Arts + Culture

Beyond the Body

How Somatic Movement and Dance Movement Therapy Support Whole-Person Well-Being Article by Averly Burns | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Erin Price I didn’t just discover somatic movement in a dance studio. I found it years into performing, during a period when stress felt louder than my own thoughts. As someone who grew up expressing myself through performing, I understood movement as art, yet I had never understood movement as communication. Of course, your body is the most...

Beauty

Choosing a Med Spa That's Right For You

Practical Advice from a Med Spa Professional Article by Carmen Vitton of VIO Med Spa Plano | Photography by Jack Snaps Photography Have you ever considered using the services of a med spa but weren't sure what a med spa is, where to start, or what questions to ask?  With so many med spas in the DFW metroplex area, here’s what to look for to find a safe med spa that takes a patient-first approach. What’s the difference between a day spa and a medical spa?  A day spa is focused on relaxation...

Health + Wellness

When Care Feels Like Family

Right at Home-Lewisville Caregivers Become Trusted Companions and Advocates Article by Tiffany Ditto | Photography by Merrick Multimedia The call came shortly after 10 p.m. On the other end of the line, a man sounded shaken. His father had fallen, landed in the hospital, and been discharged with no broken bones but a clear need for help. “He told me, ‘I can’t leave my dad alone tonight, but I have to go to work in the morning,’” Dr. Michelle Rankine remembers. An hour later, she had a...

Life + Culture

Restoring Hope, Rebuilding Lives

Treasured Vessels Foundation Gives Survivors a Safe Home to Heal Article by Saanavi Shah | Photography by Photography Courtesy of April Sapp Photography It began with a question. Alicia, a Collin County native thriving in the medical industry, kept hearing the Lord’s call: “What are you going to do with your hands?” One night, the whisper became unmistakable. “ You will build an aftercare facility for survivors of trafficking ." These words set Alicia on a four-year journey of...

Education

A Shortcut to Success

Plano Health Sciences Academy Prepares Students to Skyrocket Their Future in Healthcare Article by Ayesha Durrani | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Plano ISD Health and wellness are essential parts of our daily lives, and there is a continued and growing need for dedicated health care professionals. Unfortunately, many students are turned off by the sheer length of demanding medical programs, but the Health Sciences Academy at Williams High School and Plano East Senior High offer...

Fitness

The West Plano Studio That’s Reinventing Strength Training

MaxStrength Fitness Delivers Trainer-Guided Workouts That Help People of All Abilities Grow Stronger Article by Tiffany Ditto | Photography by Merrick Multimedia When you step inside MaxStrength Fitness in West Plano, the first thing you notice is what’s missing. There’s no thumping music, no clanking metal, no rows of mirrors or large televisions. Instead, the studio is quiet, and the focus settles on one thing: the person who just walked in.  Owner Scott Mirliss likes it that way. In a...

Health + Wellness

Diseases That Don’t Discriminate

Self-Awareness Is Key in Preventing Skin Cancers Article by Fatima Durrani | Photography by Merrick Multimedia Skin cancer is the great equalizer. People of all races, skin types, complexions, and ages are fair game and subject to the damaging effects of UV exposure. In fact, sun damage is a primary cause of skin aging and an integral risk factor for skin cancer. The two most common categories of skin cancer are melanoma and non-melanoma. The two prevalent types of skin cancer are basal cell...

Health + Wellness

Little Hearts of Hope

Helping Kids Cope Through Creativity, Comfort, and Connection Article by Little Hearts of Hope | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Little Hearts of Hope Little Hearts of Hope, a faith-based 501(c)(3), has been serving children ages 4-14 since 2014. Founded by Kerri Steele, a mom of three who lost her husband to cancer, the nonprofit was born from a deeply personal mission: to help children navigate the emotional toll of a parent's or sibling’s cancer diagnosis—and to equip parents with...

Home + Design

Discover Local Christmas Tree Farms

Build Family Traditions and Create Unforgettable Holiday Moments Article by Deborah Dove There’s no holiday tradition quite like picking out a live tree…or the scent of fresh pine that fills your home throughout the season once the tree is trimmed.  Best of all, most local tree farms provide more than just Christmas trees.  They offer a day to unplug and connect, breathe in fresh country air, and enjoy a plethora of family activities that will delight children of all ages.  Here is a roundup...

Arts + Culture

Artist of the Month

Singer Bethany Lorentzen Fosters Connection with Music Article by Ayesha Durrani | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Bryan Chatlien Photography What inspired you to be a singer? The entire reason my mother’s side of the family immigrated from Mexico was so my great-aunt could study opera at Juilliard. I like to joke that I was born singing. So, there was never really a time that I wasn’t a singer, so I can’t imagine being or doing anything else. What is your musical style? My...