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HRT for Women in Plymouth, FL
Discover Effortless Aging with Hormone Therapy for Women
There's real substance to the notion that every woman is different. No two person's attitudes, bodies, or goals in life are ever exactly the same. But if there's one thing that every person shares, it's that our bodies change as we get older. That's especially true for females over the age of 50. One day you wake up, roll out of bed, and attack the day with vigor and positivity.
The next day, it seems like your emotions are out of control. Despite dieting and healthy life choices, your weight won't go down. It seems like you're having to deal with uncomfortable hot flashes every other hour of the day. Life can be hard after 50, especially when it seems like your body is plotting against you.
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But the truth is, these changes are a completely normal part of the aging process for women. As you might be aware, this change is called menopause, and according to the NIH, more than one million women go through it every year. This change in life marks the end of your period. During this time, your hormones begin to deplete, causing a range of symptoms that can be difficult to deal with without professional help. Some of the most common symptoms of menopause include:
- Hot Flashes
- Vaginal Dryness
- Low Libido or Sexual Desire
- Mood Swings
- Lack of Focus
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic Tiredness
- Increased Body Weight
Trying to juggle and cope with the symptoms of hormone deficiency can be rough for women and their partners because many of them are linked to nutrition, stress, and lack of exercise.
Fortunately, getting older and going through menopause doesn't have to be the worst time in your life. Hormone replacement therapy for women in Plymouth, FL, can help correct the imbalances in your body that are brought on by menopause. These safe, proven treatments from NV Medical Orlando can help balance your hormones during menopause and even help you reclaim your youth.
AboutWhat is HRT for Women?
As a locally owned and operated shutter business, doing right by our customers is our top priority. We know that there are many options out there, so we at the Shutter Shop specialize in providing our customers the highest quality product at the most reasonable price.
We're able to offer impeccable customer service and high-quality shutters and blinds at low prices because, unlike others, we are the manufacturers. That means everything you order from the Shutter Shop is made right here in Georgetown, FL by our talented team. We're proud to say that products made here at The Shutter Shop are shipped to builders and homeowners all across the United States.
It all started when Shawn Reardon, The Shutter Shop's sole owner, and his wife moved from Santee to Georgetown in 2003. They were new to the ins and outs of shutters but wanted to start up a new business on the coast of South Carolina. They started out manufacturing plantation shutters only and a couple years later began manufacturing all exterior window coverings also.
How Does Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women Work?
At NV Medical Orlando, our HRT treatments for women include the use of pellets, which are about the size of a tic-tac and contain hormones like estrogen and testosterone. These pellets are implanted subcutaneously to supply your body with the hormones it needs. Each pellet contains a tiny number of bioidentical hormones that are released steadily into your bloodstream for up to five months.
Unlike other sexual health centers, every HRT treatment provided by our women's sexual health clinic is tailored to our patients. While natural hormone replacement therapy is effective for many women, every patient is different. That's why it's important that you speak with a board-certified doctor, like Gina Kirkpatrick, before starting any HRT treatment to make sure it's right for you.
Is HRT for Women in Plymouth, FL, Right for You?
When a woman's hormones are balanced, there's a better chance that she will be able to live a happy, normal life. That's where the beauty of HRT for women begins to unfold because it balances hormones in your body that would otherwise be disrupted due to menopause.
HRT treatments for women are revolutionary in that they allow you to enjoy life without suffering through all the pitfalls associated with getting older. However, at NV Medical Orlando, our team understands that no two women have the same bodies or hormone imbalances. That's why our board-certified and fellowship-trained urologist, Gina Kirkpatrick, D.O., provides personalized HRT therapy options for women.
Is HRT treatment from NV Medical Orlando the answer to your mood, weight, and exhaustion problems? That's the million-dollar question we get almost every day. And honestly, it's difficult to say until we can see you in our office and conduct a thorough examination. What we can say is that when your hormones are balanced optimally during menopause, you have a much better chance of living a normal life without the overwhelming symptoms that many women experience.
At NV Medical Orlando, we prioritize helping women balance their hormones to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Our HRT therapy options aren't just about getting you on a regimen - it's about giving your body the nutrition and love it deserves through a patient-first approach.
DifferenceThe NV Medical Orlando Difference
Unlike some clinics that rush their patients into therapy, our team focuses on our patient's needs and goals first. To achieve those goals, we conduct thorough blood tests and comprehensively examine your health during your first visit. That way, we can discover your underlying problems, determine your hormone levels, and get a better sense of your needs.
After that, our dedicated physician will develop a personalized treatment plan for you. The goal of this plan is to outline your HRT journey so that we can balance your hormones and your whole body. During this process, we'll keep a close eye on your hormone replacement therapy for women in Plymouth, FL. Like a web, HRT therapy covers several facets of female health. Each piece of that web works in tandem with others to make up how you feel. If we need to tweak aspects of your plan to help you feel better, we'll let you know and will adjust accordingly.
At the end of the day, we want you to feel safe, empowered, and like you're part of our family. After all, true HRT for women doesn't just balance hormones - it optimizes wellbeing and health, too. That's why NV Medical Orlando is dedicated to giving you a one-of-a-kind experience and specialized care, so you'll never feel like you're falling through the cracks.
Up to this point, we've talked about all the greatness that can come with HRT from NV Medical Orlando - but what are the actual benefits? Let's take a look.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women in Plymouth, FL
Most women who consider natural hormone therapy are curious about its benefits and the results of long-term clinical investigations. Who wouldn't be? When it comes to the symptoms of menopause, natural estrogen therapy can be incredibly effective for conditions like lack of sleep, weight gain, excessive sweating, mood swings, and more.
In addition to promoting overall health, HRT for women can help reverse sexual symptoms of menopause, like vaginal dryness and general discomfort during intercourse.
When used as part of a comprehensive preventive healthcare plan, HRT can be an invaluable tool for women. That's because hormone therapies like estrogen treatment have been shown in clinical investigations to reduce the risk of serious concerns like osteoporosis and bone loss.
But that's just the start. Clinical studies report a wide range of HRT benefits, including:
- Improved Mood
- Better Memory
- Improved Concentration
- Longer and Healthier Sleep
- Fewer Hot Flashes
- Less Chance of Depression
- Optimized Vaginal Health
- Improved Muscle Mass and Strength
- Improved Blood Pressure
- Better Cholesterol Levels
- Less Risk of Alzheimer's
- Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer
To learn more about the benefits of HRT and whether treatment is right for you, contact our office today. If you're ready to feel better about getting older, NV Medical Orlando is here to help you every step of the way.
Your HRT Timeline
As we mentioned earlier, no two women will have the same hormone levels or HRT therapy needs. As such, every woman's timeline for menopause relief will be different. Generally, however, a standard HRT timeline may look like this:
Around week one, many women notice that they experience fewer hot flashes than normal. Some women notice these improvements only a few days after their first treatment.
After about two to three weeks of HRT for women in Plymouth, FL, many women notice that they have less irritability, anxiety, and fewer mood swings. During this phase, hot flashes should continue diminishing, and sleep may improve. Other benefits of HRT, like increased libido and more energy, are also expected during this phase.
Starting around weeks three to four, many HRT patients will notice drastic improvements in menopausal symptoms.
Around weeks five and six, it's common for women to notice physical differences like healthier skin, less hair loss, and even weight loss. With time, these improvements become even more pronounced.
Additional Services for Optimal Female Health
At NV Medical Orlando, we don't only treat our patients for sexual health and wellness. Because Dr. Gina Kirkpatrick is a fellowship-trained urologist, our clinic has the capacity to treat all matters related to sexual health and wellness, including certain urologic conditions.
Vaginal Rejuvenation
Have you started to notice that things “down under†are different than they were years ago? Are you experiencing disconcerting symptoms such as:
- Burning
- Irritation After Sex
- Dryness
- Urinary Incontinence
- Unfulfilling Intercourse
- Vaginal Laxity (Lack of Tightness)
- Diminished Lubrication During Intercourse
If you've noticed any of the above symptoms, you may be dealing with vaginal or pelvic floor laxity. For women dealing with these issues, vaginal rejuvenation often answers their problems. Vaginal rejuvenation is an umbrella term that covers several vaginal corrective procedures. These procedures can correct problems that occur after giving birth or during menopause.
Traditionally, these conditions have been treated with invasive surgeries and with supplements like vaginal estrogen or hyaluronic acid. However, modern treatment options like laser vaginal rejuvenation are growing in popularity and can help women avoid the pitfalls of surgery.
In fact, study centers around the world are using monopolar radiofrequency for vaginal laxity in premenopausal women. Studies show that treatment is safe and helps improve vaginal laxity and other sexual dysfunctions. Additionally, anecdotal evidence shows that patients have less urine leakage when coughing, laughing, sneezing, and exercising.
If you're unsatisfied with the appearance of your vagina or have noticed increased looseness or diminished lubrication, don't lose hope. Vaginal rejuvenation, HRT for women in Plymouth, FL, or a combo of the two may be right for you.
Vaginal Dryness
The primary cause of vaginal atrophy or vaginal dryness is the reduction of estrogen. Typically, women lose estrogen during and after menopause. Childbirth and hysterectomy can also be causes that reduce estrogen production. To help women restore natural levels of estrogen, thereby treating vaginal dryness, NV Medical Orlando offers three types of therapies:
Vaginal Therapy
Estrogen cream is applied intravaginally at night to improve vaginal blood flow, lubrication, and elasticity. Alternatively, women can choose s Hyaluronic Acid Vaginal Suppository, which provides hormone-free relief from vaginal dryness. This treatment is best for women who cannot undergo hormone replacement therapy.
Minimally Invasive Vaginal Therapy
Viveve Radiofrequency Technology, which uses cryogen-cooled radio frequencies to heat and cool vaginal tissue, is designed to improve:
- Blood Flow
- Vaginal Lubrication
- Vaginal Laxity
- Stress Urinary Incontinence
This popular treatment is performed discreetly, is painless, and usually takes less than an hour to complete.
Systemic Therapy
HRT for women in Plymouth, FL, can be administered as oral pills, creams, pellets, or as injections under the skin. The specific type of hormones, their delivery mechanisms, and dosage levels are determined on a patient-by-patient basis after a detailed history, physical exam, and laboratory study.
Low Libido in Women
If you're a woman who finds herself lacking sexual desire or the act of sexual intercourse, you're not alone. In fact, research from 1999 shows that as much as 22% of women in the U.S. report low sex drive. Though this issue is often underreported, its causes and the available treatments are well-known.
Causes of low libido in women include:
Surgery
Hysterectomies often result in a drastic drop of testosterone and estrogen in a woman's body. This drop in hormones has been linked to low libido.
Medications
Some medicines that are used to treat depression and anxiety, specifically SSRIs that inhibit serotonin, have been demonstrated to reduce sexual arousal.
Hormones
Estrogen affects blood flow to vaginal and genital tissues. Reducing estrogen, which can occur during and after menopause, childbirth or surgical menopause created secondary to a hysterectomy can result in reduced vaginal blood flow and lubrication.
Overall Health
Studies on post-menopausal women have demonstrated that patients in poor health report lower sexual desire. In fact, symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, and mood swings caused by chronic illnesses all contribute to decreased female libido.
Though low libido and the effects of unbalanced hormones can be concerning, treatment is available at NV Medical Orlando. First, a thorough physical exam and health history will be conducted to help our experts develop an optimal treatment plan for you. During your evaluation, you may be asked to complete a questionnaire that helps us assess your symptoms further. That way, we can craft an appropriate treatment regimen to address your symptoms and concerns.
The type of treatment recommended depends on your identified needs and may include hormone replacement therapy for women, vaginal treatments, oral medications, sexual therapies, or additional treatment regimens.
The Premier Choice for FDA-Approved HRT for Women in Plymouth, FL
If you're a woman suffering day-to-day from the symptoms of menopause, now is the time to balance your hormones and reclaim your life. Sure, menopause is a natural process that occurs in almost every woman's body. But that doesn't mean you must forego treatments like HRT to make your transition easier. Who says the second half of your life can't be better than the first?
At NV Medical Orlando, we have helped countless women overcome the life-changing symptoms associated with menopause and hormone imbalances, and we're here for you, too. Contact our office today to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward long-term relief.
407-730-4244
Book an Appointment
Latest News in Plymouth, FL
First Thanksgiving actually was in Florida
Ben Brotemarklehttps://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2015/11/23/florida-true-site-first-thanksgiving/76253670/
For FLORIDA TODAYEditor's Note: This Florida Frontiers column originally ran in 2014.Tradition holds that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621, as English Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts shared a bountiful harvest with their Native American neighbors.The first Thanksgiving celebration in North America actually took place in Florida.Fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, colonists in St. Augustine shared a feast of thanksgiving with Native Ame...
For FLORIDA TODAY
Editor's Note: This Florida Frontiers column originally ran in 2014.
Tradition holds that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621, as English Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts shared a bountiful harvest with their Native American neighbors.
The first Thanksgiving celebration in North America actually took place in Florida.
Fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, colonists in St. Augustine shared a feast of thanksgiving with Native Americans.
“Not until 42 years later would English Jamestown be founded,” said eminent Florida historian Michael Gannon. “Not until 56 years later would the Pilgrims in Massachusetts observe their famous Thanksgiving. St. Augustine’s settlers celebrated the nation’s first Thanksgiving over a half century earlier, on September 8, 1565. Following a religious service, the Spaniards shared a communal meal with the local native tribe.”
Hosting the first Thanksgiving celebration in what would become the United States is one of many “firsts” for the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in America.
“When the Spaniards founded St. Augustine nearly 450 years ago, they proceeded to found our nation’s first city government, first school, first hospital, first city plan, first Parrish church, and first mission to the native populations,” Gannon said.
Cross Florida Canal idea lasted decades, finally failed
In 1965, Gannon was a priest and historian in St. Augustine, leading several projects to help celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the city. He oversaw the erection of the Great Cross on the site of the first religious service and thanksgiving feast in North America. At 208 feet tall, the stainless steel structure is the largest freestanding cross in the Western Hemisphere.
“It was decided to build a cross, because that was central to the original ceremony, where Father Francisco López, the fleet chaplain, soon to be first pastor of the first Parrish, came ashore ahead of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, the leader of the founding expedition, and then went forward to meet Menéndez holding a cross,” said Gannon. “Menéndez came on land, knelt and kissed the cross.”
Every year, the September 8, 1565, landing of Menéndez and the Catholic Mass that followed is reenacted in St. Augustine with dignitaries from around the world in attendance. For many years the role of Menéndez has been played by Chad Light.
Today, visitors to the first permanent European settlement in North America can see a statue of Father Francisco López in front of the Great Cross. The statue is placed on the approximate site where Father López held the first Catholic Mass in the city, which was attended by Native Americans. Following the service, the European settlers and the native people shared a Thanksgiving meal.
Story continues below
The Most Famous Speech Never Given
The statue of Father López is carved out of indigenous coquina stone, a sedimentary rock comprised of compressed shells. The rough surface of the coquina symbolizes the difficult journey the Spanish endured on their voyage to Florida.
“That statue was erected in the 1950s. It was executed by a distinguished Yugoslav sculptor, Ivan Meštrović,” said Gannon. “But it was placed in a copse of trees where it did not stand out against a dark background. The plan that the architects in 1965 came forward with was to move it to a site on open ground where the figure of Father López, with his arms in the air, would stand out against the sky. And now, at long last, the statue has been moved to that space. You can see the dramatic difference in the figure of Father López as he’s seen completely and clearly now against the sky, and directly in front of the Great Cross, which stands behind him.”
The Spanish had only just arrived in St. Augustine when their Thanksgiving dinner was served, and they did not have the benefit of having raised crops for a year as the English Pilgrims did more than half a century later.
The Spanish had to do the best they could with leftovers from their long voyage.
“The menu was a stew of salted pork and garbanzo beans, accompanied with ship’s bread and red wine,” said Gannon.
While Floridians should proudly proclaim ownership of the first Thanksgiving celebration held in what would become the United States, we may want to retain the traditional menu of turkey, stuffing, vegetables, and cranberry sauce.
Dr. Ben Brotemarkle is executive director of the Florida Historical Society and host of the radio program “Florida Frontiers,” broadcast locally on 90.7 WMFE Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 4 p.m., and on 89.5 WFIT Sunday mornings at 7 a.m. The show can be heard online at myfloridahistory.org.
Former Florida Tech Panthers Basketball Player Mekhii Noble Signs with United Kingdom’s Plymouth City Patriots
Matt Padewayhttps://spacecoastdaily.com/2023/08/former-florida-tech-panthers-basketball-player-mekhii-noble-signs-with-united-kingdoms-plymouth-city-patriots/
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Former men’s basketball player, and recent Florida Tech graduate, Mekhii Noble will continue his playing career after he signed a professional contract with the Plymouth City Patriots of the British Basketball League.The BBL was founded in 1987 and represents the highest level of professional basketball in the UK. The league currently has 10 teams that participate in a 36-game regular season across the region.The Plymouth City Patriots are a professional ba...
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Former men’s basketball player, and recent Florida Tech graduate, Mekhii Noble will continue his playing career after he signed a professional contract with the Plymouth City Patriots of the British Basketball League.
The BBL was founded in 1987 and represents the highest level of professional basketball in the UK. The league currently has 10 teams that participate in a 36-game regular season across the region.
The Plymouth City Patriots are a professional basketball team located in Plymouth, England. The club was founded in 2021 and joined the BBL prior to the 2021-22 season.
“This is an incredible opportunity for me to come in and represent a great organization,” said Noble after his signing. “I’m looking forward to learning about the area and building chemistry with my new teammates and coaches while contributing to a winning culture.”
“I am so happy for Mekhii, this has been something that he has been working towards ever since he arrived at Florida Tech,” said Florida Tech head coach Billy Mims.
“Every year he has improved his entire skill set from his basketball IQ to his overall strength and athleticism to become one of the best post players in the SSC and in the NCAA.”
“In the BBL, he’ll be playing against some of the best professional players in Europe, along with several ex-NBA players. Having coached in the BBL, I know what it takes to be successful at that level and Mekhii has that type of talent.”
“Plymouth is a beautiful part of England, and the Patriots fan base creates an NBA-style atmosphere at their home games. Mekhii will love the area and the Plymouth City fans will love him too.”
Noble wrapped up his career with Florida Tech after five seasons in which he appeared in 90 games with 52 starts and totaled 763 points. He ranks among the top 10 in program history in career blocks (77), career blocks per game (0.86), career field goal percentage (57.1), and became just the 16th Panther to reach 500 career rebounds. The Jacksonville, Fla. native also totaled 16 career double-doubles, including 10 during the 2021-22 season.
During the 2022-23 season with Florida Tech, Noble appeared in 20 games with 19 starts.
He was third on the team in scoring and averaged 12.4 points per game, second in rebounding with 6.7 rebounds per game, and led the team in shooting percentage after he made 57.3 percent of his shots from the floor.
The 2023-24 BBL season begins in September and goes through April, with postseason events in early May. The official schedule for Plymouth City and the rest of the league will be released at a later date.
Lake County man warns others about word-of-mouth referrals
Louis Boldenhttps://www.clickorlando.com/news/2017/07/11/lake-county-man-warns-others-about-word-of-mouth-referrals/
"I thought they were a legit company," Bill Rine told News 6MOUNT PLYMOUTH, Fla. – A Lake County man said not doing his research could end up costing him.Bill Rine had just paid thousands of dollar to have his roof replaced.Months later, he hired a tree-trimming service that, he said, damaged the roof."I thought they were a legit company," Rine said.When Rine wanted to have trees trimmed, he did what many others do. He hired a company that was doing work on a nei...
"I thought they were a legit company," Bill Rine told News 6
MOUNT PLYMOUTH, Fla. – A Lake County man said not doing his research could end up costing him.
Bill Rine had just paid thousands of dollar to have his roof replaced.
Months later, he hired a tree-trimming service that, he said, damaged the roof.
"I thought they were a legit company," Rine said.
When Rine wanted to have trees trimmed, he did what many others do. He hired a company that was doing work on a neighbor's home.
He said it was the worst thing he could have done. "I would not recommend anybody use them," he said.
Rine said he hired A Southern Style Tree Service.
While trimming the trees, Rine said, the company clipped a limb that fell and punctured his roof.
It was damage he didn't immediately notice.
"Late afternoon, it started to pour," he said "Next thing we know, we've got a stream of water coming down into our living room."
Rine said he patched the roof himself and has tried for weeks to get the company to pay for the damage.
He said the owner of the company has not returned his phone calls. "I just want the company to pay for the repair to our ceiling and our roof," he said.
The company's online reviews are less than stellar.
One customer wrote they "paid $2800 up front and the job was never finished," according to one review.
"They will take your money and disappear," another customer wrote.
The Better Business Bureau gave the company an F-rating.
The owner of A Southern Style Tree Service said he is not responsible for Rine's roof damage.
He said he doesn't know how it happened.
When hiring a company to do work on your property, make sure the company has personal and property damage liability insurance.
And verify it. You can have certificates of insurance issued directly to you from the company's insurance carrier.
Copyright 2017 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.
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Taunton cheers on B-P cheerleading champs as they head to nationals
Ed Bakerhttps://www.tauntongazette.com/story/sports/high-school/2022/12/08/taunton-bristol-plymouth-regional-technical-bp-high-school-cheerleaders-nationals-orlando-florida/69696397007/
TAUNTON — It looks like the B-P cheerleading team will be heading to the national championship contest in February in Orlando, Florida.Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School's cheerleading team ended their successful season by winning the state Game Day Championship on Sunday, Nov. 13 ...
TAUNTON — It looks like the B-P cheerleading team will be heading to the national championship contest in February in Orlando, Florida.
Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School's cheerleading team ended their successful season by winning the state Game Day Championship on Sunday, Nov. 13 hosted by the Massachusetts School Administrators Association at Shrewsbury High School.
And now it looks like the team will get a chance to continue its championship-winning streak in the National High School Cheerleading Championship contest on Feb. 10-12.
B-P Superintendent Alexandre Magalhaes said he approved the team's invitation to compete in the national competition which will be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
"All we need now is for the cheerleaders' parents to submit permission forms that will allow their daughters to participate," he said.
B-P Athletic Director Mark Lebeda said the cheerleaders' parents have raised "wonderful ladies, and that shows in everything they do."
B-P defeats 17 teams to win state championship
Coach Jessica Holst said Bristol-Plymouth cheerleaders defeated 17 teams in four competitions that involved performing a band dance, situational cheer motions, crowd-leading chants and maneuvers during a fight song.
"Game Day reflects what cheerleaders do during a real football game," she said.
Which TMLP employees made the most?Here are the top 10 for 2021.
Holst said the band dance portion of the competition required cheerleaders to perform a dance routine that they would perform during a sports event.
"The situational cheer involved an announcer calling for the cheerleaders to make offensive or defensive moves that required them to tumble," she said. "The crowd cheerleading chant required the team to make tumbling moves and get the crowd of people there to yell back while they performed. The last thing they did was tumbling and stunt moves while a band played a fight song."
Holst said the MSAA only allowed highly skilled cheerleaders to participate in these "performance cheer" competitions.
Bristol-Plymouth clinches 'performance cheer' events
Bristol Plymouth's Game Day championship came in the wake of the team's first-place victories during the Trojan Invitational at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School on Nov. 6, the Weymouth Invitational on Oct. 23 and the Mayflower Athletic Conference League championship on Oct. 30.
"They had to be great gymnasts and cheerleaders," she said. "It's not very inclusive."
Holst said performance cheer "is very similar to all-star cheerleading."
One of Taunton's most desirable areasRenovated colonial in Taunton's Powhattan Estates sells for over $600K
"The athletes do not say words for most of the performance," she said. "The routine is set to music and sound effects to showcase elite skills."
Holst said her team wanted to participate in the Game Day competition because "it's more inclusive" by allowing all cheerleaders to perform.
"They appreciate each of their teammates for the skills and talent that they bring to the (competition) mat, regardless of what those skills are," she said. "I improved skills and confidence in my Game Day athletes on and off the mat. They are having fun and building life skills in problem-solving and teamwork. That will last a lifetime for them."
'An incredibly challenging sport'
The Taunton City Council and Mayor Shaunna O'Connell congratulated the Bristol-Plymouth cheerleaders on Nov. 29 for their successful season by presenting citations to each teammate.
O'Connell said, "cheerleading is an incredibly challenging sport."
"It takes hours of relentless practice," she said during the citation presentation ceremony.
"I see moms, dads, and grandmothers here bursting with pride on your extraordinary win. We wish you much success."
B-P Cheerleading Co-Captain Mya Pereira said the team means "so much" to her.
"I thank all the Bristol-Plymouth cheerleaders," she said.
"I give a special shout to my mother, dad and our coach. We could not have done it without you guys. We have been so lucky to have you. Thank you so much. The nationals are next."
Did you know? First Thanksgiving was held in Florida
Ben Brotemarklehttps://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2014/11/24/florida-holds-honors-first-thanksgiving-celebration/19487907/
FOR FLORIDA TODAYTradition holds that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621, as English Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts shared a bountiful harvest with their Native American neighbors.The first Thanksgiving celebration in North America actually took place in Florida.Fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, colonists in St. Augustine shared a feast of thanksgiving with Native Americans."Not until 42 years later would English Jamestown be founded,&quo...
FOR FLORIDA TODAY
Tradition holds that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621, as English Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts shared a bountiful harvest with their Native American neighbors.
The first Thanksgiving celebration in North America actually took place in Florida.
Fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, colonists in St. Augustine shared a feast of thanksgiving with Native Americans.
"Not until 42 years later would English Jamestown be founded," said eminent Florida historian Michael Gannon. "Not until 56 years later would the Pilgrims in Massachusetts observe their famous Thanksgiving. St. Augustine's settlers celebrated the nation's first Thanksgiving over a half century earlier, on September 8, 1565. Following a religious service, the Spaniards shared a communal meal with the local native tribe."
Hosting the first Thanksgiving celebration in what would become the United States is one of many "firsts" for the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in America.
"When the Spaniards founded St. Augustine nearly 450 years ago, they proceeded to found our nation's first city government, first school, first hospital, first city plan, first Parrish church, and first mission to the native populations," Gannon said.
In 1965, Gannon was a priest and historian in St. Augustine, leading several projects to help celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the city. He oversaw the erection of the Great Cross. At 208 feet tall, the stainless steel structure is the largest freestanding cross in the Western Hemisphere.
"It was decided to build a cross, because that was central to the original ceremony, where Father Francisco López, the fleet chaplain, soon to be first pastor of the first Parrish, came ashore ahead of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, the leader of the founding expedition, and then went forward to meet Menéndez holding a cross," says Gannon. "Menéndez came on land, knelt and kissed the cross."
Every year, the September 8, 1565, landing of Menéndez and the Catholic Mass that followed is reenacted in St. Augustine with dignitaries from around the world in attendance.
Today, visitors to the first permanent European settlement in North America can see a statue of Father Francisco López in front of the Great Cross. The statue is placed on the approximate site where Father López held the first Catholic Mass in the city, which was attended by Native Americans. Following the service, the European settlers and the native people shared a Thanksgiving meal.
The statue of Father López is carved out of indigenous coquina stone, a sedimentary rock comprised of compressed shells. The rough surface of the coquina symbolizes the difficult journey the Spanish endured on their voyage to Florida.
"That statue was erected in the 1950s. It was executed by a distinguished Yugoslav sculptor, Ivan Meštrović," says Gannon. "But it was placed in a copse of trees where it did not stand out against a dark background. The plan that the architects in 1965 came forward with was to move it to a site on open ground where the figure of Father López, with his arms in the air, would stand out against the sky. And now, at long last, the statue has been moved to that space. You can see the dramatic difference in the figure of Father López as he's seen completely and clearly now against the sky, and directly in front of the Great Cross, which stands behind him."
The Spanish had only just arrived in St. Augustine when their Thanksgiving dinner was served, and they did not have the benefit of having raised crops for a year as the English Pilgrims did more than half a century later.
The Spanish had to do the best they could with leftovers from their long voyage.
"The menu was a stew of salted pork and garbanzo beans, accompanied with ship's bread and red wine," says Gannon.
While Floridians should proudly proclaim ownership of the first Thanksgiving celebration held in what would become the United States, we may want to retain the traditional menu of turkey, stuffing, vegetables, and cranberry sauce.
About the Author
Dr. Ben Brotemarkle is executive director of the Florida Historical Society and host of the radio program "Florida Frontiers," broadcast locally on 90.7 WMFE Thursday evenings at 6:30 and Sunday afternoons at 4:00, and on 89.5 WFIT Sunday mornings at 7:00. The show can be heard online at myfloridahistory.org.
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