Cleveland County, OK April 2024

INVESTING

BROOKLYN ATNIP

WESTMOORE HIGH SCHOOL

Recent sports or academic highlight?

One of my very first years starting out in track I ran with my teammates and had the great opportunity to race at regionals and qualify for state! I am also a team captain as well!

Personal highlights?

My name is Brooklyn Atnip, My father’s name is Andrew Atnip and my mother’s name is Jackie Atnip. I compete in cross country and track and field. Outside of sports, I am a certified lifeguard, sister, and part-time college student. I enjoy hanging out with friends, and especially in nature.

How do you maintain balance?

Every morning, I work from 6 AM to 11 AM. Afterward, I go to school and then later on practice. I try my best to do as much work as possible at school. Although practice is tiring, I often go with my friends to OCCC to study and/or get ahead as much as possible. Creating lists helps, too!

Plans for the future?

In the fall of 2024 I will be attending Mid-America Christian University! From then on I will start with a major in biology, then transfer to nursing as the program continues to build. I intend to be an RN or even a pediatric nurse!

James Bond, MD

Ted Boehm, MD

Presented by Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

NATHAN ARYEEQUAYE

WESTMOORE HIGH SCHOOL

Recent sports or academic highlight?

Turning Setbacks into Comebacks

Getting accepted into the University of Oklahoma and being accepted into their President’s Leadership Class (PLC) program. This allows me to continue to sharpen my leadership skills at a high level and continue to lead others into paths of greatness!

Personal highlights?

I am the youngest of 3 siblings and my parent’s names are Jonathan Aryeequaye and Dorothy Quarcoopome. Being the baby of my family has taught me patience, developed a strong work ethic, and taught me how to be considerate of others. I have the opportunity to run track and have been running for 7 years at this point. I love videography, music, and God!!!

How do you maintain balance?

Balancing life, school, and sports is quite a challenge, but I just take intentional moments to breathe and remember the purpose for which I am in all of my different activities (Student Council Secretary, Black Student Union President, Moore Norman Technology Center Film Student, Worship Leader, and Track) which is to give God glory and do it well.

Plans for the future?

As I stated, I plan to attend the University of Oklahoma and major in Management Information Systems (MIS). This is a lucrative career and furthers my skills in technology-related things.

Brian Clowers, MD

Carl Fernandes, MD

Richard Kirkpatrick, MD

Zakary Knutson, MD

Jeremiah Maupin, MD

Aaron Smathers, MD

Joshua Wilson, MD

What Are You Invested In?

Welcome to our first issue devoted to the topic, "Investment." We've broken it down into several subject areas.

Health/Self Care

We have three pieces addressing ways to invest in your health.

Our "Now Open" column (page 28) takes a look at the newly dedicated Young Family Athletic Center, a 122,000-square-foot facility featuring pre mier basketball and volleyball courts, aquatics, sports medicine, youth sports, sports camps, leagues and a retail store. The facility stands as a testament to Norman’s commitment to the quality of life.

Our "Expert Help" column (page 22) shines the light on an innovative collaborative effort between a local dentist's office (Dental Design Studio) and a medical technology manufacturer and laboratory (IMMY) to devise a test to detect certain systemic pathogens associated with periodontal disease and systemic illnesses, such as Alzheimer's, gastrointestinal disorders and cancer. After several months in development, the test is now on the market.

In our Healthy Lifestyle column (page 42), you'll read about how the Premier Healthcare team is working to help their patients look and feel their best. Just a few of their offerings: weight management and nutritional counseling, hormone replacement therapy, and state-of-the-art, noninvasive treatments that destroy fat and help build muscle.

Home

In our "Decor Trends" column (page 50), we shine the light (pun intended!) on high-quality, dramatic lighting fixtures that not only make a design statement, but are also sure to keep their appeal and last for years to come. The Henry Home Interiors team can help you find the perfect lighting fixture to add drama, elegance and beauty, as well as light, to any space.

Community

In both our "Giving Back" and "Education Corner" columns (pages 32 and 36, respectively), we look at two nonprofits that are deeply invested in our community.

Loveworks Leadership (a program of Loveworks), geared specifically for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students, is offered at no cost to participants, and is designed to develop social skills, strengthen academic performance, and lower the level of risk-taking behaviors in this crucial age group.

Red Dirt Collective works to help secure food and necessities for our unhoused and low-income individuals and families through several initiatives.

We hope you enjoy reading about some of the ways your friends and neighbors are invested, whether it's in their own health, their home or their community. How are you invested?

CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/CLEVELANDCOUNTY

We are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal health. We understand that our role in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis, gingivitis and tooth decay is a vitally important component of achieving overall health. We are keenly aware of the benefit reducing inflammation in your mouth has on your body and your overall health. In our practice, we diagnose and treat gum disease and partner with our patients to achieve their optimal oral health. We care about our patients in the same way we care for our own families—wanting the best health for them and doing our part so we can help them achieve it! Our dental team is ready to help you achieve and maintain your oral health as well as your overall health. It is so important to take care of yourself- contact us so we can help you!

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT to come see

(405) 321-6166

city scene

fourth- and fifth-graders in the Norman Public Schools 5: The concerts educate stu-

of Martin Luther King, Jr. 6: Two students had a chance to conduct the orchestra in each of the performances.

CONTINUED >

At Urogynecology of Oklahoma, we are honored to have Dr. Pooja Singhal, a gastroenterologist work closely with our practice.

Gastroenterology is the field of medicine that refers to the function and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. A healthy digestive system is the key to a healthy body and mind, and leads the way to overall wellness.

If you are experiencing any digestive concerns, please call (405) 608-2772 to schedule an appointment or visit www.okgastrohealth.com

73120

city scene

business monthly

Young Family Athletic Center Opens

The City of Norman celebrated the opening of the Young Family Athletic Center ( YFAC.com) with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting on Feb. 19. The state-of-the-art, 122,000-square-foot facility, located at 2201 Trae Young Drive, offers premier basketball and volleyball courts, pickleball courts, aquatics, sports medicine, youth sports, sports camps, leagues and a retail store. See related story, page 28.

Virtue Center Games Set for April 26

Prepare yourself for a thrilling and engaging experience with the Virtue Center’s version of the Olympics, slated for April 26 at Ruby Grant Park. This inaugural event, with activities ranging from tug-of-war and eggon-spoon races to bumper bubble soccer and potato sack races, offers an opportunity for businesses and groups of individuals to partake in a distinctive and enjoyable competition. FMI, to register your team or to learn more about sponsorships, visit TheVirtueCenter.org

Beats & Bites Festival Returns to Riverwind in May

Riverwind Casino officials have unveiled the  Beats & Bites Festival lineup, with the four-concert series starting May 25. The series continues on June 22, Aug. 3 and Aug. 30. The first show will feature country music singer/songwriter Chris Janson (pictured) and country music singer Easton Corbin. Tickets $10 per person for ages 13 and older (children 12 and under admitted free) and can be purchased at  RiverWind.com and the day of each show.

Hands & Hearts Fundraising Luncheon Set for May 2

The Center for Children and Families’ annual Hands & Heart fundraising luncheon will be held Thursday, May 2, at Embassy Suites in Norman. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.; programming is from noon-1 p.m. Guests will enjoy a complimentary lunch and receive agency updates. Free to attend, but guests are asked to make a financial gift to the agency. RSVP at CCFINorman.org/rsvp-hands-hearts? blm_aid=120436737. To sign up as a Table Captain for the event, call 405.364.1420.

Photography: Kyle Phillips

CCFI Wins $10,000 Innovation Grant

The Center for Children and Families has been selected as the 2024 recipient of The Launch Innovation grant from United Way of Norman. The grant will fund CCFI’s new initiative, Parent Café: Connections & Conversations. Through these curated conversations, caregivers form connections with each other, build resiliency and grow confidence in their parenting abilities.

Author Tembi Locke to Visit PLS!

Spark a Change continues this spring with a second community read, From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home, with author Tembi Locke joining us in person! Events will be April 20 at the Southwest OKC Public Library (3 p.m.), April 21 at The Well and the Blanchard Public Library (noon and 3:30 p.m.) and April 22 at the Tecumseh Public Library (11:30 a.m.). Learn more at  PioneerLibrarySystem.org/ services/spark-a-change.

Scan to read more

Dewey Selmon Honored

Oklahoma legendary defensive lineman Dewey Selmon recently was selected to the 2024 College Football Hall of Fame Class. Selmon played with the Sooners from 1972-1975 and was a part of OU's national championship teams in 1974 and 1975. He was a two-time All-American and was selected in the second round of the 1976 NFL Draft. Selmon is the 24th former OU player to be named to the College Hall of Fame.

Henry Homes Interiors Sets Mother's Day Event

Henry Home Interiors will host local abstract artist Sara Kay during their Mother’s Day event. During these classes, slated from 6-8 p.m. on both May 8 and 9, Sara Kay will teach her signature painting techniques while patrons enjoy sips, sweets and charcuterie treats! Sign up at HenryInteriors.com/classes. Lifestyle readers also are invited to shop local businesses during Henry Home Interiors' SHOP UP Event, set from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. May 9 in their 10,000-square-foot showroom.

Pantry Partners Sets Fundraising Luncheon

Pantry Partners Inc. will hold its spring fundraising luncheon, this year carrying the theme “Beacon of Hope,” April 27 at The Railhouse, 102 W Eufaula St., in Norman. Beacon of Hope" aims to make a substantial impact, with all proceeds directly benefiting Pantry Partners, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit dedicated to fighting childhood chronic hunger and teen homelessness. For tickets and information on how to become a sponsor, visit PantryPartners.org.

Drs. Sara Spurlock and Jennifer Jenkins

BREAKTHROUGH IN PREVENTIVE DENTAL HEALTH CARE

DENTAL DESIGN STUDIO TEAMS UP WITH IMMY LABS TO DEVELOP LOW-COST, NONINVASIVE TEST

A new salivary test from IMMY Labs offers a breakthrough in preventive dental health care. Patients can now be tested to see if they are at risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and more through non-invasive saliva collection.

Dental Design Studio ( NormanDentist.com) is administering the new test in hopes of locating underlying systemic diseases to provide patients with personalized treatment plans. Last year, Dental Design Studio approached IMMY Labs in hopes of developing a salivary

“We want to make this as accessible as possible, because access to health care should not be dependent upon insurance.”

diagnostic test that would provide results at a short turnaround time. After six to eight months of development, OraPath hit the market with guaranteed results 48 hours after saliva collection.

“Certain bacteria in the mouth are linked to Alzheimer’s, gastrointestinal disorders and cancer,” said Maggie Burroughs, business administrator at IMMY Labs. “If someone is showing oral markers for gum disease, inflammation or bleeding, by running the OraPath test, doctors and dentists can use the results to decrease the risk of systemic health concerns.”

A member of Maggie’s family was diagnosed with dementia, where oral health directly contributes to the disease’s progression. If OraPath had been available sooner, she believes there might have been a way to mitigate the symptoms of dementia. With tests now actively in use, IMMY Labs hopes to expand its availability to help patients across the nation.

“We want to make this as accessible as possible, because access to health care should not be dependent upon insurance,” Maggie said. “Even if it is a simple, diagnostic tool, it should still be available to those who need it.”

At Dental Design Studio, Drs. Jennifer Jenkins and Sara Spurlock were accustomed to utilizing salivary diagnostics, yet the results were not as accurate or efficient as they would have liked. Their interest in developing new tests was spurred by the prevalence of diabetes in the state of Oklahoma.

“Our goal is always to make sure that we’re providing the most upto-date treatment options available.

“The test gives us conclusive evidence of what's happening in the patient's mouth,” Dr. Spurlock said. “Instead of just using clinical findings, we actually have lab test results that corroborate with what we’re seeing.”

Certain elevated pathogens are only consistent with diseases and are rarely present in a healthy mouth. When these are found, patients require personalized treatment plans to combat their systemic risk factors for disease.

Both dentists wanted to locate specific pathogens associated with both periodontal disease and systemic illnesses. With almost 60 different diseases currently being researched in conjunction with bacterial pathogens associated with periodontitis, the creation of OraPath serves as a risk assessment for patients.

“Our goal is always to make sure that we're providing the most up-to-date treatment options available,” Dr. Jenkins said. “After testing a patient's saliva, we can modify our treatment to add antibiotic therapy along with periodontal therapy to make sure that we're providing the best care for our patients.”

At Dental Design Studio, located at 561 Merchant Drive in Norman, patients have been receptive to the new salivary tests due to their non-invasive nature. By understanding the risks associated with particular bacteria in the mouth, patients now have access to information for maintaining proper oral health.

“What's happening in your mouth is just a glimpse of what's happening throughout your body,” Dr. Spurlock said. “We're just super passionate about helping people achieve health and making sure that our patients understand what their relative risks are. This test is just a really great way of making that possible.”

Athletic Center Young Family

The newly opened, $22.5 million, state-of-the-art Young Family Athletic Center ( YFAC.com) stands as a testament to Norman’s commitment to the quality of life.

“Thanks to Norman voters, the leadership of elected officials and fantastic partnerships in our community, we are able to see this dream become a reality,” Norman City Manager Darrel Pyle stated in a news release prior to the grand opening.

“This facility will undoubtedly become a sought-after venue for sports tournaments, rentals and longtime community engagement and partnerships, providing hours of enjoyment for residents and visitors alike. With four hotels boasting 600 rooms within walking distance, the YFAC is poised to become a hub for sports enthusiasts, families and athletes from all walks of life.”

The 122,000-square-foot facility offers premier basketball and volleyball courts, aquatics, sports medicine, youth sports, sports camps, leagues and a retail store.

The multi-sport gymnasium boasts:

• eight basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts and 18 pickleball courts

• a massive 74-foot video screen to display live games

• an aquatics area featuring two pools, including an eight-lane 25-yard competition pool with spectator seating and a four-lane 25-yard pool used as a warm-up pool during swim competitions

The facility also offers men’s and women’s locker rooms, professional diving blocks, a hospitality room, an officials meeting room, a conference room, and more. Other YFAC amenities include concessions, a small retail space, administrative offices, and tournament and team breakout rooms.

Gracing the entry roundabout is DiBari & Associates' iconic sculpture, "Elevate the Game," featuring the

“The completion of the Young Family Athletic Center is a testament to the vision and commitment of our community.”

— Jason Olsen, Parks & Recreation director

figures of a swimmer, a volleyball player and a basketball player. In the words of Vito DiBari, the 16.5' artwork is to become “a landmark honoring and representing the Young Family Athletic Center, its vision and the people of Norman.”

The facility, located at 2201 Trae Young Drive, off 24th Ave. NW, is a result of collaborative endeavors between the City of Norman, Norman Regional Health System and the Trae Young Family Foundation. The center is designed to be affordable and accessible to the community. The Parks & Recreation Department operates the athletics portion of the facility and is offering a membership and daily pass program that is available for purchase in-person and online at YFAC.com/cometotheyfac

The YFAC furthers the citizen-initiated Norman Forward mission to fund and create quality-of-life projects for the community. The total project budget for the Young Family Athletic Center is $22.5 million, funded through the Norman Forward sales tax, a $2.7 million construction supplement from the University North Park Tax Increment District, $4 million donations from the Trae Young Family Foundation, and $6.7 million from Norman Regional Health System for the NMotion sports and human performance center.

"The completion of the Young Family Athletic Center is a testament to the vision and commitment of our community,” said Jason Olsen, Parks & Recreation director.

“It not only provides world-class facilities for sports enthusiasts but also contributes significantly to the overall well-being of our residents.”

Red Dirt Collective:

Neighors Helping Neighbors

““We are a volunteer-led and -run organization, so donations are always very appreciated.”

Here in Cleveland County, we look after one another. We come together after big storms to help our neighbors. In Norman, one grassroots organization goes above and beyond every day—rain or shine—to make sure citizens receive the help they need now, while learning how to help themselves in the future.

I  spoke with Ashley Creed, a founding member of Red Dirt Collective (2023 recipient of the Norman Human Rights Award), about the nonprofit’s immense impact on the community. [Editor’s Note: Author Lindsey Davies is an active member of the Red Dirt Collective.]

TELL US A BIT ABOUT THIS NONPROFIT.

We are working to empower the lives of poor and working folks in Norman through mutual aid, organizing and political work. Our organizing area is in Ward 1, the poorest and most diverse ward in Norman.

WHAT IS YOUR MISSION AND YOUR IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY?

Through mutualism, we provide direct material support while working to foster mutual aid networks. We operate three pantries that our pantry team stocks daily, plus two other pantries located in the area and a free fridge that we stock once every two weeks. We also support the larger pantry network in Norman by creating awareness and helping run the Pantry Page Norman Facebook group. Every three months, we hold a Mutual Aid Fair. We also hold cooking programs for Norman Care-A-Vans and the Bus Barn.

Through organizing, we connect people dealing with the same struggles, empowering them to create solutions to these struggles. Through political work, we advocate for policies and candidates that are going to help poor and working folks.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR MUTUAL AID FAIRS

At our seasonal Mutual Aid Fairs, we provide clothing, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and bike and car brake light repair services. We also have several community partners who join us during this three-hour event and provide haircuts, books, pet food and resources, menstrual products, and connect people to services and other resources. Our Mutual Aid Fairs serve 200-600 people each, so we have helped between 2,400-7,200 people over the 12 we have had so far. This past August, we had around 618 people attend the fair!

AND WHAT ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY GARDEN?

We have a Community Garden at Colonial Commons Park that was started two years ago with the goal of connecting people from surrounding neighborhoods to us and each other. It started as a single plot and has now expanded to two plots and a large food forest. Anyone is welcome to come out and grab fresh veggies when they are ready! We also have workdays every Saturday at 10 a.m., and anyone can come out and help, no experience required.

WHAT CAN OUR READERS DO TO SUPPORT YOU?

If anyone is interested in helping RDC achieve our goals, we always welcome new volunteers. We are a volunteer-led and -run organization, so donations are always very appreciated. You can help us monetarily by becoming a monthly donor on Patreon or donating on PayPal or Venmo @ reddirtcollective. We can also arrange a pickup for any clothing and small household item donations you might have for our Mutual Aid Fairs. And anyone is welcome to make donations of shelf-stable food directly to the pantries, as well.

Through organizing, we connect people dealing with the same struggles, empowering them to create solutions to these struggles. “ ”

LOVEWORKS LEADERSHIP

Developing Middle School Leaders of Competence & Character

When the Loveworks Leadership program first opened its doors in 2011, it was created to fill an important need in the Norman community. Loveworks was designed to present a program geared specifically for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students, offered at no cost to participants, and designed to develop leadership, social, and life skills, strengthen academic

“Each element of the program is intentionally designed to cultivate our students’ potential.”

performance, and lower the level of risk-taking behaviors in this crucial age group.

“Despite the proven positive benefits associated with engagement in an after-school activity, many families just don’t have the time and financial resources they require,” explains Carolyn Spitler, Loveworks associate director.

“When a student attends Loveworks Leadership, we’re capturing the after-school hours of 4-6 p.m. Many middle school students spend this time glued to a screen where unknown content can surface and influence students positively or negatively. Instead, Loveworks enables every student to harness this time by allowing them to lead, learn life skills and improve their character.”

Lovework’s mission is to develop middle school students into leaders of competence and character, to help them live purposeful and productive lives.

This innovative after-school program focuses on building students’ leadership abilities, strengthening life skills and encouraging positive character development. Loveworks works directly with Norman Public Schools to provide transportation after school, and it works with community partners to also provide all participants with a nutritious snack and meals.

“Each element of the program is intentionally designed to cultivate our students’ potential,” Carolyn says.

Loveworks participants engage in activities designed to bolster teamwork and decision-making skills, grow problem-solving capabilities, and hone the ability to form effective habits. Throughout the year, students engage in project-based learning designed to develop confidence and public speaking skills. Each student is also encouraged to develop a

personal project each semester, which allows them to discover hobbies and explore potential career paths.

“Through these passion projects, students gain a better understanding of their interests and skills, which will bring clarity to their future path before they enter the workforce or continue post-high school education,” Carolyn adds. “Past students have explored projects focused on culinary arts, woodworking, animation, robotics, aviation and more.”

Loveworks students are introduced to entrepreneurship through a “micro startup” opportunity that helps them learn about product development, budgeting, marketing, pitching and sales. The experience ends in a “shark tank” style competition and a student sales fair. In addition, participants can take part in community service projects, which empower students to make an impact in their local community.

“Our groups study the mission of other local charities and organize a way to support them,” she explains. “They fundraise and serve through a variety of projects like bake sales, benefit nights, auctions and in-kind donations for food banks and shelters. Students build confidence and learn how to use their voice, an important leadership skill when advocating for a cause.”

When students leave Loveworks, staff hope that they will use the skills they learned in the program to become future leaders in the communities where they live and work. Having now served middle school students for more than a decade, Carolyn says that one of the most rewarding aspects of the program is seeing former participants give back directly to the program.

“Recently, one of our alumni graduated from OU, secured her first career-building job and has

“We hope students are awakened to their potential here, are exposed to needs in the community and have a light bulb moment for how they can make a difference.”

been helping with Loveworks’ grant writing,” she explains.

“We also had a former student who discovered her dream of being a CEO when she was with us in seventh grade. Last semester, as the CEO of her integrated business core company in OU’s College of Business, she was able to lead a team that donated over 500 hours of service to Loveworks. It was truly a full-circle moment!”

Loveworks enrolls interested students year-round, and middle school students can apply on the organization’s website. Donations in support of the program can also be made online, and community members are

encouraged to share their passion and skills as program volunteers.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to offer high-quality, intentional programming in a safe place, especially for middle school students, who often experience their own specific set of challenges,” Carolyn concludes. “We hope students are awakened to their potential here, are exposed to needs in the community and have a light bulb moment for how they can make a difference.”

For more information, visit  LoveworksLeader ship.org or  Facebook.com/LoveworksLeadership or on Instagram at @loveworksleadership.

“Our goal is always to help patients get off of medications and/or prevent having to be on medications for chronic illness through disease prevention. It is very satisfying to see our patients start living healthier lives and seeing their confidence skyrocket!”

EMSCULPT NEO

“Emsculpt Neo is a non-invasive treatment to permanently destroy up to 30% fat and gain 25% muscle mass in the treated area,” Dr. Redding-Slootheer says. “The treatments are about 30 minutes long, are non-invasive (no downtime!) and it usually takes four to six treatments, done once a week to see optimal results. We have packages available for different body areas, and you can treat almost every muscle group. Our core/Ab treatments are definitely the most popular for both men and women!”

EMSELLA CHAIR

The Emsella chair “uses electromagnetic energy to deliver thousands of pelvic muscle contractions, equivalent to about 12,000 Kegels (pelvic floor exercises) in 20 minutes, which helps re-educate the pelvic muscles. This can greatly improve—even permanently fix—incontinence symptoms and improve sexual health in both men and women.”

Dr. Redding-Slootheer notes that the patient is able to sit on the chair fully clothed during the treatment, and again, there’s no downtime! She recommends anywhere from six to eight once-weekly treatments for optimal results.

As the famous hair-coloring commercial states, “You’re worth it.” And yes, we believe that, too!

For this, our “invest” issue, we asked Dr. Amber N. Redding-Slootheer, DNP, APRN-CNP, co-owner and family nurse practitioner at Premier Healthcare, to share with our readers some of the ways they can help women and men “invest in themselves.”

Who doesn’t want to look as good as they can? The team at Premier Healthcare now offers Emsculpt Neo and Emsella treatments for men and women, and there are no needles or surgery involved.

CONTINUED >

WHAT WOMEN WANT

In addition to ab and glute enhancement via the Emsculpt Neo, Dr. Redding-Slootheer says many of the female patients come to them for hormone replacement therapy to help improve menopausal symptoms and energy levels.

“Semaglutide injections for weight loss, along with nutritional support, are also popular with women, as well as men,” she added.

WHAT MEN WANT

“Our Emsculpt Neo is popular with our male patients, whose focus is mostly the abs and love handles,” Dr. Redding-Slootheer says. “Roy [her husband and Premier Healthcare co-owner and family nurse practitioner) also offers hormone replacement therapy for men to help combat fatigue and build muscle mass, among other things, and Gainswave treatments. The Emsella chair is also great for our male patients, as it helps both with incontinence and performance by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.”

LONGER TERM SELF-CARE

“We like to focus more on health promotion and disease prevention rather than treating illnesses at our clinic,” Dr. Redding-Slootheer says, noting that the clinic offers cholesterol and diabetes screening and management and nutritional and weight loss advice, as well as helping patients optimize their health through high-quality supplements and vitamins.

“Our goal is always to help patients get off of medications and/or prevent having to be on medications for chronic illness through disease prevention. It is very satisfying to see our patients start living healthier lives and seeing their confidence skyrocket!”

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 5TH - 7TH

Medieval Fair

Reaves Park, Norman

Merriment abounds at more than six stages with storytellers, jugglers, minstrels, dancing, knights jousting on horseback and human chess games. Bring the whole family and ignite the spark of curiosity through educational entertainment, exhibits and demonstrations at one of Oklahoma’s most unique family events where the past is present. MedievalFair.org

APRIL 13TH

Norman Philharmonic Presents Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 ("Ode to Joy")

McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, Norman | 3:00 PM

The final event of the season will feature Beethoven’s masterwork which speaks of people of all ages and backgrounds uniting to create a world overflowing with compassion, love and joy. The 200-voice choir will include singers from the community, high schools, and universities along with a select group of high school instrumental students performing with the Norman Phil. NormanPhil.com

APRIL 13TH

Lebanese Food and Heritage Festival

Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Mission, Norman | 11:00 AM Free entrance and fun for the whole family. And, of course, FOOD! Enjoy freshly prepared Lebanese specialties and then shop the "bake sale" for your favorite foods to take home. Many can be frozen, so they will tide you over until the NEXT festival! MaroniteOk.org

APRIL 20TH

Honks & Horns Car Show

Sooner Mall, Norman | 9:00 AM

Head to the Sooner Mall in Norman to view rows of vehicles ranging from various makes and models, while also enjoying vendors and food trucks on-site. All registrations will have a chance to win prizes during the trophy ceremony in the afternoon. Don't miss this free, family-friendly event in Norman this April. NNBandBoosters.Square.Site

APRIL 21ST

Earth Day Festival 2024

Reaves Park, Norman | 12:00 PM

Join us for the 2024 Norman Earth Day Festival! This fun, family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Enjoy music, activities, learning, food, and beverages, while celebrating Earth! NormanOk.gov/Events/ Earth-Day-Festival-2024

APRIL 25TH - 27TH

Norman Music Festival

Main Street, Norman

The Norman Music Festival features  over 100 bands on multiple stages, featuring everything from indie pop to classic folk rock. This free, independent festival takes place on the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of historic Downtown E. Main Street, east of the railroad tracks in the Downtown Norman Arts District. NormanMusicFestival.com

The Ultimate Care for Your Ultimate Smile

BRIGHT to add flair WAYS 5

1. Delicate glass flowers are woven together in this intricately detailed fixture, lending a whimsical and feminine air to any space! Seen in Henry Homes Interiors’ Lavender Haze teen room in the 2003 Oklahoma Symphony Show House.

2. A massive, angula luminaire, formed from wrought iron sheets of perforated metal in an antique gold leaf finish. Evokes power, strength and masculine energy.

3. Mimicking the Century plant of the American desert with 22 lights surrounded by faceted crystals, this gilded chandelier gives a glam edge to the Agave plant. Henry Home Interiors friend, designer and client, Sheri Simon, chose to go BIG with two above her dining room table.

4. A wrought iron frame of concentric circles in a gold leaf finish adorns the ceiling of Henry Home Interiors’ Barbie sitting room in the 2022 Oklahoma Symphony Show House.

5. A truly one-of-a-kind option to grace your one-ofa-kind home! Each chandelier is crafted from saddle oyster shells that are hand-placed in florets, each organically unique.

Visit  HenryInteriors.com or their 10,000-square-foot showroom in Brookhaven Village in Norman to see more!