Cary Spotlight | Issue #520

Hum Sub Inc, What Regular Folks Take (And Why It Might Be Too Much), Over 50? Your Body's Trying to Tell You Something

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

🧭 Discover Cary: Hum Sub Inc

📰 Everyday Supplements: What Regular Folks Take (And Why It Might Be Too Much)

📰 Over 50? Your Body's Trying to Tell You Something—Are You Listening?

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ Thank You!

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

📅 Lots Of Events This Week (The Week at a Glance)

Question: Who was the first woman to win an Academy Award for Best Director?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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“Dined with you today and had forgotten how fresh your ingredients are and how tasty the food is! Thanks for making me feel like I am visiting Family when I come in to eat. Friendly staff welcomes you in and eagerly share their knowledge about the choices to ensure you get exactly what you want/need! Love Bee BanhMi!” ~Lorraine Cross

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Hum Sub Inc

Summary

In this episode of Cary Spotlight Connect, Dr. Chris Coetzer interviews Usha Shankar, a dedicated board member of Hum Sub, a cultural nonprofit that has been weaving together the fabric of Cary’s diverse community for 25 years.

Usha shares the story behind the name Hum Sub—which means “all of us” in Hindi—and how this spirit of inclusivity is reflected in the organization’s major events and ongoing educational initiatives.

From the Hum Sub Diwali Festival—Cary’s largest cultural celebration of the year—to the Basant Bahar Spring Festival, listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how these free, immersive experiences highlight music, dance, food, folklore, and cross-cultural understanding.

In 2025, Hum Sub celebrates its 25th anniversary with a full year of Discover India workshops, taking place across Cary and Wake County.

Keywords: Cary Spotlight, Hum Sub, Diwali Festival, Basant Bahar, Cultural Nonprofit, Community Engagement, Indian Culture, Inclusivity, Spring Festival, Discover India Series

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • The meaning and mission behind Hum Sub

  • Why the Diwali Festival is a must-attend community event

  • How Basant Bahar celebrates spring through traditional Indian arts

  • Why these events are for everyone—not just the Indian community

  • Sneak peek at the Discover India Series

  • How to participate, attend, and learn more

🗓️ Featured Events:

🎊 Hum Sub Diwali Festival

  • When: Every October

  • Where: Cary, NC

  • What: A day-long cultural celebration featuring music, dance, Indian cuisine, vendor booths, and educational exhibitions.

  • Cost: FREE and open to the public

  • Audience: All ages, all backgrounds welcome!

🌸 Basant Bahar – Spring Festival

  • Date: March 30, 2025

  • Time: 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM

  • Location: Cary Arts Center

  • What: Performances by youth trained in classical Indian music and dance; a celebration of tradition and springtime renewal.

  • Cost: FREE

Curious to experience the colors, rhythms, and flavors of India—right here in Cary? You're warmly invited to join the celebration. Begin your journey into Cary’s rich cultural mosaic by attending a free event from Hum Sub. Discover upcoming festivals and workshops by visiting their website.

🔗 Connect with Hum Sub:

🌐 Website: https://humsub.org
📆 Event Calendar: https://humsub.org/events

How Familiar Are You with Hum Sub and Its Cultural Events in Cary?

Click to cast your vote

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

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.

Everyday Supplements: What Regular Folks Take (And Why It Might Be Too Much)

Navigating the world of supplements can feel like walking through a vitamin aisle blindfolded—multivitamins, probiotics, adaptogens... where do you even begin?

Here’s a breakdown of the most common daily supplements people take—plus a personal insight from Dr. Estelle Coetzer Tsalik, DPT, Owner and Founder at Living Well with Estelle, who knows firsthand how overwhelming it can be to find what actually works.

🧠 General Health Essentials

Most people start here to fill nutritional gaps or support everyday function.

  • Multivitamins – A daily insurance policy for missed nutrients.

  • Vitamin D – Crucial for bone health, mood, and immunity (especially if you don’t get much sun).

  • Magnesium – Helps with sleep, stress, and muscle cramps.

  • Omega-3 (Fish Oil) – Known for supporting heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.

💪 Fitness & Performance

These help boost strength, energy, and recovery.

  • Protein Powders – Whey or plant-based, for muscle recovery and meal replacement.

  • Creatine – Supports strength and power in workouts.

  • BCAAs – Aid in muscle repair and reduced soreness.

  • Caffeine – For pre-workout energy and focus.

😌 Stress, Sleep & Mood

Mental wellness is finally getting the spotlight it deserves.

  • Ashwagandha – An adaptogen that helps the body manage stress.

  • Melatonin – A natural sleep aid that helps reset your circadian rhythm.

  • L-Theanine – Promotes calm focus, often paired with caffeine.

  • 5-HTP – Supports mood and serotonin levels.

🦠 Immunity & Digestion

Your immune system and gut are more connected than you think.

  • Vitamin C – Popular during cold and flu season.

  • Zinc – Helps reduce the duration of illness and boosts immunity.

  • Probiotics – Balance gut bacteria and can support digestion and even mood.

  • Elderberry – A go-to herbal remedy during winter months.

❤️ Heart, Blood Sugar & Metabolism

Preventive care starts here.

  • CoQ10 – Supports heart function, especially useful if you’re on statins.

  • Berberine – A plant compound used to support blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

  • Fiber (like psyllium husk) – For gut health, cholesterol control, and stable blood sugar.

Credit: Estelle Coetzer Tsalik, owner and founder at Living Well with Estelle

✨ But Here’s the Truth: More Isn’t Always Better

“I used to take 10+ different supplements every day—and guess what? I was still feeling tired, achy, and bloated,”
says Dr. Estelle Coetzer Tsalik, DPT, founder of Living Well with Estelle.

After simplifying her routine to only a few supplements tailored to her body’s actual needs, Dr. Estelle noticed a dramatic improvement in her energy, digestion, and post-surgery recovery.

Feeling overwhelmed by too many pills or “magic solutions”? You’re not alone.

Want help figuring out what supplements you actually need—or which ones might be wasting your time (and money)?

Estelle offers personalized supplement guidance based on your unique body, lifestyle, and goals. If you’re ready to feel better and simplify your wellness routine, she recommends starting with the Living Well Blueprint Quiz

Just curious…

(Just for fun—no medical info needed!) Which best describes your supplement situation?

What’s Your Wellness Style?

Click to cast your vote

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Over 50? Your Body's Trying to Tell You Something—Are You Listening?

As we age, our bodies go through subtle changes that impact how we feel—aches, brain fog, slower metabolism… sound familiar? But what if a few simple food swaps could help you feel sharper, lighter, and more energized?

🎥 Watch: 14 Foods People Over 50 Should Be Eating as Much as Possible
This quick, no-nonsense video breaks down what to eat and why—including surprising superfoods like chickpea pasta, green bananas, and capers—that support gut health, reduce inflammation, and even fight brain fog.

✅ Backed by science
✅ Easy to start today
✅ No gimmicks—just practical advice

Watch now and join the conversation! 👇

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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.

March 26th (Wednesday)

March 27th (Thursday)

March 28th (Friday)

March 29th (Saturday)

March 30th (Sunday)

March 31st (Monday)

  • TBA

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

Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win an Academy Award for Best Director in 2010 for her gripping war film The Hurt Locker. The film, which follows a bomb disposal team during the Iraq War, also won Best Picture and received widespread critical acclaim. Bigelow’s historic win broke a significant barrier in a male-dominated industry and helped spotlight women directors in Hollywood. She has continued to direct impactful, action-driven films such as Zero Dark Thirty, further establishing her legacy in modern cinema.