Be Well

Happy Friday! At this time of year just about everyone is feeling tired and emotional. Our usual form is to crash through to the holiday break and then fall in a heap. What if there was one thing you could do that will guarantee a different end to the year and give you more years on your life without cognitive decline? I’ve done some research and it turns out sleep is the superpower that will get us through to the finish line, all of them, with flying colours! The Big Picture Sleep can help with tiredness and stress in many ways, including: ● Reducing stress hormones: Sleep helps reduce the body’s production of cortisol and other stress hormones. ● Improving mood: Well-rested people tend to be calmer and react less strongly to negative situations. ● Regulating the immune system: Sleep helps the body produce substances that fight infection and illness. ● Improving brain function: Sleep helps the brain form new pathways for learning and memory, and improves attention, decision-making, and creativity. ● Enhancing energy: Sleep helps people feel more energised. Sleep and Longevity Recent research underscores the vital role sleep plays in longevity, and aging. Poor sleep is linked to chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular issues, with both insufficient and excessive sleep increasing mortality risk. Healthy sleep patterns can actually boost life expectancy. Brain Sleep Varied sleep patterns are associated with increased risk of cognitive decline, as seen in a study where older adults with fluctuating sleep patterns showed higher cognitive impairment compared to those with stable sleep patterns. 5 Hot Sleep Tips 1. Regular Sleep Schedules Maintaining consistent sleep-wake times is crucial. Regular sleep patterns are strongly associated with lower mortality risk, even more so than sleep duration alone. 2. Deep Sleep Maintenance Super-agers often retain more time in deep, slow-wave sleep, which is restorative and linked to better health outcomes. 3. Balanced Sleep Duration Both abnormally short and long sleep durations are linked to increased mortality, highlighting the importance of balanced sleep habits for longevity. 4. Bin the Booze The older you get, the worst the impact if alcohol on your sleep quality. Drink less, and stop drinking 3 hours before bed for a good night’s sleep. 5. Napping’s Nuances Daytime napping can enhance cognitive function if done moderately – the ideal is 20-40mins. The optimal nap time is between 1-4 pm to align with natural cycles and avoid disrupting nighttime sleep. Sleep well Be Wellers! Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousFire & Ice Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

Happy Friday! In our quest for improved health and longevity, we’ve explored various wellness practices and brought them under the one roof at Be Well. However, one ancient technique that has stood the test of time and we couldn’t wait to offer it due to its remarkable benefits.  Hello, hydrotherapy or contrast baths, involving hot and cold-water immersion.While research into the benefits of hydrotherapy is ongoing, emerging perspectives are promising as is some compelling areas of research and evidence: ● Cellular Health: Recent studies have highlighted the role of hydrotherapy in improved circulation and reduced inflammation in promoting overall cellular health. Healthy cells are more resilient and better equipped to withstand the aging process. ● Enhanced Immunity: hydrotherapy can boost the immune system by increasing the production of immune cells, particularly natural killer cells. This heightened immune response may help the body fend off infections more effectively. ● Pain Relief: A recent meta-analysis published in the Journal of Pain Research (2023) has highlighted the efficacy of hydrotherapy in relieving chronic pain. The alternation between hot and cold water can help reduce inflammation, soothe discomfort, and improve overall pain management. ● Stress Reduction: Studies published in the Journal of Psychophysiology (2022) have investigated the psychological benefits of hydrotherapy. Regular sessions were found to significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels, contributing to better mental health. ● Cardiovascular Health: A study in the European Heart Journal (2023) suggests that hydrotherapy has the potential to enhance cardiovascular function by promoting healthy blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving arterial flexibility. ● Pain Management: A longitudinal study published in JAMA Internal Medicine (2023) has highlighted the role of pain management in longevity. Chronic pain conditions can significantly impact the quality of life in older adults, and the pain relief provided by hydrotherapy can make daily activities more manageable and enjoyable. With all that said and done hydrotherapy might still be your worst nightmare or your most exciting new gamechanger! Either way, you won’t know until you try it so we encourage you to give it a go!  Getting into the water Our baths are set at the recommended 40C for hot water and 10C for cold water.  Here’s the recommended Be Well hydrotherapy protocol: ● Immerse your entire body or the warm water for 1 to 3 minutes. ● Immediately follow with a 1-minute dip in cold water. ● Repeat this process for up to 20 minutes, ending with cold water. As you gain experience, you will find you are able to stay in the cold water up to 3mins. You can use hydrotherapy once a day, once a week or once a fortnight. It’s up to you.   Enjoy Be Well’s carefully curated health, wellness & longevity program. It’s all part of what we call The New Healthy – and embracing the living younger, longer, better revolution! Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousWhat is ‘contrology’? Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

Happy Friday! As many of you know, I have been a dedicated yogi for many decades, however with the closure of my local yoga studio during covid, I decided to finally give Pilates a try. Joseph Pilates originally called his work ‘Contrology’.  He founded his body/mind/spirit approach to movement on 6 core principles: centering, concentration, control, precision, breath and flow.  Pilates aka Contrology worked! About 8-12 months later ( I have lockdown amnesia ) I looked and felt great, and strong. I still couldn’t run up stairs effortlessly after those twice weekly sessions though? We know pilates improves core strength, flexibility and balance, but turns out it doesn’t provide enough cardio or resistance training, particularly to meet the needs of people over 40. As we get older, we experience a marked decline in muscle mass and bone density, and an increase in body fat, which in turn increases our risk of chronic health conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes. So it’s incredibly important to combine both resistance training and cardiovascular exercise, in addition to practicing Pilates for its unique benefits. Latest research also recommends an intentional recovery program to ensure we give our bodies the best chance to bounce back and repair after exercise. We purposefully designed Be Well as an integrated and holistic approach to flexibility training, cardio, resistance and recovery with an expert team of PT’s, yoga and Pilates instructors, massage therapists and a senior physiotherapist. We know every individual has different fitness levels, preferences and goals, so we build you individually tailored 12 week programs that are safe and effective. The verdict? Pilates isn’t enough, but we’ve got you covered. So please, enjoy and use everything we have curated for you all under one roof, share this incredible discovery with your friends and be well together! Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousSweat it out Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

Happy Friday! I came late to saunas, no doubt because I grew up in Queensland. With all the humidity in summer, it was a bit like living in a sauna. It was only when we got to Melbourne that I discovered what zillions of people have known forever.  People have been getting into saunas for a while. As in, for thousands of years. In Scandinavia, of course, but also China, the Americas, and elsewhere. The first known sauna in Finland was a hole dug into the side of a hill (and ‘sauna’ is the only Finnish word in popular use in English). In Mexico and central America, a temazcal is a sweat lodge, usually made of clay or stone. The ancient Romans and Greeks built large scale bathing facilities that included thermal rooms for sweating. In Islamic culture its called a hammam. Indians use heat therapy in Ayurvedic medicine. And so on.  People went to the enormous trouble of creating a heated space because of the considerable benefits they experienced. And because its so pleasurable. Come the 20C, science caught up and a huge number of studies now prove just how beneficial saunas are.  Saunas provide passive exercise. We just sit or lie down, enjoying the heat, perhaps listening to music or a podcast or chatting with a friend. But there’s a lot going on. The body tries to cool itself by increasing heart rate, pushing blood from the core to the skin, and sweating, being the main ones. When we heat the body by running or similar, the body cools itself in the same way.   These cooling actions improves our health in several ways:  – Cardiovascular health improvements by reducing blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol levels. – Reduced inflammation throughout the body and improving symptoms of conditions such as arthritis, muscle pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome. – Improved detoxification by helping to increase sweating, which can help to remove toxins from the body and boost metabolism. – Improved skin health by increasing blood flow and creating a significant increase in collagen production. Traditional saunas use steam to create heat, mostly by throwing water onto hot rocks. Infrared saunas heat the body directly, rather than heating the air around the body. Invented in the 1960s by Japanese scientist Dr. Tadashi Ishikawa, infrared saunas are more comfortable and efficient than traditional saunas, and also allow for a wider range of health benefits. Our superb Sunlighten saunas are literally best-in-class. The most effective, highest quality full-spectrum saunas available on the market, near, mid and far infrared available.  They include Chromotherapy, or colour therapy, the science of using colours to adjust body vibrations to frequencies that result in health and harmony. They have a full sound system, including Spotify, YouTube (and even Netflix!). Mostly, you’ll sweat deep, and sweat fast, saving time while getting the maximum physical benefits of full spectrum infrared therapy.  What To Do Before A Sauna– Drink water – Place a towel on the bench and floor of the sauna (and keep a clean towel handy to wipe excessive sweat from your body too)– Set up your favourite music or podcast through the Bluetooth connectivity. What To Do During A Sauna– Drink water– Enhance your sauna experience with colour therapy– Sit back and relax! Ponder the meaning of life, what to have for dinner, how awesome you’ll feel after a great sleep (we recommend going phone-free during sauna sessions too) What To Do After A Sauna– You guessed it, drink more water – Have a shower to cleanse the skin (hot tip: a cold shower will activate cold shock proteins which can aid weight loss) – Feel good! (I know, we’ll have to twist your arm on this one)  Enjoy the sweat and live longer, younger, healthier, better all!  Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousHUR will never HURt you Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

Happy Friday! Gyms are notoriously tricky. Not only do most of them look like torture chambers and sound like the nightclubs of our 20’s, if you hurt yourself by using the equipment wrongly – an all too often occurrence – you can take yourself out for months. Most people never return. On the contrary, our resistance training equipment at Be Well was designed by the world renowned team at Helsinki University in Finland. We searched the world for the most evidenced and researched equipment designed to support all fitness levels. HUR products and programs are based on scientific research and incorporate the latest findings from universities, research centres, and other organizations. HURs research guidelines ensure that the company is involved in high-quality research in the fields of exercise science and exercise as medicine. Tailored precisely to your body and goals, the HUR equipment is adaptable and adjusts resistance automatically based on your workout history, allowing you to build strength efficiently. HUR’s low-impact design targets muscles without causing strain on your joints, promoting faster and safer strength development. Specific benefits of HUR equipment  include: Improved strength, posture, flexibility, and mood Decreased pain Strengthening the back and shoulders Helping to build strength back after operations. Once you’ve completed your HUR Onboarding, you gain access to our HUR classes and small group strength training sessions at different times. In addition to structured sessions, you can also utilise the equipment during non-class hours. HUR Onboarding is included at the beginning of Be Well membership, ensuring a seamless start to your wellness journey. Schedule your session via the App, or speak to a Be Well Keeper to begin experiencing the benefits today. Enjoy training safely and happily to live longer, younger, better! Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousBreathe in Wellness Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

I love our Be Well Hydroxy AirPod. Usually I rest and meditate, though I have been known to take my laptop in with me! I’m always amazed, though not surprised, by how much quality work I get done in there. This is because the AirPod causes oxygen-enriched blood to flow into my brain, putting my mind on steriods! The Hydroxy AirPod is unique Standard hyperbaric chambers only increase oxygen, whereas our device combines oxygen and hydrogen, hence the name, Hydro(gen)Oxy(gen) AirPod. This offers many benefits, including: 👉 Inflammation and Recovery The therapy reduces inflammation, accelerates recovery from fatigue and muscle injuries, and enhances wound healing. 👉 Overall Wellbeing It promotes relaxation, boosts energy, and supports optimal cell health 👉 Reduction in Oxidative Stress Regular use helps reduce oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus protecting cells from damage 👉 Enhanced Recovery and Healing Accelerates wound healing, muscle recovery, and promotes pain reduction. Early studies have also found that consistent use achieves significant positive impact for people sufferring from long-haul Covid. Impact on aging 👇🏼 Hydroxy therapy, particularly involving molecular hydrogen, impacts aging through its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. It neutralises harmful radicals, maintains genomic stability, and mitigates cellular senescence, which are key factors in aging. Improving cognitive functions such as concentration and memory is a real benefit. Additionally, our Hydroxy AirPod supports the brain’s natural repair and regeneration processes, contributing to improved mental acuity and overall cognitive health. Additionally, it regulates autophagy, mTOR, and mitochondrial functions, all contributing to slowing the aging process and preventing age-related diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders.. Furthermore, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has shown potential in increasing telomere length and clearing senescent cells, which are markers of aging. How often should I use the Hydroxy AirPod? General Wellbeing: For overall health benefits, 1-2 sessions per week, lasting  30-60 minutes, are typically recommended Recovery from Injury or Illness: A more intensive schedule of 3 sessions per week, lasting 30-60 minutes, is often advised for those recovering from injuries or specific conditions. Acute Issues: For acute health issues, daily sessions may be beneficial. Sit back and chill-out while the AirPod does its magic. Pressurised to 1.35ATA, this safe and effective therapy increases oxygen and hydrogen cellular concentration. Ideal for anyone wanting to boost their energy, aid repair, regulate oxidative stress, deepen their sleep cycle and improve their cognitive function. Members get use of the AirPod as part of thier membership Newsletter subscribers can book sessions using the button below. Book your AirPod session Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousDon’t take the fall Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

Happy Friday Sayed The other day I slipped on a liquid spill in an aisle at our fav IGA, the one opposite Be Well in Hawthorn. I was all dressed up and ready for our most recent Be Well Conversation with the wonderful Brigette McGuire and Holly Ransom, two remarkable women with a lifelong commitment to equity in sport. We were supporting Brigette’s upcoming first New York marathon to raise funds for the Billie Jean King Foundation. Good luck, Brigette! I fell hard but miraculously didn’t break or sprain anything. A lovely customer helped me up and I went back to Be Well and iced a very bruised elbow, arm and leg. It’s been a few weeks of healing and I am back into my routine now. I’ve had quite a few falls over my life, mostly where fashion meets function: stilettos or platforms meets potholes on pavements or cobblestones in Melbourne. Happily, I tend to ‘bounce not break’, which prompted me to dive into the research to find out why. The Science Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of balance training and resistance (strength) activities: A systematic review found moderate to large improvements in balance ability following resistance exercise in adults and older adults. Specifically: Functional reach test improved by 4.22 cm on average Single-leg standing time increased by 1.9-37.6 seconds Timed up-and-go test time decreased by 0.55 seconds A 10-week balance training program called “Stay Balanced” showed significant improvements in balance, gait speed, leg strength, and reduced fear of falling The benefits persisted even 3 months after the training ended. A Cochrane review found that the most effective balance training programs ran three times a week for three months, involving standing and challenging balance exercises. The Activities The big winners are incorporated into Yoga, Pilates and gym routines, all on offer at Be Well. Here’s a sample of movements that improve balance and stability: Yoga: Tree Poses, Triangle Poses, Warrior Poses Reformer Pilates: Eve’s Lunge, Warrior 2 Lunges, Pike and Splits Gym Exercises: Single-Leg Balance, Step-Ups, Single-Leg Squats. Its not just a case of ‘use it or lose it’’; rather, its ‘use it and improve it’. The X- Factor I then discovered a very surprising X-Factor that had an enormous impact on whether we bounce or break, when the inevitable falls happen. Vitamin D, or better still, Vitamin D and calcium combined, help prevent falls in adults by improving muscle function and bone health. For instance, one study reported that vitamin D (800 IU/day) plus calcium (1200 mg/day) reduced fall risk by 27% at 12 months and 39% at 20 months. Vitamin D enhances muscle strength and balance by acting on muscle tissue receptors, which improves physical performance and reduces fall risk. When combined with calcium, vitamin D supplementation is more effective, as calcium supports bone density and strength, reducing fracture risk if a fall occurs. As with any supplement, it’s only worth taking if you are deficient; otherwise, you’re just making expensive urine. Given the importance of Vitamin D and calcium,  it’s worthwhile asking your GP for a blood test to assess your levels in case you need a boost. Here’s to living longer,healthier, better and fall-free! See you at Be Well again soon Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousMIND Your Diet: A Path to Better Brain Health Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

Happy Friday! ‘You are what you eat’ takes on new meaning when it comes to brain health. Recent studies have shown that our dietary choices profoundly impact brain structure and performance. The brain, while only about 2% of our body weight, consumes roughly 20% of our daily caloric intake, underscoring the critical role nutrition plays in maintaining optimal brain function. Enter the MIND diet, a dietary pattern designed to boost cognitive function and protect our brains from age-related problems such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. The MIND diet is a hybrid of the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, developed by Professor Martha Clare Morris and her team at the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging in Chicago. The Science Behind MIND I’m not as worried about my physical health as my brain health these days. Thank You Be Well! So I was intrigued to hear that combining elements of two quality diets (in the sense of eating plans, rather than weight loss) provides a double-whammy for cognitive wellbeing. Research on the MIND diet has shown compelling results. A 2015 study found that adherence to the MIND diet was associated with slower cognitive decline. The difference in cognitive decline rates between those in the highest and lowest tertiles was equivalent to being 7.5 years younger in age. More recent studies have backed these astonishing results: – A 2021 study showed it slowed cognitive decline in stroke survivors. – A 2022 study revealed that middle-aged adults who closely followed the MIND diet had faster information processing speeds. – Another 2022 study found that obese women following a calorie-restricted MIND diet for three months showed improvements in working memory, verbal recognition memory, and attention.   Beyond Cognition The MIND diet’s benefits likely extend beyond brain health. Its components are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which contribute to overall health and wellbeing. The diet’s effectiveness may lie in its ability to combat two key factors: oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. The brain is particularly vulnerable to this type of damage. Inflammation, while a natural response to injury and infection, can be harmful if not properly regulated and contributes to many chronic diseases. Another intriguing aspect of the MIND diet is its potential to reduce harmful beta-amyloid proteins, which can accumulate in the brain, forming plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The Big Picture While nutrition is crucial, it’s just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to brain health. Lifestyle Medicine offers a comprehensive approach to living younger, healthier, and happier. Its pillars include: 1. Nutrition: emphasise whole, plant-based foods 2. Physical activity: regular movement and exercise 3. Sleep: focus on restorative sleep and sleep hygiene 4. Stress management: practice techniques to reduce stress 5. Avoid risky substances: tobacco, illicit drugs, and excessive alcohol 6. Healthy relationships: foster positive social connections I believe gratitude, self-reflection (journaling) and exposure to nature are important additional pillars. Genetics only account for about 20% of our health outcomes, and supplements play an even smaller role.By adopting the MIND diet and incorporating the principles of Lifestyle Medicine, we can take significant steps towards maintaining our cognitive function and overall health as we age. So it’s on us! We have so much more control about our healthspan and lifespan – our years of good living – than we think. Look forward to seeing you at Be Well again soon! Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousThe spirit is willing… Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

Happy Friday! If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to meet a Guru, which translates to ‘Indian spiritual teacher’, in five weeks time you’ll get your chance in Melbourne. The world renowned spiritual teacher and founder of the Art of Living movement, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is coming to Australia and, on Saturday, 19 October, he’s hosting an intimate gathering of a few thousand people at the Margaret Court Arena. He’ll lead a two-hour workshop about how to manage your mind, feel rejuvenated and celebrate the miracle of life. Guru Who? Although Forbes magazine named Sri Sri Ravi Shankar the fifth most powerful leader in India, I’d never heard of him or the Art of Living (AoL) until a few years ago. I grew up in a Christian household, am basically agnostic but, like most people, I’ve long been fascinated by the undeniable interplay and dance of body, mind, soul. Over the years, I’ve delved into many kinds of spiritual practices – Ba’hai, Buddhism, including meeting with the Dalai Lama, many meditative and contemplative programs, courses and retreats.  Then, in January 2020 – just before Covid! – our good friend, Suparna Bhasin-Cooper, invited David and me to join her on a week-long stay at the Art of Living Ashram (Retreat) in Bangalore. The ashram is a village with over 5,000 residents/employees, set in a beautiful botanical garden, replete with a resident elephant!   We learned, and experienced wisdom, not religion. There’s no credo, theology, obligations, or rules; your spiritual journey is your own, and you draw on the wisdom, and engage in yoga, breathing, meditation and other practices, as you choose.  We spent time exploring ancient traditional Ayervedic treatments, many of which are now completely commonplace in the western world, including Australia. Delving into the eastern concept of health, wellbeing and meditation in context was the most profound experience. Just letting go and immersing ourselves in the culture and ways of doing and being, without judgement. It’s incredibly freeing and liberating. Service to humanity AoL invests heavily in education, running over 800 schools and two universities. It runs Ayervedic clinics across the country and two large hospitals. AoL is very active in rural development to assist the poorest of the poor. It’s strongly committed to environmental work, undertaking forest and river regeneration, including on the Ganges. The AoL Research Institute partners with major universities including Harvard, Cambridge and Sydney, to assess ancient practices such as meditation and yoga using scientific methods. Turns out, there is considerable scientific support for the efficacy of these practices on our health and wellbeing.  In his roles as an international diplomat and leader of a movement active in 180 countries, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s influence and impact extends far beyond India. He has a bold vision for a peaceful world, regularly hosting large scale inter-faith events with diverse leaders from around the world and thousands of attendees. All working to make the world a better place. Be Well & AoL David and I were privileged to spend half an hour with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Bangalore. After noting they were of a similar age, David asked him: ‘What is old age for?’ He replied: ‘Don’t get old!’ Sri Sri Ravi Shankar fuelled our passion and vision: changing the way we age is what Be Well is all about! It’s not for everyone of course, but if you are curious and interested, the organisers have set aside 40 Be Well seats in a block, so that Be Wellers, and their partners and friends, can be seated together. You can book tickets for yourself, friends and family here:  Book Now We fully embrace body, mind and spirit – whatever it means to you, wherever you are on your journey. Everyone is welcome at Be Well. See you again soon Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousWho wants to be forever young? Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

I guess music copyright laws wouldn’t let Dr Mark Hyman use the most apt title for his latest book but “Young Forever” is close enough! A pioneer in functional medicine, Hyman’s book adds new insights to the revolution underway regarding how we perceive aging and health, reversing disease and maintaining vitality well into old age. A revolutionary new way Functional medicine is a revolutionary new way to understand the underlying causes of disease and how our genes, our environment, and our lifestyle interact to determine health or disease. Hyman promotes a personalized approach to medicine, focusing on treating the person rather than the disease. This involves understanding how diet, stress, and environmental factors influence gene expression and metabolism. In Young Forever, Hyman delves into the science of aging, explaining how cellular processes can be influenced for better health outcomes. He provides actionable advice on diet, exercise, stress management, and toxin exposure, aiming to empower individuals to take control of their health destinies. Hyman’s philosophy is that understanding and addressing the root causes of health issues is more effective than merely treating symptoms. The fork is your most powerful tool to change your health and the planet Food as Medicine is a key theme, Hyman’s view that chronic diseases are largely foodborne illnesses is a compelling frame. He advocates an approach that recognises healthy, high quality food as a powerful tool for healing and prevention. The right conditions for your body and soul to thrive Hyman stresses the importance of community action and policies that support healthy living environments. He believes that the strength and quality of our social networks significantly influence our physical health, as well as our wellbeing. Young Forever challenges conventional views on aging. The book is filled with insights from longevity research, aiming to provide readers with practical tools to slow aging and rejuvenate both body and soul. Key Takeout for Be Wellers Hyman’s approach is grounded in the belief that getting older is not an inevitable decline. It’s a great complement to Be Well and all we know and do here everyday with our community of Members to stay younger and healthier for longer! Enjoy diving into this great read and see you at Be Well again soon! Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousFather’s Day Edition Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.