Most Popular Health Topic In The United States of america…in my opinion
Obesity and overweight prevalence in the United States have reached critical levels, posing significant public health challenges. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that as of 2017–2020, 41.9% of U.S. adults aged 20 and over were classified as obese, with severe obesity affecting 9.2% of this population. Projections suggest that by 2030, nearly half of all U.S. adults will be obese, with approximately one in four experiencing severe obesity. THIS IS A BIG DEAL!!!
Holistic and Functional Nutrition: Strategies to Address Obesity
Holistic and functional nutrition approaches offer comprehensive strategies to prevent and manage obesity by focusing on individualized care and addressing underlying causes. Key aspects include:
Personalized Nutrition Plans: Tailoring dietary recommendations to individual needs, preferences, and metabolic profiles can enhance adherence and effectiveness in weight management.
Emphasis on Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods: Encouraging the consumption of unprocessed foods rich in essential nutrients supports satiety and reduces overall caloric intake, aiding in weight control.
Addressing Inflammation: Incorporating foods with anti-inflammatory properties can mitigate chronic inflammation associated with obesity, improving metabolic health. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1
Improving Gut Health: Promoting a balanced gut microbiota through dietary interventions can influence energy metabolism and body weight regulation. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Behavioral and Lifestyle Modifications: Integrating stress management, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity into nutritional guidance addresses multiple factors contributing to obesity. nypost.com+1pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1
Functional Foods: Utilizing foods with bioactive compounds that positively affect metabolism and satiety can support weight management efforts. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Nutritional Education: Empowering individuals with knowledge about healthy eating patterns fosters sustainable lifestyle changes essential for long-term weight management.
WayOverWellness: Supporting Individuals Across All Ages
WayOverWellness is dedicated to assisting individuals at any age in preventing, managing, and mitigating obesity and overweight risks through holistic and functional nutrition strategies. Our services include:
Comprehensive Nutritional Assessments: We evaluate dietary habits, health history, and lifestyle factors to create personalized nutrition plans that align with individual goals.
Educational Workshops and Resources: Providing knowledge on healthy eating, meal planning, and mindful eating practices equips clients with the tools necessary for lasting change.
Ongoing Support and Counseling: Regular consultations and support ensure clients stay motivated and can adjust their plans as needed, fostering long-term success.
By focusing on individualized care and addressing the root causes of obesity, WayOverWellness empowers clients to lead healthier, more vibrant lives, effectively reducing the risks associated with obesity and overweight.
Protecting the Minds of OUr Baby Boomers
My recent passion is helping the Baby Boomer generation take control of their cognitive health with strategies that truly make a difference. The wellness market is flooded with options, but at WayOver Wellness, we cut through the noise with science-backed, personalized plans. Our goal is to empower clients with confidence, ensuring they make the right choices to enjoy the years ahead with clarity, vitality, and independence.
Over the past decade, Alzheimer's disease has become a growing public health crisis in the United States. As of 2022, it was the seventh leading cause of death among U.S. adults, affecting approximately 6.7 million individuals aged 65 and older—a number projected to double by 2060. (CDC)
I have experienced the profound impact of this disease firsthand—it changed my family forever. Witnessing its effects reinforced a critical truth: the sooner we take proactive steps with nutrition and lifestyle, the better we can protect cognitive function. This realization led me to closely monitor my father’s diet and daily habits, ensuring he supports his brain health as he ages.
Many men over the age of 55 share a common fear: working their whole lives only to lose their ability to enjoy their golden years due to cognitive decline. This concern is valid. Research shows that lifestyle choices can significantly influence Alzheimer’s risk, with studies suggesting that regular physical activity, a nutrient-dense diet, and cognitive engagement can reduce risk by up to 60%. (NIH)
One of the most powerful tools for brain health is nutrition. Diets rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and polyphenols help protect against neurodegeneration. The MIND diet, a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, has been clinically shown to slow cognitive decline by prioritizing brain-nourishing foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and healthy fats. (PMC)
Functional medicine highlights that Alzheimer’s isn’t an inevitable outcome of aging—it’s heavily influenced by metabolic health, inflammation, and lifestyle factors. A proactive approach, including blood sugar regulation, stress management, restorative sleep, and daily movement, is key to long-term brain resilience. (PMC)
Alzheimer’s prevention starts long before symptoms appear. By prioritizing nutrient-dense foods, movement, and mental stimulation, we empower ourselves and our loved ones to age with clarity and vitality. The earlier we take action, the greater our ability to safeguard brain health for years to come.
Why WayOver wellness?
It all begins with an idea.
The year was 2007, while at the University of Maine at Farmington I started to questions the health effects that my mother and sisters nail polish remover had on them. I had this overwhelming feeling that most consumer based beauty products were and have been instigating the onset of chronic disease and dysfunction in the body for decades.
I thought to myself whom or what allows these products to exist as choices for us consumers. I quickly learned that the Food and Drug Administration was the organization that had the biggest sway over what we get access to as consumers in the realm of beauty and body products.
This idea turned into my research project for that semester and thus was born my passion for advocating for others and myself.
After months of research, calling government officials and different regulatory entities I came to a few conclusions.
One, like it or not our society in the United States is built on consumerism and the game is to capitalize on the people willing to consume products that companies create.
Two, at one point in time in our history as a country the idea of making money became more important than the potential short and long term health effects that chemicals and products have of our fellow country men and women.
Three, I sensed a vibe of plausible deniability from the FDA when it came to the long term effects that beauty products can have on a person or and entire community.
Four, a large majority of the chemicals and compounds used in my mother and sister’s beauty products were already banned and made illegal in Australia, New Zealand and many countries in Europe.
During this time period, as a country we were starting to see major increases in the diagnosis of autism, alzheimer disease, ADHD, Parkinson’s disease and autoimmune diseases. It is impossible to directly claim that nail polish remover or under arm deodorant and other consumer beauty products were the direct culprit to these increases, but I had a sense that they were certainly not helping.
Long story short…I realized that the FDA is not looking out for you or me when it comes to what we put on or in our body. I was under the belief that if anything was on the shelf at a market or store, that it was safe and okay to use. Most of the time the FDA will wait to receive consumer complains that a product isn’t right before they pull it off the shelf.
I had to do something to help inform my family and friends of this new found information.
A decade and a half later, I have created WayOver Wellness to help educate and empower the members of my community. The goal is to introduce nutritional strategies and provide wellness opportunities that support and prevent acute and chronic disease patterns now and in the future.