The start of a new year is always the perfect time for a refresh and to take stock of your health and wellness. So, we checked in with some of Tempe’s experts and asked them for some easy moves that we can implement this coming year for a healthier year. From getting fit to dental health, eye care to breakfast, and more, they shared their most impactful tips. Here’s what they had to say.
Daniel Lyu DDS, FAGD
Cereus Dental Care
“Floss like a boss. Use string floss, single flossers, or soft picks, really anything to get in-between your teeth."
Cassie & Gerard Richards
Owners, BODY20 Tempe
"Too many people focus on losing weight and what the number shows on the scale. Focus on changing your body’s composition through gaining lean muscle, which has so many health benefits including more efficient metabolism as well as improved balance, stronger bones, improved heart health, boosted mood, more energy, reducing aches and pains, fighting off chronic disease, and improving overall physical and mental function. Boost lean muscle and the changes you see and feel in your body will amaze you in 2025. We are ready to help you get there!"
Dr. John N. Chrisagis
Tempe Eyecare Associates
"A simple but effective health tip for your eyes is to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps reduce eye strain from extended screen use and allows your eyes to refocus, preventing discomfort and fatigue. Additionally, make sure to blink regularly to keep your eyes moist and hydrated, and consider using artificial tears if your eyes feel dry."
Cheryl Campbell
Owner, The Exercise Coach – South Tempe
"My health tip for 2025 is to make strength training a priority. Muscles are like the body’s pharmacy, playing a pivotal role in the overall vitality of your physiology. Research reveals that adding three pounds of muscle increases our resting metabolic rate by seven percent, and our daily calorie requirements by 15 percent. Increasing muscle can help improve glucose metabolism, reduce resting blood pressure, and reduce inflammation and arthritic pain. Our skeletal muscles serve as the engine, chassis, and shock absorbers of our bodies. Strength training leads to looking better, feeling better, and best of all, functioning better."
Dr. Anna Lunaria
Doctor of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine, Yin Rising Acupuncture
"Start your day with a high protein breakfast—skipping breakfast raises cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone. High cortisol levels lead to negative health outcomes (weight gain, high blood pressure, disrupted sleep, poor cardio-metabolic health, higher risk of diabetes). Eating breakfast helps regulate circadian rhythms. In Eastern medicine, each organ has a specific time of the day when it works most optimally. Stomach time is 7 to 9 am. Eating breakfast during this window of time is ideal for overall digestive and metabolic health. A high protein breakfast is ideal to keep you feeling full longer, promoting muscle growth, bone health, healthy metabolism, and blood pressure. Aim for 20-25 grams of protein: 1 egg with salmon or turkey or Greek yogurt."
Kimberly Sherrill, DDS
Pediatric Dentist and Co-Owner, Pediatric Dental Specialists
“Did you know that frequent snacking can be harmful to your teeth? Snacking, especially on sugary or acidic foods, provides a constant supply of ‘food’ for bacteria in the mouth, causing acid production which leads to tooth decay. Eating three balanced meals is generally considered to be better for your dental health than constantly snacking. This limits the exposure of your teeth to harmful acid, allowing time for saliva to neutralize acids and to remineralize enamel. To have a healthier 2025, if you snack, try and pick ‘tooth-friendly’ foods like veggies, cheese, or nuts, and after snacking, drink water or chew sugarless gum to help neutralize acids produced. These small changes can have a big impact on your health.”
Janńe M. Gutierrez
Owner, Always Best Care Senior Services, Tempe
"There is something deeply therapeutic about being outdoors. My health tip is to spend at least five minutes outside each day. Feel the sun warm your skin, watch the clouds drift by, and listen to birds singing and dogs barking. Take a moment to breathe deeply, inhaling fresh air and exhaling stress. This is the perfect time to practice gratitude for another day, for the beauty of nature, and for the simple yet profound laws that make the sun shine and the moon rise. It's a small habit with profound benefits for your mind, body, and soul."
Landon Brough, DVM
Owner, Sonoran Sky Pet Hospital
"Maintaining your pet’s dental health is vital for their overall well-being. Start at home with regular brushing using pet-safe toothpaste and VOHC-approved dental chews, treats, and water additives to help control plaque and tartar. While these are helpful, they cannot replace professional dental cleanings under anesthesia, which allow veterinarians to clean below the gum line and address hidden issues like periodontal disease or fractured teeth. As recommended by the AVMA and AAHA, these cleanings are essential for thorough oral care. Avoid anesthetic-free dentals, as they only provide cosmetic results and miss deeper dental problems. Prioritizing dental care not only prevents pain and infection but can also extend your pet’s life and improve their quality of health."