Fulshear Living Monthly January 2025

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Fulshear Living

5 Simple ways to theimprovenutrition in your diet

+ Hobbies come with healthy benefits

• Vaccinations and Wellness Care

• Spay & Neuter

• Surgical Services

• Boarding

• Allergies

• Arthritis & Pain Mangement

• Heartworm Prevention

• Pocket Pets and Exotics

Pet

Limited to one exam per family. New Clients with healthy pets only. Exotic Pets not included. Must mention or show at checkout. National Pet Dental Health Month

Valid 2/1/25 - 2/28/25. Valid for multiple pet family members. Free dental exam valid only on existing patients.

Contents & Staff

Fulshear Living monthly ™

January 2025

6 SPOTLIGHT

Awareness Topic:

The healthy benefits of hobbies & a few to try out this season.

8 TALK OF THE TOWN

NCL Brazos Belles Chapter seniors to be recognized & NCL Star Chapter supports the community and honors a memory

CHAIRMAN, EDITOR & PUBLISHER Clyde King cking@hartmannews.com

MANAGING EDITOR Marquita Griffin mgriffin@fbherald.com

12 6 16

14 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

For the first time in district history, all six Lamar CISD band programs received straight Division 1 ratings at district band competitions.

ADVERTISING Stefanie Bartlett sbartlett@fbherald.com Ruby Sebessta ruby@fbherald.com

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

Marquita Griffin

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Melinda Maya mmaya@fbherald.com

Rachel Cavazos rcavazos@fbherald.com

TO ADVERTISE: If you are interested in advertising in the Fulshear Living Monthly, please call The Herald at 281-342-4474 for rates, information and deadlines.

PHOTO & ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS: We are looking for fresh story ideas and enjoy publishing your articles in Fulshear Living Monthly. If you have a story idea or photo to publish, please send your information to mgriffin@fbherald.com with “Fulshear Living” in the subject line.

©2024 Fulshear Living Monthly. All Rights Reserved. Fulshear Living Monthly is a sister publication of Pecan Grove Monthly, Greatwood Monthly and West Fort Bend Living and is a publication of the Fort Bend Herald. Our publishing headquarters is 1902 S. Fourth St., Rosenberg, Texas 77471.

2025 Brazos Home & Garden Show. Come Sat. Jan. 25 (9am-6pm) &

APPROACH TO CANCER CARE in Katy

& West Houston

At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, we treat every aspect of your cancer. Leading oncologists work with our specialists across disciplines to minimize cancer’s effects on major organs. One comprehensive team — dedicated to your individual care — uses the latest research, treatments and technology to stop your cancer. From infusion and clinical trials to surgery and reconstruction, our innovative care is available in Katy-West Houston.

That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.

HAVE A HOBBY?

Research shows it delivers benefits beyond being an outlet

In last month’s edition, we explored the ins and outs of seasonal affective disorder and explained why SAD is considered more than the so-called holiday or winter blues.

Johns Hopkins Medicine characterizes SAD as a form of depression in which individuals’ mood and behavior change when the seasons change, and its researchers believe the shorter days and thus fewer hours of daylight that occur each winter set off a chemical change in the brain that leads to a person experiencing symptoms of depression.

move of their own volition is one way to get dancing, but many others like to enroll in dance classes to master moves. Dancing can improve flexibility, and since it is an aerobic activity, it can be a great workout as well.

The disorder is often marked by such symptoms as a persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood most of the day, every day for at least two weeks; feelings of hopelessness or pessimism; feelings of irritability, frustration, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness or restlessness; loss of energy or feelings of fatigue; changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes; and physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that have no explanation and do not subside even after treatment.

Additional symptoms of winter-pattern SAD include hypersomnia or oversleeping; overeating that leads to weight gain (the National Institutes of Mental Health notes people with SAD may have a particular craving for carbohydrates); suicidal thoughts or attempts or thoughts about death; and social withdrawal.

• Reading: Cozying up with a book or e-reader can be a great way to explore topics and locales without leaving home. Reading also is a way to expand vocabulary and improve cognition.

Although SAD is typically expected during the winter months — most cases of SAD start to affect people in late fall or early winter before symptoms begin to subside during the spring and summer — the disorder, researchers noted, can affect people at any time of year.

People who suspect they have SAD are urged to speak with their physicians because various treatments, including light therapy, psychotherapy or antidepressant medications, can help to treat the disorder.

• Kayaking: There’s something serene about being on the water away from the hustle of life on land. Kayaking strengthens the body, but the calm of taking in the water and scenery nourishes the mind. Experts agree that outdoor hobbies add another benefit since sunlight helps the body release neuroreceptors that trigger more positive thoughts.

HOBBIES HAVE HEALTH BENEFITS

Research also shows that having a hobby can help combat seasonal affective disorder.

• Gardening: Gardening is physical, requires planning, involves spending time outdoors, and yields tangible results through thriving plants. According to the American Institute of Stress, gardening sparks a level of creativity among enthusiasts and can help to alleviate stress by lowering levels of the hormone cortisol. Authors of a study published in the journal Urban Forestry & Urban Greening concluded that gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic helped people cope with coronavirus-related stress through outdoor activity.

Maintaining physical and mental health often requires a multi-faceted approach. Eating well, exercising and reducing stress are part of a healthy regimen, but those are not the only components of a healthy lifestyle.

Hobbies can have a positive effect on overall health. While varied recreations appear like simple ways to pass the time or alleviate boredom, a deeper exploration could shed light on how beneficial hobbies can be. In fact, researchers press that carving out time for hobbies is actually an essential objective for everyone, and people should consider carving out time for hobbies.

• Fostering animals: Fostering animals offers a sense of purpose by helping needy animals that spend time in domestic settings before being adopted by permanent owners. For the foster person, having a dog involves going on walks, play sessions in the backyard and remaining engaged.

• Cooking/baking: People have always relied on home cooking to fuel themselves and their families but culinary creations can become a passion for some. It also serves as a stress reliever because it boosts creativity, can help save money and allows people to make dishes that cater to specific food allergies or preferences.

• Volunteering: Being a presence in your community can foster social engagement and boost emotional health. It also can keep you physically active.

• Traveling: Travel is an enjoyable pastime enjoyed by many people. Traveling lets people escape the daily grind, explore new places and cultures and rest and recharge.

According to a study published in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, participation in leisure activities positively influences self-perceived well-being and depressive symptoms.

Participation in activities that bring out a creative side leads to an increased sense of well-being that is good for long-term health. They also can reduce cortisol levels. Known to negatively affect energy, mood and sleep, cortisol is known as the stress hormone. While most leisure activities can improve a person’s health, those that focus on a combination of physical and mental stimulation are most beneficial.

Regard the following ideas for avocations:

• Dancing: Laugh, sweat and learn some footwork in a dance class. It can make exercise fun for those who find traditional exercise does not keep their attention. Dancing spans cultures and genres of music. Putting on music and letting your feet

• Painting and crafts: Artistic endeavors attract their share of enthusiasts, as evidenced by the number of pottery shops, paint and sip businesses and other crafts-based recreational pursuits. By participating in these types of hobbies, one can learn skills and walk away with the fruits of their labor.

• Musical instruments: Listening to music can help reduce stress levels and improve mood. Learning how to play a musical instrument or sing is a hobby shared by many people around the world. Reading and playing music may be one of the best ways to keep the brain healthy, says Penn Medicine, as it engages every major part of the central nervous system.

• Fishing: Few activities may be more relaxing than fishing. Though there are many different ways to fish, some of which require considerable physical effort, casting a line and waiting for a fish to bite is a relaxing way to spend a day in nature. That might not seem like much to novices, but spending time in nature has been found to reduce stress and lower heart rates, which the U.S. Forest Service notes are both risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Hometown Happenings

Foster HS SLC Fundraiser

The Social Learning Classroom at Foster High School is raising money for the SLC Activity Fund which supports the students’ annual End of the Year Senior Party as well as holiday and achievement activities. Follow “Slc Foster HS” on Facebook or email tgreen@lcisd.org.

Bird Hike

Texas Master Naturalist Coastal Prairie Chapter will host free monthly bird hikes through May. All ages welcome. Bring binoculars and cameras. Held on the first Wednesday of the month, 8-10:30 a.m. at Seabourne Creek Nature Park in Rosenberg. coastalprairie.org

Farmer’s Market at Imperial Park

Farmer’s Market at Imperial Park runs every Saturday from 9 a.m.1 p.m. at the Imperial Park Recreation Center in Sugar Land. Future markets are Jan. 11, 18 and 25.

Holiday Lights

The 11th annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights runs through Jan. 5 at Constellation Field in Sugar Land. Fearing over 3.5 million lights, a 40 ft. lit tree, light shows, numerous themed displays and food. sugarlandholidaylights.com

Farmers and Artisan Market

Pecan Grove Farmers and Artisan Market will be open every Sunday from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Future markets on Jan. 12, 19, 26. facebook.com/pecangrovefm

Bus driver hiring event

Fort Bend ISD will host a bus driver hiring event for individuals interested in joining the district’s transportation team and transporting students. The hiring event will take place at Fort Bend ISD’s Hodges Bend Bus Terminal (16707 Bissonnet, Houston, 77088) from 9 – 11 a.m., and registration is currently open for applicants interested in employment as a bus driver or bus driver trainee. Candidates can register at www.fortbendisd.com/hiringevent, and are asked to come to the event prepared for on-the-spot interviews.

Animal Ambassador Engagement

Texas Master NaturalistsTM Coastal Prairie Chapter will offer a free chapter program — “Animal Ambassador Engagement” at 7 p.m. at the Rosenberg Civic Center. The program will feature presenter Emily Essa, Lead Educator & Sierra Merritt, Education Animal Coordinator at Houston Humane Society Animal Wildlife Center. Plan to arrive at 6 p.m. for refreshments and social time. The program begins at 7 p.m.

To attend the program via Zoom, go to https://txmn.org/coastal/event/chapter-program-2025-01-09/. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. coastalprairie.org.

Edible Gardening

Fort Bend County Master Gardeners will host it’s program, “Grown Your Own — Edible Gardening Planning,” from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center in Rosenberg. fbmg.org

Scholarship applications

The Fort Bend County Fair is accepting applications for its scholarship program, which awards recipients a $5,000 scholarship. All recipients must be High School Seniors graduating in Spring 2025 from a recognized Fort Bend County private, public or home-schooled program. To be eligible, students must have participated in the Fort Bend County Fair Livestock Shows, Art programs, Rodeo events, FCCLA, Ag Mechanics competition, Horticulture contest, Queen contest, or have been Fort Bend County Fair volunteers. Scholarship recipient selections are based on Fair involvement, school activities, community involvement, and academic achievement. The deadline to submit a scholarship application is Jan. 16. fortbendcountyfair.com

The

Texas Monarch Flyway Strategy and Migration

Sugar Land Garden Club’s free presentation

“The Texas Monarch Flyway Strategy and Migration” will be held at 10 a.m. at St. Basil’s Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. sugarlandgardenclub.org

40th Annual Fort Bend Regional Vegetable Conference

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Fort Bend County will host its 40th Anniversary of the Annual Fort Bend Regional Vegetable Conference Feb. 6 at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds (Building C). Check-in will be held from 7:30 am to 8 am with the conference beginning at 8 am and ending at 3:30 pm. Register by Jan. 24, for a discounted rate of $35. After that date, the registration is $45. Registration will close at noon on Feb. 4. To register and pay online visit: https://40thAnnualVegConf.eventbrite. com or to register and pay in person by check or cash, visit Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, 1402 Band Road (Annex Building) in Rosenberg. fortbend.agrilife.org

Brazos Home & Garden Show

The 2nd Annual Brazos Home & Garden Show returns Jan. 24-26 at the The Fort Bend County Epicenter from 2-6 p.m. brazoshomeandgardenshow.com

Landscape Success

Fort Bend County Master Gardeners will host it’s program, “Landscape Success – Growing a Great Lawn,” from 1-2:30 p.m. via Zoom. fbmg.org

Felicia Smith Jigsaw Puzzle Competition

The 8th Annual Felicia Smith Jigsaw Puzzle Competition will be held 10 a.m. - noon at the Fort Bend Christian Academy North Campus Gymnasium in Sugar Land. hopeforthree.org

Fruit

Trees

Fort Bend County Master Gardeners will host it’s program, “Grow Your Own – Fruit Trees,” from 9-10:30 a.m. at the at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center in Rosenberg .fbmg.org

In & Around Fulshear

NCL Brazos Belles Chapter seniors to be recognized for their dedication

The National Charity League, Inc. Brazos Belles Chapter will hold its annual Senior Recognition Banquet on Feb. 2 at The Stables on the Brazos, a new event venue in Fulshear.

Chapter official stated: "These ladies have represented NCL’s core value of community service."

The National Charity League, Inc. (NCL) is a multi-generational philanthropic organization of mothers and daughters with over 247 chapters nationwide.

These 2025 graduates have fulfilled their commitment to community service, leadership development, and cultural experiences. This is the chapter’s third graduating class to complete the 6-year NCL experience.

Senior Ticktockers will be recognized for their outstanding achievements in community involvement as well as personal and academic excellence. Chapter officials additionally noted that the seniors being recognized this year demonstrated their dedication to com-

by Sasha Takes Pictures (Above) Front Row L to R: Sloane Kalkomey, Avery Dillon, Caroline Bland, Millie Steen Back Row L to R: Tatum Huey, Andie Anderson, Emma Nowotny, Laila Chapman, Madeleine Pier, Langley Guidry, Camryn Guzzetta, Kilana Gall (Below) Left to

Avery Dillon, Caroline Bland, Kilana Gall, Andie Anderson, Langley Guidry, Laila Chapman, Madeleine Pier, Emma Nowotny, Millie Steen, Camryn Guzzetta, Tatum Huey, Sloane Kalkomey

munity service with more than 200 combined volunteer hours in the last year alone and over 1,000 hours during their entire time with NCL.

NCL Star Chapter Class 2025 supports the community and honors a memory

The Brookwood Community, Katy Christian Ministries, The Ballard House, Neighborhood Kidz Club, Citizens for Animal Protection, Fort Bend Women’s Center, The Hangar, The Graeme McDaniel’s Foundation, Texas Children’s Pediatrics, Monty Ballard YMCA, and Clothed by Faith — these were just some of the 25-plus local charities that collectively received 6,640 volunteer hours over the past six years from the National Charity League Star Chapter.

“In addition to community service, the Class of 2025 has gained valuable leadership experience by taking on board, leadership, committee or liaison roles within the chapter,” stated chapter officials.

This league of women facilitates meetings using parliamentary procedure, organizes class retreats, and plans and leads annual social and philanthropic events, such as the Holiday Philanthropy Fair and the Mother-Daughter Tea, while also hosting a Senior Recognition event for the preceding class.

From left, back row: Addison McCurdy, Jordan Knicely, Breanna Murphy, Lauren Leech, Ella Scott, Sarah Johnson, Annie Pickett, Martha Holland, Avery Germany, Camila Wagner; middle row Sophia Stahl, Kieran Holmes, Lillian

Brooklyn Shepherd; and front

Mech, Ellie Kapoun, Katie Leisy, Hannah Hardin and Bailey Foster. The Senior Class of 2025 will be honored January 18, during the chapter's annual Senior Recognition Event.

“Their cultural awareness has also grown through attending ballet, opera, musical performances, various theater shows, as well as exposure to various cultures in our community,” officials added.

“In addition to all they have accomplished, this incredible class has faced the sorrow of losing a chapter member. They show remarkable resilience by continuing to support their community while honoring the memory of their NCL sister."

Fulshear communities continue Give Back, Build Hope Campaign

The Fulshear, Texas, communities of Cross Creek Ranch and Cross Creek West again hosted a joint Give Back, Build Hope campaign that will build upon the nearly $100,000 the campaign has donated to local charities in previous years.

The two communities made a monetary donation for every home sold during November and December to three Fort Bend County charities — Fort Bend PAWS, Reining Strength and Sky High for Kids. In addition, those purchasing a home in either community will have their chance at winning $3,000.

“The Give Back, Build Hope campaign is in its fifth year, and over the past four years, we’ve donated $99,000 to charities that work to enrich the lives of people in Fort Bend County,” said Stephen Brovarone, General Manager of Cross Creek Ranch and Cross Creek West. “This year, we’re expanding to include Sky High for Kids, a nonprofit that is based in Fort Bend that does important work here and throughout the country.”

With offices in Richmond, Texas, Sky High for Kids raises funds for hospitals and research centers that treat and study childhood cancer. Among its initiatives, it is helping support the first and only pediatric cancer immunotherapy center at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center in Houston. It is also helping fund the building of three training facilities in sub-Saharan Africa with Texas Children’s Hospital’s Global HOPE Program to allow more medical care for the region’s 100,000 children battling cancer and blood disorders.

Fort Bend PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) raises funds and awareness for Fort Bend County Animal Services to help them maintain a high save rate as well as provide heartworm treatment and preventative and low-cost spay and neuter events.

Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship, located in Richmond, Texas, has been a program beneficiary since 2021. The organization serves adults and children ages 2 and older who have physical, cognitive, social or emotional needs by providing equine-assisted services such as therapeutic horsemanship and equine-assisted learning.

FBBHS 2025 Black History & Art Calendar fundraiser underway

The Fort Bend Black Heritage Society’s annual Black History & Art Calendar Fundraiser is underway. And, as has been the tradition, there are two calendar options — the “Celebration of African-American

Sewell,
row: Haley Stuckey, Maddie
Photos
Right:

Art” calendar which features work by Black artists each month, and the “Black History: A Celebration” calendar, which includes a Black historical attribute on each day of each month.

Formed four decades ago by Black residents focused on community service, the Fort Bend Black Heritage Society concentrates on discovering, sharing and preserving Fort Bend County’s Black history, and its

most notable work is with the area’s overlooked historic Black cemeteries.

This calendar fundraiser is a means to cover some of the nonprofit’s cemetery restoration expenses.

The calendars are $5 each and can be picked up or mailed. The mailing fee is an additional $5 to cover the shipping and handling. The pick-up option is free.

Lannis Johnson will manage the pick-up orders. Contact her at 832-877-2756.

Calendars can be purchased online or through Fort Bend Black Heritage Society members. Visit the nonprofit’s Facebook account at facebook.com/FBBHS

For more information, contact the Fort Bend Black Heritage Society at fbheritagesociety@gmail.com or call or text 832-2774347.

Meals on Wheels offers volunteer ride-along experience

Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, a long-standing organization committed to supporting seniors’ independence through nutritious meals and social connections, launched its Training Wheels Program. Through the Training Wheels Program,

participants can join a ride-along with one of FBS’ experienced staff drivers, providing an up-close look at what it’s like to deliver meals to seniors in need. By offering this firsthand experience, FBS hopes to make volunteering more accessible and provide potential volunteers with confidence before they take the next step.

“Our volunteers are the backbone of our program, and with Training Wheels, we hope to give potential volunteers a clear understanding of the invaluable role they play,” said Doug Simpson, Executive Director of Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels. “This program is a great way to introduce community members to our mission and inspire them to help us continue providing vital services to our seniors.”

How It Works

Ride-alongs are available once a month on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m., however, the ending time may vary based on delivery routes.

Up to four participants will be accepted for each ride-along and all routes will begin and end at the Bud O’Shieles distribution center, located at 1330 Band Road in Rosenberg.

Participants must be 18 years or older and sign a release of liability prior to participation. Volunteers are encouraged to wear closedtoe, non-slip shoes (e.g., tennis shoes) and

comfortable clothing suitable for the day’s deliveries.

After completing the ride-along, interested participants will be invited to fill out an official volunteer application and attend a volunteer orientation, the next step in becoming a dedicated member of the FBS volunteer team.

Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels serves more than 2,300 seniors annually across Fort Bend and Waller counties, delivering approximately 422,000 meals in 2024. With food insecurity and social isolation posing significant threats to seniors’ well-being, the services provided by FBS are more essential than ever.

To sign up for the Training Wheels Program or learn more about volunteering with FBS, visit fortbendseniors.org/volunteer or call 281-633-7053.

$140K+ raised at LEAF’s ‘Golf Fore Greatness’ tournament

Clear blue skies and mild fall weather set the perfect stage at Black Hawk Country Club in Richmond, where the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF) hosted its eighth annual “Golf Fore Greatness” tournament, raising money to fund teacher grants and student scholarships across Lamar CISD.

The golf tournament has been successful not just as a fundraising event – with participant slots selling out the past several years and this year’s tournament raising more than $140,000 for the foundation, up substantially from early years – but also as a sign of the strong and vital partnerships that help fuel the district’s impressive growth in recent years, as more and more families from across the country and all around the world choose to make their home within the Lamar CISD boundaries.

LEAF Executive Director Kameela Lewis oversaw the Nov. 12 event and explained how it has blossomed into a chance for business partners to forge deeper connections that go beyond the scope of any single con-

tract or project.

“The golf tournament is an opportunity to create a bridge,” Lewis said, “and it’s become kind of a family reunion. Many of these donors have been with us for quite some time, so it’s an opportunity for them to show partnership while also building stronger relationships,

with the district and with one another.”

Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens

helped kick off the event, which began bright and early as players and other guests were greeted by student volunteers, drumline players and cheerleaders, as well as Lamar CISD student golfers, who joined with registered participants for a special putt-putt contest before the start of the official tournament.

“Our LEAF golf tournament has become a hallmark event on our annual calendar, bringing together so many of the people and business partners that support Lamar CISD and help make our extraordinary growth more manageable,” Nivens said. “It means so much to see the participation from our partners and other supporters who believe in the foundation’s mission, and who want to support its work that, in turn, supports our teachers and students.”

Among the approximately 50 event sponsors was architectural and consulting firm Stantec, whose support made the afterparty possible, complete with live music and both silent and live auctions of a range of donated items and services.

Stantec Principal and Bond Strategist Kimberly Bow, who is also a district parent and a member of the LEAF Board of Directors, explained why it was so important to her firm to support and take part in events like the golf tournament.

“As a community member and business partner with Lamar CISD, the reason why Stantec is involved here is we want to support our future leaders,” Bow said. “We want to support education within our communities, and that’s at the heart of what we do. We try and make a difference in every community that we’re involved in.”

Jim Rice, another longtime district supporter and president of the engineering and construction support services firm Rice & Gardner – which served as this year’s presenting sponsor – has been involved with the foundation’s golf tournament since its inception in 2016, and said he was always happy to return each year.

“I’m really pleased that it’s grown to this extent,” Rice said during the after-tournament event at the Black Hawk clubhouse. “I think this is the best one that we’ve had. A lot of people at LEAF work really hard to make this happen, and it’s really all about raising money to serve the teachers and the students.”

FBJSL opens scholarship applications for 2024-2025 academic year

The Fort Bend Junior Service League announced the application period for its annual Scholarship Awards is open through February. The scholarships will be awarded in spring 2025 and must be used towards tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year. FBJSL is offering up to six $1,000 Volunteer Scholarships and one $2,000 New Beginnings Scholarship.

The Volunteer Scholarships are available to female high school seniors, who are residents of Fort Bend County, who aspire to higher education. Recipients must have exhibited exceptional dedication to volunteerism and community service. High school

seniors must have completed a minimum of 100 hours of community service, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and plan to enroll in an accredited two or four-year college or university.

The New Beginnings Scholarship is designed to empower adult women, who are residents of Fort Bend County, by enhancing their career opportunities through continued education. Eligible candidates should have been accepted into an accredited college, university, or vocational school after a break in their education and demonstrate a financial need.

For more information visit www.fbjsl. org/scholarship-programs. The application deadline is Feb. 1, 2025.

Fort Bend Women’s Center needs ‘beacons of light’

The Fort Bend Women’s Center is asking people to “ be a light this season” by financially supporting the center’s services.

A longtime local nonprofit with more than 44 decades of serving women, men, and children in the Greater Houston/Fort Bend

Area, the Fort Bend Women’s Center provides comprehensive wrap-around services, crisis intervention and empowerment programs designed to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Since its inception in 1980, the center has served 58 thousand survivors.

“Empower survivors on their journey toward healing and hope,” the center stated. “Your gift directly supports critical resources like shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy.”

To better explain the impact donations have on survivors, the center provided the following breakdown:

A $500 donation is equivalent to two weeks of support for one survivor, which includes safety planning, counseling sessions and legal advocacy. In 2023, the center served 1,485 survivors and their children.

A $250 donation covers 25 crisis calls, which ensures 25 hotline callers receive immediate and urgent resources and support they need during an emergency. Last year, the center’s hotline handled 11,768 crisis calls and provided 9,382 hours of mental health services.

A $125 donation provides a survivor with one night of safety and security at the center, and a $50 donation covers one day of nutritious meals for a survivor.

Visit fbwc.org/get-involved/donate.

Driven advocate Eviana Williams is a passionate Texas School Safety Teen Ambassador

Texas State University’s Texas School Safety Center says the youth can be ideal conveyances to develop secure educational environments and has thus launched a statewide program intended to involve middle and high school students in school safety initiatives.

That program — the Texas School Safety Teen Ambassadors — creates opportunities for students to work on campus safety, building connectedness and positive social norms and increasing awareness

Foster High School students Eviana Williams was named a Texas School Safety Teen Ambassador for the 2024-2025 school year. For more information visit txssc. txstate.edu. To check out Eviana’s online blog "Mind of Crime", visit Mindofcrime. com

about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

Richmond, as it turns out, has one such ambassador.

Foster High School senior Eviana Williams was selected to serve as a Texas School Safety Teen Ambassador for the 2024-2025 school year. In this role, Williams educates both youth and adults about the dangers of drugs like vaping and fentanyl, empowering their student body to build connections that matter and increasing awareness about teen mental health.

“Mental wellbeing is violence prevention,” she said.

“I strongly believe that a person’s mental state is significant to violent and criminal behavior. If we support today’s youth in the academic or social struggles they may be facing, we can begin to prepare for a better future.

“I believe that mental health and violence are connected, and to combat one, you have to change the other.”

Williams also promotes safety awareness, employs the information she’s learned from the Texas School Safety Center in her community, and recognizes her peer ideas to “facilitate an initiative that not only educates but sparks action.”

With a passion for criminal psychology — which Williams said she “[fuels] through law enforcement classes, school clubs and community service” — the 17-year-old Foster student aims to understand those around her and the circumstances they have to navigate.

“I enjoy spending my time reading books, volunteering in my community and creating art,” she said. “Additionally, I love to learn about the human mind and created a blog called Mind of Crime where I publish articles exploring the relationship between the brain and criminal behavior. I’m the type of person to seize every opportunity to learn and support my community with an optimistic and ambitious outlook on the goals that I set for myself.”

It was William’s law enforcement teacher Dr. Fred Guess who informed her and other club members about the Texas School Safety Teen Ambassadors program, and she said she was “immediately drawn to the position because of [her] passion for psychology and the chance to advocate for teen mental health.”

“I noticed that I didn’t really hear about mental health awareness in my area and wanted to be able to create a support system for students who are struggling,” she added.

As part of the youth advisory board of Texas School Safety Teen Ambassadors, Williams will collaborate with center staff to develop training, resources, educational videos and activities for youth and adults to use together in their school safety efforts.

“Having a teen ambassador like Eviana is crucial for understanding the unique perspectives of our youth,” said Program Manager Kathleen Bates. “We believe she will inspire both youth and adults to take an active role to engage teens in ensuring a safe and nurturing school environment.”

‘ALL STUDENTS DESERVE TO THRIVE IN SAFE COMMUNITIES’

After explaining that the role of the teen ambassador is to “bridge the gap between students, school administrations, and the community through youth-adult partnerships,” Williams said she advocates for safety because she believes everyone deserves to feel content and supported in their environment.

“It’s important to acknowledge that safety isn’t limited to external threats but truly relies on how people perceive what’s around them. My experience within safe institutions has allowed me to concentrate on pursuing academic interests rather than constantly being alert for threats,” she said. “As a result of my feeling of support, I have engaged in diverse extracurricular activities which have further crafted my passions and skills in life.

“I am dedicated to providing similar opportunities to my peers because all students deserve to thrive in safe communities.”

She has previously helped organize a substance abuse awareness summit and led community events with the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council, bringing together law enforcement and students to develop trust and create a positive campus climate at her school.

At Foster High, Williams is the president of the SkillsUSA Chapter and Foster Justice League, which she’s been involved with for three years.

“In SkillsUSA, I lead weekly meetings and train new members in preparation for competitions highlighting our technical, personal and workplace skill set,” she explained.

For the last two years, she competed on a Crime Scene Investigation team and won gold medals at the district level.

The Foster Justice League, she explained, encourages club members to become active in the school and local community through clean-ups and holiday events that facilitate leadership development and responsibility.

Outside of school, she volunteers with the District Attorney Office Expose Excellence Youth Program and was one of six students selected to collaboratively design a restorative justice mural at the Fort Bend County Justice Center.

She is now discussing the possibility of a summit with the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council that addresses teen mental health, substance use and violence prevention.

She is also working with the Texas School Safety Center staff to organize projects at Foster High School and around Fort Bend in the spring.

“I want teens in the community to know that their voices are just as important as anyone else’s when it comes to advocating for school safety,” she said. “In my brief time as an ambassador, I’ve been fortunate to meet many amazing people, including the other eight fantastic teen ambassadors from across Texas who are leading change within their communities.

“It’s inspiring to be part of such a dedicated group, and I hope to encourage others to take initiative and make their voices heard.”

Whatever your heart requires, we’ll help keep it beating strong. We personalize treatment plans that utilize cutting-edge techniques, like a heart arrhythmia treatment that minimizes the risk of heart failure and stroke without the need for blood thinners. This is innovative heart care designed around you. memorialhermann.org/heart You are at

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Arts & Entertainment

LCISD bands enjoy banner year

For the first time in district history, all six Lamar CISD band programs received straight Division 1 ratings at district band competitions, with one of those programs already making history at the area round. The success is no accident, according to at least one district director.

“I’ve worked in different districts, and Lamar really, really supports the fine arts,” Foster band director Erich Sonnier said. “We’re well-funded and well-supported, and we appreciate that. It makes a big difference, having the funds to do what we want to do. It really helps.”

In 5A, each LCISD band advanced from the district competition to the Area E contest at Ray Maddry Memorial Stadium in Channelview. Randle advanced to its first-ever area finals after placing 12th in prelims.

The Lions’ band earned placings of 11th, 14th and 14th in music but placed 11th in both visual categories. Lamar Consolidated placed

three spots out of finals at 15th, while Terry came in at 17th.

In finals, Randle climbed one spot higher to 11th on the backs of a ninth-place score in Music 3 and two top-10 placings in Visual at sixth and 10th. Friendswood claimed the area title, sweeping the categories, while College Station, Barbers Hill, A&M Consolidated, Fort Bend-Kempner and Angleton all advanced to state as top-six placers.

The three 6A bands, Foster, Fulshear and George Ranch, competed in the Area E contest at Freedom Field in Rosharon. George Ranch placed 20th in prelims, while Fulshear (seventh) and Foster (10th) advanced to finals. In finals, Foster placed seventh to finish two spots shy of a trip to state, while Fulshear finished 10th. State qualifiers from the area show were Pearland, Pearland-Dawson, Clear Brook, Dickinson and Stephen F. Austin. Outside the UIL circuit, LCISD bands made even more history.

Fulshear became the second program in district history to qualify for finals at a Bands of America regional, placing 12th at the BOA South Houston Regional Championship on Oct. 5 at Challenger Columbia Stadium in Webster.

The Charger band earned a score of 77.05 in finals after scoring

a 76.05 in prelims to qualify as the 12th-place band. Foster, which was the BOA regional finalist band in program history, now sits as the only LCISD program to be a multiple-time BOA regional finalist after qualifying for finals as the 11th-place band in prelims.

The Falcon band placed eighth in finals, its best-ever finish at a BOA show, with a score of 78.7.

“We wanted a theme that was easy to grasp and understand, so like circles, Oculus,” Sonnier said. “The main theme is from the movie Stargate. The main theme is taking a journey through space and time. So it’s something you watch. We go through the portals, around them, hanging on them.”

George Ranch finished outside of finals but still in the top 20 at 19th with a score of 69.55. Pearland won the regional crown with a score of 86.6, while Ronald Reagan (85.95), Bridgeland (84.15), Klein Oak (82.05) and San Antonio-Claudia Taylor Johnson (81.35) rounded out the top five.

The Foster band also competed in the venerable BOA San Antonio Super Regional last Friday, a show considered by many to be the toughest in the country. Foster placed 40th overall out of 69 bands in the field with a prelims score of 82.175.

Flower Mound took home the Super Regional championship with a score of 97.2. Other Houston-area bands at the show included The Woodlands (fourth, 95.65), Pearland (12th, 90.15) and Katy-Seven Lakes (14th, 87.75).

Libraries celebrate digital age of Ebooks & streaming collections

In 2007, Fort Bend County Libraries launched an online eLibrary with 400 OverDrive ebooks in its digital collection. The service was so well received that 600 more books were added a few months later.

Since then, the OverDrive collection of ebooks and e-audiobooks has grown to 37,018 digital copies available for free checkout. Since it was launched in 2007, library users have checked out offerings from the OverDrive collection more than 2.3-million times!

In 2015, FBCL added access to the hoopla digital collection, which expanded the eLibrary offerings to include streaming movies, TV series, music, and e-audiobooks. The total number of checkouts from the hoopla digital collection – which now includes e-audiobooks, ebooks, comics, movies, music, and television – is quickly nearing the one-million mark, with the most popular categories being e-audiobooks, ebooks, and movies.

With the evolution of electronic devices over the years – including smartphones, tablets, and even the ability to cast video from a digital device to a large-screen TV or monitor – free access to FBCL’s digital collection has become more popular than ever.

The Libby by OverDrive app and the hoopla digital app have made accessing, browsing, downloading, and streaming selections easier and even more convenient for library cardholders who are on the go. These digital resources are popular options for travelers, commuters, or those participating in physical exercise.

Both OverDrive and hoopla digital offer selections for library users of all ages, including children, teens, and adults. The two collections include bestsellers and new releases. Library cardholders can select from virtually every genre, ranging from mystery and romance to cookbooks and travel guides, tech and business guides, young adult and children’s titles, and much more.

Hoopla has made it easy for children to browse for children’s materials, and for parents to feel confident letting kids browse on their own. “Kids Mode” can be implemented in the hoopla website and apps with the flip of a switch.

Libby by OverDrive offers curated lists for different genres, including ones specifically for children, enabling them to go directly to Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominees, the 2x2 Reading List, and Lone Star Reading List.The service is compatible with all major computers and devices, iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phones and tablets, and

An FBCL library card is required to access the eLibrary resources. Any resident of the state of Texas can obtain a free FBCL library card, and there is no charge to access selections in the eLibrary. Since the digital files automatically expire at the end of the lending period, there is never an overdue fine.

Demonstrations of the OverDrive online collection and the Libby app will take place at several FBCL locations in January, but those who are interested may also inquire about them at any time at any FBCL location. Those attending the demonstrations are encouraged to bring their smartphone, tablet, and library card for personal assistance in setting up the service.

Sienna Branch Library (8411 Sienna Springs Blvd, Missouri City) | Tuesday, January 7, 2:00-3:00 pm, Computer Lab. Registration required.

Fulshear Branch Library (6350 GM Library Road, off Texas Heritage Parkway, north of FM 1092) | Wednesday, January 15, 11:00 am-12:00 noon, Computer Lab. Registration required.

University Branch Library (14010 University Blvd, Sugar Land) | Tuesday, January 28, 10:15-11:15 am, Computer Lab. Registration required.

Visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us

Winter Book Sale supports special programming & cultural events

The Friends of the University Branch Library will host a Winter Book Sale on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., in Meeting Room 1 of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus.

People who love books, people who love bargains, and people who need to get rid of some spare change will find a lot in common at the book sale, where they will discover adult and children’s books, all at prices that are hard to beat.

Items of special interest at this book sale include: World War II books, opera performance CDs, large-format books, children’s items, fiction, cookbooks, and other nonfiction.

Prices range from 50¢ to $2.00, with special items slightly higher. Checks or cash are accepted; bills larger than $20 cannot be accepted.

Donations of gently used books (fiction and nonfiction adult, youth, and children’s hardback and paperback books that are clean and not torn), CDs, DVDs are always welcome and may be taken to the library throughout the year during regular business hours. Textbooks published within the past five years are also accepted.

Items that cannot be accepted include cassettes, VHS tapes, encyclopedias, magazines, medical/legal/computer books older than 2020, or books that are damp, moldy, dirty, or insect-ridden.

The Friends of the University Branch Library organization is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation. Donations and contributions to the Friends are tax-deductible.

The Friends of the University Branch Library organization is instrumental in funding library programs such as the children’s Summer Reading Challenge. Proceeds from the book sale and annual membership dues also help to underwrite the costs of special programming and various cultural events at the University Branch Library.

Membership applications will be available for people who would like to join the Friends of the University Branch Library.

For more information visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us.

Don't miss the 'Funky Florals’ workshop

The Art League of Fort Bend’s upcoming ‘Funky Florals’ workshop will be led by Elizabeth St. Hilaire, an award-winning fulltime artist, art workshop instructor and published author.

A Signature Member of the National Collage Society, St Hilaire holds a BFA from Syracuse University and has been working in her

medium for more than 20 years. This workshop will allow participants will explore the versatility of various materials, blending acrylic paint, metallic leaf, stencils, and gel-printed collage papers.

The workshop will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is appropriate for all levels of experience, and the chosen medium will be mixed media and acrylic paints.

Visit artleaguefortbend.org for more information about the workshop.

2024 Pecan Harvest Festival

Visitors, reflected in the chrome bumper of a ‘55 Chevy, check out the vintage automobiles at the 2024 Richmond Pecan Harvest Festival in historic downtown Richmond. The annual event included two stages for live bands, a kids zone playground, beer and wine booth, plenty of good eats, the always-popular pecan bake-off contest and the equally-popular car show. Local shops and restaurant also were open.

AT LEFT: Ron Saenz of Richmond shows off one of the Texas shaped cutting boards he had for sale. Wood Stuff by Ron was among several dozen arts and crafts vendors selling their unique items at the festival; AT RIGHT: Dennis Piniones of Sugar Land poses for a photo with granddaughter Isla Cowley, who is 14 months old.
AT LEFT: Mark Schlegel of Richmond and grandson Charlie Schlegel-Guidry check out the Christmas wreathes on sale. Charlie liked the bright colors.; AT RIGHT: Pete Pavlovsky of Rosenberg demonstrated a vintage pecan-shelling machine.

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An up-to-date list of scholarship opportunities for WCJC students can be found at wcjc.edu.

Tuition & Fee Installment Plan

WCJC’s Tuition & Fee Installment Plan allows students to pay a percentage of tuition and fees at time of plan entry, plus a $35 non-refundable enrollment fee. Spring plans are open, enroll now for lower payment options. Visit wcjc.edu for plan details.

Pell Grants

Students who display exceptional financial need may be awarded a Federal Pell Grant. A Federal Pell Grant does not have to be repaid and a student may be eligible for an award up to $7,395 for 2024-2025. Visit FAFSA.gov to complete your FAFSA® and to determine your eligibility for financial aid.

Federal Direct Student Loans

Students who have a complete financial aid file at WCJC and are achieving Satisfactory Academic Progress may qualify for subsidized and/or unsubsidized student loans.

SPRING CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 13

Cuisine Corner

Nutritious foods are a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. The World Health Organization says a healthy diet protects a person against many chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Nutritious foods also help a person get to or maintain a healthy weight, promote stronger bones and teeth, and positively affect long-term mental health.

People often wonder how they can improve their daily diets. Here are some ways to make meals more nutritious.

• Eat an array of fruits and vegetables. Healthline notes a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been proven to offer many health benefits. Incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into the meals eaten each day will provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Vegetables also are low in calories and fat, which aligns with diets designed for weight management. Health experts suggest eating greens and other vegetables first so that you fill up and are therefore less likely to eat fewer, less nutritious foods during each meal.

• Consume sufficient healthy sources of protein. Protein is important for managing hunger and sustaining energy and maintaining muscle. Lean sources of protein are best, and can include skinless poultry, unprocessed lean meats, seafood and fish, legumes, and nuts. Eggs also are excellent sources of protein. Fish tends to be low in calories for the amount of protein it provides. Try to incorporate oily fish like salmon into your culinary repertoire since it’s a source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

• Choose whole grain carbohydrates. When selecting breads, cereals, rices, and other carbohydrates, select higher fiber or whole grain varieties. Whole grains contain more fiber than white or refined starches and will help you feel fuller longer.

• Cut down on saturated fats and sugars. Be mindful of food labels when selecting ingredients for meals. Opt for foods that are low in saturated fats, which tend to contribute to an increase in the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Also, regularly consuming foods and beverages high in sugar increases a person’s risk for obesity and tooth decay, says the National Health Service of the United Kingdom.

• Practice additional smart eating tips. In addition to the foods eaten, there are ways to eat in a more healthy manner. Slow down when eating and savor the foods. Gauge whether you feel full before going back for another portion. Eating foods off a smaller plate can trick the brain into thinking you ate more, a tactic that can help to reduce portion sizes. Cook and prepare more foods at home where you can control ingredients.

How to pair food with exercise

Food pairing is often discussed in terms of which wines best complement particular dishes. But pairing food with exercise merits consideration, as it can create the balance needed for overall health. Food plays an important role in workouts, giving individuals the energy necessary to perform at their peak. Timing meals appropriately and knowing what to eat before or after a workout can make a difference.

Creatine benefits weight lifting

Creatine is an organic acid that is an important ingredient for short duration, high-intensity exercises, such as weight lifting. According to Kelly Pritchett, Ph.D., RDN, director of the nutrition graduate program and assistant professor of nutrition and exercise science at Central Washington University, foods rich in protein from meat, poultry and fish can help optimize stores of creatine. Creatine also may be found in foods and beverages targeted to athletes, like protein shakes and snacks.

Pre-workout mixes include protein and carbohydrates

A snack or mini meal one to three hours before a workout is ideal so that digestive issues don’t occur during a workout when the body directs more blood to muscles than digestion. Food pairings that include a high quality carbohydrate, like whole grain bread or oatmeal, with a protein source, such as peanut butter or milk, can be key. Blood sugar will stay steady with whole grain carbs, and the protein will help you to feel full and avoid overeating after a workout.

Glucose, glycogen and running

Distance running or other exercises that require endurance, such as skating or biking, require ample energy stores. Although low-carbohydrate diets are popular for people looking to lose weight, they’re not ideal for people who engage in endurance sports and need carbohydrates for energy, states Johns Hopkins Medicine. Endurance athletes need more carbs than those who aren’t training. These activities use both glucose in the blood and glycogen, which is sugar stored in the liver and muscles. Eating plenty of healthy carbs helps bolster energy stores. Whole fruits and grains are good sources of carbohydrates.

Benefits of bananas

For those with limited time to grab a bite before a workout, bananas might be the perfect option. According to WebMD, bananas have easily digestible carbs that will not weigh you down. The potassium in bananas also may help prevent muscle cramps during and after workouts.

Power up with potatoes

Potatoes are whole foods, meaning they contain a balance of all the essential amino acids, despite being low in whole protein. They’re also rich in vitamin B6, which is critical to protein metabolism, says Mark Anthony, Ph.D., adjunct professor of science and nutrition at

St. Edwards University, Austin. Potatoes also contain the right mix of sodium and potassium to maintain an electrolyte balance in the body.

Recover right

A mix of carbohydrates and lean proteins also is ideal for exercise recovery. Mix in good fats like avocado and olive oil. Carbs will help replenish depleted levels of glycogen and high-quality protein will help build and repair muscle. Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids to replace what was lost while working out.

Food and exercise go hand in hand. It’s important to eat well to keep the body in top form.

Foods that can keep cholesterol in check

Diet plays an important role in maintaining healthy cholesterol numbers. Although the level of cholesterol in a person’s blood is partly due to factors related to heredity, the foods one eats also affect cholesterol levels.

When doctors discuss cholesterol with their patients, they may refer to total cholesterol, bad cholesterol and good cholesterol. What does that mean? Total cholesterol is the combined number of cholesterol in the blood, and should be below 200. Good cholesterol is known as HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and ideally it should be above 60. Bad, or LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, should be below 100, says the Cleveland Clinic. A person who has a poor lipoprotein profile may be instructed to alter their diet. Learning which foods might help is an important tool in managing cholesterol and triglyceride numbers.

Oats and more

Individuals likely have heard that oatmeal is good for helping reduce cholesterol numbers. Oatmeal has soluble fiber, which lowers

LDL cholesterol by reducing the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Oat bran and other high-fiber grains also are good to enjoy.

Legumes and produce

Eggplant, okra, kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, pears, apples, and more also can be effective at lowering cholesterol levels. These foods tend to be lower in calories and saturated fats but high in soluble fiber.

Nuts

Almond, walnuts and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can lower cholesterol levels by raising the levels of HDL cholesterol. Nuts like almonds also are high in vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that can keep the body healthy in a number of ways. Since nuts are high in calories, it is important to eat them in moderation.

Fatty fish

Eating fish over other meat-based protein sources helps reduce caloric intake. It also means the body gains the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids that lower LDL and triglycerides in the bloodstream.

Sterols and stanols

Sterols and stanols are components of plants that gum up the body’s ability to absorb cholesterol from food, says Harvard Health. Companies add them to foods like margarine and granola bars as supplements. Roughly two grams of plant sterols a day can reduce LDL by 10 percent.

Avocados and olives

Both of these foods are good sources of fiber and also monounsaturated fats that can help improve HDL and lower LDL levels. Substitute olive and avocado oils for lard and butter when cooking to improve cholesterol levels.

Certain foods can be beneficial for improving cholesterol numbers. Focusing on the positive can help people feel less restricted by healthy eating plans.

Tips to make soup more nutritious

Soup is a dish that wears many hats. When the weather becomes chilly, people often turn to soup to warm themselves up from the inside out. Soup, especially when soup is paired with a favorite sandwich, also can be a simple and light meal when one doesn’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Soup has been heralded as a remedy as well, a reputation that dates back thousands of years. In the twelfth century, Egyptian Jewish physician Moshe ben Maimonides prescribed chicken soup as a treatment for respiratory tract issues. And Penn Medicine suggests eating soup while ill is a good idea because the meal is nourishing, easy to digest and often full of nutritious components.

People may wonder what they can do to tweak their favorite soups to make them even more nutritious, as many modern soups have gained a reputation as being sodium-heavy. These ideas can give soup a powerful boost.

• Use a higher ratio of vegetables in the soup when compared to meats and grains. Vegetables are notoriously high in nutrients that the body needs to stay healthy, including antioxidants and vitamins.

• Make your own soup stock from fresh ingredients. Doing so helps retain control over what goes into the soup, helping to reduce potential additives or other ingredients like sugar and sodium.

• Vary the color of the vegetables. Aim for vegetables of at least three different colors. The colors of the vegetables often correspond to the nutrients and phytochemicals they contain.

For example, carrots are high in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene converts into vitamin A, which is necessary for eye health, healthy skin and a strong immune system.

• Replace the cream in soups with healthier ingredients. Soups that are cream-based tend to be loaded with calories and saturated fat. Instead, use Greek yogurt at the end (to prevent curdling) or even low-fat cottage cheese to amp up the protein content and give the soup a creamy consistency without the fat. Silken tofu or even a vegetable purée made from potato and cauliflower can add creaminess as well.

• Swap meat for lean proteins in the soup. Lentils, for example, are a plant protein rich in flavor and nutrition. According to UC Davis Health, lentils have about 18 grams of protein per cup and also are high in fiber. Relatively inexpensive, lentils also can help keep meal budgets in check. Alternative legumes also can work in soups, as can seafood or lean poultry.

• Add texture to the soup. Pumpkin seeds or flax seeds have taste and texture, and can be a healthier option for topping soups over buttery croutons or crackers.

• Keep ingredients “whole” in the soup. Lean on whole grains, fibrous vegetables, fresh herbs, and lean meats to build a well-rounded soup that’s bursting with nutrition.

• Add some turmeric and ginger. If the flavor profile allows, incorporate some fresh turmeric and ginger to the soup. Health magazine says these ingredients are part of the same plant family and have been used in traditional medicine in India and China for centuries. Both are known for reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of digestive disease.

Experiment with different ingredients to create soups that are not only delicious, but nutritious as well.

Whatever your heart requires, we’ll help keep it beating strong. We personalize treatment plans that utilize cutting-edge techniques, like a heart arrhythmia treatment that minimizes the risk of heart failure and stroke without the need for blood thinners. This is innovative heart care designed around you.

memorialhermann.org/heart

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

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