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 Gastonia, 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 Gastonia, 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 Gastonia, 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 Gastonia. 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!
Victory Christian Academy PatriotsVarsity Boys Basketball Gastonia, NC84Followers24-25Overall5-9Conference3-4 (2nd)NC Rank6862024-25 V. BasketballSchedule at a Glance...
Victory Christian Academy PatriotsVarsity Boys Basketball Gastonia, NC84Followers
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GASTONIA, N.C. — Investigators believe a massive fire at an abandoned mill in Gastonia was set on purpose.Channel 9′s Joe Bruno was at the scene on East Ozark Avenue around 6 a.m. Wednesday, as flames began consuming the building.ALSO: Cause of house fire in west Charlotte under investigationGastonia Fire Chief Phil Welch said an unhoused man was seen walking into t...
GASTONIA, N.C. — Investigators believe a massive fire at an abandoned mill in Gastonia was set on purpose.
Channel 9′s Joe Bruno was at the scene on East Ozark Avenue around 6 a.m. Wednesday, as flames began consuming the building.
ALSO: Cause of house fire in west Charlotte under investigation
Gastonia Fire Chief Phil Welch said an unhoused man was seen walking into the building with a propane tank early Wednesday.
“They heard an explosion,” Welch said.
Welch said that same man left after the fire and isn’t believed to be injured. No firefighters were hurt either, Welch said.
Our Channel 9 photographer captured the massive flames pouring out of the warehouse Wednesday morning.
Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over the building around 10 a.m. as firefighters continued to extinguish the blaze.
Welch said freezing temperatures impacted their efforts to extinguish the fire. A nearby fire hydrant was inoperable because it froze over. “The valve is underground. Here we are – 17 degrees. It’s uncommon for us,” Welch told Channel 9.
Dwayne Burks, who is with Gateway Ministries, said the person may have not intended to start the fire.
The person was probably using the tank for heat.
Burks said people will take a risk.
C. J. Love, who is unhoused, is doing his best to stay warm.
“I slept in my car last night,” he said.
Dwight Britt normally sleeps on the street, but on Tuesday night, he stayed at the warming center at First United Methodist Church.
“You get a cot and you get to sit there all night and eat,” Britt told Channel 9.
Burks said the center won’t hold all 300 and some documents unhoused people in Gaston County.
He said if investigators claim is true, it may prevent more incidents like this.
The warming center had 65 people on Tuesday night, which is the most it ever had.
The fire investigation is ongoing.
(WATCH BELOW: Firefighters’ quick response controls major warehouse fire in northwest Charlotte)
©2024 Cox Media Group
The Crisis Assistance Ministry in Gastonia received 409 applications for rent assistance in January, a record number, according to Executive Director Kim Wheeler.Now the ministry will be working to fill those needs without additional funding from the Department of Social Services, which has been out of funds for Rent Assistance since November, according to the county.Emergency Rental Assistance Program funding provided to CAM and other organizations through DSS was awarded to the county staring in 2021 to relieve...
The Crisis Assistance Ministry in Gastonia received 409 applications for rent assistance in January, a record number, according to Executive Director Kim Wheeler.
Now the ministry will be working to fill those needs without additional funding from the Department of Social Services, which has been out of funds for Rent Assistance since November, according to the county.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program funding provided to CAM and other organizations through DSS was awarded to the county staring in 2021 to relieve the financial hardship caused by the pandemic, and on Nov. 19, the last of that funding was exhausted, county spokesman Adam Gaub said.
While tax return season has slowed the flow of applications in February, Wheeler said she expects the numbers to increase again throughout the year.
Hedgpath said at the time that the lack of access to rent assistance in the area in combination with other hurdles related to finding affordable housing was contributing to the problem.
This year, CAM has seen large increases in call volume from residents all over Gaston County, Wheeler said. CAM only assists residents of Gastonia and in addition to turning those outside of the city away, the organization has also had to turn people away with rent issues that are simply too large.
The team is currently looking to raise awareness about the rising cost of living and find solutions to continue helping Gastonia residents to the fullest, she said.
According to the North Carolina Housing Coalition's 2025 report, Gastonia is one of the North Carolina cities with the highest fair market rent rates. HUD defines fair market rent as the cost to rent a moderately priced dwelling unit in a designated market.
The NCHC report listed Gastonia's fair market rent alongside Charlotte and Concord at $1,824 per month.
Out of the 409 applications for rent assistance submitted to CAM in January, 60 were from people who had never applied before, which Wheeler said is indicative of the state of rent prices and overall economic struggles in the area.
Wheeler said CAM continues to partner with other groups in the area to find assistance for those living outside of Gastonia, but the options are limited and could become scarce moving further into the year with less available funding.
Recent openings and closings saw the arrival of a new cafe in downtown Gastonia, the closing of a Belmont restaurant, and word of a new fast food burger joint coming to the bustling East Franklin Boulevard retail strip. Here's a look at restaurants making headlines since January.Sake Express, BelmontSake Express is closing its restaurant in Belmont, but the owners of the business say they hope to reopen soon at a new location.Linda Nguyen, who co-owns the restaurant with her sister, Lisa Nguyen, said that Belmont Abbey...
Recent openings and closings saw the arrival of a new cafe in downtown Gastonia, the closing of a Belmont restaurant, and word of a new fast food burger joint coming to the bustling East Franklin Boulevard retail strip. Here's a look at restaurants making headlines since January.
Sake Express is closing its restaurant in Belmont, but the owners of the business say they hope to reopen soon at a new location.
Linda Nguyen, who co-owns the restaurant with her sister, Lisa Nguyen, said that Belmont Abbey, which owns the property at 675 Park St., decided to lease the property to Chase Bank.
"We fought long and hard for three months. Unfortunately, it was out of our hands," Nguyen said.
The sisters will close the Park Street location, which opened in 2010, on Jan. 24.
More:Sake Express to close Belmont location
Sammy’s Pub of Dallas, located at 130 W. Trade St., was recently sold and became Dallas Tavern and Taphouse.
Part owner Megan Lorusso said on a social media post that when she and her husband bought Sammy’s Pub, the restaurant was on a downswing.
Despite the fact that it was losing money, Lorusso said the couple, “fell in love,” with the staff at the time and wanted to save the restaurant.
“We made the decision not to close the restaurant, make all the changes, then re-open for a few reasons, but the primary one is that we don’t want 38 people out of work before the holidays,” Lorusso said in the December comment. “So, this group has continued to keep business going while simultaneously adapting to our (much different) way of doing things…”
The new menu at Dallas Tavern and Taphouse features items like pulled pork macaroni and cheese, burgers, wings, sandwiches, salad and craft beer on tap, according to the website.
More:Sammys Pub in Dallas becomes Dallas Tavern and Taphouse, what to know
Elena’s Argentinian Café is now open in Gastonia, bringing Argentinian food and pastries to the city’s downtown.
The café sells Argentinian pizzas, sandwiches, empanadas, cakes by the slice or whole, coffee with beans from Javesca Coffee Roasters, and a variety of pastries.
Paz said her favorite menu item is alfajores, because it is “one of the most Argentinian,” desserts someone could get.
More:The story behind Elena's Argentinian café in Gastonia, now open
Gastonia is one of a handful of North Carolina cities to see a popular fast food restaurant on the horizon.
Whataburger will open in late spring on East Franklin Boulevard where Backyard Burgers once stood.
More:Construction is underway on a new fast food restaurant in Gastonia. Here's where.
Villa Roma, a family-owned Italian and pizza restaurant in Gastonia, is permanently closing after the most recent operator, Dennis Fascella Jr., died in January at 57.
Family members said they believe Fascella's commitment to the community and way with people are two of the main reasons customers kept coming back to the restaurant over the years.
The Fascella family relocated to Gastonia in the '70s when Dennis Fascella Sr. personally built much of the building that housed Villa Roma and opened the restaurant with Angelo Fascella at 5000 Union Road.
More:After the death of its owner, this family-owned restaurant in Gastonia is closing
The Bottle Tree in Belmont is closing its doors after about five years in business on Davis Street.
After a brief closure, the restaurant will reopen with a new name, menu and theme, according to owner Gabe Sawhney and General Manager Taylor Daniel.
"It was time to do something different and think about what the next step in the future of our organization looked like," Sawhney said. "We decided to close The Bottle Tree and reopen as Kaya Gastrolounge."
More:Belmont restaurant to close, hit reset button. Here are the details on its new name and menu
Shelby has seen three restaurants close this year:
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State baseball embarks on its longest road trip of the 2025 season as the Sycamores head down to Gastonia, N.C. for the season-opening weekend series against Wagner. First pitch at Caromont Health Park on Friday afternoon is set for 2 p.m., while Saturday (1 p.m.) and Sunday (Noon) are expected to complete the weekend series.Video will not be available for the series, but live stats will be available courtesy of GoSycamores.com with links on the Indiana State baseball schedule page....
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State baseball embarks on its longest road trip of the 2025 season as the Sycamores head down to Gastonia, N.C. for the season-opening weekend series against Wagner. First pitch at Caromont Health Park on Friday afternoon is set for 2 p.m., while Saturday (1 p.m.) and Sunday (Noon) are expected to complete the weekend series.
Video will not be available for the series, but live stats will be available courtesy of GoSycamores.com with links on the Indiana State baseball schedule page.
The Sycamores head into head coach Tracy Archuleta's first season with the program looking to repeat the success the program has had over the last two seasons. Indiana State enters 2025 as the two-time Missouri Valley Conference regular season champions, while adding trips to the NCAA Postseason four out of the last five seasons.
The task will be different this season as the Sycamores lost 32 players from last year's team, including 2024 MLB Draftees Randal Diaz (5th Round, Washington Nationals) and Luke Hayden (8th Round, Cincinnati Reds), as well as free agent signee Grant Magill (Chicago White Sox). Overall, seven players from last year's team went on to sign professional contracts following the conclusion of the Sycamores' season in the NCAA Lexington Regional Championship game.
With the departure of 32 players, new faces will abound on the Indiana State roster as the Sycamores welcomed 22 players courtesy of the transfer portal, while nine freshmen made the final 40-man roster announced on Friday morning. Nine Sycamores return from last year's team including Carlos Pena, Keegan Garis, Max McEwen, Jacob Spencer, Aaron Moss, and Jordan Austin who all saw time on the field last year, while redshirts Cole Chace, John Curl, and Jackson Taylor are active again for the 2025 campaign.
The Sycamores enter the year receiving votes from the NCBWA Division I preseason poll and are projected to once again play one of the toughest schedules across the country. Indiana State entered the week projected with another Top 50 RPI schedule according to WarrenNolan.com with the 25th-best nonconference schedule including midweek games against Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Purdue, and more.
Projected opening day starter Ryan Karst heads into his first season with the Sycamores as the right-hander joined Indiana State by way of Madison College. No stranger to the Missouri Valley, he pitched at fellow Valley school UIC his freshman season and was selected to Perfect Game's preseason MVC All-Conference list heading into the year.
Indiana State will have a new lineup across the board with players fighting for position on the field throughout the early few weeks. The early projected lineup features familiar names including Pena and Garis, while Thomas Emerich, Alex Nevils, Weston Fulk, Eli Gipson, Carter Beck, and more will be named Sycamore fans will need to watch over the course of the year.
Scouting Wagner Wagner heads into the 2025 season picked second in the Northeast Conference (NEC) preseason poll as announced by the conference office in early February. The Seahawks posted a 26-30 overall record in 2024 with a 21-12 mark in conference play on their way to advancing to the NEC semifinal round in the postseason.
The Seahawks return leading hitter Xavier Ulrich (.320, 11 2Bs) as the graduate student is expected to be back behind the plate once again this season. Outfielder Lukas Torres (.293, nine 2Bs) and infielder/outfielder Diego Tavarez (.289, six 2Bs) are also back as Wagner returns the services of their top three hitters from the 2025 season. Slugger Mateo Matthews is also back on the roster after posting a team-high seven home runs to go with 33 RBIs in the 2024 season.
Wagner returns one of their three weekend arms from the 2024 season as senior right-hander Connor Hayden is back for the Seahawks. The Aliso Viejo, Calif. native posted a 4.60 ERA over 74.1 innings with a 45:30 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Also returning to the mound include key arms Jake Toporek (16 appearances, 6.55 ERA) and Griffin White (14 appearances, 7.29 ERA) as Wagner will feature a new look on the mound in the coming season.
The Seahawks combined to hit .259 from the plate as a team over the course of the 56-game 2024 season including 22 home runs, 80 doubles, and 11 triples. Wagner's pitching staff compiled a 5.93 team ERA over 489.0 innings with a 401:277 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Series History Against Wagner, Northeastern Conference This weekend's series marks the first time the Sycamores and the Seahawks will take the field against each other in their respective program histories.
The Sycamores are 1-0 all-time against current Northeastern Conference teams. Indiana State lined up against Maryland Eastern Shore early in the 2012 season at the Bulldog Classic held in Huntsville, Ala. The Sycamores took the 17-2 win over UMES in the win.
Follow the Sycamores For the latest information on the Sycamore Baseball team, make sure to check out GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Fans can also receive updates on Sycamore Athletics by downloading the March On App from both the App Store and the Google Play Store.
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