Originally Published December 9, 2003 -- Your
Wellness Guide
Eight
Wellness Trends That Might Change Your Life
——————————————————————
To see a list of product resources as seen January
11, 2004
on
"Good Morning Arizona"
(KTVK-TV) click
here.
|
This
past year has seen unprecedented growth in the wellness industry.
Who would have thought five years ago that you would see yoga mats
in the grocery store check-out line?
At
the same time that more holistically viewed products, services, and
information become available, consumers need to become more and more
savvy. |
While I am a
big advocate for alternative medicine and natural anti-aging strategies, I
also promote awareness and the reading of labels. Do your research, don’t
take the words “natural” or “alternative” at face value, and start looking
for the best brands that have research and information to back up their
claims.
As we make
the turn to 2004, every new year brings innovative directions and new
things to consider. Such is the case with the wellness industry. Here
are some wellness trends that might interest you enough to check them out
more.
Focus on
Stress Reduction:
After yoga, what will be the next trend? Some say stress reduction. Dr.
Richard Weinstein has written a new book called
The Stress Effect. He says that
there is an effective way to reduce stress through exercise, diet, and
nutritional supplements.
|
Spiritual Approach:
However, Fred Miller, the author of
How To Calm Down, says that many people who have tried the
simple and easy ways to reduce stress are now moving to a spiritual
approach. Perhaps exercising faith is the way to go.
Workplace Wellness:
A new, 2003 Survey on Health and Wellness Programs by the American
Management Association says that 71 percent of executives now say
that corporations have a responsibility to promote wellness among
employees. How will this take shape? Perhaps with programs in
exercise and fitness (47%), weight reduction (34%), and nutrition
(25%).
|
Photo Courtesy: Dimension One Spas
The new Lotus Bay hot tub with
audio therapy, reflexology-based water massage, and synchronized
accent lights is just one of many new wellness
products entering the market. (www.d1spas.com) |
No-Soot
Candles:
How many candles have you bought this past year? Candles are definitely
the rage. The newest trend is using soy wax to reduce pollution (smoke
and soot) and possible carcinogens released from traditional paraffin
wax. Check out 100 percent soy wax Soy Beads at
www.soybasics.com.
Light in
Your Life:
Many of us still don’t think twice about artificial light or how much
daily outside light we get to improve our health and mood. However,
starting this next year you might need to educate yourself more. A slew
of new artificial lighting choices will become available, as well as
wellness-oriented products that contain the marketing words “full
spectrum.” Light Force Therapy President Kim Peterson says “We need
light. We have to have light. It makes a profound impact on your
well-being.” For a sample of what light can do for you to reduce pain,
check out
www.lightforcetherapy.com.
Walking
More:
Even with all those new and old diets out there, there are consistent ways
to lose weight and keep it off. The National Weight Control Registry, an
ongoing study by the University of Colorado, Brown University, and the
University of Pittsburgh, shows a weight reduction trend: walking is the
most frequently cited activity for weight reduction. Ron Sutton,
president of Accusplit which produces Olympic and consumer pedometers (www.accusplit.com),
says that “activity to wellness” is the new appeal.
Wellness
Gadgets:
There are more and more gadgets out there that claim to improve your
health, reduce your stress, and help you enjoy life. High-tech
pedometers, audio therapy hot tubs, at-home swimming bays -- these are
just a few of hundreds of wellness products now or soon to be available.
Dimension One Spa CEO Bob Hallam says "Consumers are desperately trying to
put balance back into their lives, and the home is the best place to
start. Just look at the boom in home remodeling, especially in turning
your backyard into a year-round resort.”
Flexible Family Life:
According to Julie Shields, author of
The Mommy Trap, she sees a more shared-parenting and
flexible-schedule family environment as a new trend. “I am seeing more
men using paternity leave, more men doing housework, and older parents
becoming more involved with their children.” Look for more father-support
groups popping up, fathers becoming more involved in their children’s
lives, and younger parents planning future family time better.
Terra
Wellington
is a
national authority on creating a wellness lifestyle.
www.terrawellington.com
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Wellington