Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Lake Barcroft, VA

As their primary androgen, testosterone helps men develop common male characteristics and is essential in the production of sperm. Controlled by your body's pituitary gland and hypothalamus, testosterone helps develop and maintain:

Muscle Mass

Muscle Mass

Facial and Body Hair

Facial and Body Hair

Sex Organs

Sex Organs

Healthy Libido

Healthy Libido

Healthy Libido

Bone Density

Healthy Libido

Sexual Function

Healthy Libido

Healthy Red Blood Cell Levels

When low testosterone or hypogonadism occurs, however, males begin to notice concerning symptoms that often affect their everyday lives and romantic relationships.

 Muscle Mass Lake Barcroft, VA

When men lose significant amounts of testosterone, it alters their body's levels of testosterone and estrogen. Lower T levels usually result in abdominal fat, which in turn causes estrogen synthetize levels to increase, creating even higher levels of estrogen in the body. With more estrogen and less testosterone, a number of concerning issues begin to surface. Some of the symptoms of low testosterone include:

  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Lowered Libido
  • Lowered Sperm Count
  • More Body Fat
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Issues with Concentration
  • Male Breast Development
  • Less Muscle Mass
  • Motivation Issues

If you're a man struggling with one or more of the symptoms above, it could be because you have low testosterone. But the only way you can find out for sure is to have your testosterone levels tested by a wellness center like Proactive Wellness. If your testosterone levels are low, TRT in Lake Barcroft, VA, may be the answer to your low-T problems.

Book Appointment phone-number (703) 822-5003
 Facial And Body Hair Lake Barcroft, VA

Understanding The Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Are you starting to notice that you don't feel like "you" when you're at home or at work? Do you feel tired and lethargic all the time, even in your free time away from the office? Many men mistake these symptoms for being too sleepy or too busy. But the truth is, they're suffering from low testosterone. Since no two males will have the same symptoms of low T, it's prudent to recognize and understand some of the most common signs:

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction

If there were two words that all men wish to avoid, it's these two. Being unable to perform in the most intimate moments isn't just embarrassing - it can affect long-term relationships and mental health. It's a difficult topic to talk about. But it doesn't have to be. Our experts are ready to help you re-light that special spark.

Low Libido

Low Libido

When you have low testosterone, sometimes the thought of having sex just isn't appealing. If you're one of the many men in the U.S. who lacks sex drive, it might not be you. I could be low testosterone. Don't settle for a mediocre sex drive - reclaim your vigor at Proactive Wellness Centers.

Lack of Sleep

Lack of Sleep

Do you work hard every day and come home exhausted, only to find that you toss and turn all night long? Whether you have undiagnosed insomnia or another sleep disorder, it could be linked to low T.

 Sex Organs Lake Barcroft, VA
 Healthy Libido Lake Barcroft, VA
Less Strength and Muscle Mass

Less Strength and Muscle Mass

When testosterone levels deplete as we age, men lose their ability to lift heavy items, even with weightlifting routines in the gym. If you're making a concerted effort to maintain your muscle mass and strength but aren't making gains, it could be due to low T.

Depression

Depression

Your brain is home to many testosterone receptors, but when your body has low T, it can affect your mood. With time, poor spirits can lead to serious psychological issues, like depression. However, studies show that TRT in Lake Barcroft, VA, can rebalance your hormones, which can help relieve depression and improve your mood.

Lack of Concentration

Lack of Concentration

Do you find it hard to complete normal tasks when you're at work? Does it seem like your memory is fading? Does your spouse or significant other complain that you're not paying attention to them? The effects of low testosterone don't just affect your body - they can affect your mind and memory, too. When your testosterone levels are within normal range, brain fog and other concentration issues have been shown to go away.

 Bone Density Lake Barcroft, VA

What are the Risks of Living with Low Testosterone?

At Proactive Wellness Centers, we understand what men must go through daily when they have low testosterone. They suffer from fatigue and lack motivation and often don't feel like their usual selves. But as bad as those symptoms sound, living with low T can have more severe health risks that that put vital organs at risk. Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:

Book Appointment phone-number (703) 822-5003

Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:

 Sexual Function Lake Barcroft, VA
heart-health

Heart Health

If you've been told by a doctor that you have high blood pressure, you're probably wondering what it stems from. Is it aging? Is it hereditary? Is it something else? According to academic research, men with low T have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular illnesses. When testosterone levels are low, red blood cell reproduction suffers. When that happens, plaque buildup in your arteries may be accelerated. With time, plaque building can lead to very serious problems like strokes and heart attacks.

Anemia

Anemia

When you have anemia, your body has a lack of or dysfunctional red blood cells, meaning your organs have less oxygen with which to function. Because testosterone has a role in healthy red blood cell production, it makes sense that men with low t have a higher risk of anemia. In fact, a 2009 study found that older men with low T are 5x more likely to be anemic than men with healthy levels of testosterone. While TRT in Lake Barcroft, VA, isn't a cure for anemia, it will help produce more red blood cells in your body, which can prevent anemia.

Diabetes

Diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, and you're trying to figure out why, it may be linked to your T levels. That's because men with low testosterone have a greater chance of developing diabetes as they age. Similarly, men with diabetes are much more likely to have low testosterone, establishing a relationship between diabetes and testosterone. This relationship is further solidified by the fact that men with low T have a more challenging time resisting insulin. Though TRT won't cure diabetes, studies show that men with healthy testosterone levels also have healthier blood sugar levels and are often less obese.

Obesity

Obesity

If you look in the mirror in the morning and can't stand how much body fat you've gained since getting older, you're not alone. Many aging men have problems with their waistlines. If you eat well and exercise regularly but still can't get rid of that unsightly stomach or body fat, the culprit may be low testosterone. Multiple studies have shown the link between obesity and low T. In fact, testosterone plays an important role in food metabolism by regulating insulin, glucose, and fat. Fortunately, when combined with diet and exercise, men who undergo TRT can often lose weight and enjoy improved blood glucose and low-density cholesterol levels.

Enjoy Life to the Fullest with TRT in Lake Barcroft, VA

 Healthy Red Blood Cell Levels Lake Barcroft, VA

Testosterone replacement therapy does precisely what it sounds like: It is a science-backed therapy that replaces low testosterone levels in men. The ultimate goal of TRT is to improve your life and well-being by balancing your hormones. Also referred to as androgen replacement therapy, TRT helps many men deal with and overcome the debilitating side effects of low T.

Originally developed by scientists in the 1930s, TRT has grown substantially in popularity over the years. Today, it is one of the most common and promising treatments for males with low testosterone.

How Does TRT Work?

Without getting too scientific, TRT works by providing your body with the testosterone it needs to function properly. Without healthy levels of testosterone, the male body can't maintain the natural processes it needs for overall health. In fact, men with low testosterone levels are more prone to serious health problems like type-2 diabetes and even heart disease. Until their T levels are restored to normal, most men suffer until they find a solution.

That's where TRT comes into play. With balanced hormones, your body can finally begin to heal, causing most symptoms of low t to diminish greatly.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Lake Barcroft, VA

Make an Appointment

Book Appointment phone-number (703) 822-5003

The Proactive Wellness Approach to TRT in Lake Barcroft, VA

At Proactive Wellness Centers, our team utilizes a three-pronged approach to healing and treatment:

01

Patient Education. We equip you with the knowledge needed to take charge of your health and achieve optimal well-being in your life.

02

Prevention. We focus on preventing diseases by providing you with a thorough evaluation, which includes comprehensive diagnostics and the information you provide on your health history form.

03

Rejuvenation. Lastly, we work closely with you to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of several science-based treatments that aim to promote tissue regeneration, reduce cellular degeneration, foster healing, and slow your aging process.

Because no two patients ever have the exact same needs and treatment, your journey to journey to optimal health will be unique and tailored to your body.
However, to give you a brief snapshot of the average patient's TRT timeline may look like this:

Getting Started:

You contact our TRT clinic in Virginia. Based on your schedule, we'll arrange for a time for you to come in for your initial assessment.

Diagnostics and Evaluation:

One of our diagnostic experts will complete comprehensive testing to discover your testosterone and related hormone levels and your best treatment options.

Review Testing:

We'll sit with you one-on-one to discuss the results of your lab tests. During this session, a medical practitioner will also answer any questions you have about low T and testosterone replacement therapy.

Begin Your Custom TRT Regimen:

Based on your lifestyle, goals, and test results, we'll craft a custom TRT plan exclusively for you.

Success Coaching:

When you undergo TRT at Proactive Wellness Centers, you're never alone. We'll be by your side the entire way to ensure your treatment is going well and you're hitting your benchmarks. We'll keep track of your progress, and if there are areas that need improvement, we'll work with you to accomplish the goals you haven't achieved yet. Because, at the end of the day, a little bit of encouragement can go a long way.

Enjoy the Results:

This is the best part! With time and care, you'll begin to notice the effects of TRT and will be well on your way to enjoying balanced hormones.

 Muscle Mass Lake Barcroft, VA

Trust The Proactive Wellness Difference

Did you know that 13 million males suffer from low T, but a whopping 90% go untreated by doctors? The reason is that conventional doctors believe that unless your Testosterone level is below the low lab reference range level, that your are "OK". At Proactive Wellness, we help you to optimize and be the best you can be, not just OK. Why be OK, when with the help of the right Testosterone dose, you can feel better, be healthier, stronger and more vibrant. If you believe that your testosterone levels are at unhealthy levels, it's time to contact Proactive Wellness Centers for testing. Living with low testosterone is a risk, but with personalized TRT in Lake Barcroft, VA, you can minimize the harmful effects on your body.

Unlike other TRT clinics, we utilize a more complete and personalized approach to Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Our approach considers the role of DHEA, another very important hormone that needs to be balanced. And we look at Estradiol conversion, the unwanted effect where some men convert too much Testosterone to estradiol. In this case, these men (about 10%) need a medication to block this conversion, called an aromatase inhibitor. But notice that I mentioned that only 10% of men need this, but at many men's clinics, all men automatically get an aromatase inhibitor whether they need it or not. This drives Estradiol too low, causing other issues. Yes, Men need Estradiol also, but they need it in the proper proportion. Bottom line, our personalized approach ensures that you get exactly what you need, no more and no less.

Further, Proactive Wellness offers the widest range of Testosterone Replacement options so that men can choose the best for their particular lifestyle. Choose from pellets that are inserted just under the skin and last for 4-5 months, or the most popular option, Test Cypionate injections that are typically done weekly, or specialized transdermal cream or even a specialized intranasal application that mimics natural testosterone levels. Any of these methods are available at Proactive Wellness Centers so that you can get the option that is right for you.

Is testosterone replacement therapy enough? Maybe, it all depends on your goals and your lab results. Many men are also deficient in growth hormone (GH) and this hormone can also contribute to you not being your best. If this one is low, Proactive Wellness offers a range of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) peptides to increase your GH levels. Many men combine this with TRT to feel their absolute best.

If you're ready to reclaim your confidence and return to loving life on your own terms, our physicians and medical team are ready to help. Don't be one of those men who constantly complain about their health but don't do anything about it. Contact Proactive Wellness Centers today to make a difference in your life!

phone-number (703) 822-5003

Book an Appointment

Latest News in Lake Barcroft, VA

Dredging Lake Accotink is not financially or environmentally feasible

At a virtual community meeting Feb. 15, Fairfax County officials explained why the dredging project that had been proposed to save Lake Accotink is no longer feasible.County public works staff are recommending that “Lake Accotink not be dredged due to significant community and environmental impacts and excessive costs.”A new analysis found the project would cost $395 million, a huge increase over the $30 million price tag projected earlier. That cost includes maintenance dredging every five years, as well as an init...

At a virtual community meeting Feb. 15, Fairfax County officials explained why the dredging project that had been proposed to save Lake Accotink is no longer feasible.

County public works staff are recommending that “Lake Accotink not be dredged due to significant community and environmental impacts and excessive costs.”

A new analysis found the project would cost $395 million, a huge increase over the $30 million price tag projected earlier. That cost includes maintenance dredging every five years, as well as an initial dredge.

An in-person meeting covering the same information will be held this evening, at 7 p.m., at Kings Glen Elementary School in Springfield.

A final decision on the future of Lake Accotink will be made by the Board of Supervisors. The new recommendation, along with input from the public, will be presented to the BoS this spring after the public comment period ends on April 1.

Comments can be emailed to F515@Publicinput.com. A survey will be posted Friday on the project website.

A big disappointment

“We’re very disappointed. We’ve been working on this project for a lot of years,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Jeffrey McKay.

“There are folks angry about what they’ve heard. I’m angry, too,” said Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw. “We can’t sugarcoat it. The prognosis for this project is not good. The amount of sediment and cost is not a matter of opinion.”

Walkinshaw addressed a rumor that the county will sell the lake to a developer. “That is not going to happen. We don’t sell parkland to developers.”

Chris Herrington, director of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES), said he’s heard about “the deep connection people have had with Lake Accotink.”

The latest recommendation “will be extremely disappointing to you,” Herrington said. But “we cannot proceed with a full dredging of Lake Accotink.”

To fund the nearly $400 million cost of dredging, the county would have to raise taxes, he said. And there won’t be money for other more effective projects elsewhere to reduce flooding and retain stormwater.

The project would not be in line with policies adopted by the BoS on greenhouse gases, sustainability, efficient government, safety, and the environment, he said. The dredging project would require 50,000 greenhouse gas-emitting truckloads of sediment removed from the lake.

A future wetlands park

In lieu of dredging, county staff recommends the Park Authority carry out a new Master Plan development process for Lake Accotink Park.

The property will remain a park, said Charles Smith, the branch chief for stormwater planning at DPWES.

The lake will remain for the foreseeable future, but vegetation will gradually take over the margins and the lake will transform into wetlands, Smith said. He wouldn’t speculate on how soon that would happen, as it would depend on the severity of storms in future years.

A wetlands would dramatically increase the wildlife diversity and abundance in the park, Smith said. The lake currently has poor water quality and is not a good environment for fish.

Related story: Lake Accotink dredging project not likely to happen, due to increased cost

Both the original and updated studies looked at solutions to increase the depth of the lake to eight feet to ensure its viability for recreational uses. The depth currently ranges from one to four feet.

The dredging project called for building a pipeline to transfer the dredged material to a dewatering site and transporting the dried sediment by truck to an offsite location, explained environmental engineer Amanda Kohler of Arcadis, the consulting company that carried out both studies for the county.

A new analysis

Several community members at the meeting questioned how the cost estimate could have soared from $30 million to nearly $400 million.

“Some of the critical assumptions have changed,” said Herrington. “The initial analysis included low-cost disposal options and underestimated the amount of sediment.”

The latest study found 500,000 cubic yards of sediment would have to be removed during the initial dredging. The initial estimate was 360,000 cubic yards. Another 150,000 cubic yards would have to be removed every five years.

Among the two sites identified as the best options for dewatering, use of the maintenance facility in Wakefield Park would require clearing seven acres, Kohler said. That’s much larger than originally estimated. The other site, on Southern Drive, would require 190 trucks a day through neighborhood streets carrying sediment out of the area.

No good alternatives

Arkadis reconsidered one of the other initial options for saving the lake – creating a new offline smaller lake in the park.

According to county staff, that is “not a suitable alternative for lake management due to significant community and environmental impacts, unreasonable risk for long-term safety and maintenance, and high project costs.”

Creating a new smaller lake – about half the size of Lake Accotink – would require dredging 825,000 cubic yards of sediment from the existing lake, importing 340 cubic yards of fill dirt to construct an earthen berm, rechanneling Accotink Creek, removing part of the existing dam, and building a new dam. Kohler said.

That would cost about $192 million, not including maintenance, and might not be sustainable over the long term.

Without the dredging project, Smith said the county will still carry out stream restoration projects throughout the Accotink watershed.

The county would not be fined by the Environmental Protection Agency for sending more sediment to the Chesapeake Bay, he said. “Fairfax County is not compelled to maintain Lake Accotink.”

The vast majority of sediment is flushed out into flood plains in the system, he said. “We are not seeing a tremendous impact from sediment on downstream estuaries.”

“Given what we know now, managing this lake is extremely difficult and expensive,” he said. “It’s like digging a hole on the beach with water constantly coming in and filling it up.”

Instalan cámaras de detección de exceso de velocidad en zonas escolares de Fairfax

Nuevas cámaras de detección de exceso de velocidad fueron instaladas en los alrededores de ocho escuelas del condado de Fairfax, Virginia, para reducir el riesgo de accidentes con peatones involucrados.Estos dispositivos comenzaron a operar este viernes 10 de febrero como parte de un programa piloto aprobado por la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Fairfax en diciembre.Las ubicaciones de las cámaras son:Kirby Road, cerca de la Primaria Chesterbrook en McLeanO...

Nuevas cámaras de detección de exceso de velocidad fueron instaladas en los alrededores de ocho escuelas del condado de Fairfax, Virginia, para reducir el riesgo de accidentes con peatones involucrados.

Estos dispositivos comenzaron a operar este viernes 10 de febrero como parte de un programa piloto aprobado por la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Fairfax en diciembre.

Las ubicaciones de las cámaras son:

Kirby Road, cerca de la Primaria Chesterbrook en McLean

Old Keene Mill Road, cerca de la escuela Intermedia Irving en West Springfield

Franconia Road cerca de escuela Intermedia Key en Springfield

Stone Road, cerca de la Primaria London Towne en Centerville

Sleepy Hollow Road, cerca de la Primaria Sleepy Hollow en Lake Barcroft

Silver Brook Road, cerca de la Secundaria South County en Lorton

Esteatita Drive cerca de la Primaria Terraset en Reston

Rolling Road cerca de la Secundaria West Springfield en West Springfield

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El condado contempla colocar otra cámara cerca de la Secundaria Oakton, en Blake Lane, en un futuro cercano.

Esta iniciativa surgió a raíz de un accidente donde dos estudiantes hispanas y una de origen asiático, precisamente de la Secundaria Oakton, fueron arrolladas por un vehículo en el cruce de Blake Lane y Five Oaks Road, en el que dos de ellas fallecieron y una resultó gravemente herida el pasado 7 de junio.

Tras un periodo de estudio se observó a miles de conductores excediendo en más de 10 millas por hora el límite de velocidad de cinco zonas escolares el año pasado.

Los conductores que sean observados por encima del límite de velocidad durante los primeros 30 días de este programa piloto recibirán una advertencia, pero después se les aplicarán multas de hasta $100 si exceden el límite por 10 o más millas por hora.

After Massive Lake Barcroft Sewage Spill, Fairfax County Fails To Warn Residents

WAMU/Michael PopeOver a six-week period last year, a series of massive infrastructure failures sent more than 300,000 gallons of raw sewage into Lake Barcroft, a private lake next to Bailey’s Crossroads near the border with Arlington and Alexandria. Neighbors who live on the lake say they knew there was a problem because they could smell it, although they say they never received official notice from Fairfax County.“The smell was overwhelming. You knew there was a problem,” says Sheila Wayman, a longtime reside...

WAMU/Michael Pope

Over a six-week period last year, a series of massive infrastructure failures sent more than 300,000 gallons of raw sewage into Lake Barcroft, a private lake next to Bailey’s Crossroads near the border with Arlington and Alexandria. Neighbors who live on the lake say they knew there was a problem because they could smell it, although they say they never received official notice from Fairfax County.

“The smell was overwhelming. You knew there was a problem,” says Sheila Wayman, a longtime resident of Lake Barcoft. “It was like a toilet overflowed and nobody took care of it on a hot summer day, and it was just bacteria and gassy smells and it was disgusting.”

The four spills into Lake Barcroft were part of a larger problem with the sewer lines in that area, which included six spills in 2013 and 2014. State regulators say the county dumped more than 600,000 gallons of sewage into Holmes Run, Lake Barcroft and an unnamed tributary of Hunting Creek. The Department of Environmental Quality hit Fairfax County with a $27,300 civil charge, a case that was closed late last month after county officials submitted a plan to fix the problem.

“There were people swimming in Lake Barcroft after it had been contaminated,” says Del. Kaye Kory (D-38). “There were pets drinking the water. There were people using the water to water their gardens. All these activities were going on, and every time a citizen touched or used the water they were being exposed to a danger and I know of a number of people who really became sick, became ill.”

Fairfax County officials say the infrastructure problem has now been solved. They say they were in the process of retrofitting old 1950s-era pipes when the spills happened. The temporary pipes they set up to handle the sewage were able to take the massive weather events that happened in 2013 and 2014, which led to the overflow. All that temporary equipment has now been removed because the permanent pipes have been improved and are now operating at full capacity.

“Since this event, we’ve worked out an arrangement where we notify the water improvement district as soon as the event occurs,” says Randy Bartlett, deputy director of the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services.

Created in 1973, the water improvement district is a Virginia government agency that acts as a special tax district to raise money for the purpose of maintaining the private lake. Although Fairfax County officials notified state regulators when the spills happened, they did not directly notify residents. Bartlett says the county has no plans to directly notify residents in the future.

“I’m not sure I have the means or method right now to make sure that I notify all the proper people and to identify who might be impacted by a sewer spill,” says Bartlett. “If there’s 40 a year, do I notify everybody in the county every time one occurs even though it may not be in their area?”

The politics of notification

The story of what happened in Lake Barcroft last year is a touchy subject in this part of Fairfax County, a community that includes about 1,000 homes. About 270 of those homes are directly on the lake. When the spill happened, the county posted several paper signs at gathering spots on the lake known as “beaches.” Bartlett says the signs were an effort to improve notification efforts.

“I think if you go back probably 10 or 15 years, we were probably not doing notification after we would have a sanitary sewer overflow,” says Bartlett. “We would notify the Department of Environmental Quality, but we would not be out there trying to put signs in all the different places.”

Neighbors say the signs did not accomplish the goal of notifying neighbors.

“The temporary signs that the county placed on the beaches were small and not sufficiently weather-proof and did not adequately alert the membership to the situation,” wrote Lake Barcroft Association President Jim Kilbourne in a letter to state regulators. “In particular, the signs placed at the beaches did not provide notice to the more than 270 homeowners with lakefront property who do not access the lake from the beaches.”

Several neighbors viewed the signs as an inadequate response to a serious problem.

“On at least one occasion, the county tacked a small paper sign to a single telephone pole warning the public of the water hazard,” wrote resident Kimberly Smith in a letter to state regulators. “It was a small sign, easily overlooked if one didn’t know to look for it … a bit of rain or dew would destroy the paper sign.”

What happens next?

Kory, the member of the House of Delegates who represents Lake Barcroft, says she believes Fairfax County dropped the ball. She says the county’s new policy of notifying the watershed improvement district is an insufficient response to the problem.

“I don’t agree with it,” says Kory. “I think it’s inadequate. I don’t think it’s in the public interest. It’s not what citizens expect.”

Kory says she’s already working on legislation for the upcoming session of the General Assembly.

“I think the state should require that those residents who would be adversely affected by a sewage spill need to be informed in a timely fashion,” says Kory. “I think that has to be part of our state code.”

Meanwhile, back at the lake, residents are concerned that the county’s aging infrastructure will be able to handle all the new growth and development planned for the area. Many say they are specifically concerned about a proposal to redevelop the strip malls and big box stores at Seven Corners, where developers want to construct as many as 6,000 new homes.

“I think that when it comes to infrastructure, whether it’s sewers or roads or whatever, I think we have a problem,” says Rita Babon, longtime resident of Lake Barcroft. “I hope they are going to be on top of it this time.”

[Music: “Lakehouse” by Guitar Tribute Players from Acoustic Tribute to Of Monsters and Men ]

Naborforce matches seniors with helpers

Naborforce, a company that matches seniors who need a hand with errands or household chores with someone who can help, just became available in Annandale last week.The program is similar to the village concept underway in some communities, such as Lake Barcroft, which recruits volunteers to help their older neighbors – except Naborforce is monetized and operates through an app, like Uber.Unlike other gig workers, however, the helpers who sign on to Nabo...

Naborforce, a company that matches seniors who need a hand with errands or household chores with someone who can help, just became available in Annandale last week.

The program is similar to the village concept underway in some communities, such as Lake Barcroft, which recruits volunteers to help their older neighbors – except Naborforce is monetized and operates through an app, like Uber.

Unlike other gig workers, however, the helpers who sign on to Naborforce tend to be passionate about giving back to the community and helping others; they’re not just doing it for the money, says founder Paige Wilson.

Seniors can’t always rely on family members or volunteers. Ten years ago, Wilson’s mother broke her hip and needed help with a lot of little things, like getting to her bridge club and shopping for groceries.

Wilson stepped in as much as people, but says, “I couldn’t always be there to help her.” That’s the case with a lot of families, when sons or daughters have stressful jobs, often with last-minute meetings, and their own parenting responsibilities.

“That’s a big issue facing the country as the baby boomers are aging,” Wilson says. The number of people over 80 is growing, while the number of family members who can serve as caregivers is shrinking.

“Older people who can no longer drive or manage basic chores have to rely on family members or volunteers if they want to stay independent or they have to move into assisted living,” she says. “There is really nothing in between.”

Wilson started Naborforce in Richmond four years ago to fill that gap. Since then, it has expanded to Atlanta, Bethesda, Charlottesville, Virginia Beach, and Northern Virginia – including Alexandria, Springfield, Woodbridge, and other locations.

Older adults who want to participate can sign up online, entering their address and credit card information. They can book a “Nabor,” as the helpers are called, for as little as one hour.

Potential Nabors undergo a background check, Wilson says, and once they are fully vetted. they use the Naborforce app to accept assignments.

Nabors take on such tasks as making a meal, changing a lightbulb, clearing out a garage, going to social events, or addressing Christmas cards – or whatever is needed. In one case, a client whose son travels a lot for work just wanted someone to have lunch with twice a week.

In Northern Virginia, the client pays $33 an hour, and the Nabor receives $19. There’s a one-hour minimum. After that, pricing is prorated for every five minutes.

“Some older adults hate feeling like they’re being a burden when they have to rely on volunteers from their church or community,” Wilson says. “This is a transaction.”

The average age of Nabors is 54, she says, and many are in their 60s and 70s. For retirees, it’s a great way to stay connected with the community, and it’s better than a part-time job because it’s flexible. Nabors can choose which tasks to accept and how much they want to work.

The average visit is two hours, and the average Nabor works four to six hours a week.

Holmes Run is in ‘fair’ condition

Holmes Run, which flows through the Annandale area, is not in great condition, according to a report released Aug. 10 by the Audubon Naturalist Society.The report, The Story of the Streams, evaluates the health of three waterways in the D.C. region. It finds Holmes Run and the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River to be in “fair condition,” while Oxon Run in Prince George’s County is in “poor condition.”The Ho...

Holmes Run, which flows through the Annandale area, is not in great condition, according to a report released Aug. 10 by the Audubon Naturalist Society.

The report, The Story of the Streams, evaluates the health of three waterways in the D.C. region. It finds Holmes Run and the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River to be in “fair condition,” while Oxon Run in Prince George’s County is in “poor condition.”

The Holmes Run watershed is 28 square miles and is almost entirely inside the Beltway. The stream is a primary headwater tributary of Cameron Run. It flows into Lake Barcroft and feeds into the Potomac River just south of Alexandria.

The report gives Holmes Run a grade of “moderately poor” for climate, a rating of “good” for access to nature, and “fair” ratings for water quality and for biodiversity and habitat.

The climate score refers to the loss of wetlands, loss of the tree canopy, loss of forested buffer, and poor air quality. Trees and wetlands are important for preventing flooding, the report notes. Trees also prevent erosion and protect nearby residents from extreme heat.

The Holmes Run watershed “receives drainage from major highways, but has substantial parkland and relatively low-density suburban homes,” The Story of Streams states.

Among the three streams in the study, Holmes Run has the least amount of impervious surfaces, meaning it has comparatively less stormwater runoff from paved surfaces.

Holmes Run has the highest score for tree canopy over the entire watershed, but the worst score for stream buffer. Of the three streams, it is the least protected by trees along its banks. As a result, intense storms have led to erosion and infrastructure damage.

The report suggests people who care about improving stream quality can take these steps:

• Sign up to volunteer with the Audubon Naturalist Society or the Friends of Holmes Run.

Donate to support the advocacy work of the Friends of Holmes Run or other environmental organizations.

• Download the free Creek Critters phone app to identify stream wildlife and monitor the health of a stream.

• Change your habits at home by creating an eco-friendly yard, compost yard waste, keep leaves out of streets and gutters, avoid fertilizing near gutters and storm drains, pick up pet waste, pick up litter, and plant trees.

• If you want to really go big, install a green roof and replace an impermeable driveway with permeable pavers that let rainwater soak through.

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