The GWI’s Eastern European Initiative recently hosted an expert roundtable – moderated by Initiative Chair, Alla Sokolova, and held in collaboration with the Baltic Spa Association – to discuss best practices, trends, opportunities, and challenges for the spa and wellness industry in the Baltics region.

Must-Reads from the Wellness World (Week of June 20, 2017)
“The Secret to a Long and Healthy Life? Eat Less” – BBC Future, June 1, 2017
New research suggests that permanently cutting the daily calories we consume may turn out to have a profound effect on our future.
When it Comes to Wellness, Europeans are “Best in Class”
When it comes to health and wellness, European nations lead the world. Fourteen of the 20 healthiest countries are in Europe, with Italy being the world’s healthiest country (even with one of the worst economies in Europe on many counts).
Trend to Watch: Wellness Spend Surging in China
The Chinese face economic issues, but no matter what, they are becoming increasingly wellness conscious. Organic, non-genetically modified and low-fat food sales are booming. And in the personal care market, big brands are losing share, while natural brands and products are surging.
New Study: With Sleep Deprivation, the Brain Begins to “Eat Itself”
A new study from Italy’s Marche Polytechnic University conducted on mice showed, for the first time, that sleep deprivation causes the brain to feed off its own neurons and synaptic connections – when cells like astrocytes go into overdrive. The result: Your brain devours itself. Researchers noted that this could explain why chronic lack of sleep could put people at risk of Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders.
Video: Economic Shifts – From Aging Population to Rising Mental Illness – Creating Tailwinds for Wellness
Economist Thierry Malleret discusses major shifts now underway – from air pollution to a 24/7 work culture – that will drive the growth of the wellness industry in the near future.