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 Charlotte, 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 Charlotte, 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 Charlotte, 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 Charlotte. 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!
843-737-2597With winter weather arriving in North Carolina, you could be tempted to crank up your thermostat — but doing so could put a significant dent in your wallet.Temperatures are expected to plummet to below-freezing in the next few days, The Charlotte Observer reported. Those in the Triangle can also expect frigid temperatures in the coming days, ...
With winter weather arriving in North Carolina, you could be tempted to crank up your thermostat — but doing so could put a significant dent in your wallet.
Temperatures are expected to plummet to below-freezing in the next few days, The Charlotte Observer reported. Those in the Triangle can also expect frigid temperatures in the coming days, Raleigh’s National Weather Service office forecasted.
Sunny skies are expected today. Highs will be chilly, only in the mid 40s to lower 50s from the Triad and Triangle to Fayetteville. #ncwx pic.twitter.com/Dp8egaMK1Z
— NWS Raleigh (@NWSRaleigh) December 12, 2024
Heating costs can account for 25-50% of a home’s total energy expense, according to North Carolina Electric Cooperatives, meaning you could see a spike in your energy bill during the winter months.
As the winter weather moves in, there are ways you can save energy while staying warm at home.
You can save up to 10% annually on heating if you turn your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees than you normally would, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
“The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be,” the department says. “You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home.”
Some may worry that setting back your thermostats could end up costing more money, based on the common misconception that furnaces work harder to warm a space back up — but experts say that’s not true.
“During winter, the lower the interior temperature, the slower the heat loss. So the longer your house remains at the lower temperature, the more energy you save, because your house has lost less energy than it would have at the higher temperature.”
In addition to adjusting your thermostat, there are other ways you can save energy (and money) during winter, according to Duke Energy:
Reporter Chyna Blackmon contributed to this story.
Have a question about your community you’d like answered? Or maybe a tip or story idea you’d like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you.
Tickets go on sale on Dec. 12 at 10 a.m.More VideosCHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotteans can now plan to ring in the new year at Truist Field during Charlotte's official New Year's Eve party. It's the first time the city is having its official CLT NYE celebration at the home of the Charlotte Knights.“We are thrilled to partner with the Charlotte Knights and Light the Knights for CLT NYE,” Michael Smith, president and CEO of Charlotte Ce...
Tickets go on sale on Dec. 12 at 10 a.m.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotteans can now plan to ring in the new year at Truist Field during Charlotte's official New Year's Eve party. It's the first time the city is having its official CLT NYE celebration at the home of the Charlotte Knights.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Charlotte Knights and Light the Knights for CLT NYE,” Michael Smith, president and CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners, said. “This is an unmatched opportunity to pair our community’s celebration of the New Year with the Knights’ signature holiday event on one extraordinary night.”
The annual Light the Knights Festival will still be active for New Year's Eve, and attendees can stroll from 10 p.m. until the fireworks finale at midnight to celebrate the start of 2025.
Those in attendance will be given a glass of apple cider or, for those who are at least 21, a glass of champagne.
Tickets go on sale on Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. The standard admission is $10, though a $25 ticket will also grant access to the skating rink until 11:30 p.m.
Security crews typically check guests before entrance to Truist Field, which is top of mind for many after five people were hurt during a shooting in Uptown Charlotte this past New Year's Eve.
Dan Rajkowski, COO of the Charlotte Knights, said the team is pleased to bring CLT NYE to Truist Field, adding "we look forward to bringing fans into the ballpark to celebrate the New Year.”
Court records say the money was spent on numerous retail purchases, real estate and travel expenses.Credit: Arnold Turner/Invision/APCHARLOTTE, N.C. — Federal prosecutors want a two-year sentence for Peter Thomas over unpaid trust fund taxes earned from his businesses, including CLUB ONE in Charlotte, according to court documents.A sentencing memorandum was filed detailing Thomas's systematic tax evasion across several business...
Court records say the money was spent on numerous retail purchases, real estate and travel expenses.
Credit: Arnold Turner/Invision/AP
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Federal prosecutors want a two-year sentence for Peter Thomas over unpaid trust fund taxes earned from his businesses, including CLUB ONE in Charlotte, according to court documents.
A sentencing memorandum was filed detailing Thomas's systematic tax evasion across several businesses from 2017 to 2023. Thomas owned establishments in North Carolina, Florida, and Maryland, including Club One CLT, Sports ONE, and Bar One venues.
Thomas, ex-husband of Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey, was charged after his Charlotte businesses failed to pay $640,000 in trust fund taxes from employee wages to the IRS, court records show. Another $1.1 million in trust fund taxes from businesses in Miami and Baltimore owned by Thomas went unpaid between 2021 and 2023.
Court records say the money was spent on numerous retail purchases, real estate and travel expenses. The government argues Thomas deliberately avoided tax obligations despite repeated warnings from the IRS, employees, and accountants. His tax non-compliance dates back to 2012 when a previous Atlanta nightclub closed due to employment tax liabilities.
In total, Thomas failed to pay more than $2.5 million in employment taxes between 2017 and 2023, according to federal court records.
On Monday, a federal attorney recommended Thomas serve a within-Guidelines sentence of 24 months in prison, a three-year term of supervised release and restitution payable to the IRS in the amount $2,526,131.99. They emphasized that Thomas's actions harm not just the government but also employees whose Social Security and disability contributions were compromised.
Back in 2019, Thomas' business, Sports ONE CLT LLC owes $236,952.51 in unpaid taxes, according to a Notice of Federal Tax Lien.
Documents showed Thomas as the owner of Sports ONE at 521 N College St. in Uptown Charlotte when the taxes were left unpaid. Sports ONE closed in Fall of 2022.
Thomas and Bailey came on WCNC Charlotte to talk about Sports ONE back in 2014 after the grand opening.
"We came up with Sports ONE, and the first market that we wanted to introduce it was here in Charlotte," Thomas said in 2014. "And we had our grand opening last night, and it was phenomenal. It was beautiful."
Thomas pleaded guilty on July 2, 2024, to one count of failure to pay over trust fund taxes. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines recommend 24-30 months imprisonment.
A sentencing date has not yet been set.
One of North Carolina’s biggest and most popular music festivals will soon end.Ahead of its fifth annual event, organizers announced that hip-hop superstar and Fayetteville native J. Cole’s April 2025 Dreamville Festival in Raleigh will be the final one.“What a ride it’s been… We can’t thank y’all enough for all the memories we’ve shared,” the festival team announced on ...
One of North Carolina’s biggest and most popular music festivals will soon end.
Ahead of its fifth annual event, organizers announced that hip-hop superstar and Fayetteville native J. Cole’s April 2025 Dreamville Festival in Raleigh will be the final one.
“What a ride it’s been… We can’t thank y’all enough for all the memories we’ve shared,” the festival team announced on Instagram one day before the pre-sale begins.
“From the very beginning, the idea behind the fest was creating a place where our fans, the Dreamville community, could spend time together, a place where they could see themselves reflected, a place to share in experiences. Let’s run it back one more time in April!”
The two-day festival, set for April 5-6, has been bringing hip-hop fans from around the country to the state capital since 2018, The News & Observer previously reported.
Having grown up nearby in Fayetteville, “J. Cole and his Dreamville team use the festival as an annual opportunity to shine a light on the special place that helped shape him into the successful and creative artist he is today,” the festival website says, with “some of the biggest names in music merged with a family-style cookout where everyone feels welcome and has a seat at the table.”
But after five years of bringing together some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B with a mix of up-and-coming performers, the event that brought in $145 million in economic impact to Raleigh won’t be returning after next year.
The News & Observer reached out to organizers on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 10, to gather more details about the announcement. We’ll update this story if we learn more.
Pre-sale begins Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 9 a.m. with the code “LOVEYOURZ” online at www.dreamvillefest.com with general on-sale to follow if tickets remain.
Here’s a look at how ticket prices compare from the pre-sale:
All tickets include access to live music across two stages, food choices from local restaurants, bars, concessions, activations, photo ops and more.
But GA+, JV VIP, Varsity VIP and MVP VIP tickets include additional perks, including dedicated food vendors, bars, viewing areas and restrooms.
According to the festival website, Chase cardholders will have early access to GA, GA+ and all VIP-tiered tickets beginning Thursday, Dec. 12 at 9 a.m.
This story was originally published December 10, 2024, 6:49 PM.
Friday night, two of three finalists for the N.C. Mr. Football award played in the N.C. state playoffs.Scroll down to see how they performed.Last month, The Charlotte Observer and the News & Observer of Raleigh introduced the 10 finalists for the N.C. Mr. Football award.This, that list was trimmed to a final three. The winner will be announced Dec. 19.Mr. Football is the state’s top hi...
Friday night, two of three finalists for the N.C. Mr. Football award played in the N.C. state playoffs.
Scroll down to see how they performed.
Last month, The Charlotte Observer and the News & Observer of Raleigh introduced the 10 finalists for the N.C. Mr. Football award.
This, that list was trimmed to a final three. The winner will be announced Dec. 19.
Mr. Football is the state’s top high school football honor and goes to the N.C. player who had the best single season. The award is open to all in-state players from ninth to 12th grade and is selected by a committee, including the newspapers’ high school sports staff and members of its Talking Preps streaming show.
November 28, 2024 5:00 AM
There have been five previous winners of the award. One of the following three players will join that list.
Faizon Brandon, Grimsley: A 6-4, 200-pound junior quarterback, Brandon is ranked No. 1 nationally overall in his class by 247 Sports. He has committed to Tennessee. A lawsuit brought by his family helped the state’s high school athletes gain access to their NIL rights earlier this fall.
Friday night, Bra don completed 16 of 18 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-23 win over Weddington in the N.C. 4A state semifinals. Both teams were nationally ranked and all of Brandon’s touchdown passes were in the second half.
For the season, Brandon has completed 157 of 204 passes (77 percent completion rate) for 2,632 yards and 33 touchdowns against one interception. He’s rushed 69 times for 588 yards and eight scores for Grimsley (15-0), which will play Rolesville for the state title Friday in Raleigh.
December 06, 2024 1:21 PM
David Sanders, Providence Day: A 6-6, 290-pound senior offensive and defensive lineman, Sanders has committed to Tennessee.
He’s been ranked as high as No. 1 nationally in his class during his career and is currently ranked among the top 10 players in the country by most recruiting services, as well as being ranked the nation’s No. 1 left tackle. Sanders was named N.C. Gatorade player of the year as a junior. This season, he graded 93% and didn’t allow a sack on offense. He will play in the Navy All-American Bowl — the nation’s top high school all-star game — in January and televised nationally on NBC.
Sanders and Providence Day lost to nationally ranked Rabun Gap (GA) in the N.C. Independent Schools championship game (Rabun Gap has long played with the N.C. private schools).
Brady Stober, Hickory: A 6-foot, 173-pound senior quarterback committed to Samford, Stober completed 184 of 235 passes for 3,477 yards and 38 touchdowns.
Stober’s rushed for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns for the Red Tornadoes (14-1), who lost 36-20 to West Charlotte in the NCHSAA 3A Western regional championship, or state semifinal game, on Friday. Last season, Stober threw for 3,933 yards and 47 touchdowns for a 16-0 Hickory team that won its first state championship since 1996.
2023: Jaydn Davis, Providence Day
2022: Jadyn Davis, Providence Day
Fall 2021: Omarion Hampton, Cleveland
Spring 2021: Daylan Smothers, Chambers
2020: Henry Rutledge, Charlotte Christian
Note: Public schools didn’t play in the fall of the 2020-21 school year because of COVID. A shortened season was held in the spring of 2021.
This story was originally published December 6, 2024, 6:00 AM.
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