Testosterone Replacement Therapy in McLean, 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 McLean, 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 McLean, VA, may be the answer to your low-T problems.

Book Appointment phone-number (703) 822-5003
 Facial And Body Hair McLean, 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 McLean, VA
 Healthy Libido McLean, 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 McLean, 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 McLean, 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 McLean, 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 McLean, 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 McLean, VA

 Healthy Red Blood Cell Levels McLean, 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 McLean, VA

Make an Appointment

Book Appointment phone-number (703) 822-5003

The Proactive Wellness Approach to TRT in McLean, 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 McLean, 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 McLean, 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 McLean, VA

6 Popular Parks in McLean, VA That Locals Love

Parks are the heart and soul of any neighborhood, and offer a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of life. From the many outdoor activities at Lewinsville Park to the natural beauty of Turkey Run Park, these parks in McLean, VA offer a wide variety of options. Whether you’re looking for a great dog park for your furry friend, or somewhere to have a relaxing picnic, there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for nearby your new home or ...

Parks are the heart and soul of any neighborhood, and offer a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of life. From the many outdoor activities at Lewinsville Park to the natural beauty of Turkey Run Park, these parks in McLean, VA offer a wide variety of options. Whether you’re looking for a great dog park for your furry friend, or somewhere to have a relaxing picnic, there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for nearby your new home or apartment in McLean. Let’s explore the great parks in McLean, VA together.

#1: Lewinsville Park

Lewinsville Park offers a variety of amenities, including athletic fields, tennis courts, a playground, and a nature trail. The park also hosts community events and classes throughout the year, so it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular parks in McLean.

Amenities: Multipurpose fields, Basketball courts, Tennis courts

Address: 1659 Chain Bridge Rd. McLean, VA 22101

#2: Turkey Run Park

Turkey Run Park is a nature lover’s paradise, featuring hiking trails, a scenic picnic area, and a stream. The park is located within the George Washington Memorial Parkway and provides access to the Potomac River.

Amenities: Picnic area, Wildlife watching, Hiking trails, Restrooms

Address: Turkey Run Loop Rd. McLean, VA 22101

#3: Bryn Mawr Park

Bryn Mawr Park is a small neighborhood park with a playground and picnic area, nestled in a quiet residential community. It’s a popular park in the area for those looking for a charming, quiet spot to play at.

Amenities: Picnic area, Playground

Address: 6700 Tennyson Dr. McLean, VA 22101

#4: Pimmit Run Stream Valley Park

This park in McLean is a natural oasis in an urban setting, with walking trails, benches, and a small playground. The park follows the Pimmit Run stream and offers a peaceful escape from the surrounding city.

Amenities: Walking trails

Address: 1955 Foxhall Rd. McLean, VA 22101

#5: Clemyjontri Park

Clemyjontri Park is a large, colorful playground that is designed to be accessible for people of all abilities. The park also features a carousel, a train, and several other attractions for its visitors to enjoy.

Amenities: Carousel, Train, Playground, Picnic area

Address: 6317 Georgetown Pike McLean, VA 22101

#6: McLean Central Park

McLean Central Park is a large community park that features a variety of athletic fields, a playground, a dog park, and a walking trail. The park also hosts concerts and events throughout the year, making it a popular spot for locals living in Mclean.

Amenities: Tennis courts, Playground, Walking trails, Basketball courts, Restrooms

Address: 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd. McLean, VA 22102

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.

What's Open, Closed On Presidents Day 2023 In McLean

See how the Presidents Day holiday will affect public parking, parks and recreation, libraries, and more around McLean.MCLEAN, VA — Many workers and students in McLean will get a long weekend for Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 20.George Washington's birthday is Feb. 22, but the federally observed Presidents Day falls on the third Monday in February.Government offices, schools and other services will be closed on Feb. 20, while other services like transit may have schedule changes.Here’s a roundup of ...

See how the Presidents Day holiday will affect public parking, parks and recreation, libraries, and more around McLean.

MCLEAN, VA — Many workers and students in McLean will get a long weekend for Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 20.

George Washington's birthday is Feb. 22, but the federally observed Presidents Day falls on the third Monday in February.

Government offices, schools and other services will be closed on Feb. 20, while other services like transit may have schedule changes.

Here’s a roundup of what’s open and what’s closed on Presidents Day in McLean:

Fairfax County government offices: Closed on Monday, Feb. 20.

Find out what's happening in McLeanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Fairfax County Public Schools: Feb. 20 is a holiday.

Courts: The Fairfax County General District Court, Circuit Court, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court will be closed on Feb. 21.

Community centers: Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services facilities will be closed Feb. 18 to 20.

Fairfax Connector: On Feb. 21, Fairfax Connector will run holiday weekday service. All routes will have regular weekday service, except Routes 231, 232, 335, 393, 394, 395, 396, 432, 461, 494, 495, 599, 624, 634, 660, 697, 698, 699, 715, 722, 724 834 and 835 which will not run. For more information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector.

George Washington's Mount Vernon: Open on all holidays and offering free admission Feb. 20 and 22.

Libraries: Fairfax County Public Library locations will be closed on Feb. 20.

Metro: Metro will be open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, 7 a.m. to midnight on Sunday, and 5 a.m. to midnight on Monday. Blue, Orange and Silver Line trains will run every 15 minutes. On the Blue Line, single tracking will happen between Reagan National Airport and Braddock Road. Green Line trains will run every eight minutes. Red Line trains will run every seven to eight minutes between Glenmont and Van Ness and every 15 minutes between Van Ness and Shady Grove with single tracking between Friendship Heights and Medical Center. Yellow Line is not running through May 2023.

Post offices: Closed on Feb. 20.

Recreation centers: Fairfax County recreation centers are open regular hours on Feb. 20.

Trash and recycling: There is no trash collection change for Fairfax County collection customers on Feb. 20. Private collection customers should check with their hauler for any changes.

Trash and recycling centers: The Recycling and Disposal Centers at the I-66 Transfer Station (4618 West Ox Road) and the I-95 Landfill Complex (9850 Furnace Road) are open regular hours on Feb. 20.

Virginia DMV: All DMV customer service centers will be closed Feb. 20.

Show us the money: McLean, Virginia is ninth top city for best money management skills in U.S.

Forty-four percent of American adults grade their knowledge of personal finance with a C or lower and good financial skills are important in a time of high inflation.WalletHub released its report on 2023’s Best & Worst Cities at Money Management.The personal finance website compared more than 2,500 cities based on 10 key indicators of money-management skills. Data includes median credit score, average number o...

Forty-four percent of American adults grade their knowledge of personal finance with a C or lower and good financial skills are important in a time of high inflation.

WalletHub released its report on 2023’s Best & Worst Cities at Money Management.

The personal finance website compared more than 2,500 cities based on 10 key indicators of money-management skills. Data includes median credit score, average number of late payments and mortgage debt-to-income ratio.

Cupertino, Calif. is the best at managing money, followed by Lexington, Mass., Scarsdale, N.Y., Los Altos, Calif. and Chevy Chase, Md. McLean, Va. is no. 9.

The cities with the worst money management skills are Canton, Miss., Bastrop, La., Maple Heights, Ohio, Fairburn, Ga. and Ruston, La.

The lowest mortgage debt-to-income ratio is 121.14 percent in East St. Louis, Illinois, which is 8.9 times lower than in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, the city with the highest at 1,083.35 percent.

Student loan debt-to-income ratio is lowest in Deer Park, N.Y. at 6.95 percent, 14.2 times lower than in Carbondale, Illinois, where the ratio is the highest at 98.37 percent.

Mercer Island, Washington has the lowest share of residents delinquent on debt at .16 percent, 81.1 percent lower than in Jackson, Miss., where debt is 12.98 percent.

Experts provided WalletHub with their opinions on if financial skills should be a mandatory part of curriculum taught in high schools.

“In my opinion, yes. I think that high school students should be required to learn about topics that are part of a subject that we call ‘personal financial literacy.’ Things like establishing and maintaining a personal budget, viewing and monitoring a personal credit score, responsibly building and managing credit through the acquisition of loans and credit cards, and understanding how to create and achieve long-term wealth-building goals,” Dr. Scott Collins, an Associate Clinical Professor and Director of One-Year Master of Accounting (MAcc) Program at Pennsylvania State University, said.

Dr. Robert Haywood Scott III is a professor of Greenbaum/Ferguson/NJAR Endowed Chair in Real Estate Policy at Monmouth University, and he agrees.

“I think financial concepts could be covered and reinforced in a variety of classes, such as math, that makes it applicable to students. I once gave a presentation to a group of state advocates and educators advancing financial literacy in schools and during the question-and-answer session someone stated they were a superintendent and that she agreed we need more financial literacy in schools; however, she said it is very difficult finding qualified people to teach those concepts. She is right that it is not enough to put the material in the curriculum, you need qualified people who really understand personal finance to teach it. Those people do not necessarily need to be finance professionals. Many regular people have excellent money management skills. But students need access to these people,” Scott said.

According to Thomas Gilbert, an associate professor at the University of Washington, the most common mistake individuals make when managing money is that they don’t save enough and don’t start saving early enough.

“Saving for retirement should start with one’s first job, with an IRA account. When an employer offers a retirement program with matching, one should always take it and max it out every year. And the second related mistake, when people look at their investments in the stock market, is that they sell after the market falls and start buying after the market has risen. That is called trying to time the market and academic research has shown that even professional money managers cannot do it, so why do retail investors think they can? Most of us invest for the long run, so as the markets go up and down, the best advice is to not touch anything and keep saving, keep investing. Third, the average household has far too much faith in real estate as an investment: buying one’s home is not a sure bet, and net of all costs and interest and taxes, the annual rate of return on home purchases is much lower than people think. As the saying goes, do not put all your eggs in one basket,” Gilbert said.

Dr. Claire Rosenfield, Assistant Teaching Professor and Assistant Area Director of Finance at the University of Kansas, said individuals overlook their opportunity costs.

“Sometimes trained financial professionals pitch to existing and prospective investors using select performance metrics in absence of any benchmarks,” Rosenfield said. “We see people make occasional splurges, like on technology upgrades, or daily splurges, like on coffee habits, without serious consideration of how else they could spend their money to extract more benefit from it. People frequently ignore the foregone benefit of extra compounding periods gained by starting to save earlier in their adulthood rather than later. People also commonly overlook the true cost of early-adulthood indebtedness, which can have detrimental lifestyle effects for at least a decade and then erode the possibility of capitalizing on compounded savings that could have otherwise taken place.”

Scott said that for individuals with extra money, they should find high-interest savings account for an emergency fund.

“With emergency funds, I am less concerned with interest earned than accessibility; however, if someone has some flexibility there are excellent rates on a variety of certificates of deposits (CDs). If there is a small possibility you might need the money earlier than the CD’s maturity date, then look for shorter-term CDs and/or ones that will not penalize you for early withdrawal. If you absolutely do not need the money, then Roth IRAs are a great investment option for many people. And for those with children, 529 savings plans can make sense. Everyone’s financial situation is different, which is why educating yourself is so valuable. Finding legitimate sources of information, knowing your financial reality, and seeking advice from many sources are how all of us can make better financial decisions,” Scott said.

A period of high inflation presents challenges for individuals to protect their purchasing power.

However, if they have invested in assets that could be repriced higher to catch up with inflation (e.g., raising the rent on investment property; stocks of companies that can raise prices without hurting demand for their goods or services) or can demand much higher wages because of their skills/expertise, then they could better insulate themselves from the ill effects of inflation,” Alice Tsang, CFA, Professor of Finance at the Taylor University, said.

Rebecca Barnabi

Rebecca J. Barnabi is the national editor of Augusta Free Press. A graduate of the University of Mary Washington, she began her journalism career at The Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star. In 2013, she was awarded first place for feature writing in the Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia Awards Program, and was honored by the Virginia School Boards Association’s 2019 Media Honor Roll Program for her coverage of Waynesboro Schools. Her background in newspapers includes writing about features, local government, education and the arts.

View all posts by Rebecca Barnabi

Marshmallow Pit, Bunnies And Ballerinas, Broadway Star: NoVA Good News

Good news in NoVA this week includes Candytopia to sweeten Tysons, costumed students read children's books and best small towns to visit.VIRGINIA — This week's good news stories in Virginia include costumed students reading books to children at Alexandria's Charles Barrett Elementary School, Candytopia bringing delicious fun to Tysons Corner Center, and a 10-year-old actor and hockey player meeting Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin.Plus, read about a Broadway star conducting a workshop with students at Marshall Hig...

Good news in NoVA this week includes Candytopia to sweeten Tysons, costumed students read children's books and best small towns to visit.

VIRGINIA — This week's good news stories in Virginia include costumed students reading books to children at Alexandria's Charles Barrett Elementary School, Candytopia bringing delicious fun to Tysons Corner Center, and a 10-year-old actor and hockey player meeting Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin.

Plus, read about a Broadway star conducting a workshop with students at Marshall High School's Statesmen Theatre, a McLean native opening a new smoothie shop in his hometown, some best small towns in the U.S. to visit, and the Town of Vienna and the City of Falls Church battling to win the Mayors Fitness Challenge.

Here are some of this week's good news headlines:

Tysons Corner Center shoppers will get the taste of the sweet life as a new candy experience opens in mid-March. Candytopia will have 14 interactive experiences as well as photo opps and tastes of candy favorites. The 16,000-square-foot space will be open for a limited time starting in mid-March through May. Some of the Candytopia experiences at Tysons Corner Center will include a candy art gallery, candy confetti room, marshmallow pit and candy samples.

Children at Alexandria's Charles Barrett Elementary School were in for a treat Thursday as costumed students read books to them for Read Across America Day. Read Across America is a nationwide event to encourage love of reading. It also falls on the birthday of Dr. Seuss, the popular children's book author.

Find out what's happening in Arlingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A look of surprise appeared on 10-year-old Keivonn Woodard's face as he entered the room and saw Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin. Woodard, a deaf Prince George's County, Maryland, native who acts on the HBO series "The Last of Us," is also an aspiring hockey player. A forward on the Bowie Bruins, Woodard was named one of the Capitals Youth Hockey Rising Stars recognized for making strides for Black hockey players.

South Block, an acai bowl, smoothie and juice shop, will be opening a new location on Monday, March 6 in the Chesterbrook Shopping Center in McLean. Amir Mostafavi, CEO and founder of South Block, grew up in McLean, where is parents owned and operated Box Office Video in the Langley Shopping Center for more than 20 years.

As Marshall High School's Statesmen Theatre prepares for its spring musical "Xanadu," there was no one better to help than one of the musical's Broadway stars. Kerry Butler, who has played roles in Broadway musical premieres like "Hairspray," "Xanadu," "Mean Girls" and "Beetlejuice," visited the high school theater program on Feb. 17. Butler did a musical workshop with students after doing a similar workshop for Oakton High School's upcoming musical "Mean Girls."

Three Virginia communities have made the list of America's favorite small towns to visit. FamilyDestinationsGuide.com surveyed 3,000 families to pinpoint the top 150 towns across the country where they'd like to vacation this year.

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Cappies Review: McLean High School Turns 'Claudio Quest' Into Reality

McLean High School is the first high school to turn "Claudio Quest," written by Drew Fornarola and Marshall Pailet, into reality.|Updated Mon, Feb 13, 2023 at 1:43 pm ETBy Maryn Brown of Westfield High SchoolFrom 8-bit to HD, it's Game On! at McLean High School's imaginative production of "Claudio Quest."McLean High School is the first high school to turn "Claudio Quest," written by Drew Fornarola and Marshall Pailet, into reality. "Claudio Quest" premiered in 201...

McLean High School is the first high school to turn "Claudio Quest," written by Drew Fornarola and Marshall Pailet, into reality.

|Updated Mon, Feb 13, 2023 at 1:43 pm ET

By Maryn Brown of Westfield High School

From 8-bit to HD, it's Game On! at McLean High School's imaginative production of "Claudio Quest."

McLean High School is the first high school to turn "Claudio Quest," written by Drew Fornarola and Marshall Pailet, into reality. "Claudio Quest" premiered in 2010 and in 2015, won six awards at the New York Musical Theatre Festival. With inspiration from the beloved Super Mario Bros game, the musical combines nostalgic visuals and sounds with lovable characters. The charm and creativity that make this absurd parody enjoyable are matched with hilarious one-liners, unrelenting expressiveness, and talented vocals from across the cast.

The story begins with Claudio, the hero, and his younger brother Luis. Princess Poinsettia has been captured once again by the preposterous purple platypus, Bruiser. Not to fear, for Claudio is here! Only this time, he isn't his usual heroic self. Luis must take on the role of Player One with the help of Poinsettia's unconventional younger sister, Fish. The three set off on another adventure to save the Eggplant Kingdom.

Nathan Bass played the gentle younger brother, Luis. Bass displayed a lovable character as well as impeccable vocal control in the songs "Player 2" and "Warp Tube" in which he shared a duet with Princess Fish, played by Miranda Simpson. Simpson was a consistent burst of energy throughout the performance. From the moment she cartwheeled on stage, it was clear she wasn't just any other princess. Their chemistry made for an endearing story of empowerment and courage.

Find out what's happening in McLeanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Noah Chlan, as Claudio himself, masterfully took on the persona of the triumphant, yet tender, hero. The unlikely duo of Bruiser, Idil Erdoğan, and Poinsettia, Audrey Link, had the audiences roaring. The rich register of Erdogan's song "Platypus Heart" and the sweet soprano voice of Link encapsulated the contradictory feelings of Bruiser and the royal innocence of Poinsettia. The playful dynamic between the two and their strong vocals reigned supreme in the Eggplant Kingdom.

The cohesiveness of the ensemble of The Eggplants supported several musical numbers at Saturday's performance, such as "A or B," a clever song about difficult choices with difficult vocals. The, quite literally, unspoken heroes of the production were the two brothers controlling the game. As silent performers, Brooke Howard and Charlotte Carson used symbolic imagery and bold expressions to show the parallels between the virtual world and reality.

The coordination between the stage manager, Rebecca Sullivan, and the lighting, sound, and run crew further immersed the audience. Jolie Korfonta and Alex Elders's use of vibrant colored lights worked in tandem with the sound cues (Dillon Prestidge, Emma Springer, and Megan Wright) to create the video game setting.

The MHS set crew and special effects (Megan Wright, Ethan Jones, and Alessandro Martinat-Pillhaca) transported audiences to the pixelated world. Costumes (Izzy Boon, Anushka Parashar, Jane Shanks, and Kyra Taube) and make-up (Emery Graninger, Addie Harris, Maia Le, and Valentina Sedan) utilized bold hues to differentiate characters and add to the animated world.

The choreography was another unique aspect of this performance, Mira Bowen and Cami Diaz used the limited space to their advantage. Publicity for a show that is relatively unknown is crucial to its success, and Arielle Else, Idil Erdoğan, and Elizabeth Nourse did a fantastic job advertising. Kate Fontaine, Ian Massidda, and Nor Treibitz created intriguing props that the ensemble used at a professional standard.

"You cannot skip" out on McLean High School's retro production of "Claudio Quest."

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