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TRT for Men in Plymouth, FL
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As a man, aging can bring about different emotions and experiences. For some, it's an exciting time when they get to enjoy the fruits of their labor without any stress. However, for others, it can be a scary prospect filled with exhaustion, depression, and sexual dysfunction. If you're over the age of 40 and have noticed decreased sex drive, irritability, and other unusual symptoms, don't despair. You may be suffering from a common issue that affects nearly 14 million men in the USA: low testosterone.
The good news is that low testosterone (also called low T) can be treated with relative ease. NV Medical Plymouth provides TRT in Plymouth, FL, to help men like you enjoy a fulfilling life without the debilitating symptoms of low testosterone. With our team of experts by your side, you can change the trajectory of your life one step at a time.
Like any new activity or medical procedure, it helps to have a strong foundation of knowledge before treatment. Before you make an appointment for testosterone replacement therapy testing, it pays to know a little about testosterone itself.
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Understanding the Importance of Testosterone in Your Body
When people hear the word "testosterone," they often associate it with overly aggressive or macho men. However, testosterone really has little impact on a man's masculinity, at least from a social standpoint. Rather, testosterone plays a much more important role in male development, from puberty to the end of life.
As the primary androgen, testosterone helps men develop typical male characteristics and is vital for the production of sperm. The pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the body control testosterone, and it helps men develop and maintain various functions such as:
- Sexual Health and Function
- Sexual Desire or Libido
- Healthy Sex Organs
- Body Hair and Facial Hair
- Optimal Levels of Red Blood Cells
- Density of Bones
- Muscle Mass
What Causes Low Testosterone?
As men age, they may experience lower levels of testosterone, also known as low T. This natural decline in testosterone can also be caused by drug abuse, obesity, prescribed medications, or testicle injuries. When testosterone levels decrease, it can affect the body's balance of testosterone and estrogen, leading to an increase in abdominal fat and higher levels of estrogen. This hormonal imbalance can lead to a variety of issues that, when left untreated, can affect your quality of life in several ways.
The most common low testosterone signs in males include the following:
- Erectile Dysfunction or ED
- Increased Amounts of Body Fat
- Lack of Concentration
- More Irritability
- Low Libido
- Low Sperm Count
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Decrease in Muscle Mass
- Lack of Motivation
If one or more of those symptoms are happening in your life right now, it could be because your body has a lack of testosterone. The only way to find out for certain is to have your testosterone levels tested at a qualified Sexual Wellness and Holistic Clinic, such as NV Medical Plymouth. If testing shows that you have low T, the next step in your recovery could be TRT in Plymouth, FL.
The Risks of Living Life with Low Testosterone
Some men may think to themselves, "I don't have the time or patience to undergo TRT in Plymouth, FL." While TRT treatments are quick, easy, and require no recovery time, we at NV Medical Plymouth understand that this type of therapy is not for everyone. Some men choose to rough it through this stage in their life, despite available solutions. While that is certainly an option, if you're considering this route, you should know that more is at risk than low libido and lack of motivation.
As frustrating as those symptoms can be, living with low testosterone often results in more serious issues that risk the health of your vital organs. If you're on the fence about bringing your testosterone levels back within normal range, keep these health risks in mind.
Diabetes
For those who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, it's possible that low testosterone levels could be a factor. Research has shown that men with low testosterone are more likely to develop diabetes as they age, and those with diabetes are also more likely to have low testosterone. Additionally, men with low T may struggle with insulin resistance. While testosterone replacement therapy won't cure diabetes, studies have suggested that men with healthy testosterone levels tend to have better blood sugar levels and a lower risk of obesity.
Heart Disease
If a doctor has informed you that you have high blood pressure, you may be curious about its root cause. Could it be due to aging? Is it hereditary? Or is there another factor at play? Research has shown that men who have low levels of testosterone are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases. When testosterone levels are low, red blood cell production is hindered, which can speed up the accumulation of plaque in your arteries. Over time, this plaque buildup can result in severe issues such as heart attacks and strokes.
Issues with Weight and Obesity
Many men face the challenge of excess body fat as they age, which can be discouraging when you're trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Despite eating well and exercising regularly, stubborn fat around the waistline can be difficult to get rid of. However, it's important to note that low testosterone levels may be the underlying cause. Studies have shown a correlation between low T and obesity, as testosterone helps regulate metabolism by controlling insulin, glucose, and fat. The good news is that undergoing TRT in combination with proper diet and exercise can lead to weight loss and improved blood glucose and low-density cholesterol levels.
Anemia
Anemia occurs when the body lacks or has dysfunctional red blood cells, resulting in reduced oxygen supply to organs. Men with low testosterone levels are at a higher risk of anemia since testosterone plays a role in healthy red blood cell production. A study conducted in 2009 revealed that older men with low T have five times more chances of being anemic compared to men with normal testosterone levels. Although testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is not a cure for anemia, it can help in the production of more red blood cells, which may prevent anemia.
TRT in Plymouth, FL: A Reliable Solution to Low Testosterone
To fully appreciate the advantages of testosterone replacement therapy from NV Medical Plymouth, it's crucial to grasp its mechanism. Testosterone was first synthesized in a laboratory in 1935 and has been prescribed to counteract low testosterone levels in clinical settings ever since. Over the last few decades, it has emerged as one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the US.
TRT works by restoring a healthy testosterone level in men who suffer from low T. Essentially, TRT is similar to insulin for people who have diabetes. The body lacks sufficient production of an essential hormone, and so requires an exogenous source to replace it - testosterone in this case. Although most men begin TRT after the age of 50, more men in their 30s and 40s are having their testosterone levels tested at wellness clinics like NV Medical Plymouth. If you're experiencing symptoms like ED but think you're too young for testosterone replacement therapy, it's worth having your T levels checked by a doctor.
Our TRT Process
As the name implies, TRT replaces the testosterone that your body is missing, so it can function as it should. Unlike some TRT clinics, however, our doctors and practitioners take a personalized, comprehensive approach to testosterone replacement therapy.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may indicate low testosterone levels, it is important to undergo a thorough evaluation, including a medical history and physical examination, as well as laboratory studies. After discussing the potential risks and benefits of testosterone therapy with your healthcare provider, a decision can be made about whether to proceed with treatment.
There are several methods for administering testosterone, such as a gel that is applied to the skin, injections, pellets that are placed under the skin, and a new oral pill that has recently become available. Once treatment begins, regular monitoring of your lab results is essential to ensure that the therapy is effective and to make any necessary adjustments based on additional factors. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and are interested in exploring testosterone therapy, please reach out to NV Medical Plymouth to schedule a private and confidential consultation with our Board-Certified Urologist.
These are the Benefits of Using TRT in Plymouth, FL
One of the most common questions we get at NV Medical Plymouth is, "Why should I take TRT? Are the benefits really worth it?" In short, yes - when you and your doctor agree that TRT is right for you, the benefits give man men in the United States a new lease on life.
That's especially true if you've tried other treatments but haven't had any success. Do you really want to undergo invasive surgery or take addictive medication, only to mask the symptoms that you're experiencing? TRT represents a natural, non-invasive alternative without relying on pills or surgeries. With NV Medical Plymouth's team of compassionate practitioners and doctors by your side, you can experience the benefits for yourself first-hand.
Some of the biggest advantages of taking TRT include the following:
Improved Sexual Health
One of the most popular reasons that men turn to TRT is to enhance their libido and reclaim their sexual health. Research has shown that testosterone levels increase in response to sexual activity and arousal. It's generally accepted that men with higher testosterone levels are more likely to engage in sexual activity. However, as men age, they require more testosterone to maintain healthy erectile function and libido. For older men looking to reignite the fire with their partner, TRT is often a viable solution.
Increased Muscle Mass and Stronger Bones
One of the most popular reasons that men turn to TRT is to enhance their libido and reclaim their sexual health. Research has shown that testosterone levels increase in response to sexual activity and arousal. It's generally accepted that men with higher testosterone levels are more likely to engage in sexual activity. However, as men age, they require more testosterAs men age and their testosterone levels decrease, their bone mineral density also decreases. This can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, which can negatively impact quality of life and athletic performance. However, research has shown that higher doses of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help increase bone density. In fact, recent clinical trials have discovered that TRT can also increase hip and spinal bone density. Strong bones are essential for supporting organs and muscles, so maintaining bone density is crucial for overall health and well-being.one to maintain healthy erectile function and libido. For older men looking to reignite the fire with their partner, TRT is often a viable solution.
Better Heart Health
Maintaining a healthy heart is crucial for ensuring that your organs and muscles receive sufficient oxygen to function properly. Testosterone plays a key role in the production of red blood cells via the bone marrow. Insufficient levels of testosterone can result in various health issues for your muscles and organs, including cardiovascular problems that warrant attention.
However, a recent study involving more than 80,000 men revealed that individuals whose testosterone levels were brought into normal ranges were 36% less likely to suffer from a stroke. They were also 24% less likely to experience a heart attack. That's a big deal! These positive findings suggest that TRT in Plymouth, FL, can effectively promote heart and blood health.
Enhanced Cognition and Memory
Several studies have indicated that having higher levels of testosterone may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, there is evidence that suggests a strong link between optimized testosterone levels and better memory, recall rate, and improved cognitive abilities.
Better Overall Mood
Having lower levels of testosterone can negatively impact one's quality of life, as it can lead to symptoms such as depression, fatigue, and irritability. However, studies have shown that this may only be true for men with hypogonadism, as men who experience a natural decrease in testosterone over time did not show an increase in depression.
Additionally, males with hypogonadism reported improvements in mood and well-being, as well as reduced fatigue and irritability. Some research has even suggested that this treatment may be an effective form of anti-depressant therapy.
Trust the NV Medical Plymouth Difference
Aging doesn't have to mean a decline in your health and well-being - take control of your life with NV Plymouth to guide you every step of the way. Our Sexual Wellness and Holistic Clinic in Plymouth was founded to give men like you - who are suffering from low T - a better quality of life. When you trust our physicians, you can rest easy knowing that you're in good hands. All our TRT options are tailored to your individual needs and goals, ensuring a safe and effective experience without the need for harmful medications or surgeries.
When combined with custom counseling, regular exercise, and a healthy diet, fighting back against low T is easier than ever before. If you're looking to bridge the gap between an unsatisfying past life and a more vibrant future, TRT in Plymouth, FL, could be the solution for you.
Unlike other TRT clinics in Plymouth, we know that every man's body and wellness goals are unique. As such, we don't provide a "set it and forget it" experience - we focus on individualized attention and purpose-built plans. If you're a man who is serious about reclaiming your life from the symptoms of low testosterone, you're in the right place.
Patients choose NV Medical Plymouth because we:
- Provide Expert Care from a Board-Certified Urologist and Certified Physician's Assistants
- Prioritize Custom Hormone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Tailored to Your Body
- Take the Time to Understand Your Needs and Goals
- Invest Resources into Innovative Therapies and Treatments for Men
- Offer Complementary Services to Maximize Your TRT Plan
If you're ready to recapture the vigor and vitality of your youth, it's never too late to start. But how will you know when it's time? Like most things in life, your body will let you know. If your body is telling you that change is needed, listen to it - contact our office today and take the next steps toward the life you're dreaming about.
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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