Frisco, TX January 2023

New Year, New Chapter, New Verse

Health + Wellness

For many of us, this time of year is full of excitement. It presents us with a reset, new horizons and goals to pursue. But for others, January can be a reminder of failed attempts from years past and the burden of expectation that this year will be different.

We approached this edition wanting to provide inspiration for making lasting, realistic, long-term improvements to physical, emotional and mental health. When it comes to anything in life, it’s not what you do some days that moves the needle; it’s what you do MOST days. It’s not the 'sometimes choices' we make, it’s the 'majority of the time' choices.

So plan a vacation AND work to establish more regular rest in your week. Join a fitness community or gym AND enjoy that dessert you’ve been wanting to try. It’s not what you do some days; it’s what you do most days that will lead to a more peaceful, filling and fabulous 2023.

Here’s to you! We’re rooting for you, along with trying to do our best as well.

SHARON DUFFY, PUBLISHER @FRISCOCITYLIFESTYLE

Evolve Health Sciences newly opened at 12530 Lebanon Road, Suite 205, in Frisco, right across the street from Baylor Scott and White Medical Center. The company’s medical team offers IV Therapy and injections, pharmaceutical treatments, anti-aging assistance, hormone therapy for both men and women, weight loss/ weight management and detoxification, as well as semaglutide

Relax And Be Entertained At BarnHill Vineyards

BarnHill Vineyards offers a relaxed, laidback country atmosphere where guests can enjoy wines from this vineyard’s 2,500 Texas varietals, along with live music and rustic barn backdrop. For live music events, bands play outside the barn (unless the weather is unfavorable, then they will be inside the barn). The barn has tables and chairs. For outside seating, guests are welcome to bring picnic blankets or their favorite folding chairs. For live event details, visit BarnHillVineyards.com.

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TutorDoctorTeam Helps Raise SAT,ACTScores

Gettingtotrulyknowstudentsandtheir families is one of the real differences in education consulting services providedby SandyTutwiler,ownerof Tutor Doctor  Frisco & McKinney, and her team of tutors. She says it’s a perfect timetoestablishsessionsregardingSAT/ ACT/ISEE test preparations. She adds that they tutor one-on-one and in students’ homes where students are most comfortable and poised to learn. Email Sandy at  stutwiler@tutordoctor.com or call972.846.4510.

Time For Financial Stress Tests

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JODIE BROWND

From Frisco headquarters, Libertas Capital Management, LLC, specializes in helping families, individuals, business owners and entrepreneurs with a variety of financial planning, products and wealth management strategies designed to meet financial short and long-term goals.

Jeremy Patton, president and CEO of Libertas, says the company's agents and advisers specialize in building relationships with clients to help them establish solid financial plans that fit their needs and goals while establishing a legacy for the ones they love. "We will not only help protect what you have worked so hard for, but also teach you how to grow your wealth," he pledges.

Jeremy's wife, Amy Patton, serves as director of marketing for the firm. She adds that the Libertas team "is committed to bringing experience and professionalism to every client while customizing plans to meet individual objectives."

As director of client services and operations, Becky Jones manages

all Libertas client communication and daily operations. Serving as office manager for the team at 9355 John W. Elliott #25 in Frisco is Paris Higgins, who also is a licensed life insurance agent.

Jeremy says the firm specializes in retirement planning as well as investment strategies. [Note regarding investment risks: There is no guarantee th at the RetireRight Strategies will achieve their investment objectives, and one could lose money. Financial Planning and Investment Management Offered Through FamilyWealth, LLC, Registered Investment Adviser. Review strategy brochure before investing.]

Specific financial planning routinely covered by this team includes investment philosophies focusing on volatility and allocating risk, as well as risk budgeting with the idea of spreading out the sources of volatility. They also help with corporate retirement for corporations and small businesses (supporting 401(k), 403(b), 457, Cash Balance, Health Savings

Accounts, Multiple Employer Plans and Non-Qualified plans).

Industry experts identify multiple benefits from financial planning and wealth management:  The process helps set goals; it's a great source of motivation and commitment; such plans provide guides for action and decision-making; plans set performance standards; financial planning has additional emotional and mental health benefits; and taking this prudent action improves financial outcomes. Many advisers recommend establishing SMART goals, which is code for specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and timely.

During April 2022, Libertas Capital Management partnered with FamilyWealth, which enabled Libertas to offer fiduciary financial consulting, as well as financial products and services, working with a myriad of custodians that include TD Ameritrade, Fidelity, Charles Schwab and Austin Capital Trust Company. Jeremy says they can manage inheritance dollars, advise on current and former 401(k) assets,

Ask Libertas Capital Management specialists about forward-looking 'RetireRight' strategies as disciplined,

managed volatility portfolios available for retirement plans and individuals.

and provide financial portfolios designed for any economic environment. "From managing retirement accounts, rolling old and current 401(k) money, and assisting in liquidating trust dollars, we're a comprehensive financial planning firm that specializes in putting together financial portfolios to create customized solutions and solve problems," he adds.

Regarding tips for 2023 financial planning and growing wealth, Jeremy recommends several overall considerations:

• With many people making finance-related New Year's Resolutions, a good first step is to at least have a financial plan. If there's a prior plan, revisit its objectives and status.

• Get a financial checkup, or what Jeremy likes to call, a "financial stress test" with an adviser. He relates it to the benefits of getting an annual physical or health care checkup.

• Be sure to make an appointment with a financial adviser during the first quarter of each new year, just like scheduling appointments with nutritionists and fitness or exercise trainers, especially to review any changes that occurred in the past 365 days.

• Regarding financial goal setting, Jeremy says his team likes to help people by first seeking to understand and then working together with the client to create and implement a solid strategy to help them build wealth and leave a legacy.

Amy indicates fixed index annuities are a really viable alternative for a wide variety of clients. "Not all people are aware that this type of annuity is a long-term financial tool that allows your assets to grow tax-deferred with protection against loss."

"Communication is an essential part of financial planning. We enjoy educating clients while assisting them so they can be more in control of their future. When people understand plans and strategies, and are part of making those plans, we're more likely to stick to them and achieve our goals," Jeremy says.

He adds, "Truly helping and informing clients about financial solutions is what sets Libertas Capital Management apart."

9355 John W. Elliott, #25, Frisco Office Hours:  Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  office@libertascapitalmanagement.com 972.646.2525

LibertasCapitalManagement.com

Note: The author is not related to the Pattons who own the company spotlighted in this feature.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money invested. Be aware that fluctuations in the financial markets and other factors may cause declines in the value of an account. There is no guarantee that any particular asset allocation mix will meet investment objectives or provide a given level of income. Libertas advisers recommend that tax or financial advisers be consulted about individual situations. Investments in bonds are subject to interest rate, credit and inflation risk.

FamilyWealth offers numerous financial services and technology solutions to advisers and firms nationwide. FamilyWealth has created a digital WealthTech ecosystem that brings together a suite of tools, including CRM, Analytics, Unified Managed Household Accounts, Digital Account Opening, Asset Management, Proposal Generation, and Compliance into a customizable Adviser portal, called Adviser View.

nutrition. inspiration.

creativity.

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

In the nick of time as a new year starts are some NIC-of-time insights from a Frisco-based, talented hospitality team that infuses Nutrition, Inspiration and Creativity into their culinary offerings. Chef Dominic Sean Parks Jr., who is founder, culinary director and COO of ChefNIC & Co., shares here what are his and his team's favorite, top six seasonings/spices for 2023. Health-related evidence indicates that spices and herbs possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumorigenic, anticarcinogenic, and glucose- and cholesterol-lowering activities, as well as properties that affect cognition and mood in positive ways. Overall, this NIC food crew provides tailored home catering, home meal solutions, as well as private chef dining experiences. Reach them at info@ chefnic.com, 479.301.7717 or ChefNIC.com .

Chef Dominic Sean Parks Jr.

Paul Prudhomme's Blackened/Cajun

Seasoning

Fresh Thyme

Fresh Rosemary

Fresh Garlic

Kosher Salt

Fresh Lemon Juice

Cheers To Refreshing Mocktails

BRING ON FUN, FIZZY NON-ALCOHOLIC MIXED DRINKS

Often called virgin cocktails or temperance drinks, modern-day mocktails are most welcome for all and are becoming their own category.

Suffice it to say, the concept of Shirley Temples has come a long way since being invented in the late 1930s! They even incorporate more than cherries these days. A bartender at Chasen's in Beverly Hills reportedly created the special drink for the actress during the pinnacle point of her fame.

Want a sweeter sip from these featured recipes? Simply swap sparkling water or seltzer with lemon-lime soda.

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Apple Cider Mule Mocktail

ingredients: directions:

• 3 cups apple cider (apple juice isn't the best substitute, but pear cider can be applied for a different twist)

• 1½ cups ginger ale

• 1½ cups plain seltzer water (or orange-flavored seltzer)

• 2 large apples, thinly sliced (or pears if going that route)

• ½ cup pomegranate arils

• ½ cup frozen cranberries

1. In a pitcher or punch bowl, stir together the apple cider, ginger ale and seltzer. It’s best if all ingredients are chilled ahead of time.

2. Add in sliced apples or pears and pomegranate arils. Refrigerate until ready to serve

3. Just before serving, add the frozen cranberries or garnish with fresh or dried apple slices and cinnamon sticks (not ground cinnamon).

4. Serve in glasses with ice or slightly warmed in mugs.

Bonus: Apple and pear slices also become delicious flavor bombs to eat at the end of the drink.

Pom-Pom Spritz

ingredients:

• 2 ounces 100% pomegranate juice

• 1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice or high-quality orange juice

• 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice

• 2 ounces sparkling water or seltzer

• Ice, for serving

• Garnishes (Optional): pomegranate arils, lime or orange slices, frozen cranberries, fresh mint, or fresh rosemary

directions for a single serving:

1. Fill an 8-10 ounce glass halfway full with ice. Add pomegranate juice, orange juice and lime juice to glass. Stir well to combine.

2. Pour seltzer/sparkling water over the juice mixture and top with any desired garnishes.

ingredients for a pitcher (1 quart):

• 12 ounces pomegranate juice

• 6 ounces orange juice

• 3 ounces fresh lime juice

• 12 ounces sparkling water or seltzer

ingredients for a punch bowl

(1 gallon):

• 6 cups pomegranate juice

• 3 cups orange juice

• 1 1/2 cups lime juice

• 6 cups sparkling water/seltzer

directions for pitcher or punch bowl:

1. Fill pitcher or punchbowl 1/3 to 1/2 full with ice; add pomegranate juice, orange juice and lime juice. Stir well to combine.

2. Pour seltzer/sparkling water over the juice mixture and adorn with any desired garnishes.

Additionally, non-alcoholic cocktails can be made simply from fruit syrup, such as strawberry, cherry, peach, crème de banana, blood orange, huckleberry, coconut, raspberry or passion fruit over ice. With a little creativity, there's a sweet-tart mocktail for every taste.

IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL WELLNESS

ARTICLE BY ALEXIS JACOBS

Local Professional Counselor Provides Checklist For New Year

Mental health refers to emotional and social well-being, and impacts how humans think, feel and behave. Health care experts indicate that mental health is just as important as physical health, because it affects how people handle day-to-day life, decision-making, stress and relationships with others. Furthermore, U.S. government statistics show one in five American adults has experienced a mental health issue.

Dr. Lucy Underwood, owner and licensed professional counselor at Underwood Counseling & Consultation, PLLC, says to be mentally well suggests that people use adaptive coping skills to manage the full range of emotions. Adaptive coping skills allow humans to use mental flexibility rather than rigid adherence to some defined standards. Mental wellness means living within healthy parameters. Mental flexibility gives everyone permission to hear and explore another’s perspective without abandoning one’s own.

Simple interventions can have profound impacts on mental health. Listening to one’s body and personal emotions can help avoid getting into an emotional crisis. Adopting a mindful approach to living each day seems to help many people.

“It’s a marathon. Sometimes walking, sometimes running, sometimes sitting on the bench,” says Dr. Underwood. “It’s not a sprint. Be intentional and show patience with yourself and others.”  469.712.9134

UnderwoodCounseling.net

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Consult a qualified clinical provider or health care team for psychological,  mental or emotional challenges.

Dr. Underwood recommends using the following checklist while approaching  mental health in 2023:

1. Be consistent with sleep. 2. Eat balanced meals. 3. Be intentional in being present in the life in front of you. Doing so can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. 4. Get moving and be physically active. 5. Practice saying, “No thank you.” 6. Connect with someone socially (not at work) at least once a week. Good relationships are important for balanced, mental well-being. 7. Ask for help! Reach out to a friend, a family member, or seek out professional help when needed.

As a registered dietitian, writer and public speaker who's passionate about educating people on nutrition, Claudia Martin-Ayoade says most people think a plant-based diet is strictly for just vegan and vegetarian types. However, she asserts plant-based eating is more of a lifestyle than a diet.

Claudia shares the following personal, helpful tips with Frisco City Lifestyle readers because she believes there's no debating the overwhelming evidence showing the benefits of improved health for those who make that diet choice. "You're simply eating more foods that are closer to their harvested state with minimal processing," she reminds.

For starters, Claudia says meatless diets improve health outcomes by lowering the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation and some cancers. "It also improves gut health because of added fiber to your diet."

A plant-based diet still allows people to consume carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals and vitamins necessary for good health, with added benefits of being higher in fiber and phytonutrients, she adds.

"You don't have to give up meat entirely, and there are labels to identify where you fall in your plant-eating journey. Do what is comfortable for you, so you will stick with it," Claudia suggests.

This dietitian reminds that everyone can opt to be a "flexitarian," which means occasionally eating meat but choosing plants as the primary foods eaten. She adds, "You have some flexibility with your diet. If you choose to be a vegetarian, then you don't eat meat but you still eat eggs and dairy products, as opposed to being a vegan who eats no animal products."

Adding more fruits and vegetables to daily food intake is also better for the environment. The industries that produce dairy and meats are said to account for a third of the world’s water usage in addition to producing greenhouse gas emissions.

CLAUDIA’S TIPS TO START PLANT-BASED JOURNEYS:

1. Make small changes to test your comfort level when reducing meat intake. There’s a risk of being overwhelmed if you suddenly stop eating meat altogether, and it’ll be harder to stick to your choice long-term. Increase consumption of plant foods you already like.

2. Plant-based diet doesn’t mean boring. Create a variety of dishes, including ethnic meals. This is a great time to try new spices to add punch to vegetables. Add green leafy vegetables to smoothies.

3. Use whole plants because there are nutrients in every plant part, including stems and leaves. Use leaves from celery, radishes, beets, carrots and spinach. Don’t throw away vital nutrients, such as potassium, vitamin C and fiber. You’re also reducing waste.

4. Eat the rainbow! Choose different colored fruits and vegetables to get a variety of nutrients. The color of plant-based foods often indicates the vitamins and minerals they contain. So, more colors mean more nutrients.

5. If consuming no animal products, you’ll need to take a B12, and possibly an iron, supplement. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin available only in animal products. Low B12 can cause anemia and damage to nervous systems.

6. A meat-free diet doesn’t automatically mean healthy if you replace the meat with highly processed junk food and meat substitutes. Eat good, fresh quality fruits, vegetables and grains to get health benefits that can add years to your life.

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• 1/4 cup olive oil; omit for oil-free

1. To food processor, add cashews (or other nuts or seeds), chives, basil, yeast, lemon juice, pepper, olive oil (if using) and 1/4 cup water. Process until smooth, adding water as needed for thinner consistency. If not using oil, an extra 1/4 cup water may be needed. TIP:  For brighter green pesto, blend basil leaves last. Top with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

2. Store in refrigerator for up to one week. Pesto also freezes well for up to six months; can freeze in an ice cube tray, then pop cubes out and preserve them in a freezer bag or airtight container.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JANUARY 11TH

Getting Things Done Workshop

FRISCO INDEPENDENT

SCHOOL DISTRICT | 9:00 AM

This workshop, by Vital Smarts, teaches skills needed to manage the constant flow of requests, tasks and interruptions. The goal is to reduce stress and burnout. The workshop concludes at 4 p.m. Presenter is Lindy Finley, RTSBA. The fee is $375 for Texas Association of School Business Officials m embers and $425 for non-members. Phone 512.462.1711 to address questions.

JANUARY 13TH - 14TH

2023 New Year Rally

FIRSTFITNESS NUTRITION | 7:00 PM

Organizers indicate this experience is designed to inspire, motivate, train and have life-changing moments together. While this is the group's first in-person New Year Rally in three years, participants also can still join virtually. In-person tickets are $109 each and virtual tickets are $69 each. Visit FirstFitness.com .

JANUARY 16TH

Texas Legends Vs. Salt Lake City Stars Basketball

COMERICA CENTER | 3:30 PM

The Salt Lake City Stars are in the NBA G League based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and are affiliated with the Utah Jazz. As of the 2022-23 season, the Stars play in the Maverik Center in West Valley City. Prior to the move to Salt Lake City for the 2016–17 season, the team was known as the Idaho Stampede.

Brother and sister patients pictured above, and each of Dr Jensen’s patients seek treatment for a specific reason—to get their smile the way they want it. As a dual specialist in both Prosthodontics and Orthodontics with many years of experience, Dr Douglas Jensen can readily determine what ought to be done for your smile, and then meticulously carry out the process. This could include:

Orthodontics: To straighten teeth for a healthy balanced bite and an AWESOME SMILE Veneers: The kind that don’t look like “veneers”. Just perfect. Dentures: Implant-supported and conventional dentures

Dr Jensen is truly a one-of-a-kind doctor in his field. If you need expert advice and treatment for your teeth and smile, come by soon for a consultation.

Research us at JensenOrthodonticArts.com Call us at: (214) 842-8106 3595 S. Custer Rd. McKinney, TX 75070

Smiles and Photos by Dr. Jensen

Dr. Jensen