🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 💪 Wellness Tip: How to Make Your Habits Last Beyond Quitters’ Day
• ⚠️ Food Recall Alert: Ground Beef, Pantry Goods, and Condiment Recalled
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• ❤️ Communities need strong connections: Show Your Support
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)
👉 Browse the highlights. Click your favorites.
Did someone forward you our Cary newsletter? Then subscribe here
Question: From what language did English borrow the word "trek"?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
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.
How to Make Your Habits Last Beyond Quitters’ Day
“Dr. Estelle is an absolute sunbeam — a brilliant blend of warmth, wisdom, and energy. Through her work, she helps people reconnect with balance and wellbeing in a way that feels empowering, approachable, and real.” - WBON Triangle
As the second Friday of the year approaches (January 9, 2026), often referred to as Quitters’ Day, many people find themselves drifting away from their New Year’s resolutions. But this day isn’t a sign of failure. Instead, it offers an opportunity to reassess and reset.
Rather than pushing forward with goals that no longer fit, this moment can be used to build habits that align more realistically with daily life. Research-backed strategies can help make these habits stick beyond January.
Scale down your goals until they feel manageable.
Small, consistent actions like five minutes of exercise or one healthy food choice are more likely to build momentum over time. Starting small helps make change feel doable, even on low-energy days.Connect new habits to existing routines.
Pairing a new behavior with something already ingrained in your day—like stretching while brushing your teeth—makes it easier to sustain without requiring extra effort or motivation.Anticipate imperfect days.
Instead of waiting for an ideal schedule, plan for how your habit can look when time or energy is limited. A shortened version still counts, and flexibility increases long-term consistency.Shift from willpower to identity.
Framing your actions around who you want to become, rather than what you want to achieve, can help habits stick. Identity-based habits tend to last longer than those driven by short-term motivation.Evaluate alignment, not just discipline.
If a habit feels draining or overwhelming, it may not be a good fit for your current lifestyle. Adjusting a habit to support your energy and circumstances makes it more sustainable over time.
Far from being a setback, Quitters’ Day can be a meaningful moment to realign goals with your real life and to build habits that last.
👉 Want a personalized plan to simplify your vitamin and supplement routine so you can confidently create a foundation of lifelong wellness?
Book your free wellness chat with Dr. Estelle and map out the simple shifts that will make the biggest difference for you.
How Are Your New Year’s Habits Holding Up?
Ground Beef, Pantry Goods, and Condiment Recalled
In late December and early January, U.S. food safety regulators issued three major recalls for products sold across multiple states. Each notice involves either a contamination risk or an undeclared allergen, prompting warnings to consumers.
Ground Beef Recall (Dec 27, 2025): The USDA recalled Forward Farms brand ground beef from Mountain West Food Group due to potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. These raw beef products were distributed in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Consumers are advised not to consume the affected meat and to discard or return it.
Gold Star Distribution Recall (Dec 26, 2025): The FDA announced a recall involving a broad range of shelf-stable human foods stored at a Gold Star Distribution facility. Rodent feces, urine, and bird droppings were found on-site, creating a risk of Salmonella and other contamination. Affected products were sold in Minnesota, Indiana, and North Dakota.
Preserved Mustard in Soybean Oil Recall (Jan 5, 2026): The FDA also recalled Cai Hua Xiang brand “Preserved Mustard in Soybean Oil,” imported by Newway Import Inc., for containing undeclared wheat. This allergen poses serious risks to individuals with wheat allergies. The product was sold in California grocery stores.
Consumers are encouraged to check product details carefully and follow recall instructions, which include avoiding consumption and contacting retailers or distributors as needed
How closely do you follow food recall alerts?
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.
❤️ Communities need strong connections.
Your support helps us shine a light on Cary’s wellness leaders, wellness tips, and health alerts that keep our town thriving. Join readers who’ve already donated.
🎟️ 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:
• Wednesday: Tai Chi: Downtown Cary Park 6:30PM-7:30PM
• Thursday: Zumba 6PM-7PM
• Thursday: Town Council Regular Meeting 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Friday: Visionary Vibes 6:30PM-8:30PM
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 👇👇👇
A: Afrikaans
English borrowed the word "trek" from Afrikaans, a language that developed from Dutch spoken in South Africa, with roots in the Dutch verb trekken, meaning "to draw, pull, or travel," famously used during the 19th-century Great Trek migration.
The Journey of the Word:
Dutch Origin: The word stems from the Dutch trekken.
Afrikaans Adoption: It became common in Afrikaans (South African Dutch) to describe journeys, especially the significant Groot Trek (Great Trek).
English Borrowing: English adopted the word in the mid-1800s, initially for ox-wagon journeys, later broadening to mean any long, arduous journey.
Learn more about Trek – The African Roots of a Long Distance Word