What 2021 Has Taught Us

Looking back over the course of this year, with the COVID-19 pandemic still very much a part of our everyday lives, 2021 has truly taught us the value of health, mental as much as physical.

‍

Will Smith’s docuseries, Best Shape of My Life, features Next Health as part of his health optimization journey.  Will and his team were interested in taking a data-driven approach to his health. Having reached 50 years old, Will was aware that testing his biomarkers would be a valuable tool in helping him reach his goals. However, physical goals set by Will and his team did not take priority as it became clear that his physical capabilities were limited by mental obstacles. Rather than quitting, Will bravely and vulnerably trusted the process and followed the path of holistic wellness, leading to the conclusion that “being in shape” is not the only measure of health. Mental health is a large and valuable piece of the puzzle and while experiencing unprecedented unknowns and stress, like many over the last year, physical strength cannot compensate for mental health. Given the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, obtaining the data and tools needed to understand your body is essential for any wellness journey.

‍

The past couple of years have taught us new ways to interact with our health more holistically. Here are three take aways that encompass and elevate, not just the physical aspects, but the mental and emotional aspects of health, altogether leading us to achieve the best versions of ourselves:

‍

The Importance Of Rest

‍

Many of us started off the year playing catch-up from 2020, which may have left some of us feeling over-exerted. However, constant stress, both physical and mental, can take a significant toll on your health.

‍

In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, more than 75% of Americans report physical or emotional symptoms of stress. As a result, many of us have learned that running on empty does not allow you to accomplish your goals more efficiently and in actuality, this can hold you back.

‍

A simple reminder, self-care is not selfish.

‍

Taking time for our selves is important.  The quality time spent resting can make or break the difference in how you feel overall.  It may or may not be the obvious choice, but getting in touch with nature is a great way to disconnect.

‍

But what about our modern lifestyles? Spending 20 minutes scrolling on our phones or binging a show can be one form of escape, right?  Yes and no.  Healthier choices involving resting include, taking a walk, or spending some time in the sun, meditating, breath work, journaling are other forms of active rest and recovery.  

‍

Reaching for our phones every chance we get is not the healthiest form of "free time" with technology.  Can technology be wielded into a healthy form of self care?  

‍

The answer is yes, there are quite a few wellness technologies that can activate your body's natural healing and recovery systems. At Next Health you can find a suite of wellness technology to help you get the rest you deserve:  

‍

Infrared LED Light Bed:

Our bodies respond positively to light therapy.  Our cells take in sunlight and are energized by different frequencies of infrared light.  Infrared light is a specific light wavelength that dramatically increases circulation, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing. After a 30-minute treatment, blood flow is enhanced, which is great for both chronic and acute pain.

‍

Infrared Light Sauna:

Infrared Saunas promotes the body's natural detoxification, which is to sweat, which can help reduce stress, improve energy, and support the elimination of toxins. The exposure to environmental toxins we all experience on a daily basis can overwhelm our detox systems and wear down the body over time.

‍

Our Next Health Infrared Sauna capsules combine advanced infrared light technology with the time-tested healing properties of jade stones and heat to deliver powerful health benefits without the discomfort of a traditional sauna.

‍

This new holistic approach to wellness helps with detoxification, pain relief, mental health, and calorie burning in a single 30-minute session.

‍

As these treatments are both just 30 minutes, you can stop by a Next Health location to experience our advanced Infrared Light Therapy and just decompress.

‍

These are just a couple of the tools we offer to support rest and you can contact our wellness experts to learn about what rejuvenating treatments may be right for you.

‍

If 2021 has taught us anything it is that success, especially in your wellness journey, is dependent on quality rest.

‍

Importance Of Nourishment

‍

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” - Hippocrates

‍

Next Health believes wellness starts from the inside out and a critical component of this is food. Over the course of 2021, health came to the forefront of many peoples’ minds as we aimed to boost immunity, energy, mood, and more.

‍

Effectively fueling your body with quality nutrients can significantly improve your overall health. We work closely with thought leaders whose philosophy is rooted in the power of food and mindfulness to heal, like celebrity nutritionist and lifestyle coach,  Mona Sharma.  Specifically, Sharma’s research focuses heavily on the importance of the gut microbiome and its impact on our health and happiness.

‍

The gut microbiome is a pocket of bacteria in the intestines (mainly in an area called the cecum). There are up to 1,000 species of bacteria in the human gut microbiome, all of which play a different role in the body.

‍

These bacteria are critical to overall health as they are responsible for 75% of your immune system, over 90% of your serotonin production, the promotion of good cholesterol levels, and so much more.

‍

Interested in fueling your body effectively?

‍

Start with our advanced Food Sensitivity Testing that takes the guesswork out of your diet. With a simple at-home finger-prick test, our medical experts can determine what foods you may be sensitive to.

‍

Our Food Sensitivity Testing measures your immune response to 96 different foods and food additives. It measures both IgA and IgG reactions, two markers of immune activation, to determine how your body is responding to each food.

‍

Equally important to identifying the foods you should eliminate from your diet is identifying the foods that you are not sensitive to. This provides more dietary freedom to enjoy foods that you might be unnecessarily avoiding.

‍

​The results of your Food Sensitivity Test results will be reviewed by our team of wellness experts in order to provide you with specific dietary guidance. You will learn exactly how you can adjust your diet to reduce symptoms and optimize your health and energy.

‍

It is important to note that just because you are currently sensitive to a food, does not mean you have to eliminate it from your diet forever. After working with our medical experts to improve your gut health, it is likely you will alleviate some sensitivities.

‍

Optimize your diet to take your health to the next level.

‍

Importance Of Vulnerability

‍

Oftentimes, especially in the United States, healthcare is rarely preventative. More specifically, traditional medicine often takes the approach of sickcare as it really only addresses your health once an issue is detected. Next Health prides itself on taking a true healthcare approach as we believe health is not the absence of disease, rather it is the abundance of vitality.

‍

We acknowledge this mindset can be difficult to adjust to as many of us do not “want” to receive preventative care because it still stirs up some level of fear that is associated with traditional healthcare.  

‍

However, ignorance is not bliss when it comes to your health. Ignorance leaves you feeling less than optimized. Despite there being nothing “wrong” our medical experts can help you feel even better.

‍

This change in mindset requires a certain level of vulnerability, and we encourage you to find strength in being vulnerable. Self-care helps strengthen you. Being kind to your mind and body helps you unlock your true potential.

‍

2021 has taught us the importance of such vulnerability, which is why our medical concierge team and wellness experts are always happy to answer any questions and provide the support you need in your journey.  

‍

Such openness to preventative, personalized care has helped Next Health change the lives of many.

‍

For instance, with a CT Calcium Score, which can determine if certain risk factors or symptoms of coronary artery disease are present, our nurse practitioners have been able to catch and prevent a potential heart attack, long before traditional medicine would have even conducted such a test.

‍

Ozone Therapy is another increasingly popular preventative treatment as it may promote whole-body healing and reducing inflammation.

‍

Ozone infusions are similar to IV drips, except they also involve the separation and oxygenation of your blood. As a unique and integrative treatment, Ozone Therapy has been shown to increase the amount of oxygen in the body through the introduction of ozone. This process encourages bio-rejuvenation, potentially helping you take your health to the next level.

‍

Medical ozone’s immune-boosting properties have been studied for over a hundred years but the history of Ozone Therapy specifically dates back to the early 1950’s in Germany. This powerful treatment has recently gained recognition in the United States as the medical community is now understanding its benefits.

‍

Ozone Therapy may help boost immunity, support detoxification, enhance mental and physical energy, and even reverse signs of aging.  

‍

Below is just one of the many positive experiences one of our patients has had with Ozone Therapy:

‍

“The first session, after pass #8, I watched the brain fog disappear — it was like looking through a foggy shower door, then wiping the door clear.

The second session, around the same time, the colors in the room all got massively brighter — like turning up the saturation while editing a photo.

Super excited to see how #3 goes now that I’ve been on this elimination diet and gut rehabilitation stuff. Definitely bringing my husband in.” - Patient at our NYC location

‍

Our 2021 Takeaway

‍

Overall, our takeaway from 2021 is that your health (mental and physical) is the greatest gift you can have. Taking care of your wellness is a true investment in yourself.

‍

You deserve to feel better than just “healthy.” You deserve to feel optimized.

‍

Have questions about your unique health optimization journey? Call or text us at: (310)-295-2075