If given a chance to turn back time to provide one's younger self with tips regarding well-being...Greenwood City Lifestyle posed the following question to local, female health-based professionals: "What's the one health tip you would tell your younger self?"
Jennifer Hagner, L.M.T., Bayberry Spa
"I know you love late nights, but trust me, sleep matters more than you think. It’s the key to waking up refreshed, staying sharp and feeling less stressed. Your body needs to recharge, your mind deserves rest and your mood will reflect it. Start now, set a rhythm, wind down and protect your rest. You’re not missing out; you’re setting yourself up to feel your best every day. Future you will be so glad you made sleep a priority!"
Becca Daly-Bundy, MSN, FNP-C, Owner, Balanced Beauty Medical Aesthetics
"Take care of yourself. Prioritize your skin, health and body, because the effort you put in now will pay off later. Wear SPF, nourish your skin and invest in your well-being. Health isn’t just about looks; it’s about feeling your best inside and out. I’d remind myself that self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. Listen to your body, make yourself a priority and don’t wait to start taking care of the future you."
Megan Bonney, PMHNP, Co-Owner, Alpha Omega
"Prioritize your metabolic health early; your energy, mood and longevity depend on it. Focus on protein intake, strength training and blood sugar balance rather than chasing fad diets. Building muscle and stabilizing glucose levels reduce inflammation, support brain health and improve mental resilience. Small habits like daily movement, quality sleep and stress management lower anxiety and depression risk. Doing this now, helps me bounce around the office with energy during the day and still feel good in the evening for my family."
Leanne Schlueter, D.C., Chiropractor, Greenwood Family Chiropractic
“Honor your body by making your health a priority; it is the foundation upon which your life’s purpose is built. It’s easy to make excuses, but you’ll never regret putting your health first. Also, there are better late night snack options than Taco Bell.”
Chia Yi Chu, Yoga Studio Owner, Studio YOU Yoga, Greenwood
"Move your body regularly, but honor rest just as much. Strength and flexibility come from balancing effort and ease, not just from pushing harder. Prioritize recovery, listen to your body and embrace stillness, which is just as important as movement."
Kristie Geitner and Jessie Kennell, Co-Owners, Journey Health + Wellness
Kristie says, "Everything you're doing now will affect you in 20 years. Choose wisely! Pay attention to the toxic load you're putting in and on your body. It all adds up. Learn to read labels. Think of
your body as a bucket; when the toxic burden in the bucket overflows, symptoms will present." And Jessie adds, "Your pain is not normal or just something women must endure. Pain and fatigue are signals as your body’s way of speaking to you. Listen, learn and prioritize nutrition and detoxification to restore balance. True wellness starts with understanding what your body needs."
Hilary Knapp, D.C., Living Hope Chiropractic
"Do what is best for you and your family, and do your own research. There are so many people claiming to be experts and will tell you what they think but that doesn’t always mean it’s what is best for you. Take your health into your own hands, because ultimately you are the one responsible for your health, no one else."
Kelsey Julian, PA-C, Physician Assistant, Greenwood Orthopaedics
"Growing up on a farm taught me many values in life. Hard work and dedication open opportunities for the future. After 14 years of treating orthopedic problems, I truly see the importance of building strength and maintaining flexibility to enjoy a more active lifestyle with less pain. The best gift of health cannot be bought. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle starting at a young age. Life is short and sometimes takes you by surprise, so enjoy the time you are given with friends and family."
Ambrosia Sauer, Practice Manager, Sauer Dentistry
"Don't forget to check in and make time for yourself. As a mom of four little boys, it was easy to put everyone else's needs before my own. But, it's harder to care for others if you don't also care for yourself. As the flight attendants say, "Put your own oxygen mask on before securing your child's."