By: Dr. Meg Jordan
After decades of looking at health consumers as mere economic “Pavlovian dogs”–buying what they were conditioned to buy from media and Madison Avenue–we have now entered a new health age marked by an urge to detoxify, question overconsumption of medical treatment, consumer-driven health benefits, the importance of social connectivity, and a restoration of movement and natural rhythms.
These five top health trends are reshaping the buying habits and attitudes of a rapidly expanding health-conscious population.
Top Five Wellness Trends
1. Detoxify first, nutrients next.
Detox used to be the sole domain of naturopaths. Not anymore. Now MDs are coming aboard and more spas are offering serious detoxifying treatments. Pouring nutrients on top of sludge won’t get the results you want to shake fatigue, enhance immunity and build good health. Throw out the excess salt, sugar, trans fats, alcohol, and overly processed, fiber-poor, nutritionally-empty foods. Add more organic fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Try a twice a year intestinal cleanse in fall and spring. One of the easiest cleanses: Nature’s Secret AM/PM UltraCleanse.
2. Don’t over-medicalize your condition.
From the simple advice of not overusing antacids, to the riskier, more complicated elective treatments and surgeries, it’s been proven time and again that one of the greater risks to your health is over-utilization of health care. Your chances for infection, tragic side effects and unwanted consequences rise in proportion to overtreating signs and symptoms. The health-conscious public is learning to sample from a world of safer, gentler healing options, and avoid highly invasive medical maneuvers, unless of course, their lives depend on them.
3. Start a health-savings account.
When you control your discretionary health care dollars, you become a smarter consumer. The uber-health-conscious are asking their employers to sign up with consumer-driven health plans (CDHP), the latest solution for halting runaway insurance premiums while shifting the focus to prevention and personal responsibiility. Economic incentives are proving to reduce health risks as well. When you’re in charge of spending, you think differently about taking good care of yourself. One of my favorite CDHPs: www.destinyhealth.com
4. Nurture a sense of belonging and social ties.
Social isolation is a key health risk for serious illnesses including heart disease and certain cancers, as well as mental disorders. New research shows how loneliness and despondency outrank many risk factors once thought more important. Invest more time and attention with friends, family, intimates, community groups, and companion animals. Leading luxury-property developer Lyle Anderson Company of Scottsdale has placed connectivity and social group as chief strategies for their communities.
5. Move like your life depended on it.
Every cell in your body depends on motion. Cells oscillate, circulation flows, digestion moves along. From the micro to the macro, all of life is orchestrated by natural rhythm. Your physical body requires large doses of daily movement in order for your organs and cells to function optimally. The health-conscious public doesn’t settle for 30 minutes a day. They aim to stay physically active four to six hours a day. Worksite wellness programs are offering treadmill-desks and walking business breaks. Wear a pedometer and strive for 10,000 steps a day. You’ll discover a hidden vitality you thought was only a child’s domain.
- For more information on health-conscious living and buying trends, contact Dr. Meg Jordan, a medical anthropologist and specialist in behavioral medicine.
