Articles

 

It is estimated that 1 in 10 Americans has Diabetes and many people have not been diagnosed yet.  More than 1 in 3 adults have prediabetes symptoms-elevated blood sugar levels, but haven’t crossed the line to becoming diabetic.  The high blood sugar levels are a red flag to make changes in your life.

 

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not product enough insulin or when you body cannot affectively use the insulin it produces.  When sugar levels are too high for extended periods of time, it can lead to serious health problems-heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

 

There are two main types of diabetes- type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 occurs when the body doesn’t produce any insulin.  This type is typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.  

Type 2 is when the body does not produce enough insulin or when your body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.  Type 2 is usually diagnosed in adulthood.

Symptoms of diabetes-

·       Frequent urination

·       Excessive thirst

·       Fatigue

·       Weight loss

·       Abdominal pain

·       Blurred vision

 

Seek medical care if you experience some of these symptoms.

 

Causes of Diabetes- is unknown, but is attributed to a combination of genetics, diet, exercise or lack of are all factors in becoming diabetic.

 

Complications of diabetes can lead to-

·       Heart disease

·       Nerve and eye damage

·       Stroke

·       Kidney disease

Diabetes can also increase the chances of infections in your body and make it more difficult for wounds to heal.  

 

Management of living with diabetes-

·       Lifestyle changes in diet and exercise can help control blood sugar levels

·       Monitoring your levels is also a key component in taking care of yourself.

·       Medications may be required to help you control your blood sugar levels

 

Be aware of these common symptoms-

·       Thirsty

·       Weight fluctuation

·       Urinating more than normal

·       Abdominal pain

·       Blurry vision

·       Dry mouth

·       Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

 

Finally, no one knows your body like you.  Please don’t fool yourself, even at a young age, listen to your body.

Many people function well and live normal lives with type 1 or 2 diabetes.  

Mary Tyler Moore lived into her 80’s as a type 1 diabetic, Nick Jonas is a type one diabetic and a successful quarterback in the NFL(Jay Cutler) was diagnosed at 24 years old, while already in the NFL with type 1 diabetes and had a long successful career.  Jay said, “ this disease is something you go to bed with every night and get up with every morning.  You don’t get to take a day off of taking care of yourself”.

Other type 2 diabetics you may have heard of- Tom Hanks, Brett Michaels, Larry King and Paula Dean among many others.

 

 

Fall Home Maintenance

As the cool, and hopefully soon, cold fronts move in on the Houston area, take advantage of the weather and the last couple of weeks before Daylight Savings ends to perform some basic fall home maintenance. 

 

Inspect the weather stripping on all exterior doors to ensure it will properly keep the warm air in and the cool air out. One method to test the weather stripping on the bottom of the door is to lay a dollar bill between the door jamb and the bottom of the door and close the door. If you can easily slide the bill back and forth, you may need a new weather stripping. Another method that works for both the bottom and sides of the door is to inspect for visible lighting through the door jamb. To do this at night, leave interior lights on, turn exterior lights off, and go outside. If you can see light around the door jamb at the bottom, the weather stripping should be replaced or adjusted. If light is visible on the sides, you may be able to adjust the door within the jamb or add, adjust, or replace weather stripping.
 
Inspect attic insulation to confirm adequate coverage with no voids. Fill any voids to ensure even blanket coverage, refresh or fluff any insulation that is squashed or compacted. Make sure insulation is not covering soffit vents which are designed for unobstructed air flow.
 
Clean return air vents to remove dust build up. First, shut off power to the heating and a/c system. Next, unscrew and remove the return air vent cover from the wall. Using a brush or damp cloth and cleaner, clean the vent cover. Using a hose connection, vacuum the opening and what you can reach inside the duct.
 
Replace the furnace filter and test your heater now rather than waiting until you need it. This will give you time to schedule any repairs or maintenance that may be needed rather than having to call it in for emergency repairs when the temps really drop. The first time you turn the heater on after a long summer season of cooling, you may smell a burning odor, or possible light smoke. This is common but should dissipate within 5 to 10 minutes. If odor or smoke persist, have the heating system serviced by a licensed, experienced HVAC contractor.
 
Clean gutters and downspouts to make sure no blockage is present. After removing leaves and debris, flush out the gutters with a hose to be certain water flows freely. Water should be discharged from the downspout a minimum of 4 feet from the house. This is a great time to install downspout extenders, if needed. Inspect the brackets securing the gutters and downspouts to ensure they are properly tightened and providing adequate support.

Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey

 

Ingredients

2 tablespoons dried parsley
2 tablespoons ground dried rosemary
2 tablespoons rubbed dried sage
2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves
1 tablespoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1 tablespoon salt
1 (15 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
1 medium orange, cut into 8 wedges
1 medium onion, chopped into large pieces
1 medium carrot, cut into 1/2-inch slices 
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 (750 milliliter) bottle champagne
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth

 

Directions
Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a roaster with sheets of aluminum foil long enough to wrap around turkey.

Stir parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, lemon-pepper seasoning, and salt together in a small bowl.

Rub herb mixture into turkey cavity, then stuff with orange wedges, onion, carrot, and celery. Tie turkey legs together with kitchen string, then tuck the wings under the body.

Place turkey on the foil in the roasting pan. Pour champagne and chicken broth over turkey, making sure to get some liquid in the cavity.

Bring aluminum foil up and over the top of turkey and seal; try to keep the foil from touching the turkey.

Roast turkey in the preheated oven until juices run clear, 2 ½ to 3 hours. Uncover turkey and continue baking until the skin turns golden brown, 30 to 60 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh, near the bone, should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C).

Remove turkey from the oven, cover with two sheets of aluminum foil, and allow to rest in a warm area before slicing, 10 to 15 minutes.

October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer for American women outside of skin cancer.

Regular mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early and allow treatments to be more effective. 

Screening is recommended, beginning at age 40.

FACTs about breast cancer;

●      264,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year

●      Most incidents of breast cancer are found in women over 50 years of age, although younger women can be diagnosed with this disease.

●      Men have a slight chance as well of getting breast cancer, but the odds are low.

How can you lower your risk of getting breast cancer?  You can know and be aware of your heredity traits and family history, but it  hard to is affect your family history.

There are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting breast cancer.

●      Watch your weight and exercise regularly

●      Choose not to drink alcohol or drink in moderation

●      Breastfeeding if possible is a deterrent 

●      Avoid smoking or quit smoking

●      Manage your stress

Symptoms of breast cancer;

●      Many times, there are no symptoms in the early stages of breast cancer(why screenings are so important)

●      Change in the size or shape of your breast

●      A lump in your breast or under your arm

In closing, things to do for yourself and your family;

●      Get your screenings regularly

●      Do self exams, no one knows your body like you do

●      Exercise regularly and eat well

 

EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER IS THE KEY TO YOUR WELL BEING

HCMUD 365 - Installation of Smart Meters

 

 

The Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 365 (HCMUD 365) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the upcoming rollout of the installation of smart meters in the District! Installations began September 9, 2024, and will continue through the end of the year.

 

The smart meters will replace your current water meter. The entire process will take place in phases and will be completed in approximately four to five months, as there are over 1,200 connections in the District, between residential and commercial meters.

 

Prior to a street being changed out, door hangers will be distributed to let residents know they are next on the rollout. Crews will place signs in the areas they are working to let residents know what is going on.

 

Before a residential meter is changed out a crew member will knock on the door and let someone present know water will be off for about 15-20 minutes, before the installers proceed. If there is no answer:

1.         If the meter is running, the crew will hold off and return later

2.         If the meter is not running, the crew will change it out

3.         If, after changeout, the meter is running and the resident is not home, the crew will shut off the curb stop and leave a tag for the homeowner to check for leaks  (This is atypical and an uncommon result)

 

Please note: Due to the manner in which the meters are installed, there is a possibility of discolored water afterwards.  When water lines are closed off to replace the meters, residents may experience momentary discolored water at their taps, and the plumbing lines may need to be run for a few minutes to clear that discolored water.

 

As meters are changed out, they will be activated and will start collecting data. They will store up to 42 days of data. Each week, Accurate Meter will give a list of meters that were changed out to Si Environmental, who will tie them to customer accounts and add them to the billing software. This should run 1-2 weeks behind meter install.

 

After Si Environmental adds them to the billing software, the meters will be available on “EyeOnWater” (Customer Portal) website and mobile app for iOS and Android.

 

Once installation is complete in your section and the account is tied to the EyeOnWater software, you will receive a notification from the Si Environmental that includes information regarding how to set up your online EyeOnWater account. This notification will be mailed to your residence unless you have an email address on file associated with your water account. The enrollment process is less than five minutes and will allow you to monitor your usage and set up leak alerts to notify you via text or email if the meter detects high usage.

 

If you have any questions regarding the changeover, please reach out to the District via the Contact form on the website, or contact the District's operator at https://www.sienviro.com/.

Fitness Tips for Busy Parents

(When kids go back to school)

 

Even though summer break is enjoyable because of quality time shared with the family, many parents agree, that is a bit of a relief when the kids are back in school. It can be hard to find the time to implement a fitness routine when the kids are home all summer.

 

With school starting back, now is a great time to devote some time to yourself and set diet and exercise goals.

 

Fitness during the school year

 

When setting up all the family calendars of “To Do’s”, make sure to mark time to prioritize for your goals.  This may be difficult and take careful planning, but setting up an exercise plan and goal can help energize you and boost your self-confidence.

You may only have 30 minutes in the morning or afternoon 2-3 times a week, but you can plan and maximize that time to fit in your workout routine.

 

Exercise ideas during the school year

 

Walk your kids to school, a great way to start your day and accomplish a task. If you drop your kids off in the car, dress to workout and head for the fitness center or the trails. You can set a route on the trail that fits your time constraints.

 

Tips for staying on track with your diet and fitness routine

 

Do meal prep on the weekend with as many items as possible and then divide them up the night before into containers for the kids. Lay out your clothes and the kids clothes for the next day.

 

Setting yourself up for success

 

Do things you enjoy or at least know you will be consistent with. If you like running, run, if not, walk or bike.  The fitness center has plenty of options to exercise moderately or get in a more intense workout.  Many of our residents come into the fitness center and have a routine they have downloaded on their phone and follow that to get a workout in.

 

Lastly, do not stress over missing a workout. It isn’t the end of the world.  If you have a goal, you can get back on track.  It is going to rain, you are going to get behind and be in a rush some mornings.  Set that end goal and reach for it.

In the heart of Houston’s automotive culture, Cars and Coffee in Coles Crossing has evolved from a modest neighborhood gathering into a regional sensation. Huy Lam, who took the reins three years ago, has been the driving force behind this flourishing event.

 

The event’s roots trace back to a neighbor’s original vision. Lam, initially involved as a helper, stepped up when the organizer moved away. “I’ve been organizing it for about three years now,” Lam says, reflecting on the event’s growth from a local Coles Crossing affair to a popular meet-up spot for car enthusiasts from Tomball, Houston, Fairfield, The Woodlands, and Jersey Village.

Cars and Coffee has become a showcase for a wide range of vehicles, from vintage domestic cars and modern performance sedans to German and Japanese imports, and even historic models like the Ford Model T and VW Beetle. “We have no restrictions on who can participate,” Lam explains. “If you’re passionate about cars, you’re welcome here.” This inclusive spirit has fostered a rich community where enthusiasts connect and share their love for automobiles.

 

Organizing an outdoor event comes with its challenges. “Weather is a big factor,” Lam admits. “Deciding whether to cancel due to rain or thunderstorms can be tricky.” Additionally, Lam’s team strives to be considerate of nearby residents by discouraging excessive noise, maintaining a respectful environment for all.

 

The event’s success is driven by increased visibility through advertising and social media. “We’re seeing newcomers from different parts of Houston,” Lam notes. Partnerships with local businesses, including Lam’s own dental clinic, HDentaL, which provides coffee, have further supported the event and strengthened community ties.

 

For newcomers, Lam offers a friendly invitation: “You don’t need to bring a car! Feel free to come out, chat, and enjoy the event. It’s free and open to everyone.” The Cars and Coffee event remains a vibrant celebration of automotive passion, bringing together people from all walks of life to share in the joy of cars.

 

“Join us next month to experience the magic of Cars and Coffee for yourself. Who knows? You might just drive away with a new friend or two.”

Please join us for our seventeenth annual Coles Crossing Turkey Trot and Family Fun Run/Walk. The three mile (5 Kilometer) run/walk will start and finish on the grounds at the Community Center. The course will start and finish at the Community Center. The course is changing this year because of construction on the trails. The event will start at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 28th. In case of rain the rain date will be Saturday, November 30th.

 

•    Registration IS REQUIRED for this free event at  https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Cypress/2024ColesCrossingTurkeyTrot. 

 

All residents and guests are invited. Strollers & friendly pets on leashes are welcome. Due to the large number of participants walking, bicycles are not recommended. Parking is limited but available at the Community Center if needed. 

A donation of any canned or non-perishable food would be appreciated and collected at the start of the Turkey Trot. All donations will be taken to a local charity. 

 

 

 

Caramel Apples

 

Ingredients
8 large tart apples
8 wooden chopsticks for handles
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

 

Directions
Gather all ingredients.

 

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Dip apples in boiling water for a few seconds, using a slotted spoon, then dry with paper towels to remove any wax from the peels. Set apples aside to cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Insert sticks into the bottom of each cooled apple through the core for a handle.

 

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Stir brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and butter together in a saucepan over medium-high heat.

 

Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce heat to medium. Cook until a candy thermometer reads 248 degrees F (120 degrees C), stirring constantly to prevent burning, about 25 to 30 minutes. A teaspoon of caramel dropped in a glass of cold water, should form a firm ball.

 

Remove caramel from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

 

Working quickly, dip each apple into the hot caramel to completely coat the apple and about 1/2 inch of the wooden handle.

 

Sprinkle apples with any desired toppings while still hot.

 

Let caramel apples cool on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 hour. Use caution, caramel is very hot.