It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic John H. Shorty Brown Cemetery, Historic Marker gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in San Saba, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“I am a past client of this provider Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother with care and a very short notice. Their staff was some of the most caring people that I've ever met. Not only were they wonderful to my mother but also to my family. I would highly recommend using them.”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff was so caring to my mother and so nice to my family I highly recommend them to take care of your loved ones. I think there ought to be more than just five stars to give them”
“For those who are searching for qualified caregivers for their loved ones, contact Ken Thomas at Always Best Care Senior Services. Mr. Thomas provides an authentic and professional guiding hand when discussing available services for your precious senior family members. When it is time for a beloved senior to receive assistance, Mr. Thomas understands the importance of providing trustworthy and quality support.”
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“The owner is so understanding and supportive of how I want my loved ones cared for. He and his staff actually listen to what I would like done for my parents. Very thoughtful, very professional and very caring. It’s such a relief to have help in caring for my loved ones”
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Mill Pond Park, San Saba, TX with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Napoli's Italian Grill or visit San Saba County Historical Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in San Saba, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in San Saba, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in San Saba, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
GOLDTHWAITE, TX – The Texas Botanical Gardens & Native American InterpretiveCenter, Inc. (TBG&NAIC) together with Friends of the Night Sky, Lampasas, invite thepublic to an enchanting evening under the stars as we pre-celebrate NASA’sInternational Observe the Moon Night. This special event will highlight the beauty andwonder of Central Texas’ dark night skies.Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025Time: 7:00 – 9:00 ...
GOLDTHWAITE, TX – The Texas Botanical Gardens & Native American Interpretive
Center, Inc. (TBG&NAIC) together with Friends of the Night Sky, Lampasas, invite the
public to an enchanting evening under the stars as we pre-celebrate NASA’s
International Observe the Moon Night. This special event will highlight the beauty and
wonder of Central Texas’ dark night skies.
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Legacy Plaza, 1219 Fisher St., Goldthwaite, Texas 76844
The evening will open with engaging conversations led by Beth Griess (Friends of the
Night Sky) and Keith Shank (TBG&NAIC), who will inspire attendees to experience the
heavens from a fresh perspective.
As twilight deepens, guests will enjoy wine and cheese while mingling with fellow
stargazers, making new friends, and sharing conversations that reach as far as the
cosmos.
Later in the evening, participants will have the opportunity to look through high-powered
telescopes for an up-close view of the Moon’s captivating craters and ridges.
Guests are encouraged to stay and explore Saturn and Neptune, distant star clusters,
and even the Milky Way itself—soaking in the awe and wonder of a truly dark Texas
night.
“Looking through a telescope at the Moon or the many wonders in the Milky Way can be
a life-changing experience,” notes Courtenay Smith, Executive Director of the Texas
Botanical Gardens & Native American Interpretive Center. “It reminds us that science,
wonder, and imagination are deeply connected—and that preserving our dark skies
ensures future generations will share in that same awe.”
This event is free for TBG&NAIC and Friends of the Night Sky members, $5 for
nonmembers. Bring your curiosity and sense of wonder for a night of discovery and
connection beneath the stars!
Coming soon:
Prairie Experience 2025, sixteenth annual signature fundraiser
Saturday, October 4, 2025, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Goldthwaite Pavilion
Observe the Moon at Space Night
Collaboration between Goldthwaite CISD and TBG&NAIC
Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Goldthwaite Elementary School
TBG&NAIC Booth at Nature Fest, Bosque River Nature Center, Stephenville
Saturday, October 11, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Kirby Fry: Permaculture Design and the Natural Regions of Texas
Saturday, October 18, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Goldthwaite Pavilion
Jessie Woodall, Bat World Sanctuary: Winged Night Voyagers – Bat Migration and
Conservation in Central Texas
Saturday, November 8, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Goldthwaite Pavilion
A Time Before Texas, exhibition created by the Texas Department of Transportation
(TxDOT) and presented in partnership with Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the
National Endowment for the Humanities. Hosted by the Texas Botanical Gardens &
Native American Interpretive Center, Inc. and the City of Goldthwaite.
December 1 – 31, 2025
Mon. – Fri., 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. / Sat. – Sun., 10:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Goldthwaite Welcome Center
About the Texas Botanical Gardens & Native American Interpretive Center
Located in Goldthwaite, Texas, Legacy Plaza is home to the Texas Botanical Gardens
& Native American Interpretive Center, Inc. a nonprofit organization dedicated to
education, conservation, and cultural heritage. The Gardens offer an immersive look at
native plant life, while the Center integrates archaeology, Indigenous history, and
ecological stewardship.
www.legacyplaza.org
P O Box 513
Goldthwaite, TX 76844
325-451-1075
Today (8-10-25), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) proudly marks its 90th anniversary, honoring nine decades of unwavering commitment to public safety, service and innovation. Since 1935, DPS has grown into one of the nation’s most comprehensive public safety agencies, encompassing divisions that lead in law enforcement, technology, forensics, aviation, intelligence and more.“Since 1935, DPS has grown with Texas — evolving to meet new challenges while never forgetting our core values of integrity, excellenc...
Today (8-10-25), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) proudly marks its 90th anniversary, honoring nine decades of unwavering commitment to public safety, service and innovation. Since 1935, DPS has grown into one of the nation’s most comprehensive public safety agencies, encompassing divisions that lead in law enforcement, technology, forensics, aviation, intelligence and more.
“Since 1935, DPS has grown with Texas — evolving to meet new challenges while never forgetting our core values of integrity, excellence, accountability and teamwork,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “From our earliest days to today’s modern, multi-mission agency, DPS remains focused on one overarching goal: protecting and serving Texas, while remembering courtesy has a place in all that we do. This anniversary is more than a celebration of our history; it is a moment to honor the past and reaffirm our commitment to the future. None of this would be possible without the people we serve — thank you, Texas, for 90 years of partnership and support.”
DPS was established in 1935 when Governor James V. Allred signed legislation passed by the 44th Texas Legislature to create a unified, efficient approach to statewide law enforcement and public safety. The agency was formed through the consolidation of the Texas Highway Patrol (established in 1929) and the Texas Rangers (established in 1823), the oldest law enforcement agency with statewide jurisdiction in the United States. This new department brought together Texas’ legacy of frontier justice with a growing need for coordinated public safety across the state.
Today, DPS stands as a multi-faceted agency with a statewide footprint and a global reach. DPS is responsible for protecting more than 1,200 miles of international border and safeguarding over 31 million Texans. With 4,782 commissioned officers and 6,985 non-commissioned employees, the department continues to grow with 1,317 positions recently approved in this last legislative session. DPS now operates across 20 divisions and offices, each playing a critical role in fulfilling the agency’s mission. The department is comprised of the following: Aircraft Operations, Chief Auditor’s Office, Crime Laboratory, Crime Records, Criminal Investigations, Cyber Security, Driver License, Finance, Government Relations, Highway Patrol, Information Technology, Infrastructure Operations, Media and Communications Office, Office of General Counsel, Office of Inspector General, Regulatory Services, Texas Rangers, and Training Operations. The department maintains 384 buildings across Texas, encompassing more than 3.3 million square feet, and a fleet of nearly 6,000 vehicles. In total, DPS oversees approximately 1.9 billion in assets, reflecting the scale and complexity of its commitment to protecting and serving the Lone Star State.
Looking ahead, DPS remains focused on evolving to meet the challenges of tomorrow. During the most recent legislative session, DPS established the new Homeland Security Division to enhance the state’s ability to prevent and respond to threats against Texans and our critical infrastructure. This new division underscores the department’s continued commitment to innovation, collaboration and preparedness. From advanced cutting-edge training programs to leveraging the latest technology and intelligence capabilities, DPS is investing in the tools and talent needed to protect Texas in an increasingly complex world. As threats grow more sophisticated, so too does our resolve to stay one step ahead— ensuring the safety and security of our state for generations to come.
As part of celebrating 90 years, DPS highlighted the evolution and impact of its core divisions, each playing a vital role in protecting and serving the people of Texas.
Click here to view the 90th anniversary website.
A $1.6 million NIH grant will fund a three-year study into why fractures in diabetic and obese patients heal poorly or not at all.By Courtney Price, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical SciencesMore than 100 million people in the United States have obesity, a condition linked with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes and nerve damage. Among the states with the most obesity cases, Texas ranks No. 10.With prevalence of the disease expected to rise by 2050 — when one-thi...
A $1.6 million NIH grant will fund a three-year study into why fractures in diabetic and obese patients heal poorly or not at all.
By Courtney Price, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
More than 100 million people in the United States have obesity, a condition linked with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes and nerve damage. Among the states with the most obesity cases, Texas ranks No. 10.
With prevalence of the disease expected to rise by 2050 — when one-third of children and adolescents are expected to be overweight or obese — researchers are racing to uncover new treatment options to benefit this ever-growing population.
In this quest, research recently revealed a link between obesity, diabetes and poor bone fracture healing.
“People with Type 2 diabetes and obesity are more susceptible to bone fractures; their bones don’t heal at normal rates, or sometimes at all,” said , an assistant professor in the ’ .
Having a bone fracture that won’t heal often leads to surgery and can lead to amputation, a procedure that more than 160,000 American diabetics undergo each year, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Now, with a $1.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, Iyer and her team will spend the next three years researching the relationship between diabetes, obesity and bone fractures. They hope to develop a treatment that can help stubborn bone fractures heal, thus preventing further complications and improving quality of life for people with diabetes and obesity.
Until recently, bone health has not played a large role in the conversation around diabetes and obesity.
“We know that individuals with excess weight have a predisposition to develop Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems,” Iyer said. “What has not been appreciated is that they also have weaker bones, which increases the chance of fracture.”
But the complications don’t end there. Not only are people with obesity or diabetes more likely to break a bone, but their bones also take longer to heal — if they do at all.
“Normally, if you break a bone, you receive a cast for four weeks while the fracture heals,” Iyer said. “But if you have Type 2 diabetes or obesity, you are likely to be in the cast for longer, which means having a temporary disability for longer, affecting your quality of life.”
Because the differences between healthy bones and weakened ones don’t show up in standard X-rays and bone mineral density tests, the full problem is only now starting to be recognized by the medical research community based on statistics of people with bone fracture complications.
“When a broken bone does not heal properly, there is pain and swelling in addition to what a patient may normally experience from a fracture,” Iyer said. “Most doctors will recommend surgery at that point, and if that does not work, then the only option may be amputation.
“All of these steps cost time, money and quality of life for the patient, which is what we are trying to prevent,” she said.
To find a solution for stubborn bone fractures, Iyer and her team are investigating the underlying mechanisms that affect bone repair.
“When you get injured, there are certain cells that wake up and begin to repair the break, whether it’s a bone fracture or a skin abrasion,” Iyer said. “They create a kind of ‘glue’ or bridge across the fracture, which then ‘cements’ the injury so there’s no evidence that there was a break.
“But in people with diabetes or obesity, the process either takes longer, doesn’t work at all or pauses at a certain stage. We really do not understand what the problem is — it’s a black box,” she said. “There is some process that needs to be corrected. Are the cells not making enough material to bridge the fracture? Is there something breaking down the bridge? Figuring out what’s going on is what this grant is about.”
One of the problems with obesity and diabetes-related bone weakening is that the problem persists even if an individual’s diabetes is under control.
“Even when blood sugar is stable with medication, a person can have low rates of bone healing and the chances that they don’t heal are three to five times higher,” Iyer said. “The chances of needing to undergo a follow-up surgery for musculoskeletal complications also rises. There is even an increased mortality risk because of the chance of bacterial infections or sepsis in a part of the body that cannot be amputated.
“What used to be a problem common in elderly populations now affects people of all ages,” she said. “It has consequences for Texans, the U.S., and the world.”
The good news is that Iyer and her team are working hard to uncover treatment options for people who have trouble healing fractures. One part of the grant involves testing therapeutic drugs to see if the researchers can “trick” stubborn bones into healing like they would in a lean person.
“We know that obesity and Type 2 diabetes are associated with certain changes in the body, like higher blood glucose, insulin resistance and the altered sentinel functions of the cell, which look out for threats. It’s possible that these factors are acting preemptively to suppress the healing process,” Iyer said. “We hope that there may be a drug that can encourage these systems to operate normally.”
Texas A&M University students will not have to hit the road to grab some of America’s most beloved snacks as the university becomes the first in the country to partner with Buc-ee’s to bring more than 45 of the Texas brand’s most popular products to three locations on the university’s main campus in College Station.Starting Aug. 20, Buc-ee’s favorites, like Beaver Nuggets, signature beef jerky, snacks and branded merchandise, will be available at Aggie Express Commons, Aggie Express Hullabaloo and Cre...
Texas A&M University students will not have to hit the road to grab some of America’s most beloved snacks as the university becomes the first in the country to partner with Buc-ee’s to bring more than 45 of the Texas brand’s most popular products to three locations on the university’s main campus in College Station.
Starting Aug. 20, Buc-ee’s favorites, like Beaver Nuggets, signature beef jerky, snacks and branded merchandise, will be available at Aggie Express Commons, Aggie Express Hullabaloo and Creekside Market through Aggie Dining.
Credit: Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M University Division of Marketing and Communications
Texas A&M is now the first and only location in the country to offer Buc-ee’s food and merchandise outside of its famous travel centers. This one-of-a-kind partnership offers students, faculty, staff and visitors a taste of Buc-ee’s without ever leaving campus.
While the news will be celebrated by current and future students, faculty, staff and campus visitors, a well-known former student is also excited.
“As an Aggie, it’s incredibly special to bring Buc-ee’s to the heart of the campus,” said Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, founder and CEO of Buc-ee’s and a proud member of the Texas A&M Class of 1980. “We’re thrilled to share a little piece of Buc-ee’s with the Aggie Family every day.”
This collaboration continues Aggie Dining’s mission to bring innovative and student-loved brands to campus, enhancing convenience and campus life.
Texas A&M was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2025 by Fast Company Magazine and was the only university on the list. It is ranked by The Wall Street Journal as the best university in Texas and No. 1 in the Southeastern Conference. Texas A&M was recently recognized for having the highest return on investment for bachelor’s degrees among public universities in the state, according to The Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity. Texas A&M is named the most recognized university in the state of Texas, No. 2 among all U.S. public universities and No. 8 overall in the latest Global University Visibility rankings compiled by higher education research and consulting firm American Caldwell. U.S. News & World Report recognized the university’s biological and agricultural engineering program as No. 1 in the nation, and for leading the nation in engineering research expenditures.
Aggie Dining provides dining services across the main campus of Texas A&M, including its three dining halls and over 50 other dining locations. Aggie Dining is operated by Chartwells Higher Education, a division of Compass Group, the world’s largest food service company.
For more information, visit or follow @AggieDining on social media.
Canadian, Texas — The Ranchers of Hemphill County, still recovering from the devastating 2024 Smoke House Creek Wildfire, have once again demonstrated their unwavering spirit of service—this time turning their attention to fellow Texas ranchers impacted by the historic July 2025 floods along the San Saba, Guadalupe, Llano, Colorado, and Concho Rivers.Ken Jordan, owner of Jordan Cattle Auction in San Saba, Texas, reached out to Andy Holloway, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent for Hemphill County, to learn how Hemphill ...
Canadian, Texas — The Ranchers of Hemphill County, still recovering from the devastating 2024 Smoke House Creek Wildfire, have once again demonstrated their unwavering spirit of service—this time turning their attention to fellow Texas ranchers impacted by the historic July 2025 floods along the San Saba, Guadalupe, Llano, Colorado, and Concho Rivers.
Ken Jordan, owner of Jordan Cattle Auction in San Saba, Texas, reached out to Andy Holloway, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent for Hemphill County, to learn how Hemphill County successfully coordinated massive wildfire recovery efforts in 2024. That model, which Holloway developed with the help of 143 volunteers, quickly and effectively distributed millions of dollars in donations and financial assistance to ranchers across Hemphill County and the Texas Panhandle.
In July 2025, ranchers throughout the Texas Hill Country, Central Texas, and parts of West Texas suffered millions in losses when two historic floods destroyed miles of fencing, killed livestock, damaged water wells, and heavily impacted ranch infrastructure. Jordan and area agricultural and civic leaders used the Hemphill County model to organize their own rapid-response recovery effort, establishing a local 501(c)(3) to ensure that funds and supplies could be placed directly into the hands of affected producers almost immediately.
The connection between the two communities runs deep. In 2017, when wildfires ravaged Hemphill, Lipscomb, Roberts, and Ochiltree Counties, ranchers from San Saba County and Central Texas hauled trailer loads of fencing supplies, feed, and equipment to the Panhandle. They did it again in 2024 following the Smoke House Creek Wildfire. Holloway described the servant leadership of the San Saba County ranchers—and the generosity of people across the United States—as “nothing short of incredible inspiration.”
In late July, Hemphill County ranchers raised $45,000 in just a few days to aid those hit by the floods. Hemphill County Ag Committee members Kathy Price and Justin Coleman, both of whom lost ranches in previous wildfires, personally delivered the funds to Jordan, Brad Williams, and the San Saba recovery team. These funds will be used to purchase fencing materials, wire, corner pipe, and other essentials for rebuilding.
One enduring story that binds the two communities dates back to 2017. An elderly woman in San Saba, upon hearing at Tractor Supply that local ranchers were taking supplies to wildfire victims in Hemphill County, emptied her purse to buy two fence posts. Those two posts were preserved by the Hemphill County ranchers as a memorial to the sacrifices made by so many. Today, that memorial—crafted by Hemphill County Judge George Briant and his wife Beth—stands in the River Valley Museum in Canadian, Texas, and is featured in the documentary The Ties That Bind, Canadian, Texas, available on YouTube.
“Even though our own recovery continues, the ranching community knows no boundaries,” Holloway said. “When one of us is down, the rest rally to lift them back up. That’s just who we are.”
To assist ranchers in the Texas Hill Country, Central Texas, and West Texas affected by the floods, contact:
Jordan Cattle Auction
Ken Jordan or Brad Williams
San Saba, Texas
(325) 372-5159
Or send donations to:
HCCAA
Attn: Ken/Kynda Jordan
PO Box 158
San Saba, TX 76877
Memo: “Rancher Flood Relief Fund”
830.888.9559
