Dr. Lauren Leavitt
Amanecia Health
Why did you start working in the health and wellness space?
I started working in the health and wellness space because I wanted to extend my expertise beyond the emergency room and provide patients with more personalized, preventative, and convenient care options. The idea of merging wellness with urgent care in a mobile and telehealth-based practice appealed to me as a way to reach people where they are and empower them with proactive health management tools. Bringing "doctor house calls" back was a way to bridge the gap between traditional emergency care and everyday health needs.
What do you see as the latest health and wellness trends in 2025?
In 2025, health and wellness trends are increasingly centered around integrating technology with personalized care. For practices focused on in-home and telehealth services, there is a push toward more advanced remote patient monitoring and AI-supported health assessments that can detect issues early and help manage chronic conditions at home. Weight management programs are evolving to include tailored nutritional plans and virtual coaching that align with the patient's lifestyle. The demand for holistic, convenient care that prioritizes accessibility and immediate response is also growing, reinforcing the value of mobile urgent care services.
What is your overall recommendation for improving health and wellness in 2025?
My recommendation for improving health and wellness through in-home and telehealth care is to leverage these services' convenience. Patients should take advantage of remote consultations and monitoring to keep up with regular check-ups and address any issues early. Building consistent communication with telehealth providers and integrating weight management support—such as virtual nutritional counseling and exercise guidance—will be crucial. Embracing technology for continuous monitoring helps patients stay proactive and informed about their health. amaneciahealth.com
Kendall Ried
Owner and Master Instructor, The Bar Method Houston
Why did you start working in the health and wellness space?
I became a Bar Method instructor because I was a client first. I had never taken a group fitness class before and thought my only options for working out were cardio or going to a big box gym. The science and thought that goes behind each Bar Method class, along with the group setting, inspired me to be consistent with a workout routine and helped me hold myself accountable.
Why are you so passionate about working in this industry?
While our seasons of life may change, moving your body is always necessary. Even if you are completely content with your strength and flexibility, being active does fantastic things for your mental health.
What do you see as the latest health and wellness trends in 2025?
Seeking a holistic approach to wellness vs. just looking at your physical health. Mental health is an increasing concern, especially for young people. At Bar Method, we offer a Bar Restore class that focuses on restorative stretching to help lower cortisol.
What is your overall recommendation for improving health and wellness in 2025?
Make your workout a priority - plan and schedule it, whether it’s taking a walk with the family or going to a group class. Do what you love, but mix it up. We offer classic barre, weight training, cardio, yoga, and restorative stretching class formats at Bar Method.
How can people start off 2025 in a great space to work on their health and wellness journey?
Be kind to yourself. Perfection is unattainable. Working out every day may not be realistic for your busy schedule, but that doesn't mean it's not a priority. Aim for consistency, whatever that looks like for you.barmethod.com/memorial
Zach Chaumont, PT, DPT & President
Benchmark Home Health
Why did you start working in the health and wellness space?
As a physical therapist, I love the opportunity to help others live their best quality of life.
Why are you so passionate about working in this industry?
The emotional fulfillment that comes from helping members of our community improve their health and/or regain their independence is immeasurable.
What do you see as the latest trends?
Society, in general, is moving toward a proactive approach to wellness, and embracing more holistic options.
What is your overall recommendation for improving health and wellness?
Stay hydrated, stay active, and stay engaged. Be intentional about doing the things that matter to you each day, and staying active can be as simple as a daily walk.
What is the number one product you recommend to enhance health and wellness?
Exercise.
If you could only recommend two health and wellness services or modalities, what would they be and why?
I recommend our services to any person or family with someone in need of assistance due to the commitment to exceptional care and service that our team demonstrates every day. I would also recommend Freedom Caregivers and Companions to any family needing caregiving assistance; they are highly trained and committed to service in the same way our Benchmark team is.
How can people start 2025 on the right health journey?
Keep it simple. Make small changes in your sustainable daily habits; over time, you can make dramatic changes that do not feel challenging or overwhelming. benchmarkhcs.com
Dr. Maria Scouros, MD, founder and medical director
Memorial Longevity Clinic
Why did you start working in the health and wellness space?
Since I was young, I knew I wanted to be a physician and help other people. As I progressed in my medical training, I saw a desperate need for new and innovative approaches to diagnosing and treating cancer, and that's the path I continue to follow. We are at a point today where technology has made it possible to detect diseases early, and that continues to be critical to saving patient lives.
Why are you so passionate about working in this industry?
Every day, I have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of patients and families and help save lives, which is the ultimate blessing. I am excited about the potential of this new proactive, not reactive approach to medicine because I have seen first-hand how much outcomes improve for patients who have taken charge of their health. This is the way of the future, and the future is here.
What is your overall recommendation for improving health and wellness in 2025?
Create a strategy for your health. Get with a trusted medical professional to learn what you may be at risk for and what you should be screening for, and create a plan. Healthy lifestyle choices are also critical for reducing your risk of these diseases, so don't underestimate the power of a healthy diet and exercise. We may all have a different plan, but the most important thing is to have one in the first place.
How can people start off 2025 in a great space to work on their health and wellness journey?
Make a commitment to your health. It's never too late to start, and investing in your health today will pay dividends. memoriallongevity.com
Christina Batson, founder and owner
Modern Halo
Why did you start working in the health and wellness space?
I recognized how impactful self-care could be on people's overall quality of life. From my experience, I saw that we show up better in every area of our lives when we nurture ourselves. I wanted to create a place where people could find both relaxation and rejuvenation, and I envisioned The Modern Halo as a sanctuary where individuals could feel genuinely cared for.
What is your overall recommendation for improving health and wellness in 2025?
Prioritize routines that blend care for both mind and body. Find practices that bring you joy and allow you to feel rejuvenated. For example, dedicating time to a head spa session can enhance scalp health, impact overall hair health, and provide a calm, restorative experience. Balancing physical and mental care allows you to stay consistent with wellness goals and feel refreshed and motivated.
What is the number one product you recommend to enhance health and wellness in 2025?
The Modern Halo's Platinum Halo treatment is a top recommendation. This service strengthens and nourishes hair and creates a luxurious, spa-like experience that fosters relaxation and stress relief. It's more than a hair treatment; it's a moment to unwind and connect with yourself. I believe that products or treatments that serve dual purposes – enhancing both health and relaxation – will be essential in 2025.
If you could only recommend two health and wellness services or modalities, what would they be and why?
First, I'd recommend scalp treatments. The scalp is often overlooked, yet a healthy scalp is essential for vibrant hair, and scalp massages help reduce stress. Second, I'd suggest incorporating regular head spa sessions. themodernhalo.com
Tracy Ankenman, Owner
Stretch Zone Memorial
Why did you start working in the health and wellness space?
I've spent most of my career working with geriatrics in long-term care centers nationwide. My time was focused on rehabilitating people after an injury or decline due to a disease process. I found myself looking for ways to prevent the declines when a friend introduced me to the Stretch Zone franchise.
Why are you so passionate about working in this industry?
Prevention is the key to many mobility limitations that can come with aging. Stretch Zone fits that. Stretch Zone impacts geriatrics, young athletes, active weekenders, office workers, and really anyone between the ages of 14 and 101.
What do you see as the latest health and wellness trends in 2025?
People want a longer active life without being inconvenienced and with options that might differ from what they've done before. There are many new technologies in the wellness space to prevent pain, injury, and slowing down.
If you could only recommend two health and wellness services or modalities, what would they be and why?
I recommend that everyone keep moving, active, and socially engaged. My experience with geriatrics has been (and the research supports it) that people tend to decline physically and cognitively when not socially engaged. Whether it's a gym membership, church group, Pickleball club, or Stretch Zone, find what brings you joy, keeps you active, and stimulates your brain. stretchzone.com/memorial
Leonard Kibuule, MD MBA FAAOS, Director of Surgical Services
Texas Regional Physicians
Why did you start working in the health and wellness space?
With a background in electrical engineering, I found orthopedics appealing due to its reliance on engineering principles, especially in managing spine and fracture care. With a passion for engineering and a strong desire to help people get healthy, orthopedic surgery was the perfect fit. My engineering background helps me understand how to fix and stabilize the body, especially the spine and bones, by applying what I know about structures and materials. This way, I can choose the best tools, like plates and screws, to make repairs that last. By blending advanced techniques, like minimally invasive and robotic surgeries, I aim to make procedures safer and recovery smoother for those I care for.
What is your overall recommendation for improving health and wellness in 2025?
A balanced approach involves regular exercise, preventive care, and maintaining a healthy weight.
What is the number one product you recommend to enhance health and wellness in 2025?
Wearable technologies, like posture-correcting devices or activity trackers, can help patients maintain spine health by promoting good posture and keeping them moving consistently.
How can people start 2025 in a great space to work on their health and wellness journey?
Focus on setting achievable goals, incorporating core-strengthening exercises, and regularly checking in with healthcare providers to prevent or manage musculoskeletal issues.
If you could only recommend two health and wellness services or modalities, what would they be and why?
Physical Therapy: Essential for post-operative recovery, injury prevention, and overall mobility improvement.
Massage Therapy and/or Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy: Helpful for spinal alignment and reducing musculoskeletal pain and stress.
Enjoy a good book or movie: We shouldn’t be serious all the time. Take an opportunity to laugh and relax with family and friends. texasregionalphysicians.com
Eric Ruff, M.D.
Plastic Surgeon, West Houston Plastic Surgery
Why did you start working in the health and wellness space?
I wanted to enter a profession that allowed me to help people look and feel like the best version of themselves. I loved watching the confidence boost and personality blossom that takes place after a patient has undergone a successful surgery.
What do you see as the latest health and wellness trends in 2025?
The surge of Semaglutide medications and weight loss revolution over the past year are contributing to a desire for a slimmer, more athletic and toned silhouette. The rise of the “Ballet Body” highlights the shift from drastic curves toward more subtle and natural looking enhancements, with a focus on achieving balance and harmony with the rest of the body.
What is your overall recommendation for improving health and wellness in 2025?
Less is more. Breast augmentation with smaller implants, breast reductions, liposuction and tummy tucks are a few of the key body contouring procedures that will target stubborn areas and create a more defined and proportionate physique.
What is the number one product you recommend to enhance health and wellness in 2025?
Renuva. This is an injectable matrix that gradually replaces age-related fat loss with your body’s own fat. It can be used by itself or in combination with fat grafting to restore volume to the face and body, helping to keep you looking natural, youthful and healthy.
If you could only recommend two health and wellness services or modalities, what would they be and why?
The two most frequent procedures I recommend are abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and breast augmentation or lift. When performed simultaneously they are referred to as a “Mommy Makeover,” which is a powerful operation that restores the contour of the breasts and abdomen after pregnancy or weight loss. lookinggood.com