New Year, New Wellness

The holiday season marks a time for joy, love, togetherness, giving, and, often, far too many decadent sweets and rich comfort foods to count.

However, while we may lose track of the cookies we consume, our bodies are silently keeping score. It is no wonder that weight loss and fitness goals surge to the top of our resolution lists each new year. While prioritizing physical wellness is a positive life choice any time of year, for many, it can seem overwhelming to know where to begin, especially amid the near-constant onslaught of fad diet and gym advertisements that invade our post-holiday media feeds. These flashy images of extreme before-and-after results and sponsored testimonials can trick the mind into thinking that the only way to get fit is through drastic measures, but Pennington Biomedical Research Center urges consumers to consider what they refer to as a “small shifts” approach to physical wellness. 

This means that instead of thinking you have to add a difficult and  exhausting gym routine to your schedule to get results, a simple increase in your daily physical activity can make a significant difference over time. “This can be as simple as adding a ten to fifteen minute walk to your day. It can also help to find a friend to join you for added accountability,” said Pennington Biomedical’s Executive Director, Dr. John Kirwan who added, “the key is consistency and finding something you enjoy.” For further motivation, Pennington Biomedical Research Center offers downloadable tools on their website that can help you  discover your Body Mass Index (BMI) and predict your potential weight loss results from specific lifestyle changes. Resources offering nutritional and fitness advice are also easily accessible on the site.

While making small positive lifestyle changes and monitoring your progress will make a big difference over time, some may find they still need more support to reach their health goals. One avenue to explore for those who need this additional structure is participation in one of Pennington Biomedical’s clinical trials. These studies rely on community-sourced research subjects, and a variety of opportunities to participate  are listed on their website. 

According to Pennington Biomedical, the goal of these studies is to find “solutions from cells to society.” What this means is that the data gathered through their research aims to take the science from bench to bedside and apply it to the Baton Rouge community and beyond. Participation in these research studies not only directly helps the person involved by monitoring them in a clinical environment with a supportive staff of doctors and dietitians, but it also contributes to the discovery of solutions for the wider population. 

Instead of letting the overwhelming surge of post-holiday fitness pressure discourage your health progress  for another new year, consider the multitude of possibilities Pennington Biomedical Research Center has to offer.  Whether you simply need a place to find  a wealth of resources to start your journey toward a more nutritious diet and sustainable fitness plan or think you might be an eligible candidate  to participate in one of the dozens of weight loss related studies offered, you will be met with a staff of knowledgeable and welcoming healthcare providers and support staff eager to help you change your life for the better. Regardless of your specific needs,  Pennington Biomedical Research Center  provides valuable tools to make positive health changes for individuals and the community as a whole.

Visit pbrc.edu for more information.