Category: Health & Lifestyles

No Bingo in May
VFW Post 3966 will not have Bingo in May. Due to a tax issue we have not been able to resolve, we are currently unable to renew our Bingo License which expires on April 30, 2025. We have hired a Certified Public Accountant to assist us in resolving this issue. We will renew our Bingo License and resume games as soon as we can take care of this matter.
Free One Year Membership for New Members
New members who sign up in May will get a one-year membership for free. Also, if your existing membership expires before June 30, 2025, you also qualify for the free year of membership.
An individual is eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars if the individual is serving or has served honorably as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States:

1. In a foreign war, insurrection or expedition, which service has been recognized as campaign medal service and is governed by the authorization of the award of a campaign badge by the Government of the United States; or
2. On the Korean peninsula or in its territorial waters for not less than 30 consecutive days, or a total of 60 days, after June 30, 1949; or
3. While a member of the Armed Forces serving in an area which entitled the individual to receive special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger
   If you meet these qualifications or want more information, contact Commander Gary Saathoff at 210-289-6204 or email at vfw3966commander@yahoo.com.
   Memorial Day Ceremony and Flag Retirement
   On Memorial Day, May 26, 2024, Post 3966 will hold a flag retirement ceremony to be followed by a Memorial Ceremony. South Upson Street between the Devine Post Office and the Bingo Hall will be closed for the ceremonies. The ceremonies will take place in the street below the patriotic mural on the Bingo Hall starting at 9:30 am.
   Drawing Fund Raiser
   Post 3966 is having a drawing fund raiser for projects and new equipment/ repairs. The Post is selling tickets for a Diamondback DB15 5.56 Rifle, a Tristan Cobra III 12 Guage Pump Shotgun, and a Taurus G3C 9mm Pistol. Members will be selling tickets at Tractor Supply on Saturday (May 3) and at the Devine Golf Course on Saturday and Sunday (May 3-4). The drawing will be on July 4th at VFW Post 3966, 211 W. College Ave., Devine, TX. Winner does not need be present.
   Rental Hall and Meeting Room Available
   Our Bingo Hall is available for rent. If you are planning a graduation party, wedding reception, birthday party or other event, please consider our hall for the event. We can seat up to 250 people. Rental is $450 for the public, $350 for VFW members. A $150 Reservation/Cleaning fee is required. Contact Dennis Ortega at 210-404-3267 to make a reservation.
   Our meeting room can be used for meetings or training. We also have a room for charitable organizations to meet. Contact Gary Saathoff at 210-289-6204 or vfw3966commander@yahoo.com for more information.

3 tips to get a more restful night’s sleep

There is no magic formula to ensure long-term health. However, if there were such an equation, sleep would be a critical component. Though adults may be able to function with less sleep than doctors recommend, the National Institutes of Health note that consistent lack of sufficient sleep can interfere with work, social functioning and driving ability.
The National Institute on Aging notes that adults of all ages generally need the same amount of sleep, typically between seven and nine hours of rest per night. That’s an important distinction, as busy adults in mid-life might feel as though they can operate on less sleep without adversely affecting their overall health. However, in addition to the problems noted by the NIH, the NIA reports that ongoing lack of sleep, or even consistently poor sleep quality, can increase risk for cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and obesity.
Adults who feel their sleep quality is poor or those who aspire to sleep more each night can consider these three strategies to ensure a more restful night’s sleep.
1.Keep devices out of the bedroom.
Screens are everywhere in modern life, and that includes the bedroom. In fact, the National Sleep Foundation’s 2022 Sleep in America® Poll found that 58 percent of survey participants acknowledged looking at screens within an hour before bedtime. The NSF reports that device usage so close to bedtime can adversely affect sleep quality because the blue light emitted from screens has shorter wavelengths than other colors in the visible light spectrum, which results in more alertness than warmer tones. The blue light actually confuses the brain into thinking it’s earlier in the day, thus making it harder to fall asleep.

2. Skip late afternoon naps.
   Short naps can help people reenergize, but the timing of naps could adversely affect how well people sleep at night. The Mayo Clinic notes that napping after 3 p.m. can make it harder to sleep soundly at night. And while short naps can provide a necessary jolt, it’s important that naps be no longer than 30 minutes. Naps that exceed a half hour can contribute to feelings of grogginess and even compromise your ability to get restful sleep overnight.
3. Avoid alcohol.
   Some may consider alcohol a sleep aide, and there’s good reason for that perception, even if it’s misguided. Hackensack Meridian Health notes that alcohol acts as a depressant for the central nervous system that can cause brain activity to slow down. As a result, alcohol can increase feelings of relaxation and tiredness. However, that effect is not long-lasting, and as alcohol levels in the blood drop, individuals are likely to wake up and may even find it hard to fall back asleep. Waking up in the middle of the night cuts down on the time individuals spend in the most restorative stage of sleep, which is why individuals often feel as if they got little rest after a night of drinking.

“Coffee is the only thing in your life that is 100% on your side every day, with every cup…”
Jerry Seinfeld

Serious coffee drinkers probably do not need another excuse to enjoy their favorite beverage every morning, but if they need one, this is big. Recent research has found an eye-popping link between coffee consumption and serious gut health. And we humans need healthy guts.
Due to recent and ground-breaking research, coffee is now being credited for its many health benefits. I am convinced that coffee is almost a supernatural liquid. Packed with polyphenols (fiercely powerful antioxidants), coffee can protect your body against oxidative stress and its associated pathologies. Moderate coffee consumption has been linked to improved mood, lower risk of depression, reduced risk of stroke, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and some cancers. Drinking coffee has even been linked to the reduction in risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Multiple recent studies have shown a consistent and significant correlation between moderate coffee consumption (2-4 cups a day) and a reduced risk of all-cause mortality. Statistically, coffee drinkers tend to be healthier and live longer.
One recent study published in Nature Microbiology (a monthly peer reviewed scientific journal) revealed another amazing benefit found in our favorite breakfast beverage. Coffee supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This is whopping good news! (read it here:nature.com/articles/s41564-024-01858-9). Why do we need beneficial gut bacteria? Beneficial bacteria and a diverse microbiome in our gut is necessary for good health. Our gut is home to the majority of our immune cells. A happy and strong immune system is vital to protect our bodies from disease and maintain our strength. A healthy gut reduces inflammation and supports our digestion, allowing us to get the most benefit from the foods we eat. Our gut and our brains are also closely linked. Have you noticed that when you are anxious and nervous your stomach sometimes becomes upset? That is your brain and gut talking to each other.
So, how does coffee boost our gut health? The polyphenols in coffee, specifically chlorogenic acid and quinic acid, promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in our gut. These polyphenols work like prebiotics, feeding and encouraging the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
In this study, researchers wearing rubber gloves (hopefully), examined and analyzed smelly stool samples from 22,867 participants. They classed these humans into three groups: the never group (non-coffee drinkers and those drinking less than three cups a month), the moderate group (those drinking three cups a month to three cups a day), and the heavy group (those drinking more than three cups a day). The study found that the coffee drinkers had high levels of one specific beneficial bacteria strain in their gut–L. asaccharolyticus. For you science nerds out there, L. asaccharolyticus is a butyrate-producing bacterium. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that promotes gut health and has been linked to overall mental and physical well-being (i.e., happy, healthy people). So, how can we apply this new knowledge of coffee and gut health? What can we do? Drink coffee. Drink coffee every day. Encourage your family and friends to drink coffee. Maybe consider taking your coffee experience to the next level by upping your coffee game. Discard your stale grocery store and gas station coffee. Throw away your plastic K-Cups and crummy coffee pods and embrace the world of better coffee. Find a source for freshly roasted specialty coffee (you can find good coffee online from reputable roasters). Buy single origin and organic beans. Work on your coffee skills. Learn how to manually brew delicious coffee at home (master the French press and you’ll never go back to your percolator). Try different coffees from around the world. Become a coffee student and share your knowledge with your slew-foot friends. Make your coffee experience part of your life’s adventure and path to good health. Drink coffee, live long and prosper!
© 2025 Jody Dyer
typewriterweekly.com

In your opinion, what three tests tells you the most about a patient’s health in general?

“A complete blood count can tell you a lot,” Neel said. “The Chem 8 would be another one. It will tell me the electrolyte status, blood sugar, and kidney function, and a urinalysis is another test that gives us a lot of information. A complete Chem Panel will tell us the function of the liver, kidneys, and the gallbladder.”

What came first…fever or congestion?

We’ve all been told that antibiotics can only treat bacterial illness, but viruses just have to run its course. But when you go in to see the doctor, communicating the signs and symptoms in the order they occurred may be more important than you think.
“When a child starts out with congestion first, and then comes out with a fever, it’s more likely to be bacterial,” Dr. Neel said. “However, if the fever is first, and then followed by congestion a few days later—that indicates a viral illness.”
Lab work will help determine viral versus bacterial illness, but knowing the order that symptoms presented themselves is also an important part of the equation, and will be helpful information.

“First, listen to the patient, and learn to ask the right questions,” Dr. Neel said. “Secondly, make sure you do a thorough examination, and the third thing is to make sure the patient understands what you are telling them. Communicating is one of the hardest things.”
What are 3 things patients should know about doctors?
“First, no doctor knows everything. Secondly, if you are not getting better with the course of treatment they are giving you, follow up and ask about Plan B. Thirdly, doctors are dealing with people all day, who are sick, and at their worst. They just want to come in, and get back home, and get well,” Dr. Neel adds.
“On the other hand, doctors need to realize that patients may be a little more short-tempered and impatient, because they are sick and at their worst.”

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
April 7 is World Health Day, and this week we’d like to highlight one local business full of fruits and vegetables–literally! CrisTea’s in Devine all began with one woman’s quest to get healthy and stay healthy after a bout with Diabetes. With a goal to cook up something that tastes good, and is good for you, Cristina Hernandez soon brewed up CrisTea’s!
The little cafe features a fun menu of shakes and teas including “The Twister”, “California Orange”, “Red River”, “Paradise”, “Havana Cabana”, “The Boss”, “Grandma’s Milkshake”, and many more! Furthermore, each customer gets to choose how much, if any, sugar you want added in your shake.
Her drinks feature everything from Cactus, to Pineapples, Carrots, Apples, Aloe Vera, Lemons, Beets, Blueberries, Oatmeal, Bananas, and everything in-between!
She recently launched a large salad bar as well, with all the fixings and also offers sandwiches and croissants.
Health Benefits of Fruits
On Myplate.gov, you get a custom recommendation on how much fruit you should ideally consume in about 30 seconds by inputting your height, weight and a few other factors. In general, it states:
• Eating foods such as fruits that are lower in calories per cup, instead of other higher calorie foods, may help lower overall calorie intake.
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce the risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet may protect against certain types of cancers.
• Adding fruit can help increase the amount of fiber and potassium we eat. These are important nutrients that many people do not get enough of.
What’s so good about fruit, anyway?
Each and every fruit and vegetable has certain nutrients, and it’s amazing how different they all are. A simple search for benefits of pineapples, for example, comes up with a long list of benefits, including:
Digestive Health: • Contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids in protein digestion.
• Provides fiber, promoting regular bowel movements and improving gut health.
Immune System Support:
• Rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system.
• Contains bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties that may help fight infections.
Bone Health:
• Contains manganese, a mineral essential for bone health and preventing osteoporosis.
• Bromelain may also help reduce joint pain and inflammation.
Weight Management:
• Low in calories and fat, making it a healthy snack or dessert option.
• Provides fiber, which can help promote satiety and reduce cravings.
Antioxidant Properties:
• Contains vitamin C and other antioxidants that protect cells from damage.
• May help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Other Benefits:
• Contains vitamin B6, essential for nervous system function and red blood cell production.
• Provides potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
• May improve skin health due to its vitamin C and anti-inflammatory properties.

“Fish oil, vitamin D, CO-Q10, and Kefir,” Dr. Neel said.
“Vitamin D is good for boosting energy and mood, and is also believed to be anti-cancer. One study found that 70% of women with breast cancer in their study were deficient in Vitamin D. Co-enzyme Q10 (CO-Q10) seems to help people taking drugs for cholesterol, which depletes certain things that your body needs.”
Kefir is a dairy product available at most grocery stores, and Dr. Neel believes it’s the best pro-biotic available

By Catherine Richard
Last Friday evening, hundreds gathered at the John Lott Municipal Park for the Lytle Music Festival to enjoy live music and peruse the many vendor set-ups and food trucks.

Continue reading “Lytle celebrates its third music festival”