The Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region is the second fastest growing wellness travel market in the world, albeit growing from a smaller base than more established markets like Europe or North America. And new Global Wellness Institute research reveals which ten MENA nations will grow fastest through 2017. The three, big powerhouses begin with “U,” “I” and “M” – and each of these countries will double their wellness trips from 2012-2107.
Exercise: How Much Is Too Little? Too Much? Just Right?
How much exercise is just right? Not enough? Too much? A recent, large study conducted by Harvard University and the National Cancer Institute on 661,000 mostly middle-aged subjects showed that people who did the recommended 150 minutes/week or less of exercise (but more than nothing) are 20 percent less likely to die prematurely, while those who exercised three times the minimum are 39 percent less likely to die prematurely. Those who worked out at 10x the recommended levels showed no significant gains beyond 40 percent, and should have perhaps opted for AMC Breaking Bad reruns.
Briefing Paper: Saudi Arabia Wellness Tourism to Grow by 14.2 Percent by 2017
A new openness and transparency among the leadership of Saudi Arabia have helped foster the growth of many industries, including spa and wellness. This is partly owed to the government’s commitment to empowering women, which, over the next few years, is expected to play a significant role in the growth of spa and wellness.
What’s on My Mind: Let There Be Light: Science + Wellness
Literally and metaphorically, a light went on for me last week. I had the privilege of attending an event hosted by Lighting Science, a company devoted to marshaling light to work with our bodies, not against them. Fred Masik, the company founder, Dr. Michael Bruce, a sleep expert, and Dr. Smith Johnston, a flight surgeon working with NASA, presented on the panel.
Deepak Chopra, MD, to Keynote 2015 Global Wellness Summit
He’s been hailed as “the pioneer of alternative medicine” by former U.S. President Bill Clinton and named “one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century” by TIME magazine—and Deepak Chopra will be a keynote speaker at the 2015 Global Wellness Summit in Mexico City. His accomplishments are too extraordinary to list: He’s authored over 80 books, founded the Chopra Foundation and received countless honors for his work and humanitarian efforts.
Which Governments are Beginning to Legislate against Unhealthy Behavior?
In a thought-piece on why, today, it’s governments, not markets, that really call the shots, Malleret speculates on how it’s pretty inevitable that the unbearable cost of healthcare means that many governments will soon be unable to foot the bill. So, while it’s not “politically correct,” more governments will start to legislate against (and penalize for) unhealthy behaviors. Just look at how a new bill introduced in Puerto Rico would penalize parents for not tackling childhood obesity.
