Category: Health & Lifestyles

Birth Announcements, Engagement Announcements, Feature stories and photos about local residents in Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Bigfoot/Moore areas. Also special features on the latest research and healthcare trends.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT…Fruits and Veggies to-go at CrisTea’s!

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.

City of Devine invites you to public hearing on Water & Sewer Rate Increases

“Another increase” to hit in fall

The Devine City Council will host a Public Hearing to discuss “Water & Sewer Rate Increases”. They want to hear from the citizens and update the citizens on their options and plans.
They will hold a public hearing on this matter on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Dr. George S. Woods Community Center, 200 E. Hondo Avenue in Devine, and precede the regular monthly meeting.
“At a public hearing people are able to talk and the council and I too. We can have conversations,” said David Jordan, City of Devine Administrator.

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What are some of the top three natural supplements?


“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

People travel here from all over the country to renowned horse farm

By Kayleen Holder
Mr. Jackie Keith knew he born to be a cowboy at a very young age. He landed his first job working gates at the auction barn in Frio County when he was just a young boy, 13 years old. Jackie and his wife Jody now run a very unique and well-respected horse business in South Texas. It’s been in operation for nearly three decades, and this year, the Keiths decided to settle down on a little piece of land closer to home, right here in Devine.

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What is your opinion on natural remedies?

While Doctor Neel does not practice alternative medicine, per se, he has seen natural medicine go a long way through the stories and experiences of patients.
“Doctors are taught to be skeptical of natural things that are out there, but in reality, there are a lot of really great supplements,” Dr. Neel said.
“There are doctors out there who specialize in that; so I don’t practice alternative medicine, but I do study it and I do use it myself. If there were three of me, one of me would probably practice alternative medicine,” Neel said.­­
“Some of my happiest patients are the patients who have found something natural that works and are able to stop taking drugs,” Dr. Neel said. “I had a lady who has had really bad psoriasis all her life—all over her body—she tried some pycnogenol (which is actually French maritime pine bark), and within a couple weeks, it was so much better.”

He is also a believer in…… CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com

Become a member for only $36 a year and keep up with IMPORTANT CITY, COUNTY, AND SCHOOL NEWS!

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Reservoir levels continue to drop, Medina County in most severe level of drought

The US Drought Monitor is classifying Medina, Frio, and Atascosa Counties as being in an “Extreme” Drought.
Centered directly above Medina County is an area classified as an “Exceptional Drought” (the highest level of drought).
“Groundwater and reservoir levels continued to drop in the San Antonio area amid very large precipitation deficits,” it notes, leading to the development of an area of exceptional drought centered above Medina.
Growing concerns about water security, especially with our rapidly growing Medina County area, recently prompted local cities and water groups to band together forming the “Regional Water Alliance”.

How does he do it?…Lewis Stroud,81 years young

At the age of 81 he is hanging up his whistle. Stroud has worked an estimated 6,000+ games in his career, running about 4 miles per varsity game, “which means Lewis ran the distance around the earth– 24,901 miles– on a basketball court,” said Butch Cook, presenting a plaque. We caught up with Stroud and picked his brain about how to stay so active and healthy. Here’s what he had to say…

By Kayleen Holder
He wakes up at 6 am every morning, and he takes his coffee black. More than likely, you’ve never seen Lewis Stroud frown, and that’s no accident! Whether you know him as coach, teacher, co-worker, or referee, Mr. Stroud is a friend to all, and for him, “being positive” is the only way to be. At 81 years old, he continues to get up and “go to work” each day– long after he retired–spreading encouragement and appreciation to everyone he meets, every chance he gets.

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