For some men, getting older can be an exciting time where years of hard work culminate into a fun, fruitful transition into retirement. It's a time to cross off bucket-list items and live life to the fullest, without the stress kids or business getting in the way. However, aging is a scary prospect for other men, filled with exhaustion, depression, and inability to perform in the bedroom.
If you're over the age of 40 and have noticed increased irritability and low sex drive, the world is not ending; chances are, you have low testosterone. Fortunately, advances in male health medicine mean you don't have to settle for a lackluster life with low T. If you're among the 39% of men that suffer from hypogonadism, don't lose hope - contact Better Life Age Management Wellness Center to discover the amazing benefits of TRT in Belmont, NC.
At Better Life, we help men just like you decide how they want to address the aging process. Will you settle for a slow decline or enjoy a fulfilling, normal life? If you wait too long, the choice will be made for you, and you might not like the results.
At Better Life, we believe you can influence your genetic potential through lifestyle. Whether you want to keep up with your teenagers on the basketball court or rediscover passion with your partner, our team of testosterone replacement therapy experts can show you the way.
Better Life was founded to give men with low testosterone a new lease on life - one that includes less irritability, less body fat, and more energy. If you're ready to look and feel younger, it's time to consider testosterone replacement therapy. Our TRT treatments are safe, effective, and personalized to your body and your goals. That way, you can keep loving life as you age, on your own terms.
For many men, TRT bridges the gap between their old, unsatisfying life and the more vibrant one they experience with hormone therapy. After all, you deserve to be in charge of your health and wellness, especially during middle age and beyond. With Better Life by your side, you have the chance to fight back against low testosterone with tools backed by science and research.
Unlike some other TRT clinics in the Carolinas, we aren't trying to treat our clients like they're on an assembly line. We don't cater to the masses - we help heal men who are serious about reclaiming their lives. Our patients choose Better Life because we:
If you're ready to live a more energetic, youthful life, know that it's never too late or too early to do so. But, how do you know you are a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy? Like most things in life, your body will do its part in letting you know.
Over the years, researchers have discovered that the prevalence of low testosterone in men increases from about 20% of men older than 60 to 50% of men older than 80.
To make matters worse, about 40% of men with high cholesterol and blood pressure levels also have low T. Additionally, about 50% of obese men experience low testosterone. If you fall into any of these categories, you should begin to think about ways to change your life, like diet, exercise, and TRT.
If erectile dysfunction has put a cold blanket over the spark between you and your partner, it's time to make a change. About half of men between 35 and 65 deal with erectile dysfunction and its frustrations daily. Fortunately, at Better Life, we have effective solutions to get you back to a place where spontaneity is welcomed and peak performance is common.
Better Life Carolinas provides the most advanced, non-invasive ED treatments available, like testosterone replacement therapy in Belmont, NC. Our TRT treatments have the potential to correct underlying changes in your body instead of just treating symptoms. We feel this approach is a more realistic option rather than taking a pill every time you need to perform. Check out the reviews on our website - Better Life patients with ED couldn't be happier with our treatments.
Testosterone has a role in many body functions, including the production of hair follicles. Many men lose hair and begin balding as they age; however, men with low testosterone can also suffer from loss of body hair. While there is an inherited component to balding, you should be wary of hair loss, especially if hair loss is not common in your bloodline.
Let's be honest here: a man's sex life can be thrown into ruin when they get fat. This is especially true when a man has low T and develops symptoms like gynecomastia or large breasts. Of course, getting fatter means you're looking at a litany of new health problems like high cholesterol and diabetes. It seems like middle-aged men just accept the fact that they're going to get fat. But, it doesn't have to be that way. Men who find themselves developing more fat around their stomachs can correct their testosterone imbalance with TRT from Better Life.
Have you noticed that you feel sluggish, tired, or apathetic on your days off? Men with low testosterone have reported lower energy levels and extreme fatigue, even when not working full time. You might have low T if you're constantly tired despite getting eight hours of sleep or more.
Many men experience changes in concentration, focus, and productivity as they age. Though it's not a serious medical condition, brain fog is usually a symptom of other medical problems, like low testosterone. Men with brain fog experience a lack of mental clarity, problems with memory, lack of focus, and poor concentration. This problem interferes with everyday tasks at work and home, but with hormone therapy, it doesn't have to be an ongoing problem in your life.
Before we dive into the many benefits of testosterone replacement therapy from Better Life, it's important that you understand how TRT works.
Testosterone was initially lab synthesized way back in 1935. Since then, it has been used in clinical settings to help address low test levels. Over the last couple of decades, testosterone has become one of the most common medications in the U.S.
TRT works by restoring healthy testosterone levels in men that suffer from low T. TRT is not too different from insulin needed by diabetics. Essentially, the body lacks a healthy production of a necessary hormone, so it needs to be "replaced" with an exogenous source - in this case, testosterone.
While most men start taking TRT after 50, more men in their 30s and 40s are having their testosterone levels checked at clinics like Better Life Carolinas. If you think you're "too young" to try testosterone replacement therapy but find yourself suffering from symptoms like ED, it wouldn't hurt to have a doctor measure your T levels.
If you're looking for TRT in Belmont, NC, it's easy to understand why. Hundreds of thousands of men have reclaimed their vigor and youth with regular testosterone replacement therapy. With Better Help to guide the way, you too can experience the many benefits of TRT.
A healthy heart pumps blood throughout your body, giving organs and muscles the oxygen they need to perform. Testosterone helps red blood cell production through the bone marrow. When you have low T levels, your muscles and organs will often suffer. Low T levels have been attributed to a number of cardiovascular problems, which is cause for concern.
However, a study of 83,000 men found that males whose testosterone levels returned to normal were 36% less likely to experience a stroke 24% less likely to experience a heart attack. This promising sign shows that TRT can actually help keep your heart and blood healthy.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in bone density. Bone mineral density decreases as men get older and T levels drop. This drop in testosterone raises the risk of developing osteoporosis. Strong bones help support your organs and muscles, boosting quality of life and even athletic performance. Research shows that bone density increases with higher doses of TRT. Some clinical trials recently found that testosterone also increases hip and spinal bone density.
One of the most popular reasons why men choose TRT from Better Life Age Management Wellness Center is to enjoy increased libido. Testosterone levels rise in response to sexual activity and arousal. It's well known that men with higher levels of testosterone have more sexual activity. However, older men need more testosterone for healthy erectile function and libido. TRT is often a viable solution for older men who are looking to reignite that special spark with their spouse.
Additional benefits of using TRT can include:
A: Testosterone is a hormone found in both men and women. Also referred to as an androgen, testosterone is a hormone that helps the formation of male body characteristics. Normal testosterone levels for men are between 300 to 1,010 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). As men and women age, they can expect their testosterone levels to decrease naturally. However, conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes and injuries to the testicles can affect T levels. Whether from natural causes or injury, testosterone levels can become abnormally low in some individuals, which is often when TRT is the most helpful.
A: Clinical trials show that TRT is both safe and effective for men with hypogonadism and abnormally low levels of testosterone. When prescribed by a doctor, TRT is very safe so long as there are no external risks present. Clinics like Better Life offer comprehensive health plans that include TRT and other revolutionary treatments to improve quality of life. These treatments are only conducted after rigorous testing to ensure treatment is necessary. However, TRT is not for everyone. Generally speaking, testosterone replacement therapy is not a good idea for people with diabetes, prostate cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
A: There are several TRT options on the market today, including injections, gels, implants, pills, and patches. After your free consultation and testing, the Better Life team of doctors and specialists will speak with you about the best options for your unique needs.
The days of "living with it" are over. Today, we're able to treat most symptoms of low testosterone with non-surgical, pain-free solutions like TRT in Belmont. There's never been a better time to reclaim your life and face the issues preventing you from being the best you.
Better Life offers several customized health plan options catered to your needs. We make it easy to supplement your testosterone treatments with our in-house scans, peptides, pharmaceutical-grade supplements, and IV hydration services. Don't delay - schedule your free consultation today!
843-737-2597BELMONT, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – There is now a beach in Belmont’s backyard, so you won’t have to drive hours to the coast.The new beach at South Point Access Park was mostly empty Wednesday, but it probably won’t be for too much longer.“You can’t beat the location; it’s gorgeous here,” said Cathy Hart, Director of Parks and Recreation for Gaston County.Gaston County’s own...
BELMONT, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – There is now a beach in Belmont’s backyard, so you won’t have to drive hours to the coast.
The new beach at South Point Access Park was mostly empty Wednesday, but it probably won’t be for too much longer.
“You can’t beat the location; it’s gorgeous here,” said Cathy Hart, Director of Parks and Recreation for Gaston County.
Gaston County’s own beach is now open.
“I sort of thought it was too good to be true,” said Hart.
The new park is 68 acres, with the county’s only public access beach and only park on the water.
“It’s kind of like our dream, sort of like Disney to us,” said Hart.
It’s a secret now because there are so few visitors.
“Yeah, I’m getting ready to cast it out, catch a big ‘en,” said Mike Bridges, who was fishing at South Point Access Park Wednesday.
Bridges pretty much had the place to himself for hours Wednesday.
The fish were biting.
“Down here in Lake Wylie, it’s the number one place down here,” said Bridges.
The property is owned and operated right now by Duke Energy, but in the fall, the county will begin a lease agreement.
“There’s just something about a beach that’s kind of cool for people to go to, swimming pools are great, but you don’t have to drive necessarily to South Carolina to go to the beach,” said Hart.
They’ve got a boat launch, fishing piers, the beach, and a big picnic area, with plans to add a canoe and kayak launch, RV camping, and possibly camping cabins at the park.
“Caught a good mess of catfish, having a good time,” said Bridges.
He’s one of the only ones at the park now.
“Once the word is out, we know it’s going to be packed,” said Hart.
He welcomes the company.
“Come on down, down here in Belmont, we’d love to have you,” said Bridges.
Eventually, you’ll have to pay to use the park, but right now, it’s free. That will end once the county hires staff for the park and takes over through the lease agreement.
Then, it will be $7 a day per car, or you can get an annual pass for a car for $100.
Our Suburb Guides are proudly presented by Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. No matter where you live around Charlotte, trust the pros at CEENTA for your allergy, eye and ENT needs. With 18 locations, they’re not hard to find.Belmont, a waterside suburb in the heart of Gaston County, offers a blend of small town charm and modern convenience about 12 miles we...
Our Suburb Guides are proudly presented by Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. No matter where you live around Charlotte, trust the pros at CEENTA for your allergy, eye and ENT needs. With 18 locations, they’re not hard to find.
From dive bars where you’ll feel like a local to a 380-acre botanical garden, here are 18 ways to spend the day in Belmont, NC.
Located minutes outside of downtown Belmont in South Fork Village, the locally-owned coffee shop has an expansive drink menu and light bites like baked goods and quiche. With plenty of seating, it’s a peaceful remote working spot, too.
Location: 900 S Fork Village Dr.
Hours: Monday-Tuesday 7am-2pm, Wednesday-Friday 7am-5pm, Saturday 8am-5pm, closed Sunday.
The locally-sourced brunch and lunch spot can fill up fast, so we’d recommend snagging a reservation in advance. And if you’re a mimosa fan, Honeycomb offers pitchers for $30.
Context: Honeycomb is owned by chef Patrick Murphy, who also owns nearby Heirloom. Heirloom closed as a restaurant in September 2023 and has since rebranded into a catering service and event space.
Go deeper:
Location: 31 N Main St.
Hours: Wednesday-Friday 9am-2pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-2pm, closed Monday and Tuesday.
You could easily spend half the day in Piccolo alone. The mall is over 22,000 square feet and filled with everything from collectibles to vintage finds to home decor and clothing. And as their website states, they get new arrivals daily.
Location: 134 N Main St.
Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 1-5pm.
Gigi’s calls themselves a blended consignment shop — on one of the store, you’ll find new boutique clothing and accessories, while the other half is upscale consignment. You’ll also find furniture and home decor located in the back.
Location: 24 N Main St.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm. Closed on Sunday and Monday.
Running along Main Street in downtown, Stowe Park boasts popular amenities like a walking path, playground and picnic shelters, making it a go-to for soaking up some sun on a summer day.
Pro tip: Go across the street and pick up some coffee and snacks from The Everyday Market for a park picnic.
Location: 24 S Main St.
Hours: The park is open everyday from 7:30am-10pm.
The southern bistro and butcher shop is known for its CowPig burger — an 8oz bacon-infused Certified Angus Beef blend patty topped with pepper jack, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayo, all on a brioche bun.
Location: 106 N Main St.
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday 11am-10pm and Saturday 10am-9pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.
The southern comfort food spot is owned by The Jonas Family (yes, as in The Jonas Brothers) — who has family ties to Belmont. Grab some apps and a cocktail on the rooftop, or dine inside alongside live music.
Location: 36 N Main St.
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11am-2pm and 4-9pm; Friday 11am-2pm and 4-10pm; Saturday 11am-10pm; Sunday 10am-3pm. Closed on Monday.
You may have seen Muddy River’s rums on cocktail menus around Charlotte, but the distillery lives in Belmont — and it’s the oldest legal rum distillery in the Carolinas, by the way. Tours are available on Saturdays at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
Location: 1500 River Dr.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday 12:30-4pm. Closed on Monday.
You can make a full trip out of exploring the 380-acre garden alone, but be sure to check out additional events, like tea parties and intro to beekeeping classes, here.
Location: 6500 S New Hope Road
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
The gourmet cinnamon roll chain has a cult-like following, and it’s pretty easy to see why. You can create a customizable cinnamon roll (they’re all 100% vegan, by the way) or pick one of their signatures.
Location: 915 S Point Rd Suite F (in Belmont Town Center).
Hours: They’re open everyday 10am-7pm.
If you’re in search of a dessert downtown, opt for a trip to one (or both) of these sweet treat hotspots.
Find various flavors of gourmet cookies and custom sodas. It’s like if a soda shop and Crumbl Cookies had a baby.
Location: 7 N Main St.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 7:30am-9pm; Sunday 11am-6pm.
Find over 25 flavors of cotton candy to spin, plus buckets of candies lining the walls.
Context: Owned and operated by non-profit Holy Angels, the Cotton Candy factory provides employment opportunities to those with intellectual developmental disabilities.
Location: 21 N Main St.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-3pm; closed on Sunday.
The Belmont Farmers Market happens every first and third Thursday during April through October. Find over 25 vendors from artisan desserts to pottery.
Location: Lower Glenway St. (downtown Belmont)
Hours: 3:30-7pm
The outdoor gear and clothing store carries popular adventure-wear brands like Patagonia, The North Face and HydroFlask. You’ll also find an extensive selection of footwear from Birkenstocks to the sought-after On Cloud running shoes.
Location: 6 N Main St.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm.
Or opt for a full dining experience and stay for dinner. The Bottle Tree sits on a midcentury ranch and calls itself “unpretentious fine dining.” With a menu of craft cocktails and globally-inspired dishes, this local hotspot tends to fill up fast, making it another place we’d recommend securing a reservation.
Of note: You’ll find Smoke Queen, a BBQ food truck, on the back patio (no reservation needed to eat there).
Location: 102 Davis St.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5-9pm, Sunday 10am-2pm, closed Monday.
Station serves craft beer and food inside Belmont’s original Piedmont and Northern railway depot. It also shares an address with South Main Cycles, a bicycle shop.
Location: 4 N Main St.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 5-10pm; closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Expect locally-sourced, fine dining in the heart of downtown Belmont. Heirloom is the sister restaurant to the earlier-mentioned Honeycomb Cafe. You can check out their recently launched spring dinner menu here.
Of note: Heirloom closed as a restaurant in September 2023. It’s now a catering service and event space for private events, special events and potentially cooking classes in the future.
Go deeper: The rise, fall and rebrand of Heirloom, once one of Charlotte’s best restaurants
Location: 33 Glenway St.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 4-9:30pm; closed Sunday and Monday.
Steps away from The Bottle Tree, you’ll find The Lodge Tavern and Tap. It’s a relaxing spot for a laid-back hang and food and drink that won’t break the bank. If you’re lucky, there’ll be live music, too.
Location: 101 Kenwood St.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-12am, Sunday 11am-9pm.
BELMONT, N.C. — Nearly a decade after closing, the Belmont Drive-In will reopen soon, the owners announced.The Belmont Drive-In first opened back in 1948 with a capacity of 150 cars, according to CinemaTreasures.org. The drive-in was renamed the Belmont Drive-In by 1950 and was operated by R. Boling and the National Theatre Supply of Charlotte and was capable of holding 150 cars. By 1953, the theater had grown to a 340-vehicle capacity on a 4-acre field along McAdenville Highway near Belmont Abbey College....
BELMONT, N.C. — Nearly a decade after closing, the Belmont Drive-In will reopen soon, the owners announced.
The Belmont Drive-In first opened back in 1948 with a capacity of 150 cars, according to CinemaTreasures.org. The drive-in was renamed the Belmont Drive-In by 1950 and was operated by R. Boling and the National Theatre Supply of Charlotte and was capable of holding 150 cars. By 1953, the theater had grown to a 340-vehicle capacity on a 4-acre field along McAdenville Highway near Belmont Abbey College.
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The drive-in's marquee says "If you're looking for a show, this is it." According to Charlotte on the Cheap, the drive-in's owners plan to show movies on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as special events throughout the year. Concessions will reportedly be available.
An exact date hasn't been announced for when the theater will open but progress has been made on repairs and the facility passed an inspection Monday, according to the drive-in's Facebook page.
"After a LOT of hard work and tons of $$$$$$, we passed inspection today!" the post reads. "It won't be long now."
The news comes a few months after Hound's Drive-In in Kings Mountain closed after seven seasons of entertaining the area. The post received hundreds of comments on Facebok and the owner said he was considering new business ideas for a piece of property he purchased in Shelby.
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BELMONT, N.C. — North Carolina’s growing film business is set to bring in $300 million annually, once it gets back on track, according to the North Carolina Film Office.Currently, future movie and television productions are largely on hold as the Writers Guild of America strike continues.What You Need To Know The film office’s director, Guy Gaster, said No...
BELMONT, N.C. — North Carolina’s growing film business is set to bring in $300 million annually, once it gets back on track, according to the North Carolina Film Office.
Currently, future movie and television productions are largely on hold as the Writers Guild of America strike continues.
The film office’s director, Guy Gaster, said North Carolina reached a new height with movie and television production in 2013 and 2014, as popular films like "Iron Man 3" and "The Hunger Games" chose the state to film.
After COVID-19 slowed the state’s production, movie and television studios returned in large numbers starting in 2021, according to Gaster.
“Filming is a statewide industry,” Gaster said. “In 2021, we had our best year ever.”
Between 2021 and 2022, productions spent $675 million and created more than 43,000 jobs across the state. However, Gaster said they noticed a slowdown in production near the end of 2022, as fears of a 2023 strike took hold.
“When everything returns back to normal, if you will, the state will likely be hovering around that $300 million mark annually,” Gaster said.
Gaster said Wilmington and Charlotte were popular production spots for studios, and at least one local business agreed.
“We worked on 'Hunger Games,' it filmed locally. 'Homeland' was another one that we were a big part of,” business owner Shannon Thomas said.
Thomas and her husband's Creative Solutions Special Events in Belmont has worked on about 25 movie and TV productions the last 15 years.
“I still love coming to work every day. It’s fun to be part of somebody’s very special day. Whether it’s a party for their children, or a wedding, or a corporate event that someone’s seeing to fruition. It’s really exciting to see their idea come to reality,” Thomas said.
On average, Thomas said they handle 1,500 events a year. The business provides tents, temporary flooring, cutlery and other logistics for large parties, weddings, graduations and movie productions.
Thomas said they are currently working an active production site, unaffected by the strike, but are keeping an eye on the news out of Hollywood.
“We’re concerned, right now we’re not feeling any impact for it. And, hopefully, it will pass quickly and summer will be filled with filming opportunities here in the Carolinas,” Thomas added.
Most recently, Thomas’ company provided services to the set of "Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret," which was released in theaters earlier this year.
My Cuban Corner, a new spot for Cuban food in Belmont, opens Monday — with a larger grand opening planned for March 18.Look for familiar Latin flavors at the restaurant, which will be open for dining in and takeout during breakfast and lunch hours. We’re talking croquetas, Cuban sandwiches and more.Owner Nicole Montero, who is opening the business in the former White’s Restaurant spot with her husband, Jesus, said they&rsquo...
My Cuban Corner, a new spot for Cuban food in Belmont, opens Monday — with a larger grand opening planned for March 18.
Look for familiar Latin flavors at the restaurant, which will be open for dining in and takeout during breakfast and lunch hours. We’re talking croquetas, Cuban sandwiches and more.
Owner Nicole Montero, who is opening the business in the former White’s Restaurant spot with her husband, Jesus, said they’re looking to replicate the family friendly atmosphere that’s always been there, “but in addition, bring the culture and the food to Belmont, to share what we grew up eating.”
“Growing up, i had something very similar to White’s in my neighborhood ... so when we go back home [to Miami], we always visit. It’s a very homey, family oriented place, and that’s the goal here,” Nicole Montero said. “I’ve had tons of people coming in here just to say hi, and each one had a different story and experience. ... I even had someone tell me today that they would come in ... and get up and serve themselves some coffee.”
On the breakfast menu, you’ll find combos that come with cafe con leche and Cuban toast, plus a few sandwich options. And at lunchtime, you can choose among sandwiches including Pan con Bistec (with Palomilla steak, onions, lettuce, tomato, potato sticks and mayo), Pan con Tomate (with tomatoes, garlic and olive oil) and a Cuban burger. Each comes with a side of fries.
A special addition on Fridays — Super Bowls — will offer options such as rice and black beans, or rice with lechon and red beans plus picadillo.
For dessert, you can top off your meal with a sweet hit of flan or guava and cream cheese pastelitos. Or you grab a milkshake, with flavor choices including papaya and mango.
Location: 417 Catawba St, Belmont, NC, 28012
Cuisine: Cuban, Latin
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Instagram: @mycubancorner
Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits.
Copyright 2024 by Dr. Mickey Barber's Better Life