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 Forage Kitchen, or planning to train for the Madison Mini Marathon.)
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.
Craft with the Grinch | Through Sunday, Dec. 15 | Times vary | Little Golden Fox | $25 | Even the grumpy Grinch can find it in his heart to be a little creative sometimes.
Holiday Cocktail Class | 2-4 p.m. | Water Street Social Club, Prairie du Sac | $40 | Walk away with the recipes for four new kinds of holiday cocktails.
Madison SantaCon 2024 | 5 p.m. | State Street Brats | $25 | Join the horde of drinking Santas as they descend upon the city.
Sunday, Dec. 15
2024 Downtown Madison Cookie Walk | 1-4 p.m. | Downtown Madison Visitor Center | $7+ | Cruise downtown locales to get a little taste of gingerbreads, chocolate orange macarons, and gochujang caramel cookies.
“The Nutcracker” | Through Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | Overture Center | $25+ | The sugar plums will do more than just dance in your head during this live performance of the classic holiday tale.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Vino Bingo | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Grape Water Wine Bar, Middleton | $10 | Grab a glass of wine and get ready to dab your Bingo sheets like your life depends on it.
The Ugly Sweater Party: A Comedy Show | 8 p.m. | Hotel Indigo | $5+ | Giggle at everyone’s ugly sweaters and the myriad of jokes these comedians have cooked up for you.
This limited-edition spirit perfectly captures the coziness of the winter season. | Photos courtesy of Hotel Tango Distillery
Warm up your winter festivities with Swiss Miss® ‘Shmallow, a delicious collaboration between Swiss Miss and ‘Shmallow — and the first-ever marshmallow-flavored whiskey.
This toasted marshmallow + cocoa-infused bourbon combines the rich taste of Swiss Miss hot cocoa with the artistry of a well-crafted bourbon — making it the ideal spirit to enjoy at your next holiday gathering or as a gift for your favorite bourbon aficionado.
We certainly love our brats up here, and now we have the business headquarters to prove it. Fermented Food Holdings — known for their sauerkrauts — is moving its home base to Madison. The relocation will bring 19 new full-time jobs to the city, and add 41 others in their Bear Creek production site. (Madison Magazine)
Family
This one’s for the kiddos — Madison Children’s Museum has received a five-year, $2.5 million grant to build a new exhibit and expand the museum’s third floor. The funding comes from Lilly Endowment Inc., which has granted similar cash to 14 other US children’s museums. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Open
You butter believe it — Wisconsin’s first “butter barn” is now open in Madison. The Butter Barn sells Royal Guernsey Creamery’s small batch butters just ~30 ft from where the cows responsible for the creamy goodness live. (Madison Magazine)
Cause
A Madison Eagle Scout has organized a new project aimed at bringing further relief to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Folks who would like to donate items like paper towels, batteries, toys, or pantry items may do so at two locations through Jan. 21. (WMTV)
Plan Ahead
Time to relive the glory days. The Grown-Up Book Fair — inspired by the school events we all loved in the ‘90s — is returning to The Sylvee on Jan. 25 + 26. Expect several book stores, vendors, snack-makers, and activities. Tickets are on sale now.
Outdoors
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently released a new tool that will allow locals to analyze the water quality of nearby lakes and streams. The web-based Wisconsin Water Explorer allows residents to use maps to observe water quality trends, visualize estimated streamflows, and follow watershed pathways.
Fun Fact
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Sports
ICYMI, Pro Volleyball is headed to Madison this January. During this historic first season, Madisonians can watch LOVB Madison serve it up at Wisconsin Field House and Alliant Energy Center. Explore the schedule, see the star-studded roster featuring some familiar faces, and grab tickets.*
Did you know new windows could lead to lower energy bills? Read: Modern windows have better insulation. Renewal by Andersen is offering $400 off per window and $850 per door, so you can start the new year by saving on style upgrades for your home. Get your free quote.*
Health
Let’s be honest — when you’re feeling under the weather, the last thing you want to do is leave the house and sit in a crowded waiting room. Enter: SSM Health Express Virtual Care, offering Madisonians fast, convenient, and affordable care with online treatments. Schedule a virtual appointment.*
Check out the new South Terminal updates at the MSN Airport. | Photo by Dane County Regional Airport, Shawn Harper
The busy holiday travel season is upon us, and we’ve got a little gift for you. If you’re flying via Boston Logan International Airport, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from parking + terminal upgrades, to nonstop flights. Smooth travels, friends.
Current airport updates
In April 2024, the Dane County Regional Airport celebrated the completion of its $85 million south terminal expansion project that included more gate seating, restroom expansions, and the implementation of eco-friendly HVAC systems. Enjoy.
What to know
TSA | Approximate wait times for security lines at Dane County Regional Airport can be found at each TSA checkpoint — travelers with TSA PreCheck must enter through the south checkpoint area, inside door one.
Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, these maps will be your saving grace.
Nonstop flights
Madison offers 17 nonstop flights, all domestic, flying to all US regions. Here are five quick, nonstop flights to nearby locations:
Touch screen compatible gloves. Beat winter dryness + rough skin by keeping hands protected when you’re out and about, thanks to gloves that still let you use your phone.
If you’re someone who finds themselves struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder every year, here’s a reminder that you can check out HappyLight therapy lights from the Madison Public Library.
These lamps mimic natural daylight and should help to boost your mood + regulate your circadian rhythm.
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