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 Marvin, 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 Marvin, 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 Marvin, 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 Marvin. 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!
843-737-2597Marvin Ridge’s bid for a 4A girls volleyball state championship fell short Saturday evening, as the Mavericks fell in the finals to an iconic North Carolina prep program.Cardinal Gibbons capped an unbeaten season by beating Marvin Ridge 3-1 for the 4A title — the 12th state volleyball championship for the Raleigh school.The other state titles Saturday were won by teams from the West.West Henderson downed J.H. Rose 3-1 for the 3A crown, McMichael edged Seaforth 3-2 for the 2A title, and Polk County blanked Per...
Marvin Ridge’s bid for a 4A girls volleyball state championship fell short Saturday evening, as the Mavericks fell in the finals to an iconic North Carolina prep program.
Cardinal Gibbons capped an unbeaten season by beating Marvin Ridge 3-1 for the 4A title — the 12th state volleyball championship for the Raleigh school.
The other state titles Saturday were won by teams from the West.
West Henderson downed J.H. Rose 3-1 for the 3A crown, McMichael edged Seaforth 3-2 for the 2A title, and Polk County blanked Perquimans 3-0 in 1A.
Marvin Ridge (34-4) was decisively beaten in the first set but battled the Crusaders (22-0) on nearly even terms the rest of the way at Reynolds Coliseum on the N.C. State University campus.
And in the end, Marvin Ridge earned the respect of the champions.
“Marvin Ridge was the best team we have played in a state championship in my 15 years here,” Crusaders head coach Logan Barber said. “We were fortunate to find enough points to win.”
Cardinal Gibbons won three 2A state titles from 2005-07, then added six more in 3A from 2009-14. The last five of those came with Barber as head coach. The school then moved up to 4A in 2015 and won that year, and added another title in the COVID-altered 2020-21 campaign.
Marvin Ridge was making its second appearance in the volleyball championship, after winning the 3A title in 2018.
Cardinal Gibbons’ victory extended the East’s streak of 4A volleyball state championships to 12. The last West winner to win a 4A state championship was Ardrey Kell, in 2012.
The match got off to a rocky start for the Mavericks, as Cardinal Gibbons raced to leads of 8-3, 13-4 and 17-5. Marvin Ridge righted the ship a bit but lost 25-11.
Then coach Brook Hammers’ squad rallied. The Mavs bolted to a 6-3 lead, thanks to kills by junior Natalie Unkrich and senior Kiley Petras, and built the margin to 16-8.
The Crusaders closed the gap to 22-16, but Marvin Ridge got a key kill from 6-1 sophomore Victoria Simons and won the second set 25-21.
It was only the third time this season that Cardinal Gibbons had lost a set.
“This is a gritty group,” Hammers said. “They are fighters.”
Marvin Ridge jumped to a 5-0 lead in the third set, with Unkrich scoring twice on kills, but Cardinal Gibbons went on a 16-6 run and led 16-11. The Mavericks closed to 18-17, and the rest of the set was tightly played.
With the match tied 24-24, the Crusaders’ Genevieve Harris scored two straight points for the victory.
The fourth set was close nearly all the way, and a kill by Karsyn Baylog and a block by Petras enabled Marvin Ridge to tie it at 24-all. But Mia Bell scored two straight points for the Crusaders, earning the victory.
“The third set could have gone either way, and the fourth set could have gone either way,” Hammers said. “It was a close match.”
Harris was named the match’s Most Valuable Player, and Marvin Ridge’s Katie Meewes won the N.C. High School Athletic Association’s Sportsmanship Award.
Highlights: Cardinal Gibbons holds on in four to defeat Marvin Ridge in 4A title matchRALEIGH, N.C. — Classifications are changing in next year's N.C. High School Athletic Association, going from four to eight, so in essence this was the last go-round of 4A volleyball as it's been defined for decades -- the class with the state's largest schools.The 4A East went out with a bang.Cardinal Gibbons fended off Marvin Ridge in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A volleyball championship game on S...
Highlights: Cardinal Gibbons holds on in four to defeat Marvin Ridge in 4A title match
RALEIGH, N.C. — Classifications are changing in next year's N.C. High School Athletic Association, going from four to eight, so in essence this was the last go-round of 4A volleyball as it's been defined for decades -- the class with the state's largest schools.
The 4A East went out with a bang.
Cardinal Gibbons fended off Marvin Ridge in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A volleyball championship game on Saturday at N.C. State's Reynolds Coliseum by a 3-1 score (25-11, 21-25, 26-24, 26-24).
That gives the East 12 straight titles over the West to close out this era of NCHSAA classification, but none of those 12 have been as back-and-forth as this one. Gibbons had only dropped two sets all season and Marvin Ridge hadn't dropped any to in-state competition, but it was 1-1 after the second set and the next two took more than 25 points to settle.
"I've been fortunate enough to be involved with a number of state championships with Cardinal Gibbons in the years that I've been here and Marvin Ridge tonight was the best team that we've played against in a state championship in my 15 years of being here," Gibbons coach Logan Barber said. "They played amazing defensively."
Genevieve Harris, the junior setter who is already part of USA Volleyball's U19 team, could do little wrong in running Gibbons' high-octane offense, save for having to battle cramps in her calves late in the match. The Texas recruit, who was later named MVP with 55 assists and just one ball handling error, got up slowly after the celebratory dogpile, still in pain.
Relive The Moment: Cardinal Gibbons ties NCHSAA record with 12th volleyball state championship in program history
"This has been happening for a couple of weeks now where I just, at the end of practice or the end of a game... my legs just started to give out," Harris said. "I knew I had to take as many electrolytes as I could. ... It worked a little bit and at the end of the last five points I was struggling."
Gibbons needed every bit of her passing, because Marvin Ridge's defense was up to the task.
Gibbons jumped out to an 8-3 lead in the first set, forcing Marvin Ridge to call a timeout and hopefully settle the evident nerves. But Gibbons' defense, led by UCLA beach volleyball recruit Alina Ryan, and the passing, led by Harris, was too strong and the Crusaders were in system the whole way to win it 25-11. Ryan finished with 43 digs.
It was the first set Marvin Ridge had dropped to an in-state team this year.The Mavericks opened up the second set with a 14-8 lead thanks to kills by Ashley Murray and Natalie Unkrich. Isabella Perkins, a libero who has committed to Appalachian State, made some important digs against Gibbons' hitters. Marvin Ridge led 22-16 late before Gibbons reeled off four straight points to force a timeout.
The Mavericks pushed through to hand Gibbons just its third set loss of the season, joining Millbrook and Green Level, with a 25-21 win.
Perkins had 17 digs and freshman defensive specialist Beckett Hammers had 26. Unkrich had 16 kills and Ashley Murray had 13 kills. Jillian Young had 27 assists.
4A Volleyball State Championship Press Conference: Cardinal Gibbons & Marvin Ridge
"This is a gritty group, and something that we've been working on from Day One is our defense, and they are also fighters," Marvin Ridge coach Brook Hammers said. "We didn't play the best the first set, but we fought hard and the third set could've gone either way and the fourth set could've gone either way."
Marvin Ridge led the third set 6-1 early but Gibbons took its first lead at 10-9. The surge was led by Virginia recruit Mary Grace Gonyeau, a junior outside hitter, and the play at the net by sister middle hitters Charlotte Bell, a Wofford recruit, and Mia Bell, a sophomore.
Gonyeau had a game-high 20 kills. Charlotte Bell had 10 with three blocks and Mia Bell had 11. Sophomore Hailey Mueller added 12 kills.
Marvin Ridge forced Gibbons to take a timeout with a 17-16 edge and tied it at 19-19, 20-20, 21-21, 22-22, 23-23, and again at 24-24. Harris got the next kill on a surprise tip and an error on the next play gave Gibbons the set, 26-24.
"This is my third year on varsity and I've been craving this since my sophomore year," Charlotte Bell said. "I feel so incredibly lucky to be part of this team and a second year with my sister."
Gibbons got out to a 7-4 lead in the fourth, which prompted a Marvin Ridge timeout. The Mavericks tied it up for the first time in the set at 12-12, then the two teams traded blows until Gibbons held a 21-18 lead. The Mavericks scored three straight to tie it at 21-all, forcing a Gibbons timeout.
Marvin Ridge took a 22-21 lead, but a service error made it 22-all. An ace by Charlotte Bell and a kill by Gonyeau put Gibbons a point away, but Marvin Ridge had back-to-back kills to make it 24-24.
The last two points, scored by a pair of Mia Bell kills, gave the Crusaders the state championship with a sixth set, 26-24.
Before the game, Gibbons' Ryan and Marvin Ridge's Katie Meewes were named NCHSAA sportsmanship award winners.
Published 8:32 am Wednesday, October 30, 2024 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Town of Duck’s Living Shoreline and Resiliency Project has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2024 Marvin Collins Planning Awar...
Published 8:32 am Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
The Town of Duck’s Living Shoreline and Resiliency Project has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2024 Marvin Collins Planning Award in the “Sustainability and Resilience” category from the North Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-NC). This recognition highlights the town’s innovative project, designed as a model for soundfront property owners and coastal communities.
Situated along a prominent quarter-mile stretch of N.C. Highway 12, the Living Shoreline and Resiliency Project is easily visible to residents, pedestrians and travelers, providing an opportunity for community engagement and observation of its coastal resiliency elements over time.
Key features of the project are designed for replication by both private property owners and other communities. Notably, the use of living shorelines as an alternative to hardened bulkheads can be implemented on various scales, while the addition of sidewalks and bike lanes promotes safer transportation, stated a Town of Duck news release. The project also includes the elevation of N.C. Highway 12 and construction of a stone revetment to mitigate flooding and erosion issues, enhancing overall community resilience and sustainability. Additionally, various stormwater management components can be duplicated by property owners and local governments, the release continued.
“The Living Shoreline and Resiliency Project has significantly enhanced the sustainability of the Duck community by reducing shoreline erosion, restoring coastal marsh, providing transportation alternatives, elevating roadways, and implementing advanced stormwater solutions,” stated the release.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from the APA-NC,” said Town of Duck director of community development Joe Heard. “This project represents a significant investment in our community’s future and demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and resilience. This important project would not have been possible without the efforts and support of many in our community including Senior Planner Sandy Cross, the Duck Town Council, VHB design engineering, Fred Smith Company construction, and our many funding partners. We believe that this project can serve as a model for other coastal communities facing similar challenges.”
The APA-NC Marvin Collins Planning Awards are named after a distinguished planner who made significant contributions to the field. The awards are considered the highest honor in planning in North Carolina and recognize the outstanding work of individuals and organizations.
To learn more about the Living Shoreline and Resiliency Project, go to townofduck.com/living-shoreline-and- resiliency-project/.
INDIAN LAND, SCThe Marvin Ridge Mavericks got back in the win column Friday, beating previously undefeated Indian Land 38-9 in a battle of North and South Carolina teams.The Mavericks, from Union County, were upset 22-16 by Lake Norman last week.“We beat a great football team,” Marvin Ridge head coach Aubrey Carter said after Friday’s win. “It was pretty close in the first half, but I thought we did a great job in the second half at responding. We made some adjustments, kids responded, forced some...
INDIAN LAND, SC
The Marvin Ridge Mavericks got back in the win column Friday, beating previously undefeated Indian Land 38-9 in a battle of North and South Carolina teams.
The Mavericks, from Union County, were upset 22-16 by Lake Norman last week.
“We beat a great football team,” Marvin Ridge head coach Aubrey Carter said after Friday’s win. “It was pretty close in the first half, but I thought we did a great job in the second half at responding. We made some adjustments, kids responded, forced some turnovers, and had some explosive plays on offense to really just open the game up.”
Marvin Ridge got to work early after forcing a three-and-out from Indian Land. The Mavericks quickly marched down the field, scoring the first points of the game on a 30-yard touchdown pass.
Indian Land answered, getting a 20-yard score from sophomore Sequel Patterson.
But after that, it was all Mavericks.
Marvin Ridge scored 31 points in the second half, including a 43-yard touchdown catch from Hudson Murray and a 46-yard interception return for a score from sophomore linebacker Brady Morgan.
“We’re really young but had a couple mistakes, and things just not go our way,” Indian Land head coach Adam Hastings said after the game. “We really haven’t had to come from behind yet, so it was kind of new to our guys, but there was a lot of stuff to build off of and grow off of.”
Hastings said penalties, mishandled snaps and some busted play calls also hurt his team, but he said the Warriors gained some experience against a playoff-qualify team.
“You just got to learn from mistakes, and acknowledge mistakes,” Hastings said. “Putting players in positions in practice to handle those and see them. I’m still buying high on the team.
“We have so much youth, and they play hard and they love each other. There’s a lot of positives to build off of, so we’ll see where we can go from there.”
Hudson Murray, Marvin Ridge: The senior wideout for the Mavericks had a phenomenal day, hauling in two long touchdown passes en route to the blowout win.
Brady Morgan, Marvin Ridge: He may only be a sophomore, but Morgan showed up big with a massive pick-six that permanently turned the momentum in his team’s favor.
Sequel Patterson, Indian Land: While his team didn’t leave with the victory, Patterson showed out by hauling in a couple of long passes, with one being the Warriors’ only touchdown of the night.
Marvin Ridge heads to Sun Valley next Saturday. Indian Land hosts Rock Hill.
Marvin Ridge 7 0 14 17 - 38
Indian Land 6 0 3 0 – 9
First Quarter
(MR) – Conor Frew 30-yard touchdown reception
(IL) – Sequel Patterson 20-yard touchdown reception
Third Quarter
(MR) – Hudson Murray 43-yard touchdown reception
(IL) – Kane Grote 16-yard field goal
(MR) – Brady Morgan 54-yard pick six
Fourth Quarter
(MR) – Hudson Murray 55-yard touchdown reception
(MR) – Ford Fehling 14-yard field goal
(MR) – Luke Wakefield 54-yard touchdown run
This story was originally published September 20, 2024, 11:33 PM.
Copyright 2024 by Dr. Mickey Barber's Better Life