Cary Spotlight | Issue #604

The Hidden Cost of Sitting Still, 5 Nutrients That Could Change How You Feel in Midlife, Hank's Downtown Dive


🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 🍽️ Discover Cary: Hank's Downtown Dive
• 💪 Wellness Tip: 5 Nutrients That Could Change How You Feel in Midlife
• ⚠️ Health Alert: The Hidden Cost of Sitting Still
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• ❤️ Shout-out: Thank You, Carolyn Hirsheimer!
• 🏪 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: Which vitamin, when deficient, can lead to memory problems and cognitive decline?

(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

Hank's Downtown Dive

Hank's Downtown Dive 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.

Hank's Downtown Dive is a modern gastropub in downtown Cary that combines craft cocktails with a seasonal menu featuring elevated comfort food like fried chicken, fresh oysters, and inventive tacos in a bright, welcoming atmosphere.

Check out their menu on their website: Hank's Downtown Dive

Address: 111 E Chatham St, Ste A, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions

Hank's Downtown Dive

Click to share 3 things you love about this place or recommend an item people should try on their menu.

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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.

5 Nutrients That Could Change How You Feel in Midlife

If you’ve been feeling more tired than usual, struggling with sleep, or noticing dips in mood or focus, you’re not alone—and it might not just be stress or hormones. For many adults in midlife, these symptoms can be traced back to something surprisingly simple: nutrient gaps. According to Cary-based wellness expert Dr. Estelle Tsalik, five specific nutrients often play an outsized role in how we feel day to day—yet are frequently overlooked.

“Sometimes the real issue is a gap in what your body’s getting day to day,” says Tsalik. The key players she highlights—fiber, magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3s—support everything from hormone balance and gut function to bone density and brain clarity. Her visual guide outlines the daily goals for each, signs of deficiency, and food-based sources, making it easy for individuals to identify where they may be falling short.

Rather than recommending a cabinet full of supplements, Tsalik encourages starting with a few mindful dietary shifts and, if needed, gentle supplementation—especially with vitamin D. “A few simple shifts,” she adds, “can make a noticeable difference in how you feel.” For many, it’s a refreshing reminder that wellness doesn’t always require a complete overhaul—just a return to the essentials.

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.

The Hidden Cost of Sitting Still

Americans spend 9.5 hours daily sitting, creating serious health risks that exercise alone can't fix. Prolonged sitting increases risks of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, and certain cancers—even for people who work out regularly. Sitting for 10+ hours daily affects cardiovascular health regardless of body weight or fitness level, causing decreased energy, muscle weakness, poor posture, and disrupted blood sugar regulation.

Solutions focus on incorporating "exercise snacks"—brief activity periods throughout the day. Recommendations include walking instead of driving for short trips, taking stairs, standing during phone calls, and using standing desks. Just five minutes of walking each hour during work accumulates to 40 minutes of additional daily movement.

Experts emphasize that total daily movement matters more than step count goals while maintaining long sitting periods. The most effective approach combines increased daily activity with regular aerobic exercise, requiring both individual behavior changes and broader societal shifts as remote work and digital entertainment continue expanding. Read Full Report

Just curious…

Which "exercise snack" would you be most likely to try?

Click to cast your vote

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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.



Thank You, Carolyn Hirsheimer!

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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: Pollinator Week Bioblitz 9AM-8PM
• Today: Pen and Ink Drawings with a Splash of Watercolor 6:30M-8:30PM
• Thursday: Trivia Night 6PM-8PM
• Thursday: Zumba 7PM-8PM
• Friday: Country Soul Songbook: Juneteenth Jamboree 7PM-8:30PM
• Friday: GLOW Yoga 8:30PM-9:30PM

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

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy brain function, nerve signaling, and red blood cell formation. A deficiency in B12 can lead to memory problems, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and even irreversible cognitive decline if left untreated. Older adults, vegetarians, and those with absorption issues are particularly at risk. Early detection and supplementation can help prevent or reverse symptoms.