It Starts with Health

Ross Berry
Jun 13
6 min read

Taking Agency Over Our Own Health

‘Karen and Jay share the excitement of health and fitness – describing the many benefits of being fit and how healthy living can improve our happiness and joy’

There’s an exciting movement in the making. People all around our country – of all ages – taking proactive measures to improve their health. All on the quest to live longer, but also to live better. In other words, to enjoy a quality of life and a health span that will dwarf the expectations of previous generations. This is what I like to refer to as ‘taking agency over our health.’ It’s preventive. It focuses on natural solutions versus pharma. And it’s about treating the whole person and the root causes – rather than simply addressing symptoms.

If your experience is like mine, you see this trend happening everywhere and in every demographic. There are a number of drivers causing this phenomenon. But I think that one of the most important developments that has accelerated the trend has been the proliferation of so many wearable devices – such as the Apple watch, the Fitbit, Garmin, the Oura ring, the Whoop band and others – all of which provide real time data and metrics on our health. They tell us how many steps we’ve taken, our heart rate, the quality of our sleep and much more. In fact, they act pretty much as a dashboard – a critical dashboard or readout on our health and fitness.

As such, these devices can radically change our behavior in a positive way. This is because as humans, I believe we tend to want to gamify things. So, for instance, when we see a particular metric on our fitness – we might say ‘I’m not fully satisfied with that, I’d like to improve it.’ So, we try things. We reach for various levers. Such as fitness regimens, nutritional approaches, supplements – or perhaps hormone therapies, peptides or even approaches to improve our sleep. And in each one of these areas of ‘levers,’ new solutions and businesses are being created and being offered. Improving all the time.

Last, what makes this movement especially exciting is the role of AI. If you take a big step back, you’d probably say that two of the biggest trends of the next 5 to 10 to 15 years are first – longevity - taking agency of our own health and fitness; and second, obviously, AI. And very interestingly, these two trends actually are converging. In a very real sense, many or perhaps even most of the metrics and ‘levers’ that are now available to measure and improve our fitness were not even possible two or three years ago and are only now possible due to the development of AI.

It's clearly a brave new world – where so very much is possible. New companies, new technologies and new business models are forming right now – even every day. Making for one of the most exciting moments in the history of mankind for us to be alive. Let’s celebrate this movement, let’s enjoy it and most important – let’s live it! Onwards and upwards toward longevity, fitness and health!

Food Is Fuel, We’re the Engine

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to treat food as an afterthought. But what we put on our plate shapes what we bring to the table - in work, in relationships, and in life. The right nutrition doesn’t just prevent disease; it powers clarity, energy, and purpose.

Research backs up what our grandparents already knew: whole foods - vegetables, lean proteins, grains - nourish more than the body. They lift the mind and spirit. A 2022 study found that people who eat more fruits and vegetables report lower rates of depression and higher productivity at work. But this isn’t just science - it’s common sense. When we eat better, we feel better.

In small towns across America, you’ll find families getting back to basics. Community gardens are cropping up, local farmers’ markets are drawing crowds, and more people are cooking at home with real ingredients. In fact, in a recent edition of our local paper in Claremont/Newport, NH, we compiled a report on local farming. Amazingly, we found nearly 70 local farms – of all varieties – within a 15 mile or so radius. These aren’t luxury trends - they’re returns to traditions that kept previous generations strong.

The truth is - nutritious food isn’t about fancy diets or high prices. It’s about making simple, intentional choices - packing your lunch instead of grabbing fast food or choosing water over soda. Small shifts, done consistently, create long-term gains.

Our health is our foundation. If we want to build resilient lives and resilient towns, it begins with how we fuel ourselves - every day, every meal.

Moving Your Body

You don’t need a gym membership to change your life. You just need to move. From morning walks to evening stretches, movement breathes life into our muscles, minds, and moods.

Physical activity does far more than shape our appearance. It boosts our brain chemistry, sharpens our focus, and strengthens our resilience to stress. Studies show that regular movement - even just 20 minutes a day - reduces anxiety, supports better sleep, and boosts decision-making. In short: movement helps us show up as our best selves!

In rural and small-town communities, staying active doesn’t have to mean hitting the treadmill. It might look like helping a neighbor split firewood or playing with your kids in the yard. Movement is all around us - we just have to choose it.

More and more towns are investing in walkable trails, outdoor recreation, and local sports programs. These are investments not just in fun, but in the health of the whole community. When we move together, we bond together.

Let’s get moving - not just for fitness, but for freedom and prosperity. Every step taken in motion is a step toward motivation, momentum, and a more vibrant life.

Rest Leads to Readiness

In a culture that glorifies hustle, rest is often overlooked. But the reality is, rest is not the opposite of productivity - it’s what makes productivity possible.

Sleep, in particular, is the unsung hero of health. It heals our muscles, sharpens our thinking, and regulates the emotions we carry into each day. Skimping on sleep doesn’t prove toughness - it limits our potential. Chronic sleep deprivation is quietly eroding our collective wellbeing.

But rest isn’t just about sleep. It’s about learning to pause - to give our bodies and minds the space to recharge. For farmers, that might mean sitting quietly at sunrise before the day begins. For a busy parent, it might be five deep breaths at a red light. For anyone, it’s permission to stop, breathe, and reset.

Our bodies are built for cycles - work and rest, action and recovery. Honoring those rhythms leads to better performance, better health, and better lives.

In small towns where the stars are still visible at night, there’s a quiet wisdom that reminds us: slowing down isn’t falling behind. It’s catching up with what matters most.

Health Is the Backbone of Prosperity

If we want to rebuild America - our towns, our economy, our communities - it starts by rebuilding the health of its people. Indeed, a country is only as strong as its citizens.

Physical health impacts every dimension of success. Healthy workers are more reliable, engaged, and innovative. Healthy families raise stronger, more resilient kids. Healthy communities have lower healthcare costs, less crime, and more capacity to take care of one another.

This is why prioritizing wellness isn’t just personal - it’s patriotic. It’s how we reduce burdens on our systems, increase individual freedom, and unlock human potential.

In small towns especially, the effects of health ripple outward. A local business owner who eats well and exercises has more energy to lead. A volunteer who sleeps better has more focus to serve. A teenager who walks every morning to school builds confidence that shapes their future.

The best part? We don’t have to wait. We can take action right now - in our homes, our routines, our communities. Every healthy choice is a step toward a stronger America.

Positive Profile: Dr. Rishi Manchanda

This week we are delighted to highlight a true leading light in health, Dr. Rishi Manchanda.

Dr. Manchanda is a physician, public health innovator, and author who has dedicated his career to addressing the root causes of health issues, particularly in underserved communities. As the founder of HealthBegins, a social enterprise that supports healthcare systems in addressing social determinants of health, Dr. Manchanda advocates for an "upstream" approach to healthcare - focusing on factors like housing, food security, and environmental conditions that significantly impact health outcomes.

His work emphasizes the importance of integrating social care into healthcare delivery, aiming to transform the healthcare system to be more equitable and effective. Dr. Manchanda's approach has influenced numerous health systems and policies, promoting a more holistic view of health that extends beyond clinical care.

In his widely viewed TED Talk, "What Makes Us Get Sick? Look Upstream," Dr. Manchanda illustrates how addressing social determinants can lead to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. His message resonates with the core values of community empowerment and proactive health management.

Dr. Manchanda's efforts have been recognized nationally, and he continues to inspire healthcare professionals to consider the broader context of their patients' lives. His work exemplifies how individual initiative, and systemic change can converge to improve community health. Dr. Manchanda, we salute you for your efforts!