Health Trends in
2024
As we step into a new year, the focus on health and well-being has never been more prominent. The evolving landscape of healthcare and lifestyle choices has given rise to exciting health trends for 2024. Let’s explore the key themes that are set to shape our journey toward a healthier and happier life.
1. Holistic Health Integration
In 2024, the approach to health is becoming increasingly holistic. The connection between physical, mental, and emotional well-being is being acknowledged and embraced. From personalized nutrition plans to mind-body wellness practices like meditation and yoga, individuals are recognizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to health that addresses all aspects of their lives.
2. Digital Health and Telemedicine
The integration of technology into healthcare continues to revolutionize the way we access medical services. Telemedicine is set to expand further in 2024, providing convenient and efficient healthcare solutions. Virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and health apps are empowering individuals to take charge of their health from the comfort of their homes.
3. Personalized Nutrition Plans
One size does not fit all, especially when it comes to nutrition. Personalized nutrition is gaining momentum in 2024, with advancements in genetic testing and data analytics. Tailored dietary plans based on an individual’s unique genetic makeup and lifestyle factors are helping people make more informed choices about what to eat, promoting better health outcomes.
4. Mental Health Awareness and Support
The importance of mental health is receiving the attention it deserves in 2024. There is a growing understanding of the impact of mental well-being on overall health. Initiatives to reduce stigma, increased access to mental health resources, and workplace wellness programs are contributing to a more supportive environment for mental health.
5. Sustainable and Plant-Based Diets
As awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the interest in sustainable and plant-based diets. In 2024, there is a shift toward incorporating more plant-based foods into daily meals. Sustainable eating not only benefits the planet but also offers health advantages, including lower risks of chronic diseases.
6. Fitness Tech and Wearables
The integration of technology into fitness is transforming the way we approach physical activity. Wearable devices, smart equipment, and fitness apps are enhancing the monitoring and tracking of workouts, providing real-time feedback, and motivating individuals to stay active. The convenience of at-home workouts is also on the rise.
7. Sleep Optimization
Recognizing the importance of quality sleep, people are prioritizing sleep hygiene in 2024. From innovative sleep-tracking devices to personalized sleep improvement plans, there is a growing awareness of the impact of sleep on overall health. Establishing healthy sleep patterns is becoming a key focus for those seeking holistic well-being.
8. Mindful Eating Practices
Mindful eating goes beyond what we eat; it emphasizes how we eat. In 2024, there is a shift toward being more present and conscious during meals. Mindful eating practices, such as savoring each bite, paying attention to hunger and fullness cues, and enjoying meals without distractions, contribute to a healthier relationship with food.
In conclusion, the health trends of 2024 reflect a dynamic and evolving landscape that prioritizes a holistic and individualized approach to well-being. As we embrace these trends, we pave the way for a healthier and more fulfilling life, making wellness a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
A Personal Note From Dr. Scott
Can you believe we’ve already stepped into 2024? Time truly has a way of slipping through our fingers, right?
Regardless of whether 2023 brought triumphs or challenges, it’s crucial to acknowledge that 2024 is a fresh start. Reflecting on the past year, my family and the Back in Motion team shared moments of strength and faced some inevitable hurdles. We’re all human, navigating this marathon called life, marked by both peaks and valleys. It’s a reminder that the journey is not always a linear path of fun and progress; we experience ups and downs. The key lies in pressing forward.
With the dawn of 2024, I wanted to offer a framework to help shape this year into your most fulfilling one yet. Setting and planning goals is a step many overlook. Often, people have a general idea of what they want, like losing weight, but fail to define it precisely.
The second crucial aspect of the goal-setting process is understanding WHY you want to achieve it. Knowing your ‘why’ provides the motivation needed for consistent effort.
Last but not least, creating a detailed plan is essential. Many people lack clarity on how they’ll achieve their goals. For instance, wanting to lose 20 pounds is a common aspiration, but the specifics—such as what healthier eating entails, the type of workouts, and their frequency—often remain uncharted.
I share this approach as it has proven effective for me over the years, and I hope you find it informative and beneficial.
Here’s to making 2024 and the years beyond your most accomplished yet!
Cheers,
Scott
Winston’s Healthy Recipe
Crispy Herb Smashed Potato Salad
Ingredients
Crispy Herb Smashed Potato Salad
- 4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste
- 3 pounds baby gold potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil. divided
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced, divided
Ingredients
Directions:
Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add 1 tablespoon salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, 12 to 15 minutes; drain.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or foil.
Coat the prepared baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add potatoes in a single layer onto the pan. Using a heavy-bottomed jar or glass, smash potatoes to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness, taking care not to fully separate the potatoes. Drizzle smashed potatoes evenly with remaining oil; sprinkle with remaining teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and garlic powder.
Roast potatoes in the preheated oven, until very crispy and browned, about 30 minutes.
While potatoes are roasting, prepare the dressing. Combine the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of pepper with sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, dill, and parsley. Reserve 1 tablespoon of green onion for garnish; add the remaining green onions to the sour cream mixture. Stir well to combine. Taste for seasoning and adjust as desired.
Reserve 1/4 cup crispy potatoes for topping and stir remaining potatoes with dressing until well coated. Add to a serving dish and top with reserved green onion, crispy potatoes, and more dill and parsley as desired.
Staff Spotlight: Alex
Alex moved to Fort Myers from Cleveland, Ohio, and loves the warm weather. Ohio will always be home, but Florida was her dream destination to build the rest of her life.
Alex worked as a Nursing Assistant for many years and found her passion in taking care of patients along with assisting them with all of their needs. She enjoys building relationships with patients and learning about the special needs for every person. Alex has always been eager to learn more and expand her knowledge within the medical field. She is currently a student at FSW and hopes to be able to treat patients herself one day!
Outside the clinic, Alex enjoys any activity that involves being with her dog, Leo. She loves to find new adventures in Florida as she is still exploring all the beautiful state has to offer. Alex is also engaged and planning a wedding, so she is excited to begin the next chapter of her life with her best friend!
Fitness Corner
A New Approach to Achieving Your Fitness Goals – A Habit Based Approach
After years of observation at Back in Motion, we’ve come to a realization: many traditional gyms or training programs fall short in delivering sustainable results.
The prevalent all-or-nothing mentality might yield short-term gains, but it often proves unsustainable in the long run. In contrast, we’ve embraced a transformative approach centered around building habits.
Rather than overwhelming individuals with a myriad of changes, our habit-based approach focuses on refining one or two aspects at a time. Take, for example, the goal of shedding 50 lbs – attempting a complete lifestyle overhaul instantaneously is impractical. Instead, we guide you to master two or three specific habits, such as incorporating a vegetable into your dinner or increasing your water intake, over the course of a few weeks.
Similarly, we recognize the unrealistic nature of expecting individuals to commit to 5 to 7 weekly workouts. Our starting point might involve a more manageable two workouts per week, with progress evolving gradually. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your body transformation follows a similar principle. We advocate for a systematic approach – not too rapid or slow. Once a few habits are successfully integrated, we only introduce additional elements to your fitness routine.
The key is understanding that sustainable change is a journey, not a sprint. By adopting this systematic and habit-focused approach, we pave the way for enduring success in your fitness goals.
Curious to witness the transformative power of our habit-based approach? Reach out to us today by calling 239-223-0484 and schedule your complimentary consultation.
What’s New on the Putting Green?
Perfect Your Swing: A Guide to Ensuring Your Golf Clubs Fit Correctly
A crucial yet often overlooked aspect of improving your golf game is ensuring that your clubs are a perfect fit for your unique swing and physique. Playing with clubs that are improperly fitted can lead to inconsistent shots, poor performance, and even physical discomfort. Here’s a quick guide to help you assess if your golf clubs are fitting correctly and how to make adjustments if needed.
1. Comfort is Key:
One of the most obvious signs that your golf clubs may not be fitting correctly is discomfort during play. If you experience pain in your back, shoulders, or hands after a round, it’s time to investigate the fit of your clubs. Uncomfortable grips or shafts that are too stiff can significantly impact your swing.
2. Check Your Posture:
Stand naturally with your arms hanging down and check the distance between your wrists and the ground. If the clubs are too short or too long, it can affect your posture, leading to inconsistent swings. Ideally, your clubs should allow you to maintain a comfortable and balanced stance.
3. Swing Analysis:
Record your swing or, better yet, seek professional assistance to analyze it. A golf professional can assess your swing mechanics, tempo, and the angle of attack. Based on this analysis, they can recommend adjustments to your club’s length, lie angle, and shaft flex to optimize your performance.
4. Grip Size Matters:
The right grip size is crucial for control and feel. If your grips are too thick or too thin, it can impact your ability to properly release the club during your swing. Experiment with different grip sizes to find the one that allows you to maintain a relaxed but controlled grip throughout your swing.
5. Get a Custom Fitting:
The most effective way to ensure your clubs are fitting correctly is to invest in a professional custom fitting. Many golf stores and facilities offer this service, utilizing launch monitors and other advanced technologies to analyze your swing characteristics. A custom fitting considers your swing speed, ball flight patterns, and other factors to recommend the ideal specifications for your clubs.
6. Consider Your Skill Level:
Novice and experienced golfers may have different needs when it comes to club fitting. Beginners might benefit from forgiving clubs that offer more assistance, while advanced players may seek a more tailored fit to maximize their strengths.
7. Regularly Reassess:
As your game evolves or if you experience changes in your physical condition, it’s essential to reassess your club fitting. Regular evaluations can help you adapt your equipment to match your current swing and ensure optimal performance.
The Athlete’s Edge
5 Benefits of Sports Performance Training
As we delve into the realm of sports performance training, it’s essential to acknowledge the transformative impact it can have on athletes of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or an aspiring enthusiast, incorporating sports performance training into your regimen offers a multitude of advantages that extend beyond the field or court. Here are five key benefits that underscore the significance of sports performance training:
1. Enhanced Strength and Power:
Sports performance training is tailored to target specific muscle groups and movement patterns relevant to your sport. This focused approach results in improved strength and power, providing athletes with a competitive edge. Whether you’re striving for explosive sprints or commanding strength in strategic maneuvers, this training methodology is designed to elevate your physical prowess.
2. Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation:
A cornerstone of sports performance training is addressing and fortifying the body against potential injuries. By honing in on flexibility, balance, and targeted strengthening exercises, athletes are equipped to prevent injuries before they occur. Moreover, for those recovering from injuries, sports performance training serves as a vital component of rehabilitation, facilitating a safe and efficient return to peak performance.
3. Agility and Quickness:
Sports demand agility and rapid movements, and sports performance training is specifically designed to enhance these qualities. Through dynamic drills and exercises that mimic sport-specific actions, athletes can fine-tune their agility and quickness, gaining a strategic advantage over opponents.
4. Improved Endurance and Stamina:
Endurance is a critical component of sports performance, and training methodologies focus on building cardiovascular fitness and stamina. By incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sport-specific conditioning drills, athletes can optimize their endurance levels, ensuring they perform at their peak throughout the entirety of a game or competition.
5. Mental Toughness and Focus:
Success in sports extends beyond physical prowess; mental toughness and focus are equally paramount. Sports performance training incorporates mental conditioning techniques, fostering resilience, concentration, and the ability to thrive under pressure. This mental fortitude can be a game-changer, influencing performance during critical moments.
Testimonials
Experienced, professional, caring, and most of all, effective! After suffering lower back pain for over 10 years, which interfered with my daily life, and going from one therapist and modality to another, I finally found a practitioner in physiotherapy who developed an ongoing “plan” to alleviate my symptoms. I cannot herald Dr. Scott Gray and his team of therapists enough…including his physical training program which has brought me back to my younger years of strength and agility. Believe me, it works! Don’t wait! They are more than a miracle to me and to my friends to whom I have recommended them!
Dr. Sharon is a fantastic Physical Therapist. I have had over a half dozen treatments with Dr. Sharon at her Verandah office. Her exceptional skills and knowledge of the human body were evident during my first visit/consultation with her. I had two back surgeries between 2012 and 2018. I have 2 bad discs in my neck. I experience pain and muscle tightness after moderate exercise and physical activities such as golf and pickleball. Her office was able to diagnose through the use of ultrasound an impingement in my left shoulder causing extreme pain. Dr. Sharon’s hands-on techniques and therapy regimen have greatly reduced the amount of pain in both my back, neck, and shoulder. Based on the many Physical Therapy sessions I have had over the past 25 years Dr. Sharon’s therapy treatments are by far the BEST!
Call (239) 223-0484