Embrace the future of health and wellness with expert tips and trending technologies
2024 wellness forecast
Story by Brianna McCadden
As we step into 2024, the world of health and wellness is evolving at an unprecedented pace. With an ever-growing emphasis on holistic wellbeing and advances in science and technology, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest trends and innovations that are shaping the landscape of our physical and mental health. To shed light on what lies ahead, we’ve reached out to a panel of local health and wellness professionals.
Heather Hinshelwood
Q: What health care trends do you see coming in 2024?
A: For 2024 we expect to see an increase in personalized healthcare through our private health client program. As the American healthcare system becomes increasingly strained, the demand for private health services is becoming more prevalent. This is more than a passing trend; it represents the future of proactive and effective healthcare, which we are proud to deliver.
Q: Are there any new treatments you are excited about?
A: It’s very exciting to see more widespread awareness and embracing of restorative medicine. Restorative medicine involves using Human Cellular Tissue Products (HCTPs) to help your body to heal itself. These treatments are becoming increasingly recognized not just as alternatives to traditional surgical methods but as proactive measures for a healthier, longer life.
Heather Hinshelwood, MD, FACEP, is owner of Fraum Center for Restorative Health and is the medical director.
Matthew Mastrorocco
Q: What dental trends do you see coming in 2024?
A: In 2023 we started using the real-time AI platform Pearl, whose software identifies areas of concern on a patient’s X-rays. For instance, it highlights and circles cracks, failing restorations and possible decay and bone loss that would indicate periodontal disease. We use it as a second set of eyes. It draws our attention to areas of concern and enables us to better educate our patients. It also saves time because it clearly and quickly shows patients what is going on in their mouths. I foresee the increase in AI software use by dentists as they realize how efficient it is at helping us provide greater patient care.
Q: Are there any additional trends you are excited about?
A: Spa dentistry is becoming more popular. This is dental care that has expanded to include Botox, derma fillers and laser skin treatments. Because dentists are so familiar with facial anatomy and our patients’ expressions during their time in our practice, it makes sense for us to consider the appearance of the entire face when we perform restorative or cosmetic dental improvements. For example, while Botox is safe and effective at relaxing facial muscles to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, we also use it as medical therapy for patients who suffer from TMJ disorders or who grind or clench their teeth, which can lead to gum recession, headaches and tooth pain or sensitivity.
Dr. Matthew Mastrorocco, DMD, is a dentistry practitioner at ROC Dental Group on Hilton Head Island.
Patrick Wiita
Q: What trends do you see coming in 2024?
A: I’ve noticed that a lot of my patients have emerged from the Covid slump to make big moves in their career or social lives, and I expect that to continue through 2024. For kids, social lives have moved away from the screen and back onto campus and the neighborhood. I expect a resurgence in enriched opportunities for extracurricular activities in 2024. Kids and families are focused more than ever on school performance, so I expect optimization of treatment for conditions such as ADHD and anxiety to remain the highest priority for most of my families.
Q: Are there any new technologies you are excited about?
A: I’m hoping 2024 will be the year all the hype surrounding artificial intelligence, wearables and digital therapeutics materializes into tangible products that I can get into the hands of my patients. There’s an exciting new “biofeedback” device that is coming on the market soon, intended to be affordable, portable and easy to use. Initial results have been impressive for a medicine-free treatment with noticeable reductions in anxiety and improved sleep among study participants. Once I see the final product, I’m hoping I’ll be able to recommend it to my patients.
Patrick Wiita, MD, is a child, adolescent, adult and forensic psychiatrist based on Hilton Head Island.
Stephen Thies
Q: What surgery trends do you see coming in 2024?
A: Healthcare systems will continue to embrace a gradual move toward outpatient or shorter hospital stays for procedures that have traditionally required longer stays in the hospital. New, multidisciplinary programs designed to optimize outcomes after surgical procedures have become widely embraced: as a benefit, hospital stays are often greatly shortened. These programs are known as ERAS — Early Recovery After Surgery — and involve all members of the care team. Efforts begin prior to the hospital visit and extend through discharge. Many procedures have been transitioned to be more minimally invasive, which can simplify and shorten the post-operative course.
Q: Are there any new procedures you are excited about?
A: The increasing adoption of robotic surgery for general surgery procedures has further accelerated the trend toward shorter, simpler hospital stays. The da Vinci robotic surgery platforms expand our capacity to perform very complex operations with a minimally invasive approach. Many of these operations have historically required large incisions and longer stays in the hospital. Robotic surgery offers patients less post-operative discomfort while maintaining excellent outcomes and a quicker return to daily activities. Candidacy for such operations requires careful selection by surgeons with expertise in both the open, large-incision approaches and the minimally invasive and robotic approaches.
Stephen Thies, MD, FACS, is a surgeon at Southern Surgery Specialists, an affiliate of Hilton Head Regional Physician Network
Billy Simmons
Q: What eyewear trends do you see coming in 2024?
A: 2024 marks the return of two favorite eyewear shapes from the 1970s – hexagonal shapes and ovals. Oversized eyewear is the key to this trend, and metal materials will be the most popular. Combine that with translucent or gradient coloring, and you will have the perfect style in sunwear or prescription eyewear for a bolder statement. Think of iconic images of Audrey Hepburn and Michael Caine. They are famous for their eyewear and often photographed in these two shapes over the years.
Q: Are there any new treatments you are excited about?
A: As our lives evolve to more online activities such as Zoom meetings, Facetime with families or simple selfies, anti-reflective (AR) coatings become even more important. All anti-reflective (also called anti-glare) treatments should do the same thing medically to reduce glare your eye encounters. They also remove reflections from your lens when people are looking at you. Sapphire HR is the newest advancement in the Crizal family of AR coatings. It eliminates reflections on angles from zero to 45 degrees on every surface of the lens, front and back. This means significantly reduced reflections on your personal digital image during online activities. This treatment is combined with 10 times more scratch resistance, making it the clearest and most durable AR treatment available.
Billy Simmons, DLO, ABOC, is a practicing optician at Eyeland Optique on Hilton Head Island.
Bonnie Rothwell
Q: What trends do you see coming in 2024?
A: More and more offices are going digital not only with their X-ray techniques but for oral impressions as well. And with some specialized software, 3D printing of things like temporary crowns and bridges and many other things can be done in the office. The most popular cosmetic dental procedures are a mix of porcelain veneers, which continue to be very popular and usually conservative, and cosmetic composite bonding. Sometimes just some well-placed composite bonding can significantly enhance a smile.
Q: Are there any new technologies you are excited about?
A: It’s an exciting time in dentistry right now. Technology is advancing quickly. More and more materials are being FDA-approved to use with the 3D-printing process, which is constantly expanding what we can offer to patients, improving comfort, precision and quality.
Dr. Bonnie Rothwell is a cosmetic dentist for Rothwell Cosmetic Dentistry.
Paul Bell
Q: What trend or trends do you see coming in 2024?
A: I believe that 2024 is going to continue the trend of personalized care. The last few years have shown us that each patient’s unique situation has immense effects on their outcomes and quality of life. One solution is never the best for every patient. The best outcomes are achieved by working with the patient as a team and giving them a voice in their care. We are dedicated to meeting each patient’s need in every situation. This could mean personalized cataract surgery, glaucoma care, comprehensive eye care and dry-eye treatments, which include the newest therapeutics, techniques and modalities.
Q: Are there any new treatments you are excited about?
A: One treatment that I am most excited about is personalized LASIK. Starting in 2024, we will be offering cutting-edge refractive surgery to include LASIK. Every surgery will be performed with the most advanced laser technology, including the iDesign Refractive Studio by Johnson & Johnson. This will allow us to offer each patient a unique solution that is designed specifically for their eyes. We have built a reputation on personalized cataract and glaucoma care and are excited to offer personalized corneal refractive surgical care in order to meet the needs of each and every patient.
Paul Bell, MD, is a comprehensive ophthalmologist at Bishop Eye Center.
Kevin Campbell
Q: What trend do you see coming in 2024?
A: The 2024 trend is something that has extended since COVID. It is the continual increase in electronic device use, whether that is for work or social activities. Many patients moving to our area are moving down to the beautiful Lowcountry to work remotely. This new “environment” of near work will force our visual system to work harder to maintain a clear image while looking at screens close to the eyes.
Q: Are there any new technologies you are excited about?
A: I am very excited about the new technologies that can be offered for patients suffering from dry-eye disease. Whether the disease is caused by hormonal imbalances, excess inflammation, systemic problems or increased screen time, there are new devices and procedures to resolve most of these problems. Intense Pulsated Light (IPL) is a device that can significantly reduce the inflammation problem of dry-eye disease. If you pair this treatment with Radio Frequency (RF), you also can improve the production and function of your tears. These new treatments also give patients an amazing aesthetic benefit, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, redness from Rosacea and sun/aging spots. The aesthetic benefits are the cherry on top when patients finally have relief from their dry-eye symptoms.
Dr. Kevin Campbell, OD, is an optometrist at Optical Solutions.
Gary Thomas
Q: What trends do you see coming in 2024?
A: There are both troubling and encouraging trends that will affect cancer care in 2024. We are seeing more colorectal cancer in younger people — patients in their late 20s, 30, and 40s. We don’t know the exact cause of this yet, but the trend is having such an impact that the recommendation for colon cancer screening has been lowered from age 50 to age 45 for people of average risk. We also are seeing a rise in people developing lung cancer even though they have never smoked. The good news is that people are generally living longer. I’ve seen this in my own practice. Retired people who are eating right, staying active, drinking moderately and enjoying a social life are staying sharp and healthy. In fact, I have recently seen patients in their 90s who could join the ranks of cancer survivors. That’s something I would have never dreamt of when I started practicing a few decades ago.
Q: Are there any new treatments you are excited about?
A: I’m really excited about ctDNA, which stands for circulating tumor DNA. This is tumor-derived DNA in the bloodstream that has come from a cancer site, which we can look for through a blood test. For example, after an 80-year-old patient with colon cancer has the tumor removed, we can use ctDNA to determine if we need adjuvant, or post-surgical, therapy such as chemotherapy. Some elderly patients cannot tolerate the side effects of chemotherapy, including increased risk of infection, bruising, nausea, fatigue and memory loss. If their ctDNA test is negative, we can follow and watch that patient. If it becomes positive, we can do a reassessment and plan accordingly. The ctDNA also can help detect cancer recurrence and give us a chance to intervene earlier. The ctDNA test is being refined continuously and is used primarily in colon cancer, but I think we will be using it for all types of cancer in the near future.
Dr. Gary Thomas, MD, specializes in oncology at St. Joseph’s/Candler and SC Cancer Specialists.
Cathy MacKinnon
Q: What trends do you see coming in 2024?
A: In 2024 we’ll see an acceleration of the holistic health movement to take back control of one’s own health and wellness. Our immunity, our health, our energy, our strength and balancing our blood sugar levels all begin with proper hydration and nutrition. Our vitamin therapy provides 100 percent bio-available nutrients to accomplish those health goals. Additionally, and importantly, we are USP 797 compliant, ensuring the sterility and the efficacy of our nutrients. People feel the difference and instinctively know they’ve just “done their body good” walking out our door.
Q: Are there any new treatments you are excited about?
A: We’re really excited about peptides, glutathione and NAD+ treatments. We see these treatments becoming prolific as people look to jump-start their weight loss and health programs. Peptides have enormous potential for good, fast, effective results, but one needs to be monitored by our licensed professional nurses as there can be side effects. Glutathione is the master anti-oxidant assisting in cell growth and repair, liver health and insulin sensitivity. NAD+ has benefits on a cellular level with brain regeneration, addiction recovery and anti-aging. Expanding one’s health span is no longer in the foreseeable distance: it is here. Lowering one’s BMI via peptides and turning back the clock on a cellular level through glutathione and NAD+ are by far the most exciting movements in health and wellness today.
Cathy MacKinnon is the owner of Prime IV Hydration in Bluffton.
Nicole Clegg
Q: What trends do you see coming in 2024?
A: I think we will see a rise in more wearable technology. We have already seen a big improvement when it comes to wearable technology like completing sleep studies from the comfort of our own homes, EKG monitors, smart glasses and continuous vital-sign tracking through smart devices like watches and rings. There is also wearable technology developing that can help track patients’ movements and exercise routines from a distance. Not only can this help therapists ensure proper compliance from a patient by making it more convenient for them, it also can help us understand their strengths and weaknesses so we can adjust therapy as needed.
Q: Are there any new technologies you are excited about?
A: Due to shortages in the medical field, I am excited about using AI technology and seeing firsthand how it progresses. In the future I believe this can help us better treat and manage diseases, obtain easier and faster access to more up-to-date data, decrease medication errors and assist with freeing up time spent on a computer to allow more one-on-one time with our patients.
Nicole Clegg, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is a family nurse practitioner at Main Street Medical on Hilton Head Island.
Edward Blocker
Q: What trends do you see coming in 2024?
A: As the active Baby Boomer generation has aged, total joint replacement, particularly knee and hip replacement, continues to be among the most common elective procedures in the U.S. with approximately 800,000 knee replacements and another 450,000 hip replacements performed each year – that number has grown significantly over the past few years and should continue to grow. Joint replacements are used to treat osteoarthritis, the most prevalent joint disease and a leading source of chronic pain and disability among adults. A major trend I have been seeing is shorter hospital stays for patients after joint replacement surgery. Until recently, patients undergoing total joint replacements often stayed in the hospital for two to four days following surgery. But that has changed, and today our patients often go from the operating room to their living room in one day – or less. While moving from an inpatient to an outpatient surgery isn’t for everyone (currently about a third of our patients at Beaufort Memorial go home the same day with the majority spending just one night) patients who are healthy and who have family and other support measures in place have the same outcomes as patients who stay in the hospital.
Q: Are there any new technologies you are excited about?
A: In recent years many hospitals have begun to use robot-assisted technology for knee and hip replacement, allowing surgeons to replace joints with pinpoint precision. This trend will most likely continue, as clinical studies have shown the robotic surgery system improves outcomes by allowing the surgeon to customize the placement and alignment of the implant components to the patient’s unique anatomy, providing more natural movement of the joint and increasing its longevity. For instance, our surgeons use both the Mako SmartRobotics™ and VELYS™ robotic-assisted joint replacement systems. The state-of-the-art technology allows us to replace a joint with much better precision, impacting far fewer internal structures. This results in less post-operative pain and a faster return to normal activities.
Dr. Edward Blocker is a board-certified orthopedic specialist and chair of orthopedic surgery at Beaufort Memorial. He sees patients in Okatie, Port Royal and Varnville.
