Cary Spotlight | Issue #408

CORRAL Riding Academy, Menopause's Impact on Cardiovascular Health, Respiratory Illness Season, Wicked Ending Explained

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

🧭 Discover Cary (Non-Profits): CORRAL Riding Academy

📰 Silent Threats: Menopause's Impact on Cardiovascular Health

💡 Wicked Ending Explained - What happens next?

📰 Respiratory Illness Season: A Growing Threat to Children’s Health

☀️ Cary NC Weather

📅Lots Of Events This Week

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: What is the only country in the world that lies entirely above 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) in elevation?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Discover Bee Banhmi, a local business sponsor of Cary Spotlight. They do catering, online ordering, home delivery and in-store. Great food made with quality ingredients. You can read their Business Spotlight | Order Online | Catering Options

Partner with us to reach our local audience in Cary, NC.
email: [email protected]

Meme of the Day.
Brought to you by Cary's Daily Newsletter.

What’s faster than word of mouth? Cary Spotlight! Keeps you updated on what is going on locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.

Who else do you know in Cary who might also want enjoy reading the Cary Spotlight?

Meme-o-meter

Click to cast your vote (see live results)

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Credit: CORRAL Riding Academy

CORRAL Riding Academy

CORRAL Riding Academy is one of the local charities nominated by Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Discover Cary Giveaway. If you’ve experienced the impact of CORRAL Riding Academy’s work firsthand or know someone who has, we’d love to hear your story.

This is a Cary-based nonprofit offering equine-assisted therapy and education to empower at-risk girls, fostering personal growth and academic success.

Learn more about the essential services they provide on their website.

CORRAL Riding Academy

Click to share 3 things you love about this charity or recommend a way people can support their mission!

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Want to nominate a local charity? Then fill out the form with your nominations.

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.

Silent Threats: Menopause's Impact on Cardiovascular Health

As women transition into menopause, typically in their late 40s or early 50s, significant but often unnoticed changes occur in their cardiovascular health. The decline in estrogen production triggers physiological shifts, including increased abdominal fat, the onset of metabolic syndrome, and arterial changes, all of which raise the risk of heart disease.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women, yet awareness of this risk has declined over the past decade, particularly among Black, Hispanic, and younger women.

Hot flashes and night sweats—common menopause symptoms—are now linked to high blood pressure, while depression during menopause has been associated with increased cardiovascular risks. On the flip side, women who experience menopause later in life often enjoy better heart health, although factors like smoking, poor cardiovascular health during reproductive years, and genetics can lead to earlier menopause and elevated risks.

Health experts highlight midlife as a critical period for implementing lifestyle changes to prevent heart disease. Regular exercise, in particular, offers extensive benefits, including improved heart health, weight management, and enhanced mental well-being. While adopting new habits is always beneficial, establishing these practices earlier in life yields the greatest rewards. Women are encouraged to use this "window of opportunity" to prioritize heart health and build a foundation for long-term well-being. Read Full Report

Wicked Ending Explained:
What happens next?

The prequel to The Wizard of Oz, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, has captured audiences with its spellbinding story, breathtaking visuals, and powerful performances.

Find out what happens after the movie ends. This is a full movie recap, review and ending explained for WICKED.

Have you seen Wicked?

Click to cast your vote

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Respiratory Illness Season: A Growing Threat to Children’s Health

The respiratory illness season is underway, and health officials are raising concerns over rising hospitalization rates, particularly among children. COVID-19 cases remain low, but flu and RSV cases are starting to climb, with hospital visits for RSV doubling in just one month. Compounding the challenge are low vaccination rates—fewer than 1 in 5 adults and only 8% of children have received updated COVID-19 vaccines, and flu vaccination rates are also trailing past years.

Children face unique vulnerabilities to respiratory illnesses due to narrower airways and their reliance on nasal breathing. These risks are evident in the sharp increase in hospitalizations for RSV and a resurgence of walking pneumonia among younger children, further straining pediatric hospitals. Emergency departments in states like Texas and Virginia are nearing capacity, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Pediatric hospitals are bracing for an expected surge as colder weather and holiday gatherings increase the spread of illnesses. Experts stress the importance of vaccinations to reduce severe outcomes and prevent overwhelming the healthcare system during this critical season. Read Full Report

Age Is Just a Number

It is concerning to see that there are many people that are waking up feeling tired, experiencing stiffness, and feeling the need for more support in staying healthy. Take the Thrive Wellness Blueprint Quiz.

Get recommendations designed to support your overall well-being.

Click here to take the quiz

Meet Diane Friedman, a 100-year-old powerhouse from Cleveland, Ohio, who’s showing the world that age is just a number!

Let’s Tell Your Brand’s Story.
Increase Your Local Visibility and
Connect with Our Community!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Cary area residents in an upcoming issue of Cary Spotlight? Click the link below.

Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Cary, NC for the rest of the week.
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information.

December 4th (Wednesday)

December 5th (Thursday)

December 6th (Friday)

December 7th (Saturday)

December 8th (Sunday)

December 9th (Monday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question👇👇👇

Lesotho, a small landlocked country in Southern Africa, is the only nation in the world entirely above 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) in elevation. Known as the "Kingdom in the Sky," its mountainous terrain includes peaks like Thabana Ntlenyana, the highest point in Africa south of Kilimanjaro. Lesotho’s unique geography supports dramatic landscapes, cool climates, and a culture closely tied to its high-altitude environment.

For more information, visit National Geographic’s profile on Lesotho.