2024 Year in Review – Lessons That Transformed Health and Wellness for Our Community

As we wrap up 2024, the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast has been a platform for learning, connection, and inspiration. This year has been full of remarkable guests and thought-provoking discussions that enriched not only my practice but also the lives of our listeners. Here’s a look back at the highlights, the key takeaways, and the lessons I’ll carry forward into 2025.

Key Takeaways

1. Obesity Medicine: Beyond the Scale

• Dr. Sarah Bodin emphasized shifting the focus from BMI to metabolic markers like triglycerides and fasting insulin for better health assessment.

• Dr. Sarah Stambaugh discussed the importance of eliminating ultra-processed foods and embracing whole-food diets, as well as managing GLP-1 medications effectively.

• Solo episodes explored strategies like adopting a Mediterranean diet, reading nutritional labels, and the benefits of a 12-hour fasting window.

Takeaway: Weight management is about sustainable choices, metabolic health, and emotional well-being.

2. Heart Health: Prevention Over Intervention

• Dr. Philip Ovadia highlighted the triglyceride-to-HDL ratio as a critical heart health marker and shared his personal low-carb journey to improved health.

• Dr. Tracy Paeschke’s integrative approach included stress management, natural remedies, and plant-based diets.

Takeaway: A multifaceted approach combining advanced diagnostics, lifestyle changes, and prevention can significantly impact heart health.

3. Skin Health: Consistency is Key

• Dr. Mary Alice Mina’s practical advice focused on sun protection and avoiding unnecessary cosmetic procedures.

• Amanda Smay, PA, debunked acne myths and emphasized the importance of early intervention to prevent scarring.

Takeaway: Tailored skincare routines and addressing underlying causes lead to healthier skin.

4. Emotional and Mental Health: Building Resilience

• Dr. Shahana Alibhai’s four-step framework—Acknowledge, Awareness, Acceptance, and Action—offered tools for emotional capacity.

• Dr. Robin Tiger shared actionable stress-reduction strategies like celebrating small wins and setting realistic expectations.

Takeaway: Emotional health is vital for overall well-being, and practical frameworks empower individuals to navigate life’s challenges.

5. Women’s Health: A Lifelong Approach

• Dr. Nabila Noor explored hormonal support during menopause and postpartum.

• Dr. Maureen Maciel emphasized early bone health through strength training and vitamin D.

• I personally pursued menopause-specific training to enhance patient care.

Takeaway: Women’s health requires compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic care.

6. Alternative Medicine: Complementing Traditional Care

• Dr. Victoria Menold discussed acupressure for stress and pain management.

• Dr. Ray Moore highlighted dry needling’s effectiveness for chronic pain and sports injuries.

Takeaway: Integrative approaches enhance traditional care, providing tailored solutions for stress and pain relief.

7. Habits and Lifestyle Changes: Small Steps, Big Impact

• Sandra Calkins emphasized the power of community and strength training in achieving health goals.

• Dr. Kara Pepper explored gray drinking and its subtle impacts on health.

Takeaway: Building healthy habits leads to lasting changes in physical and emotional well-being.

About Our Guest: Dr. Kerry Reller

Dr. Kerry Reller is a board-certified physician specializing in obesity medicine and family medicine. She is passionate about empowering patients to make informed, sustainable health choices. Through the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast, Dr. Reller connects listeners with experts across various health disciplines, providing actionable insights to improve their lives.

Conclusion

2024 has been a year of incredible growth and transformation for the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast. From deep dives into obesity medicine to insights on emotional health and alternative care, this year’s lessons have been invaluable. As we step into 2025, I look forward to continuing the journey of learning, sharing, and building a healthier, happier community.

Thank you to all our guests and listeners for making this year so impactful. If you have ideas for topics or guests in 2025, reach out at podcast@cfma.health. And if you’re in Clearwater or Palm Harbor, Florida, and need personalized medical care, visit us at www.cfma.health or call 727-446-1097.

Here’s to a healthier 2025. Happy New Year!