PinPointe Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch by Intown Magazine

Contents ON THE COVER: Pastor David & Louisa Tran

Serving the Communities of Bridgeland & BlackHorse Ranch

Pastor David Tran Finds his Divine Calling in the Heart of Cypress, Texas

16 Holiday Guide to Cypress Eateries 18 Holiday Gift Guide: Best Friend Edition

12 Cypress Happenings 13 Cypress Area Dancers Join Cast of Houston Repertoire Ballet’s The Nutcracker 14 Canine Corner 15 BlackHorse Ranch Holds 4th Annual Food Drive

19 Wishing You a Peaceful Holiday Season 20 Ask The Doc: 5 Ways to Manage an IBS Flare-up 22 Cypress School News

6 November | December 2023

PinPointe Magazine

Pastor David Tran

PINPOINTE RESIDENT PROFILE

Finds his Divine Calling in the Heart of Cypress By Patricia Hudson

avid Tran, together with his wife Louisa, are facing the challenges of opening a new church in a Bridgeland elementary school. The couple took some time to discuss their work in the Cypress community. Where did you grow up? David: I was born in Vietnam but immigrated to America when I was three and a half with my parents and brother. We’ve lived most of our lives in Houston, Texas and I grew up in CyFair, attending Holbrook Elementary, Dean Middle School, and Jersey Village High School. Louisa: I was born and raised in the small town of Francitas, Texas. Once I graduated high school, I packed my car and headed to the big city of Houston and have been here ever since.

What drew you together? How long have you been married? We met when we both worked in operations banking. Louisa thought I was a risky “investment” but she took the plunge anyway! Lol. Our faith has been the glue that has carried us through our marriage for 23 years now. David, if high school friends were to describe you, what adjectives would they enlist? They would use the adjectives funny, passionate, crazy. As a child, I thought that I would grow up to be… I thought that I would grow up to be a comedian! Really! I enjoyed making people laugh...even if it was simply “at” me! I still use practical humor to relate with people. What was your course of study in college? I went to Southwestern Assemblies of God College, SAGU, and graduated with a Pastoral Ministries degree. Even with this degree, I didn’t go into full time ministry until later on in life. What led you to the ministry? I grew up as a PK (preacher’s kid). This influence always kept faith in front of me. I’ve served in churches in various capacities, but never in a full-time role until I made Faith Church my home over 10 years ago with my family. When I truly realized God’s love and purpose for my life, I said goodbye to operations banking and went

8 November | December 2023

“all in” with my calling. I can’t imagine seeing myself doing anything else now. How long did you serve as Associate Pastor at Faith? I’ve been an Associate Pastor for 8 years at Faith Church and recently made the transition to campus pastor of Faith Church Cypress. Where is the Cypress Church? Faith Church Cypress is located at Sue McGown Elementary School, 21211 Tuckerton Road. It’s a great new school; support from the district has been amazing. Faith Church is one church with two locations, Jersey Village and Cypress. What challenges have you found as Pastor of the new church? One challenge that I'm experiencing at Faith Church Cypress is shifting from my old role as an associate pastor to my new role as a campus pastor. Before, I was in a

support position with other team members and was responsible for a portion of ministry. As a campus pastor, I'm now responsible for overseeing every area of ministry and operations that are related to this location. It's a more holistic approach that is both daunting, humbling, and rewarding. It reminds me to lean into the Lord for strength, grace, and wisdom. A second challenge: the weekly task of unloading and loading trailers. Since we are a portable church campus in a school, this requires our teams to hustle to unload, set up, serve, and then reload everything. We repeat this process each Sunday and it feels like an “event” each time. Another challenge is always being mindful to make connections throughout the community of Cypress and to encourage our people to do the same. It’s sheep who produce sheep. Those that call Faith Church Cypress home will be because a relationship investment was made over time. Keeping this “missional” purpose in front of us will not only help the church grow, but it will help Faith make an impact for the Lord in Cypress. How does your family support your ministry? My wife is literally my “brain”. She’s an admin by profession and helps me keep my thoughts and tasks organized. Any success that I may have is due to her consummate help behind the scenes! My daughter is the Cypress Next Gen Pastor who is over the kids and youth ministries here. She even went to my alma mater, is continuing to pursue her master’s degree, and has a heart to serve both parents and kids. Both are my biggest cheerleaders and encouragers! I couldn’t do this without their support.

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What do you see as your biggest focus for the church? Our focus is three-fold. We exist to reach the lost with the love of Jesus. We want to equip the found to do great ministry in the context of their everyday lives. We desire to deploy the church toward compassion and missional living. Rather than trying to see how big we can make one location, we want to plant people that plant churches. Tell us about your daughter. Faith Tran is 22 years old and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Southwestern Assemblies of God University, SAGU. She loves reading, country music, and enjoys spending time with her close friends. How do you fill your leisure time? David: Many people don’t know that I love making electronic music in my small home studio. Loops and beats are my late night reprieve. Louisa: I’m a country girl, so I love doing anything outdoors. Last Comment? We are grateful to live and serve in the Cypress area. It’s a blessing that we “get” to do!

10 November | December 2023

If you know of an exceptional Greater Fairfield, Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch, Towne Lake, Coles Crossing, or Cypress Creek Lakes individual or family that needs to be featured in an upcoming issue of PinPointe Magazine, please contact me at: texasteacher024@outlook.com.

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Cypress

HAPPENINGS

2nd Annual Festival of Trees Saturday, November 11, 2023 VIP Cocktail Hour 6-7pm 9609 Kirkton Dr. • Houston, TX 77095 You, your family, your business, church, restaurant, organization or group of friends can decorate a tree or wreath and donate it for inclusion in the auction and in the wonderland of trees. You can sponsor the event, knowing you are an integral part of helping CFHH serve our community. Tickets $50 each. Tickets and more info at: www.cyfairhelpinghands.org/fot2023

Fairfield Christmas Market & Lighted Parade Sponsored by Fairfield Womens Club Saturday, December 2, 2023 • 9am-2pm Good Shepherd Church Parking Lot 20155 Cypresswood Dr. • Cypress, TX 77433 Free admission! Support local crafters and vendors! Enjoy homemade baked goods and get a head start on your holiday shopping! Holiday music, food trucks, face painting, raffles & More! Following the market, we will hold the Fairfield Lighted Christmas Parade at 5:30pm starting at Ault Elementary and proceeding to Central Park. Everyone is welcome to participate in the parade procession. More information at: fairfieldwomensclub.org

Local Christmas Eve Church Services Houston’s First Baptist Church 11011 Mason • Cypress TX 77433 Christmas Eve Services Sunday, December 24, 2023 9:30am, 11am, 1pm, 2:30pm

Faith Church Cypress 21211 Tuckerton • Cypress, TX 77433 Christmas at Faith Family Service Sunday, December 17 • 10:30am Christmas Eve Service Sunday, December 24 • 10:30am

12 November | December 2023

Cypress Area Dancers Join Cast of Houston Repertoire Ballet’s The Nutcracker

MALLORY BURKHART Photo by Steven O'Connor

By Patricia Hudson

ouston Repertoire Ballet (HRB), “Houston’s premier preprofessional ballet company,” celebrates its 28th season, beginning with its 25th annual performance series of The Nutcracker. Cypress children are adding a delightful local flavor to the excitement of this classical performance. Mallory Burkhart, age 14, is a Senior Company member and an advanced dancer. Mallory lives in Bridgeland and is a freshman at Bridgeland High School. Shanan Burkhart, Mallory’s mom and a ballet dancer in her youth, spoke with PinPointe Magazine about her daughter’s ballet beginnings. “She’s been dancing since she could walk. She was enrolled in a creative movement class at 2 ½. When that school closed, we found a ballet school with Saturday classes. Her first Nutcracker performance was at age 5 when she played an angel. We moved from Dallas to Houston when she was 7, searched for a studio with similar structure and found the Ballet Center of Houston. She started immediately and played a Mouse and a Soldier. She found her true passion and started skipping levels. It was like a family. Then Covid happened. She skipped a full year, then returned to play Clara, Spanish, Snow, Flower, and a Harlequin Doll. This year, she has the role of Sugar Plum Fairy and will perform in Tomball.” Hanging out with friends, and with just an hour to spare before Bridgeland’s Homecoming game, Mallory agreed to a quick interview. She recalls her first performances at 7 in The Nutcracker as Mouse and Mother Ginger. “I was so happy that I was able to do both parts because the choreography was harder and it challenged me!” Her favorite roles? “I loved being a Party Child! The party scene was very magical! You can improv, and I made so many friends! Being Clara was my favorite role of all time. It was my first En pointe!” (En pointe- the dancer stands on the tips of their toes in specially designed toe shoes). “This role held me responsible for remembering choreography, self-correcting, and communicating with my partner.” What role would she like to tackle? “I would love to play the Snow Queen; it is very important, very challenging, and would motivate me further!” ANNALISE HOWARD Photo by Huu Duc Tran

Dedicated to her craft, we asked the dancer what is the hardest part about ballet. “Having so much rehearsal time, and balancing it with my classes and social life,” she responded quickly. Note: An honors student with all “A’s,” Mallory was given permission to skip rehearsal on this evening to attend Bridgeland’s Homecoming with her friends. The Bridgeland Bears beat the Cypress Lakes Spartans 56 – 0. What does the future hold for Mallory? “I definitely want to go to a dance college- OU, SMU, and pursue a career in ballet.” With her years of experience and talent, Mallory is a role model for the younger students. “I was never the best in the class when I was younger, but I found that by applying myself, I was able to improve and reach my goals. That is what I would share with young dancers.” Annalise Howard, 13, lives in the Lakes of Fairhaven and is an “A” student and 5th grader at Salyards. We caught up to Annalise between Friday night class sessions. A Junior Apprentice Trainee, Annalise has been dancing for 10 years. “My mom was a dancer, so she wanted me to do it,” explains Annalise. “I remember when I was 3 and learned the basics of ballet, the technical things, positions. I am in the Junior Company and have played Party Boy and Maid, then Soldier and Baker. The choreography for Baker was a bit more challenging and fun!” Annalise aspires to become a professional dancer. Her advice to potential young dancers is to “be consistent, show up to every class, and listen to corrections. It is hard to hear the corrections, but you learn so much in the process,” she advises. “Just go for it! Ballet is such an amazing experience! Annalise loves to bake; cookies are her specialty. “I also draw and participate in the Rodeo Art competition.” Houston Repertoire Ballet Dancers in PinPointe Communities BRIDGELAND: Rebeca Rosas, Mallory Burkhart, Emma Burkhart TOWNE LAKE: Scout Lechtenberg, Emma Oliverson, Amelia Vuyk COLES CROSSING: Angela Grace Huang, Joy Wakeham, Audrey McClelland, Mai-Linh Moore

CYPRESS CREEK LAKES: Lauren Freeman FAIRFIELD: Lillian Bishop, Janette McFadden, Katherine Burleson LAKES OF FAIRHAVEN: Annalise Howard

PinPointe Magazine

Canine Corner Hank Y

By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo

ou might remember our friend Hank, as this striking dog was featured recently. We’ve decided that he needed another opportunity to be in the spotlight, so we asked him to come back, prepared for the holidays! It’s been one year. One year ago, this handsome, sociable, smart, laidback gentle boy was brought to Abandoned Animal Rescue. He was a stray and wandered into his rescuer's yard. He was the best house guest while waiting for an available space. His rescuers soon realized what a special boy he is. Hank is approximately four years old. He has mastered many basic commands, enjoys playtime and training sessions. He seems to do better with the lady dogs in playgroups. Hank loves just hanging out with the volunteers, and walks well on a leash.

Hank loves to play in the snow; he was a STAR at Abandoned Animal Rescue’s recent snow day. His sweet and gentle nature and Hank’s kennel manners helped him to win the ALLSTAR dog award for the month of March. Hank is just an all-around great dog and will be a wonderful, loyal furry family member. He is well loved and deserving of his own home. Please share because we know his family is out there. Come meet Hank! It's been one year.

14 November | December 2023

AAR’s mission is to work towards ending pet overpopulation that results in the euthanasia of unwanted cats and dogs. They do this by providing a rescue and adoption center, by emphasizing the importance of spaying and neutering and by educating on humane animal ownership. To meet Hank and to learn more about AAR, go to info@aartexas.org.

BlackHorse Ranch Kids and Families A R O U N D Hold 4th Annual Holiday Food Drive Cypress Story and photos by Patricia Hudson

“Our kids are blessed to have so much, but there are so many in Cy-Fair that have so little and are struggling to feed their families,” explains Barrie Wissing, BlackHorse Ranch resident and founder of the BlackHorse Ranch Kids and Family Thanksgiving Food Drive. “We encourage the kids to get involved by dropping off grocery bags on porches with instructions to fill them, then pick them up the next Sunday. The bags are brought to our driveway, where family members sort and box the food items. Everything is loaded up and taken to Cy-Fair Helping Hands for their Thanksgiving Blessings Boxes for families in need,” shares Wissing. In the 4 th year of this community event, the efforts of the BlackHorse Ranch families paid off. Just shy of a ton of food and $695 in grocery gift cards, donated for the purchase of a turkey or ham, were collected.

(above) Monroe, age 6, and Jameson 7, almost 8. From Mom, Ashley Eubank, after boys, shadowed by dad pushed their wagon along their street as they dropped off the grocery bags. “They loved doing it. Wedgewood neighbors, they are pumped to pick it all back up next week so please help us fill our wagon!”

(right) Chance Wissing, his brother Thomas,(Not pictured), and mom Barrie made it a family affair and worked to make the food drive a success. PinPointe Magazine

Holiday Guide

The Best of Cy-Fair P L A C E S T O E AT

Cypress Eateries

Story & Photos by Metta Archilla-Ishida

f you are visiting our fabulous community for the holidays, or if you live local and just want a refresher list, here is my Top 10 Guide of Cypress Eateries:

1. If you are seeking an upscale environment with elegance and class, my top two picks would be for Salt & Sugar Gastro Bar, (16010 West Rd), and Passerella, (945 Barker Cypress Rd #122). Both offer stunning surroundings with Executive Chefs that are vested in the finer details of your food journey. 2. Equally fun with a casual atmosphere, I would include d’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro, (25202 Northwest Fwy Ste 100), and The Union Kitchen Boardwalk, (9955 Barker Cypress Rd Suite#104). Fantastic food offerings with a comparable wine variety to create a perfect dinner pairing.

Steak Dinner - Salt & Sugar

16 November | December 2023

3. What about a place with bold action, lots of laughs, and live music? I’d most definitely recommend you seek out

Chicken Piccata - - Passerella

Andy’s Bar & Grill, (27200 US-290 Ste 160), or Creekwood Grill (12710 Telge Rd,). Libations and a cheer of a good time. 4. Interested in a delightful menu of breakfast offerings to bring a relaxed start to your day? Head on over to Café Marrese, (11729 Spring Cypress Rd), or just down the way to Sizzle & Brew, (16949 N Eldridge Pkwy #700). But don’t discount the deliciousness at Hannah’s Café, (25282 Skinner Rd), and Just Love Coffee Café, (13727 Sunset Canyon Dr). Cypress does breakfast really well and if you are an avocado toast fan like me, then these spots will surely please.

5. Feeling frisky for brunch? First Watch, (28902 Northwest Fwy Ste. J10) and Seasons Harvest Café, (17303 Shaw Rd),

offer two of many great brunches around town. Seasons Harvest Café takes a holistic approach on all natural, locally sourced ingredients, while First Watch is a healthy alternative that offers big flavors and milliondollar bacon. But it's the craft cocktails that will suck you in to stay awhile. ar

6. Speaking of coffee, there are so many clever spots around town to explore! You could pick a different small local mom and pop shop every day of the week and not hit the same one twice. My personal favorites are Plum Coffee Shop, (11688 Barker Cypress Rd #A2), located just off of Barker Cypress and 290 and Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee & Bakery, (9935 Barker Cypress Rd Suite 130). We all need to recharge and refuel, so stop by and say hi. You can certainly grab a bite of breakfast or pastry, too. 7. Nothing wrong with the deliciousness of sushi or sashimi during the holidays; the best can be found at Yokohamaya, (27200 US290 #150), and Edojin Sushi Restaurant, (12344 Barker Cypress Rd #210). Great Ramen and fantastic creative starters!

Avocado Toast - Cafe Marrese

Mexican Hot Chocolate - Plum Coffee

8. If you’re looking for a roll up your sleeves and kick off your boots kind of casual atmosphere, then head on Bang Bang Shrimp - The Union Kitchen over to The Frio Grill – Hill Country Grill & The Barn, (16410 Mueschke Rd,) or check out Local Table, (Lakeland Village Center, 10535 Fry Rd Ste 100) with Local Bar just across the way. 9. We all have a sweet tooth to satisfy; mine takes me over to the Copper Kettle Chocolate Factory, (15014 Spring Cypress Rd Suite 145), or Sleek Creperie & Café ,(28610 US-290 STE F-02). Y’all are encouraged to allow the kid in you to freely enjoy all ya want. Truffles, chocolates, and sugar. Oh, My! 10. And last in my Cypress tour of recommended eateries is a fanfare of Mexican flavors. My favorites for the Cypress area include Juanita’s Mexican Kitchen,(29110 US-290 Suite 500), La Viva Cantina, (29040 Northwest Fwy Suite A15), and Rita’s Cantina Mexican Kitchen, (32015 TX-249 #100). Trust me when I say this is a pinch of a few grains of salt amongst hundreds of fantastic eateries that Cypress houses. This is simply a high-level guide for those visiting family and friends for the holidays that may ask that impossible question, “Where do we eat?” For an all-inclusive list of fantastic eateries around this community, join Metta’s Local Eats Facebook food group for instant guidance and an interactive consult of where to go and what to do in Cypress, Texas. PinPointe Magazine

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

BEST FRIEND EDITION Let me start by saying...please...please...no more cups. If you truly love your friends, do not gift them another tumbler or wine glass, our cupboards runneth over. We love you, but we just don’t have room. LOL. Ok, now that is out of the way, here are some unique gift ideas for your closest, and dearest besties.

The Gift of Thought Whatever your girl group is into, the moon, horoscopes, self help, or goal setting find a journal that is focused on that and get one for each of you. Be intentional and have a check in each week via text or in person and share your thoughts/feels or observations from the week. This is a great way to dig deeper into your friendships all while learning more about a shared Interest! **Bonus Gift Idea** Add some matching pens, a relaxing candle scent, or sage to provoke relaxation and deep thinking.

The Gift of Connection Think about an inside joke, a shared obsession, favorite tv show, or anything that is a common bond that connects your friends. Whatever that common bond is, try to find a keychain that represents that! If you can’t think of anything specific, you can’t go wrong with one that just says BFF. I got a BFF keychain as a gift from a friend and I love looking at It and knowing we are all carrying that with us daily. **Bonus Gift Idea** Bring back a childhood fave and get BFF Bracelets! We loved them as kids, so let's bring that same energy into adulthood! What better way to keep your besties close to you than with a matching bracelet. Even better If they have the broken heart pieces that fit together. IYKYK

The Gift of a Good Time For those of you who want to splurge on your lady gang, find an experience to share! A cooking class, cowgirl hat making lesson, pottery making, pole dancing class, etc. There are a ton of people and places in our community that offer these fun, themed group events that sound like fun but aren’t typically something we would do alone. Everything is more fun with your friends! **Bonus Idea** Suggesting a theme for everyone to dress up as will make for some fun photos and great memories!

18 November | December 2023

By Allison Okuneye

The Gift of Good Drinks Host your own wine tasting! Invite your closest crew over, have some light snacks, apps, and sweets and try different and unique wines that you have never tried before! You can even make tasting notecards for people to fill out! Have everyone dress in their classiest, sparkiest outfit, or go full-on pajama party and turn on a sappy holiday movie once the wine has started flowing! **Bonus Gift Idea** Gift each of your girls a bottle of wine to take home at the end of the night!

The Gift of Giving Back Instead of doing gifts this year, decide as a group on which local charity you would like to donate to. It is the reason for the season after all! Once you agree on a nonprofit, everyone can donate what they would have normally spent on gifts. No gift is too small! **Bonus Gift Idea** Find a way to get involved and volunteer as a group too! This is a great way to give back to your community and also deepen your friendships through acts of service.

The Gift of Gratitude The best part about a friend group is the closeness and connection that we feel In so many ways. We appreciate the way these people show up and are such a major part of our lives and we don’t tend to communicate that as much as we should. This idea is simple but impactful. Make a list for each one of your friends and write down everything that you love about them. List in bullet points what you value about them, what makes you feel connected to them, what do you appreciate most, add any and all attributes of that individual that you love. You can write this on paper, frame it, or start a journal for them. It is a simple gesture that will mean so much. Always remember that even though we are in the season of giving, the best gift you can give those around you is your kindness, loyalty, and a listening ear. So regardless of your budget this year, do not put any extra pressure on yourself to give. Good friends are hard to come by these days, and to find people that you love, who you choose to do life with, share parenting struggles, marital struggles, financial worries, and just how overwhelming It all can be... is the greatest gift you can give your friends.

Love Always

Wishing You A Peaceful Holiday Season T by Liz Arrington

here’s a meme that has been circulating online for several years, usually shared by parents at the beginning of the school year or around September. In a nutshell it says, “It’s September, which means Halloween is just around the corner. Time to thaw out the turkey, and start shopping for Christmas presents. Happy New Year everyone!” Every time is see it I have to laugh to quiet the creeping dread that comes with this reminder that the last few months of the year really are a marathon!

Year after year, it feels like my family is racing through the highlights of each season. Hardly pausing to take a breath before moving on to the next stage of planning. Being out in the stores doesn’t help to calm that sense of panic, with products for the next major holiday stacking the shelves before I’ve had time to prepare for the one right in front of me. Each year I tell myself “I’ll do it better this time” I’ll be more intentional, I’ll plan ahead better, I’ll start in September so I’m a calmer, happier person in December. Yet, year after year, it’s the same race to the finish line. I’m beginning to realize that the hurried, frantic, feelings that settle around me during the months leading up to the end of the year actually have little to do with planning ahead. This chaotic feeling comes from a lack of peace in the process. I know I’m not alone in this, but my solution of doing MORE actually contributes to the feeling that I’m not doing enough. It leads to a level of multi-tasking that is unsustainable and leads to burn out so quickly. Above all, it sucks the joy right out of the season. When I’m scrambling to stay ahead of the chaos, worrying about all the details and requirements for everyone around me, I stop taking care of my own needs. This endless loop of self-sacrifice, something mothers know all too well, is the real problem here.

It’s not the stores with their Christmas decorations up before Halloween. Not the schools with their added events and endless spirit days. This year, I’m choosing to take control of protecting my own peace. I’ve made a little list for myself, and I’m sharing it here so everyone in NW Cypress can hold me accountable, or maybe do this with me?

Eight Ways to Protect My Peace 1. Set timers for necessary tasks 2. Focus on what I can control and what my priorities are 3. Do something just for me every day, allow time for what I enjoy 4. Plan the simple things first 5. Spend less time on social media apps 6. Slow down, pause, and breathe before reacting 7. Stay mindful and present in a moment 8. Keep it simple, done is better than perfect! This is just a sample of eight ways I’m trying to protect my peace as the end of the year rolls out. I encourage you to build your own list, personalized to the areas that stress you out the most in your life. Maybe your list will help you create room for more rest and relaxation, more self-reflection, more music, or more quality time with the people that you love. Whatever it looks like, my wish for you this holiday season is more peace. You deserve to slow down and enjoy the moments as they come. We all deserve a little more peace. Liz Arrington combines her background as a professional children’s therapist with her love of music to provide early childhood music and movement classes to families of Cypress. Outdoor, Weekday, and Saturday classes available. See more at songfulbeginnings.com PinPointe Magazine

ASK THE DOC:

3. Modify your eating habits

5 Ways to Manage an IBS Flare-up Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) accounts for as many as 3.5 million doctor visits per year. Most people can manage their IBS with diet and Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG Gastro Doxs lifestyle changes, but that doesn’t mean you’re immune to flare-ups. It’s not entirely clear to doctors and researchers what causes IBS, but triggers include food, stress, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, carbonated drinks, and stomach viruses. Here at GastroDoxs, we often see patients with IBS, especially when they’re experiencing a flare-up. Here are five effective strategies that our board-certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Bharat Pothuri, recommends to help you manage an IBS flare-up and find relief.

1. Know your triggers One of the first steps in managing IBS is identifying trigger foods that can exacerbate your symptoms. Common culprits include fatty or fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and certain types of carbohydrates like those found in onions, garlic, and wheat. Keep a food diary to track your symptoms and identify patterns. Once trigger foods are identified, try eliminating or reducing them to help head off a flare-up.

2. Practice stress management For some people, stress may play a role in triggering IBS symptoms. Incorporating stress management techniques into your daily routine can help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Consider activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or engaging in hobbies that help you relax. Regular exercise can also be an effective stress reliever and aid in promoting overall digestive health.

Changing the way you approach meals can make a significant difference in managing IBS symptoms. Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to prevent overloading your digestive system. Chew your food slowly and thoroughly to aid digestion and minimize the risk of triggering symptoms. Consider avoiding large meals before bedtime, as lying down can worsen symptoms in some people.

4. Increase fiber intake As you know, fiber helps maintain your digestive health. For some individuals with IBS, increasing fiber intake can help alleviate symptoms. However, it's important to do so gradually to avoid exacerbating symptoms. Opt for soluble fibers found in oats, fruits, and vegetables, as they are easier to digest. Insoluble fibers, found in whole grains and bran, may trigger symptoms in some people and should be consumed in moderation. If any of these high-fiber foods bother you, add them to your list of trigger foods.

5. Increase fiber intake If you’re experiencing frequent or severe IBS flare-ups, it's essential to consult with Dr. Pothuri. He can provide an accurate diagnosis, rule out other potential conditions, and develop an individualized treatment plan to manage your symptoms. Treatment options may include prescription medications, probiotics, or dietary modifications specific to your needs. While managing your IBS flare-ups can be challenging, adopting these strategies can help you find relief and improve your quality of life. Remember, everyone's experience with IBS is unique, so it's crucial to work closely with our office to develop a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs. With the right approach, flare-ups can be minimized, and you can regain control of your digestive health.

If you’re bothered by constipation, contact Gastro Doxs today to rule out any serious causes at 832.632.4070 or book an appointment with Dr. Pothuri and his team online at gastrodox.com.

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CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS Source: CFISD News Media

Bridgeland Band Advances and Places in State UIL Finals

Cy-Ranch Wins 16-6A Title The District 16-6A and District 17-6A volleyball seasons ended on Oct. 24 with seven CFISD teams qualifying for the UIL Class 6A playoffs. Cypress Ranch High School is advancing as the undefeated District 16-6A champion. This is the third consecutive district title for the Mustangs.

The Bridgeland High School Band advanced to the FINALS of the University Interscholastic League State Marching Band Championships at the Alamodome in San Antonio on October 31. The Band placed 10th in the Finals

Also advancing from District 16-6A are Bridgeland, Langham Creek and Cypress Woods high schools. Both Bridgeland and Langham Creek finished with an 11-3 record. The Bears and Lobos played a seeding match on Oct. 27 where the Lobos earned District 16-6A’s second seed and Bridgeland claimed the third seed. Cypress Woods finished with an 8-6 record, claiming the fourth seed.

CFISD Water Polo Season Concludes with Two Regional Finalists Two CFISD water polo teams reached their respective regional championship games of the Class 6A playoffs, while two others concluded their seasons as regional semifinalists. The finish concludes a season for CFISD in which 16 boys’ and girls’ teams advance to the postseason and 10 won at least one playoff game. The Bridgeland High School and Cypress Ranch High School girls’ teams advanced to the Region II-6A Tournament, held Oct. 21 at Houston Lamar High School. Bridgeland was defeated by Brazoswood, 10-4, in the

regional semifinals. The Bears were District 16-6A champions and finished as regional semifinalists. Cypress Ranch was defeated by Friendswood, 10-7, in the regional semifinals. The Mustangs were District 16-6A’s second seed and finished as regional semifinalists. Nine different CFISD schools advanced teams to the UIL postseason. Three teams earned a bye in the bi-district round, 10 advanced to the area round and eight reached the regional quarterfinals.

Bridgeland Girls Water Polo Team

Cy-Fair Women’s Club Accepting Scholarship Applications The Cy-Fair Women's Club is offering college scholarships to seniors who reside in Cypress Fairbanks ISD boundaries and are graduating at any CFISD high school, home school or private school -- and plan to attend, on a full-time basis, an accredited two or four-year college, university or technical school. Successful candidates for the scholarship should demonstrate a strong commitment to serve others, as well as academic achievements, involvement in their school, leadership qualities, and personal character. The primary focus of this scholarship is to award students who give back to their community through community service. Applications must be submitted via email NO LATER THAN Monday, February 5, 2024 For additional information, go to www.cyfairwomensclub.org.

22 November | December 2023

Cy-Ranch Girls Water Polo Team

Leading Medicine in

FAIRFIELD Houston Methodist Welcomes Dr. Sreedhar Gottiparthy As an internist, Sreedhar Gottiparthy, MD, focuses on helping his patients feel better and keeping them healthy. He joins Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Fairfield, where he will be seeing new and existing patients — in person and virtually. Dr. Gottiparthy’s expertise includes: • High cholesterol • Diabetes management • Men’s health • Health screenings • Thyroid concerns • High blood pressure

WELCOMING

Sreedhar Gottiparthy, MD Internal Medicine

LAN D R I DG E DR IVE

99 CYPR E SSW O

HOUSTON METHODIST PRIMARY CARE GROUP IN FAIRFIELD

TE R ROAD E IS

290

MUESCHKE ROAD

SON ROAD MA

Schedule online at houstonmethodist.org/pcg/fairfield or call 713.394.6638.

• Acute and chronic care • Allergy and asthma

28606 Northwest Fwy., Cypress, TX 77433 PinPointe Magazine 23