Lifestyle

Exercise benefits the body in myriad ways. Studies have shown that routine exercise can help people effectively maintain healthy weights, sleep better at night and have more energy throughout the day. But exercise also may play a role in preventing one of the world’s most deadly diseases.

It’s good to have the necessities when traveling. For some families that might mean Doritos and a good cheese dip, or maybe carrots and low fat-ranch.

The City of Mesquite has announced it is offering its residents access to free mental health counseling and referral services through a new partnership with the AZAR Foundation. Residents can call 833-298-9111 to schedule a virtual or in-person session for individuals, couples and groups.

StatePoint

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 8.8 million young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 report having a mental illness. Among those who reported such illnesses, 42 percent indicated their illness went untreated. Substance abuse disorders also are more common among 18- to 25-year-olds than many people may think. SAMHSA notes that 5.1 million young adults report having a substance abuse disorder, and 87 percent of those with disorders are not treated. More information about mental health and substance abuse, including how to find treatment, is available at www.samhsa.gov.

StatePoint

Boy Scout Troop 339 recognized its most recent Eagle Scout, Peter Morgan, in an Eagle Court of Honor ceremony on October 25. Peter is the youngest of ten children of Frank & Dorothy Morgan of Forney.

Forney Messenger photojournalist Larry Golden captured some frightful sights around Forney on Halloween. Children and adults alike were treated to a wide array of spooky and not-so-spooky decorations last weekend, as they journeyed out to go trick-or-treating or visit various events in the area.

As occasional bear sightings continue to crop up in the west and southwestern portions of the state, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) encourages residents to practice bear safety as the likelihood of spotting a bear in a populated area increases. Black bears are native to Texas and are a part of our natural heritage and the Texas ecosystem.

Until recently, you might have noticed my columns have been more about past experiences in the outdoors and tips rather than the usual ‘on the scene’ style that I am accustomed to. A couple months ago, I underwent prostate surgery. I’m doing fine now but I won’t kid you, there was a period of about two months where I was definitely not hitting on all eight cylinders. A couple weeks ago I enjoyed my first post surgery fishing trip with my good friend Seth Vanover at Lake Fork, and just last week, I spent some time hunting with a couple of other great friends, Jeff Rice and Larry Weishuhn. So, let me recount these two outings that actually fit nicely together.

When it comes to driving, I’ve always allowed my husband to take control of the wheel. Sitting in the passenger seat is so much easier than differentiating the brake from the gas pedal or driving between the lines, so I figure I’ve gotten the better end of that deal. But with driving comes the other “D” word: directions.

I am supposing that many of you recognize the lyrics above, but that many of you cannot remember who sang those songs.

With a little creativity, having fun while following social distancing guidelines can be an opportunity to carve out brand new experiences.