Palm Beach Wellness Institute

At Eudēmonia Summit, one speaker made an interesting point about how we often prioritize high-tech gadgets and expensive body scans when evaluating our health. But what if we turned to a simple, low-cost tool that can provide invaluable insights? The trusty tape measure is a prime example. It can help us assess something as crucial as visceral fat – the type that wraps around our organs and impacts our health. Generally, a waist circumference of over 35 inches for women and over 40 inches for men indicates the presence of visceral fat. While advanced technology has its place, it’s a reminder that the simplest tools can sometimes give us the clearest picture of our well-being. At Palm Beach Wellness Institute, we often guide clients in understanding how small, evidence-based changes can make a big difference in their health. Similarly, at Inspire Health, we provide immersive experiences that help participants refocus on the essentials of wellness, blending science, simplicity, and personalized strategies to create lasting change. Whether it’s through individualized care at PBWI or the transformative experience with Inspire Health, we’re here to help you rediscover the tools that truly matter for your health journey. Sometimes, the key to well-being isn’t more technology – it’s a fresh perspective and intentional action. Learn more about our services at PBWI or about our upcoming offerings with Inspire Health, send me a message!

The human brain makes up only 2% of our body weight, yet it consumes 20% of our energy and plays a crucial role in every bodily function. Dr. Uma Naidoo recently revisited the old adage "you are what you eat" at the Eudemonia Summit. While we’ve all heard this saying, it was her explanation of how food directly impacts our brain that really made me reflect. She also pointed out that in medical school, we receive extensive training on pharmaceuticals but very little formal education on the role of nutrition in managing health conditions. This led me to explore the field of nutritional psychiatry, which examines how the food we consume directly affects our brain and mental health. In essence, it’s the scientific embodiment of "you are what you eat." I've witnessed the real-world impact of this concept in my professional experience. Recently, I worked with two patients struggling with OCD. While I’m not a psychiatrist, I'm in the behavioral health space. Both patients were interested in optimizing their condition without relying solely on pharmaceuticals. Through my pantry assessments, we discovered that both homes contained common ingredients like fish sauce, soy sauce, and miso. These foods are rich in glutamate, a primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. When combined with OCD, these foods may be exacerbating the brain's overstimulation. It's not just about eating more green vegetables—it’s about truly understanding how every food choice can affect our brain and mental well-being.

Sitting is the new smoking. On average, Americans spend about 8 hours a day sitting, which accounts for over 50% of their day. This sedentary behavior has become more prevalent, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic, as many of us now spend entire days at our desks without even leaving for meetings since the use of Zoom. One effective way to combat this is by incorporating movement into your workday, particularly during Zoom meetings and while working from home. For example, try balancing on one foot during Zoom calls. This simple movement can help maintain your balance, which naturally deteriorates as we age. Plus, it's discreet and won't be noticeable on camera, similar to "hula dancing," where the top of your body remains still while the lower half moves. Personally, I like to do this while wearing my Oofos shoes to add a bit more of a challenge into this movement. When off-camera, you can also try utilizing a walking pad while working for a portion of the day. Or, if you must sit, you can use an under-the-desk cycler to continue movement. It can be noted that there is a counter-opinion saying that standing isn’t better, it's just different. However, the idea is not sit versus stand, but rather incorporating movement and improving circulation throughout the day!