Health + Wellness

Low Testosterone and Fascial Stiffness

Testosterone and FasciaTestosterone plays a role in tissue elasticity and recovery. Lower levels can contribute to:Increased fascial stiffnessReduced mobilityHigher strain on joints and musclesWhy Stretching Isn’t EnoughIf the hormonal environment is working against tissue health, stretching alone often doesn’t create lasting change.This is why stiffness isn’t always a musculoskeletal problem — it may be systemic.Stretching can temporarily improve range of motion, but it doesn’t always address...

Arts + Culture

The Quiet Rebellion: How the Arts Break the Grip of Screen Life

Kids and teens today live with a constant low-grade tug-of-war: the screen world is always “on,” always rewarding, always asking for one more swipe. Psychological and public-health research consistently links heavier recreational screen time with higher risk of internalizing symptoms—such as anxiety, depression, and stress—particularly as daily screen hours increase. While screens themselves are not inherently harmful, they are intentionally designed to capture attention, often at the expense of...

Health + Wellness

How Tight Fascia Disrupts Lymphatic Flow

Fascia and Fluid FlowFascia helps guide fluid through the body. When it becomes restricted, lymphatic flow can slow or back up — especially in areas like the neck, head, and thoracic outlet.When fascia is healthy, it’s supple and adaptable, allowing fluid to move freely. But when it becomes restricted due to stress, injury, inflammation, posture, or prolonged tension, it can create areas of compression or drag. This can slow or obstruct lymphatic drainage and venous return.What Poor Drainage Can...

Health + Wellness

How Grief Affects the Body

Grief and the LungsGrief isn’t just something we feel — it’s something the body carries.From a physical standpoint, the lungs are surrounded by a thin, delicate membrane called the pleura. This tissue allows the lungs to glide smoothly against the rib cage with every breath. For healthy breathing, that glide needs to be unrestricted.When someone experiences grief, loss, or prolonged emotional stress, the nervous system often shifts into a protective state. Breathing patterns subtly change...

Entertainment

Local Map

Ways to Celebrate with Loved Ones Article by Avery Ballmann and Kennedy Wood | Photography by Savanna Romano VIVA Pottery  If you're looking for an exciting date night or night out with the girls, VIVA Pottery is the perfect destination. VIVA Pottery holds classes for all experience levels and is a great way to connect with your loved ones while learning something fun and new. Adrian Quintanar, owner of VIVA Pottery, has created a space where everyone is welcome and supported, no matter...

Food + Beverage

Savor Your Friendships

Wine Tasting Guide for Galentine’s Article by Avery Ballmann | Photography by Savanna Romano The luxury of a wine tasting seems like it’s an event only for those who live in Napa Valley, Fredericksburg, or Italy, but instead of dreaming of those other places, you could be planning your very own wine tasting at home. Whether you’re looking to transform your space and become a sommelier for the evening or you want a more low-key approach, this article will guide you through every step. This is...

Life + Culture

City Love Letters

Local Services Share Thanks, Gratitude to Community Article by Local Service Providers | Photography by Savanna Romano New Song School of the Arts  From the moment our family opened New Song School of the Arts in Argyle, you welcomed us with open arms, and we’ve felt the heartbeat of this area in every smile, every cheer, and every person who walks through our doors. What we love most about living and working here is the community that we all are a part of. It’s where we live, and for some...

Health + Wellness

How Emotional Stress Becomes Physical

The body does not separate emotional stress from physical stress.Emotions Create Physical ResponsesThink about a sudden scare, heartbreak, or intense anxiety. Most people have felt this. Anxiety tightens the chest. Fear shortens the breath. Stress lives in the jaw, shoulders, or stomach. These sensations aren’t imagined — they’re real physiological responses involving muscles, fascia, breathing patterns, and the nervous system.When stress hormones stay elevated, tissues guard, movement becomes...

Health + Wellness

Fascia, the Nervous System, and Why Your Body Won’t Relax

250 Million Nerve EndingsStudies suggest that fascia contains approximately 250 million nerve endings, many of which are linked to the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for fight, flight, or freeze responses.This means fascial tension isn’t just mechanical — it’s neurological.When the Nervous System Gets StuckIn a healthy system, the nervous system shifts fluidly between activation and rest. But chronic stress, injury, or trauma can cause the body to remain in a heightened state...

Arts + Culture

Math of the Arts

Parents across North Texas value excellence, opportunity, and long-term outcomes—and when it comes to extracurricular activities, the data behind arts education is compelling:Students who participate consistently in music, theatre, or visual arts score up to 31 points higher on the SAT, a meaningful advantage in competitive college admissions.Arts-involved students demonstrate significantly stronger executive function, including improved focus, working memory, and problem-solving...