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.

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.

If passed, the proposition would authorize the State of Texas to provide up to $3 billion over the next decade to establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, which would fund research on and treatment for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders.

According to The Alzheimer’s Association, this historic investment will accelerate the search for effective treatments, preventions, and cures, and position Texas at the forefront of the national fight against dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

The explosion of dementia cases, which are forecast to double in the next 15 years, has been dubbed the Senior Tsunami because of the rapid growth in the number of families impacted by dementia as life expectancies increase.

At $300 million annual funding, the most immediate impacts are two-fold. First, there would be the launch of cutting-edge research to expand Texas’ medical capabilities and foster collaboration among research universities, medical institutions, and other partners.

Photo courtesy of James L. West Center for Dementia Care

Among the most likely research participants would be UNT HEALTH FORT WORTH where Dr. Janice Knebl, DO, MBA, serves as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Knebl also has served as James L West Center for Dementia Care’s Medical Director for over 32 years.

The second piece of significance is that, while The West Center is not a research institution, we put into practice the results of research conducted at UNT HEALTH FORT WORTH and other research leaders, such as the U.T. Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

One component of Proposition 14 would be the expansion of education, supporting the already robust educational programs of the branded educational division of James L West – Dementia-IQ. The Dementia-IQ programs draw best practices from published research, staying relevant and current with the free educational programs offered to the public and healthcare professionals.

Our experts teach hundreds of in-person and virtual classes throughout the year locally, regionally, and nationally to professional audiences and community groups. Proposition 14 will give us more opportunities to collaborate to further our mission of spreading the word about preventing dementia and best practices for caring for those living with dementia. We have a strong team ready to provide free English- and Spanish-language education to those who need support.

Home caregivers are stressed because dementia is new to them. While they want to give their very best efforts to a spouse or parent, their knowledge is limited, so well-intentioned caregivers need the training. As a result, their loving care benefits their loved one in a caring, compassionate manner.

The best way you can serve your loved ones who may find themselves in the position of being a caregiver is to vote “Yes” for Proposition 14. Early voting has already started, and election day is Tuesday, November 4.

At The James L. West Center for Dementia care, we firmly believe in two statements:

1. A person with dementia is not a problem to be solved; that person is someone to be loved and compassionately cared for in a way that makes them feel safe.
2. Know it before you need it: Becoming a caregiver with no advance notice and training places you and your loved one in a precarious situation. Learning the basics about dementia and the most essential caregiving skills can prepare you to serve, whether you are helping care for a family member or a friend.

About the James L. West Center for Dementia Care

For 32 years, the James L. West Center for Dementia Care, a not-for-profit organization, has served those impacted by dementia. Established by Eunice West in honor of her late husband, James L. West, who died of dementia, the Center continues to build on its excellence in compassionate care and caregiver and dementia education by expanding its service lines to meet the community’s needs. The Center offers short- and long-term residential care, specialized dementia rehab, senior day program services, in-home care services, and professional and family caregiver education, which was recently rebranded as Dementia-IQ Powered by James L. West. The West Center recently received the Silver Award for Innovation from McKnight’s Publishing, the leading trade publication in the assisted living industry. Cheryl Harding, Ph.D., has served as President/CEO of The West Center for the past seven years.

This article, written by Cheryl Harding, Ph.D., President/CEO, James L. West Center for Dementia Care, presents the opinions of our sponsor, James L. West Center for Dementia Care, and are not necessarily the opinions of Tanglewood Moms LLC. 

The post $3 Billion State Investment Could Reduce Dementia Cases first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

At some point in your life, you or someone you love will hear those words. They’re chilling. They mean that everything that you know and understand is going to change.

But they don’t mean that you’re alone.

As most of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is one of the three most common kinds of cancer in Tarrant County, along with colon and prostate cancer. This October, the staff of the Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center (JKCRC) at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth wants you to know that they’re here to help you on your journey from diagnosis to survivorship.

I recently spoke with Angie Fraticelli, BSW All Saints’ Director of Oncology; Amanda McGreevy, a nurse navigator; and Toni Young and Kristi Evans, lay navigators and breast cancer survivors. We spoke about what makes JKCRC special.

“We have, in full, seven navigators,” Angie said. “We have five nurse navigators – a breast cancer navigator, lung, gynecological, head and neck cancers, and a general navigator for other diagnoses. Plus our lay navigators, Kristi and Toni.”

Group Therapy
Photo courtesy of Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth

Nurse navigator Amanda said, “We meet patients at all different times in their cancer journey – from the mammogram to their diagnosis through their surgery to survivorship. We get to help guide them through.”

Navigators are advocates, cheerleaders, guides, and educators. They are a friendly face when the world is crumbling around you. They are a helping hand when figuring out insurance gets overwhelming. They’re a shoulder to cry on and a friend to laugh with.

“We’re able to give that emotional support from somebody who’s been there and done that,” lay navigator Kristi said. She’s a 14-year breast cancer survivor who took advantage of the services offered by JKCRC. Lay navigator Toni, a 19-year breast cancer survivor, went through her cancer journey before the Center existed.

“Without navigators, you’re alone,” Toni said. “We give everyone a personal business card with our contact info so that we can help whenever.”

Amanda added, “You’re always going to have the fear. Cancer is scary. But having the navigators helps alleviate some of that fear because you don’t have to rely on Google.”

Toni laughed, “Believe me, Google is NOT your friend.”

Art Therapy
Photo courtesy of Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth

In addition to the nurse and lay navigators, JKCRC offers support groups, art therapy, exercise programs like yoga and rehabilitative exercise, nutritional support (every patient going through chemotherapy gets a cookbook to help support their nutritional needs), and a comprehensive survivorship program that addresses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing.

“The support doesn’t end,” Amanda said. “Just because someone is 30 days postop, we don’t end our relationship with them.”

“Survivorship means forever,” Kristi added.

Additionally, the Survivor Gals Salon is located inside JKCRC and offers wigs, mastectomy bras and prostheses, compression products, as well as scarves, hats, and skin care products. “We have a partnership with them,” Angie said. “We can assist uninsured or underinsured patients with prostheses or wigs if they are eligible.”

All non-medical services at JKCRC are free to patients and their families, regardless of whether they are being treated at BSW All Saints. It doesn’t matter if you’re female or male, insured or uninsured; you are welcome.

Yoga
Photo courtesy of Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Angie, Amanda, Kristi, and Toni urge you to get a mammogram. They also strongly suggest downloading the Know Your Lemons® app. This app educates you on the 12 signs of breast cancer, helps you calculate your risk, allows you to make a screening plan, and reminds you to perform your monthly self-examinations. And make sure the men in your life download it, too. While breast cancer isn’t as common in men as it is in women, men do get it, and because they aren’t as aware of it, they are more likely to catch it at a later stage.

At the end of our conversation, I asked the navigators what they are most proud of.

“I’m most proud of the comfort and hope I can bring,” Kristi said. “I know how scared I was, and I’m just glad I can pay it forward.”

Amanda said, “When someone has just left the doctor’s office, getting the worst news possible, and I can sit and talk with them for a couple of hours, and they’re entirely different when they leave, that’s the best. They know they’re not alone. That’s the reason we’re here.”

“It’s giving someone hope when they’re hopeless,” Toni said. “When they’re tired, afraid, and scared, you can’t help but be lifted up when you can help them.”

Photo courtesy of Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth

The post Giving Hope When All Seems Hopeless 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.

As back-to-school season approaches (Fort Worth ISD starts in less than a month!), it’s also time to think about fall sports at the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth. Registration is now open for soccer, volleyball, and baseball and there’s never been a better time to jump in.

What makes YMCA sports different? It’s not just the game, it’s the community and life lessons learned with each kick, volley, and swing.

Photo courtesy of YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth

How many of us played Y sports growing up? I did. My sister did. Most of my family and friends did. While I never excelled at soccer or basketball, the lessons learned, like how to work as a team and how to win and lose gracefully, stayed with me for a lifetime. And that’s what Y sports are all about.

Recently, I spoke with Karissa Sorrells, a YMCA branch sports director, and Eddie Norgard, the District Executive Director of Programs and Services for the YMCA, about what makes a YMCA sports experience different from other programs.

YMCA sports are built on connection: kids build confidence and skills while families grow closer. These programs blend the structure and discipline of organized athletics with a warm, welcoming environment where beginners feel at home. Whether your child is new to the sport or just needs a place to belong, there’s a team waiting to welcome them.

Photo courtesy of YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth

But it doesn’t stop with the players. Parents, grandparents, siblings – there’s room for the whole family to get involved.

“This is a special time when you get to bond with your child on a whole different level,” said Karissa. “You get to teach them to be a leader, teach them sportsmanship… We had a family where the big brother coached his little sister’s team, and it turned into a whole family activity.”

Older siblings 18 and up can volunteer to coach, and even younger siblings can get in on the action. Eddie shared, “We’ve had siblings make appreciation messages for the players and coaches before. We love it when the whole family volunteers.”

That spirit of inclusion extends to the sidelines and beyond. YMCA sports aren’t about intense tryouts or cutthroat competition, they’re about participation, growth, and support. Everyone plays. Everyone is welcome.

Photo courtesy of YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth

Children as young as three can start building skills on a soccer or baseball [Writer’s note: With two kiddos who played soccer as little ones, I’ve got to say there’s almost nothing cuter than a bunch of preschoolers figuring out how to play as a team.] Volleyball begins in second grade and continues through high school, offering players the chance to grow with the sport year after year.

(And if you’re worried about those early Saturday games, don’t be. “I’ve learned not to schedule games as early as I did in the past,” Karissa said with a laugh.)

Fall baseball at the YMCA’s Sports Complex, is another standout. “What’s really great about the Sports Complex is that it’s a really vibrant place,” Eddie shared. “It’s oriented by age groups with three baseball fields, two t-ball fields, three batting cages, and four multi-use fields. It is a space that grows with the kids.”

Photo courtesy of YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth

While YMCA sports provide valuable training and opportunities for athletic growth, the biggest win is often the life lessons: how to lead, how to lose gracefully, how to support others, and how to be part of something bigger than yourself.

And no child is left out. “The YMCA continues to provide scholarship opportunities,” Eddie emphasized. “We are absolutely committed to providing opportunities to everyone. We never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay.”

Karissa sums it up best: “When I’m on the field, and the grass is still wet, and the kids are excited, and the parents are all supporting all the kids on the team. there is an energy there… I love that community!”

Ready to be part of it? Registration is open now. Learn more and sign up below for soccer, volleyball, baseball, or to volunteer as a coach. There’s a place for everyone this fall at the Y.

2025 Fall Soccer

Registration is open now.

Season begins between August 25^th and September 8^th, depending on location.

Ages 3-12

A soccer ball, shin guards, and a water bottle are required equipment.

2025 Fall Volleyball

Registration is open now.

Season begins between September 6^th and September 15^th, depending on location.

Ages 2^nd grade-high school

Ball, kneepads, and a water bottle are required equipment.

2025 Fall Baseball

Registration is open now.

Season begins on August 23^rd.

Ages 3-12

Baseball, glove, and water bottle are required. A bat is optional. The Y provides batting helmets.

Volunteer to Coach

You don’t have to be a star athlete to coach a Y team. You just need to be an honest, caring, respectful human being!

The post It’s Not Just the Game, It’s the Community and Life Lessons first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

The James L. West Center for Dementia Care offers a continuum of programs and services to support caregivers and those living with dementia during every stage of the disease. From education and support groups to care at home, the Senior Day Program, and full-time residential care, James L. West has the care and support you need for every step of the journey.

Here’s what to expect as dementia progresses.

Early Stage: Subtle Shifts

In the early stages of dementia, changes in your loved one can be easy to overlook. They may be mostly independent, doing things for themselves, and staying socially active.

However, this is also the stage where small changes begin to appear. “They may start misplacing items, have trouble finding the right words, or become easily irritated,” says Jaime Cobb Tinsley, vice president of caregiver and community education at James L. West Center for Dementia.

Cobb Tinsley recommends using this stage to get you and your loved one into a routine filled with cognitive stimulation, rest and familiar activities. She also says this is the time to get legal, medical and financial affairs in order.

“Involve your loved one in the financial and medical decisions. They should have input about what they want,” says Cobb Tinsley.

These early stages are also the time to consider medications. While dementia can’t be cured, there are some medications that help manage symptoms or slow the progression.

This is also the time to learn as much as possible about the dementia journey and build a caregiver support network. The James L. West Center offers free caregiver education classes and support groups that connect you with information and resources to sustain you throughout the journey.

Middle Stage: Increased Dependence

As dementia progresses, so does the need for support. Your loved one will increasingly need assistance with daily tasks. Language also becomes more limited during this stage.

“The middle stage is where it becomes difficult for them to follow a conversation. They may also stop reading, and even TV shows can become too hard to follow,” says Cobb Tinsley.

Cobb Tinsley says the middle stage is when caregivers must adapt emotionally and practically. “Be ready for good days and bad days. Just don’t take the bad days personally,” she says

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but developing coping skills and tools can help. Don’t hesitate to seek out support groups, educational groups, or professional help.

The James L. West Center’s Senior Day Program on Harris Parkway and new Home Care Services can also provide much-needed care and support during the middle stages of dementia. Whether you choose to bring your loved one to the Day Program or utilize in-home services, your loved one will receive expert, compassionate care that extends your ability to care for them at home.

Late Stage: Full-Time Care

In the final stage of dementia, your loved one will need total care. Their ability to communicate or recognize loved ones may be completely gone.

“The late stage is when gross and fine motor skills are severely affected. They’ll also start to lose weight as eating becomes difficult and may spend the majority of the time sleeping or semi-alert,” says Cobb Tinsley.

Ways to stay connected to your loved one and provide comfort during this stage include playing calming music, offering gentle touch, and creating a soothing environment.

Cobb Tinsley recommends using this time to revisit care plans for your loved one.

“Maybe you promised early in the diagnosis that you’d keep them home. But in some cases, as the disease progresses, palliative or hospice care becomes the best option,” she says.

When that time comes, the team at The West Center will help make the transition as seamless as possible.

Enhancing Quality of Life

As dementia progresses, there are countless ways to enhance your loved one’s quality of life. Social interactions, going for walks, and journaling can make a significant difference.

As a caregiver, your quality of life should also be prioritized.

“You can’t do this alone. Let your friends and family know exactly how they can help support you,” says Cobb Tinsley.

Dementia has no cure. But by understanding how it progresses, it can be treated with dignity and compassion.

For more tips on what to expect as dementia progresses, explore the James L. West Center for Dementia Care’s free caregiver education series.

The post What to Expect as Dementia Progresses first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.