Especially for kids, but even for adults. Everything seems to slow down a bit. Often there’s a vacation to be taken, and plenty of backyard barbecues and pool time. For parents, this is a great time to take a break from the morning hustle and bustle of getting kids to school on time and all the school-related extracurriculars we must plan for. However, the big challenge when school is out is keeping our kids busy. Clearly, we can’t have them sitting around the house playing video games all day for two and a half months. Some programming is helpful to busy parents, and it’s healthy for kids to have some structure when school isn’t in session. This is where the best summer tradition of all comes in. Summer Camp!

Splish Splash
Courtesy of YMCAFW

Summer camps come in all shapes and sizes, and while there is something for everyone, it can be hard to choose the right environment and program for our kids. We all want to find summer programs that are safe, fun, entertaining, and educational for our kids. It may seem like a tall order, but take heart, dear parent; our local YMCA has all the answers and options that tick all the boxes.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth has been doing summer camp longer than most of us have been alive. They know what kids want and what parents need. That’s why they have developed systems to keep kids busy having fun in an environment parents can trust. They have weekly adventure day camps at multiple branches throughout the entire summer where kids can unplug, explore, learn, play, and have a blast being silly and carefree. YMCA Camp Carter offers weekly day camp and also overnight camp opportunities for kids who are ready to take their summer camp experience to the next level and test their independence in a wholesome and safe environment.

As Holli Winn, the Senior Vice President of Programs for the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth, says, “I believe summer camp is important because it builds confidence and creates friendships. It generates social and emotional learning. It offers kids the opportunity to have adult role models to learn from and bond with. It is a place that is safe for kids to explore and grow, and it provides high-quality programming that parents can feel good about.”

Camp Carter Big Swing
Courtesy of YMCAFW

Adventure camps give kids opportunities to put down their devices, discover nature, play sports, swim, improve their fitness, get some sunshine, discover their talents, and make new friends. Each weekly adventure camp has a specific theme, from superheroes to sports, that each branch participates in. With locations all over the Fort Worth metro area, there is a convenient location for every family. Best of all, YMCA adventure camps are refreshingly affordable.

In addition to weekly day camp, YMCA Camp Carter offers several overnight camp sessions on a beautiful 360-acre campus right on the Trinity River, a mere 15 minutes from downtown Fort Worth, that feels like another world altogether. Many of us who grew up in Fort Worth attended Camp Carter, and we can attest to the magical feeling we got there. A feeling that only summer camp can provide. Camp Carter is a true overnight camp experience, and all that implies right here in our own backyard. It is the perfect next step when your child, and you as parents, are ready to graduate from day camp to the full summer camp experience.

For kids, summer camp is pure fun. For parents, it can be an anxious time. We want our kids to have fun, make great memories, and learn, but we also want them to be safe. The YMCA, perhaps better than any organization, understands this and takes measures above and beyond any required steps to ensure the safety of our most precious gifts: our children. YMCA camp counselors, lifeguards, and staff receive extensive training across myriad topics to ensure kids not only have fun but also feel safe and respected during their time at camp.

Field Trip!
Courtesy of YMCAFW

The summer experiences the YMCA offers are fun, safe, affordable, and convenient. By working with kids in this way, YMCA summer camps build confidence by allowing them to be themselves, grow, learn, explore, create new friendships, and make lasting summer memories. They offer everything kids and parents want and need in a summer camp, and that is why we love them!

For more information and to register your kids for unforgettable summer experiences, visit the Fort Worth YMCA website.

The post Quality Camps Parents Can Feel Good About first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Our family has been coming here for nearly a decade, and it has become one of our favorite traditions. I still love watching my boys’ faces light up the moment they walk through the doors and spot the giant dinosaur towering over the entrance. Even after all these years, that excitement never seems to fade.

More recently, though, their attention has been completely captured by the museum’s incredible new LED dome experience at the Jane and John Justin Foundation Omni Theater. Honestly, I was just as mesmerized as they were. I enjoyed it so much that I planned a date night there with my husband. The next day, he spent at least half an hour talking about the experience with our extended family.

Why We Keep Coming Back

When we first became members, we started with the basic membership. At around ninety dollars, it only took three visits for it to pay for itself. A friend later told me that the Wonder Membership included reciprocal admission to places like the Perot Museum, along with entrance to the Fort Worth Stock Show.

We do not use the Stock Show benefit very often, but my kids love the sports exhibits and children’s museum at the Perot, and I appreciate that it is another great indoor option during the Texas heat. About two years ago, we upgraded to the Wonder level, and it has easily become one of the best family expenses we pay for all year.

The membership has given us access to museums across the country, including museums in Washington, D.C., the Thinkery in Austin, the DoSeum in San Antonio, and the Children’s Museum in Denver, just to name a few of the ones we have visited. I am a family travel writer so we are always exploring new places and getting to use reciprocal benefits. 

Our New Favorite

For a while, the playground was the highlight of every visit. Then it was the new Omni Theater. But now, at least according to my kids, the TCU Children’s Museum has officially taken the top spot.

The old children’s museum served our family well over the years, especially the little grocery shopping section that my boys spent countless hours playing in. But the newly renovated space feels fresh, interactive, and thoughtfully designed.

My kids especially love the farming section and market, while I appreciate details like the quiet room and nursing room. It is clear that the renovation was designed with both children and parents in mind.

Why I’ll Keep Renewing

The last time I renewed our membership, I accidentally selected the basic level instead of the Wonder Membership. I did not realize my mistake until we visited the Perot Museum and were told we no longer had reciprocal admission benefits. Purchasing tickets for the day would have cost our family eighty-eight dollars.

I immediately called the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and upgraded our membership back to the Wonder level for fifty dollars. Not only did we get into the Perot that day, but we regained access to all the reciprocal museum benefits for the rest of the year.

Moments like that are exactly why this membership continues to be worth it for our family. After nearly ten years of visits, the museum is still one of our favorite places to spend time together, make memories, and escape the Texas heat for a few hours.

Summer Kick-Off Party | June 6 from 10AM-2PM

• Bonus activities throughout the Museum
• Community partners
• Bubbles, music and sweet treats
• A celebration for Summer Break!

Dinos Rock! | June 27 from 10AM-4PM

• Dinosaur-themed activities
• Community partners (like Dinosaur Valley!)
• Fossil tables/displays

Dynamo’s Birthday Party | June 27 from 10AM-11AM

• MEMBER EXCLUSIVE
• Member only hour in TCU Children’s Gallery and Galaxy Park 
• Dynamo meet and greet
• Complimentary sweet treat

Shark Week | At some point in July, official week has not been announced

Space Day | July 25 from 10AM-11AM

• Space related activities
• Community partners 
• Lightsaber/Jedi training
• Special programming in planetarium

The post Fort Worth Museum of Science and History – A Summertime Tradition first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Open social media, and you’ll see thousands of before-and-after photos touting some miraculous diet, some wonder drug, some phenomenal program that promises to melt the pounds away without effort.

Yes, losing weight is easy. Changing your mindset to keep the weight off is a whole different matter. Instead of focusing solely on calorie restriction or intense exercise, Sensotherapy offers a different perspective – one rooted in the relationship between taste, appetite signaling, and the body’s biochemical responses.

At the center of this innovative approach is Dr. Michael Cherkassky, internist and inventor who developed Sensotherapy as a method designed to address cravings and psychological hunger through sensory stimulation and biochemical pathways. Sensotherapy is supported by Dr. Cherkassky’s four decades of practicing medicine and his research into peptides and satiety hormones.

“People want instant gratification,” Nurse Practitioner Dr. Tammy Tyler said. “They’re often getting ready for weddings or a special event. But if we can sit and listen, hear their needs, and help them meet those needs, we can help them with their overall health.”

“Our goal is sustainable weight loss,” Dr. Cherkassky added. “There is fast and easy, and there is sustainable and maintainable.”

Dr. Cherkassky developed Sensotherapy to help suppress his patients’ appetites and reduce the urge to overeat through combinations of flavors, spices, proteins, salts, and sensory stimulation delivered orally. Certain sensory experiences in the mouth and digestive system influence neural signals of satiety before excessive food consumption occurs.

Appetite is not controlled merely by willpower. It is influenced by a network of hormones, neurotransmitters, and gastrointestinal peptides that communicate with the brain. These peptides, including hormones involved in digestion and satiety, help regulate hunger, fullness, and cravings.

Peptides have become one of the most exciting frontiers in modern medicine. Peptides influence metabolism, tissue repair, hormone balance, cellular signaling, and appetite regulation. Modern peptide research includes applications in regenerative medicine, obesity treatment, anti-aging therapies, and targeted drug delivery systems.

Sensotherapy anticipated many of today’s discussions about gut-brain signaling and appetite hormones long before peptide therapies became mainstream. Dr. Cherkassky’s work shows that sensory stimulation and biochemical signaling work together to reduce compulsive eating behaviors. Rather than simply forcing patients to eat less, Sensotherapy works to influence the body’s own satiety mechanisms.

Using a combination of weight loss medicines tailored to your individual needs, Dr. Cherkassky and Dr. Tyler help you learn how to control your food intake. “There are no restrictions on what you can eat,” Dr. Tyler said. “You don’t have to go out and buy a lot of expensive ‘diet’ food. The only restriction is in how much you can eat.”

To support you as your body acclimates to the restricted calorie intake, Dr. Cherkassky has developed a kit of homeopathic products to address different types of hunger, along with a sample meal plan. The kit includes thermogenic appetite suppressants, a spray to help with mental hunger, and a paste to address cravings. Dr. Cherkassky also invented lollipops that kill hunger almost immediately, rather like migraine rescue medications work to kill a migraine.

So innovative is Sensotherapy that Dr. Cherkassky has been awarded three U.S. Patents for it.

To further help you on your journey, Dr. Tyler works with you to create a plan tailored to your precise metabolic needs. Peptides affect everything from skin quality to muscle healing and regrowth to hormone regulation. Dr. Tyler’ research into peptides affords you the most cutting-edge support as you lose weight.

Sustainable weight management still requires nutrition, lifestyle changes, medical oversight, and individualized care. “We are available six days a week,” Dr. Cherkassky said. “We support you through the initial weight loss and the maintenance after.”

“There’s so much judgment around our weight,” Dr. Tyler said. “Our society approaches weight gain as a moral failing, forgetting that there are biomechanical and emotional triggers. We make sure you won’t feel guilty. You’re not going to struggle with hunger or with guilt. We look you in the eye. We listen as you talk. We want you to trust us. Once you establish that trust, you can move mountains.”

Innovation begins when physicians challenge conventional assumptions. Dr. Cherkassky asked whether taste receptors, oral stimulation, and peptide signaling could be harnessed together to help patients regain control over appetite. The answer, it turns out, is yes.

If you are ready to start your journey to better health, visit www.weightlossfor.us.

The post Weight Loss Pioneer: Dr. Michael Cherkassky of Sensotherapy first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

These are adults caring for young children and aging parents. This can look like a high-functioning mom who defaults to competence and carrying the weight of it all, from scheduling memory testing and helping with bills, working full-time and remembering what they signed up to bring to the third-grade class party.

Let’s be honest. No matter how organized, efficient and proactive you are, no one is meant to carry the mental and emotional weight of caring for so many lives alone.

UNT Health’s Center for Older Adults not only provides exceptional care for those 65 and older, but also offers support for the caregiver, who is often facing burnout and unsure where to turn next.

Photo courtesy of UNT Health

The hidden complexity of aging

Aging well isn’t just about treating disease. It’s about coordinating:

• Primary care
• Cardiology and GI issues
• Memory concerns
• Medication management
• Mental health
• Caregiver support

Too often, families are left to connect the dots themselves.

This can lead to repetitive appointments, unnecessary visits and a daughter or son acting as the unofficial care coordinator. The Center for Older Adults was designed differently.

Comprehensive care under one roof

Rather than sending families across multiple systems, the Center for Older Adults brings together:

• Geriatric primary care
• Memory evaluation and care planning
• Neurology
• Neuropsychology
• Health coaching
• Clinical pharmacists
• Caregiver support resources
• Coordination with specialists

If there are concerns about cognitive changes, comprehensive memory assessments provide clarity. Is it normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, or something more? Early diagnosis allows for proactive planning, medical management, and family alignment.

Perhaps most importantly, the Center for Older Adults provides structured family conferences to help everyone get on the same page, so no one person is shouldering the burden alone.

Photo courtesy of UNT Health

Preserving dignity and independence

Aging care doesn’t have to be reactive or crisis driven.

With the right team, families can:

• Optimize medications to reduce side effects and fall risk
• Address heart health before it becomes emergent
• Support brain health proactively
• Plan transitions thoughtfully
• Maintain independence as long as safely possible

The Center for Older Adults focuses on what matters most to the patient to help preserve their quality of life and independence as much as possible. Part of caring for the older adult is caring for the caregiver. The Center for Older Adults recognizes that when one person ages, the entire family system shifts. Caregiver guidance, training, and support groups aren’t “extras” – they’re essential.

Caregiving without support is unsustainable, but you don’t have to navigate this alone.

A team built around you

If you’re a part of the “sandwich generation,” you are probably used to coping with the pressures of this season and being the strong one who holds it all together, but strength also means knowing when to build a team.

If you’re noticing changes — or simply want a proactive plan — specialized older adult care can provide the support and answers you’ve been looking for.

To schedule an appointment with the Center for Older Adults, call 817-735-2400, or visit us online at https://www.unthealth.edu/patient-care/specialties/geriatrics/index.html

The post Caring for the Parent Who Cared for You: Supporting the “Sandwich Generation” first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

It’s a common trope for any host. You stay busy making sure everything goes to plan, and before you know it, guests are arriving and the rest of your event flashes by in the blink of a selfie. Here are a few easy ways you can honor those you love, celebrate throughout the month, and enjoy being the life of the party instead of stressing behind the scenes:

Graduation

Whether it’s Pre-K, elementary, high school, or college, celebrate every milestone moment with delicious bites and skip the hours in your kitchen. Work with a Central Market Catering Specialist to secure stunning party platters, passed hors d’oeuvres, and all-out elaborate spreads. All you have to do is enjoy every shrimp-filled, prosciutto-wrapped bite.

Teachers’ Day – May 5

Pamper our hardworking educators with treats that give them the moments of much-needed rest, relaxation, and sweetness they deserve during the final stretch of the school year. Order gift baskets full of treats like artisan chocolates, snacks from around the globe, freshly baked cookies, scratch-baked scones and muffins, aged cheeses, and gourmet graze boards.

Mother’s Day & Día de las Madres – May 10

Honoring the moms in your life can be as easy as keeping her in mind when you’re putting together your shopping list. Brighten her day with hand-tied bouquets and expertly designed custom floral arrangements, and make sure to include ingredients for eggs Benedict, and occasion-worthy A5 Japanese Wagyu steaks and cold-water lobster tails for a special surf-and-turf dinner.

For the easiest start to the day, pick up Mother’s Day brunch kits that include easy heat-and-eat breakfast casseroles, fresh fruit, and oven-ready French croissants. Put together a playlist of her favorite songs and set up a mimosa bar with bottles of fresh cold-pressed juices to begin the day off with good vibes and a celebratory toast.

End the day on a sweet note by presenting her with a new Rosé discovery that you can try together, heart-shaped macarons, strawberries dipped in imported European chocolate, and a decorated Mother’s Day raspberry cake.

Memorial Day – May 25

This is the day you dreamt about all winter. Whether you’re spending the day by the water, by the grill, or simply enjoying the weather with an al fresco meal, picnic-friendly sides are a must. Get to the fun even faster by picking up ready-made dips, pasta salads, fresh green salads, and buttery brioche buns for the hamburgers and hot dogs on the menu. Don’t forget the craft beers and a selection of wines from around the world to please every party-goers palate.

May is a month full of transitions and change, when we say goodbye to the school year and hello to new beginnings and summer. Take time to enjoy all those celebrations by being present. With all the amazing specialty offerings at Central Market, you never have to do it all yourself.

The post Best and Brightest at Central Market first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Maybe your preschooler isn’t talking like others their age.
Maybe your second grader is bright but somehow still struggling in school.
Maybe your child seems overwhelmed by sounds or social situations.

For families who want a better answer than “let’s wait and see,” comprehensive pediatric specialty care can make all the difference.

The Power of Early Answers

High-achieving, attentive parents often sense early when something feels “off.” The big question is, where can they turn next?

That’s where a pediatric neuropsychologist becomes invaluable. At UNT Health Clinical Practice Group in Fort Worth, pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. Samantha Saldana turns uncertainty into strategy for families, equipping patients and their parents with the tools they need to learn, grow and thrive.

A pediatric neuropsychologist evaluates how a child’s brain functions in real life, looking at attention, memory, language, executive function, learning differences, anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum concerns and more. Rather than labeling a child, this kind of evaluation provides a detailed roadmap of how your child learns, what they struggle with, and how to support them at school and at home.

Photo courtesy of UNT Health Clinical Practice Group

When Hearing and Speech Aren’t Keeping up

Sometimes the issue isn’t behavior or learning – it’s communication.

If your child frequently says “what?” struggles with articulation, seems behind in language development, or becomes frustrated trying to express themselves, early support can be transformative.

Audiology services ensure that hearing concerns are identified early. Even mild or fluctuating hearing loss can impact speech, learning and behavior. This intervention could be as early as the newborn stage, with a follow-up hearing screen if there were abnormalities in the results of their hearing screen from the hospital.

Speech-language pathology for littles focuses on:

• Early language development
• Articulation and speech clarity
• Social communication skills
• Feeding or oral-motor concerns
• Support for children with developmental differences

Both audiology and speech-language pathology are offered at UNT Health Clinical Practice Group for patients of all ages to allow for early intervention. Many parents don’t realize that early intervention often means shorter intervention. Addressing concerns at age 3, 4, or 5 can prevent years of academic frustration later.

Specialized Care for Young Performers

Maybe your child doesn’t seem to have any delays, and your biggest challenge is keeping up with them as they pursue their passions! For students who spend their afternoons in the studio, rehearsal hall, or backstage, their bodies are their instruments and those instruments deserve specialized care.

Our UNT Health Performing Arts Medicine program supports dancers, vocalists, musicians, actors, and stage crew, with injury prevention, performance optimization and treatment tailored to the unique physical and vocal demands of their craft.

Whether it’s a dancer managing ankle pain before competition season, a violinist with shoulder strain, or a singer protecting their voice during show choir, our team understands the intensity and discipline these students bring to their art.

The expert care in our performing arts clinic is designed for all ages, and can help your child stay strong, confident and stage ready.

Coordinated Care for Busy Families

For women in the “sandwich” generation – caring for children and aging parents – time is your scarcest resource.

You may be scheduling soccer practice and neurology appointments. You’re managing PTA meetings and estate planning conversations. You do not have time to piece together care across three different cities.

UNT Health Clinical Practice Group integrates pediatric primary care, neuropsychology, audiology, speech therapy and performing arts medicine to create continuity for your family. Our front desk can even “appointment stack” – you could see your pediatrician for a well-child visit, then head upstairs to see your performing arts specialist.

Because You Trust Your Instincts

If you’ve been wondering whether to “wait and see” if your child needs specialized care, consider this your encouragement to take the next step. A mother’s intuition is powerful! Having clear answers brings confidence and peace of mind. At UNT Health, our role is to partner with you, offering thoughtful, comprehensive care that supports your child at every stage of development.

To schedule an appointment with Pediatric Primary Care, Pediatric Neuropsychology, the Speech & Hearing Center, or Performing Arts Medicine, call 817-735-3627.

The post A Mother’s Intuition: Managing Pediatric Care for Special Kids first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Dr. Bender is celebrating her 25th anniversary in her Tanglewood-area office. Twenty-five years in one location is definitely something to celebrate! She’s also brought on an associate. Dr. Maria Madera joins the practice, offering the same knowledgeable, compassionate care that makes Dr. Bender a patient favorite.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Amy Bender

Dr. Bender is a native Fort Worthian, graduating from Southwest High School and Austin College. She knew she wanted to be a dentist early in life, loving both the science and the art that are required of dentists. She’s been practicing since 1998 and has watched whole families grow up.

Dr. Maria Madera is a graduate of the University of Texas, Arlington, and Texas A&M University School of Dentistry. (Fun fact: Dr. Bender graduated from the same school, then known as the Baylor University School of Dentistry!) She’s been practicing for almost eight years and brings her compassion and expertise to Bender Dental. Oh, and she’s bilingual, able to offer comfort in both English and Spanish.

 Good dental health is directly linked to overall good health, so finding a good family dentist is essential. Bender Dental offers services for the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents.

“We take children as young as two,” Dr. Bender said as we sat in her comfortable reception room. “We start with a ‘Happy Visit.’ We show them around the office and talk. It’s really an appointment to talk to the parents and teach them [how to teach their children to take care of their teeth]. We talk about eating hard, crunchy foods like fruits and vegetables to stimulate bone growth instead of soft, mushy foods. We talk about brushing teeth. It’s really about planting seeds so the kids can get to know us, and the parents are more comfortable.”

For older patients, Bender Dental offers everything from bi-annual cleaning to treatment for TMJ and “snore guards.” They offer Invisalign and teeth whitening to ensure your smile is strong and bright. No matter if you need veneers, extractions, a bridge, implants, or dentures, Bender Dental is ready to serve. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is available for anxious patients.

“I have a lot of patients who are dental-phobic,” Dr. Bender said. “We work hard to gain their trust. We talk them through everything that we do during their appointment. Having someone poke around in your mouth is invasive, so we remember to be kind and take things slowly with people who need a little extra care.”

With the arrival of Dr. Madera, Bender Dental now offers appointments Monday through Friday. For more information on Bender Dental, go to www.benderdental.com. To book an appointment with either Dr. Bender or Dr. Madera, call 817-207-9700 or follow this link. Your teeth will thank you!

The post Here’s to Twenty-Five More! first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Art is transformative. It gives us a way to express emotions we can’t put into words. It allows us to connect to our surroundings. It empowers us to transform ourselves by transforming a canvas into a painting, a piece of paper into a photograph, a lump of clay into a sculpture, or a skein of wool into a tapestry.

In 1985, Sunnie LeBlanc had a vision. An artist herself, Sunnie envisioned an art auction as a way to raise funds for Camp Fire First Texas (CFFT). While Fort Worth was quite art savvy, thanks in large part to our museums, no one in Fort Worth was using art to raise money for nonprofits. And thus, Camp Fire An Artists’ Christmas was born.

Fast forward to 2025, and CFFT is ready to start its next chapter.

Ignite: An Evening of Art and Impact brings CFFT’s beloved art-as-fundraising into the 21st century while remaining true to Camp Fire’s beginnings and Sunnie’s vision on Saturday, October 25 at William Campbell Gallery.

“Art is one of our top five programs,” said Sara Mitchell, CFFT’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “Ignite [sic] feels really true to our roots, our present, and our future.”

CFFT calls Ignite: An Evening of Art and Impact a “gallery night with purpose.” Instead of a grand gala, Ignite is more casual. Stroll through the 65 juried works (plus a youth art display of 50+ works) in William Campbell Gallery while noshing on delicious bites from Magdalena’s and listening to music by Zuriel Merek. Nöelle Overturf, a local artist, will be creating a work that will be included in the evening’s silent auction as you sip and stroll.

Photo courtesy of CFFT

(Incidentally, William Campbell Gallery received an award at the inaugural An Artists’ Christmas for bringing together so many local artists. Four decades later, they are still helping CFFT.)

If you’re not able to attend Ignite, you can still bid on the art in the online auction. Opening on October 17, one week prior to the event, the online auction allows you to bid from the comfort of your own laptop or phone.

“If you’re out of town on the night of Ignite, you can still bid,” Sara Mitchell said. “We’ve got something for the introverts and something for the extroverts. Camp Fire welcomes all,” she laughed.

Nöelle Overturf Live Painting
Photo courtesy of CFFT

Tickets for Ignite: An Evening of Art and Impact are $100 each or four for $375 and are available here.

“One of the amazing things about Camp Fire that I just love,” Sara said, “Is that we’re constantly evolving to meet today’s needs. By changing the evening’s format, we’re meeting people in the way they want to attend events, and we’re putting more money into the programs these events support.” 

Ignite: An Evening of Art and Impact

Saturday, October 25, 2025

      Youth Artist Reception: 1:30 to 3 p.m.
      VIP Reception: 5 to 6 p.m.
      Gallery Night and Silent Auction: 6 to 8 p.m.

William Campbell Gallery
217 Foch Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76107

Tickets: $100 each or $375 for four, available here

The post Ignite Your Camp Fire first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

But when does forgetfulness cross the line into something more concerning—like Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or even dementia?

Aging vs. Dementia: What’s Normal, What’s Not
While age is the single biggest risk factor, dementia is not a normal part of growing older. Many people maintain sharp thinking well into their 80s and 90s. Understanding which changes are typical can help families spot red flags early.

Typical Age-Related Changes

• Occasionally losing items but finding them later
• Needing more time to absorb new information
• Forgetting an appointment but recalling it afterward
• Momentary word-finding difficulties that improve later

When to Pay Attention

• Consistently forgetting important events or conversations
• Trouble managing bills, medications, or cooking
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Ongoing difficulty following conversations
• Noticeable changes in mood, personality, or social engagement

What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?
MCI falls between normal aging and dementia. People with MCI notice more memory or thinking problems than peers their age, but they can usually function day-to-day. Some remain stable for years, while others eventually progress to dementia—especially if underlying issues like sleep disorders, depression, or medication side effects aren’t addressed.

Understanding Dementia
Dementia isn’t one single disease but a group of conditions that impact thinking, behavior, and independence. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, but there are others, including vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. Early signs often include memory loss, impaired reasoning, and personality shifts.

Supporting Brain Health
Lifestyle plays a powerful role. Research shows you can reduce your risk or delay onset by:

• Staying physically active (aim for at least 150 minutes weekly)
• Following brain-healthy eating patterns like the MIND diet
• Staying socially connected
• Prioritizing quality sleep and managing stress
• Keeping the mind engaged through new learning
• Managing heart and lung health
• Avoiding smoking, drug use, or excessive alcohol

Why It Matters
Recognizing cognitive changes early allows families to make informed decisions, seek medical guidance, and put a strong support system in place. If you’re noticing signs of memory loss or behavioral shifts in a loved one, it may be time to consider an expert-led approach. The James L. West Center for Dementia Care offers a compassionate, medically-informed environment tailored to individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. As a trusted Alzheimer’s care community, we provide specialized memory care services that support both the individual and their family through every stage of the journey.

The post Brain Health and Aging: Knowing the Difference Between Normal Changes and Warning Signs first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Now, almost 120 years later, Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth has been recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals rankings again.

How many of us had our children at Andrews Women’s Hospital? How many of us or our loved ones have received cutting edge treatment and from-the-heart care at the Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center? Baylor Scott & White All Saints has been caring for its community for over a century. And now, our hometown hospital has been recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals rankings for the 3^rd consecutive year in a row.

Photo courtesy of Baylor Scott & White

Unlike some other “Best Ofs” and “Nation’s Best” rankings, U.S. News & World Report uses objective data sources, such as Medicare claims and other publicly available data, for their ranking instead of public voting or other methods. U.S. News evaluates 15 specialty areas of care, including cancer care, orthopedics, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology, and cardiology, heart, and vascular surgery.

Baylor Scott & White All Saints has been included in U.S. News & World Report’ regional “metro area” rankings as early as 2011 and consistently as #3 in DFW since the 2023-2024 rankings.

Out of 4500 hospitals evaluated by U.S. News & World Reports for their 2025-2026 rankings, Baylor Scott & White All Saints ranked:

• #13 in Texas
• #3 in Dallas-Fort Worth
• Named to the Best Regional Hospitals list in DFW
• High Performing in 5 specialties (up from 4):
  • Diabetes & Endocrinology (previously nationally ranked #39)
  • Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
  • Geriatrics
  • Neurology & Neurosurgery
  • Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
• High Performing in 9 procedures/conditions (up from 7):
  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair (new)
  • Congestive Heart Failure
  • Colon Cancer Surgery
  • Diabetes (new)
  • Heart Arrhythmia (new to USNWR)

To be named a Best Regional Hospital, a hospital must earn at least eight High Performing* ratings out of the 22 evaluated procedures and conditions, have at least five more high Performing ratings than the total number of Evaluated (the lowest tier) ratings it received, and offer a full range of general medical and surgical procedures, as opposed to a specialty hospital.

*To be rated as High Performing in a specialty or procedure, a hospital must be significantly better than the national average in outcomes in that particular specialty or procedure.

So congratulations to our hometown hospital! Baylor Scott & White All Saints – Fort Worth has proven once again that they are a top-tier hospital. Not that there was any doubt!

The post Baylor Scott & White All Saints Recognized Again first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.