Special Edition

This newsletter is brought to you by our partner, Erlanger.

Health trends that are actually worth trying

a photo taken from above a plate of a mediterranean dish called Fattoush, made with ember roasted beets, pickled radish, peanuts, & herbed goat cheese.

Think veggies and lean meats are boring? Mediterranean ingredients make healthy food fun with deep flavors and creative combinations. | Photo by @callioperestaurant

From intermittent fasting and meditation apps to new wellness trends predicted for 2024, what health trends are actually worth trying?

Here to give us their verdict are Erlanger physicians, who weigh in on two health topics trending in the wellness world:

Mediterranean Diet

The trend:

The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes whole foods, healthy fats, lean proteins, veggies, and complex carbs. Much of the diet is based on foods eaten in countries like Greece, Spain, and Italy.

Why it’s popular:

The Mediterranean Diet was named the healthiest way to eat — for the sixth year in a row. Nutrition specialists have cited a number of benefits from following the principles of the diet, like heart, bone + joint health.

The verdict:

Erlanger cardiologist Jennifer Mirza, DO, says the Mediterranean Diet can be a great guide for optimizing eating habits. The biggest takeaway is that you’re eating less processed foods, increasing veggies, and consuming heart-healthy proteins and food sources.

Bonus: Ready to give fresh-focused eating a try? Our local recs include Mediterranean-inspired Massey’s Kitchen or Levantine restaurant (think: Mediterranean meets Middle Eastern) Calliope.

a person's hand with a health watch on their wrist — Dr. Garrett says he looks forward to health wearables helping physicians to tailor patients’ healthcare plans based on real-time data.
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Photo via Pexels

Health wearables

The trend:

More than 30% of people in the US use wearable health technology (think: brands like Fitbit and Oura Ring). People use these devices for many reasons, from tracking step count to monitoring sleep quality.

Why it’s popular:

Health wearables can track your health in real time and provide total body data + personalized health recommendations. For many, it’s like having a health advisor and fitness coach accessible at all times.

The verdict:

Erlanger sports medicine physician William Hunter Garrett, MD, owns two devices himself and says they are great for anyone serious about their activity levels and recovery, or interested in how things like caffeine and exercise impact their daily routine.

Another pro he mentions: Health wearables can provide real-time data that can alert users of heart issues or first responders of falls or car accidents.

Wondering about other health trends? Talk to an Erlanger physician for expert advice.

Talk to a doctor

Asked

What health trends are you interested in learning more about this year?

A. Collagen powder
B. The Ozempic “ripple effect”
C. Mushroom consumption
D. Probiotics, prebiotics, and gut health
E. Mental health days
F. Other

Tell us

Events

Active

Get Moving! Walk | Tuesday, February 6; every other Tuesday | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Audubon Acres, 900 N. Sanctuary Rd. | Free with park admission | Enjoy fresh air and conversations with other community members during this biweekly leisurely forest stroll.
Introduction to Chi Gong | Monday, February 19 | 6-7:15 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Suite 108 | $25 | Learn the basics of this meditative exercise, which combines physical movements + breathwork to increase energy levels and reduce stress.

Wellness

Lifey’s 2024 Vision Board Experience | Thursday, February 8 | 6-8 p.m. | Bud’s Creative Arts Center, 5325 Old Hixson Pike, Hixson | $35 | An interactive class to learn about the vision board process + create your own custom board using different pictures and words.
Sound Bath Meditation | Sunday, February 11 | 2-3 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Suite 108 | $30 | Sound therapist Jennifer Kearns will lead guests through a meditative sound journey using different healing instruments + sound therapy techniques.

Health

Erlanger Cancer Support Group | Tuesday, February 20 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Erlanger Baroness Hospital Oncology Conference Room, 975 E. 3rd St. | Free | Individuals impacted by cancer can share about their cancer journey in a safe space + receive helpful education and resources from specialists.

Outdoors

Gardening 101 | Thursday, February 22 | 6-8 p.m. | Crab Tree Farms, 1000 E. 30th St. | $25 | This workshop will teach the basics of gardening and different organic practices to help guests learn how to confidently grow fresh, organic vegetables.

Health

5 cancer screenings and when to get them

NOOGA-erlanger wellness lung cancer-2.5.24.jpg

A cancer screening is a preventative measure that can help detect cancer during its early stages. | Photo via Unsplash

In light of National Cancer Prevention Month, we’re sharing resources to help you learn how to minimize your risk of cancer or find it early (when it’s more treatable).

One great way to keep your preventive health plan on track is by staying up-to-date on cancer screenings based on your gender, age, and risk level.

Here are five cancer screenings to put on your radar — and recommendations on when to get them:

Take a risk assessment

News Notes

Active

Run, Chattanooga, run. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or ready to take it from the couch to a 5K this year, there’s a spot for you at the Chattanooga Track Club. Included in membership is access to weekly group runs, annual socials + clinics, race team opportunities, and more.

Opening

Hamilton Place recently announced several food, retail + fitness additions. The health-inspired places we’re eyeing: Crunch Fitness + Taco Mamacita (yes, tacos can be healthy).

Health

Did you know that heart attacks are more common in men — but silent heart attacks (think: having a heart attack and not knowing it) happen more often in women? See the signs of a silent heart attack — and how heart attacks in women differ from men.

Outdoors

Be-leaf it or not, winter is a good time to start preparing a garden. Now is the time to shop for seeds, do some routine maintenance, and even sow certain plants. Check out our guide on how to prepare your garden + what to plant in the winter months.

Older Adults

When was the last time you tried something for the first time? This list of activities for the 55+ community in and around Chattanooga has you covered — including creative ways to get active, enjoy time outdoors, and even learn a new skill (like salsa dancing or birding).

Highlighted

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