Photo by Jason Vincik

Springtime officially begins with Easter in the Park, one of the largest annual outdoor events in Dallas, attracting thousands of attendees to celebrate the holiday with food, fun and music.  Organized by the Turtle Creek Association, the 24th annual Easter in the Park celebration will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lee Park, located at Turtle Creek Boulevard and Lemmon Avenue in Dallas.

Easter in the Park is a popular, family-friendly celebration that features beautiful scenery, priceless entertainment, a live classical music concert  by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and fashionista pooches in the “Pooch Parade and Costume Contest.” Attendees can bring their own picnic items or enjoy the variety of foods offered by vendors.  In addition, both local and national organizations will be present with booths and tents for spectators to visit.

The annual Easter celebration is popular in the gay community, attracting large groups of friends dressed in colorfully coordinated outfits and elaborately decorated bonnets.  Many attendees even set up tents and decorate them with festive Easter décor, inviting other attendees to stop by and mingle.

The day’s festivities include a Pooch Parade, which features more than 150 dogs and their owners vying for awards and prizes.  All Easter in the Park attendees are welcome to bring their dog, but animals must remain on a leash at all times.  

Contestants can enter the parade for a small fee and compete for best-dressed dog, best large dog, best little dog and best owner/pet look-alike.  The contest is preceded by an SPCA of Texas parade of adoptable dogs.

In addition, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will perform live in the park at 3 p.m.  The Easter in the Park performance is a wonderful opportunity for patrons to experience the Orchestra with a symphony of sound.

“Easter in the Park has grown over the years to become one of Dallas’ largest and most diverse outdoor celebrations,” said Phillip Jones, president and CEO of the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau.  “It presents a great opportunity to book a trip and come explore all that Dallas offers, including incredible dining, exceptional arts, unrivaled entertainment and the best shopping in the Southwest.”

Many in the LGBT community continue the celebration at bars and clubs along the Cedar Springs strip in Oak Lawn, where prizes will be awarded for best bonnet.  Other festivities include events and services at Cathedral of Hope, the largest LGBT church in the world.  Admission to Easter in the Park is free, and street parking is available on a first come, first served basis.

Dallas is an affordable destination getaway that offers much to see and do for LGBT travelers.  For information and additional resources for planning your next trip to the “Big D”, please visit www.glbtdallas.com.  Better yet, please contact me.  I’ll be happy to help you plan your visit.

Z Therapy Whiplash Treatment Center now offers a ground-breaking treatment option for victims of whiplash associated disorders (WAD).  With the introduction of the Multi-Cervical Unit (MCU) by BTE Technologies, Z Therapy is the first and only rehabilitation specialist in North Texas to offer this technology that is designed to quickly alleviate neck pain.

Often overlooked through common tests such as CT scans, MRIs and x-rays, WAD affects soft muscle tissues in the neck.  Measuring neck strength, flexibility and range of motion, the MCU can provide a statistical evaluation of the neck compared to normal results.

Targeting the source of neck pains, physical therapists like Brett Parish at Z Therapy, who is also a specialist on the MCU, can plot a personalized recovery plan that focuses on strengthening weak muscles and ultimately alleviating pain caused by strained tissue.  While results vary, patients can begin to feel a difference in as little as a few weeks.

If not treated within the first 72 hours of injury, the pain can only worsen and extend treatment times and post future complications.  That is why Z Therapy urges WAD victims to seek treatment immediately following injury.

“We’ve had patients come into our office with the belief that as a result of their accident, their pain is life-long and permanent, but it’s exactly the opposite,” said Zach Tallon, president of Z Therapy.  “The MCU provides incredible results and instills hope for those who have lived with chronic neck pains.”

Statistics show that more than 200,000 Texans are injured in an auto accident each year, causing medical and productivity costs to rise at an astronomical rate.  Whether it’s from an auto accident, fall or sports injury, WAD can make everyday tasks unbearable.

“Many patients spend thousands of dollars on traditional therapies alone with only temporary relief,” Tallon said.  “The MCU is a revolutionary step forward in the diagnosis and treatment of whiplash.  It allows us to more accurately diagnose and treat each patient with long-term results.”

I’ve done some research into the advantages of the MCU.  I can honestly say that the results are amazing.  If you or someone you know happens to be in an auto accident, refer them to Z Therapy ASAP.  For more information on the MCU and other treatment options for whiplash associated disorders, contact Z Therapy Whiplash Treatment Center at 214-361-8700 or by visiting www.ztherapy.org.  Ask for Zach and tell him Armando sent ya!