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Global Wellness Summit Announces Co-chairs for November Conference in St Andrews, Scotland

Three leaders with very different wellness expertise will shape the 2024 agenda: Nina Kohler, strategy and design leader for Kohler’s award-winning Hospitality Group; Aradhana Khowala, CEO, Aptamind Partners, and specialist in travel and hospitality, diversity and inclusion, and women’s health; and Freddie Moross, founder and CEO of innovative music-for-wellbeing company, Myndstream

The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) today announced the three co-chairs who will help create the agenda for the conference taking place November 4-7, 2024 at the famed Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in St Andrews, Scotland. Each brings a unique background in health and wellness. Nina Kohler provides strategy and design leadership for the Hospitality Group within the Kohler Co., a storied brand that for 150 years has been a global leader in design and innovation. Aradhana Khowala is CEO of London-based Aptamind Partners, an advisory firm that helps governments and emerging destinations understand tourism’s impact as a change agent. She also chairs the Red Sea Global Advisory Board, the ambitious regenerative tourism destination in Saudi Arabia. Freddie Moross is the UK-based founder and CEO of music-for-wellbeing company Myndstream, whose mission is to unlock the full potential of audio environments.

 For the first time in its 18-year history, the Summit will be held in the UK, one of the world’s five largest wellness economies ($224 billion), and one of the two fastest-growing wellness markets in recent years. The invite-only Summit will gather leaders in health and wellness from dozens of countries. Executives of wellness, spa and beauty companies, doctors, technologists, academics, policy leaders, and investors will gather for three packed days of exploring the very bright ­– and increasingly very different – future of wellness.

Nancy Davis GWS chief creative officer and executive director said,

“We could not be more excited about this powerful triumvirate of co-chairs. The breadth of expertise they represent and the energy, enthusiasm and ideas they bring to the table will make this a memorable, impactful Summit – and we will be announcing topics and speakers in coming weeks.” 

About the Co-chairs

Nina Kohler: A strategy and design leader at the Hospitality Group of the Kohler Co., which spans seven properties, including the Summit location, the iconic Old Course Hotel. The family-owned Kohler Co., founded in 1873, has been renowned for creativity and leading-edge design for 150 years, and provides gracious living through kitchen and bath products; luxury cabinetry, tile and lighting; luxury hospitality experiences and major championship golf; and distributed energy solutions. Nina has spent the better part of three decades immersed in the health and wellness space as an investor, instructor and advisor. She is a marathoner, outdoors enthusiast, and golf and yoga practitioner. She is passionate about philanthropic efforts that support children, wellness and mental health, and education initiatives, and is a director of the Boys & Girls Club of Sheboygan County, Wisconsin; serves on the PGA Reach/PGA Foundation; and is a trustee for Vanderbilt University. 

Aradhana Khowala: With a career spanning 25 years, five continents and more than 75 countries, Khowala is a strategy specialist in luxury hospitality, regenerative tourism, health and wellness, and gender dynamics. She was featured among the 100 most powerful people in global hospitality for three years in a row. Previously she was managing director of tourism at NEOM, the $500 billion “land of the future” for sustainable living in Saudi Arabia. Khowala currently chairs the Group Advisory Board of Red Sea Global, which includes providing strategic guidance for AMAALA, the largest integrated wellness-focused destination in Saudi Arabia – if not the world. An accomplished public speaker, she has discussed gender equality on the TEDX stage and participated in global policy conversations at the World Economic Forum, United Nations and G20. She serves on the Global Wellness Institute’s Board of Advisors.

“Wellness is multifaceted and it’s also not a one-size-fits-all solution. I’ve long championed the vision of a world where we live longer, better lives, and where everyone can access wellness – regardless of race, gender, identity, or socio-economic status,” said Khowala. “I’m thrilled to co-chair the upcoming Summit in Scotland and help develop an agenda that not only inspires and educates but also fosters meaningful conversations and actionable strategies, paving the way for a healthier tomorrow.”

Freddie Moross: As founder of Myndstream, Moross is a pioneer in creating music for wellbeing and his mission is to ensure a rigorous quality control process when music is utilized in clinical and therapeutic settings. He is an Advisory Board Member of the Global Wellness Institute and received the Debra Simon Award for Leader in Furthering Mental Wellness at the 2022 Global Wellness Summit.

“I’m incredibly honoured to be co-chairing the GWS this year. For the past three years Myndstream has been the exclusive audio partner for the conference, and we’ve witnessed first-hand how this unique, powerful platform brings together the brightest minds in wellness to share ideas, forge collaborations, and ultimately, shapes the future of wellbeing for all,” said Moross. “It’s a pivotal time for the industry, and I’m thrilled to be at the forefront of these important conversations.”

The Fast-Growing UK Wellness Market: The UK has a uniquely sophisticated, innovative and fast-expanding wellness economy. The Global Wellness Institute’s new “Country Rankings” report finds that it’s the 5^th-largest wellness market, growing from $157 billion in 2020 to $224 billion in 2022 – a 19.4% annual growth rate that ranks second in the world. The UK wellness market in 2022 reached 131% of its 2019 (pre-pandemic) value, which ranks #1 among the top 25 largest wellness economies. The wellness market represents 7.3% of the UK’s total GDP, up significantly from 5.96% in 2019.

Registration is open. First-time delegates can apply to attend here.

Media who would like to attend the GWS in Scotland can apply here.

About the Global Wellness Summit: The Global Wellness Summit is an organization that brings together leaders and visionaries to positively shape the future of the $5.6 trillion global wellness economy. In addition to an annual conference, held at a different location around the globe, GWS hosts regular in-person and virtual gatherings, including an annual Wellness Real Estate & Communities Symposium, and a series of Wellness Master Classes. GWS also produces the Global Wellness Conversations podcast and “The Doctor is INclusive” webinar series. The organization’s annual Global Wellness Trends Report offers expert-based predictions on the future of wellness that are oft-quoted in the media. The 18^th annual Summit will be held in St. Andrews, Scotland, November 4-7, 2024

Media Contact and Further Information

Beth McGroarty (GWS) <beth.mcgroarty@globalwellnesssummit.com>

Tel: +1 213-300-0107

Scientists Discover Higher Levels of CO₂ Increase Survival of Viruses in the Air and Transmission Risk

A new study has revealed for the first time the vital role carbon dioxide (CO₂) plays in determining the lifespan of airborne viruses – namely SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. It clearly showed keeping CO₂ levels in check helps to reduce virus survival, and therefore the risk of infection.

The research, led by the University of Bristol and published in Nature Communications,[1] shows clearly how CO₂ is a major factor in prolonging the life of SARS-CoV-2 variants present in tiny droplets circulating in the atmosphere.

Lead author Dr Allen Haddrell, Senior Research Associate in Aerosol Science at the University’s School of Chemistry, said:

“We knew SARS-CoV-2, like other viruses, spreads through the air we breathe. But this study represents a huge breakthrough in our understanding of exactly how and why that happens, and crucially, what can be done to stop it.  

“It shows that opening a window may be more powerful than originally thought, especially in crowded and poorly ventilated rooms, as fresh air will have a lower concentration of CO₂, causing the virus to become inactivated much faster.

“But it also highlights the importance of our global net zero goals because the research indicates even slightly raised levels of CO_2, which are increasing in the atmosphere with the onset of climate change, can significantly improve the rate of virus survival and the risk of it spreading.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic carbon dioxidemonitors were used to help estimate ventilation in buildings, as both CO₂ and the virus are present in exhaled breath. But this research has uncovered how CO₂ itself actually makes the virus survive longer in the air.

The researchers made these discoveries using unique bioaerosol  technology they developed, called CELEBS – Controlled Electrodynamic Levitation and Extraction of Bio aerosols onto The researchers made these discoveries using unique bioaerosol technology they developed, called CELEBS – Controlled Electrodynamic Levitation and Extraction of Bioaerosols onto a Substrate, which allows the survival of different SARS-CoV-2 variants to be measured in laboratory generated airborne particles that mimic exhaled aerosol.

By varying the concentration of CO₂ in the air between 400 parts per million (ppm) – the level in normal outdoor air) and 6,500 ppm, the team confirmed a correlation between increases in CO₂ concentrations and the length of time airborne viruses remains infectious in air, compounding the risk of transmission.

Results showed increasing the CO₂ concentration to just 800 ppm, a level identified as well ventilated, resulted in an increase in viral aerostability. After 40 minutes, when compared to clean air, around 10 times as much virus remained infectious when the air has a CO₂ concentration similar to that of a crowded room (3,000 ppm).

Dr Haddrell said:

“This relationship sheds important light on why super spreader events may occur under certain conditions. The high pH of exhaled droplets containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus is likely a major driver of the loss of infectiousness. CO₂ behaves as an acid when it interacts with droplets. This causes the pH of the droplets to become less alkaline, resulting in the virus within them being inactivated at a slower rate.

“That’s why opening a window is an effective mitigation strategy because it both physically removes the virus from the room, but also makes the aerosol droplets themselves more toxic to the virus.”

Between now and the end of the century, recent climate science research has projected the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere is expected to reach more than 700 ppm.

Dr Haddrell added:

“These findings therefore have broader implications not only in our understanding of the transmission of respiratory viruses, but how changes in our environment may exacerbate the likelihood of future pandemics. Data from our study suggests that rising levels of CO₂ in the atmosphere may coincide with an increase in the transmissibility of other respiratory viruses by extending how long they remain infectious in the air.”

Co-author Professor Jonathan Reid, Director of EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science at the University of Bristol, said:

“While there is much we still do not understand, we are now gaining a much more complete picture of the role exhaled respiratory aerosols play in transporting infectious viruses between people and the mechanisms that control their survival. 

“These findings can serve as a scientific basis for the design of mitigation strategies that could save lives in any future pandemic.”

The study was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the UKRI National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) rapid COVID-19 call, the Elizabeth Blackwell Institute (EBI), the University of Bristol, and the Health and Safety Executive PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study on transmission and environment.

Reference

1. Allen Haddrell, Jonathan P. Reid et al. ‘Ambient Carbon Dioxide Concentration Correlates with SARS-CoV-2 Aerostability and Infection Risk’ Nature Communications. 15: 3487. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-47777-5. 2024.

Further Information and Media Contact

For all inquiries, please contact Victoria Tagg
Media & PR Manager (Research), University of Bristol,
Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QU
Victoria.tagg@bristol.ac.uk

Launch of Alzheimer’s Prevention Day (May 15th); What Experts do to Prevent Alzheimer's

A group of world-leading brain health scientists has come together to launch Alzheimer’s Prevention Day on May 15^hh. The day aims to raise awareness of the scientifically proven ways Alzheimer’s can be prevented.

 If you ask the average person what causes Alzheimer’s they’ll probably say “it’s in the genes”. In reality, only about one in a hundred cases are caused by genes.

“It may be possible to prevent up to 80% of dementia cases if all known risk factors, including homocysteine lowering B vitamins and omega-3, found in oily fish, were targeted.” says China’s leading prevention expert Professor Jin-Tai Yu from Fudan University in Shanghai

“With no clinically effective drugs, and minimal role of genes our focus must be on making diet and lifestyle changes that reduce risk of developing dementia.” says Professor David Smith, former Deputy Head of the University of Oxford’s Medical Science division. His research has shown up to 73 percent less brain shrinkage in those given B vitamin supplements with sufficient omega-3.

Josh Miller, Professor of Nutritional Science at Rutgers University, New Jersey agrees:

 “We could certainly prevent a significant percentage of dementia cases if all known nutrition-related risk factors were targeted."

They are members of an expert group of 30 world leading brain health scientists across the US, UK, China and Japan, who are launching Alzheimer’s Prevention Day on May 15^th with a website https://alzheimersprevention.info/ that works out what’s driving your future risk and what to do to reduce it.

“I watch my sugar intake. Fructose, high in fruit juice and hidden in so many processed foods, is a primary driver of Alzheimer’s. If you want to prevent Alzheimer’s save your sugar for dessert.” says Dr Robert Lustig, Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics from the University of California.

Harvard-trained psychiatrist Dr Georgia Ede also recommends cutting carbohydrates. she says.“Alzheimer's is sometimes called 'type 3 diabetes' because 80% of cases show insulin resistance, which makes it difficult for the brain to use carbohydrate for energy. A ketogenic diet improves insulin resistance and generates ketones from fat to help energize the brain.”  

Canada’s Professor Stephen Cunnane’s research has shown that in people at the start of Alzheimer disease, the cognitive benefits of a ketogenic drink are directly due to better energy levels in the brain.

“In the US 61 million people binge drink. Heavy alcohol use is the strongest modifiable risk factor for developing early dementia.” says psychiatrist Dr Chris Palmer also from Harvard Medical School.

Like Professor David Smith from Oxford, prevention expert Dr Atsuo Yanagisawa from Japan, eats fish and supplements B12 every day.

Dr Bill Harris, leading expert in omega-3 says “I supplement omega-3 and eat the ‘smash’ fish (Salmon, Mackerel, either Anchovies or Albacore tuna, Sardines, Herring) high in omega-3. My advice is to get your omega-3 index up into the healthy zone and keep it there.”

“An active lifestyle is a key prevention step for Alzheimer’s. In particular, improving muscle mass and strength is strongly linked to less dementia risk and better brain health, with significant benefits even if we start exercising later in life.” says Tommy Wood, assistant professor of neuroscience at the University of Washington. "Getting enough sleep is also essential to help the brain recover.”

New York Times best-selling author and neurologist Dr David Perlmutter points out that “By virtue of the simple lifestyle choices we make on a daily basis, we are the architects of our brain’s destiny. This is true empowerment.”

Each expert has recorded a 3- minute film of a single action anyone can take to prevent Alzheimer’s. The website https://www.alzheimersprevention.info/  also has a 3-minute Alzheimer’s Prevention Check anyone can take to find out what actions will lower their future risk and a chance to record their own ‘what I do to prevent Alzheimer’s’ action.

“Alzheimer’s takes several decades to develop and we largely know what’s driving it.” says Patrick Holford from the prevention charity foodforthebrain.org which is spear-heading the campaign. “We need to change the paradigm towards making prevention a reality. That’s what Alzheimer’s Prevention Day is all about.”

The Experts Supporting and Advising this Initiative

Professor Emeritus Robert Lustig, paediatrics and nutrition, University of California

Professor Emeritus David Smith, pharmacology, University of Oxford

Professor Michael Crawford, Institute of brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition, Imperial College, London.

Professor Stephen Cunnane, ketotherapeutics, Usherbrook University, Canada

Professor Peter Garrard, neurologist, Neuroscience and Cell Biology Research Institute at St George’s, London, UK

Professor Jin Tai Yu, Director of the Institute of Neurology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Professor William Harris, founder of the Fatty Acid Research Institute, USA

Professor Richard Johnson MD, University of Colorado

Professor Josh Miller, Chair of Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers University

Associate Professor David Vauzour, molecular nutrition, Norwich Medical School

Assistant Professor Christopher Palmer MD, psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

Assistant Professor Tommy Wood, paediatrics and neuroscience, University of Washington

Dr David Perlmutter MD, neurologist and New York Times bestselling author

Dr Dale Bredesen MD, Buck Institute for Research on Aging and adjunct professor at UCSF.

Dr Umadevi Naidoo MD, nutritional psychiatry, Harvard Medical School faculty member

Dr Georgia Ede MD, nutritional and metabolic psychiatry

Dr Sara Gottfried, MD

Dr Hyla Cass MD, psychiatry, retired assistant clinical professor, UCLA

Assistant Clinical Professor James Greenblatt MD, Tufts University School of Medicine

Dr Sabine Donnai, medicine, founder of Viavi

Dr Josh Turknett MD, neurology, founder of Brainjo

Dr Atsuo Yanagisawa MD, founder of the Japanese Society of Orthomolecular Medicine

Dr Andrew McCaddon, former GP and researcher

Dr Rhonda Patrick PhD, biomedical science, founder of FoundMyFitness

Dr Simon Dyall PhD, nutritional neuroscientist, University of Roehampton.

Louisa Nicola, neurophysiologist, founder of Neuro Athletics

Patrick Holford, nutrition and psychology, founder of FoodfortheBrain.org

Further Information and Media Contact

For media enquiries please contact Sophie at Panpathic Communications: Sophie@panpathic.com / 07815 860 082.

Tired, Gaining Weight or Depressed? 10% of Us May Have Urgent Condition Taking 4 Years to Diagnose

Research shows that 1 in 10 Brits may have a thyroid condition that could lead to a fatal heart attack. A leading expert says that, despite the fact underactive thyroids can be diagnosed with a simple blood test, it takes an average of 4.5 years for a thyroid condition to be diagnosed.

Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) affects up to 10% of the population. Untreated, it can result in decreased cardiac output, high blood pressure and ‘atherosclerosis’ – a build-up of fats, cholesterol and other substances in the artery walls, potentially causing blood clots. 

It’s identifiable with a simple blood test, yet researchers from the University of Aberdeen found it takes an average of 4.5 years for thyroid conditions to be diagnosed, particularly for patients with hypothyroidism. In most cases, it took multiple appointments and a worsening of the severity of symptoms before a diagnosis was made.

Now a leading expert says all UK adults should take a thyroid function blood test to find out if their hormone levels are correct or whether vital treatment is needed.

Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan MBChB, Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, says: 

“Up to 10% of people are likely to be suffering from an underactive thyroid, according to research published in the DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal. Yet the Aberdeen study published last year found that it can take 4.5 years for people to be diagnosed with this potentially fatal condition.

“Particularly concerning is the fact that 25% of individuals over the age of 65 exhibit thyroiditis (a swelling of the thyroid which can lead to unusually high or low levels of thyroid hormones in the blood), highlighting a marked vulnerability among older people.

“The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. It produces hormones that control the body's growth and metabolism, affecting heart rate, energy levels and weight management, among other functions. This can lead to hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Signs of hypothyroidism can include:

• Tiredness
• Dry skin
• Thinning hair
• Weight gain
• Intolerance of cold
• Heavy periods
• Reduced fertility
• Memory loss
• Poor concentration
• Depression

“Left untreated, hypothyroidism can result in the increased risk of cardiovascular disease. That’s because low levels of the hormone thyroxine can lead to increased levels of cholesterol in your blood. This causes fatty deposits to build up in your arteries, restricting the flow of blood. This can ultimately lead to strokes and heart attacks.

“In rare cases, a severe underactive thyroid may also lead to a life-threatening condition called myxoedema coma. Thyroid hormone levels become very low, causing symptoms such as confusion, hypothermia and drowsiness.

“Despite the amount of people it affects, and the dangers associated with the condition, medical professionals can be slow to diagnose the problem. The University of Aberdeen study found patients, particularly women, were dismissed out of hand with patronising comments such as “eat more vegetables”, “take up jogging”, “it’s laziness” and “it’s all in your head” by GPs and even consultants.

“My colleague, Dr Peter Basile, has explored the issue in his London Medical Laboratory Spotify Let’s Talk About Health series podcast. In the episode Underactive Thyroid, he reveals women’s symptoms are often taken as signs of the menopause and may be overlooked for years because they develop slowly.

“That’s why it is notoriously difficult to diagnose thyroid problems without a blood test. A thyroid function test is the only accurate way to diagnose thyroid problems. These may be available from your doctor but are also available as a simple, but highly accurate, finger-prick blood test.

“London Medical Laboratory’s Thyroid Function – Diagnosis and Monitoring test gives a good indication as to whether the thyroid is functioning normally or not by checking levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Free T4 (FT4). The test can be taken at home through the post, or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer it across London and nationwide in over 120 selected pharmacies and health stores. For full details see:
https://www.londonmedicallaboratory.com/product/thyroid-function

Contact and Further Information  

London Medical Laboratory’s Clinical Lead, Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan, is available to supply exclusive written comment or for interview. To contact D. Hari Narayanan, or for more information, please email London Medical Laboratory’s Head of Public Relations, David Jinks M.I.L.T., at david.jinks@londonmedicallaboratory.co.uk

Seminal Moment for University of Sunderland’s School of Medicine

The University of Sunderland’s School of Medicine has been granted official status by the General Medical Council (GMC) in a seminal moment for the institution.

At its meeting this month, the GMC agreed to add the University to the list of bodies able to award UK primary medical qualifications.

The move is the culmination of years of hard work by staff and students following the first announcement that the University would be opening a medical school back in 2018.

Since then, the School, which welcomed its first medical students in September 2019, has been under the scrutiny of the GMC’s rigorous testing procedures, ensuring it reaches the highest standards.

Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, said:

“This is a seminal moment as approval of primary medical qualification – PMQ – status confirms our position as a leading force when it comes to providing the full range of health-related qualifications.

“As a result, future generations of citizens far and wide are going to benefit from the expertise of, and the care provided by, Sunderland doctors I pay tribute to Professor Scott Wilkes, Head of the Sunderland Medical School, and his colleagues for their outstanding work to bring us to this position. I would also like to thank University staff past and present – including my predecessor, Shirley Atkinson – for their vision, foresight, and boldness in bidding to host a medical school here in the first place.”

Sunderland was one of only five new medical schools announced in 2018 in a bid to address the regional imbalance of medical education places across England and to widen access to ensure the profession reflected the communities it serves.

Since then, it has grown in size and reputation, opening an Anatomy Centre in early 2022 and moving into the Murray Health building this year. The University’s capital plan also includes around £30m for further medical and health-related developments, ensuring that students are taught in some of the best facilities in the country.

Professor Scott Wilkes, Head of the School of Medicine, said:

“I’ve been privileged to lead the most exciting project of my life, to establish the medical school in Sunderland.

“Over the last seven years, I’ve been supported by some wonderful people and I’m immensely proud of the team, which is in excess of 150 staff from across the University, hospital trusts and GP practices.

“For me, the absolute delight is in the wider benefit of being a significant contributor to the health and wealth of Sunderland and the wider north-east.

“Our philosophy promotes accessible medical education for talented individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, which is reflected in the diversity of our students.

“I will be incredibly emotional to see our pioneer cohort graduate in July.”

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, Professor Laura Stroud added:

“This is a huge stride forward in realising our ambition to produce excellent medical doctors to serve our patients and population here in Sunderland.

“I am proud of our staff and students who have come together to make this a reality.  Our students have benefitted from being taught in these excellent facilities alongside the whole multi-professional team, with input from our wonderful Patient, Carer and Public Involvement participants from the beginning.”

Professor Colin Melville, Medical Director and Director of Education and Standards at the GMC, said:

“The GMC rightly has high standards and a very rigorous process before any new school is approved to award medical degrees to graduating students.

“I am delighted we have been able bestow this status on the University of Sunderland’s medical school. It is testament to their hard work over a number of years.”

The University is now the only one in the region which offers a full suite of health-related courses, including paramedic and other health-related sciences, nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.

The first cohort of new doctors will graduate at the Stadium of Light this summer.

Further Information and Media Contact

Please contact Craig Thompson on Tel: 0773 460 5286; craig.thompson@sunderland.ac.uk / pressoffice@sunderland.ac.uk