Wellness

Unpacking Hidden Food Toxins

Q&A—Dripping Springs Doctor Explains Dietary Hazards Article by Sarah Taunton Marino, M.D. What does “organic” really mean?   In general, organic means that food producers rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, and biologically-based farming to the fullest extent possible. It means that ingredients cannot be genetically modified (non-GMO). Any chemical, fertilizer, or supplement used to grow food must be on the USDA’s National List of Allowed Substances for organic production...

Wellness

Hidden Health Risks of Synthetic Turf

And How It Can be Made Safe Article by Certified Turf Pros | Photography by Abigail Thomsen As synthetic turf gains popularity for fields, playgrounds, and even residential yards, hidden health risks are emerging. Beautiful, durable, and low maintenance, synthetic turf might seem like the perfect solution for active families and public spaces. However, recent studies reveal that these surfaces can harbor dangerous bacteria, posing significant risks to children, athletes, and even pets. The...

Fitness

Setting the Stage for a Healthy Future

DSHS Theatre Conditioning Program Builds Resilience On and Off the Stage Article by Carolann Magnani | Photography by Kristen Hafner ACT I Scene 1 The auditorium stage, Dripping Springs High School. Day. A handful of somewhat bleary-eyed but enthusiastic theatre STUDENTS gather in front of BECKY SAGEN, a fit, 40-something, local athletic trainer with a shock of magenta hair and black glasses. She smiles while greeting the assortment of teens who have arrived at school an hour early to...

Wellness

The Future of Healthcare

Building a Practice Where Patients are More Than Prescriptions Article by Lauren Hutson, M.D. As a doctor, I spent many years working in the trenches of the hospital, including two intense years navigating the coronavirus pandemic. I vividly remember patients dying on ventilators all alone, and then having to break that devastating news to families over the phone or via iPad. I wasn’t prepared for the heart-wrenching reactions of people learning that their loved one was alone when they took...

Life + Culture

Moving Mountains

A Family’s Unwavering Faith in the Face of Cancer Article by Melissa Svoboda | Photography by Kristen Hafner Mark 11:23 reads, “Whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.” Jon and Brit Schoff came face to face with their mountain in September 2023 as they sat across from a doctor who told them Jon had stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, an aggressive type of blood...

Fitness

Breathe Easy

Salt & Light Blends Advanced Natural Wellness Therapies Article by Melissa Svoboda | Photography by Kristen Hafner At Salt & Light, founder Rachel Crocker is passionate about the power of natural therapies to improve health and well-being. Rooted in faith and with a vision to bring life-enhancing, holistic healing to the community, Salt & Light offers cutting-edge treatments in a serene and rejuvenating environment for people of all ages to relax, heal, and thrive. As a child, Crocker was...

Wellness

Lessons in Life Longevity

The Okinawan Approach to Wellness, Purpose, and Community Connection Article by Master Nelson Nathaniel Jr. What’s the secret to a long and healthy life? In Okinawa, there is no secret. It’s a way of life that connects body, mind, and spirit and likely contributes to their average life expectancy of 91 years. Okinawa is known as a blue zone—a place where people live extraordinarily long lives—and has more centenarians per capita than any other area in the world. Once a person reaches the age...

Life + Culture

Ditch the Resolutions

A Smarter Path to Lasting Change Article by Paul Lyngso | Photography by Kristen Hafner Every year, millions of people dive into January with big dreams and bigger resolutions. By February, most of those resolutions are abandoned, leaving people feeling like they’ve failed. Sound familiar?   The truth is, resolutions don’t fail because you’re not disciplined or motivated. They fail because they’re built on a flawed framework. If you want real, lasting change, you don’t need a fresh start...

Food + Beverage

Dripping Springs Farmers Market

Building Community and Freshness Article and Photography by Abigail Thomsen Established in 2009, the Dripping Springs Farmers Market has grown alongside the community. What began as a small roadside market has blossomed into a hub of 50 farmers, bakers, and makers meeting every Wednesday at Ranch Park from 3 to 6 p.m., rain or shine. With live music from local talents and a playground nearby, it’s a family-friendly outing where kids can run, play, and meet the farmers who grow their food. ...

Wellness

Keeping Dripping Thriving

How Bryan and Katy Kapustinski Are Transforming Health in Dripping Springs Article by Abigail Thomsen | Photography by Abigail Thomsen & Kelly Colson “It feels so good to make people feel great.” Bryan and Katy Kapustinski, the husband-wife powerhouse behind CrossFit Second Wave and Thriving Springs Wellness, are dedicated to making Dripping Springs whole and healthy again. What they’ve accomplished in their four short years in Drip is just the beginning.  An Army veteran, Bryan has...