Start the new year strong with Labcorp OnDemand. | Photo by Getty Images
‘Tis the season for reflection. Year-end is the perfect time to check in with yourself, get a clear picture of your health, and set the stage for your 2025 lifestyle goals. (Think: Trying to drink less alcohol, wanting to eat more veggies from Caviar & Bananas, or planning to train for the Cooper River Bridge Run.)
Labcorp OnDemand makes it easy to take charge of your wellness by allowing you to buy the same reliable lab tests your doctor orders — directly, conveniently, and on your own schedule.
What kind of lab tests?
The most popular tests are:
Heart health: Monitor cholesterol, lipids, ApoB, and more.
Hormone health: Assess your hormonal levels for energy and well-being.
Annual wellness: Get a comprehensive view of your overall health.
Why test yourself in December?
Most tests are FSA/HSA eligible, meaning you can use those benefits before they expire at the end of the year.
Establishing a baseline before the new year can highlight areas for improvement as you work toward your health goals.
Knowing your numbers can empower you to make informed decisions about your health plans in the new year.
How it works:
The process typically takes less than a week. All you have to do is:
Purchase tests online and get tested at one of Labcorp’s 2,000+ service centers (find a lab near you).
Be notified by email when your results are ready in as little as one business day.
Charleston Stage’s “A Christmas Carol” | Through Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | The Historic Dock Street Theatre | $54+ | Don’t miss this original adaptation of the timeless classic “A Christmas Carol.”
Holidays on Hutson | Through Monday, Dec. 23 | 5 p.m. | Hutson Alley | Price of purchase | Immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season + shop for treats and gifts as you sip hot chocolate among the festive decor and nightly snowfall.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
A Gullah Christmas Concert | Boone Hall Plantation, Mount Pleasant | $15+ | Sip cider and hear Gullah Christmas stories + Christmas songs performed by several presenters.
Vineyard Brands Sparkling Wine Dinner | 6:30-10 p.m. | Élevé | $180 | Discover a sparkling wine journey, with each pour elevated by a perfectly paired menu.
Thursday, Dec. 12
13 Days to Christmas Pastry Surprise | Through Tuesday, Dec. 24 | 10-10:30 a.m. | The Charleston Place | Free entry | A special holiday pastry will be unveiled and displayed at the life-size Gingerbread House.
The Charleston Christmas Special | Through Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | Charleston Music Hall | $21+ | Enjoy singing, dancing, and even a few comedic skits at this show, which will surely bring you some fun and nostalgia.
Aquarium Aglow | Through Monday, Dec. 30 | Times vary | South Carolina Aquarium | $25+ | Enjoy a dazzling light spectacular complete with a unique Santa encounter.
Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie has apologized and removed a proposed plan to increase sales tax from the table. Read more about the nixed plan. (WCIV)
Development
Take a look. The City of Charleston is in the fifth and final phase of the US 17 Spring + Fishburne Drainage Improvement Project. The project aims to reduce the frequency and severity of flooding caused by heavy rainstorms. Once completed, the flow rate is expected to increase by 10 times its previous capacity.
Civic
The North Charleston Police Department has sworn in Dr. Roland “Ron” Camacho as its new Police Chief. Camacho is joining the team with nearly three decades of experience. (WCSC)
Concert
Mark your calendar. Keith Urban is bringing his “High and Alive World Tour” to Credit One Stadium on Saturday, May 24. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m.
Sports
Go Green Wave. For the first time since 2007, Summerville High School will play in the State Championship game. The team will take on Dutch Fork this Friday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m., at South Carolina State University. The school will operate on an eLearning day on Friday so students can support the team. (WCBD)
Award
Congratulations are in order. Lowcountry tennis star Emma Navarro has been honored with a Women’s Tennis Association award for Most Improved Player of the Year.
Watch
Check out this video of a whale splashing around ~four miles off the coast of Folly Beach. Folks from the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network say this is typical, as Humpbacks migrate off SC regularly. They say the mammals stay away because the water is too shallow near Charleston + remind folks to keep a safe distance from marine mammals. (WCIV + Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network)
Cause
On Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m., Palmetto Carriage Works is helping to raise funds for One80 Place. Guests will enjoy a complimentary carriage ride and are encouraged to contribute to the nonprofit’s mission of helping individuals and families transition to permanent housing. (Holy City Sinner)
History
Talk about historical — check out the finalists for our Charleston historical markers contest. Vote for your favorite historic location by Wednesday, Dec. 11 + be sure to read our newsletter on Friday, Dec. 13 to see which location you, our readers, determined should get the recognition it deserves.
Wellness
Skin Pharm Charleston is getting festive with a holiday open house this Friday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Check out what the medspa offers + shop local vendors that will be popping up.
Pro Tip
Take the hassle out of holiday cooking by pre-ordering a feast without the fees. Yes, we’re talking about the tasty and convenient catering boxes from Lowes Foods. Think: Fried chicken, collard greens, mashed potatoes, and more. Customize your order.*
Finance
6AM City COO Ryan Heafy here — we’re referring friends to American Express’s The Business Platinum Card®. Join the AMEX family + receive up to 150,000 member points.*
Plan Ahead
There are only a few weeks left in 2024. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use promo code “2025" at checkout.
Fun fact: The Gibbes offers a variety of classes and workshops for all ages and levels. | Photo provided by the Gibbes Museum of Art
Whether you’re looking to learn something new about The Holy City or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 12 museums to visit in the Holy City.
Note: All ticket pricing reflects a standard adult ticket.
Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St. | $12 The museum has a vast permanent collection, making it the perfect place for an art enthusiast to spend the afternoon.
International African American Museum, 14 Wharfside St. | $22 Exhibits highlight both triumphs and challenges, providing insight into the lived experience of millions.
The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St. | $15 Visit America’s first museum to discover how Charleston contributed to the birth of our nation.
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, 25 Ann St. | $15 This museum aims to deliver innovative learning experiences for children — popular exhibits include DooDash’s Art Studio, Air Air Everywhere, and a make-believe grocery store.
A meaningful gift that will surprise and delight: a hidden photo bracelet. Customize with the photo of your choice — the gift recipient can hold it up close to their eyes to see it, or project it on the wall with their phone’s flashlight.
Last week, Erika and I experienced a little holiday magic right here in the Holy City. We browsed The Shops at Charleston Place before the Let It Snow experience, where we watched “snow flurries” dance around Market Street Circle.
Pro tip: If you’ve secured your spot for any of the seasonal events at The Charleston Place, be sure to arrive early to check out the over-the-top decor, the life-sized gingerbread house, and the festival of trees.
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