🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 🍽️ Discover Cary: The Big Easy Oven and Tap
• 💪 Wellness Tip: Wellness Isn’t About Perfection
• ⚠️ Health Alert: Loneliness Is as Deadly as a Pack-a-Day Habit
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• ❤️ Social: Who wrote this?
• 🏪 Support Local: Small biz to support and coffee jar
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

👉 Browse the highlights. Click your favorites.

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Question: What’s the only muscle in your body that never tires?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Meet the Mama Edna Project, a cause we’re proud to spotlight in today’s edition of Cary Spotlight. Their Cary-based thrift shop supports local food security programs across the Triangle. Check out their podcast episode to learn more—and consider donating or shopping to support their cause! Podcast Episode | Follow Them on FB |
Address: 1393 Maynard Rd SE , Cary, NC 27511

The Big Easy Oven and Tap

The Big Easy Oven and Tap is one of the local food places nominated by Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Discover Cary project. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below.

The Big Easy Oven + Tap in Cary, NC, is a modern Southern kitchen with New Orleans roots, offering scratch-made dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, and fried seafood, all served with true Southern hospitality in a rustic-contemporary setting.

Check out their menu on their website: The Big Easy Oven and Tap

Address: 231 Grande Heights Dr, Cary, NC 27513 | Get Directions

Do you have a favorite place to eat in Cary, NC? Click to share your pick.

CARY SPOTLIGHT: HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

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.

Wellness Isn’t About Perfection

Dr. Estelle Tsalik has spent years helping Cary residents find balance in their busy lives. Today, she challenges our readers to ditch the all-or-nothing mentality and embrace small, sustainable steps toward better health. She writes:

I used to think that if I couldn't get in a full workout, it wasn’t worth doing. If my meals weren’t perfectly aligned with my plan, they didn’t count. And if I didn’t close all my rings… the day felt like it was wasted…and there goes my streak (if you know you know).

Letting go of that all-or-nothing mindset was one of the best things I ever did for my health.

Wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up.

• 💧 Didn’t hit your water goal? Drink a glass now.

• 🚶‍♀️ Missed your full workout? Stretch or take a quick walk.

• 😴 Didn’t get the sleep you planned? Wind down earlier tonight and get the best 6–7hrs you can.

Small, consistent actions lead to real progress. Not because they’re dramatic but because they’re doable. And when something is doable, it’s sustainable. You don’t have to do it all. You just have to do something. Then keep building from there. What’s your something today?

Content provided by Dr. Estelle Tsalik - Your Trusted Wellness Consultant.
Dr. Estelle Tsalik, a highly skilled wellness consultant and the founder of Living Well with Estelle, is here to empower you on your journey to optimal health. She is committed to simplifying the process and guiding you towards simple, sustainable, and sanity-saving solutions. Start your journey by taking her Living Well Blueprint Quiz today.

Just curious…

Health Alert: Loneliness Is as Deadly
as a Pack-a-Day Habit

Loneliness has quietly emerged as a leading public health issue in the United States. Health experts, including former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, are warning that social disconnection can be as harmful to one’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

The risks associated with chronic loneliness include heart disease, stroke, dementia, and even premature death—effects that mirror those of some of the country’s top preventable killers.

Roughly one in three U.S. adults reports feeling lonely, and one in four lacks strong emotional or social support. Particularly at risk are young people, older adults, low-income individuals, and those living alone. Despite the promise of digital connection, social media often intensifies feelings of isolation—especially among youth—by fostering constant comparison and reducing face-to-face interaction.

Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has urged a coordinated national response, describing meaningful human connection as a biological necessity, not a luxury. In his advisory, he outlined a strategy to build a more connected society, including reforms to digital environments, support for pro-connection policies, and greater public awareness.

As communities like Cary look ahead, the message is clear: building connection may be one of the most powerful forms of preventive medicine available. Read Full Report

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 wrote this?

From Navy corpsman to corporate biochemist to your daily newsletter writer - here's how Cary Spotlight began. I wrote it first for myself as subscriber number one, wanting to give the little guy a voice and cut through all the doom scrolling. One principle still guides us today: being the platform where everyone gets their moment in the spotlight.

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🎟️ Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few ideas for the week, so plan ahead:

• Today: Wellness Walk 6PM-7PM
• Today: Latin Dance Class  7:30PM-8:15PM
• Thursday: Board Game Social 4PM-8PM
• Thursday: Square Dance (mainstream and plus level dancing) 7:30PM-9:30PM
• Friday: Sex Please, We're Sixty @ Neuse Little Theatre 4PM-10:45PM
• Friday: Discover Dance: DISHOOM 7PM-10PM

But wait! There’s more. To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead: See Full 2-Week Calendar