Advances in Medicine

Why North Texas women should attend life-changing sleep lecture series

Every night in many households across the nation, women find it challenging to get the necessary seven to nine hours of sleep. Some suffer from sleep-related conditions. Some have a hard time managing stress and anxiety. And then there are others who are experiencing physical changes that make sleep uncomfortable or difficult.

It’s for these reasons that Texas Health Resources and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health have come together to bring North Texas women a lecture series called “Women and the Importance of Sleep.” The lectures are designed to provide education on the importance of sleep by emphasizing the mind-body connection, as well as possible illnesses that can result from a sleep deficiency. Other topics covered in the lecture series include sleep debt and tips for getting more peaceful rest.

This lecture series epitomizes the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health’s successful hospital partnerships. The Laura W. Bush Institute focuses on women’s health issues as well as sex- and gender-based medicine.

Call to action
The impetus for the lecture series is both prudent and pragmatic. For women, a sleep deficiency can lead to a host of chronic health and wellness issues. Although many busy women think of sleep as a luxury, it’s truly a necessity.

The physicians who lead the lecture series explain the risks associated with a lack of sleep (including the increased risk for illness), clinical sleep disorders, and ways to cope with everyday life events so that sleep can improve. Attendees are invited to hear the expert medical commentary free of charge.

Learn more about the unique sleep experiences and challenges for women, as well as a host of other sleep-related topics, by attending the Advances in Medicine lecture series. Upcoming lectures are scheduled for October 15 at Texas Health Plano, October 16 at Texas Health Dallas and October 24 in Allen.

Lectures are complimentary with limited space. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling 877-847-9355.

---

Note: Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital.

Animal News

Dallas animal shelter invites residents to host a pet during holiday

DAS

Husky at Dallas Animal Services

Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is inviting the community to help bring pets “Home for the Holidays” by adopting or fostering during one of the shelter’s busiest times of the year.

DAS has achieved strong positive outcomes this quarter, including adoptions, foster-to-adopt placements, and underage foster placements, with 1,377 in October and 1,378 in November. The department is now working toward a December goal of 1,400 positive outcomes, with 588 completed so far this month.

“We are grateful for the support our community continues to show,” said Victoria Chittam Bennett, Assistant Director. “Every adoption opens a kennel for another pet in need, and the holidays are an especially meaningful time to welcome a new companion.”

This season, adopters will also have the chance to participate in the Friends of Dallas Animal Services (FODAS) 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways, fully funded and supported through donations from generous community supporters. For more information about this initiative, visit friendsofdas.org and watch out for announcements on social media.

Holiday staycations
Residents who may not be ready to adopt can still support DAS pets by participating in Silent Night Holiday Staycations, a short-term foster opportunity that gives dogs a relaxing break from the shelter during the holiday period.

Pickup dates are scheduled for December 20-21, with drop-off options on December 27-28 or January 3-4. Participants typically spend 1-3 hours at the shelter selecting a foster match, and contact with pets outside the home should be limited. Questions may be directed to DASFtA@dallas.gov.

“Holiday Staycations allow our dogs to decompress and show their personalities in a home environment,” said Amanda Earl, Assistant Director. “The insight we receive from these foster stays is invaluable in helping pets find permanent homes.”

DAS encourages the community to adopt, foster, volunteer, or share adoptable pets to help meet December’s lifesaving goals.
“Together, we can bring home the holidays for the pets relying on us,” said Director Paul Ramon.

For more information on adoptable pets, holiday programs, or ways to get involved, visit https://bedallas90.org/ or stop by the DAS Shelter at 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd.

animals