Reflection on Health and Fitness Journey

As the year draws to a close, it's a natural time for reflection. Amid the holiday hustle—a whirlwind of family gatherings, gifts, and festively abundant meals—I found myself revisiting my very first health and fitness column from early 2007. Back then, I partnered with the esteemed Dr. Steve Prescott, the long-serving president of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, until his passing in 2021.

Flipping through those pages, I can't help but see how much I've evolved. At 56, I resonate deeply with Dr. Prescott's wise advice, especially as he jokingly critiqued my intense training methods. He emphasized the importance of "sensible fitness strategies," recommending three to five 30-minute exercise sessions weekly. His mantra? Make your regimen fit your current fitness level while ensuring it's maintainable.

Transformative Changes in Health and Fitness

Over the years, our understanding of health and fitness has transformed dramatically. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in how we view wellness. Medications like Wegovy and Zepbound have revolutionized approach to weight loss, challenging the long-standing notion that there's no “magic bullet” for shedding pounds.

Advancements in gene-editing have allowed us to modify DNA almost effortlessly, opening doors to revolutionary treatments for various diseases, including cancer and sickle cell disease. Wearable technology has become increasingly affordable, enabling us to monitor everything from our physical activity to our sleep patterns. Plus, the market for dietary innovations has exploded, with new meat and milk alternatives and a wide range of products aimed at optimizing health. Simultaneously, we're becoming more aware of the dangers posed by ultra-processed foods.

Enduring Principles of Fitness

Yet, through all these changes, the simple fitness principles that Dr. Prescott proposed nearly 18 years ago remain unwavering.

Research for an Aging Society

As we move toward 2025, the demand for high-quality research on exercise and nutrition has never been higher. Our aging society seeks methods to extend our "healthspan," or the years spent free from illness and disability. Drs. Benjamin Miller and Sue Bodine at OMRF are conducting a pivotal study to examine how different exercise regimens affect aging bodies, a topic that holds significant implications for us all.

Personal Connection and Looking Ahead

One person's journey, however, has already come to a close: my beloved father, Mike Cohen, who passed away this past summer at age 94. Throughout his life, he embodied the spirit of staying active, engaging in rock climbing well into his 80s. His tenacity and love for the outdoors were truly inspiring.

Looking ahead to 2025, my colleagues and I at OMRF are committed to addressing your health questions—so please don’t hesitate to ask! Here's hoping for a joyous and healthy new year for you and your loved ones, as we discover how to carry on the legacy of sensible fitness strategies in our ever-changing world.