4 Tips For Staying Fit At Home

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What does it mean to stay fit? Well, for starters, it means that you’re taking responsibility for your health and fitness. Staying fit doesn’t mean you have to be sexy or have a toned and curved body. A fit body is a healthy body.  

With the current health crisis, staying fit is the top priority for everyone. With lockdowns happening, how can you ensure your body is fit and healthy while you stay at home? Here are some helpful tips to keep your body healthy even when you don’t go to the gym: 

  • Exercise Regularly 

You always hear about the many benefits of exercise and how it can help improve your overall health. Exercising at home is easy even though you have a small space because you can find many videos and guides online. If you’re not a fan of public gyms, you can take it home. For instance, a good compact home gym might come in handy to help you solve the dilemma of hitting the gym or not.

Exercise is essential because: 

  • It Helps Improve Mental Health 

Being fit doesn’t only focus on physical health, but one’s mental health as well. With lockdowns and the current pandemic, many people tend to feel depressed, exhausted, or tired.  

Exercise helps by boosting your mood. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural drugs. This gives you more happiness, serenity, and a positive outlook in life. It reduces stress levels as well. When you exercise, your heart rate goes up, and blood circulation is improved. You will also have better stamina and endurance. 

  • It Helps Improve Immunity 

The second reason daily exercise is important is that it improves your immune system. Your immune system is the defense mechanism that fights against illnesses. Lack of exercise weakens your immune system. It also allows the virus and bacteria to persist and build up. To combat these viruses and bacteria, your immune system needs regular stimulation and exercise.  

  • It Helps You Lose Extra Fat 

Exercise can help you lose weight and keep you fit and toned. When doing workouts, your body is using the excess fats stored in your body as energy.  

You must find some activity a few times each week that you can do without stopping. If you have trouble finding something to do, look on the Internet for inspiration, there are plenty of websites that provide ideas and resources for fitness using a compact home gym. 

  • Eat A Well-Balanced Meal 

What is a well-balanced meal plan? In the simplest terms, it’s all of the food groups, in a particular order, which you should consume daily to provide your body with the nutrients that it requires. Having well-balanced meals every day will ensure that you get enough of the nutrients your body needs for good health.  

Many foods are included in what is a well-balanced meal plan. Some of these are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, dairy products, meat, and poultry. It should also contain healthy fats found in vegetable oils and fruits like avocado.  

  • Get Proper Sleep 

Sleep is vital for your physical health as well as your mental health. During this time, your body repairs itself and refreshes itself from the stresses and activities of the day.  

The average person needs about eight hours of sleep each night to maintain normal body functions. Those who sleep less than this are at risk for obesity, cardiovascular disease, poor digestion, reduced memory, and hormone abnormalities. 

  • Hydrate With Water 

Water is responsible for providing you with the majority of your body’s nutrients and keeping your cells healthy. The body also needs water to function correctly. Many people don’t realize how much waste their bodies contain, which builds up over time.  

Water is used to act as a neutralizer, removing the waste and toxins that accumulate in the colon, the kidneys, the liver, and the lungs. Water is used to help flush these waste products out to be eliminated from the body. 

Water is also an essential element when it comes to digestion. The digestive process, which includes breaking down foods and proteins to create acids and enzymes needed to break down food for digestion, requires a constant amount of water. Without this water, digestion is slowed down. This affects the overall health of the body, leading to fatigue and other problems. 

Summary 

It’s easy to stay fit and healthy even when you’re staying at home. It’s essential to be consistent with proper diet and exercise. If you follow these tips, you’ll have a life-changing experience as you work on improving your health and maintaining a fit body.  

Lastly, getting proper sleep and drinking lots of water will ensure that your body is functioning correctly. In today’s global health situation, it’s essential to improve one’s immune system to fight off the virus and other diseases.  

Rents in Charlotte Down 1.6% Year-Over-Year – March 2021 Rental Report

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With the second month of 2021 data in the books, ApartmentList.com’s new rent estimates are showing that COVID’s impact on the market is now stabilizing. Their national index is up by  0.7% month-over-month, the biggest monthly increase since 2019.

Here are some of this month’s highlights for the Charlotte region:

  • Rents in Charlotte increased 0.2% month-over-month, and are down by 1.6% year-over-year.
  • For comparison, year-over-year rent growth in Charlotte was 1.9% at this time last year.
  • Median rents in Charlotte currently stand at $1071 for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1197 for a two-bedroom.

While Charlotte rents may seem high to many, we are still relatively low compared to similarly-sized cities.

What do you think about rental prices in Charlotte? 

Governor Cooper Announces Increased Event Capacity and Eased Restrictions on Venues

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Great news for sports fans out there – Governor Cooper has just increased the capacity limits for all sporting venues across our state due to a continued decrease in Covid-19 cases and a steady increase in vaccinations.

Executive Order 195 specifically increased venues with over 5,000 person capacity to 15% occupancy and other types of venues to 30% and 50% occupancy, depending on the function.

“Today’s action is a show of confidence and trust, but we must remain cautious. People are losing their loved ones each day,” said Governor Cooper. “We must keep up our guard. Many of us are weary, but we cannot let the weariness win. Now is the time to put our strength and resilience to work so that we can continue to turn the corner and get through this.”

The order’s 30% Capacity Limit (may not exceed 250-persons in indoor spaces) includes:

  • Bars
  • Meeting, Reception, and Conference Spaces
  • Lounges (including tobacco) and Night Clubs
  • Indoor areas of Amusement Parks
  • Movie Theatres
  • Entertainment facilities (e.g., bingo parlors, gaming establishments)
  • Sports Arenas and Fields*
  • Venues*

The order’s 50% Capacity Limit includes:

  • Restaurants
  • Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries
  • Fitness and Physical Activity Facilities (e.g., gyms, bowling alleys, rock climbing facilities)
  • Pools
  • Museums and Aquariums
  • Retailers
  • Outdoor areas of Amusement Parks
  • Salons, Personal Care, Tattoo Parlors

Safety protocols such as masks, social distancing and frequent handwashing will continue to be important as people adjust to the new order, health officials said.

What do you think of the changes? 

Highly Invasive ‘Emerald Ash Borer’ Has Been Detected in Charlotte – Could Kill All Of Our Ash Trees

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A new invasive bug that’s already killed millions of trees throughout the US is now in Charlotte, according to press release by the city of Charlotte.

The ‘Emerald Ash Borer’ seems to have killed several trees at a property by South Tryon St. and Billy Graham Parkway.

eab-bug-in-charlotte

If the new insect takes a strong foothold in our city, approximately 1,300 ash trees that line the streets of Charlotte could be in danger, along with our ‘City of Trees‘ nickname.

eabAccording to the city’s recent announcement, “The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a metallic green beetle that bores into ash trees eating the tissues beneath the bark…now found in many Midwestern and Eastern states and has already killed millions of ash trees. The City of Charlotte’s tree management group is working on an action plan to manage public trees and to provide information for citizens.”

Infestations of the EAB start with the loss of leaves on tree tops, tunnels emerging under loose tree bark, and a phenomena called ‘Sprouts’, which are created by the tree as a defense mechanism at its base.

The city of Charlotte is urging residents to report all possible sighting of EAB to 800-206-9333 or newpest@ncagr.gov

Is Fast Foundation Repair Important?

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Most people know very little about the foundation of their homes other than the fact that it is an important part of the structure. In fact, a lot of people do not realize if and when the foundation of their property has sustained damage, and as a result, they do not call on foundation repair experts to take a look at the problem. This causes unnecessary delays that could result in the damage becoming worse and worse, and this could then lead to serious dangers and problems with the very structure of your home.

This is why fast foundation repair is important, as this can help to protect your home and loved ones. It can also reduce the risk of problems getting worse, which could end up not only increase hazards but also costing you a lot of money to put right. If you want to try and avoid serious foundation issues, it is best to know what the signs of foundation damage are. This will then enable you to identify possible issues and call out an expert to come and take a look. We will look at some of the common issues that can arise in this article.

What Are the Potential Problems and Signs of Foundation Damage?

By knowing what the signs of foundation damage are, you will be far better equipped to identify possible issues and get them sorted out at the earliest opportunity. Some of the problems and signs of foundation damage include:

Movement in Your Walls

A common effect of foundation problems includes movement in your walls. This is something that can result in bowing or bulging walls, and this can then mean that the structure of the walls is weakened because of the movement. This movement can also have an effect on wall fixtures, which can become separated from the walls as a result. In addition to movement in the walls, foundation damage can cause cracking of the walls, and you may notice horizontal and verticals cracks appearing. These can also weaken your wall structure, and this is a common sign of foundation issues.

Damage to Your Floors

You may also notice problems with your floors as a result of foundation damage to your home. One of the common indicators of foundation issues is if areas of your floors start to sink, which then leaves you with uneven floors. You might also notice deep cracks along the floors, which is another key indicator that you have problems with your property foundation.

Problems with Doors and Windows

The doors and windows of your home may also provide you with signs that your foundation may need work. This is because foundation issues can result in your windows and doors sticking when you try and open them or close them. So, if you find yourself struggling regularly with all your windows and doors, it may be time to call a foundation expert.

Calling out a professional sooner rather than later can help to protect your home, your property value, and your safety.

Charlotte Teachers Can Get Vaccinated Starting Today

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With over 2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine already given out in North Carolina, today our state is officially moving into Group 3 of distribution.

The state will be prioritizing teachers, child care workers, and all supporting staff.


Anyone who works in the following settings is now eligible for a vaccine:

• Child Care Centers
• Pre-Kindergarten Programs
• Head Start & Early Head Start Programs
• Pre-School Programs
• Family Child Care Homes
• Traditional Public Schools
• Charter Schools
• Private/Non-Public Schools

Novant Health is now providing vaccines to Charlotte teachers and support staff at 4 different locations around our city. You can schedule your vaccine appointment here at NovantHealth.org

Most Competitive Jobs in North Carolina as Economy Looks to Reopen

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Chef Michael Noll preparing a dish at Charlotte’s famed Bardo

A new study shows that in North Carolina the No. 1 most common and competitive job is food prep and serving workers accounting for 1,401 jobs per 100,000 people in the state.

As we attempt to climb out of the economic crisis, and businesses reopen, the competition for jobs will be unprecedented considering 11 million unemployed Americans vying for positions.

CareerCloud today released a study, The Most Competitive Jobs in North Carolina, using the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Census Bureau.

Key findings from the study:

  •  5 Most Competitive Jobs in America: Food preparation and serving (1,401 per 100,000 people), Retail salesperson (1,379), Cashiers (1,115), Office Clerks (965), Registered Nurses (935).
  • 5 Fastest Growing Jobs Through 2028: Solar installers jobs expected to increase by 45% by 2028; wind turbine technicians by 39%, home health aides (21%), person care aides (21%) and occupational therapists by 18%.
3 Easy Ways to Stand Out to Employers During COVID-19:
  • Update Resume to Beat the Bots: Nearly 100% of Fortune 500 companies use a digital ATS platform to weed out resumes before a human sees them. To beat the bots, add keywords from the job description into your resume. Create multiple resumes for specific jobs. Use resume writing services optimize your chances of landing a job quickly.
  • Appearance Matters, Up Your Zoom Game: Choose a clean background in your home for zoom interviews and make sure you dressed and groomed for success as if it was an in-person interview.
  • Be Flexible and Focus on Transferrable Skills: As the economy rebounds, your old job may be gone, or you may choose an industry with less competition. Be sure to highlight your transferrable skills– such as office management or mentoring of new hires.

NC Communities Awarded $282 Million for Water and Sewer Improvement Projects

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Today Governor Roy Cooper announced that $282 million in grants and loans had been allocated to help fund at least 94 water and sewer projects across our state.

“North Carolina’s communities need resilient, viable water infrastructure systems to support economic development. Funding these projects helps counties and towns with aging water infrastructure deliver clean, safe water to attract new jobs and keep people healthy,” said Cooper.

The funding was officially approved by the State Water Infrastructure Authority. The independent authority is responsible for developing a state water infrastructure master plan, recommending ways to maximize the use of available loan and grant funding resources, and examining best and emerging practices.

The most significant projects that will be funded include:

  • Brunswick County will receive a $2,852,818 State Reserve grant to pay for extensive rehabilitation of the sewer system in Navassa. Brunswick County will also receive $2,218,967 through a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan, with 100 percent principal forgiveness, for extensive rehabilitation of Navassa’s drinking water system. Navassa recently consolidated with Brunswick County.
  • Lumberton, in Robeson County, will receive $2,316,900 through Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019 (ASADRA) principal forgiveness loan funding to construct three wells outside the flood plain, replacing three wells in the flood plain that are subject to flooding.
  • Davie County will receive $21,123,807 in funding to expand its Cooleemee Water Treatment Plant, promoting regionalization and replacing Mocksville’s Hugh A. Lagle Water Treatment Plant.
  • Goldsboro, in Wayne County, will receive $1,268,000 in ASADRA principal forgiveness loan funding to consolidate the Big Cherry Pump Station and relocate the Little Cherry Pump Station out of the 100-year flood plain.

You can see a complete list of all the projects funded across our state here: Feb. 2021 State Water Infrastructure Authority Funding Award Summary.

The application period for the Authority’s next round of funding for water and wastewater infrastructure projects ends on April 30: https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/WI/2021-Spring-Training-Announcement-FINAL-1-28-21.pdf

Charlotte Home Nursing Agency Set for Expansion, Seeking Qualified Nurses

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Many families with special needs children are more comfortable with in-home nursing care than risking potential exposure in hospitals or other medical facilities, creating a boom for some home care nursing companies.

One such home nursing company is Home Rule LLC, a North Carolina based agency founded in 2018 that provides skilled nursing in homes throughout the state, helping medically fragile children and adults who are on ventilators or have medical conditions that without in-home nursing care might otherwise require hospitalization or living in a facility.

Home Rule CEO Christy McGlothlin said, “Home Rule is expanding throughout North Carolina to help relieve the enormous stress of parents and other in-home caregivers who are torn between continuing their personal caregiving that often leaves them sleep-deprived and unable to work vs. taking a hospitalization/facility path. We offer the in-home solution of skilled nursing so family members may get much needed rest to better be able to care for their loved ones. Giving parents a break has not only helped our medically fragile clients but has also helped their oft’ frazzled caregivers. We look forward to our new expansion so we may help many more North Carolinians in need.”

During the expansion, Home Rule is seeking to hire an additional 200 new nurses who would prefer to work in a home environment rather than in a hospital or other medical institution. Full time, part time and PRN positions are available.

Nurses interested in applying for work in homes for Home Rule LLC, may contact Home Rule in their Charlotte regional office in Hickory, North Carolina by calling 919-800-8017 or emailing christy@homerule.net or may submit their resumes online at: https://www.homerule.net/careers to become part of the Home Rule team.

Local Charlotte Hunters Organize Record Breaking Coyote Hunting Tournament

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A group of Charlotte-area hunters just held their 8th annual Carolina Coyote Classic. A regional tournament focused on solving our region’s growing coyote problem.

Over the past decade, coyote sightings have been increasing around Charlotte neighborhoods, with reports of pets being snatched, and many parents fearing for their children’s safety.

Local sportsman and owner of 704Outdoors.tv thinks he has the best solution to the problem – a statewide coyote tournament. This past weekend he successfully organized the 8th annual Carolina Coyote Classic tournament, which resulted in a record-breaking 272 coyotes being put down.

“We broke every meaningful record in this year’s event. We had the most teams registered, the most hunters participating, the most money paid out. It was a record breaking year for this event,” said John MacPherson of 704 Outdoors and the chief organizer of the event.

This year’s event was the first time that hunters were paid a bounty for each coyote. Each coyote that was harvested was awarded a bounty of $20. In previous years, teams killing 10 coyotes and finishing in 10th place or so did not take home any prize money. But this year, a bag of 10 coyotes earned $200. 

This year’s top ten teams included:

  1. Team Thermal Optics Plus won $2000 cash and the first place C3 Belt Buckle trophy with 27 kills.
  2. Lynches River Mafia won $1200 cash and the second place C3 Belt Buckle with 24 kills.
  3. Team Wraith won $800 and the third place C3 Belt Buckle with 21 kills.
  4. STRATA with 17 kills
  5. Stanly, Davis, Leonard with 15 kills
  6. MFK with 13 kills
  7. West Virginia Boys with 10 kills
  8. CCC with 10 kills
  9. JL Metalworks with 9 kills
  10. Lemon Meringue Gang with 7 kills

What do you think about our local Coyote tournament?

Do you think there is something else that should be done about the growing Coyote population?