Providing Natural Solutions for Male Sexual Health
There's not much we can count on in life, but if there's one guarantee, we can bet that our bodies change as we grow older. That's especially true for men as they age. One moment you're partying at the club, waking up refreshed, and hitting the gym. The next moment, getting out of bed is a chore. You're sore in places you never thought before, and hangovers don't just go away after a hot shower and a big breakfast.
And while sore joints and backaches can be treated with aspirin and ice, other signs of aging aren't as easy to treat. Of course, we're talking about challenges in getting and maintaining erections needed to satisfy your partner. At the extreme, we all know it as erectile dysfunction or ED for short but long before full ED, there are warning signs that things aren't working as they used to work. Hearing the ED word sends shivers down most men's spines. When you think about it, that makes sense - being unable to perform when you need to most is a scary thought.
If you're beginning to suffer from ED or male performance issues or you've been dealing with performance issues for some time, it may seem like nobody has any solutions or even really understands how these issues can impact your life and sense of well-being. However, ED of varying degrees is very common. More than 18 million men suffer from the condition in the U.S. Unfortunately, many of those men hide their performance issues without ever addressing them. If you're one of those men, and it feels like you're stuck in a rut with no help, we're here to tell you you're not alone. Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC is here to provide you with a long-lasting solution to help you regain confidence and perform like you used to.
Additionally, many men including the so-called "bio hackers" are using our treatments to PREVENT the performance decline in the first place. Why wait for the inevitable when you can implement strategies to prevent the decline in the first place.

The Proactive Wellness Center Difference
Our programs are all about reversing and slowing the aging process, preventing disease, and treating chronically ill patients. We utilize a three-pronged approach:
- 1. We equip patients with the knowledge required to take charge of their health and achieve optimal well-being.
- 2. We focus on disease prevention by providing a thorough evaluation using comprehensive diagnostics including the patient-supplied information.
- 3. We work with patients to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of various science-based treatments that reduce cellular degeneration, promote tissue regeneration and healing, and slow down the aging process.
We consider every individual as physiologically unique. As such, we don't subscribe to a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Instead, our programs focus on a customized approach, leveraging genetics and advanced testing, utilizing advanced therapeutics like Gainswave and addressing risk factors that, if avoided or modified, could have beneficial effects for reducing many chronic conditions that men suffer from year-round.
Our vision is to provide the latest in scientifically-validated therapies for reversing the aging process, preventing chronic disease, and optimizing health. For men whoare just starting to have challenges, or who have erectile dysfunction, or for the biohackers that just want everything optimized, one of those proven therapies is GAINSWave therapy in Woodbridge, VA
Our Services
- Providing Natural Solutions for Male Sexual Health
- The Proactive Wellness Center Difference
- What is GAINSWave Therapy?
- What Makes GAINSWave Therapy in Woodbridge, VA Work?
- Other Treatments and Programs from Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
- Achieve Your Wellness Goals at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
Service Areas
What is GAINSWave Therapy?
If you have ED or even a minor decline in sexual performance, there's a good chance you've already seen your primary care doctor. You've talked to them about the issues you're facing. And, if they're like many doctors, they prescribed you some pills and sent you on your way. Unfortunately, going this route doesn't do much to solve erectile dysfunction - you're just putting a band-aid on the problem. Plus, you're putting strange chemicals in your body via a "little blue pill" that may cause adverse side effects.
At the end of the day, you need a real-deal solution to ED, not a quick fix. The good news? A safe, non-invasive, injection-free answer to your problems exists. It's called GAINSWave therapy, and according to recent studies, it has shown an 85-92% success rate for mild to moderate cases of erectile dysfunction.
Reports from men who have used GAINSWave therapy in Woodbridge, VA report the following benefits:
- Stronger, Longer Lasting Erections
- Improved Sexual Pleasure
- More Blood Circulation and Flow
- Better Girth and Length
- Less Rest Needed Between Orgasms
- Enhanced Intimacy in the Bedroom

Unlike many ED treatments, you don't have to worry about surgery or drugs when you choose GAINSWave. This revolutionary treatment uses acoustic wave technology, also called pulse wave therapy, instead of surgery or pills, which helps to rebuild blood flow to the penile region, thereby boostings erectile strength and, by proxy, confidence.
But the benefits of GAINSWave don't end there. This therapy also breaks up micro plaques and boosts nitric oxide, which forms new blood vessels and collagen. That's exciting news for men suffering from Peyronie's disease, which is another condition specific to male sexual health.
Contact Us For Services

What Makes GAINSWave Therapy in Woodbridge, VA Work?
With time, men's blood flow decreases, sensitivity isn't what it once was, and blood vessels start to get thinner or even partially or fully blocked. With GAINSWave, high-frequency, low-intensity shockwaves rejuvenate areas of the penis that have suffered with age. For instance, micro plaques are removed, new blood vessels form, and blood flow increases. According to several clinical studies, enhanced blood flow from GAINSWave translates to more sustainable, rigid erections in 75% of men.
Though males in America are only beginning to realize the benefits of GAINSWave, it's a treatment that has been used for over a decade around the world. Backed by science and proven to rejuvenate vasculature in male erections, GAINSWave works without any pain or recovery time. In fact, it's possible to pop into Proactive Wellness Centers on your lunch break for a therapy session.
Proactive Wellness Centers' GAINSWave treatments feature:
- Low-Intensity Pulse or Shockwaves
- All Natural
- No Needles
- No Pills
- No Pain
- No Surgery
- No Recovery Time
- Quick Procedures
Because this procedure is needle, surgery, and drug-free, most men don't have to suffer through costly insurance claims or unsightly scarring. With GAINSWave and our comprehensive and personalized ED treatment plans, all you need to focus on is enjoying life, knowing your erectile dysfunction is a thing of the past.
Who Are the Best Candidates for Gainswave Therapy in Woodbridge, VA?
If you're a man over the age of 30 and want to optimize your performance or if you are suffering a decline in this area, GAINSWave may be for you. That's even more true if other treatments never worked. For many men, those unsuccessful solutions include pills like Viagra. If prescription pills don't solve your ED problems, GAINSWave is a great option to consider. Academic studies show that shockwave therapy is successful where PDE5 inhibitors (like Viagra or Cialis) fall short.
In fact, many urologists now consider shockwave therapy the greatest revolution in ED treatment in over a decade. Even men without erectile dysfunction use GAINSWave as a preventative therapy to keep their bedroom performance strong and avoid compromised blood vessels.
Some of the key benefits of GAINSWave procedures over other ED treatments include:
- No Drugs
- Backed by Clinical Studies and Extensive Medical Research
- Vast Record of Success
- FDA-Approved for Enhanced Sexual Wellness
- Available at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
What Should I Expect from GAINSWave Therapy at Proactive Wellness Centers?
If you're ready to begin your journey to a healthier, happier sex life, getting started at our wellness clinic is as easy as 1-2-3:
Make an Appointment: Give our office a call at 703-822-5003. One of our Clinical Intake Coordinators will answer any question you have and get you started. If you prefer, you can text "gainswave" to 833.341.0170, and our Clinical Intake Coordinator will get back to you personally and confidentially.
Prep: Once the intake process is complete, you'll schedule a time for GAINSWave therapy in Woodbridge, VA. You'll arrive at our wellness center for treatment at least 30 minutes before your appointment time. Procedure time is usually no longer than 30 minutes and occurs in our wellness center.
Enjoy the Benefits: Once your GAINSWave therapy session is over, you can get right back to what you were doing beforehand. Studies show that approximately 75% of men enjoy positive results like stronger, longer-lasting erections after treatment. Most men only need 6-12 sessions for optimal results.
Other Treatments and Programs from Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
As the premier wellness clinic in Virginia and the metro D.C. area, we provide patients with a comprehensive list of treatments to slow the process of aging and treat chronic conditions. Our vision is to provide the latest in scientifically-validated therapies, like GAINSWave therapy in Woodbridge, VA, for reversing the aging process, preventing chronic disease, and optimizing health.
Some of the most requested services we offer include:

Low-T Treatment for Men
While not as widely discussed as menopause is for women, andropause is very real for men just as menopause is significant for women. Our Low-T program for men focuses on the unique needs of men who are suffering from andropause or low testosterone. The Program Testosterone replacement when clinically indicated, optimization of DHEA and Pregenenolone, combined with nutritional guidance, nutritional supplementation recommendations to optimize your health. For men where Testosterone has declined, the Low-T program is a necessary complement to the Gainswave therapy.
Depending on lab results and patient goals, the program may also include peptides to help patients optimize their health and body composition. If you can identify with some of the symptoms below, you are likely experiencing low testosterone / andropause and are a candidate for laboratory testing to determine if BHRT is right for you.
Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased stamina
- Loss of physical agility
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Prostate problems
- Insomnia

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
Like men, women's bodies change as they grow older. Often referred to as menopause, this time in a woman's life can be stressful when the body uses energy differently, fat cells change, and hormones decline.
Many of the common symptoms and conditions associated with menopause are widely known and discussed, but there are many that are overlooked. At Proactive Wellness Centers, we've seen patients misdiagnosed with other illnesses that were actually caused by a decline in hormone levels. Our BHRT program for women focuses on the unique needs of women who are suffering from the common as well as the lesser-known symptoms of menopause.
Those symptoms may include:
- Hot Flashes
- Mood Swings
- Depression
- UTIs
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Indigestion
- Osteoporosis
- Vertigo
- Anxiety Attacks
- Vaginal Dryness
- Fatigue

What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are also known as natural hormones. They are substances with the same chemical makeup as the hormones produced in your body. Hormones are not drugs - they occur naturally and are found in every human on earth. BHRT replaces hormones at a physiologic level that is not harmful to the body.
If you're suffering through the symptoms of menopause, taking Midol isn't going to solve any problems. Fortunately, our BHRT program for women is designed to eliminate many menopausal symptoms. That way, we give women a chance to recapture their energy levels and vitality with drugs or surgery. Contact our office today to learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and how it can help you recapture the joys of your youth.
Bredesen-Protocol Strategies for Improving Brain Health
We believe that a healthy brain is paramount to overall well-being. Unfortunately, little is known about promoting brain health, lowering the risk of dementia, or stabilizing symptoms for patients experiencing early signs.
After much research, however, Dr. Lawson from Proactive Wellness Centers determined that the Bredesen protocol provides the best evidence-based approach to diagnosing and treating cognitive decline.
The approach, created by Dr. Dale Bredesen, is called ReCODE. This protocol involves multiple strategies to pinpoint specific health issues contributing to Alzheimer's Disease. The results of each strategy are measured using blood tests, dementia tests, cognitive evaluations, and other signs of overall health improvement. Now a Bredesen Certified doctor, Dr. Lawson now offers patients the full Bredesen ReCODE protocol to help them recover from debilitating illnesses like Alzheimer's.
Through this exciting approach, patients have shown dramatic improvements in cognitive function. In some cases, they achieve a reversal of symptoms and have even returned to work.
Proactive Wellness Centers' ReCODE program uses significant functional medicine experience and includes:
- Lifestyle Interventions
- Targeted Nutrients
- Therapeutic Diets
We're thrilled to add this promising Alzheimer's disease treatment for qualifying patients at Proactive Wellness Centers.

Chronic Disease Treatment
Long-term diseases like Lyme disease and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) can ruin a person's life and often leave them afraid to leave the house. To make matters worse, these chronic diseases are often initially misdiagnosed, complicating treatment and leaving the patient depressed and hopeless. And while some medical prescriptions can help, many chronic disease sufferers live without finding true relief.
At Proactive Wellness Centers, our innovative doctors have developed a comprehensive treatment program to address chronic diseases like CIRS and Lyme disease. Generally, our Chronic Disease Treatment follows SSRP protocols as defined below:
- Stop the progression of the disease while strengthening the immune system
- Stabilize patients by balancing hormones and restoring energy
- Reverse cellular, mitochondrial, and other damages caused by chronic diseases, based on lab markers and/or symptomatic expression
- Prevent further development of the chronic disease processes
Our SSRP protocol provides patients with a promising program based largely on the emerging bodies of evidence in the chronic disease space. This evidence is supported by peer-reviewed medical journals, clinical studies, and even double-blind placebo-controlled studies.

When choosing chronic disease treatments for patients, our team of doctors and clinicians focus on safety and efficacy before anything else. Typical therapies associated with our chronic disease treatment programs include:
- IV Vitamin Therapy
- Targeted Nutritional Supplements
- Compassionate Care and Personalized Service from Qualified Doctors
As an integrative practice, we use conventional medications when indicated, especially in cases of underlying co-infections and other areas where traditional medication offers the best course of treatment.
If you're at your wit's end living with a chronic disease, call Proactive Wellness Centers today. Our innovative treatments and therapies may be the key you need to unlock a new, healthy life.
Achieve Your Wellness Goals at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
From GAINSWave therapy in Woodbridge, VA, to Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for women, our doctors are here to serve you with care, compassion, and a commitment to your health.
That's because, at Proactive Wellness Centers, we take a patient-first approach to every service we offer. Unlike some anti-aging clinics, we focus on your goals, your experiences, and how we can address your health and well-being needs. We believe with a full heart that your story matters, and we're ready and waiting to listen. If you're looking for personalized, functional, regenerative treatments that address root causes, you're only a phone call away from living a healthier life.

Hours Open Monday through Friday 9AM to 5PM

Latest News in Woodbridge, VA
Prince William Co. schools consider new security screening system, hold community meetings
Heather Grafhttps://wjla.com/news/local/prince-william-co-schools-consider-new-security-screening-system-evolv-technology-community-meetings-gainesville-high-school-freedom-high-school-woodbridge-vernon-bock-manassas-osbourn-alexandria-city-schools-latanya-mcdade
...
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (7News) — As Prince William County Public Schools consider installing new security screening technology, the school system is holding a series of community meetings to get feedback from families.
The 'Safety and Security Briefings' begin Wednesday night at Gainesville High School:
"Keeping our students and employees and visitors safe is our top priority," said Vernon Bock, Chief Operating Officer for Prince William County Public Schools.
Bock says that's why the school system is constantly evaluating its safety measures, and why they're now considering a new security screening system made by a company called Evolv Technology. The system uses touchless sensors and software that's designed to detect weapons in a way that's both non-intrusive and high volume. According to Evolv, the system can scan over 60 people a minute.
"This is used at a lot of professional sporting venues that have 30,000 to 50,000 people coming in," Bock explained. "It's really focused on detecting guns and large knives. It's a little different than your traditional metal detector, where it will avoid alerting on traditional items like your cell phone, your keys, a belt buckle, a necklace, a watch. You don't have to remove any of those items."
Instead, he says the system allows students and staff to walking through the sensors without opening their bags or removing their phones from their pockets.
You can view an Evolv video about the system here.
"When you see it implemented, kids are just filing through, you don't have to be single file, you can come through in a group," Bock said. "The technology is really sophisticated from that standpoint, and it really is minimally invasive."
RELATED: Manassas City Public Schools to deploy new security screening technology at Osbourn HS
As 7News has reported, nearby Manassas City Public Schools is already planning to implement this same security screening technology at Osbourn High School, and Osbourn will be the first school in Virginia to use it. Alexandria City Public Schools is eyeing the system as well, with the Alexandria school board expected to decide in March whether ACPS will move forward with a pilot program.
SEE ALSO: Alexandria City Public Schools debates installing screening technology to detect weapons
But Prince William County Public Schools, as the second largest school system in Virginia, would be a more large-scale operation. Bock said it would cost PWCS about $10 million to install the security screening technology at all 34 of its secondary schools, with three entry points at each high school and two at each middle school.
"If one gun makes it into our schools, that's one gun too many," he said. "It's a worthwhile investment in safety."
Bock said PWCS began looking into this technology in the fall. That's when school system leaders traveled to North Carolina, where the Evolv system is currently in place in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Bock said they wanted to see the technology in action in a large school system.
"In Charlotte, we saw this in a high school of about 2,500 students, and the students were able to get in the building in about 15 minutes at three entry points, or three of the Evolv system" he said. "We also conducted an observation at one of their middle schools, that had two entry points. And about 1,300 students went through and again, same timeframe, about 15 minutes to enter."
PWCS Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade wrote about the security screening technology in two recent letters to families, in January and again on February 3.
In her January 13 letter, McDade wrote in part "recent advances in security screening technology allow for non-evasive detection and accommodate a high volume of staff and students", calling the technology a preventative measure that is "a critical step toward protection".
McDade said the new technology could be implemented in Prince William County Public Schools "as early as the 2023-2024 school year", and said the school system would begin engaging families and community members to gather input on the possibility.
In her February 3 letter, McDade announced dates and times for a series of community meetings on the topic.
"It's really important for us to gather that community feedback, get that input from the community," Bock said. "And if all goes as planned, we would look at implementing this in the fall."
Even then, Bock said, the security screening technology would be phased in a few schools at a time. And to allow time for training and for students to get used to the new system, he said PWCS likely wouldn't begin that implementation until a few weeks after the first day of school in the fall.
"One of the things we learned from Charlotte is not to try this in all secondary schools all at once," he said. "Get it implemented in a few locations and then start expanding out from there."
SJ Contractor Services LLC Delivers Risk-Free House Washing in Woodbridge, VA
EIN Newshttps://www.einnews.com/pr_news/617370204/sj-contractor-services-llc-delivers-risk-free-house-washing-in-woodbridge-va
SJ Contractor Services LLC is a licensed and insured company in Woodbridge offering roof cleaning and exterior washing for businesses and homes.WOODBRIDGE, VA, UNITED STATES, February 16, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Irrespective of location, almost every homeowner wants to keep their exterior attractive and clean. However, finding time from busy schedules for house washing can be challenging for Virginia residents. Even if they find time, house washing wit...
SJ Contractor Services LLC is a licensed and insured company in Woodbridge offering roof cleaning and exterior washing for businesses and homes.
WOODBRIDGE, VA, UNITED STATES, February 16, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Irrespective of location, almost every homeowner wants to keep their exterior attractive and clean. However, finding time from busy schedules for house washing can be challenging for Virginia residents. Even if they find time, house washing with store-bought tools and DIY techniques may not deliver the same result as a professional house washing in Woodbridge, VA. Because a full-service contractor has access to the latest tools and trained technicians for safe and effective exterior washing, contacting a local company such as SJ Contractor Services LLC can be the best option for businesses and homeowners. These professional services can also restore and improve the curb appeal of residential and commercial properties.
A humid subtropical climate characterizes the climate of Virginia, which features hot, humid summers and moderate, wet winters. These weather variations and outdoor environments can cause the accumulation of dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and other contaminants. Therefore, it's essential to keep up with routine cleaning and maintenance to prevent the buildup of debris that can lead to an unappealing exterior. Since the 1990s, pressure washing has emerged as one of the best methods for cleaning and improving house exteriors. That's why many Virginia businesses and homeowners often employ local contractors for bi-annual exterior washing and cleaning. For instance, SJ Contractor Services LLC, a leading service for House Washing in Dale City, VA, applies power and low-pressure washing techniques for patio, driveways, window, and roof washing and helps homeowners maintain a healthy and attractive outdoor environment.
House-washing experts employ many methods to safely and effectively remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from various surfaces, including roofing. For instance, soft washing is a low-pressure method for cleaning outside surfaces without causing any damage. It involves using specific cleaning solutions and a gentle rinsing procedure to eliminate dirt, grime, and mildew. Therefore, it is preferable for delicate surfaces like stucco, masonry, wood, gutter, roof, and sidings. In contrast, power washing is a high-pressure method that employs a strong stream of water to remove dirt and grime from hard surfaces like concrete, brick, and stone. Even metal roofing and hard surfaces are suitable for power washing, but caution must be exercised to prevent surface damage.
Like every other profession, house washing requires training and knowledge in using heavy-duty equipment, area codes, safe cleaning solutions, and techniques. So, it could be challenging for a typical household to have the latest gear or experience in pressure washing. Moreover, working with heavy-duty equipment can be a safety hazard for untrained hands. Therefore, hiring an experienced contractor for house washing in Lake Ridge, VA, or any other Virginia county is a good idea. In addition, some professional services, such as SJ Contractor Services LLC, offer licensed and insured technicians and affordable pricing, making it comfortable and safe for homeowners looking for a cost-effective house-washing expert in Woodbridge, Dale City, Lake Ridge, and surrounding areas in Virginia.
About SJ Contractor Services LLC
SJ Contractor Services LLC is a leading home service company offering a comprehensive range of quality and affordable house washing, window cleaning, and wood restoration services in Woodbridge and surrounding areas. It has experienced and licensed professionals dedicated to providing complete customer satisfaction for residential and commercial properties.
Stanley Hernandez SJ Contractor Services, LLC +1 703-789-7395 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook
Pressure Washing Woodbridge VA Concrete Cleaning
Following Southwest Airlines Disruptions that Left Virginians Stranded, Spanberger Urges DOJ to Examine Potential Anticompetitive Behaviors in the Airline Industry
Abigail Spanbergerhttps://spanberger.house.gov/posts/following-southwest-airlines-disruptions-that-left-virginians-stranded-spanberger-urges-doj-to-examine-potential-anticompetitive-behaviors-in-the-airline-industry
Since 2000, 20 Major Airline Companies Have Undergone Mergers, Reducing the Number of Major Airlines Flying Nationwide to Fewer Than 10WOODBRIDGE, V.A. — Following the disruptions experienced by Southwest Airlines customers, leaving thousands of Americans — including many Virginians — stranded, U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger is urging the U.S. Department of Justice to examine how airline companies engage in anticompetitive practices and determine whether these activities violate rele...
Since 2000, 20 Major Airline Companies Have Undergone Mergers, Reducing the Number of Major Airlines Flying Nationwide to Fewer Than 10
WOODBRIDGE, V.A. — Following the disruptions experienced by Southwest Airlines customers, leaving thousands of Americans — including many Virginians — stranded, U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger is urging the U.S. Department of Justice to examine how airline companies engage in anticompetitive practices and determine whether these activities violate relevant antitrust laws.
Over the past two decades, a series of mergers has dramatically reduced the number of airlines flying in the United States. According to experts, this lack of competition has allowed airlines to post record profits despite under-investment in their infrastructure — leading to catastrophic outcomes for passengers.
In a letter sent to Assistant U.S. Attorney General Jonathan Kanter, Spanberger asked for the Justice Department to examine anticompetitive practices in the airline industry — particularly given that Virginians are now seeing a combination of fewer flights, more disruptions, higher costs, and record profits.
“Consolidation in the airline industry has steadily contributed to higher prices, fewer choices, and fewer flights for American passengers,” said Spanberger. “Since the summer of 2019, US air travel consumer complaints have increased by 57 percent. At the same time, airlines that specifically took federal aid with the stated purpose of avoiding mass layoffs in the industry reduced their workforce by about 42,000 full-time employees and 14,000 part-time employees as of September 2021. These layoffs led to months of turmoil in late 2021 and 2022 as several airlines, including Southwest, Spirit, and American Airlines struggled to rehire enough workers to meet increased demand. While these disruptions came at the expense of passengers, airline workers, and taxpayers alike, airlines were able to return to profitability despite a reduction in service and upheaval for many Americans.”
Spanberger continued, “This unique combination of fewer flights, more disruptions, higher costs, and record profits, all following two decades where the number of major airlines steadily dwindled nationally, paints a clear picture of an industry rife with anticompetitive practices. As a capitalist, I believe it is essential to the functioning of our free-market economy that there is robust competition that provides consumers with ample choices between products and services.”
In addition to requesting that the Department of Justice address potential anticompetitive practices by airlines, Spanberger requested that her staff be briefed on steps the DOJ has already taken, as well as steps that they plan to take, in order to address the growing frustration of consumers who are left without alternatives amid the quickly falling quality of available airline services.
Click here to read Spanberger’s letter, and the full letter text is also below.
—
Dear Assistant Attorney General Kanter,
I write to you with concerns about the impacts of consolidation in the airline industry in light of recent disruptions experienced by Southwest customers, which left thousands of Americans traveling over the winter holiday season stranded. While the circumstances that impacted Southwest Airlines over the last month are unique, the factors that led to widespread disruption, high costs for consumers seeking to rebook flights, and many travelers stranded without an alternative, are not. Consolidation in the airline industry has steadily contributed to higher prices, fewer choices, and fewer flights for American passengers.
Over the past two decades, a series of mergers has dramatically reduced the number of airlines flying in the United States. Since 2000, twenty major airline companies have undergone mergers, reducing the number of major airlines flying nationwide to fewer than 10. A lack of competition has allowed airlines to post record profits despite under-investment in their infrastructure, leading to catastrophic outcomes for passengers. Across the industry, we have seen growing frustration from passengers who feel powerless to find meaningful alternatives. Since the summer of 2019, US air travel consumer complaints have increased by 57%. At the same time, airlines that specifically took federal aid with the stated purpose of avoiding mass layoffs in the industry reduced their workforce by about 42,000 full-time employees and 14,000 part-time employees as of September 2021. These layoffs led to months of turmoil in late 2021 and 2022 as several airlines, including Southwest, Spirit, and American Airlines struggled to rehire enough workers to meet increased demand. While these disruptions came at the expense of passengers, airline workers, and taxpayers alike, airlines were able to return to profitability despite a reduction in service and upheaval for many Americans.
Meanwhile, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines have dramatically reduced the number of flights servicing small and regional airports. According to data from the Regional Airline Association, of the 430 airports in the continental United States and Hawaii that offer commercial passenger service, 76 percent had fewer flights scheduled in 2022 compared to 2019. These cutbacks are despite surging demand for flights in 2022.
Even as these disruptions have grown more severe, ticket prices faced by passengers have also increased dramatically. According to the Federal Reserve of St. Louis, the price for airline tickets nationwide increased 25% in the period from November 2021 to November 2022 – the most significant hike since data was first collected in 1989 – far outstripping the 8% inflation seen over the same period.
While increased prices have impacted all Americans, they have been disproportionately felt by Americans serviced by small and regional airports. According to data collected by CheapAir.com, in 2022, airline tickets increased the most in smaller markets where competition between airlines was diminished as passengers had fewer flights and airlines to choose from. Near my district, in Richmond, Virginia, these increases translated to a 29% increase or roughly $75 for an average domestic airline ticket compared to 2021. The same analysis found that prices increased the least in airports with the most flights, demonstrating how competition can drive down prices.
This unique combination of fewer flights, more disruptions, higher costs, and record profits, all following two decades where the number of major airlines steadily dwindled nationally, paints a clear picture of an industry rife with anticompetitive practices. As a capitalist, I believe it is essential to the functioning of our free-market economy that there is robust competition that provides consumers with ample choices between products and services.
As such, I request that the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) examine how airline companies engage in anticompetitive practices and determine whether these activities violate relevant antitrust laws. In addition, I request a briefing for my staff on what steps the DOJ has already taken to investigate anticompetitive practices in the airline industry.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.
—
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‘Voices and Visions:’ Woodbridge gallery showcasing African American art
Cameron Deleanhttps://www.insidenova.com/headlines/voices-and-visions-woodbridge-gallery-showcasing-african-american-art/article_d5f481b2-b34a-11ed-af85-dbfa41b17bb4.html
Open Space Arts, a gallery at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center in Woodbridge, is currently showcasing a new exhibit, “African American Voices and Visions,” until Feb. 26 in recognition of Black History Month.The exhibit, being presented for the first time, showcases artwork pertaining to African American heritage, life, culture and experiences. Each piece shows the artist’s interpretation of different creative works, people, places, events and historical figures.The collection was curated by Herb Williams, a...
Open Space Arts, a gallery at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center in Woodbridge, is currently showcasing a new exhibit, “African American Voices and Visions,” until Feb. 26 in recognition of Black History Month.
The exhibit, being presented for the first time, showcases artwork pertaining to African American heritage, life, culture and experiences. Each piece shows the artist’s interpretation of different creative works, people, places, events and historical figures.
The collection was curated by Herb Williams, arts recreation specialist for Prince William County.
“It’s their vision of the different expressions of African American history through words, art and music,” Williams said.
Williams said he founded the Open Space Arts gallery to create a venue where local artists could show their works.
“It's a passion for me. Once I saw how undiscerned some of the communities in the arts are, I wanted to help,” Williams said. “The talent that has come out of these opportunities is insurmountable.”
All of the pieces in the gallery were created by local artists of all ages, each with a different vision and interpretation of African American life and experiences. The exhibit includes work of all mediums by 24 artists.
“Being in the gallery is a wonderful experience,” said Elle Cartier, a volunteer with the Prince William Art Society. “Too often local artists aren’t able to showcase their work, and this particular exhibit offers tremendous opportunities for individuals of multiple races to share their voices through their art along with their visions.”
During the opening night for the exhibit, more than 200 visitors enjoyed the variety of artistic works, including poetry, music and monologues along with the art displayed in the gallery. Opening night also kickstarted the sales for the pieces.
Penny Shaw, another volunteer with the Prince William Art Society, is one of the artists whose work is showcased at the exhibit. Shaw is a trained artist and has created many pieces throughout her life, including work specially for this gallery.
“When I was younger, I would do social commentary on things that were going on, and I did a lot of figurative work,” Shaw said. “When I do my paintings I try to do something that speaks to me.”
Shaw uses a technique for her pieces called acrylic pour painting. The technique creates natural flowing patterns by pouring liquid paint onto a canvas and spreading the liquid either by tilting the surface or manually manipulating the paint.
“It makes it so each piece is unique and irreplicable, one-of-a-kind,” Shaw said.
After mastering the acrylic pour technique, Shaw sought to add more detailing and life to her art.
“I have been doing pour paintings for the past five years or so,” she added. “But pouring the paint on the canvas wasn’t enough for me, I wanted to do more so I started embellishing or drawing on top of the canvas.”
Shaw currently has three pieces showing in the gallery, all of which feature the acrylic paint pouring technique and added embellishment to convey Shaw’s interpretation of African American life and experience.
Shaw’s work, along with the other artists’ paintings displayed in the gallery, are available for purchase, and proceeds from the sale of the paintings goes directly back to the artists.
Virginia Legislature discussing Commanders stadium again, but have traffic concerns
wusa9.comhttps://www.wusa9.com/article/news/investigations/commanders-stadium/washington-commanders-stadium-woodbridge-northern-virginia-95-traffic-youngkin-mcpike/65-0eb95790-af15-4d3f-a968-d25c53e9f079
State Senator Jeremy McPike (D) represents parts of Prince William County where two proposed stadium sites are under consideration.WOODBRIDGE, Va. — No traffic fix on I-95? No Washington Commanders stadium in Northern Virginia.That’s the latest line in the sand as stadium talk in the Virginia Legislature ...
State Senator Jeremy McPike (D) represents parts of Prince William County where two proposed stadium sites are under consideration.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. — No traffic fix on I-95? No Washington Commanders stadium in Northern Virginia.
That’s the latest line in the sand as stadium talk in the Virginia Legislature heats back up.
“The biggest driver of this is literally going to be traffic and transportation,” said State Senator Jeremy McPike (D) who represents parts of Prince William County, where the Commanders have studied two potential stadium sites. “And that should be incorporated in the study.”
Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently revived talk of the Commanders moving to Northern Virginia with a proposal to spend $500,000 to study potential economic incentives for the team to relocate to Virginia. But McPike is proposing an amendment that would require the state to fund and fix traffic congestion within 25 miles of a proposed stadium site before a new Commanders stadium could open.
The state senator said a Virginia study found the southbound section of 95 near the Occoquan River at the Woodbridge exit had the highest per person hours of traffic delays in the state, with more than 1.2 million hours annually.
“I think I've been consistent all along that any stadium has to be dealing with traffic and transportation,” McPike said. “In fact, I'm pinpointing and highlighting that and helping the constituents that I serve, because we face the traffic and transportation of the worst area in on the East Coast, every single day. And so, this is an opportunity to hopefully highlight this either with or without a stadium. This has got to be fixed.”
Yougnkin's proposed budget and McPike’s stadium traffic study amendment will be considered by the state legislature in early February.
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