logo

Welcome to Thrive

THRIVE is a collaborative platform of conventional, integrative, & functional medicine practitioners coming together in one setting to provide personalized healthcare to clients.
Working Hours
Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM EST

Cart

M - Th 8a - 5p, F 8a - 4p, Sa 10a - 1p, Su - Closed

(704)-390-7150

6401 Carnegie Blvd, Suite 2A, Charlotte, NC 28211

Top

Author: Thrive Carolinas

Thrive Carolinas / Articles posted by Thrive Carolinas (Page 5)

Sunscreen Guide for 2025: Choose Wisely

As we head into mid‑2025, sun exposure remains a year‑round health concern—not just a summer issue. Our Thrive team has refined its insights since our previous 2023 article on Sunscreen to help you choose the most effective and safest sunscreen options available today. Why Sunscreen Is Important Every Day Regardless of the season or weather, ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause cumulative skin damage—accelerating aging, triggering sunburns, and increasing skin cancer risk. Even during cloudy days or indoor time near windows, UV exposure still occurs. What Ingredients Should You Choose? Mineral sunscreens continue to lead in safety and performance—especially for sensitive skin and environmental responsibility. Look for their active ingredients: Zinc oxide Titanium dioxide These act as physical blockers, sitting on the skin’s surface to reflect harmful UVA and UVB rays...

Share

Motivation: How to Choose a Safe Sunscreen

Your guide to protecting your skin year-round When it comes to skincare, sunscreen isn’t just a summer essential; it’s something we should be using every day, all year long. In this week’s Motivation, Dr. Fletcher breaks down what to look for (and what to avoid) when choosing a sunscreen that’s safe and effective. Why Sunscreen Matters Year-Round Even on cloudy days or during the cooler months, UV rays can still damage your skin. Daily sun protection helps prevent premature aging, sunburns, and lowers your risk of skin cancer. Ingredients to Look For When choosing a sunscreen, opt for mineral-based (also known as physical) sunscreens that use natural ingredients to block UV rays. Look for: Zinc oxide Titanium dioxide These ingredients sit on the surface of your skin and reflect UV rays,...

Share

Thriver Recipe: Balsamic Salad with Crunchy Chickpeas

We love it when our Thrive community shares their favorite seasonal recipes, and this week’s submission comes from a family member of longtime Thriver Mary Dare Mayeux. Her niece-in-law @nutrition.by.newton shares healthy meal inspirations over on Instagram and sent us  her go-to summer salad. This simple recipe is an excellent upgrade to any summer salad. The dressing is tangy and fresh, while the chickpeas add a satisfying crunch and protein boost. Balsamic Salad Dressing Ingredients: 1/2 cup olive oil or avocado oil 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar Juice of 1/2 lemon 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp dried oregano 1 tsp black pepperSalt to taste Instructions: Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk until smooth and well combined. Crispy Chickpeas Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 2 Tbsp olive oil ...

Share

Motivation: Don’t Forget to Sun-Protect Your Eyes

When we think of sun protection, our minds immediately go to sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats, but what about your eyes? Just like your skin, your eyes are vulnerable to UV damage. In fact, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can increase your risk of serious eye conditions, including: Cataracts – a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that can blur vision Macular Degeneration – damage to the retina’s central region, impacting sharp, central vision Photokeratitis – essentially a sunburn of the cornea, causing pain, redness, and temporary vision loss UV damage is cumulative, meaning every unprotected exposure adds up over time. That’s why consistent protection is key, not just on sunny days, but even when it’s overcast, since UV rays can penetrate clouds and reflect off surfaces...

Share

Why You Need to Sun-Guard Your Eyes

[caption id="attachment_10577" align="alignleft" width="226"] By: Nancy A. Palermo, MD[/caption] Most of us understand the importance of protecting our skin from excessive sun exposure, but eye protection is often overlooked or dismissed as just a fashion statement. In reality, safeguarding your eyes from the sun is just as crucial. The Hidden Dangers of Sun Exposure to Your Eyes The sun emits a broad spectrum of light, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation and high-energy blue light. Both can be harmful to your eyes over time. Blue light, due to its shorter wavelength and higher energy, penetrates more deeply into the retina than other visible light, thereby increasing the potential for damage. UV radiation, both UVA and UVB, can be harmful at any time of day. Surprisingly, the early morning and late afternoon...

Share

Motivation: Clean Fifteen & Dirty Dozen: A Smarter Way to Shop for Produce

When it comes to eating well, choosing fresh fruits and vegetables is always a win. But knowing which ones to buy organic can make a big difference for both your health and your wallet. In this week's Motivation, Dr. Fletcher shares a helpful tool many Thrivers use to shop smarter and lower their exposure to harmful pesticides: the Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen lists. What Are the Clean Fifteen & Dirty Dozen? Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases two lists based on testing from the USDA: The Dirty Dozen: These are the 12 fruits and vegetables that tend to carry the highest levels of pesticide residue, even after washing or peeling. These are our top picks for buying organic when possible. The Clean Fifteen: These 15 produce items...

Share

Thriver Recipe: Berry Chia Bites

This Thriver recipe comes from Mary, and it’s a delicious one! Her Berry Chia Bites are a refreshing, nutrient-dense treat rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. Perfect for a midday pick-me-up or a healthy dessert, these bites are as functional as they are flavorful. Makes 8–10 bites | Gluten-Free | Dairy-Free | Optional Probiotic Boost Ingredients 1 (6 oz) package fresh raspberries (or berry of choice: strawberries, blueberries, blackberries) 2 Tbsp chia seeds ½ tsp raw honey (optional, based on sweetness of berries) ½ – ¾ cup dark chocolate chips (72% cacao or higher) ½ tsp coconut oil Optional Add-In: 1–2 Tbsp plain probiotic Greek yogurt for added creaminess and gut health support Instructions Mash & Mix: In a bowl, mash the berries with a fork until smooth. Stir...

Share

Mindful Eating This Summer: What to Know About the 2025 Clean Fifteen & Dirty Dozen

  Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables, but it’s also a great time to be mindful of how that produce is grown. Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, highlighting two key lists: The Dirty Dozen:  the fruits and vegetables most likely to carry high levels of pesticide residues The Clean Fifteen:  produce with the lowest levels of pesticide contamination In 2025, the guide goes a step further, taking into account not just how much pesticide was found, but how toxic those chemicals are. What the 2025 Report Reveals The EWG analyzed over 53,000 USDA tests on 47 different types of produce. The results are eye-opening: Over 75% of non-organic fruits and vegetables tested had...

Share

Motivation: The Mind-Body Benefits of Gardening

When we think about wellness routines, we often envision fitness classes, supplements, or a clean diet. But sometimes, the most powerful health boosters are found right in our backyard, literally. This week, Dr. Larson shares how gardening can be a surprisingly effective way to support your overall health, both physically and emotionally. Gardening as Movement Yes, gardening counts as a form of physical activity! Digging, planting, weeding, and watering can engage your muscles, improve flexibility, and gently increase your heart rate. For many people, especially those who prefer lower-impact movement, it’s a meaningful way to stay active. Stress Relief in the Soil Spending time outdoors and getting your hands in the dirt can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress. Studies show that even a short time gardening...

Share

How to Avoid Bugs During the Summer: Natural Alternatives to DEET

[caption id="attachment_12816" align="alignleft" width="254"] Harlee Palmer, PA-C[/caption] Summer brings warm weather, outdoor adventures, and—unfortunately—bugs. Mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and other insects can quickly turn a relaxing evening into an itchy ordeal or even a health concern. While chemical repellents like DEET are effective, many people are looking for safer, more natural alternatives. Here’s how to enjoy your summer while minimizing bug bites naturally. Enjoying the outdoors during the summer often comes with the challenge of dealing with insects. Warmer weather provides ideal breeding conditions for bugs, which means you’re more likely to encounter them during these months. Mosquitoes become prevalent and can transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus, Zika, and dengue. Ticks are another concern, carrying the risk of Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Blackflies and...

Share
Subscribe!