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9 THE BUZZ AROUND WAYNE COUNTY APRIL 2026 The 4 Most Important Things to Look for on a Nutrition Label By Billy Tart. DNP, RN Standing in the grocery aisle, many people read the nutrition label, but few know which numbers are the most important. Nutrition labels can look compli- cated, but they are one of the most helpful tools we have for making healthier food choices. Instead of trying to analyze every number on the label, focus on four key things. 1. Serving Size The serving size tells you how much of the food the nutrition information applies to. Many packages contain more than one serving. If a snack lists 200 calories per serving but the package con- tains two servings, eating the entire package means you consumed 400 calories. 2. Calories Calories provide a quick snapshot of how much en- ergy a food contains. Being mindful of calories can help support weight management, which plays an important role in preventing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. 3. Sugar and Sodium Many packaged foods contain more added sugar and salt than we realize. Diets high in added sugars can contribute to weight gain and increased diabetes risk. Too much sodium can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. 4. Fiber Fiber is found in foods like whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables. Foods higher in fiber help you feel full longer, support digestion, and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. For general guidance, most adults should aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, limit added sugars, and try to get about 25–38 grams of fiber daily. Learning to read a nutrition label is a simple skill that can help you make healthier choices . The Hidden Health Risk: Why Hearing Loss Shouldn't Be Ignored By Dr. Katherine Coates, AuD Owner, Coates Hearing Clinic Many people think of hearing loss as a minor inconvenience—some- thing that simply makes conversa- tions a little harder to follow. In reality, hearing loss can affect far more than just your ability to hear. Research continues to show strong connections between hearing loss and overall health including mental, emotional and cognitive well-being. One of the most concerning findings in recent years is the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Studies from researchers at Johns Hopkins University have shown that people with hear- ing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia than those with normal hearing. The risk increases as hearing loss becomes more severe. The encouraging news, however, is that treating hearing loss may help slow the rate of cognitive decline in manypatients. Hearing loss can also affect everyday life in other important ways. When it becomes difficult to follow conversations, people often begin to withdraw from social activities. Over time, this can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and even depression The good news is that help is available! Addressing hearing loss early can improve communication, maintain social connections and support long- term brain health. Seeking the care from a licensed audiologist (not a retail hearing aid chain) can be the first step in mitigating these preventable diagnoses! At Coates Hearing Clinic, our doctors perform comprehensive hearing evaluations and determine recommend treatment options tailored to each individual's needs. Give us a call to schedule an appointment and allow us to educate you on your options for treatment. Affordability By Jonathan Greeson,CFP® We know politicians use buzz words to blame their opponents for causing problems, especiallywith their campaign ads. Apparently, affordability is the recent buzz word, so let's talk about it. A sad truth is that when an issue involves our wallet, we pay closer attention. Another fact is that politicians have less impact on affordability than they want us to believe. Through patience and discipline, Americans can do more to solve the affordability crisis than a politician ever will. In the December 30, 2025, edition of the Economist there was an article on affordability, which I believe describes our situation. Naturally, we want what is best for ourselves. This part of humanity becomes more obvious when money is involved. After calling affordability a"fuzzy term that can mean whatever feels true," the writer explained how voters have virtually impossible demands. The article showed how we desire low prices when shopping, but higher wages at work. For many of us, our home is our largest financial asset. Obviously, we want it to be priced as high as possible when selling. Then when we, or our children, are buy- ing, we want lowest possible price. Our parents were right; we can't have it both ways! Finance is hard because every decision we make has an impact and can, sometimes, create a snowball of expenses. We can't have everything we want in this world, so we have to say no occasionally. By slowing our personal spending, we CAN solve the affordability crisis. Email me Jonathan Greeson Financial Planning is located in Pikev- ille. For more information, visit www.jonathangreeson. com. Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Wealth Advisors, LLC (BWA),a registered investment advisor and an affiliate of Brookstone Capital Management, LLC. BWA and Jonathan Greeson Financial Planning are indepen- dent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered through BWA but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents Fireworks Over Wayne By Todd Walker The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce,in partnership with our friends at the Wayne Regional Agriculture Fairgrounds,is proud to host a special celebration of Ameri- ca's 250th birthday with "Fireworks Over Wayne"on July 4th at the Fairgrounds. This exciting communi- ty event will bring together families,friends, and neighbors from across WayneCounty, North Carolina for an evening filled with entertainment, fellowship, and patriotic celebration. The event will take place at the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fairgrounds, with gates opening at 4:00p.m.and festivities officially kicking off at 5:00 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a wide range of activities- throughout the evening,including performances from local bands, Wood and Steel, the Zack King- Band, and 581South, a variety of local food trucks, and family-friendly entertainment for all ages. A highlight of the evening will be the Chicken Wing Competition, generously sponsored by Case Farms,where participants will compete for bragging rights and the title of Wayne County's best wings. Visitors can also explore a classic Car Show present- ed by the Wayne County Cruisers, a Tractor Show celebrating our county's rich agricultural heritage, and a vibrant Vendor Fair featuring local businesses, artisans, and community organizations.The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display beginning around 9:00 p.m., lighting up the sky in honor of our nation's 250th anniversary. Vendors and food trucks are encouraged to partici- pate in this historic celebration. Space is limited and filling quickly. Those interested should contact Wayne County Chamber President Todd Walker at toddw@waynecountychamber.com for more infor- mation and to reserve their spot. Join us as we celebrate community, agriculture, and America's 250th birthday at Fireworks Over Wayne .