Dallas Neurosurgical & Spine doctors Jeremy Denning, MD, and Krishna Satyan, MD, are gearing up for World Spine Day, by providing tips for better back health. World Spine Day, which is observed annually on Oct. 16, aims to raise awareness of spine pain and related conditions.

Back pain is widely reported as the leading global cause of disability and one of the world’s most common medical conditions. Lower back pain alone affects more than 619 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

“These are staggering statistics and something that we want to help change,” says Dr. Denning. “There are a lot of things that you can do at home to reduce pain and improve back health – small changes that can make a big difference.”

Dr. Denning and Dr. Satyan are both fellowship-trained and board-certified neurosurgeons in Plano. They agree that one of the most common causes of back pain is also one that can often be addressed at home without medical intervention: poor body mechanics. Body mechanics is the coordinated use of muscles, bones and the nervous system to maintain posture, balance and efficient movement. Improper body mechanics can lead to back pain, stress, stiffness and even chronic conditions such as degenerative arthritis.

“Maintaining proper body mechanics is key to maintaining good back health, and body mechanics covers a wide variety of things,” notes Dr. Satyan. “For example: your sleep position. If you sleep on your stomach, you can cause your neck to twist, straining your neck and musculature. In addition, it can lead to increased strain on your lower back. Instead, try sleeping on your back or your side to keep your spine more aligned.”

Another potential body mechanics issue is related to the prolonged use of cell phones, tablets or other handheld electronic devices. This issue affects people of all ages and is becoming more and more prevalent amongst younger generations, says Dr. Satyan.

“When we hunch over our electronic devices for extended periods, it puts a lot of pressure on the muscles and ligaments in our necks and backs, which can lead to discomfort, chronic pain and even permanent changes in posture,” says Dr. Satyan. “Sit or stand up straight and take regular breaks to stretch and move around.”

Instead of using handheld electronic devices, whenever possible, Dr. Satyan recommends using a computer. To be most effective, he suggests one that sits on a flat surface with an eye-level screen.

“If you have the option, try using an eye-level computer screen, whenever possible. When you’re looking straight at the screen instead of down, there’s less pressure on your back and neck.”

When viewing a computer screen, Dr. Denning recommends changing positions every so often. This will also help improve back health.

“If you’re sitting at a computer for long periods of time, you need to be able to change positions every so often to help prevent back pain and stiffness,” says Dr. Denning. “Consider using a Swiss exercise ball, instead of a chair, or try a stand-up desk. If those aren’t an option for you, then just stand a little more, whenever you can. Once an hour, every hour-and-a-half or so, stand up, stretch and walk around for a minute or two. If you need an excuse for walking around, use that time to get a glass of water. This also helps you to stay hydrated, and proper hydration is one of the most important things you can do for your health.”

Dr. Denning explains that while staying hydrated helps with back health and overall health, different people need different amounts of water. When determining how much water to drink, a wide variety of variables need to be carefully considered, such as personal activity levels, weight, existing medical conditions and salt intake.

“Staying hydrated helps keep the muscles, organs, joints and even the discs in your back healthier,” says Dr. Denning. “But different people need different amounts of water to be properly hydrated. You don’t want too much or too little – you need just the right amount, and the right amount is different for everyone. If you aren’t sure how much you need, talk with your doctor or nutritionist.”

Both doctors agree that dedicating regular time to stretching and exercise can also help ensure better back health.

“Exercise strengthens bones and muscles and helps increase blood flow and oxygen throughout your body, including your back. Both core strengthening and cardiovascular exercise are important for maintaining good back health. Focus on the extensor muscles, which are the muscles that hold the body upright,” notes Dr. Satyan. “Start out small, so you don’t overdo it, and consider asking a friend to join you. It can be more fun and help keep you motivated.”

For people who aren’t sure where to start, Dr. Denning recommends neck rolls and shoulder rolls.

“They’re easy to do and can be done virtually anywhere,” he says. “You can also try side planks or face-down planks. I try to do these in my office in between patients, a few times a day. It doesn’t have to take up a lot of your time or be overly involved. Just a little more movement here and there can go a long way toward improving your back health, both short- and long-term.”

About the doctors:

Both doctors are board certified by The American Board of Neurological Surgery. Dr. Denning is a neurosurgeon with Dallas Neurosurgical & Spine and chief of the neurosurgery department at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano. Dr. Satyan is a neurosurgeon with Dallas Neurosurgical & Spine and the director of skull base surgery at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano.

Bruce Wood Dance Dallas launches its 17th season with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, an imaginative triple-bill packed with humor, vivid theatricality, and storytelling for all ages. The program features the highly anticipated Dallas premiere of Joy Bollinger’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the world premiere of Noelle Kayser’s Hänsel und Gretel, and a revival of founder Bruce Wood’s beloved classic, Schmetterling.

Performances take place in the Dallas Arts District on Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14 at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, November 15 at 2:00 PM at Moody Performance Hall (2520 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201). Tickets range from $27 to $79 at TicketDFW.com. Student and senior rush tickets ($15) are available at the box office 90 minutes prior to showtime. For group sales, contact boxoffice@ticketdfw.com or call 214-871-5000.

Program Highlights:

• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Dallas Premiere) | Choreography by Joy Bollinger | A new production and choreography commissioned in 2025 by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Robert Spano Music Director. Bruce Wood Dance Dallas Resident Choreographer Joy Bollinger’s acclaimed adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale transports audiences through a spectacular journey down the rabbit hole complete with vivid digital imagery by projection designer Courtney Ware. Scott Cantrell of The Dallas Morning News hailed the work as “unflaggingly imaginative… delightful from start to finish.”
• Hänsel und Gretel (World Premiere) | Choreography by Noelle Kayser
  Award-winning Chicago-based choreographer Noelle Kayser brings a fresh, contemporary lens to classic storytelling. Drawing inspiration from the Brothers Grimm fairytale Hänsel und Gretel, Kayser creates an imaginative new work crafted for audiences of all ages.
• Schmetterling | Choreography by Bruce Wood®
  Set to the piano concertos of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, this celebrated 2004 masterwork showcases founder Bruce Wood’s rare ability to translate music into pure physical emotion. As Fort Worth Weekly noted, "Wood can pierce the grandiloquent facade of Mozart’s style to find the humanity shining within."

About the Artists:

• Joy Bollinger (Resident Choreographer & Répétiteur): Called the “poet of dance” by dance critic Margaret Putnam, Bollinger has created numerous acclaimed works for the company repertoire. Her "evocative and lyrical" choreography has earned her widespread praise and a spot among D Magazine’s “Women Who Make Dallas Great.”
• Courtney Ware (Projection Designer): A Sundance-featured filmmaker and Independent Spirit Award nominee, Ware is co-founder of Dallas’ LightWare Labs. She specializes in creating immersive visual stories that redefine the theatrical experience and push the boundaries of how digital projection can move an audience.
• Noelle Kayser (Choreographer): Named one of NewCity Magazines, “The 50 People Who Really Perform for Chicago,” Noelle Kayser is a Chicago-based choreographer working in dance, opera, and film. She is the Founding Resident Choreographer for Open Space; a BalletX Choreographic Fellow; and a Jacob’s Pillow Ann and Weston Hicks Choreography Fellow. Her short dance film “dust”—produced by Open Space—has been screened throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Bruce Wood (Founder & Choreographer): The late founder of Bruce Wood Dance Dallas, Wood was a visionary force in American contemporary dance. Renowned for his emotionally charged, highly athletic, and deeply musical choreography, his legacy continues to inspire dancers and audiences nationwide.

About Bruce Wood Dance Dallas

Led by Artistic Director Melissa M. Young, Bruce Wood Dance Dallas is a nationally acclaimed contemporary dance company renowned for its "emotionally charged and highly kinetic" repertoire. The company, which builds on the prolific artistry of its founder, Bruce Wood, has been recognized as "Best Dance Company" by D Magazine six times. Having performed at prestigious venues nationwide, including The Joyce Theater and the Guggenheim Museum, the company's repertoire features innovative new works by contemporary choreographers and masterworks by legends such as Lar Lubovitch, Jiří Kylián, and Twyla Tharp.

Bruce Wood Dance Dallas programs and events are made possible in part by the following sponsors: Heritage Auctions (HA.com), City of Dallas Office of Arts+Culture, Texas Commission on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, Halperin Foundation, James Lynn Williams, Patricia Kozak, The Eugene McDermott Foundation, TACA, James Avery Artisan Jewelry, *TRACE Element, KERA, Rodger Kobes + Michael Keller, Generations of Giving Foundation, Donna Wilhelm Family Fund, E. Fay Jones Conservancy, Lancaster+Associates, Inc., Communities Foundation of Texas, Carrington Coleman, Texas Commission on the Arts/Cultural District Project, and Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District.

Bruce Wood® is a registered trademark.

Breakthrough T1D North Texas Area has announced Lindsay Pittard as its new territory executive director for the Dallas, Fort Worth and Oklahoma Chapters of Breakthrough T1D. 

With more than 20 years of nonprofit and community leadership experience, Pittard brings a strong track record of strategic leadership, territory management, fundraising, corporate partnerships and community engagement. Her career has centered on bringing people, organizations and resources together to advance mission-driven work and create meaningful community impact.

Most recently, Pittard served as Vice President of Operations & Strategy for the Women’s Business Council – Southwest (WBCS), providing executive oversight across certifications, business development, community partnerships, events, programs and communications. She supervised key organizational initiatives including relationship cultivation of more than 80 corporations, 1,400 women-owned businesses and numerous community organizations, delivering more than 50 events annually.

Her career includes leadership experience with ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, where she developed extensive expertise in peer-to-peer fundraising, corporate engagement, community relations and nonprofit leadership. During her time with ALSAC, Pittard played a key role with the Minden St. Jude Auction, supporting the town of Minden, Louisiana, through a significant milestone as the auction raised more than $1 million for the first time under her leadership. The memorable achievement reflected the power of strong community relationships, dedicated volunteers and a shared commitment to the St. Jude mission.  

Pittard’s career has been defined by a passion for bringing people together around a shared purpose. She said, “I’m incredibly honored to join Breakthrough T1D and to have the opportunity to continue serving the North Texas and Oklahoma communities. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the extraordinary impact that happens when passionate people, businesses and communities come together around a shared mission.”

A proud Louisiana State University graduate, Pittard has called the Dallas-Fort Worth area home for many years. She lives with her husband, Andrew, a native of DFW, their two children, Jackson and Charlotte, and their two-year-old dog, Winston.

She joins Breakthrough T1D at its busiest time of year with events set for the next couple of months. The community is invited to join Breakthrough T1D at any of these events to support the organization’s fundraising efforts.  

Oct. 10 – Lubbock Walk

Nov. 7 – Dallas Walk, Oklahoma City Walk

Nov. 8 – Tulsa Walk

Nov. 14 – Fort Worth Walk, Durant, OK Walk  

Nov. 19 – Dallas Luncheon

Dec. 1 – Dallas Mahjong

About Breakthrough T1D: Founded in 1970 as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) and renamed the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in 2001, the organization rebranded in 2024 as Breakthrough T1D to reflect a bold commitment to improving the lives of both children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. As the leading global organization driving T1D research, advocacy, and community engagement, Breakthrough T1D accelerates progress toward cures and better treatments while making everyday life easier for everyone affected. The North Texas and Oklahoma Chapter, based in Dallas, hosts major fundraising events across the region, including the annual luncheon in Dallas, galas in Dallas, Fort Worth, Tulsa and Oklahoma City as well as community walks in The Colony, Fort Worth, Lubbock, Durant, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City. Visit https://www.breakthrought1d.org/dallasfortworth/, https://www.breakthrought1d.org/oklahoma/, email northtexasoklahoma@BreakthroughT1D.org, or call 214-373-9808.

Park Place Dealerships has launched the 6th Annual Season of Giving, offering up to a total of $100,000 in grants to nonprofits across Dallas-Fort Worth. Eligible organizations are invited to apply at parkplacecares.com through October 23. Grant recipients will be announced the week of November 16. 

To be considered, nonprofit organizations must meet the following criteria:

• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• Support one of Park Place Cares’ four pillars of giving: Education, Medical Research, Children’s Advocacy, or the Arts
• Serve at least one of the following counties: Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Grayson, Parker, Rockwall, Kaufman, Hunt, Hood, Wise and Johnson
• Haven’t already received donations or in-kind support from Park Place in 2026
• Submit application no later than October 23, 2026 

“Season of Giving gives us an opportunity to learn about nonprofits doing meaningful work throughout North Texas and support them through grants,” said Kara Connor, Community Engagement Manager at Park Place Dealerships. “Over the past five years, we’ve seen how that support can help organizations serve their communities. We’ve also built relationships that continue well beyond the grant itself, and we look forward to meeting this year’s applicants.”

Since 2020, Park Place has donated half a million dollars to 103 nonprofits supporting causes that align with Park Place Cares’ pillars.

Among the 19 organizations selected in 2025 was Fort Worth’s Adriana's Angels, which provides emotional support to children and families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis. The nonprofit used the Season of Giving grant to create Surprise! Packs for children in the hospital. 

Frisco Fastpacs also received a grant to further the organization's mission of providing weekend meal packs to at-risk children who rely on supplemental food assistance. Frisco ISD was able to provide 250 weekend meal packs, and 1,875 meals to at-risk children within the school district.  

Families to Freedom received funding to help provide safe transportation for individuals who are escaping domestic violence. Park Place continued this partnership in 2026 by holding a Car Seat Drive across all 11 dealerships, collecting new and gently used car seats for Families to Freedom to use. 

Evergreen Life Services, which serves and advocates for adults with intellectual disabilities, also received grant funding. Park Place strengthened this partnership during National Volunteer Week in April, when Members went beyond financial support and participated in a hands-on backyard makeover. See the full 2025 list here.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and employs more than 1,400 members. Park Place Dealership operates three collision centers, an auto auction, and nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. For more information, visit parkplace.com.

Coppell High School’s Engineering Booster Club welcomed students, parents and community members on Sept. 26 for an afternoon gathering in the school’s newly opened engineering space.

For many parents, it was their first opportunity to see the new facility and learn more about what Coppell’s engineering students are doing throughout the year.

The reaction from families was especially exciting. Many parents said they had not realized Coppell High School had such an impressive space dedicated to engineering. Several commented on the quality of the classrooms and equipment, with some even comparing the facility to what they might expect to see at a private school.

The new space gives Coppell’s engineering students more room to design, build, collaborate and prepare for competitions. With students participating in programs such as Technology Student Association (TSA) and Robotics, having adequate space is an important part of giving them opportunities to put what they learn in the classroom into practice.

The Engineering Booster Club appreciates Coppell ISD’s investment in providing a space where these programs can continue to grow.

Bringing Parents, Teachers and Students Together

The Sept. 26 event was also an opportunity for families to meet the teachers and learn more about the engineering program.

Mr. Garner, Mr. Brown and Mr. Price spent the afternoon visiting with parents and giving tours of the new space. Families were able to see where students work on projects, prepare for competitions and turn their ideas into something they can actually build and test.

Students were an important part of the afternoon as well. TSA student leaders shared their own experiences with parents and younger students, including freshmen who are just beginning to discover the opportunities available through Coppell Engineering.

Having students talk about their experiences gave families a chance to hear directly from those who participate in the program and learn more about what TSA, Robotics and other engineering activities can offer.

Most importantly, the afternoon brought together students, teachers, parents and community members who share an interest in supporting Coppell’s engineering programs.

Supporting Coppell Engineering

The Engineering Booster Club works alongside teachers and families to support Coppell High School’s Engineering, TSA and Robotics programs.

This year, the Booster Club hopes to raise $6,000–$8,000 to help provide additional resources and opportunities for students. Support from parents, local businesses, sponsors and the Coppell community play an important role in helping the club reach that goal.

The Booster Club is grateful to everyone who attended the event and to the parents, volunteers and sponsors who continue to support Coppell Engineering.

We are excited to see the new engineering space filled with students and look forward to seeing what they will design, build and accomplish this year.

Get Involved

Interested in supporting the Coppell High School Engineering Booster Club through sponsorship, volunteering or other opportunities?

Visit: https://www.chsengineeringboosters.com/join-ebc.html

For additional information, please contact:

Patricia Chi
Coppell High School Engineering Booster Club
chi.patricia@gmail.com
(469) 831-3709