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

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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.

Michelle has been a part of the journey ever since Bigtime Daily started. As a strong learner and passionate writer, she contributes her editing skills for the news agency. She also jots down intellectual pieces from categories such as science and health.

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Health

Dr. Teresa Tyson, DNP, Discusses The Hidden Healthcare Crisis in Remote Regions

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Image source: Dr. Teresa Tyson, DNP, and Health Wagon

Access to healthcare remains a challenge for many individuals living in rural and remote areas, where medical facilities are scarce or difficult to reach. Many residents endure long travel times for even basic medical services, leading to delayed diagnoses and worsening health conditions. The lack of healthcare professionals further compounds the issue, leaving communities with inconsistent or inadequate care. 

While technology and government initiatives have made strides in addressing these disparities, Dr. Teresa Tyson, DNP, notes how there are many obstacles still hindering widespread improvement. Bridging the healthcare gap requires a combination of innovative solutions, infrastructure development, and policy changes to ensure that medical services reach those who need them most.

Limited Access to Medical Care

Many remote regions struggle with a severe lack of healthcare facilities, leaving residents with minimal options for medical treatment. Hospitals and clinics are often located hours away, making even routine checkups a logistical challenge.

A shortage of medical professionals further worsens the situation, as many doctors and nurses prefer to work in urban areas with better resources and career opportunities. As a result, rural communities often rely on understaffed clinics or visiting healthcare workers who may not be available consistently. This leads to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment for chronic conditions. Many rural clinics operate with limited medical supplies, making it difficult to provide comprehensive care even when healthcare professionals are available.

In some cases, patients must travel long distances just to receive basic care, often at great personal and financial costs. The burden of transportation, time off work, and the uncertainty of available treatment discourage many from seeking medical attention until their conditions become severe.

Health Risks and Consequences

Delays in medical care often mean that conditions that could have been treated early turn into serious health complications. Many individuals in remote areas develop chronic illnesses that go undiagnosed for years simply because healthcare services are too far away or difficult to access. Diseases that are manageable with regular monitoring, such as diabetes or hypertension, frequently spiral out of control due to the lack of consistent medical supervision.

Beyond physical health, the absence of adequate healthcare also takes a toll on mental well-being. Isolation and limited access to mental health professionals leave many struggling with anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions without proper support. In small, tight-knit communities, stigma around mental health can make it even harder for individuals to seek help, further exacerbating the crisis.

Preventable diseases continue to spread in these areas due to the lack of vaccinations, screenings, and early interventions. Without proper healthcare infrastructure, outbreaks of common illnesses can have devastating effects, particularly on children and the elderly. The combination of poor access, financial barriers, and limited awareness creates a cycle where minor health concerns escalate into life-threatening conditions.

Challenges in Expanding Healthcare Services

Building and maintaining healthcare infrastructure in remote regions comes with considerable hurdles. Poor road conditions and unreliable transportation make it difficult for medical professionals to reach patients, and in some cases, ambulances are unavailable, forcing residents to rely on personal vehicles or community efforts to transport those in need. In areas with extreme weather conditions, seasonal challenges further complicate healthcare delivery, cutting off entire communities during certain times of the year. These conditions make it nearly impossible for emergency medical teams to provide timely assistance in critical situations.

Funding remains a major obstacle, as rural healthcare facilities often struggle with limited financial resources. Many small clinics operate on tight budgets, lacking essential medical equipment and supplies. Without sufficient investments, these facilities cannot expand their services, making it harder to attract and retain qualified healthcare workers. As a result, many professionals opt to work in urban settings where they have access to better salaries, career advancement, and modern medical technology.

Role of Technology in Bridging the Gap

Advancements in technology are offering new ways to connect patients in remote areas with medical professionals. Telemedicine has made it possible for individuals to consult doctors without having to travel long distances, reducing delays in diagnoses and treatment. Virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and mobile health apps allow patients to receive medical advice without needing to visit overcrowded or distant healthcare facilities. In addition to telemedicine, artificial intelligence is being used to assist in diagnosing conditions remotely, helping bridge the gap in specialist care.

Despite its potential, implementing technology-driven healthcare solutions in rural regions is not without obstacles. Many areas lack reliable internet access or the necessary digital literacy to make full use of telehealth services. Even when technology is available, the cost of devices and connectivity can create another barrier, preventing low-income households from benefiting fully. Addressing these issues requires a combination of infrastructure development, education, and financial support to ensure that technology can be effectively integrated into rural healthcare systems.

Efforts to Improve Rural Healthcare

Governments and nonprofit organizations are actively working to address the healthcare challenges faced by remote communities. Investment in medical outreach programs, mobile clinics, and training initiatives for local healthcare workers has helped bring essential services to those who need them most. Some regions have introduced incentive programs to encourage doctors and nurses to work in underserved areas, offering student loan forgiveness, housing assistance, or higher salaries.

Community-led initiatives also play a crucial role in improving healthcare access. Local volunteers and advocacy groups often step in to provide educational workshops, vaccination drives, and wellness programs tailored to the specific needs of their communities. These grassroots efforts help bridge gaps where formal healthcare systems fall short, ensuring that residents receive at least some level of medical support.

Future Prospects for Remote Healthcare

Innovations in medical technology, policy changes, and raising awareness are shaping the future of rural healthcare. The expansion of telehealth services, combined with improved infrastructure, has the potential to make healthcare more accessible and efficient. Continued investment in mobile medical units and community-based programs could ensure that even the most isolated areas receive the care they need. Research into low-cost, portable medical devices is also opening new doors for remote diagnostics and treatment.

Sustained progress will depend on collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, and local communities. Long-term solutions require more than temporary programs; they demand systemic changes that prioritize equitable medical access. If these efforts continue to grow, rural healthcare systems may finally move toward lasting improvements that benefit future generations.

 

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