Some years ago, Diana came to the office complaining of fatigue. “My last doctor just said, ‘Well, Diana, you’re not getting any younger. You’re just going to have to live with it.’” Fortunately, Diana wasn’t satisfied. There had to be something she could do. Turns out there was a lot she could do, and she did.

In medical school, we are taught to diagnose and treat disease. Because fatigue isn’t a disease, we are just not given the tools to help, unless a person’s fatigue is caused by a disease. But Diana has learned that she doesn’t have to settle for getting older. Drs. Peter Attia, David Sinclair, James LaValle, Rafael Gonzalez, Kim Bruno, Ron Rothenberg, Kien Vuu, Gordan Lauc, Leonard Pastrana, Kristi Morlan-Hughes, Jin-Xiong She, Jeffrey Gladden, Ron Klatz, Vincent Giampapa, Gail Humble, and Carlos Jorge; biohackers like Dave Asprey and Ben Greenfield; and many others are increasingly demonstrating that we don’t have to settle for the once-inevitable decline in function as we age. In fact, at the annual world antiaging medicine conference last month, Dr. Jeffrey Gladden went so far as to say, “I still wake up 27 every day.” As the author of the 2023 best seller “100 is the new 30,” Dr. Gladden should know.

Scientists are increasingly discovering how we can live both longer and healthier. Whereas most of Diana’s peers can expect to live to age 79—which is nearly 6 years longer than their husbands can expect—they will spend an average of 9 of those years in poor health. In other words, their health span—the time in which they enjoy good health and function—is only 70 years. Diana has already beat the average, and of course, so can you.

Ditching the fatigue is a good sign that you are on the right track. But how do you really know what’s going on under the hood, so to speak? Advancements in laboratory science are providing increasing numbers of tests—biomarkers—that measure your “biological age.” We’ve all seen people in their 70s who look as if they are in their late 50s, and people in their 50s who look and act as if they were in their 80s. In both cases, there is a mismatch between chronological age—the number of birthdays a person has had—and biological age—how young the person’s cells are functioning.

But it turns out that one of the most useful and accurate tests of biological age isn’t new at all. It’s called metabolic testing, and it has been in use by athletes, researchers, NASA, and performance and longevity experts for decades. Metabolic testing provides a wealth of information beyond simply telling whether you are physiologically younger or older than your actual number of birthdays. For example, it tells you how well the diet you are following is meeting your needs. It tells how many calories you are burning at rest and during exercise. No more guessing. It tells if you are likely to gain weight back after stopping one of the weight loss peptides. Metabolic testing tells how quickly your cells switch from burning fat to burning glucose when you exercise. If you want to be healthy, and especially if you want to lose weight, you want your cells to postpone that switch as long as possible.

But when it comes to longevity, the most important single piece of information metabolic testing gives you is your VO2 max. This is a measure of how much oxygen all the cells in your body can utilize to make the energy that keeps you going. VO2 max is the single best predictor of how long you can expect to live—healthfully. Quite bluntly, the lower your VO2 max, the sooner you die. At a VO2 max of 55 ml/kg/minute, you can jog 10 miles per hour on flat ground. Once your VO2 max drops below 18, chances are good you will no longer be able to live independently.

The good news is that, no matter what your VO2 max is today, you can make it better. In other words, like Diana, you can extend both your lifespan and improve your quality of life and health span. At Prestige Wellness Institute, you have access to a number of tools that can help you increase your VO2 max. Your plan is customized to your needs, current circumstances, and personal preferences. It doesn’t matter whether you are a couch potato with arthritis or an elite athlete. You can always make one or more changes to boost your health and fitness. Then you can repeat your metabolic testing in 3 to 6 months to see if you are getting measurably younger and healthier. As sophisticated as this test is, it won’t break your bank, either: You may very well be spending far more on your morning brew then you will on this life-saving test.

Do you lack energy? Let’s find out why and fix it. Does your body seem to fight your best efforts to lose weight? Don’t be surprised: Working out more and eating less is usually not the answer, no matter how many doctors have innocently but misguidedly repeated it. Do you have chronic pain? You deserve relief. Can’t seem to find the motivation to do more than the bare minimum to survive? There are reasons for this. The next time someone tells you that you’re not getting any younger, you can find out why and what to do about it. Then start getting younger!

While you are thinking about those dreaded New Year’s resolutions, ask yourself the following question: Are you going to get older this year, or younger? Which one do you deserve? At Prestige Wellness Institute, we believe everyone deserves to get younger, to live longer, and to enjoy life to the fullest until the day they die, in their sleep. If you agree, call 435-259–4466 (Moab) or 435-210-0184 (Springville) to schedule your first test right away.

In a world where the daily grind can leave us feeling worn out, adding more movement to our routines might seem counterintuitive. But did you know that moving your body could be the secret to living a longer, healthier life? Whether it's taking a walk in beautiful Moab, biking on scenic trails, or hitting the gym, staying active can help you combat diseases and feel great at every age.

According to a study by the American Heart Association, adults who engage in just 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week can reduce their risk of heart disease by up to 30%. That's just 20-30 minutes of exercise a day, and the benefits are huge!

Incorporating more movement into your day doesn't have to be daunting. Here are some easy ways to get moving:
Stairway to Fitness
Why wait for the elevator when you can take the stairs? It's a quick heart-pumping boost that strengthens your legs and energizes your day. Bonus: You'll probably get there faster, too!

Park with Purpose
Turn a parking spot into a mini workout. Park farther away from the entrance, whether at work or the grocery store. Those extra steps add up and can do wonders for your fitness.

Stretch and Stream
Binge-watching? Make it productive! Stretch out, practice yoga, or try a few bodyweight exercises during commercial breaks or between episodes. Who says TV time can't double as active time?

Yardwork: Nature's Gym
Gardening, raking leaves, or mowing the lawn isn't just good for your home—it's great for your body, too! Enjoy the fresh air and sneak in a workout while beautifying your space.

Find Your Fitness Tribe
Exercise is more fun with friends. Join a local yoga class, try a weekend hiking group, or sign up for a dance session. Connecting with others keeps you motivated and makes staying active feel like a celebration.

Your Challenge
Pick one tip to try today—just one! Small changes lead to big results over time, and your body (and mind) will thank you.

Regular exercise has been proven to be a powerful tool in reducing the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, not to mention its incredible benefits for mental health. It boosts energy levels, improves mood, and even helps with sleep. Plus, it can be a fun way to spend time with family and friends!

As we welcome 2025, there's no better time to schedule your yearly physical and get your health off to a great start. Let's make this year the one where movement becomes a priority, and together, we can make your health a top goal.

At Moab Regional Hospital, our dedicated Family Medicine team is here to support your health journey every step of the way. Our doctors understand that exercise isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you're just getting started or are looking to step up your fitness routine, we're here to help!

Call us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a longer, healthier life!

The Wellness Collective is thrilled to announce the launch of the Meal Support Circle, a groundbreaking program designed to address critical nutritional and wellness needs in the Moab community. Starting Thursday, December 19th, at 5:15 PM, this weekly program will be held at the Heron School and is open to all community members, offered on a donation basis. The program will continue every Thursday at the same time.

The Meal Support Circle was developed over several months of thoughtful planning, informed by community surveys and expert guidance from Intermountain Health. Generously funded by the Moonflower Seeds to Start Grant and the Synergy Community Grant, this initiative brings together education, hands-on experience, and emotional support to create a welcoming environment for participants to explore healthier relationships with food.

Why It Matters • Moab faces unique challenges related to food insecurity, disordered eating behaviors, and barriers to preparing healthy meals. Survey feedback revealed that many residents struggle with these issues due to limited nutritional education and emotional connections to food. The Meal Support Circle directly addresses these concerns by blending practical skills with a supportive, community-oriented approach.

What to Expect • Participants will learn invaluable skills such as meal planning, cooking on a budget, and decoding food labels. Each session will provide a safe space for conversations about food, stress, and emotions, while fostering community connection through shared learning and cooking a meal together. By tackling both the practical and emotional aspects of nutrition, the program aims to empower individuals and promote healthier habits.

A Community Effort • The initiative also seeks collaborators to enhance its offerings. Local nutrition experts are invited to share their knowledge, and partnerships with food producers and farms will highlight the benefits of eating local while supporting Moab’s economy.

“We hope this program not only equips individuals with tools to improve their own health but also creates a ripple effect of wellness throughout our community,” shared Breann Davis, Executive Director of the Wellness Collective.

For more information or to get involved, please contact the Wellness Collective. Let’s work together to make Moab a healthier, more connected community—one meal at a time. www.wellnesscollectivemoab.com