excitement!
By Andy Eng
Head to T-Bones at Mardi Gras time after the Krewes into Kemah parade for another great party in the palapa. The live music pours through the air while folks are letting the good times roll! Snag some Armadillo Eggs or a Shrimp Po-Boy while enjoying memories of the parade and planning for the next party at T-Bone Toms.
By Sumer Loggins
To put boots on the Moon—and keep them there—will require bold thinkers ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
That’s why NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement at Johnson Space Center in Houston is on a mission to empower the next generation of explorers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Through the High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program, Texas juniors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in space exploration through interactive learning experiences. “HAS is such an important program because we introduce students to the multitude of careers and experiences that contribute to space exploration,” said NASA HAS Activity Manager Jakarda Varnado. “We go beyond asking students who they want to be when they grow up and ask what problems they want to solve.”
Madeline King always knew she wanted a career in STEM, with a dream of working at NASA influencing her decision to pursue a degree in Engineering.
Before joining HAS, King thought scientists mainly worked in labs and engineers focused on design. But the HAS program revealed a different reality— scientists and engineers often collaborated on interdisciplinary projects, sometimes even sharing roles. The program broadened King’s perspective on the diverse paths a STEM degree can lead to. It showed her that careers at NASA offer opportunities across various fields and disciplines.
King said participating in HAS helped to strengthen her problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively. The program required students to tackle complex technical tasks independently, emphasizing self-directed learning. King describes HAS as fun, challenging, and engaging, which helped her excel in technical roles.
“Learning to digest and internalize this information is a skill I continue to use when getting up to speed in new groups or taking on projects outside my current skill set,” said King.
Though King joined HAS during COVID-19, which limited in-person interactions, the experience still made an impact. Her mentors also offered insights into graduate school options, helping her weigh the benefits of advanced degrees against gaining hands-on experience at NASA.
The program opened doors to internships at Johnson in the Engineering Robotics and the Avionics Systems Integration Division. Now, she is studying mechanical engineering at the University of Houston, bringing passion and experience in electronics, robotics, education, project management, and aviation.
“Early on in my internship journey, HAS shined on my resume,” she said. “It demonstrated that I already had experience with NASA's culture, values, and mission.” Looking forward, King envisions herself as a flight controller, contributing to both the International Space Station Program and the Artemis campaign. Driven by her passion for NASA’s mission, King is just beginning her journey and is eager to be part of the future of space exploration.
“My internships since HAS have allowed me to make small contributions to both of these missions, and I'm excited to specialize as a full-time engineer,” said King.
As a first-generation student, Caroline Vergara lacked the resources to fully explore her interests in aerospace engineering, let alone envision what that career might look like. That all changed when she was accepted into NASA’s HAS program. “The exposure to real-world innovation ignited my desire to be part of something bigger, something that pushes the boundaries of human knowledge and capability,” she said. Caroline Vergara announces the launch of the model rocket she built during her time in the HAS program.
Touring NASA facilities and watching engineers work on projects opened her eyes to the possibilities in STEM. Today, Vergara is a propulsion design engineering intern at United Launch Alliance, contributing to the Vulcan rocket as a Brooke Owens Fellow.
Vergara initially thought working in STEM was mostly about writing equations or running simulations but HAS showed her it is so much more. “A STEM career is
about curiosity, collaboration, and the power to change the world,” she said.
During the program, Vergara joined a team of students to tackle a mission simulation project. They called themselves “Charlie and the Rocket Factory” and designed a prototype rocket together. Working with peers from all over the country showed her the power of diverse perspectives. She experienced firsthand what it was like to be part of a team with a shared vision, working toward something bigger than themselves.
Vergara also discovered her love for 3D printing and computer-aided design through HAS. She spent hours fine-tuning designs, fascinated by the process of turning digital models into physical reality.
Her experience with HAS also sparked a desire to give ack. She returned to her hometown to share her story and encourage other students to pursue STEM. Partnering with Johnson Community Engagement Lead Jessica Cordero, she organized video conferences with NASA engineers on International Women in Engineering Day to inspire a new wave of students to be part of space exploration.
“The aerospace industry is entering a new space age, and we have the unique opportunity to put humans back on the Moon and explore beyond,” she said. Her advice to the Artemis Generation is: “Go for it! You could be part of the generation that changes humanity’s destiny.” As a mechanical engineering honors student at the University of Houston and chief engineer of Space City Rocketry, Vergara envisions contributing to the Artemis campaign and advancing NASA’s mission to explore the cosmos. “My dream is to contribute to space exploration efforts that put humans back on the Moon and beyond, and to one day work in Mission Control Center, where I can help guide those historic missions into the future.”
For Iker Aguirre, the spark that ignited his journey toward a career in aerospace was lit by a passing conversation during his freshman year of high school. A senior classmate described the HAS program as a once-in-alifetime experience that cemented his passion for aerospace. That moment stayed with Aguirre, and when the opportunity arose, he did not hesitate to apply.
Iker Aguirre inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
“HAS showed me that in order to accomplish something as complex as Artemis, you need a well-rounded set of teams and individuals,” he said. “You don’t need to study aerospace to be in the aerospace industry!”
In 2020, Aguirre participated during the remote-only version of HAS, but he recalls that the program still gave him a much deeper understanding of the spaceflight industry. Despite already being interested in aerospace, Aguirre says HAS broadened his horizons, showing him the diverse pathways into the field. Through collaborative projects with peers across Texas, he discovered that solving the challenges of space exploration requires more than just aerospace engineers.
The program’s emphasis on teamwork left a lasting impression. During his time with HAS, Aguirre found himself working alongside students from different backgrounds, each bringing unique perspectives to problem-solving. It introduced him to dedicated and passionate people with various personalities and cultures who all shared similar dreams and aspirations as him.
“The high diversity of HAS made brainstorming for our projects more interesting and enlightening,” he said. “It showed me firsthand how important diversity, equity, and inclusion are to engineering.”
Aguirre credits HAS with not only refining his technical skills but also shaping his approach to innovation and teamwork. That experience paid off as he moved through his academic and professional journey, including Pathways program internships with NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
“Getting connections at NASA through HAS helped me open many doors so far,” said Aguirre. “I met many good friends through HAS and my internship at Johnson, which I value to this day.”
Now pursuing a degree in rocket propulsion, with a focus on turbomachinery design, Aguirre remains committed to advancing space exploration. He hopes to contribute to humanity’s mobility in space, tackling challenges in rocket engine feed systems. Iker Aguirre at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston during his HAS internship.
Through HAS, Aguirre found not just an educational program, but a community and a purpose. “My journey will forever be interlinked with NASA’s core values of benefiting humanity on and off the Earth,” he said. “I hope to inspire others just as much as the people who inspired me through my journey!”
Each season of the year we have reasons to reboot our well intentioned healthy new year's resolutions. Now more than ever we need to be monitoring our health from the inside and out to stay healthy. If there is one area that should be on our reboot priority list, it is our gut health.
YOUR GUT AND BRAIN CONNECTION
Your gut is the lining of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is teeming with over 100 million neurons and nerve endings that functionally acts as a second brain
. The gut also hosts a whole ecosystem of bacteria and other “microbiota” that when not in balance wreaks havoc with everything from your ability to make good decisions, your mood and especially your metabolism.
YOUR GUT AND MENTAL PERFORMANCE
The food we habitually eat has a significant impact on our cognitive attention to complete even the most mundane tasks. This is because a diet that’s high in sugar and ultra-processed foods can cause dysbiosis - an imbalance of all the microbiota in your GI tract – which can lead to both systemic inflammation and central nervous system inflammation.
And because communication between your gut and your brain is “bi-directional” through the gut-brain axis, that inflammation can lead to the mental sluggishness we attribute to brain fog. In fact, a recent study from the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Human Brain Health found that, “. . . people with systemic inflammation may have to exert more cognitive effort to achieve the same level of attentionrelated performance as those with less inflammation.”
This is especially concerning when dysbiosis is present because this condition can often precede the appearance of clinical symptoms for certain neurodegenerative diseases.
INTRODUCE YOUR GUT TO THE BENEFITS OF TURMERIC
Turmeric supports the gut’s anti-inflammatory response by blocking production of proinflammatory cytokines, tempering both acute (initial local response) and chronic (on-going systemic) inflammation in the gut and throughout the body.
However, because of the size of the turmeric curcumin molecule, it is usually metabolized too quickly to get the full therapeutic benefit or “bioavailability” at a steady rate of effectiveness. And while black pepper or piperine helps you absorb more of the benefits of turmeric it can further irritate your GI tract.
To mitigate potential adverse effects of absorption enhancers and get the full therapeutic benefits of turmeric curcumin, consider using “super micronized” turmeric. Nuvothera, a super micronized whole-root, turmeric supplement, uses a process that reduces the size of the turmeric molecule so that it is easily absorbed without the need for chemical absorption enhancers like piperine and has been clinically demonstrated to increase anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant potency 100 times greater than other brands.
YOUR GUT AND YOUR MOOD
Does your desire to work out come in shortlived bursts of motivation? Is the thought of a
leaner, healthier you not enough of a reward to get you to going? That’s because feeling sluggish is an “entire mood” as the saying goes. Your mood and sense of well-being are regulated by the neurotransmitter serotonin and 90% of the serotonin in the body is produced by cells in the gut lining. But, a 2015, study at Caltech found that these cells appear to depend on their interaction with gut microbiota to synthesize a large amount of the serotonin produced by the gut. Similarly with dopamine, the gut produces almost 50% of this neurotransmitter in your body. Dopamine also supports mood but more importantly, it regulates the motivation behaviors and reward pathways that propel you to start and complete tasks. It follows then, given the bi-directional communication between your gut and your brain, that any negative mood can be “ the cause or the product ” of an imbalance in your gut microbiota.Through digestion, the gut converts turmeric curcumin into metabolites unleashing the anti-oxidant properties of turmeric. In this capacity, turmeric works to prolong the effects of neurotransmitters, reducing free radicals by inhibiting the production of monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes which break down serotonin and dopamine via catabolization.
YOUR GUT AND YOUR METABOLISM
It is commonly accepted wisdom that once you hit a certain age, your metabolism slows down. While there is real evidence of this as a truth, the common western diet of ultraprocessed food is also a culprit. And not solely due to the high caloric count. The food you eat and the medicine you take determines which bacteria thrive in the gut.
IMPROVE YOUR GUT HEALTH WITH TURMERIC
The easiest way to improve our gut health is to habitually support our diet with noninflammatory foods and quality nutritional supplements.Nuvothera’s Turmeric Curcumin helps balance the microbiome that is your gut and that has a positive effect on all the areas of your health. Because when your gut is happy, all of you is happy.
What Can Cause Lower Back Pain?
*Injuries, accidents, chronic medical conditions, and degenerative diseases can all cause lower back pain.*Some examples of the most common causes of lower back pain are:
*Sports injuries – muscle strains and sprains
*Poor posture
*The stress placed on the lower back from a sudden movement such as a hit or a fall
*Improperly lifting heavy objects
*Twisting the wrong way when lifting an object
*Compression fracture
*Spinal deformity
*Osteoarthritis
*Slipped or bulging disc
*Lumbar herniated disc
*Degenerative disc disease
*Joint dysfunction
*Other less common causes of lower back pain include: tumors, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or Crohn’s disease, and infections.
Discovering the cause of your lower back pain is important because it helps you determine how to treat the pain. Some causes of lower back pain, such as osteoarthritis, joint pain, and muscle sprains or strains respond well to natural
remedies. Other causes of lower back pain, such as compound fractures or spinal deformities may need additional medical treatment to relieve your pain and discomfort.
A doctor can help you determine the cause of your lower back pain and explore which natural remedies may prove the most effective at helping you find pain relief.
Symptoms of Lower Back Pain
There are very specific symptoms that occur when you experience lower back pain. Some of the most common symptoms of lower back pain include:
*Dull ache or pain – this type of pain is typically described as a dull ache that never fully goes away
*Sudden sharp pain – sudden sharp pain typically occurs when you experience trauma or severe damage to the lower back
*Severe muscle spasms
*A dull ache that travels to the pelvis or hips
*Tingling, stinging, or numbness that feels as if it starts in the lower back and travels down the backs of your legs to your feet
*Pain or aches that seem to get worse after not moving for prolonged periods such as when sitting at work or while sleeping
*Dull pain that is relieved when shifting or changing positions – for example, you may have lower back pain when lying down flat, but if you lay on your side or raise your knees the pain goes away
*Pain that is severe in the morning but tends to get better as the day goes on
*Lower back pain symptoms can vary in intensity. Sometimes the pain can be mild while other times it can be so severe that it prevents you from taking part in day-to-day activities.
Natural Remedies for Lower Back Pain and Inflammation
From the comfort of your own home you can try some of the following natural remedies which may help to relieve pain and inflammation in the lower back:
1)Change your routine. 2)Try to avoid sitting for prolonged periods. 3)Make adjustments to your posture. Try to adjust your back, shoulders, and neck so they are properly aligned. This will help take some of the stress off your spine which may reduce pain and inflammation.
4)Change or rotate the type of activities or exercise you do. Changing the type of activities or exercise you engage in will help you avoid overworking certain joints and muscles. If the joints and muscles become fatigued from overuse, it puts you at risk of injuring your back.
5)Practice yoga – yoga can help you stretch and strengthen the muscles and joints. It also helps with spinal flexibility. A flexible spine is more resistant to injuries that can cause you to experience pain and discomfort.
6)Heat therapy, 7)Cold compresses, 8)Practice meditation to help you relax your body and muscles, 9)Take a natural supplement for antiinflammation, 10)Exercise, 11)Lose weight, 12)Make changes to your diet. 13)Try to incorporate more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet.
Exercises to Help Lower Back Pain
Wondering how to get rid of lower back pain fast? The fastest way is to start exercising. There are specific exercises that can help you stretch and strengthen your back. By strengthening and stretching your lower back, you can reduce pain and inflammation.
The following are simple exercises you can do daily that may help you find relief from lower back pain.
Knee-to-Chest Stretches
*Lie on the floor
*Bend both knees so your feet are flat
*Take both hands and gently pull one knee to your chest. *Stop pulling your knee when you start to experience slight tightness in your back. You should not experience any pain or discomfort. If you do, stop this stretch immediately.
*Keep your knee to your chest for five seconds then return so both knees are bent and your feet are on the floor.
*Do the same thing with the opposite leg.
*Repeat this with both legs two to three times.
Lower Back Rotational Stretches
*Lie on the floor with both knees bent. Your feet should be flat on the floor and your arms should be out to the side.
*Gently lower your legs to one side. Make sure you keep your knees together.
*Hold this stretch for five to ten seconds then return to your starting position. *Repeat this movement to the other side. *Repeat this stretch two to three times for each side.
Cat Stretch
*Start by kneeling on the floor with your hands on the ground. Your knees should be about hipwidth apart. *Gently try to arch your back. This can be done by slowly pulling your belly button upwards. *Hold this position for a few seconds. *Slowly start to relax the muscles in your back. While relaxing your muscles, you will start to lower your abs towards the ground. *Slowly return towards your starting kneeling position. *Repeat this same stretch three to five times. If you find these exercises and stretches difficult, you can try something easier – walking. *Walking helps increase blood flow to the body which helps reduce inflammation. It can also help stretch and strengthen your muscles and joints.
How can I Reduce Inflammation in My Back?
The first thing people think of to help reduce inflammation in your back is an NSAID. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, work with your body to chemically reduce inflammation. While NSAIDs can help reduce pain and inflammation, they come with dangerous side effects that can dramatically impact your health.
If you want to reduce inflammation safely without worrying about dangerous side effects, you can take a turmeric supplement. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory that, when taken properly, can reduce pain and inflammation but without all the harmful side effects.
Best Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Supplement for Lower Back Pain and Inflammation
What is the fastest way to relieve lower back pain? Taking a good turmeric anti-inflammatory supplement from a reliable manufacturer.
What makes a good turmeric antiinflammatory supplement? A good turmeric anti-inflammatory supplement is one that not only is designed to be quickly absorbed by the body but one that has maximum potency. A turmeric supplement that combines maximum absorption and maximum potency will help make sure you see the best results.
Nuvothera’s Super-Micronized Turmeric Curcumin Supplement is considered by many back pain sufferers to be the best antiinflammatory supplement It is the best because very specialized, advanced micro-particle technology was used to manufacture the supplement. This specialized technology creates a supplement that your body can quickly and effectively absorb.
Other reasons why Nuvothera SuperMicronized Turmeric Curcumin Supplement is considered the best anti-inflammatory include:
*All ingredients are natural
*All ingredients that are used have been clinically tested to determine their effectiveness at reducing pain and swelling
*No chemical enhancers or black pepper, which can cause unpleasant side effects, are used to help enhance the absorption
*A supplement is water-soluble for maximum potency
When you take Nuvothera Super-Micronized Turmeric Curcumin Supplement, you are delivering high-quality natural anti-inflammatory compounds to the body. Direct delivery of the anti-inflammatory compounds to the damaged cells helps decrease pain and inflammation by quickly starting the healing process.
Try combining a few of these natural remedies, such as stretching, exercise, and turmeric supplements like Nuvothera’s SuperMicronized Turmeric Curcumin Supplement, and you will soon find relief for your back pain.
Order your Nuvothera Turmeric Supplement today by scanning the QR Code.
By Don Armstrong
Even though hybrids are the hot commodity today, like politics, there are plenty of passionate folks on both sides of the EV/ gasoline battle. Dealerships are very aware of the current dilemma, and new car lots are filled with every power source available, all hoping you’ll come explore the offerings.
EV auto assemblers worldwide are spending billions of dollars on engineering, facilities, battery technology and manufacturing – all at breakneck speed. U.S. manufacturers are no exception, and Chevrolet is in the thick of it.
The 2025 Equinox EV is one of the more attractive designs - a sleek, wind cheating wagon, sold in the form of a SUV. Not only does it look good it also offers roominess, not found in some other brands. GM’s infotainment
system is intuitive and easy to conquer. We’ve found size does matter and Chevy didn’t hold back with 17.7-inches. Seating on the other hand lacks the comfort level we look for on long trips. Legroom, however, overcomes blemishes and is heartily welcome.
Three major selling points are 1) Range: 319 miles with a full charge. 2) Price: starting at $33,600, this is one of the most affordable EV’s in the market today. 3) Attractive inside and out. We feel the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV is an overall winner.
When Ford announced it was bringing back the Bronco, we old schoolers were thrilled, except for the price. To answer pundits, Ford answered with an alternative, the Bronco Sport. And although the Sport had a more streetable design, owners could still truthfully say, “I have a Bronco.”
The Ford Bronco Sport shares many of its underpinnings with the Ford Escape, a successful vehicle. The Sport model, however, comes with a few more off-road enhancements. It balances its shape with capability in an attractive crossover package.
Depending on which of the five trim packages you choose, Ford offers versions from mild to wild, including paint options. Interior choices, like the exterior, are abundant and are matched to the trim level you choose. We like the 70’s mod-look with a hint of Astrodome orange and yellow flair in its seatbacks.
Power comes from a 1.5-liter turbo 3-cylinder engine that delivers 181-horsepower and is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Combined, it gets 26 MPG.
Ford Bronco Sport starts at $29,995.
Generally, when I am in Texarkana, I’m just passing through on my way north. On the rare occasion I pull off the road, it is to grab lunch. But today, I had a mission in mind. We were here on a pilgrimage to one of “America’s Castles.”
I had seen this house on the A&E TV show by the same name years ago. The “Ace of Clubs” house is in the old downtown section, on the Texas side of town. It got its name because the builder, James Draughon, a Confederate veteran, a lumberman and the mayor of Texarkana, wanted to celebrate the memory of the night he won $10,000 in a card game by laying down the ace of clubs. This was back in 1885 when that was a lot of money, and that ten grand was enough to build the mansion.
The building is shaped somewhat like a club on a poker card. Because it is difficult to make round sections out of brick and stone, the three circles are represented by octagonal shapes. The “stem” of the club is rectangular. In all, the building has 22 sides.
Today, it is a multi-purpose venue owned by the city. A museum, it also serves as rental space for parties, meetings, and even group photos. Now, 140 years later, we can share the exciting memory that James Draughon cherished and chose to immortalize.
Memories are tricky things. As I got older, I began to realize that life is really one long process of collecting not just memories, but also scars—and sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between the two. Many memories that give us great pleasure today also brought a degree of pain when they happened and might have left scars—like the first time you said to your buddy, “Hold my beer and watch this!”
While the experience may have been painful back then and you can see the marks even today, time has altered the memories in such a way that they are now pleasant, even fun. In the case of many memories, there is only the good with no accompanying scars. More often, like your boast to your buddy, memories and scars overlap like in a Venn diagram.
However, there are also cases of scars where no memories exist. Lately, those are the ones I’ve been thinking about—scars that we have no idea where they came from. Many of us have little knicks or other marks on our bodies that occurred in childhood but we have no memory of the occurrence.
Maybe you’ve heard stories about the causal event from family members older than you, but of course, that is just hearsay. Family myth may say that old burn mark might indeed have been the thing that taught you not to touch the stove top, but you have no memory of it whatsoever. I’ve seen several cases where people are asked how they got a scar and they were shocked to know they even had it.
I’m most fascinated by these scars because I suspect these are the things that form us, that have made us who we are today. As such, it’s easy then to see them in a positive light. But there might also be unseen scars that hurt us, especially if the wounds are not on our body but in our psyche or our hearts.
Have you ever thought about the wide variety of personalities you encounter every day? Some people are private and reserved, some quiet, some loud and obnoxious. Others always seem to be “working the room.” Whenever we go out in public, my wife gets involved in long conversations with nearly everyone she meets. I tease her afterwards with questions about how many kids, grandkids and dogs each person has and all their names. I, on the other hand, am hard to get two words out of, orally at least. I write; I don’t talk. And there are other differences as well. Some people are violent and dishonest, others you can trust with your life—or your wife.
Generally we write off these differences as something that occurs at birth, or earlier and occurs purely by chance. We are always puzzled by a family that raises three great kids and one little monster. “Some people are just born that way,” we say. And it’s not just humans that display this conundrum. Let’s consider dogs for a moment (since dogs are people too, of course). Most Labrador retrievers are little imps for the first year of life.
By Michael Gos
My first boy, Koty, was crazy for two years. He was always in full-attack mode, assuming every second was playtime. He ate the sheetrock off the walls if he was left alone too long—say, more than ten minutes. Then, suddenly, literally overnight, at about two years old, he got his brain and became a truly magnificent dog. Another lab, his step-sister Maggie Mae, was born the perfect dog. She just came out that way. It’s easy to blame it on chance. I wonder if, rather than being a birth trait, these differences are caused by unseen scars that mark us deep inside, ones we are completely unaware of. Maggie was rejected by her mother and had to be bottle fed from day one. That interaction with humans, rather than with her littermates, left her with a more “caregiver-like” personality. And I’m sure that as an adult, she never remembered those events. Aren’t we likely to be subject to the same sorts of influences?
Those scars determine who we are, and in many cases, we never even know they exist. These unknown scars can work for good, as in Maggie’s case, or to our detriment, as in the case of someone violent, risk-adverse or commitmentphobic. When they are harmful to our well- being, it seems to me it is less important, and maybe even impossible to know what those scars are or where they came from. The best we can do is concentrate on spotting their negative effects and work on adjusting our behavior to something more likely to contribute to our overall happiness.
It may not be possible to find those scars, but it is always possible to make changes to improve our lives. The scars will still be there, but the memories that we will be making in the future can definitely be more pleasant ones.
When we got to the front gate of the Ace of Clubs house, we found it locked. A sign on the garden wall said it would be two hours before it opened. I wanted to get a few photos of the house from different angles and I didn’t have two hours to kill. I had to get over the wall. I turned to my wife and said, “Hold my beer . . .”
And I have the scar to prove it.
