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

Healthy Life

Thrive Carolinas / Healthy Life

Primary Prevention of Breast Cancer: What Every Woman Needs to Know

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women, accounting for 30% of all diagnoses each year. The lifetime risk is now 1 in 8 women, and concerningly, rates continue to rise, especially among women under 50. While 10% of cases are linked to genetics, the majority (90%) are related to lifestyle and environmental factors we can influence. That means prevention is possible. The good news? Survival rates have improved, but our best strategy is primary prevention, taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of breast cancer before it starts. Why Prevention Matters Breast cancer rates are still climbing by about 1% annually. Lifestyle factors, such as diet, weight, stress, and environmental exposures, are strongly linked to risk. Studies show healthy lifestyle changes can lower risk by 20–30%...

Share

Why Macadamia Nuts Deserve a Spot in Your Diet

Written by: Nancy Palermo, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas When it comes to healthy eating, almonds and walnuts often steal the spotlight. But there’s another nut worth adding to your pantry—the macadamia. Often overlooked, these creamy, buttery nuts are a true nutritional powerhouse. Fun fact: they were even said to be Queen Elizabeth’s favorite nut. So why should macadamias earn a spot on your plate? Let’s dive into the science-backed benefits. Lower in Omega-6s & Carbs Most nuts are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to inflammation. Macadamias are unique because they’re naturally low in omega-6s and carbohydrates, making them easier on both inflammation and blood sugar balance. This makes them an especially smart choice for individuals seeking to support their metabolic health or...

Share

Cooking at Home: A Non-negotiable Tool to Optimize Health

“Any valuable tool should be simple. That does not mean it will be easy, but if it does need to be simple.” One of the most powerful tools for optimizing your health is a balanced diet. The only way to truly control your diet is to cook at home. When you cook your food, you know where the ingredients came from and what you put into the recipes. That is why we are so passionate about sharing kitchen ideas and recipes. Even before opening our doors at Thrive, we provided cooking classes at Whole Foods. We know that to aid our patients on their health journey, motivating them to cook is key. Cooking does not have to be intimidating or complicated. The more you make cooking at home a...

Share

Yoga & Learn September: Non-Negotiable Habits for Longevity

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD Edited by Thrive Carolinas When it comes to longevity, the latest biotech buzzwords, telomeres, senolytics, miracle pills, and Silicon Valley “hacks” can be tempting distractions. But the truth is simple: the fundamentals matter most. Research consistently shows that practicing core habits every day, such as regular movement, adequate rest, whole foods, and meaningful connections, can add 7–10 years of healthy life. Healthspan and lifespan don’t come from shortcuts. They grow from small, consistent actions. Why Fundamentals Beat Fads The global wellness industry is now a $4.2 trillion market, growing nearly twice as fast as the global economy. Yet, as a population, we aren’t getting healthier; we’re getting more confused, overwhelmed, and frustrated. Each week brings a new “best” diet or lifestyle trend. With so many competing voices,...

Share
Comparison of cane sugar and corn syrup side by side, highlighting their similar health risks.

Coke, Cane Sugar, and Your Health: What You Need to Know

Written by: Tracy Larson, MD Edited by: Thrive Carolinas Coca-Cola and other sugary beverages are everywhere in the U.S. According to the CDC, about half of Americans consume at least one sugar-sweetened drink each day. Traditionally, Coca-Cola in the U.S. has been made with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), while in many other countries it’s made with cane sugar. Soon, Coca-Cola will introduce a cane sugar–sweetened version in the U.S. While that may sound like a healthier choice, the reality is more complicated. HFCS vs. Cane Sugar: What’s the Difference? HFCS is a man-made sweetener derived from cornstarch. It shows up in a wide range of foods, soft drinks, sweetened fruit drinks, desserts, flavored yogurts, cereals, baked goods, and candy. Food manufacturers favor HFCS because it’s cheaper than cane sugar, widely...

Share

Boosting Your Brain with Creatine

Written by: Dr. Amy Fletcher Edited by: Thrive Carolinas At Thrive, one of the most common questions we hear is: “What supplements should I take to support both brain and body health?” While nothing replaces the foundations of wellness, nutritious food, exercise, sleep, and stress management, research is shining a spotlight on creatine as a powerful addition to your routine. Once known mainly as a performance booster for athletes in the 1980s, creatine is now being recognized for its potential to enhance cognitive function, mental clarity, and long-term brain health. What Is Creatine? Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that helps your cells make and recycle ATP the body’s main energy source. In the brain, this is especially important when demands on focus, memory, or problem-solving run high. Beyond energy production,...

Share

How to Spot Credible Health Information on Social Media

[caption id="attachment_12816" align="alignleft" width="196"] Harlee Palmer, PA-C[/caption] With AI becoming increasingly adept at creating content (including the image above), how can we spot credible health advice online? Written by: Harlee Palmer, PA-C Edited by: Thrive Carolinas In today’s digital age, health advice is everywhere, especially on social media. While this accessibility can be empowering, it also leaves many people wondering: Who can I really trust for health information? Studies show that patients often leave their healthcare visits with unanswered questions. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok can help fill in the gaps, but not all advice you see online is accurate or safe. Here’s how to identify reputable health sources and protect yourself from misinformation.   1. Check Credentials Reliable health advice comes from qualified professionals, such as: Doctors (MD, DO) Registered Dietitians...

Why 10,000 Steps a Day Isn’t the Magic Number

By Nancy A. Palermo, MD You’ve probably heard the popular health advice: “Get 10,000 steps a day.” But is this daily step goal rooted in science? The Origin of the 10,000-Step Myth Surprisingly, the 10,000-step recommendation didn’t come from medical research; it originated from a Japanese pedometer marketing campaign in the 1960s. Since then, it’s been widely adopted by health apps, fitness trackers, and wellness guidelines—despite lacking clinical evidence. What the Research Really Says A 2023 meta-analysis published in The Lancet reviewed multiple studies from 2014 onward, analyzing the impact of daily step counts on chronic health conditions. The researchers found that significant health benefits occur at much lower step counts than 10,000. In fact, just 7,000 steps per day was associated with the following risk reductions (compared to 2,000 steps/day): ...

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

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
Subscribe!