Cary Spotlight | Issue #156

Compassionate Behavioral Health Initiatives | Explaining Cancer to Kids | The Joy of Shorter Vacations & Cary's Young Author

Cary Spotlight Newsletter

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

📅 Lots Of Events This Week

▶️ Food Freedom Easy Weight Loss PT 3.5: Are Fats Bad For Your Health?

📰 North Carolina Advocates for Compassionate Change in Behavioral Health Crisis Response

📰 Navigating Tough Conversations: Expert Advice on Explaining Cancer to Kids

📰 Why Shorter Vacations Might Be the Key to Greater Happiness

🚴🥾 Resource Guide: Best Road Biking (& Walking) Trails in Cary

❤️ Nine-Year-Old Cary Author: Riley Lombardo Pens a Unique Children's Book

😀 Viral Meme

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Spotlight Hook

Question: Who is the woman who was 17 years old when she received the Nobel Peace Prize?

A) Janet Wong B) Janet Li C) Malala Yousafzai

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Cary Spotlight Health & Wellnesss Editionn

Food Freedom Easy Weight Loss
PT 3.5: Are Fats Bad For Your Health?

This lesson will cover an overview of fats in your diet. In this lesson you'll learn:

  • The main role of dietary fat in the body

  • The importance of including fats in your diet

  • How to set the proper amount of fats in your diet

  • The different types of dietary fats, and which to include

By the end of the lesson, you'll have a more clear understanding of the importance of fats and how to implement it into your diet.

Be sure to have all of your questions answered when you book your risk-free call with an A-Team coach: https://ateamfit.com/book-a-call/

Learn more about Coach Alex & his programs: https://ateamfit.com/

These articles are for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

North Carolina Advocates for Compassionate Change in Behavioral Health Crisis Response

North Carolina is reevaluating its approach to handling behavioral health crises, particularly the common practice of using law enforcement for the transportation of individuals to mental health facilities.

This method, often involving handcuffs and involuntary commitment, has been criticized for being inhumane and traumatic.

Alternative transport options are legally available but underused, prompting calls for change. Some local communities are leading the way with innovative crisis response services.

The state legislature has allocated significant funding to support this transition, signaling a potential shift towards more compassionate and effective crisis management practices.

Advocates emphasize the importance of this change, advocating for a system that treats individuals in crisis with dignity and care rather than suspicion.

Navigating Tough Conversations: Expert Advice on Explaining Cancer to Kids

Catherine, Princess of Wales, recently highlighted the importance of thoughtfully communicating a cancer diagnosis to children.

Experts in pediatric health and clinical social work offer guidance on how to approach this difficult conversation, stressing the need for clarity, reassurance, and age-appropriate explanations.

For young children, maintaining routines and providing physical comfort are key, while older children and teenagers require more detailed information and open discussions about their feelings.

Regardless of age, the overarching goal is to ensure that children feel supported and loved as they process the news of a loved one's illness.

Why Shorter Vacations Might Be the Key to Greater Happiness

In “Look Again,” Sharot and Sunstein delve into the concept of habituation, where repeated exposure to stimuli leads to a decreased emotional response.

Research indicates that the happiness gained from vacation experiences, especially those involving novel "firsts," peaks around 43 hours after arrival. Shorter, more frequent vacations may enhance overall joy, with the anticipation and memories of these trips contributing significantly to our well-being.

They discuss how this human tendency affects our perception of new and old experiences, suggesting that while habituation helps us cope with negative situations, it can also make us complacent about pressing issues.

By embracing change and seeking new perspectives, they argue, we can counteract habituation, renewing our sense of joy and urgency in addressing personal and societal problems.

The authors offer practical advice on fostering creativity, making life changes, and increasing pleasure by breaking the routine, emphasizing the value of experiences over material possessions.

As we delve into the rich tapestry of traditional medicine and its integration into modern healthcare, we're eager to understand your perspectives and experiences with these ancient practices. Your insights will help us gauge the current interest and attitudes towards traditional medicine among our readers. Please take a moment to participate in our poll below.

Have you ever used traditional medicine or complementary therapies (e.g., acupuncture, herbal remedies, yoga, etc.)?

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Please Support Our Local Cary NC Businesses & Sponsors
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Credit: Ridley and Don Lombardo

Nine-Year-Old Cary Author: Riley Lombardo Pens a Unique Children's Book

Riley Lombardo, a nine-year-old from Cary, has recently made waves in the local community and beyond with the publication of her first children’s book, “Mommy Makes it Worse” (sic). Illustrated by her father, Don Lombardo, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, the book offers a playful yet insightful peek into the daily tribulations faced by children at the hands of well-meaning parents.

The inception of this unique project dates back to Riley’s toddler years, inspired by her candid remarks on her mother’s parenting choices. This family venture into storytelling reflects not just a child’s perspective on parental guidelines but also a significant learning journey for the Lombardos. From initial ideas scribbled in a notebook to a fully illustrated and published work available on platforms like Amazon and at Autistic Bookshop, their story is one of collaboration, creativity, and mutual respect.

“Mommy Makes it Worse” stands out for its authenticity and humor, capturing the essence of childhood grievances with parental rules—from enforced veggies to bedtime rituals. Unlike conventional children’s literature, Riley’s narrative steers clear of moralizing, instead offering a genuine reflection of a child’s world view. This resonates with both kids and adults, as evidenced by the positive feedback from readers who find Riley’s observations relatable and the book’s illustrations captivating.

Beyond the book’s immediate appeal, the Lombardo family aspires to encourage other young storytellers to share their stories, emphasizing that age and neurodivergence should not be barriers to creativity and achievement. They hope Riley’s book will not only entertain but also foster understanding and dialogue between parents and children, especially regarding the nuances of neurodivergent experiences.

Riley’s upcoming appearance at the Cary Children's Day Festival exemplifies her and her family’s commitment to engaging with the community and inspiring others. With plans to expand their reach through speaking engagements and educational initiatives, the Lombardos are poised to make a lasting impact on children’s literature and beyond.

“Mommy Makes it Worse” is more than a book; it’s a testament to the power of young voices in shaping our understanding of family dynamics. As Riley Lombardo continues to share her unique insights and stories, Cary proudly claims her as one of its brightest young talents, demonstrating that even the youngest among us can make a significant contribution to our community and culture.

Spoiler Alert: In the final part of her book, Riley realizes that her Mom does many special things for her. The story takes a turn as she understands that things aren't as bad as she first thought. Get it in Paperback or Ebook

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Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Cary, NC for the rest of the week.

March 27th (Wednesday)

March 28th (Thursday)

March 29th (Friday)

March 30th (Saturday)

March 31st (Sunday)

April 1st (Monday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
C) Malala Yousafzai Link to Bio

Growing up in a Pakistani village, Malala’s father was a teacher who ran an all-girls school—until the Taliban enforced a ban on girls being educated. At just 15 years old, Malala spoke out against the actions of the Taliban, leading a gunman to shoot her in the head on a school bus. Not only did she survive this horrific attack, but she also emerged as a vocal activist on the world stage and was 17 years old when she received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. She is one of the youngest famous women in history. She vowed fight to ensure all girls receive 12 years of free, safe, quality education.