... CONTINUED FROM COVER of qualified professionals and thereby improve the quality of medical care by eliminating the threat of frivolous lawsuits, this legislation operates to give a pass to those who a jury of our citizens determines to have acted with gross negligence. As we informed the South Carolina Senate Subcommittee on Tort Reform in the spring of 2025 and the South Carolina House of Representatives Judiciary Committee in October, we cannot agree that such changes are in the best interests of South Carolina patients. We urge all South Carolinians to contact their representatives and demand that they protect patients, not those who harm them through gross negligence.
As one year ends and another begins, many of us take time to pause and think about what’s working, what’s not, and what we might want to do differently going forward. The new year ahead can offer us a fresh slate, which can be both exciting and even a little overwhelming. Whether we call them resolutions or simply goals, moving into the new year with a plan to improve certain areas of our lives is always a great idea, but it isn’t always easy to follow through. A 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that one-third of Americans made at least one resolution last year. Younger adults were the most likely to join in, with nearly half of those under 30 committing to improve something in their lives. Across all age groups, the focus of New Year’s resolutions was largely the same. Most focused on health, finances, personal relationships, hobbies, or career goals. While many people stick with their resolutions early in the year, the vast majority eventually give up on them. Motivation often wanes once routines set in, but we can still take a few steps to set ourselves up for success and create goals we can stick to. It’s best to start with realistic, specific goals that fit our lives. Doing this takes a bit of planning. Some recommend creating SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound) goals and making ourselves accountable for following them. Rather than something vague like, “I’m going to lose weight,” a SMART goal might be, “I’m going to lose 10 pounds by Memorial Day and keep a journal of my progress.” Progress reports are great for keeping us motivated because they help us stay focused. But it’s also important to remember that creating new habits takes time, and we shouldn’t beat ourselves up if we have a few off- days. Research has shown that setbacks here and there have a minimal effect on our overall success. Just keep working at it, and it will eventually become a habit that feels like second nature. Making Resolutions That Last A Smarter Start to 2026
Jalapeño Popper Soup
Ingredients
Inspired by TheRecipeCritic.com
• 4 bacon slices, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces • 5–6 large jalapeño peppers, minced with stems and seeds removed • 1/2 small onion, chopped • 4 garlic cloves, minced • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp cumin • 1 1/2 tsp salt • 1 lb gold potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese • 1 cup shredded fresh cheddar cheese • 2 tbsp lemon juice
Directions
1. Place a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, then remove to a plate. 2. Add jalapeños and onion to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. Add garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute. 4.Stir in chicken broth, cumin, salt, and potatoes, and simmer for 20 minutes. 5. Place cream cheese in a mixing bowl and add 1 ladle of hot broth before mixing. 6.Add cream cheese mixture to the pot and stir. 7. Remove from heat and add cheddar cheese and lemon juice, stirring until the cheese melts. 8. Pour into serving bowls, topping with bacon and more shredded cheese.
Setting a goal or two for the new year doesn’t have to come with pressure. What matters most is that we keep moving forward.
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