Start the year off right by taking the first step toward a healthier future. | Photo provided by Lexington Medical Center
A new year is the perfect time to prioritize your health and make it your healthiest year yet.
It’s easy to put off seeing a doctor when you’re feeling healthy, but getting established with a primary care physician (PCP) while you’re feeling good can make all the difference down the road. Enter: Lexington Medical Center.
Even if you don’t have any immediate concerns, having a provider who knows you and your medical history can give you peace of mind, knowing that they’ll be there for you when you need them most. Building this relationship early ensures that, should an issue arise, you have someone who can address it quickly and efficiently.
Your PCP sets the stage for a healthier year by offering personalized care and regular checkups.
Proactive screenings to protect your health
When you visit your PCP regularly, they’ll monitor vital health markers like blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol. Experts say that young adults under 40 should schedule screenings for hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol as part of their routine care.
Depending on your personal and family health history, your provider might recommend additional screenings. Many diseases can be silent — including diabetes, which can go unnoticed without symptoms. A yearly checkup with your PCP can catch warning signs early, giving you the chance to prevent long-term complications before they develop.
The value of early detection
Taking a proactive approach to your health is one of the best ways to protect your future. Seeing your PCP regularly ensures you’re not waiting until symptoms arise. Catching conditions like prediabetes or high cholesterol early means you can take steps to manage or prevent them from progressing.
MLK Celebration | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | EdVenture Children’s Museum | $13 | This special event is designed for all ages and aims to inspire reflection, connection, and action within our community.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 12-5 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free admission | Enjoy storytelling and line dancing on Boyd Plaza hosted by Franklin Jones.
Tuesday, Jan. 21
MTC Showoff 2025 | 1 p.m. | Harbison Theatre, Irmo | Free | Calling all singers, dancers, magicians, and performers to this open audition for Midlands Technical College students, faculty, staff, and alumni ready to share their talents.
Gamecock Women’s Basketball vs. LSU | 8 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $66+ | ESPN’s College Gameday is in town for this epic women’s basketball matchup.
PNC economists provide updated analyses and forecasts of trends throughout the year. | Photo provided by PNC
The new year is looking bright — and so is the 2025 economy. According to PNC Chief Economist Gus Faucher, the US economy is in good shape, thanks to four primary drivers:
Low unemployment
Solid job gains
Good wage growth
Rising household wealth
Consider this: More jobs and rising wages often result in higher incomes and increased household spending. And since consumer spending makes up approximately two-thirds of the US economy, it’s reasonable to expect that the broader economy will expand too.
Other factors that support the health of the economy and quality of life include:
Slowing inflation
Continued strength in biz investment (think: equipment, workplaces, and technology for workers)
Falling interest rates and lower mortgage rates
Pro tip: PNC’s economic insights are updated throughout the year, so be sure to check back in.
Town Theatre, the nation’s oldest continuously operating community theater, is finishing Phase Three of its Centennial Campaign renovations. Updates include new auditorium seating, carpeting, aisle lighting, and refreshed lobby decor. The project will be completed before “Steel Magnolias,” opening Friday, Feb. 7. (The Columbia Star)
Mansion Monday
This 7,500-sqft Mediterranean estate on the north shore of Lake Murray features 700 ft of shoreline, a private beach, two docks, and a boathouse. Inspired by The Cloister resort in Sea Island, GA, it boasts a lap pool, home theater, and endless lake views.
Edu
Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands SC + Benedict College’s Women’s Business Center launched the NxLevel Business Accelerator Program, a 10-week hybrid course offering aspiring entrepreneurs training in business planning, cash flow, and marketing. The next orientation is on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Today Is
Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Today, you can honor the life + legacy of Dr. King by marching to the State House for King Day at the Dome or visiting the Columbia Museum of Art for free storytelling and line dancing events. Find more events to celebrate his legacy here.
Job
Lazy Daisy Coffee Co. — a new coffee shop coming soon to Forest Acres — is currently hiring for several positions including barista, cashier, and manager. If that’s you or someone you know, reach out with your resume.
Sports
It’s showtime in Raleighwood for the Carolina Hurricanes. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Hurricaneswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Shop
Don’t waste time bouncing between dealerships when shopping for a car. With CarGurus, you can browse millions of cars and compare dealer ratings all in one place. Shop smarter.*
The Buy
The Buy
A non-slip doormat with a size option big enough for double-door entryways. It’s machine washable (score), doesn’t slip and slide out of place, and comes in neutral, geometric patterns to match any room’s decor.
With temperatures expected to drop into the teens this week, you might be looking for something fun to do indoors. You can’t beat a comfy seat, some popcorn, and a great movie — The Nick has you covered. “The Brutalist” already snagged Best Drama at the Golden Globes and is up for Best Picture at the Oscars.
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