Lake Cities Living Magazine October 2019

OCTOBER 18, 2019 - NOVEMBER 15, 2019 MEDICAL EXPERTS ISSUE

READY FOR ALL YOUR

HEALTH NEEDS

5 YEARS

CANCER FREE HOW TO LIVE

TO BE 100 SIGNS OF

DEPRESSION

Corinth - Hickory Creek - Shady Shores - Lake Dallas

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OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 3

LakeCitiesLiving.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

Writers & Editor Steve Gamel Brooke Ezzo

Advertising

Kelly Murray Kelly@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene

Photography

Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com

Letters

Lake Cities Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments.

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of

It’s That

TIME OF

YEAR

W

e have finally reached my favorite time of the year!

Not only is Halloween right around the corner, but the spookiness of that fun night quickly leads to Thanksgiving and, of course, Christmas.

In no other time of the year do we have so many family-oriented festivities in such a short period of time. I don’t know about you, but I can hardly even contain myself thinking about all the fun times Scott and I will share with our kiddos.

They grow up so fast, so make sure you take advantage now.

In honor of Halloween, I thought I’d spend the rest of this column telling a few jokes.

These jokes were pulled from various sources across the Internet. I know most of them are pretty corny, but I hope they all bring a smile to your faces.

•

What’s it like to be kissed by a vampire?

It’s a pain in the neck.

•

How does a girl vampire flirt?

She bats her eyes.

•

What do you call wood when it is scared? Petrified.

•

When do ghouls and goblins cook their victims? On Fry Day.

•

What do you get when you cross a vampire and a snowman? Frostbite

Murray Media Group.

Editorial and Advertising Inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email

artwork@murray-media.com www.murray-media.com

Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 Lake Cities Living is published monthly

by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Lake Cities Living is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2019 Murray Media Group

I hope you enjoy this issue. And please don’t forget to send us Halloween trick-or-treat photos of your favorite princesses, vampires, ghouls, and goblins. You may just see yourself in the next issue.

Sincerely, Kelly Murray

Publisher of Murray Media Group kelly@murray-media.com

4 | ARGYLE LAKE CITIES LIVING LIVING | OCTOBER | OCTOBER 2019 2019

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS 29

16

On the Cover: The Team of Connections Wellness Group

FEATURED:

Ready For All Your Health Needs

ASK THE EXPERTS

12 Inside Community

06 Real Estate with Make the Move Team

13 Inside Education

27 Fitness with Outlaw Fitcamp

14 The Spirit of Christmas Events

PHOTOS FROM LANTANA 21 Spirit of Christmas Fun Run 26 Lake Cities Homecoming ARTICLES 07 Community Corner

18 5 Years Cancer Free 20 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree 22 How to Live To Be 100 23 Calling All Mentors!

09 Foodie Friday with Jay Marks Real Estate

24 Signs Of Depression You Need To Recognize

10 8 Tips On How To Choose A Local Primary Care Doctor

30 Thanksgiving Countdown Planner

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EDITORS PICK: Retired & Rocking

Medical Experts

ISSUE Learn about hot topics in the general medical field along with advice from your local medical experts.

OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 5

Ask The Expert: Real Estate

BUILDING A HOME Could Be

CHEAPER Than You Think

T

here are potential new homebuyers out there who are itching to build the home of their dreams but don’t think they can afford it. If you are one of these people, think again. Not only can your local realtor get you into the home you want, but chances are it will also include all the bells and whistles for less than $250,000.

News is beginning to spread that several big-name homebuilders like Ashton Woods, Megatel, Trendmaker, and Meritage, to name a few, are promising to build quality homes that are in the low $200s. These new communities — word is there will be roughly 8-10 throughout Denton County — will have the look and feel of master-planned developments, complete with pools, hiking and biking trails, parks, and other open spaces.

Areas being considered are Aubrey, Pilot Point, Krum, and North Denton — all within a stone’s throw of the Lake Cities.

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| OCTOBER 2019

This should be music to your ears right now. Buying a home is overwhelming

for a lot of people, mostly because it is

extremely difficult to get into anything for less than $250,000 — let alone build one from the ground up. The developments

we’re talking about will not only have all

the amenities, but they’ll also be charming homes you can grow your family in.

ago that interest rates are in the high 3% to low 4%. That’s super cheap when you consider rates on most credit cards are 12% or higher – and most people use those every single day.

If you have any questions when it comes to real estate or anything else that has to do with the Lake Cities or surrounding communities, give my team: Make The Move Team at eXp Realty or me a call. It is always a great idea to have a local realtor representing you in the new home buying process. We will have your back at all times.

Another perk is that interest rates are

still low. In fact, if you are considering purchasing a new home in the Lake

Cities area or surrounding communities, doing so before the end of 2019 is a

smart move. I mentioned a few months

by Beth Caudill Make the Move Team 940.320.2777 www.MakeTheMoveTeam.com

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COMMUNITY CORNER:

Wear More Pink

THIS OCTOBER

by Denton County Commissioner Precinct 4 Dianne Edmondson

C

okie Roberts, a longtime journalist for NPE and ABC, recently joined the legions of women whom

we have lost from breast cancer or from complications in battling the disease.

Since October is Breast Cancer

Awareness Month, I think she would expect us to mention her if only to encourage women and men to be

more aware of symptoms and to get regular checkups.

The numbers of those affected by breast photo courtesy by Commissioner Dianne Edmondson If you would like to receive a newsletter, please contact Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson at Dianne.Edmondson@dentoncounty.com and ask to be placed on the email list.

OR CALL AT 972.434.3960.

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cancer are startling.

Each year, physicians diagnose more

than 200,000 cases. More than 40,000 women die of female breast cancer nationally each year.

This month, Denton County as a whole and the Denton County Public Health

(DCPH) want to recognize breast cancer survivors, those battling the disease as well as their families and friends who serve as sources of encouragement and support. We also applaud the efforts of medical professionals and researchers working to find a cure.

On Monday, Oct. 21, staff at the Lewisville public health office at 190 N. Valley Parkway will wear pink with Denton staff at the main offices at 535 S. Loop 288 donning pink on Thursday, Oct. 24.

I hope you will consider supporting the efforts to find a cure. But it is also just as important to schedule a visit with your doctor for a regular checkup.

So, this month, wear a little more pink than usual and think of those friends, family members and even celebrities like Cokie Roberts who have dealt with this disease.

OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 7

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| OCTOBER 2019

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Craft Pies Pizza Co. :Foodie Friday DFW

CRAFT PIES Pizza Co.

T

his month we set out to explore what it is about Craft Pies Pizza Co. that has had people in Flower Mound raving

about the Lakeside DFW location all over social media.

The Craft Pies Pizza concept started

with three guys who had a dream to be

entrepreneurs, a small budget, and a pizza

oven that didn’t even work. After observing how businesses like Subway operate for photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

years, they wanted to bring a unique twist to the fast-casual pizza concept.

Flat-price pizzas no matter how many toppings you load on.

You can start with a 7” crust, an 11.5” thin

crust, or a 10” Gluten-free crust (at $5.95,

$8.95 & $11.95 respectively) and no matter how many toppings you choose, the price stays the same!

After you choose your crust, choose a 855.611.0311 www.craftpiespizza.com 2451 Lakeside Pkwy., Ste. 100 Flower Mound, TX 75022

sauce, whether it’s a classic red sauce or their buffalo sauce. Then load on some cheese, meat, veggies and finishes like arugula, sriracha, or balsamic glaze.

Same goes with their “Build-Your-Own” salads. Pick your greens, meats, veggies, and dressing. And no matter what you choose, the cost is $8.95!

If building your own pizza or salad is too overwhelming for you, they have some original recipes on their menu you can choose from instead.

We tried out three of their top-sellers while we were there: the classic Margherita; their Caribbean BBQ topped with bbq sauce, mozzarella, chicken, Canadian bacon, red onion, pineapple, cilantro; and their Alfredo Heaven made with white sauce, mozzarella, chopped garlic, chicken, bacon, peppadew peppers, arugula, balsamic drizzle.

Their dough is made using an authentic recipe from Naples, Italy (also known as the birthplace of pizza). I love the thin, light quality of the crust. It’s the perfect vehicle to enjoy all the deliciously fresh toppings and finishes you put on top.

So, the next time you or the family are craving pizza, we’d recommend you get yourselves over to Craft Pies Pizza Co. in Lakeside DFW. Everyone can get the pizza they want at a great price point.

And you’ll also get a taste for their culture of “servant leadership” which trickles down to all of their employees and how they treat their customers.

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022

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OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 9

8 Medical Expert Article

Tips On

HOW TO CHOOSE

A Local Primary Care Doctor

F

inding the right primary care doctor can be extremely overwhelming, especially if you haven’t found the right one or have moved and don’t know where to begin. But there’s no denying that you need one. This is the one doctor

who is supposed to know you the best. They should know your medical history inside and out as well as your lifestyle, personality, and where to send you if they can’t help.

If you’re with them long enough, you will develop an uncanny level of trust.

Basically, choosing the right primary care doctor is the most important health decision you could ever make. So if you’re in the market for one, where do you start? How do you narrow your search? Start with these 8 tips:

Ask For Referrals

Perhaps there is no better stamp of approval than a referral from a friend, family member, coworker, or even another healthcare professional. Anyone who has been a patient can fill you in on everything from wait times to the quality of the office staff and the doctor’s bedside manner.

This doesn’t guarantee that you and that

10 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| OCTOBER 2019

primary care doctor will be a good match.

But a referral is a great place to start and will help you proceed with confidence.

Look At Where Their Office Is

You could get five or six quality referrals from friends and family, but make sure they are all close to where you live or work. People tend to visit their primary

by Steve Gamel

care doctor more than any other medical professional, so if possible, seek out convenient options.

Check Which Insurance They Accept Just like no two doctors are the same, not every doctor’s office is structured the same in terms of what types of insurance they take. Obviously, you will pay less out of pocket with an in-network doctor, so do your research or even call the office and ask the front desk. This will help you avoid any surprises.

Look At Hospital Affiliations To piggyback off the previous tip, it’s

important to know which hospitals the doctor uses. While the doctor accepts your insurance, the hospital may not.

You may also not feel comfortable

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at that particular hospital should the need arise. Knowing this will help narrow down your search.

Conduct Online Research In today’s age of social media, you

don’t have to rely solely on friends and

family to point you in the right direction.

Search reviews on Yelp and Facebook

or on the doctor’s website to see what

other patients have to say. You can also

Basically, choosing the right primary care doctor is the most important health decision you could ever make. how busy the doctor typically is, and if

your personalties match. Compatibility is huge; your local primary doctor and his or her staff should put you at ease when in their presence.

see if the doctor has written anything

Research Accessibility

professional bio online.

beyond the typical 9-5 shift to provide

Pay The Doctor A Visit

This may be a deciding factor for you

that’s been published or if they have a

If you’ve checked off every box above, now is a great time to drop in or schedule a meet and greet with the doctor and his or her nurses. This will give you the chance to see with your own eyes how the facility is operated, how long you have to wait, www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Many doctor’s offices nowadays are going evening and weekend appointments.

if you work long hours and can only get in during odd hours.

Working As A Team Rather than dictate a set of instructions with every visit, your primary care doctor should want you to be just as much a part of the

treatment program as they are. They should encourage questions, listen more than

they talk, and when they do speak, do so in language that you can understand.

What did we leave off? Do you have any tips for your fellow neighbor when it comes to choosing a quality primary care doctor? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.

OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 11

INSIDE COMMUNITY RIDE TO ELIMINATE POLIO Sun., Oct. 20 | 8am - 6pm | Mad Duck Sports 721 Northwest Hwy. • Grapevine, TX 76051 The first annual Rotary District 5790 Ride to End Polio is coming to Grapevine this year, and Lake Cities Rotary has joined in the cause. New cases of polio have declined over the years but the cases still found are in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The hope is to eliminate polio or have children in these countries immunized against the disease. The district goal

is $75,000. The 25-mile bike ride will start and end in Grapevine, consisting of experience Rotary riders and their families. If you would like to support your Lake Cities Rotary, visit http://tinyurl.com/5790Polio. To register, email rotaryjon@gmail.com. photo courtesy John Smyers

BUY FRESH. EAT LOCAL. TRUNK OR TREAT Thurs., Oct. 31 | 5 -7pm City Park, Lake Dallas 101 E Hundley Dr. • Lake Dallas, TX 75065 The annual Trunk-or-Treat is back! This family event is a fun, safe way to spend your Halloween. There will be face painting, balloon artists, bounce houses, a hayride, the Boogie Woogie Choo Choo, and yummy food! Featured this year will be a Trunk Decorating Contest, a Costume Contest, and a Pumpkin Carving Contest.

For rules and prize information, please www.lakedallas.com/222/ trunk-or-treat.

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Each Sat., till Oct. 26 | 7am-12pm Lake Dallas Public Library 302 S. Shady Shores Rd. Lake Dallas, TX 75065

BIRTHDAY BOXES FOR ZOIE’S PLACE

The market season is coming to a close. Don’t miss out on the last few weekends, the last date this year is October 26. Come support our Denton County farmers. If you are interested in becoming a vendor for next year, visit www.LakeDallas.com.

Follow the Community tab, click on Farmers Market and fill out an application. Send your application to Natalie McAdams at nmcadams@lakedallas.com.

Trish Kinsman of Lake Cities puts together birthday boxes and donates them to Zoie’s Place; an organization that helps teens transition from foster care to adulthood. These boxes consist of gift cards for restaurants and clothing stores, to handmade items, candles, and fuzzy socks. Each box is tailored to each young lady at Zoie’s Place.

If you would like to support these boxes, or would like to volunteer, please email volunteer@zoiesplace.org for opportunities or visit zoiesplace.org to learn more about this organization.

photo courtesy Natalie McAdams

photo courtesy to Zoie’s Place www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

INSIDE EDUCATION LAKE DALLAS HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR Tues., Oct. 22 | 5:30 -7pm | LDHS Cafeteria 3016 Parkridge Dr. Corinth, TX 76210

LDISD EVENTS

Lake Dallas High School presents a College and Career Fair for middle and high school students. There will be recruiters

from 40+ universities, technical, and military schools available to help our students answer any questions. Trade schools and industry base organizations will also attend for any students looking to certify and start a career. The fair includes three workshop sessions; High School Career Connect to talk about transitioning into college, two LDHS English teachers will address essay writing, and Texas Workforce will discuss interview skills and resumes. This will be a great opportunity for students. photo courtesy of John Modica

LD Elementary PTA Chick-fil-A Spirit Night Oct. 23 | 3:30 - 8pm LD Middle School Internet Safety Night at LDMS Cafeteria Oct. 30 | 6 - 7pm

VETERANS DAY BREAKFAST

Leader in Me Field Trip Nov. 15 | 8am - 2pm

Mon., Nov. 11 | 7 -8:30am | LDMS Library 325 E Hundley Dr. • Lake Dallas, TX 75065 This Veteran’s day, Lake Dallas Middle School is hosting its’ annual breakfast for all of our community Veterans as a way to honor and thank you for your service. Any veteran and their family members are welcome. The campus provides a delicious breakfast hosted by the LDMS student council. Please join us so we may show our gratitude for the sacrifices you made on our behalf. photo courtesy of Melaynee Broadstreet

LEADER IN ME PROGRAM The Leader in Me program from FranklinCovey is now present on all three campuses in Lake Dallas ISD. Each staff has participated in the Leader in Me book study and trained in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This program was started six years ago to help the 5th grade program transition to middle school.

The idea is to engage with students and help to teach them about leadership from a national and scholastic viewpoint.

Students are able to apply for the program in 4th grade. To learn more about this program visit www.leaderinme.org photo courtesy of Karen Dower www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

GUYER

EVENTS Guyer High Varsity Football Vs. Eaton Oct. 25 | 7pm at Northwest ISD Stadium Guyer High Varsity Football Vs. Byron Nelson Nov. 1 | 7pm at Northwest ISD Stadium Guyer High Varsity Football Vs. Keller Fossil Ridge (Senior Night) Nov. 7 | 7pm at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex

OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 13

The Spirit of Sponsored By

CHRISTMAS T

he Spirit of Christmas provides a Thanksgiving meal and Christmas gifts, which includes shoes, clothes and gifts, to children in families that fall below the poverty line. Here in the Lake Cities area we have several events and volunteer opportunities.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

COAT DRIVE

CANNED FOOD SORTING

ANGEL TREE ANGELS

Sept. 15 - Nov. 15

Nov. 23 | 10am - 3pm Lake Dallas Elementary School

Pick up angels from the tree at Angelina’s, Walmart, Lake Dallas Public Library, Ciera Bank, and Point Bank.

Take gently used coats to Daisy, Classic, or Corinth Cleaners and tell them they are for the Spirit of Christmas. The cleaners will handle the rest.

All angels need to be returned by Dec.15.

To donate a new coat call 940.594.4417 or email SOC@ThereHasToBeMore.org

WRAPPING PARTY Dec. 20 | 6:30pm - TBA Join the fun at the Lake Dallas Middle School as we wrap our way into the Christmas Spirit!

Enjoy time with friends and neighbors as we wrap new gifts for the Angel Tree children of the Lake Cities area. There will be Food, a Live Auction, Music, Fellowship, and Fun. You don’t want to miss out on this.

Do you want to sponsor the wrapping party, provide food, or entertainment? Contact us today!

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OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 15

Connections Wellness Group

READY FOR

ALL YOUR

HEALTH NEEDS

by Steve Gamel

W

e all expect to receive a higher level of care when we go to the doctor, even it’s for a few annoying sniffles that keep us up late at night. But at no point have we been able to visit one facility for all our needs, from sniffles and the flu to depression, anxiety, and anything else that keeps us from living a healthy life.

That all changed when Connections

Wellness Group opened its door. Or, Connections Wellness in Denton has

become the go-to source for well over 1,750 patients who have been craving

940.222.2399 ConnectionsWellnessGroup.com 2701 Shoreline Dr., Ste. 151 Denton, TX 76210

in their backyard. Essentially, this is a

team of physicians from all disciplines collaborating with behavioral health

providers in a model that has never been attempted in DFW. And with the addition of a primary care wing in June, there’s no need to go anywhere else.

“Everything our patients need is right here, or right across the parking lot,”

said owner and social worker, Awstin

Behavioral Health PSYCHIATRY

16 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| OCTOBER 2019

He added, “We hope that you don’t need us, but we’re here if you do.”

The idea behind the Connections Wellness Group’s model is that with one phone call, a patient can have a team of doctors working together to seek solutions in areas such as psychiatry, medication management, couples and

TRAUMA TREATMENT (EMDR)

COUNSELING

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photography by Your Candid Memories

an all-encompassing medical plaza right

Sponsored Content

should we say doors?

Gregg, a former hospital CEO who has reinvented the wheel when it comes to holistic healthcare. “I can honestly say there isn’t another organization that has medical health, pain management, and mental health working together the way we do. We started nine months ago, and we’ve become the highest-rated, highest accredited, and most awarded practice in Denton in 2019.”

family counseling, routine wellness and

“Our team is composed of phenomenal

therapy for children, and more.

to shine has been a gift. It’s a dream

illness visits, trauma treatment, play

By adding primary care to their suite of services, they are holding true to that

holistic care model. Connections Primary Care can treat chronic illnesses and

handle sick visits for patients of all ages.

They also offer IV hydration, which is great

for patients who are stressed, dehydrated, or are struggling with conditions such as extreme acne. When needed, they can

also offer hormone therapy treatments.

Leading that charge is the duo of Kristi Richards and Dr. Trisha Dipprey.

talent. Providing a platform for this talent come true to watch it all grow from a

small two-person team to now providing employment to over 56 employees,”

Awstin said. “If you’re sick, you can call us, and we’ll get you in the same day.

If you’re too sick to come to us, we’ll do

a tele-video and order medication for you.

There isn’t a barrier to treatment we won’t overcome with you to help.”

Connections Wellness Group was named a Best of Denton County winner in three categories and a Top 3 finalist in four

others. These number of nominations led

Kristi Richards is a double

the field in the Medical Health category.

board-certified Family Nurse

In February, the practice passed a joint

Practitioner and Wound Care Nurse

with an extensive 30-year practice history in Canada and the United States that encompasses multiple care settings

commission survey and received national accreditation for quality in the healthcare

field. In April, they did it a second time to become double nationally accredited.

including Internal Medicine, Family

Practice, Outpatient Wound Care, Home

Health, Occupational Health, and hospitalbased care. She embraces the concept that patient care is patient-centric and

This accreditation is something less than one percent of other private practices

in DFW has achieved. On a local level, Connections Wellness Group has also

“Kick the Stigma” where the university

to have a strong voice in their own

provides key information and resources

healthcare. Dr. Dipprey transitioned

to its student body regarding mental

out of Critical Care Medicine and

began a multi-year career in Emergency Medicine for many different North

health. During all home football

games, Connections Wellness Group is

highlighted during any field goal, kickoff,

Texas hospitals. She also covered

Internal Medicine services for multiple DFW metroplex psychiatric facilities.

or punt. It’s all in an attempt to keep the conversation going when it comes to mental health.

Dr. Dipprey has always had a desire to have her own Internal Medicine clinic

“You can be good at hiding depression

at Connections Wellness Group, decided

Sometimes it’s stomach ulcers; sometimes

and thus, in collaboration with the team

MEDICATION MANAGEMENT

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Owner of Connections Wellness Group

started a partnership with UNT called

believes that people should expect

to open Connections Primary Care.

Awstin Gregg

and anxiety, but your body keeps score. it’s hypertension. But all the time it’s

PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION (PHP)

treatable,” Awstin said. “That’s why it is so important to have medical and mental health working together. When you have that, people get well quicker and stay well longer.”

Awstin should know. He saw large gaps between existing levels of care and set out to be patient-focused.

So far, his plan is working seamlessly.

“Our goal is to spread awareness as best we can,” he said. “When we heal people the right way, everyone benefits.”

Physical Health PRIMARY CARE

OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 17

YEARS

5 FREE

CANCER

W

hitney Ortmeier was supposed to feel as if a huge weight had finally been lifted off her shoulders this past April. She was celebrating her 38th birthday on top of being five years cancer-free, a massive benchmark experts say is when the odds of a reoccurrence is no longer likely.

But Whitney and her family couldn’t help but notice some lingering anxiety.

“I still questioned it because I had [breast cancer] twice,” said Ortmeier, a longtime Flower Mound and Highland Village resident who works for the ML Group in Flower Mound. “I did the most drastic thing you can do, and it came right back.”

She added, “The anxiety is there, but the celebration is bigger. It worked out for me.

It doesn’t work out for everyone.”

Whitney’s story of survival is one of the millions you will hear about as people all

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over the world pause for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, with one in eight women being diagnosed in her lifetime.

While breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, there are still over 3.3 million survivors alive in the United States today.

Whitney survived two separate breast cancer diagnosis in two years, each in the month of April. The first was in 2013.

Whitney and her husband had just sold

their house and needed to be out in two

weeks. After a long day of packing up the house and moving boxes, Whitney, who was 32 at the time, settled in to take a

shower and discovered a painful lump on her left breast.

“I remember thinking, ‘What is that?’

It hurt, and they say cancer doesn’t

hurt … so I just figured I was super sore from moving everything,” she recalled.

“At the same time, the lump was huge.”

Whitney did the right thing and had the mass checked. Initial test results came

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

photo courtesy of Whitney Ortmeier

by Steve Gamel

back negative, but one of her doctors still felt like something wasn’t adding up. Sure enough, further biopsies revealed the cancer was everywhere in her breast. This set off a whirlwind chain of events that saw Whitney get a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery all to have the cancer return exactly a year later. At that point, she went through 44 rounds of radiation.

In between that, her and husband, Daniel, got pregnant with their second child but lost their baby at 14 weeks.

“Trying to explain every detail of the story is way too much because it’s the wildest thing ever with all the surgeries and being incredibly scared,” Whitney said. “[Death] did cross my mind, and Daniel was mad at God and everyone … but it’s something you just can’t control.

I did question, ‘will my daughter have a mommy?’ As a mother, you just try to keep going and hope that God will heal me.

I had a great team of doctors around me too.”

Whitney said her biggest message to other women is early detection and selfexams. Had she not found both lumps in a self-exam, and had her doctor not questioned the initial test results, things could have turned out much differently.

And the statistics back that statement up. When breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 100%.

“If you see or feel something, what’s the big deal in taking the time to go have it checked out?” Whitney said. “It may be something, or it may not be anything.

But at least you can put your head on the pillow at night knowing it’s okay.”

She added. “I’m so excited because I’m still here and my daughter is now in the fifth grade. It’s happy tears because look at how far we’ve come. Five years is a big deal. We don’t take anything for granted.” www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 19

SHERIFF ’S

CORNER with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

C

CRIMES AGAINST SENIOR CITIZENS

rimes against Senior Citizens continue to increase each year nationwide as well as in Denton

County. The elderly are targets for criminals for a variety of reasons. Senior

If you are elderly or have relatives and friends who are, please be aware and share this information with them.

•

Telephone Scams

egg,” own their own home, and have

•

Fraudulent Charities

•

Home Improvement Scams

•

Identity Theft

fond of elderly widows who may be lonely

•

Purse Snatching

and crave attention.

•

Pigeon Drops

generally more trusting and less likely to report scams. Con artists are especially

20 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| OCTOBER 2019

being scammed: •

Request any solicitations in writing

•

Never give personal information to

•

Don’t be pressured into

someone you don’t know

contributing or making decisions about a major purchase

•

NEVER pay in full before services

•

Never send money for free gifts

•

Check with the Better Business

are rendered

Bureau before hiring someone to do work for you

Things to be aware of:

citizens are more likely to have a “nest excellent credit. Elderly people are

The following steps may prevent you from

•

Shred any personal information

•

Never carry large sums of money on

before discarding

you, as well as, valuable jewelry or all your credit cards

REMEMBER, if it sounds too good to be true, IT IS!

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Fun

Photography Credit: Pam Hawkins and Krystal Kaye Images

RUN

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 21

Medical Expert Article

How To Live To Be

eG

amel

100 v Ste by

W

e all want to grow old and live long happy lives. But what about making it to 100

years old? Would you want to? It’s a

safe bet more than a handful of people

reading this have at least thought about being able to blow out 100 birthday

candles someday. But the odds are so

astronomically against it that most of us aren’t holding our breath.

Even through the power of modern-day medicine, there’s no way to guarantee

you’ll reach the century mark. But you can certainly improve your chances — maybe.

If you’d like to live to be 100, here are 8 ways to improve your chances of being a centenarian.

CHOOSE A HEALTHIER WAY OF LIVING

You can lump a ton of stuff into this life

strategy, including working out regularly, eating better, cutting out sugars and

processed foods, avoid smoking and

excessive drinking, visiting the doctor

regularly, getting screened early for agerelated diseases, and more. Adjusting

your daily habits alone could add a ton of years to your life.

22 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| OCTOBER 2019

CHALLENGE YOUR MIND Don’t just accept status quo as you age.

There are always opportunities to learn a different language, learn to play a musical instrument, read a book, and even go back to school. Stimulating mental activities, even if it’s doing a crossword puzzle every morning at breakfast, will keep you mentally alert as you age.

BE POSITIVE There’s something to be said for being positive, smiling often, and being nice to those around you. Some people are wired to be pessimistic, but there are studies that suggest practicing more optimism toward life and everything else is linked to longer lifespans.

BRUSH AND FLOSS Who knew that brushing your teeth and doing all you can to avoid cavities could help you live longer.

But it’s true. In fact, poor oral hygiene is one really good way to lower your life expectancy. Diseases such as heart disease, dementia, and stroke have all been linked to an unhealthy mouth.

IMPROVE YOUR SLEEPING HABITS We all struggle to get a good night’s sleep, but too much of that over a long period of time can hurt us physically, mentally,

and emotionally. Per the Journal of Sleep Research, getting fewer than six hours of sleep a night comes with a 10 percent increase in the risk of an earlier death. Shoot for seven to eight hours of sleep.

VACATION OFTEN Work and the desire to be successful often get in the way of a healthy work-life balance.

Vacationing often is not only fun, but it also allows our bodies and mind to destress, rest, and take a much-needed step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Vacations also help us avoid such things as cardiovascular disease and excess stress.

BE SOCIAL Surrounding yourself with friends and family and maintaining deep social connections as you age can help combat loneliness, depression, and even help you live longer. Those who have a reason to live tend to live longer.

GET A PET Cat and dog owners tend to live longer than those who don’t have pets.

According to BestLife, people who own dogs reduced their risk of death by 11 percent. Owning a cat could cut your risk of a heart attack by nearly one-third.

Did we leave anything out? Send us a message and let us know what your secrets to a long life are. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

CALLING ALL

MENTORS! Denton ISD Looks to Build on Mentorship Program

by Steve Gamel

T

he Denton Independent School District announced recently in a press release that it is still looking for a few good mentors and volunteers to provide additional encouragement and assistance this school year for students at all 42 of its campuses.

Through the Denton ISD mentoring program, mentors and mentees will meet each week for 30 to 60 minutes to talk about everything from life and school to goal-setting, completing homework, or simply reading a book together. The goal, of course, is to help our students succeed in a positive learning environment.

Per the press release, no previous teaching experience is necessary to be a mentor.

But some of the best mentors in previous years have been the ones who are patient, committed, and willing to listen to their student.

When you become a mentor, school district officials will work with you to place you at a location that is convenient for you in terms of geographic location. They will also help you find the perfect volunteering event or mentee match based on grade level and area of need (i.e., reading, academics, social/emotional).

Beyond mentorship, Denton ISD also has a program focused on providing volunteers for events such as Read Across America and Career Days.

Opportunities are available to assist with fall festivals, spring field days, teacher assistance, outdoor classroom clean-up, painting murals, and more.

To get started and get matched with a mentee, visit www.dentonisd.org/mentor. For more information

regarding volunteer or mentee opportunities, contact Courtney Martin, Community Engagement Specialist, at cmartin@dentonisd.org or 940.369.0146.

You can also call Chris Ice, Community Engagement Specialist, at cice@dentonisd.org.

All volunteers and mentors must complete an application and undergo a background and reference check each year. The 2019-2020 volunteer application (background check) can be found at www.dentonisd.org/volunteer.

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 23

SIGNS OF

Medical Expert Article

Depression YOU NEED TO RECOGNIZE

by Steve Gamel

W

e all go through down periods in our lives where we feel sad.

Maybe we lost a loved one,

didn’t get that promotion we had been working so hard for, got divorced, or

moved to a new city and are struggling to adjust. These feelings are normal and are

typically a short-lived emotional response.

But sometimes, what we think is just sadness is actually depression, a

serious mental health disorder that is so

overpowering that it affects almost every part of a person’s life.

According to the World Health

Organization, depression affects

more than 300 million people of all ages and is the leading cause of

disability worldwide. More women

are affected by depression than men,

and at its worse, depression can lead to suicide.

Here are a few risk factors

that can make anyone more

vulnerable to depression, per

helpguide.org.

• Loneliness and isolation • Recent stressful life experiences 24 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| OCTOBER 2019

• Family history of depression • Financial or marital strain • Early childhood trauma or abuse • Alcohol or drug abuse • Health problems or chronic pain • Unemployment or underemployment Sadly, depression is on the rise globally,

which means there is an increased need to spread awareness and education

so we can recognize the symptoms of depression and get help.

Below are just a few of the common symptoms of depression:

• An overwhelming feeling of

hopelessness or helplessness —

When you are depressed, you can feel as though the struggles you

are going through or the situation you are facing will never improve.

• Complete loss of interest in daily

activities that you once found enjoyable — Daily activities such as working out,

playing with your children, and being

intimate with your significant other no longer seem to matter.

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

• Loss of energy — We all get those periods of feeling physically

drained, but when it happens all

the time and is followed by intense fatigue, aches and pains, and

lethargy, you may be depressed.

• Strong feelings of worthlessness — You are constantly criticizing yourself and never feel good

enough. We may compare ourselves to others and feel inferior around

loved ones, coworkers, and friends.

• Reckless behavior — Suddenly taking on substance abuse, excessive

gambling, or other reckless activities when they are typically not in your

nature may be a sign of depression.

• Thoughts of suicide — You talk openly

about death, suicide, or have thoughts of harming yourself. You may even be

saying things like, “I just want out of this.”

• Unintentional weight loss or gain — Depression not only wreaks havoc on your emotional state but also affects you physically. This can

include rapid and unintentional weight gain or loss.

Perhaps the most striking part about

depression is that many times, we don’t

even realize we are depressed. This is often because you’ve been depressed for so

long that it simply feels normal to you, or

you don’t even notice it since many of the

symptoms mentioned above are subtle at first and develop gradually over time.

Your friends at Murray Media Group want to remind you that your mental health is

nothing that should be taken for granted. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms

or signs mentioned above, or support from family and friends and lifestyle changes

aren’t enough, it may be time to seek help

from a mental health professional. There are many effective treatments for depression, including therapy and medication.

*This article is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice on depression. Please consult with an expert. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 25

Resident

HOME COMING

Photos were submitted by area residents. If you’d like to submit your photos for publication or if you have any questions please email us at artwork@murray-media.com.

26 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| OCTOBER 2019

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Fitness :Ask The Expert

PREPARE FOR

TEMPTATION

by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Jesse James Fit & Outlaw Fitcamp JesseJamesFit.com OutlawFitcamp.com

W

e are officially on the verge of holiday season…and with it a myriad of food temptations and weight gain traps. Don’t fret, if you act now there’s still time to tighten up before putting on your holiday finest.

Do these 5 things NOW to quickly shape up:

1. Eat More Veggies: Your mom was right, eating vegetables really is a good idea when aiming to drop

pounds. Why? There are a couple of reasons. First, veggies are low

3. Double Up On Water: Not only will staying extra hydrated help your

skin to have a healthy glow, it will

also speed up your fat loss efforts.

Most of us are walking around in a

state of chronic dehydration, which contributes to fatigue, stubborn

in calories and high in fiber, which

weight gain, and constipation. By

packing on pounds. Second, the

day, and by limiting your intake of

vegetables nourish your body

healthier and more radiant.

means that you’re filling up without

drinking more water throughout the

vitamins and minerals in fresh

caffeinated beverages, you’ll become

and cut down on cravings.

4. Eat Low Carb (After 4pm):

starting with the recipe for Greek Stew below. Don’t forget that sugar counts as carbs, so skip that sugary dessert and try a grapefruit for dessert.

5. Lock Down A Routine: If you’re

not yet working out consistently or have yet to develop a routine that includes exercise, then now is the time. Starting now will give you the jumpstart you need to continue through the holidays and help with holiday weight gain. Once you develop a fitness routine, it’s harder to stop during the holidays and much more difficult to begin if you have yet to develop that routine in

2. Add Five Minutes: Each week,

One of the easiest ways to drop a few

you to add five minutes to your

holidays is to eat low carb after 4 p.m.

slight increase from week to week will

that are centered around salads and

fat burn will pay off nicely. Use these

pastas. If you simply must have your

Call or email today, and we will get

of exercise, such as burpees, squat to

day, then eat it for breakfast or lunch

program that will get you back in control

your lifestyle. We’d love to get you

between now and New Years, I want

inches around your waist before the

workouts. Just five more minutes. The

each day. This means eating dinners

hardly be noticeable, but the extra

vegetables rather than breads and

extra five minutes to do intense burst

oatmeal or whole grain bread each

you started this week on an exercise

presses and walking lunges.

and give low carb dinners a try –

of your body.

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

into phenomenal shape before the holidays and into the new year, and to give you the foundation that will keep you lean and healthy for life.

OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 27

28 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| OCTOBER 2019

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Retired&

photo courtesy of Rick Troutman

ROCKING M

ost 66-year-old retirees settle down to a life of relaxing and travel after a successful business career. Rick

Troutman was never one to conform to the norm — he had different plans.

An accomplished guitarist with more than 50 years of performing both

domestically and internationally, Rick

decided that living a sedate life was not his cup of tea. A couple of years ago, Rick formed NT4, a Classic Rock and

Blues band composed of professional players with decades of experience.

“Playing guitar and performing has

few individuals are aware I can lay down

So why would a 66-year-old not give up

that is second to none,” Troutman said.

many years after learning his craft? Simple,

a jam on my 1987 Les Paul Custom Guitar When NT4 was established in the summer of 2017, Rick looked no further than his

fellow performer Scott Callis to be the first person he asked to join the band.

“Scott and I played in a local worship band

several years ago, and I knew he was a great player. I wanted him to be part of the band,” Rick said. Following Scott was drummer Ted Linich, bass player Jerry Steed, bass player, and vocalist Kaleb Tirman.

on dreams of playing in front of fans so

as Rick stated, “Once you get the crowd dancing and having a good time, that’s

what it’s all about. And the adulation isn’t too bad either,” Troutman said with a sly smile on his face.

What’s in the future for an upcoming

classic rock and blues band where the

average band member age is pushing 60?

“As our fan base continues to grow, more

and more individuals are looking to book us. That’s a good thing. The more we

been in my soul since I picked up a

“This is a serious project for all of us,”

Rick proclaimed. “In fact, the first job I

I know people have one of two thoughts:

was in the eighth grade,” Rick said.

to relive their youth, or two: these guys

“My ultimate goal is to take NT4 into the

Rick admits that was a long time ago, but

said. “Fun is important to everyone in

music. I completed a solo album years

product is always of utmost importance

leave a legacy of music for people to

guitar when I was only 12 years old.”

Troutman said. “When we walk on stage,

received payment for was a gig when I

one, these are a bunch old-timers trying

his musical passion has never waned.

If Rick’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he was President of the Boys and Girls

Clubs of North Central Texas for the last

four years. He and wife, Babs, have been community leaders since they took up

residence in Corinth in December 1998.

“Many people know my passion for

helping others and my political stance, but www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

perform, the better we get, and that only

helps us establish us in a very competitive music market,” Rick said.

have been performing for years,” Rick

studio and record an album of original

our band, but providing a professional

ago, and it would be great if we could

during our performances.”

Now two years down the road since their inception, they are getting noticed by

both businesses looking to book great

entertainment and fans of their music. As one patron of a local brew house posted

recently on Facebook, “NT4 is a killer band.”

enjoy for years to come,” he said.

When Rick starts talking about his musical passion, it’s easy to see that probably

that goal will come to fruition along with amassing a big fan base.

“In the end, it’s only rock and roll — but I really do like it,” Troutman said.

OCTOBER 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 29

Thanksgiving Countdown Planner

by Steve Gamel

I

f you’re planning on hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year for your larger-than-life family, it’s likely that your

mind has already begun processing all

the things you must do well in advance to ensure the day goes off without a hitch.

After all, you can never plan too far in

advance for Turkey day, especially if it’s your first time being in charge.

stuffing and cranberry sauce to homemade dishes, family recipes, and desserts.

Take Stock of All Your Supplies:

Do you have the necessary equipment

you need.

dishes, plates, silverware, additional tables

countdown, but if you start two weeks

for children, tablecloths, etc.

start your Thanksgiving countdown three

if you need several or if you’re ordering

you’re stress-free on the big day. Here are

until the last minute. The Food Network

purchase out of the way now, especially

weeks to a month in advance so that

a specialty bird. Bottom line: don’t wait

a few basics to get you started:

suggests that you assume two pounds of

Create Your Guest List and Send RSVPs:

minute and not being able to find what Clean The House: This is a biggie. A lot

We’re talking about pans, dishes, serving

Order The Turkey: You want to get this

3 WEEKS BEFORE THANKSGIVING

risk of showing up to the grocery store last

and supplies to make this thing happen?

So how far in advance should you start

planning? Experts say you should at least

worried about. This way, you don’t run the

turkey per adult and one pound per child.

2 WEEKS BEFORE THANKSGIVING

of people panic over this piece of the ahead of time, you’ll be able to break

up the task over a longer period of time rather than doing it on the morning of.

FINAL WEEK Start Meal Prepping: During the final

few days leading up to Thanksgiving, go

ahead and start prepping the pies, sauces, etc. to get some of that out of the way ahead of time.

Consider how many people you can

Finalize Guest List: By this point, you

Pick Up The Turkey: If you’re defrosting

family either by sending formal invitations,

to be able to make it, including any out-of-

ahead of time. If you’re buying it

making a phone call. This is particularly

with the next item on the to-do list.

entertain, and then reach out to friends and

should have a good idea of who’s going

email, group invites on social media, or

town guests. This will help you a great deal

important if anyone is coming in from out of town. Also, it’s an opportunity to ask about any dietary restrictions.

Plan Your Menu: Write down your ideal

menu, from the turkey and classics such as 30 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| OCTOBER 2019

a turkey, go ahead and get it a week

pre-cooked, you can safely grab it two or three days ahead of time.

Start Grocery Shopping: A lot of fanatics

Start Setting The Table AND ENJOY:

items, and that’s fine. But at this point,

in stone now, go ahead and set your

suggest starting with the nonperishable why not get everything you need — and if necessary, freeze anything that you’re

Since your guest list is pretty much locked table. It’s almost showtime, so take a deep breath because you’re almost there.

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