The 07-08-23 Edition of The Heights Leader

Area civic club launches park master plan

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A little over seven years ago, Arturo Gutierrez got off of work to take his son – then two years old – to Montie Beach Park for a turn on the swings. At the same time, he saw another dad there with his two young daughters.

With each swing, he said the man’s daughters asked for another push, and after a burst of laughter or say-

ing he couldn’t push them anymore, the man found the strength to push them again. In that moment, he said, he was reminded of memories from his own childhood. And with a recently-launched initiative, he is hoping to give more children and families the chance to make memories of their own.

“I could only assume that he got as much fun out of swinging them as they did being swung,”

Gutierrez said. “That moment he reminded me of my dad taking me to the same park after work, tired but happy.” Gutierrez and his wife Amy are part of a group spearheading the recently-launched Montie Beach Park Master Plan, which calls for large scale improvements to the park on the eastern edge of the Heights at 915 Northwood

Suspect hospitalized after alleged assault

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A man who is accused of attempting to assault a man and woman in the Northside/Northline area last week was hospitalized after the man and woman allegedly shot him during the alleged attempted assault, according to the Houston Police Department.

Mario Ipina Duque, 39, has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful carrying of a weapon, both felonies, according to Harris County court records. He remained in the hospital as of Tuesday, according to the department.

Officers responded to a shooting call at a gas station in the 8600 block of Fulton Street in Northside/Northline around 5:25 p.m. on June 27, according the department, to find the man and woman allegedly holding Duque at gunpoint. According to the department, Duque allegedly pulled out a weapon and allegedly threatened the man before allegedly hitting him with a pistol. The man and women then both allegedly drew guns and shot Duque in what has been claimed to be self-defense, according to the department, before calling 9-1-1. Their weapons were allegedly recovered at the scene, according to police.

Area animal waiving adoption fees throughout July

From Sta Reports

BARC, the City of Houston’s Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, and a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness announced Wednesday that they will be teaming up with MetLife Pet Insurance for an upcoming “Empty the Shelters” adoption event throughout the month of July.

From July 6-31, BISSELL Pet Foundation – a national organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness – will host its Summer National “Empty the Shelters” event at more than 335 shelters in 44 states with pets available for adoption, including BARC Houston.

“With the shared goal of helping pets find and stay in loving homes, this collaboration will save lives by expanding the foundation’s reach to include more shelters across the country and allow BARC to completely waive adoption fees during this summer’s campaign,” a news release from the city said.

BARC Houston, located at 3300 Carr St. in the Northside Village area just east of Interstate 45, will waive adoption fees for all cats and dogs at the shelter for the duration of the event according to the release. Those interested in adopting can stop by any day between noon-5 p.m., according to the release, including on

Photo from

The Montie Beach Civic Club has launched a master plan for improvements to the pictured Montie Beach Park.

Contributed photo

Mayor Sylvester Turner stands with community members during the Freedom Over Texas celebration Tuesday night.

Contributed photo

The city of Houston’s Freedom over Texas celebration was one of many events held around the city in honor of the holiday Tuesday night.

Photo from Facebook

The city’s animal shelter is waiving adoption fees this month.

HISD district managers approve 2023-2024 budget

From Sta Reports

During a meeting late last month, the Houston ISD board of managers voted to approve the roughly $2.2 billion budget for the 2023-2024 school year. The district is facing an expected budget shortfall of a little over $168 million for the upcoming school year, according to last week’s presentation, though the presentation also noted that about $70 million is expected in unspent funds to help eat into

the shortfall a little bit. One of the more notable changes upcoming is that Miles previously said he has set aside about $106.7 million for plans to address areas that are in highest need in the district, money for which will be set aside by cutting from vendor contracts and decreasing central office spending, among other ways to cut funds.

Miles has recommended rightsizing central office expenditures and eliminating duplicative vendor contracts to real-

locate resources to be invested in the 29 New Education System schools, whose principals were announced last week.

He also recommended that the School Board maintain the small school subsidies and “hold harmless” on enrollment for another fiscal year to mitigate disruption at the campus level.

The district said he has identified increased leadership density, improving the quality of instruction, strengthening central office, and pre-

paring students for life and work after graduation in the best way possible as areas of priority.

“Budgets are a statement of priorities. School systems must allocate resources in a way that aligns with their priorities,” Superintendent Mike Miles said. “While we got a late start on the budget process this year, we have taken some early steps to eliminate the tale of two education systems in HISD.”

Woman found shot dead near area

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Houston police say they are investigating the fatal shooting of a woman who was found dead at an apartment near the area last week, according to the Houston Police Department.

The woman’s identity is pending an autopsy from the county’s medical examiner, according to the department.

HPD said officers re-

sponded to an apartment complex in the 7600 block of Hammerly Boulevard, less than two miles from Delmar Stadium, around 5:50 p.m. last Tuesday, June 27 to find the woman in the apartment having been shot.

Paramedics pronounced the woman dead at the scene, according to HPD.

There are currently no known motives or suspects in the shooting, according to the depart-

ment. Anyone who might have information about the shooting is asked to call HPD’s Homicide division at 713-308-3600.

They can also speak anonymously to Houston Crime Stoppers by calling the organization at 713-222-8477 (TIPS).

COSMETIC

Martin Victor Cattoni March 2, 1957 – July 25, 2022

Martin Victor Cattoni left this life too soon on Monday, July 25th in Ashburn, Virginia. Preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Martin Cattoni and Loly Boettner Cattoni, Martin is survived by his adoring siblings, Ruth Cattoni, John Cattoni and Katy Cattoni. Loving nephews Cash, Gage, Cannon, Juan Victor and Juan Martin, and great nephews Taetum and Kayson.

He also leaves the love of his life, Karen Hokanson and numerous cousins and relatives in Asuncion, Paraguay to mourn his loss. Martin attended St. Vincent’s, Strake Jesuit, UT Austin and graduated from University of Houston, and received his MBA from Widener University. He made many friends wherever he went living in Boston MA, Newark DE and fnally Ashburn VA. to his Houston friends and family. He was extremely adventurous and went on numerous diving and cycling trips all over the world and loved exploring new things; Maldives, Fiji, Egypt, Europe, many places in the Caribbean and all over the United States. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed music, dancing, trying new things (skydiving, parasailing and more), movies, cooking and most of all will be remembered for his sense of humor and intelligence. He was our rock after our parents passed away when we were so young. Martin was always there for us and we all depended on him and loved him deeply. We will remember his genuine smile, zest for life and the joy he spread in his 65 years making this world a better place for all who knew him. Martin, we will always, always remember you.

SPORTS.

Photo from Facebook

Waltrip High School’s recent football camp saw dozens of young athletes come out to learn the skills of the game.

Art Valet: Artists change focus this

This summer I noticed artists posting on Instagram about their art projects and travels. These would make great essays with that famous topic, “What I did on my summer vacation!”

Robin Whalan is a printmaker. The printmaking steps sound easy written out because basically Whalan draws her design, carves it out of linoleum and then handprints them. Viola! I left out the blood, sweat, aches and pains. In my interview (AV in The Leader March 18, 2023) we learned that Whalan had only started this creative journey out of boredom in 2020. She used what she had on hand at the time which in her case was the floor, to carve her masterpieces.

This summer Whalan moved into a new art studio to work and now teach out of. A huge step for an artist. She also got a new artist table to work from that will certainly be a tremendous leap forward.

The only downside is the beloved wooden spoon Whalan used in the printmaking process vanished in the move. The spoon was featured prominently in many of her Instagram posts. Perhaps with so many changes moving forward, the spoon will remain a symbol of Whalen’s artistic journey. For class info and upcoming events: https://www. boredhumanhtx.com/

Photographer Tim Herschbach chronicled his working trip to Washington State’s Hoh Rainforest inside Olympic National Park.

AV: Tell me about your trip.

Tim Herschbach: “I had a great trip to Washington State. As always, it wasn’t perfect and I had to compromise based on getting there and seeing what I had to work with, not to mention the weather which was constantly changing. I’m also working with a new medium format camera system so that was a bit nerve tracking not really knowing what I had until I got home. Fortunately those worries had little merit.”

“Overall, it was a successful photography trip. I worked hard and came home with some solid compositions that I’m excited to start releasing soon.”

AV: Is there a big difference in medium format cameras vs something you might use normally?

TH: “That’s the exact same question I had going into this trip. I’ve put some time in on this system the past few months shooting at my church, but this was my first real landscape experience with it, and while I expected higher quality images over my full frame DSLR, I was also concerned about the narrower depth of field found with a larger sensor. I was also concerned about the size and weight if the system being harder I lug around in my hikes.”

AV: I’m glad it worked out, and it didn’t cause too much undue stress via exercise!

TH: “The extra weight was certainly an issue, but the narrower depth of field wasn’t nearly as much an issue as I thought it would be,” Herschbach said. “I wasn’t able to assess this until I got home and looked at the images in full size, so not knowing was a real source of anxiety.”

Herschbach is planning to have a home gallery show debuting the photographs from this trip on late summer in Manvel. An RSVP event. Follow him on for details, https://www.herschbachphotography.com/

Tiffany Angel Nesbit (AV in The Leader May 2021) is known for her pottery, though I’m waiting impatiently for her to reveal her 2D art on the world. One day perhaps. Meanwhile I noticed this summer her trademarked fish and poultry designs (my favs!) on her hand-built pottery were suddenly frogs, locusts and … they were the ten plagues set on Egypt!

In an email, Nesbit explained her latest project.

“My practice has given me a concrete backbone in moral beliefs and has greatly deepened my relationship with God,” Nesbit wrote. “I crave a deeper understanding of biblical stories that have been passed down through millennia and countless generations and are still relevant today. I aim to preserve these parables through ceramics, so that wisdom can continue to be passed down to my children, and to theirs.”

“The project will include depictions of the 10 plagues of the book of Exodus from the Old Testament, when God sent Moses to pharaoh and demanded to let the enslaved Israelites free,” Nesbit said. “Each vessel will depict one of the 10 plagues, carved onto the surface of the raw clay.

“The vessels are formed based on 18th dynasty Egyptian pottery, the era that the Book of Exodus is thought to have taken place.”

“This is certainly a work in progress and I’m excited to let it evolve further into a new direction,” Nesbit said. “Prior to this, my practice has been focused on the spirits of animals of the land, and how they interact with the earth. Now, I’m making work about the spirits of our human ancestors, and the importance of their tribulations to fight for freedom throughout time.”

https://www.tiffanyangelnesbit.com

Each of the artists Instagram handles are linked on their websites.

Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and The Market at Sawyer Yards. Find him at https://ArtValet.com for additional highlights and artist’s stories.

Tim Herschbach’s o ce earlier this summer.

Robin Whalan with her new art table.

Ti any Angel Nesbit holds one of her 10 plagues pots.

Nibbles & Sips: Eureka Heights wins craft beer marketing award

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A hot spot for craft beer in located in the Heights was recently recognized with a global craft beer award.

According to a June 29 news release, Eureka Heights Brewery in the Heights (941 W. 18th St.) has been given a “Crushie” from the Craft Beer Marketing Association as part of the association’s fourth annual awards campaign Entries are divided into five regions – The Americas, UK, Europe, Asia/Pacific, and MENA Africa and beyond – according to the awards websites, with gold and platinum Crushies awarded for several categories in each region and silver Crushies awarded to those who choose to be entered into the global competition. They are judged by a panel of beer, marketing, and design consultants.

Eureka Heights won a Global Crushie for its creation called My Own Best Friend, a Kolsch-style beer whose sales help benefit the mission of the Houston Society for the Protection against Cruelty to Animals (HSPCA). The Heights brewery was awarded the Crushie in the “Bigger Than Beer: Cause-Related Beer Project or Campaign” global category.

To see a full list and gallery of all CBMA winners for 2023, community members can visit the awards website at craftbeermarketingawards.com/2023winners/.

Gatlin’s lands on NYT “Best Texas BBQ” list

A longtime hot spot and local favorite barbecue spot has landed itself on a top 20 list of barbecue spots in Texas from the New York Times.

In a June 3 article, the New York Times named Gatlin’s BBQ at 3510 Ella Blvd. as one of its top 20 “Best Texas Barbecue Restaurants of the New Generation” as writers traveled to Texas to find the best of the best in the state.

Gatlin’s opened its doors in 2010, and has spent more than a decade becoming of the region’s goto spots for barbecue. It has earned several local and statewide honors, and is one of the Houston area’s prime spots for barbecue. And the NYT writers certainly agreed. The full rundown of what the writers had to say can be found at nytimes. com/2023/07/03/dining/best-texas-bbq-restaurants-new-generation.html.

The restaurant is open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays. For more information on Gatlin’s BBQ, visit the restaurant’s website at gatlinsbbq.com.

THE TOPICS.

A minority in the majority

If you are of the Caucasian persuasion you are now a minority in Texas. The latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau show that Hispanics have made up the largest share of the state’s population since at least July 2022. That headcount shows 40.2 percent of Texans are Hispanic, barely edging out non-Hispanic white Texans, who made up 39.8 percent. Latinos outnumber white Texans by about 129,000.

Unfortunately, according to the Texas Tribune, Hispanic Texans are more than twice as likely as white Texans to be living below the poverty level. Less than half are as likely to have graduated from college with a bachelor’s degrees or higher. Recent estimates show 95 percent of white adults in Texas have at least a high school diploma, compared with only 70 percent of Hispanic adults. Hispanics are just as far back on income: The median income in 2021 was $81,384 for a white household but just $54,857 for a Hispanic household.

Nor do Hispanics reflect Texas’ demographics in our Legislature. Again, according to the Texas Tribune, if the makeup of the Legislature in the 2023 session was in line with the state’s demographics, there would be close to an equal number of Hispanic and non-Hispanic white lawmakers. Instead, Hispanic Texans hold just 25 percent of seats in the Legislature. Among Republicans, who hold a large majority of legislative seats, the GOP members of color (that includes Hispanics) increased from five at the start of the 2021 legislative session to 11 this year.

Now these population figures for Texas are a bit vague because countless undocumented migrants are coming to Texas from across the Rio every day. The number for fiscal year 2022 topped 2.76 million, breaking the previous annual record by more than 1 million, according to Customs and Border Protection data. Some are deported back across the border and others are sent elsewhere. Gov. Greg Abbott announced only last week that he had sent more than 23,500 migrants to sanctuary cities. Do they count? But many are staying here and one of their main targets is – one guess – Houston. Why should they be any different from migrants leaving Los Angeles and Chicago?

Houston is 24.1 white, 44.5 percent Hispanic, 22.6 percent Black, 6.8 percent Asian. Two or more races are 10.8 percent. And we have 3,223 homeless people

LYNN ASHBY Columnist

cle, José Antonio Navarro. The last two were the only native Texans among the 59 men who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. Juan Abamillo, Juan A. Badillo, Carlos Espalier, Gregorio Esparza, Antonio Fuentes, and Andrés Nava. They were born in Texas, they died defending the Alamo. Among the 187 men who died there were 13 native-born Texians, 11 more of Mexican descent.

you see around town was foreign born: 29 percent. Houston has been called America’s most diverse city and these figures prove it. Or Google Houston’s ethnic restaurants. I got as far as the top 10 Serbian cafes and gave up. (While we’re counting, almost 20 percent of Houstonians live in poverty and it takes the average Houstonian 27.5 minutes to commute each way each day.)

Several of these figures, especially from the U.S. Census Bureau, use terms like Latino or Hispanic/Latino. Having been called many names myself, I will call you by whatever title you wish. Latino or Latina is fine. So is Hispanic. For years the title Chicano was used as a slur for Mexican-Americans. I recall interviewing an elderly Hispanic gentleman who said, “When I was young, if anybody called me a Chicano I’d hit him.” Then in the 1940s and later it was taken up by young Hispanic males as a title of pride. Today I don’t hear anyone using the name Chicano at all. In news reports and such Black is now capitalized as is Hispanic, but not white. In Texas we are different –surprise! Our Hispanic Texans are often called Tejanos. There is Tejano music and Go Tejano Day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (which traditionally draws the biggest crowds of the year). I like that title. It’s unique. Calling oneself a Tejano can only be used by proud Texans of Mexican heritage.

We must remember that we Anglos -- or Gringos, Round Eyes or Moverse Mia Patio! (Spanish for Get Off My Yard!) -- were the late comers. Stephen F. Austin inherited his father’s Spanish land grant in 1821 and eventually moved 300 families to what, by then, was Mexico. On April 6, 1830, Mexico passed a law banning immigration. Everyone who came afterwards was an illegal immigrant.

You, of course, remember Lorenzo de Zavala, the first vice president of the Republic of Texas, José Francisco “Francis” Ruiz and his un-

Mondays – when the shelter is typically closed. More details can be found at houstonbarc.com.

Since the 2016 inception of BISSELL Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters,” the release said nearly 158,000 pets at 669 animal welfare organizations in 49 states and Canada have been adopted during the annual event. An average of 1,200 shelter pets have been adopted each day around the country during each quarterly national event, according to the release.

“Veterinary costs add up quickly, and too often, pet owners forgo care or surrender their beloved pets when they can’t afford treatment,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “This collaboration could help to enable more pets in more communities to be adopted through ‘Empty the Shelters’ and can help facilitate adopters seeking treatment to keep their pets healthy and in their new homes.”

For more information on adopting or donating to the “Empty the Shelters” event this month, community members can visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org/ empty-the-shelters or BARC’s website at houstonbarc. com.

At the Battle of San Jacinto, the only native Texans were 30 Hispanics from San Antonio, led by Don Erasmo Seguin, whose father was the alcalde of San Antonio. Since none of the Texian troops wore a uniform, and since most of the Tejanos didn’t speak English, Gen. Sam Houston was afraid in the fog of war they would be mistaken for Santa Anna’s troops, he (Houston, not Santa Anna) ordered them to stay back and guard the supply wagons and ambulances. Seguin replied: “We certainly did not join your army, General, to ride herd on sick folks. We men from Bexar have more grievances to settle with the Santanistas than anyone else, for we have suffered the most from them. We want to fight!” Houston replied, “Spoken like a man.” They took their place in line. True story: To differentiate his troops from the enemy, Sequin had his men put a playing card in their hat bands, but he didn’t have enough to go around. I suspect Seguin told the captured Santa Anna afterwards, “Never take on anyone not playing with a full deck.”

Ashby is a minority at ashby2@comcast.net

THE LEADER PUZZLERS.

SUDOKU

WORD SCRAMBLE

BARC , from P. 1

Houston Methodist Hospital For The Leader

Running offers a wide range of health benefits and is a low-cost, accessible form of aerobic exercise for many. Whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner or someone who likes to squeeze in a quick run outdoors as form of cardio, it’s important to take the right precautions to ensure you can safely enjoy running especially during Houston’s hot, humid summer.

Here are five tips to keep top-of-mind before running in the heat.

1. Stay hydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after your run. Bring water with you or plan your route near areas that have water fountains. Consider carrying an electrolyte drink to replace the minerals you lose through sweat.

“Running in the Houston heat and humidity requires preparation and understanding some of your body’s warning signs that signal it might be unsafe to run,” said Dr. Gillian Wooldridge, an orthopedics and sports medicine physician at Houston Methodist.

Hydration is key, but it’s more than just drinking enough water during your run.

“If you’re not properly hydrated to begin with, your body is ill-equipped to cool

itself down, so your risk of heat illness increases,” adds Wooldridge.

2. Timing is everything, especially when it comes to safety. Try to run during the cooler parts of the day such as early in the morning or late in the evening. Avoid midday when the sun is the strongest. The main factors that contribute to unsafe running conditions are: high temperature, high humidity, significant amounts of direct heat from the sun and lack of wind.

“You’re likely going to see two of these factors – heat and humidity – all summer long in Houston, so adding even more of these unsafe conditions to the mix requires you to make a judgement call that considers your level of experience as runner and how you’re feeling overall,” said Wooldridge.

3. Acclimate yourself gradually. Start with shorter runs and gradually increase length and intensity as your body adapts to the heat. This is especially important if you’re new to running or new to exercising outdoors in Houston. Adjust your pace as needed during your run and take breaks. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard.

4. Understand the difference between soreness and pain that signals injury. There are some common running injuries that often come with overuse.

Some of those include:

• Runner’s knee – dull pain around the front of the knee, felt either while active or after sitting for a long time

• IT band syndrome –aching or burning pain on

the outside of the knee (which may extend up to the hip), typically felt when active

• Shin splints – pain at the front or inner-facing portion of your lower legs that worsens with activity

• Plantar fasciitis – pain at or near the bottom of the heel, typically felt after activity (not during) or early the next morning.

• Achilles Tendinitis –pain in the lower leg just above the heel that may be accompanied by restricted motion when attempting to lift your toes

• Stress fracture – pain or aching (usually in the shin or foot) that’s felt during activity and that worsens over time

“While muscle soreness and discomfort are common, you should never ignore persistent pain. It’s better to get evaluated than to let an injury progress and turn into something even more severe,” says Wooldridge.

5. Know the signs and symptoms of heat illness.

While your mind may inspire you to “tough it out,” during your outdoor run, your body may not be able to keep up, especially when you factor in the intense heat and humidity.

Heat illness occurs when the body overheats as a result of overexertion and/ or hot weather. It starts with muscle cramps but can progress into heat exhaustion and then heat stroke —a medical emergency — if you don’t stop and find a way to cool your body down.

Some of the symptoms of heat illness and heat exhaustion include:

How diet and nutrition can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment

By Shana Tatum RD, LD, IFMCP www.shanatatumrd.com

Maintaining brain health and cognitive function is essential for overall wellbeing, especially as we age. While genetics and lifestyle factors play a role in cognitive decline, emerging research suggests that diet and nutrition can significantly influence brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive impairment. As a functional and integrative dietitian, I am passionate about empowering individuals to make dietary choices that support optimal brain function. In this article, we will explore the basic mechanisms of brain function, the impact of diet on cognitive decline, the neuroprotective nutrients for brain health, and the role of the gut microbiome in brain health.

Basic brain function and decline: The brain is a complex organ that requires a constant supply of energy to function optimally. The primary source of fuel for the brain is glucose. However, excessive intake of refined sugars and highglycemic foods can lead to chronic glucose dysregulation, inflammation, and oxi-

dative stress, which are associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. This is why many researchers are associating dementia and insulin resistance in the brain as Type-3 Diabetes. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels through a balanced diet is crucial for supporting brain health and preventing cognitive impairment. Many structures in the brain can be affected by a pro-inflammatory diet. Microglia have been described as the sentinels of the immune system in the brain. Keeping these cells fed with antioxidants and compounds that support detoxification are important to enjoy daily.

Neuroprotective nu-

trients for brain health: A nutrient-dense diet rich in brain-boosting nutrients can provide vital support for cognitive function and help protect against age-related decline. Some key nutrients and dietary components that have shown neuroprotective effects include:

a) Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish like SMASH – salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and herring. Others such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain health, promoting neuronal communication and reducing inflammation.

b) Antioxidants: Colorful fruits and vegetables, such as berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables, are abundant in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, protecting brain cells from damage. You have heard “Eat the Rainbow”, this is why!

c) B Vitamins: Foods like whole grains, legumes, leafy greens, and lean meats provide essential B vitamins, including folate, B6, and B12, which support cognitive function and help reduce

homocysteine levels associated with cognitive decline and cardiovascular risk.

d) Curcumin: Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help protect the brain from neurodegenerative processes.

e) Polyphenols: Foods rich in polyphenols, such as green tea, dark chocolate, and berries, have been linked to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

The role of the gut microbiome in brain health: Mounting evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between the gut and the brain, known as the gutbrain axis. The gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of bacteria residing in our digestive tract, plays a crucial role in this connection.

A healthy gut microbiome promotes brain health by producing neurotransmitters, regulating inflammation, and influencing the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. To support a healthy gut microbiome, emphasize:

a) Fiber-rich foods: Consuming an abundance of

• Weakness

• Muscle cramps

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Nausea and vomiting

If any of these symptoms sound all too familiar to you, it may benefit you to connect with a sports medicine specialist at one of Houston Methodist’s 20 convenient locations across Greater Houston to help you address any pain or symptoms and create a long-term plan to ensure your training is sustainable and safe this summer.

Visit houstonmethodist. org/sportsmed to schedule and find out more.

fiber from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, promoting their growth and diversity. Think of it as the food for your microorganisms.

b) Fermented foods: Incorporating fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi can introduce beneficial probiotic strains that support gut health and potentially enhance brain function. Enjoy a tablespoon as a condiment to your meals and know you are improving your health.

c) Prebiotic foods: Prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, leeks, and asparagus provide nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria, helping to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Who knew that your summer Pico de Gallo was giving your gut a boost!

As our understanding of brain health expands, it becomes evident that the food we eat plays a vital role in reducing the risk of cognitive impairment. Try these foods and trust you are protecting your brain and increasing your health span.

Shana

Directory of Local Female Health Service

Dr. Becky J. Fredrickson

Board Certfed Ophthalmologist.

Dr. Fredrickson has been practcing ophthalmology for over 12 years. She routnely sees patents for diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneraton, and ocular infectons. She

Dr. Stephanie Fulton

Dr. Fulton is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her practice consists of obstetrics, gynecology, and cosmetic procedures such as laser hair removal.

She is a graduate of the University of Texas and completed residency at St. Vincent’s Medical Center where she was a Chief Resident. Dr. Fulton volunteers as part of the health team ministry of her church.

1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 • Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727

www.fultonobgyn.com

Dr. Jaclyn Harrison, M.D.

Board Certified Internal Medicine

Dr. Jaclyn Harrison, a board certified internal medicine physician, has opened a new primary care/internal medicine practice, White Oak Medical Associates in the Heights. She believes patients deserve their doctor’s focused attention, personalized care, and is devoted to compassionate, effective treatment for her patients.

1900 North Loop W, Suite 580 • Houston, TX 77018 713-714-5376

Whiteoakmedicalassociates.com

Dr. Lindsey Fogle, M.D.

for patients and their families during an illness. A primary care doctor is really important for anyone to have.

1900 North Loop W, Suite 580 • Houston, TX 77018 713-714-5376 Whiteoakmedicalassociates.com

St. The Montie Beach Civic Club has launched the initiative in efforts to improve the park.

The Master Plan will utilize community feedback in order to bring the community and new and improved park that will give community members a chance to come together in community and camaraderie, according to the initiative page. And Gutierrez said that as struck as he was by the father and daughters playing, he was just as struck by the condition of the playground’s tire swings, playground equipment, and more.

Parts of the steel playground steps were broken with exposed sharp metal parts, he said, while the tire was badly worn & cracked, and one of the chains connecting the tire was missing.

“As I stood there swinging my kid and observing, I asked, why hasn’t more been done for this park? And that question was a

catalyst for bringing the community together. I’m very thankful that the community saw the same thing I saw.

So he set out to do something about it. And in collaboration with the Houston Parks Board, the plan is starting to come together. Funding for the Master Plan will be largely through the civic club’s annual Dia de los Muertos, though they are also asking for donations from corporate donors, local businesses, and more.

To make a donation to the campaign, community members can go to houstonparksboard.org/montie-beach-park-improvement-initiative/ or mail donations to 300 North Post Oak Lane, Houston, Texas 77024 and write “Montie Beach Park” on the memo.

“This first milestone was years in the making, and it could not have been done by just one person believing in something,” Gutier-

rez said. “If it weren’t for the efforts of some of the volunteers at the Montie Beach Civic Club, this would have remained just an idea.”

There will be community gatherings to solicit feedback in the coming months, Gutierrez said. After all, they all have one goal – to create a place where families and children can make lifelong memories in the 23-acre slice of north Houston.

For more information on the improvement initiative, visit montiebeach.org/improvement-initiative.

“Given the size of this park, and its useable green space, the improvements and revitalization of this park will be an impact to all of Greater Heights,” Gutierrez said. “Just as Discovery Green was an impact to all of downtown and really to Houston. It’s not hard to imagine the impact that Montie Beach Park will have.”

Plan, from P. 1