Patriot Wealth - February 2022

Patriot Wealth - February 2022

FEBRUARY 2022

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FINDING PURIFICATION WHY I TURNED TO CRYOTHERAPY

Have you ever wondered why February only has 28 days (most of the time)?

This idea of purification and cleansing has followed February through the centuries, and today, it’s taken on a new meaning. Much like the ancient Romans, we tend to prepare for the arrival of spring with our own cleansing — spring-cleaning. For me, this idea took on a new meaning this last year, after an old hockey injury left me scrambling for relief. My Patriot Wealth teammate and friend Austin Kobilka and I decided to take up bowling in the past year. It’s a surprisingly physical game, and in trying to master it, I reactivated a back injury I incurred as a hockey player, leaving the left side of my body reeling in pain. I tried everything that has worked in the past to make the pain subside, including icing and heating pads. It wasn’t until my wife suggested cryotherapy that I had considered an alternative. At that point, I was willing to try anything — including subzero temperatures.

patients willingly step into a chamber that is cooled between -200 to -230 below zero. (Think of it like dry ice, but safer for close contact.) For 2–3 minutes, patients sit in the cold chamber, and to simplify the science, the cold temperatures reduce inflammation in the body. Cryotherapy is also believed to benefit those with Alzheimer’s, chronic pain, migraines, and anxiety. It sounds like a crazy idea, but it worked for me! I have since continued to go back for regular, short cryotherapy appointments, and each time, I leave feeling refreshed and energized. So, whatever can make you feel refreshed and renewed in your life, I encourage you to indulge in it this February. Take a tip from the Romans and prepare for spring with a little purification.

The answer actually lies in some simple math. Centuries ago, the creators of our current calendar realized we had a big problem with how we tracked our days. The calendar didn’t properly account for the fact that it takes just over 365 days but less than 366 days for the earth to complete one rotation around the sun, and thus, our timing and the seasons were progressively out of sync. With one sweeping declaration in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII changed that, establishing one of the more unique months on the calendar: February. With just 28 days — 29 days every four years — February became the sacrificial lamb to make up for the fact that Earth’s journey isn’t exact. In doing so, February perfectly aligned with the end of winter, giving its name greater meaning. The word “February” is derived from the Roman festival Februa . During this time, participants underwent ritualistic cleansing and washing, shedding their winter woes and preparing for the season of rebirth (better known today as spring).

–Wes White

P.S. This article is anecdotal and not meant to offer medical advice. If you’re interested, I recommend discussing cryotherapy with your doctor.

I was definitely nervous as I prepared for my first appointment. Cryotherapy

These articles are designed to provide general information on the subjects covered. They are not, however, intended to provide specific legal or tax advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties or to promote, market, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Please note that Patriot Wealth and its affiliates do not give legal or tax advice. You are encouraged to consult your tax advisor or attorney. Investment Advisory Services is offered through Retirement Wealth Advisors (RWA), a Registered Investment Advisor. Patriot Wealth and RWA are not affiliated. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

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Quality Sleep Promotes Healthy Aging THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD NIGHT’S REST

ELIMINATE UNHEALTHY SUBSTANCES. Limit your intake of caffeine and sugar throughout the day — especially right before bed — for better rest. It’s also best not to drink anything about an hour before bed, so you don’t wake up in the middle of the night to use the restroom and disrupt your sleep. REGULATE YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE. Keeping the same schedule for sleeping can reap immediate benefits. You will notice increased alertness during waking hours as well as enhanced memory and attention span. You may also start to feel tired around the same time every day, ensuring that you will actually go to sleep right on schedule. It can take time and patience to adjust to new habits to improve sleep, especially for the elderly. It won’t happen overnight, but the benefits that come with a better night’s sleep will have you feeling younger and healthier than ever before. If anything, you will feel more engaged and happier throughout your daily life.

Sleep is an essential part of our lives, but it becomes even more important as we get older, as it’s a necessity for healthy aging and staying energized. Ideally, everyone should sleep between 7.5–9 hours a night, but as we get older, this becomes much harder to achieve. Health complaints, minor disturbances, and a decrease in melatonin levels make it difficult for seniors to get a full night of sleep, which can cause irritability and fatigue.

In order to combat these disturbances, here are a few things you can do to ensure you get enough sleep during the night.

BUILD AN ACTIVE DAILY ROUTINE. Outdoor exercise and general movement every day is good for your body, but being outside and absorbing sunlight can balance and optimize your melatonin levels, which can help you fall asleep easier. On top of exercise, try weaving protein- rich snacks and meals into your routine. Foods like light meat and nuts can improve sleep quality, and dairy foods contain tryptophan, which is a sleep-promoting chemical.

What Would Phil Connors Do? 3 Lessons on Retirement From Bill Murray’s Iconic Character

Every February, the U.S. turns its attention to Punxsutawney,

there are a few lessons you can derive about how to live a better retirement in “Groundhog Day.” FIND YOUR PASSIONS. In “Groundhog Day,” Murray’s character learns a new language, how to play the piano, ice sculpting techniques, and many, many other hobbies as a way of filling his day. Phil’s curiosity and dedication to each craft provides a simple lesson for pre-retirees who are unsure about what this next chapter will hold: Don’t be afraid to try something new. With a little commitment, you just might find a new hobby worth your time. IT WON’T ALWAYS BE EASY. Phil tries everything to escape his endless time-loop, even going so far as to hurt himself. Plagued by the prospect of unlimited time, Phil feels desperate

and hopeless. Similarly, it’s possible you may struggle with your mental health in retirement as you face “unlimited time.” Ultimately, Phil finds constructive ways to cope with his emotions, and he tries talking to others about his situation. If you’re struggling, seek professional help and support to find your way. YOU CAN’T CONTROL EVERYTHING. No matter how hard he tries or what he does, it takes Phil years to break the cycle of living the same day over and over and over, again. Ultimately, Phil learns that life is beyond control, and rather than fight it, he has to live in it. Likewise, your retirement is going to present scenarios you may struggle with, but ultimately, it’s how you choose to respond to those situations that will impact your attitude and life.

Pennsylvania, in hopes that a rodent will tell us the plight of winter weather that year. Groundhog Day has ancient roots in German history, and today, it’s a fun holiday steeped in tradition and lore. Adding to its story is the 1993 Bill Murray comedy “Groundhog Day.” In “Groundhog Day,” weatherman Phil Connors is tasked with reporting on Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, but in a seemingly magical turn of events, Phil is trapped in Punxsutawney and Feb. 2 — forever. Throughout the film, Murray embarks on a series of hilarious and serious misadventures, ultimately learning how to become a better person.

In the spirit of this cinematic classic, our team at Patriot Wealth discovered

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There’s always something to do in our vibrant, growing Raleigh community! But sometimes all those choices make deciding what to do for date night nearly impossible. So, we did the work for you this Valentine’s Day. Check out these three local and affordable spots with your date! SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT AT CRAWFORD AND SON. James Beard Foundation semifinalist and Forbes Five-Star award-winner Scott Crawford boasts an impressive lineup of restaurants across the region, but the most romantic of these is Crawford and Son. Enjoy creative yet familiar dishes in a classical space that encourages its patrons to sit back, relax, and enjoy. Opt for a full dinner, complete with appetizers and dessert, or skip the meal and enjoy cocktails (or mocktails) and dessert. If you love Crawford’s style, be sure to check out his French bistro, Jolie’s, and Americana seasonal favorites at Crawford Cookshop. Make a reservation at Crawford and Son at CrawfordAndSonRestaurant.com . SWEETEN UP AT VIDERI CHOCOLATE FACTORY. What could make chocolate better? How about locally crafted chocolate that’s sourced straight from the bean, making it free of soy, egg, gluten, and nuts? That’s exactly what you get when you purchase a delicious cocoa treat from Videri Chocolate Factory, located off Davie Street in Raleigh. But visitors at Videri Chocolate Factory don’t get to just enjoy the goods! Take your sweetheart on a delicious tour of the factory. Learn about the thoughtful process that goes into each product and sample some unique, fun, and tasty flavors. Don’t forget to stop at the cafe for a little treat afterward, too! Learn more at VideriChocolateFactory.com . GET LOST AT THE NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART. In 1956, the North Carolina Museum of Art became the first museum in the country to be established using state funds. Today, the museum boasts free admission, artwork 3 AFFORDABLE SPOTS COUPLES WILL LOVE STAY LOCAL FOR DATE NIGHT!

TAKE A BREAK

Baked Feta Pasta AKA Viral TikTok Pasta! Inspired by Delish.com

INGREDIENTS • 4 cups cherry or grape tomatoes • 1 shallot, chopped • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 1/2 cup olive oil • Salt, to taste

• Red pepper flakes, to taste • 3 sprigs of fresh thyme • 1 8-oz block of feta cheese

• 10 oz pasta of choice • Lemon zest to taste

that spans 5,000 years, and 164 acres to explore. Visit the museum to take in its numerous exhibits, then head to the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park to enjoy outdoor installations and numerous walking trails. This is the perfect date idea for couples who appreciate art and love to be in nature, too. Plan your trip at NCArtMuseum.org .

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. 2. In a large pan, combine tomatoes, shallot, garlic, olive oil, salt, red pepper, and thyme. 3. Place the cheese block in the center of the pan and bake for 40 minutes. 4. Cook pasta according to box instructions. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the noodles. 5. When the tomato and feta cheese mixture is done, add the cooked pasta, pasta water, and lemon zest, stirring until completely combined.

You can find other date night ideas online at VisitRaleigh.com .

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PATRIOT WEALTH 4350 Lassiter at North Hills Ave. #330 Raleigh, NC 27609 INSIDE THIS ISSUE How Stepping Into Subzero Temperatures Helps Wes Relax PAGE 1 Quality Sleep Can Promote Healthy Aging PAGE 2 3 Retiree Lessons From ‘Groundhog Day’ PAGE 2 Take a Break PAGE 3 Make TikTok Pasta for Your Sweetheart! PAGE 3 3 Local Date Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank PAGE 3 Dating Sites Aren’t Just for Youngsters PAGE 4

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Finding Love in Your Golden Years: It’s Not Impossible

COMMITMENT IS A POSSIBILITY. Casual dating may be popular, but many older individuals are still open to the idea of marriage. The OurTime survey shows that almost half of the participants want to get married. It may take them longer to commit, but that’s because they want true and meaningful connections.

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO JOIN ONLINE DATING SITES. Online dating isn’t just a trend for youngsters, and there are plenty of dating sites for people over 50. These sites can help you meet new people wherever and whenever you want. Some of the most popular sites are SilverSingles, OurTime, Match, and eharmony. These sources are user-friendly, personality-tested, and identity-verified. Finding love in your golden years can be a challenge, but anything is possible. Enjoy the time you have and where you are in life. Whether you remain single, casually date, or decide to marry, your happiness, joy, and contentment are all that matter.

Valentine’s Day can be tough for anyone, especially someone who has gone through a divorce, lost their spouse, or decided not to get married later in life. But love can still be in the air. Let’s get you started down the right path by clarifying two very common misconceptions!

OLDER SINGLES ARE NOT CLOSED‑MINDED.

That being said, here are two tips to help you in your search for love.

Contrary to popular belief, a survey from OurTime states that 63% of middle-aged individuals are more confident now than they were in their 20s. Also, 25% of participants said they have a better outlook on life. You may very well be more optimistic about life as you grow older, mature, and gain life experiences.

LOVE YOURSELF FIRST. During your golden years, you’ve defined who you are. By learning more about yourself, you begin to love your individuality. Plus, you’re experienced now, and you’ll have a good idea of what you want in a partner.

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