Health

Greg Bishop, Attorney of Park City, Discusses Intermittent Fasting During Retirement

Published

5 years ago

February 7, 2020

Intermittent fasting – currently in vogue in many diet and health circles – describes different approaches to fasting. As the term implies, intermittent fasting refers to periodically abstaining from food and drink (although water and non-caloric drinks are acceptable). There are several different categories of intermittent fasting, but the three most common are (1) time-restricted feeding, (2) alternate-day fasting, and (3) periodic fasting.

Time-restricted feeding refers to eating only within a prescribed block of time each day. For example, one common approach is the 16:8 diet, where you fast continuously for 16 hours and then eat only during an 8-hour block of time (such as between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM). The frequency of eating during that block of time – for example, 2 big meals versus 3 smaller meals with snacks – is largely a matter of personal preference.

Alternate-day fasting involves rotating between “fast days” and “feast days.” Under this method, a “fast day” can be thought of either as strict fasting (no food and only non-caloric drinks) or as limited to 25% of your normal daily caloric intake. A “feast day,” on the other hand, refers to a regular day of eating your normal caloric intake (in other words, the fast day does not offset going calorie crazy on the feast day).

Finally, periodic fasting is similar to alternate-day fasting in that it can refer to any occasional fasting for 24 or more consecutive hours, followed by a normal eating period. The 5:2 diet is an example of a common periodic fasting diet – eating five days each week and fasting on two non-consecutive days.

What’s the Point of Intermittent Fasting?

Attorney Greg Bishop, located in Park City, Utah, explains that the primary purposes of intermittent fasting are to lose weight and improve health. He notes that a December 2019 article published in the New England Journal of Medicine concludes that studies and clinical trials have demonstrated that intermittent fasting:

Is as effective for weight loss as standard diets (according to 6 short-term studies involving overweight or obese adults);
Promotes fat loss while maintaining muscle mass in those involved in resistance training;
Reduces the health risks associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers and neurologic disorders;
Improves multiple indicators of cardiovascular health, including blood pressure, resting heart rate, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance;
Increases neuronal stress resistance through multiple mechanisms, including bolstering antioxidant defenses and DNA repair;
Suppresses inflammation, which can be beneficial in treating rheumatoid arthritis; and
Increases verbal memory, executive function, global cognition and working memory.

Notwithstanding the growing evidence from clinical studies regarding the health benefits of intermittent fasting, there is still much that we do not know. For example, most of the clinical studies were short-term, conducted over a matter of months. Thus, the long-term impacts of intermittent fasting are not yet known. Similarly, most of the study participants were overweight young- and middle-aged adults. It remains to be seen whether the benefits demonstrated in these short-term trials of young- and middle-aged adults also apply to older adults over the long term.

In addition, even if the benefits were conclusively established, it will likely take time for people so ingrained in a culture of eating three meals per day (plus snacks) to make the transition to some form of intermittent fasting. Moreover, some may find fasting difficult because of early symptoms of hunger, irritability and reduced ability to concentrate (which should subside within a month).

About Greg Bishop, Attorney | Greg Bishop is a Park City, Utah-based attorney with extensive experience in litigation, corporate work, M&A, licensing, IPO preparation, and HR, as well as corporate and board governance. Personally, he is passionate about helping others, including spending seven years working closely with the largest organization helping the homeless in Washington, D.C. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, mountain biking and traveling, as well as helping others achieve personal and professional success.

Health

Dr. Rajesh Bindal: Revolutionizing The Future Spinal Care

Published

1 day ago

May 8, 2025

Michelle Langton

Spinal care is undergoing a period of change, driven by patient-centric demands, emerging technologies, and a more profound understanding of musculoskeletal health. Healthcare providers such as Dr. Rajesh Bindal are rethinking traditional surgical methods, focusing instead on minimally invasive techniques that prioritize faster recovery and lower complications.

With tools like telemedicine and wearable tech, access to care is broadening, allowing for continuous monitoring and remote management of spine conditions. Simultaneously, data-driven diagnostics and AI are enhancing precision in treatment planning, while interdisciplinary collaboration ensures that care is comprehensive and personalized.

Minimally Invasive Techniques and Their Benefits

Minimally invasive spine procedures are becoming the preferred choice in modern care. Surgeons now rely on techniques that allow smaller incisions, leading to less tissue damage and quicker recovery times. Patients often return to daily routines faster compared to those who undergo traditional open surgeries, and the need for less general anesthesia further reduces associated risks.

Procedures such as endoscopic discectomy and laser-assisted spinal decompression are gaining traction in outpatient settings. These options carry fewer risks and often reduce the need for prolonged hospital stays. As a result, both patient satisfaction and clinical efficiency have improved immensely.

What once required long recovery periods is now being treated with same-day procedures. This shift is not only changing how surgeries are performed but also how treatments are integrated into overall patient wellness. The trend also reflects a broader shift toward value-based care models within the healthcare system.

Diagnostic Technology and Data-Driven Insights

High-resolution imaging tools like MRI and CT scans have become central to accurate spine assessments. These technologies provide detailed views of spinal structures, helping specialists detect abnormalities that might be missed through physical exams alone. In complex or chronic cases, such imaging helps trace the root of persistent symptoms more effectively.

Artificial intelligence is adding another layer of precision by analyzing patterns in imaging data and patient history. With AI-assisted tools, clinicians are developing more targeted treatment plans that account for individual anatomy and risk factors. Early intervention is now more achievable thanks to these innovations. When spine conditions are caught in earlier stages, patients often avoid surgery altogether or benefit from less invasive interventions.

Expanding Access Through Telemedicine and Remote Care

Virtual spine consultations are helping bridge the gap between patients and specialists, especially in rural or underserved regions. Video-based appointments allow for quicker evaluations, timely follow-ups, and better continuity of care without requiring travel. These innovations have proven especially useful during times when in-person visits are limited, such as public health emergencies.

Wearable devices that track posture, movement, and pain levels are now contributing to real-time monitoring. These tools give providers valuable data that can influence treatment decisions, especially when in-person visits are limited or unnecessary. Remote apps also help patients stay consistent with prescribed rehabilitation exercises.

Despite these advancements, some cases still demand hands-on assessment or surgical intervention. The key lies in blending digital convenience with careful clinical judgment to ensure patients receive the most appropriate care. Providers must be trained to know when to escalate care to in-person settings, ensuring patient safety is never compromised.

Putting Patients at the Center of Spinal Care

Modern care is moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches. More providers are focusing on understanding a patient’s lifestyle, goals, and emotional well-being as part of the treatment strategy. Addressing the mental and physical aspects of chronic spine pain leads to more sustainable outcomes. This approach empowers patients to become active participants in their recovery.

Integrated care teams that include physical therapists, pain management specialists, and behavioral health professionals are becoming more common. This collaboration helps patients stay engaged in their recovery and builds a stronger therapeutic alliance between providers and individuals. Response to treatment tends to improve when patients feel heard and supported throughout the process.

Training, Innovation, and Future Directions

Medical training is evolving alongside advancements in spine care. Surgeons and clinicians are learning to work with robotics, navigation systems, and biologics that weren’t part of traditional education just a decade ago. Simulation-based learning and virtual reality platforms are also being used to enhance skills.

As new therapies emerge—from regenerative injections to AI-assisted surgical robotics—ongoing education is crucial. Providers must not only master new tools but also develop communication skills that allow them to explain complex options in relatable terms. This new wave of technology demands both technical proficiency and empathetic patient interaction.

Looking ahead, policy reforms may further shape access and innovation in spine treatment. These changes could influence everything from insurance coverage to how new procedures are adopted in mainstream care. Continuous collaboration between clinicians, tech developers, and policymakers will be essential to ensure the best outcomes for patients.