A Nine CEO Gig

Trying to shed Houston's "Fat and Happy" ways: Program aims to reshape the city

In addition to Zumba and turbo kick-boxing, a flash mob erupted to LMFAO's"Party Rock Anthem."
Photo by Whitney Radley
Leaders from the Texas Medical Center's health providers took to the stage insupport of Lan Bentsen's initiative.
Photo by Whitney Radley
A Zumba class revved up the crowd.
Photo by Whitney Radley
Booths for each hospital lined the courtyard, passing out information on theinitiative planned for the Shape Up Houston program.
Photo by Whitney Radley

Revelers filled the John P. McGovern Texas Medical Center Commons with loud music, vigorous dancing and high energy on Thursday. The kickoff of Shape Up Houston was certainly cause for celebration.

That organization was founded by Lan Bentsen, who developed an understanding and enthusiasm for healthy living after a struggle against bad knees and myriad other health problems — a struggle he won simply by losing 25 pounds and getting his body mass index back into the normal range.

"In Houston, our lifestyle is 'fat and happy.' What it needs to be is 'fit and fun,' " Bentsen told CultureMap. The current trend is unsustainable, financially and health-wise, he says.

"In Houston, our lifestyle is 'fat and happy.' What it needs to be is 'fit and fun,' " Bentsen told CultureMap.

And the first place to tackle it is health care industry — with the 92,000 employees at the Med Center.

"We have nine hospital CEOs on the same stage, standing up for the same issue," Bentsen said. "That's unique."

Administrators and employees of Baylor College of Medicine, the Methodist Hospital, Memorial Hermann, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, TIRR Memorial Hermann, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Harris County Hospital District, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital, plus representatives from the UT Health and the Texas Medical Center, have agreed to a simultaneous, six-month change of lifestyle.

With the help of Shape Up Houston, participating hospitals will host educational programs that cover eating and exercise over the next half year, and take part in activities and events with the rest of the Med Center, like a Rethink Your Drink Day and a Million Calorie Challenge.

The program started with this kickoff event — complete with an infectious Zumba class, a turbo kick-boxing session and a healthy food booth — and will end with a major study by the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living at the UT School of Public Health to determine which aspects of the program are most successful.

From there, Bentsen and Shape Up hope to extend the program to other pillars of society, like business, faith and government leaders.

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Shopping scene

Eyewear, boys' clothes, and 'splendid' ice cream coming to Rice Village

RIce Village at dusk with shoppers walking around

COurtesy Rice Village

Shoppers in Rice Village will have more options, with three new retailers set to open in the coming weeks.

Shoppers in Rice Village are about to have an even broader selection of boutiques and eateries. The Rice Real Estate Company announced this week the arrival of New Orleans-based eyewear brand KREWE, local boys’ boutique ParkerJoe, and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.

KREWE offers luxury sunglasses and optical frames that draw inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans. Designs blend classic and contemporary aesthetics, creating unique, fashion-forward frames. The retailer will occupy a 941-square-foot store at 5515 Kelvin Dr. Suite 125, and opens in time for shoppers to find great gifts or get a new look for the holidays. The Rice Village location is the brand's first brick-and-mortar location in Houston. There’s a grand opening fête on Saturday, December 7 from 5 to 8 pm with creative New Orleans fare, live music, and other fun.

In January 2025, shoppers can look forward to ParkerJoe. It’s the second location for the mother-daughter-owned shop, specializIng in apparel for boys from newborns to around 12 years old. Shoppers will find a rich selection of apparel, accessories, shoes, toys, and books, as well as specialty items such as golf and tennis apparel, suits, formalwear, and Texas-themed toys and clothing.The new boutique will occupy a 1,975-square-foot store at 5515 Kelvin Drive, between Vuori and Paper Source.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams also joins the mix, opening a 1,603-square-foot location at 5411 Morningside Drive, across from Torchy's Tacos, in early 2025. Jeni's has gained a cult following for its one-of-a-kind ice creams such as Brown Butter Almond Brittle and Brambleberry Crisp.

The new retailers further cement the Village’s reputation as a shopping destination, offering customers a wide selection of eclectic finds.

"Rice Village continues to attract a dynamic mix of local and national brands," said Kenneth Jett, vice president for facilities and capital planning and president of Rice Real Estate Company. "These new tenants reflect our commitment to providing a vibrant, walkable destination for shopping, dining, and community experiences. We are thrilled to welcome these esteemed brands to our community.”

The new additions complement recently opened stores like The Beaufort Bonnet Company, an upscale children’s lifestyle apparel brand located at 5515 Kelvin Drive Suite 120 and Paper Source, a haven for stationery enthusiasts and craft lovers, located just steps away at 5515 Kelvin Dr. Suite 100. Rice Village is also home to a number of restaurants, including Navy Blue, Hamsa, and Sixty Vines.

Courtesy of Rice Village

Shoppers in Rice Village will have more options, with three new retailers set to open in the coming weeks.

rice village openings shopping ice-cream