Spring doesn’t arrive out of nowhere. It shows up in a gradual way with longer evenings, softer air and more sunlight through the window. That’s usually when people get “big trash bag energy” and decide some things need to go. This goes for mental health as well as physical objects. Spring cleaning isn’t about fixing yourself and making your home picture perfect. It’s about … [Read more...]
Can You Avoid the Cold and Flu Season?
Colds and flus have become synonymous with the holiday season. Once the kids are back in school, noses start to sniffle and throats begin to tickle. Getting sick is unavoidable, or is it? In a sea of crumpled Kleenexes and cough-drop wrappers, is there hope for a germ-free season? Some local experts gave their best advice on prevention, vaccinations and … [Read more...]
Mindful Advice: Fighting the Invisible Foe of Mental Health with Better Tomorrow Therapy
Most days, people don’t wake up consciously thinking about mental health. They wake up already tired. Already checking their phone. Already feeling behind. That’s honestly where my conversation with Crystal Polk, a licensed therapist of Better Tomorrow Therapy, started. When I asked Polk what she’s seeing most right now, she didn’t frame it as a trend or diagnosis. She … [Read more...]
What Makes a Good Aesthetician? Trust Totality Medispa’s Touch
The word ‘aesthetician’ gets used often, but it doesn’t always mean the same thing. When you walk into a day spa, you’re probably thinking about facials, waxing and treatments that help you relax after a long week. A medical spa is a different story. Medical spas specialize in lasers, microneedling, CoolSculpting and chemical peels; all things that can seriously improve skin … [Read more...]
Holiday Sadness: Wrapped Up in Seasonal Depression
Holiday carols are great at highlighting the bright and joyous ambiance of the season. After all, it’s the season to be jolly, the most wonderful time of the year and the time to put love at the top of the Christmas list and underneath the tree. But for many, the holiday season feels far from merry. As the days grow shorter and colder, some experience the winter blues, while … [Read more...]
Winter Wellness: Steps To Snap Winter Colds
Along with lower temperatures and shorter days, it sometimes feels like winter brings with it all the nagging illnesses that can leave you in a funk. The common cold comes for us all with stuffy noses, scratchy throats and endless sneezing. This true pest of winter creeps up quickly and knocks us down. However, there are plenty of simple, everyday healthy habits you can develop … [Read more...]
A New Era of Care: Novant Health Expands in Mount Pleasant
Novant Health is making quite a splash around town, but what do we know about this new hospital system? According to their website novanthealth.org, Novant is “a super-regional, not-for-profit, academic medical center-backed health system relentlessly pursuing remarkable care for our communities.” Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Novant … [Read more...]
Leading the Fight Against Neuroblastoma: Improving All Odds
No childhood cancer diagnosis is easy, but neuroblastoma is especially heart-wrenching. This rare cancer develops from immature nerve cells and most often affects children under the age of 5. It’s aggressive and emotionally devastating for families. Amid the uncertainty, one thing is clear: progress is happening, and much of that is thanks to researchers like Dr. Jacqueline … [Read more...]
Breast Cancer Awareness: Check Yourself, Do More than Wear Pink
Each October, pink is everywhere; after all, it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But behind the ribbons and awareness campaigns is a critical message: breast cancer is still one of the most common cancers among women, and early detection can save lives. Thanks to advancements in screening technology, treatment and education, the odds of surviving breast cancer continue to … [Read more...]
Rolling with the Punches: Knocking Out Breast Cancer
Life took a sharp turn for Traci Doutaz in August 2023 just hours after finishing a roller derby bout in Charleston. Exhausted and relaxing at home, she casually crossed her arms and felt something unusual on her right breast. “It was so prominent,” she recalled. “I just knew something was wrong.” That moment marked the beginning of a whirlwind breast cancer journey for the … [Read more...]
Fitness For All: Indoor & Outdoor Workouts
There’s no denying the power of movement. Research shows that consistent physical activity improves our health, our mood and even our longevity. But what’s the best exercise for you? The one you’ll stick with, of course. Finding a fitness program that fits your schedule, budget and interests can be a game-changer for how you move your body, so let’s explore some options (both … [Read more...]