Health + Wellness

The Truth About Eye Health

Dr. Brooks Debunks Common Myths Article and Photography by Provided Allen Eyecare Center is a cornerstone of our community, celebrating 40 incredible years of service in 2025. Founded by Dr. Jeffery Wood, the practice has grown into a family legacy. Now led by his son, Dr. Brooks, Allen Eyecare Center continues to innovate and set the standard for exceptional eye care. Dr. Brooks Wood wears many hats. By day, he revolutionizes dry eye treatments as a dedicated optometrist; by night, he's a...

Fitness

The Rise of Pickleball

A Sport for All Ages Article by Angi Burns Pickleball, a dynamic blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Originally invented in the 1960s, it’s gained widespread popularity in recent years due to its accessibility, social nature, and adaptability for players of all ages and skill levels. Played on a smaller court with a paddle and a plastic ball, pickleball offers a fun and engaging way to stay active while building...

Beauty

Revealing the Fountain of Youth

The Evolution of Noninvasive Dermatology Article and Photography by

Health + Wellness

More Than Just a Smile

The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Wellness Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia We had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Sangita Chandran about the importance of oral health care. Dr. Chandran, a distinguished graduate of King’s College London (1987), has been dedicated to providing exceptional dental care since becoming recertified in the U.S. in 1996. With decades of experience in private practice and a commitment to continuous...

Wellness

Youth Mental Health Check-Up

Many students suffer with the post-holiday blues. Fortunately, there’s help around the corner. Article by Fatima Durrani The Holidays Are a Paradox The holidays are a paradox: full of exhilaration for some and despair for others. Most of us have experienced being in the middle of that continuum, a place where jingles and salutations—“ho, ho, ho” and “pa rum pum pum pum”—simply lose their grip on our spirits. Our young ones feel it too. A deterioration in student mental health during the...

Local Services

First Responder of the Month

Tammy Chow-Hayes Gives Timely Advice for Pet Owners Article by Beverly Moss | Photography by Provided Tammy Chow-Hayes is a certified cruelty and neglect investigator, and works closely with police to rescue animals that are neglected or abused.  Chow-Hayes, the director of the Animal Shelter in Allen, is known by friends and staff as the “Cat Whisperer.” A strong advocate for the protection and well-being of domestic pets and wildlife, Chow-Hayes has dedicated her career to animal...

Health + Wellness

Local Experiences

Discover local gems, create memories and embrace authentic community experiences. Article by Kathy Moreno 1. Hidden Gym: Unleash your hidden potential with nutrition consulting, personal training, private lessons, boxing, powerlifting, weightlifting.  109 N Greenville Ave A, Allen, TX 75002 2. Body20:  A personalized, technology based. workout experience that achieves results in just minutes.  926 Watters Creek Blvd, Allen, TX 75013 3. Stretch Zone:  Whether you're seeking targeted...

Local Services

Non-Profit of the Month: Hank’s Friends

Building a Community for Autism Support and Resources Article by Beverly Moss | Photography by Lorena Balaguer: Lovelyn Photography Hank is 12 years old. A handsome boy with a beautiful smile, he loves to watch Disney movies. When he hears any song, he can sing it from beginning to end, even if it’s in a different language. Particularly fond of a Korean band, he can repeat every word in English—and then sing that same song in Korean. “But Hank doesn’t understand the meaning behind the words,”...

Wellness

Finding True Healing

The Path Beyond Conventional Medicine Article by Angi Burns | Photography by Lorena Balaguer: Lovelyn Photography Beyond Conventional Medicine Meet Eleanor, a holistic hormone specialist who gets it—she’s here to listen, to dig deeper, and to help you finally get the answers you deserve. If you've struggled with your health, hormones, or gut, and been told “everything looks fine” and you still feel exhausted, out of balance, and not like yourself, you’re not alone. This tends to be the norm...

Local Services

Non-Profit of the Month

Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County: Breaking the Silence Article by Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County | Photography by Provided Did you know that each year, more than 6,000 reports of child abuse are made in Collin County? The unfortunate fact is that one in ten children will experience abuse before their 18th birthday. For over 30 years, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County (CACCC) has provided hope for children and families victimized by child abuse and...