Heart health advocates raise over $800,000 at red-letter Fort Worth luncheon

Go Red for Women

Photo courtesy of AHA

What: Tarrant County Go Red for Women Luncheon benefiting American Heart Association

Where: Worthington Renaissance Hotel

The 411: The American Heart Association's annual Go Red for Women Luncheon is always one of the most anticipated fundraising luncheons of spring in Fort Worth. Nearly 1,200 patrons - decked out in red, of course - filled the Worthington's ballroom on March 3 to join the fight against cardiovascular disease.

Co-chairs leading the charge were Jennifer Chavez (Chief Nursing Officer at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth) and Becky Tucker (Senior Vice President of Channel Integration at Texas Health).

"Her Story is Our Story" was the theme of the 2023 luncheon, which raises awareness of heart disease in women - and guests heard the message repeatedly that it could happen to any woman they know or love.

While patrons dined on a heart-healthy lunch, emcee Morgan Young of WFAA facilitated a number of performances and presentations, including a spoken word performance by local artist Alicia Azahar and a choral rendition of "Stand By Me" by the Word of Truth choir from Texas Christian University.

Featured survivor Sheena Fannin shared her scary but inspirational experience with heart disease, and a memorable keynote address was given was Bean Gill, an entrepreneur and an inclusion and diversity expert. Joni Nash led an "Open Your Heart" moment that allowed patrons to raise their paddles and contribute directly to the cause. Entire tables were challenged to give, for a chance to receive a champagne toast and gift cards to Woodhouse Spa.

There was fun outside the ballroom, too. Fabulous silent auction items filled long tables in the foyer. During a pre-luncheon champagne reception, musicians from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra serenaded guests, who were greeted by tiara-wearing Texas pageant title-holders, such as Miss Corpus Christi Sharity Brent and Miss Southeast Texas Meaghan Co.

Guests had the chance to take part in free health screenings, lip-print readings, hands-only CPR demonstrations, and more activations.

In total, the luncheon raised more than $800,000 toward the American Heart Association's lifesaving research, education, and health impact initiatives for women.

Who: More than 1,200 participants, survivors, organizers, patrons, and supporters including Brooke Berryman, Lindsey Lyons, Lisa Cobb, Kristin Jaworski, Nicole Maucere, Mary Robinson, Anita Rigues, Hannah Kopriva, Tracy WIlliams, Amanda Stallings,Nancey Murphy, Monika Mathur, Sherry Decker, Abbey Dudek, Jim Austin, and many more.

Tarrant County Go Red for Women luncheon 2023

Photo courtesy of AHA

Lisa Cobb, Kristin Jaworski, Nicole Maucere

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

How to get a medical cannabis prescription from anywhere in Texas

Easy as 1, 2, 3

Medical cannabis is legal in Texas, offering a natural solution for alleviating symptoms of over 150 conditions approved under the Texas Compassionate Use Program.

Texas Original, the state’s leading medical cannabis provider, offers 11 medical cannabis pickup locations and statewide delivery so patients can access the medicine no matter where they live in Texas.

Texans who are interested in receiving a medical cannabis prescription can complete the process in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Schedule an appointment
The first step to obtaining a prescription is to schedule an appointment with a doctor registered to prescribe medical cannabis. Several clinics offer virtual appointments, so you can meet with a doctor from anywhere in Texas.

Veterans, first responders, teachers, and medical professionals are eligible for a free first appointment for a six-month prescription and discounts on follow-up appointments. If you belong to one of these eligible groups, check the box on the form.

Step 2: Talk to a doctor
During your appointment, the doctor will review your medical records and confirm if you are eligible for medical cannabis, then discuss your treatment plan

Once approved, your doctor will add your prescription to the online medical cannabis registry, where licensed dispensaries can access it.

Step 3: Receive your medicine
After your appointment, call 512-614-0343 to place your first order.A Texas Original representative will help you select your products and schedule you for a pickup or delivery.

Patients can pick up their medicine in the following cities:

Austin
San Antonio
Houston
Dallas
Fort Worth
Frisco
Addison
Waco
Lubbock
Nacogdoches

If you can’t pick up your medicine, Texas Original offers statewide delivery for patients.

The Compassionate Use Program has opened new doors for patients and doctors to work together to effectively alleviate symptoms of qualifying conditions.

If you’re ready to start your journey with medical cannabis, reach out to Texas Original to get started. Plus, enjoy a 20 percent discount on your first order at Texas Original.

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

Medical cannabis can alleviate symptoms for more than 150 conditions.

Photo courtesy of Rumble Boxing

Try your luck at these Dallas-Fort Worth fitness happenings in March

March Movement

Much like the flowers and trees, this gorgeous spring weather has us perking up and ready to stretch. Put all that new-found energy to good use with a new type of workout, classes meant to build camaraderie, or a storied Dallas tradition.

Here's what's on the fitness calendar this month:

Rumble Boxing Frisco, now open
The boutique fitness concept that was founded in New York City and counts Justin Bieber, David Beckham, and Kendall Jenner among its fans has opened a new studio at 4331 Main St. in Frisco. The experience is a 45-minute, 10-round, full-body cardio and strength workout crafted around specially designed, water-filled, teardrop-style boxing bags. Right now classes are buy one, get one for first-timers.

Crescent Fit, now open
Managed by The Spa at The Crescent and available exclusively to the employees and tenants of The Crescent building at 500 Crescent Ct., this new two-story fitness center features state-of-the-art strength training equipment, including Peloton Bikes and REFLEX treadmills by Freemotion, as well as free weights for individual training or group classes.

ATTPAC Wellness Series: Zumba, Tuesdays, March 7-28
Join a true outdoor dance cardio party in Sammons Park with popular Dallas instructor and Social Joy founder Martha Palacios. This class is perfect for anybody and everybody, whether you’ve ever danced or not. The secret sauce is highly motivating music and easy-to-follow choreography. All fitness levels are welcome. You only need water, a towel and positive vibes — it's free with an RSVP.

International Women's Day at Movement, March 8
Join this climbing gym — with locations in The Hill and the Design District — for women-led yoga and fitness classes, plus pop-ups by women-owned businesses. Stop by The Hill at 7 pm for a special edition Women's Climb Night.

St. Paddy's Day Dash Down Greenville 5K, March 11
This green-drenched race has kicked off the St. Paddy's Day Parade festivities for nearly three decades, and this year is introducing a brand-new course. Participants will have a chance to walk, jog, run, and dance on the parade route for the first time ever, and will be competing for the largest cash prize ever offered by the run (up to $750). Off the race course, all participants can get into the competitive spirit with the annual St. Paddy's Day Spirit Tutu Contest and a donut eating contest.

Time to Paddy 5K/10K and Lucky 13.1, March 12
Head to Marine Creek Lake in Forth Worth for a family-friendly race with a St. Patrick's Day theme. All registered participants receive a shirt guaranteed to ward off pinches come March 17.

Arlington Marathon, March 26
This annual marathon, half-marathon, and 5K welcomes competitive runners, mid-pack runners, joggers, and walkers, beginning at the UTA Mavericks Stadium.

Photo courtesy of Grit Fitness

New ways to work out — including in a movie theater — abound in Dallas-Fort Worth this February

Fit Feb

Raise your hand if you're still going strong with that resolution to work out more or improve your health. Now raise your hand if you believe every day is a new start, and February is as good a month as any to start a new good-for-you habit.

There are lots of new fitness and wellness studios proving the February theory, with openings galore.

Read on to get caught up on where you should be visiting next, then make note of the fun classes, races, and events happening around Dallas-Fort Worth this month.

EōS Fitness, which recently became headquartered in Dallas, is opening its first Texas location, in Euless at 2401 Rio Grande Blvd.

Memberships start at only $9.99 a month, and include start-of-the-art equipment, group fitness and cycle classes, an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, a Kids Club, and the unique MOVEoS Cinema, where members can work out while watching a big-screen movie in a theater-like setting.

SweatHouz — which already has locations in Plano, West Village, and Watters Creek — has opened another infrared sauna studio in Preston Royal, at 5959 Royal Ln. It boasts eight private sauna suites and offers cold plunge, hydromassage, and Celluma red light therapies.

Restore Hyper Wellness + Cryotherapy has opened two new locations, in McKinney (1620 N. Hardin Blvd.) and Richardson (212 Campbell Rd.).

Restore provides whole body and localized cryotherapy, IV drip therapy, stretch therapy, Cryoskin facials, mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, infrared sauna, red and near infrared light therapy, compression therapy, and micronutrient testing.

Dallas Yoga Center has a new home above Gloria's Latin Cuisine at 4140 Lemmon Ave. There are more than 40 classes per week in-person and digitally, with private yoga lessons also available. Single classes, 10-class packs, and monthly memberships that include the wellness immersive experience range from $25 a class to $120 a month.

Fashion brand LoveShackFancy has teamed up with wellness brand BelliWelli to launch a probiotic chocolate chip cookie snack that's free with all purchases at LoveShackFancy stores. The snack bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-sugar, and were designed to help those with IBS improve their gut health.

And now for classes and events. Mark your calendars for:

Stage West First Tuesday, February 7
Yes, this is put on by a theater company, but who better to help you tap into your emotions and leave feeling great? Tune Your Heart with Sound Healing, lead by Sara Southerland, will start at 6 pm and last approximately 90 minutes (the first 20 minutes include a complimentary drink and snacks from the bar).

Sara will then use her voice, crystal singing bowls, chimes, and drum to recharge and relax participants.Tickets are $20 each, with discounts for the theater's season ticket holders.

Hot Chocolate Run, February 11
A chocolate lover's oasis awaits following this 5K, 10K, and 15K, with fondue, dippables, and hot chocolate. Those 21 and up can add one free shot of RumChata, peanut butter whiskey, or Irish cream, if they so choose (be sure to bring your ID!).

Love on the Run, February 18
Be one of the first 350 participants to complete this inaugural USATF-certified race that includes a 10K, and 5K run/walk. All fitness levels are welcome to this family-friendly event, which begins at Toyota Music Factory and benefits the Irving Schools Foundation.

Black Girl Magic Ride, February 20
Head to Grit Fitness in the Design District for these two 60-minute spin classes (6 pm and 6:45 pm), highlighting the studio's Black spin instructors and celebrating Black musical artists.

And be sure to come back on Saturday, February 25, for the Black Business Girl Boss Pop-Up Shop from 8 am-12 pm.

The Cowtown Marathon, February 24-26
See the sights in Fort Worth, from the Stockyards to the Museum District, TCU to Trinity Park, during this half-marathon, full marathon, ultramarathon, healthy HIG relay, kids 5K, adults 5K, and 10K. With so many choices, you're sure to find a race that's right for you.

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

It only takes 3 steps to get medical cannabis in Texas

Easy As 1, 2, 3

As the Texas Legislature convenes for its 88^th session, many patients, physicians, and advocates are pushing for expansions to the Compassionate Use Program, the state’s medical cannabis program.

Since 2015, the program has expanded twice, allowing for more than 150 conditions to qualify for medical cannabis.

For thousands of patients in the state, medical cannabis provides a safe alternative to opioid medications and effective relief for symptoms like pain, insomnia, anxiety, nausea, muscle spasms, and more.

Texas Original, the state’s leading medical cannabis provider, makes the process of getting a prescription easy. Receiving a medical cannabis prescription starts with a few simple steps:

Step 1: Find out if you qualify
The first step is to find out if you qualify by scheduling an appointment with a doctor registered in the Compassionate Use Program.

Several registered doctors offer convenient virtual appointments through telemedicine practices so patients can meet with the doctor from anywhere in Texas.

To set your appointment, visit Texas Original’s website and fill out the form. Veterans, first responders, teachers, and medical professionals are eligible to receive a free first appointment for a six-month prescription. If you belong to one of these eligible groups, simply check the box on the form.

Step 2: Talk to a doctor
During your appointment, the doctor will review your medical records and confirm if you are eligible for medical cannabis, then discuss your treatment plan.

Once approved, your doctor will add your prescription to the online medical cannabis registry, where it can be accessed by licensed dispensaries.

Step 3: Receive a prescription
After your appointment, call 512-614-0343 to place your first order. Texas Original offers the state’s leading medical-grade cannabis products, including Texas’ first fast-acting medical cannabis gummies.

All products undergo rigorous testing and the results are published publicly on Texas Original’s website for patients to access anytime.

The dispensary team will help you select your products, then schedule you for a pickup at a location nearest to you or arrange home delivery.

Medical cannabis provides Texans an all-natural option that may help alleviate symptoms like pain, insomnia, and anxiety that are commonly associated with approved medical conditions.

If you or a loved one are ready to start your journey with medical cannabis, reach out to Texas Original to get started. Plus, enjoy a 20 percent discount on your first order at Texas Original.

Photo by Maria Diss

Top Dallas medspa debuts in Fort Worth with celeb-worthy technology

New year, new spa

A Dallas-based medspa known for “humming out beach bods left and right,” its owner says, has opened a location in Fort Worth. Vitalyc Medspa, which also has outlets in Dallas, Addison, and Southlake, is now seeing clients at its newest facility in University Park Village at 1612 S. University Dr.. (Look for it between Madewell and Ann Taylor.)

With services that focus on face, body, and skin, Vitalyc provides a one-stop shop for the latest in injectables, body contouring, and laser skin resurfacing. The 2,800-square-foot contemporary space offers seven private treatment rooms behind a lobby area with floor-to-ceiling windows. Treatment rooms are bright and modern with framed posters of beautiful models in black and white.

Owner Amir Mortazavi, a cowboy hat-wearing Southern California native who “got to Texas as fast he could” 21 years ago at age 18, says Vitalyc’s medical leadership and multifaceted focus is what sets his medspa apart from competitors.

“Our chief medical officer is a facial plastic surgeon. We’ve got dermatologists and ER doctors,” he says. “Plenty of our competitors are really focused on one modality. Because we cover all three spectrums – injectables, body contouring, and laser skin resurfacing – we’re able to offer a comprehensive product that others just aren’t.”

Services include:

Injections and Fillers – Botox, Dysport, Kybella, and dermal fillers
Body Contouring – EmSculpt NEO, Coolsculpting, EMTONE, and Z Wave
Face and Skin Rejuvenation – EMFACE, Forma facial, Halo Hybrid-fractional, HydraFacial, laser hair removal, Morpheus8, Moxi, Photofacial/BBL, SkinPen Microneedling, and Visia Skin Analysis
Wellness – Medical weight loss, Emsella, hormone optimization, and IV therapy

Mortazavi says anyone may schedule a complimentary consultation to help navigate through the often-intimidating process of understanding medspa services. During those consultations, Vitalyc uses in-depth diagnostic tools, including, for example, a high-tech body scanner that measures body fat to allow for a more accurate before-and-after report for body contouring services.

There’s also the Visia Skin Analysis that can decipher the true age of your skin based on sun damage, dermis and epidermis comparison, analysis of hyperpigmentation, and more.

“Our job here is to educate you on the treatments that we have. You don’t have to come here and feel obligated. We’re not a used car dealership,” he says. “We try to create custom packages based on everyone’s budget, lifestyle, and goals. It’s a judgment-free consultation.”

Vitalyc is set to open two locations in Houston later this year, and 25 total locations are planned for Texas by 2026. Although he launched Dallas, Addison, and Southlake first, Mortazavi says a Fort Worth location was always a priority for his medspa brand.

“We wanted to own DFW market and can’t do that without Fort Worth,” he says. “We were very patient. If it were my choice, I would have built Dallas first, then Fort Worth, then built in between. But this space was not available. I worked on this space for about two years. I was kind of relentless with it.”

The Fort Worth location offers two exclusive “817 Circle” memberships: one for $99 a month and one for $180 a month. Each comes with a set number of skin and facial treatments and permanent discounts on all products and services. Vitalyc Fort Worth is also offering a grand opening special of 20 percent off all treatment packages through March 1, 2023.

Hours are 8 am-7 pm Monday-Thursday, 8 am-6 pm Friday, 10 am-6 pm Saturday, and Sunday by appointment only.

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'Yellowstone' stars to greet fans at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Yellowstone news

Yellowstone fans, get your comfy shoes ready - there'll be a long line for this one. Cole Hauser a.k.a. "Rip Wheeler" on Yellowstone, and Taylor Sheridan, the show's co-creator, executive producer, and director of the series, will meet fans and sign autographs at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The event will take place from 4:30-6:30 pm only on Friday, February 3. Location is the 6666 Ranch booth near the south end of Aisle 700 in the Amon G. Carter, Jr. Exhibits Hall.

According to a February 2 announcement from FWSSR, "fans will have the opportunity to snag an autograph as well as purchase some distinctive Yellowstone and 6666 Ranch merchandise while also enjoying all the features the Stock Show offers."

The event is free to attend (with paid Stock Show admission) and open to the public.

It's the second year in a row for Hauser to appear at FWSSR; in 2022, he and fellow cast mates drew huge crowds.

Sheridan, a Paschal High School graduate, is no stranger to Fort Worth; he lives in a ranch near Weatherford and filmed 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone, in and around Fort Worth. Currently, another spinoff, 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, is filming in North Texas.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is winding up its 2023 run on Saturday, February 4.

Morgan Wallen's ACMs concert tops this week's 5 hottest Fort Worth headlines

This week's hot headlines

Editor's note: A lot happened this week, so here's your chance to get caught up. Read on for the week's most popular headlines. Looking for the best things to do this weekend? Find that list here.

1. Country music bad boy Morgan Wallen headlines ACM Awards benefit show in Dallas-Fort Worth. Dallas-Fort Worth will be the center of the country music universe on May 11, when the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards are broadcast from The Star in Frisco. As with any worldwide, Super Bowl-level event, there'll be many happenings leading up to it. First up: a benefit concert headlined by Morgan Wallen.

2. Fort Worth's buzzy new Koe Wetzel's Riot Room pops open beer-can chicken. Koe has arrived: Koe Wetzel's Riot Room, a new Fort Worth bar and restaurant in which famed country singer-songwriter Koe Wetzel is partnered, has softly opened in the 7th Street district at 1100 Foch St., with live music and a food menu of Southern and Texas classics.

3. Meet the 9 rising star chefs heating up Fort Worth's food scene. While we count down to the big Tastemaker Awards party, we are getting to know the nominees in an editorial series leading up to the event. Up next, the category of Rising Star Chef of the Year. While most of these talented chefs are not new to the industry, many are newer to the local culinary scene or have new ventures. Here are the nominees.

4. Big week for music fans with news of a dozen concerts coming to Dallas-Fort Worth. For summer concert lovers in Dallas-Fort Worth, last week brought a bounty of good news with a big round of tours coming through Texas in 2023. Details have been revealed for tours featuring Drake, TLC, Christopher Cross, Steve Miller Band with Cheap Trick, Willie Nelson, and many more.

5. Where to eat: Best Fort Worth restaurants for Easter 2023 dining. Brunch has become a big trend, but it has always been a thing on Easter Sunday, when it's a tradition to hit up a brunch as a reward for attending Mass. It's such a thing that some restaurants in Fort Worth that are usually closed on Sundays open for special hours on this one holy day. Here's than where to get brunch (and dinner) on Easter Sunday in Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Symphony's 2023 Concerts in the Garden series brings Beatles, Star Wars, and Pat Green

Al Fresco Music

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will offer 11 concerts as part of the 2023 Concerts In The Garden Summer Music Festival, taking place May 26 through June 11 at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.

The earlier dates for this year's season mean that the series will not include the traditional Fourth of July concerts. Instead, the orchestra will presents Patriotic Pops on Saturday, May 27, featuring favorite patriotic songs and marches in their first-ever Memorial Day celebration. The concert will also include a brand new drone fireworks display.

The season will kick off with Windborne’s The Music of Queen on May 26, where the FWSO, under conductor Brett Havens, will welcome singer MiG Ayesa and a full rock band to capture Queen's distinct sound.

After the Patriotic Pops concert, the Memorial Day weekend slate will be wrapped up with The Music of Harry Potter on May 27, where the orchestra will conjure favorite tunes from the eight films in the Harry Potter series that took young witches and wizards to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The weekend of June 1-4 will be mostly orchestra-free. Preservation Hall Jazz Band will perform by themselves on June 1, celebrating 60 years of making great music in New Orleans and around the world. They'll be followed by Radio Highway Performs The Music of The Eagles on June 2, delivering many of the classic band's biggest hits.

The orchestra makes a return on June 3 with Chicago Nights starring Jason Scheff, highlighting the longtime vocalist/bassist for Chicago singing the group's songs. Finally, Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles will take the stage without accompaniment to presents more than two dozen Beatles tunes performed exactly as they were originally recorded.

That visit to the '60s will be followed a flashback to the '70s with The Music of Led Zeppelin on June 8. A full band and orchestra playing Led Zeppelin’s hits. Then it's on to the '80s with REWIND: The Music of the '80s on June 9, as the orchestra tackles the greatest songs of the decade from artists like George Michael, Mister Mister, Kool & The Gang, Joan Jett, The Cure, and more.

June 10 will bring a visit to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars, in which the orchestra will play selections from several Star Wars films. The series will come to a close on June 11 with a solo performance by Texas country music legend Pat Green, playing songs from throughout his long career.

Tickets for the series go on sale for VIPs and subscribers on March 27, followed by Botanic Garden VIP and Members on March 28. The general public will finally get their shot on March 29.

Lawn tickets are $28, with children 10 and under admitted free if accompanied by a paid adult. Reserved seating at round tables of 4 is $40-$79, with a 20 percent discount for children 10 and under in price levels B and C.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.fwsymphony.org or by calling the FWSO Box Office at 817-655-6000. Advanced parking is also available.

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