FEBRUARY 11, 2015
On February 11, 2015, the Global Wellness Institute, in partnership with Scientific American Worldview, convened a Roundtable discussion entitled: “The Science of Wellness: Hype or Hope?”
Around this illustrious table were business leaders, scientists, journalists, doctors, technologists, researchers, hotel and spa owners and more. It was a fascinating conversation and the resounding conclusion was that the Science of Wellness is definitely more HOPE than hype! But it depends on the rest of the world—not just those at the table—to embrace it, fund research studies, make personal choices to impact change, incite governments to change policies, etc. So the operative word is “change” and most people at the Roundtable felt it was important to come together, as thought leaders in the wellness arena, and lead that change.
But how?
There were references made to other societal issues and how they were solved. And it was generally agreed that powerful messaging and impactful advertising and marketing campaigns won the day. That requires a simplification of the information so it can be understood and digested by a wide swath of the population.
Clare Martorana, EVP and GM of Everyday Health, concluded that we need to “Simplify and Inspire.”
The United States rid itself of the littering problem by showing a crying Native American, standing roadside, as a car drives by and a soda can is tossed out the window.
Smoking, a deadly health hazard that some of the Roundtable participants likened to the current obesity epidemic, was also ultimately forbidden from advertising and marketing campaigns. Soda bans, salt restrictions—these have made the news in recent years. But getting people to truly embrace wellness, and to acknowledge the scientific evidence to prove it, is going to take a while.
It was suggested that the same Roundtable group reconvene in six months to measure progress. Six months is an ambitious goal for any progress of this magnitude. But you have to start somewhere. In the wise words of an African Proverb:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Let’s go.
View all photos from the event| Read full press release | Download White Paper
Participants:
Jeremy Abbate
Scientific American Worldview
Dr. Brandon Alderman
Rutgers University
David Brancaccio American Public Media’s Marketplace Morning Report
Anna Bjurstam Raison d’Etre
Alfredo Carvajal
Delos
Susie Ellis
Global Wellness Institute
Dr. Steven Gundry
International Heart and Lung Institute Center for Restorative Medicine
Anne Hubert
Viacom Media Networks
Neil Jacobs
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Beth McGroarty
Global Wellness Institute
Katherine Johnston
SRI International
Paul Scialla
Delos
Dr. Nazlie Latefi
Pegasus Capital Advisors
Mim Senft
Optum
Clare Martorana
Everyday Health
Mary Tabacchi, PhD
Cornell University
Susanne Warfield
Paramedical Consultants, Inc. (PCI)
Josef Woodman
Patients Beyond Borders
Ophelia Yeung
SRI International
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Hello Susie, I’m very interested in attending the roundtable. Can you pls advise on how I can get more information? Many thanks, Michael D.
Hi everyone,
Yes, there will be a report from the New York Roundtable discussion, The Science of Wellness: Hype or Hope? and we will make sure we include it in an upcoming Global Wellness Brief so everyone can read it. Should be a fascinating conversation!
Thanks for the question!
Susie
Dear Susie, any idea when that report from the New York Roundtable discussion will be available?
Would have loved to hear the discussion on this one! Will there be a "report" or podcast available anywhere afterwards?
Please send info regarding time and place
Dear Susie;
I’d like to attend , where and what time will this be held?
Hi Anthony,
Thank you for your interest in attending the roundtable. Susie will send you an e-mail shortly.