Fort Collins, CO January 2026 by City Lifestyle

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Health and Wellness Issue The start of a new year is often filled with excitement and a sense of renewal. It’s a time to set new goals, embrace fresh opportunities, and dream about the year ahead. For many, though, January can also bring a sense of pressure—a reminder of resolutions left unfulfilled or the weight of expectations. This issue of Fort Collins Lifestyle was crafted with the goal of offering something different: inspiration for long-term, sustainable improvements in physical, emotional, and mental health. Life isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency. Whether it’s in business, health, or relationships, it’s not what you do occasionally that makes the difference—it’s what you do most of the time. Consider this: you wouldn’t go on vacation every day, but planning a couple of trips each year is a realistic and restorative goal. This year, focus on small, consistent actions that lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life. Join a fitness class, carve out moments for rest, and don’t forget to savor life’s pleasures. It’s the “most of the time” choices that shape our lives. Here’s to a healthy, happy new year—we’re rooting for you! BLAKE FOSTER, PUBLISHER @FORTCOLLINSCITYLIFESTYLE

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Blake Foster | blake.foster@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mark Ensley, Comeback Story Counseling, Shen Wu Tan C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

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Featured

Departments

The Innovator, Next Door

How Dr. E. Jeffrey Donner is Rewriting the Story of Spine & Joint Pain Relief

January: A Return to Wholeness

Making Mental Health Count

Taking the PLUNJ

A New Year’s resolution to align your whole body towards your health and wellness journey

Practical, proven steps to set you up for a more peaceful and functional inner life

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THE Innovator, Next DOOR How Dr. E. Jeffrey Donner is Rewriting the Story of Spine & Joint Pain Relief ARTICLE BY GREY CAT PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

If you live with back or joint pain, you’ve probably heard every promise—steroid injections, physical therapy cycles, surgeries big and small. Millions of Americans wake up every day believing pain is simply part of their life now. But in an innovative advanced medical center in Northern Colorado, something very different is happening. Patients who have tried everything are walking out with hope again. People who were told surgery was their only option, are finding alternatives. And many who lived with daily pain for years are reclaiming the ability to work, travel, exercise, play with their kids, and feel like themselves again. They’re all traveling to Johnstown, Colorado—many from across the country—to see one man: Dr. E. Jeffrey Donner. With more than 35 years of experience and his patented regenerative procedure you won’t find anywhere else in the United States, Dr. Donner is quietly transforming what’s possible for people with spine and joint damage. His clinic, Elite Regenerative Stem Cell Specialists at the Colorado Spine Institute, has become a destination for patients who have lost hope… and for those determined to reclaim their quality of life. His personal experience with multiple orthopedic injuries, pain procedures, surgeries and finally regenerative medicine solutions has enhanced his drive to improve the science of natural healing. What makes him different isn’t just the fact that he’s performed tens of thousands of surgeries and pain procedures. It’s that he’s also one of the few surgeons who stepped back and asked a pioneering question:

M UST SE E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS

Amber Denzel and Dr. E. Jeffrey Donner

“What if we could help the body heal itself?” That question led him down a scientific path that now spans continents. Dr. Donner travels the world speaking on stem cell therapy, regenerative biologics, and the emerging frontier of minimally invasive healing. From international conferences in Europe and Asia as well as elite symposiums in the U.S., he is recognized as a leader in a field that is redefining orthopedic and spine care. Dr Donner and his team have done groundbreaking research in his clinic’s own research institute he established along with leaders in the CONTINUED >

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regenerative medicine which has been published in some of the highest ranked scientific journals in the world. These accomplishments have led to groundbreaking innovations and to prestigious invitations to present his research and clinical outcomes at many high level international conferences including the Vall Scientific Summit, International Society for Knee Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine, Osteoarthritis Research Society International, Orthopedic Research Society, American Spine Injury Association, North American Spine Society, Sacroiliac Medical Expert Group where he was also past president. He was also recently requested to participate on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons regenerative medicine symposium in March 2026 and is preparing a requested manuscript for the Cells journal’s special edition: Stem Cells in Action- Unlocking the Potential of Next-Generation Therapies along with co author Johnny Huard PhD at the Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI) in Vail. He is also preparing collaborative research grants with the Translational Medicine Institute at CSU Veterinary School and SPRI. This is truly an unstoppable Revolution in Evolution!

Amber Denzel

A SURGEON WITH A GLOBAL VOICE AND LOCAL ROOTS

Dr. Donner has spent more than three decades as a spine specialist in Northern Colorado, taking on complex cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacroiliac disorders—along with major joint injuries throughout the body. He is dual board certified in orthopedic and spine surgery by the American Boards of Orthopedic and Spine Surgery, fellowship-trained in spinal and orthopedic disorders. This dual distinction places him among an elite group of surgeons nationwide.

ELITE REGENERATIVE: WHERE INNOVATION MEETS REAL RESULTS

In 2014, Dr. Donner founded the Colorado Spine Institute in Johnstown. Soon after, he launched Elite Regenerative Stem Cell Specialists, the first stemcell-focused regenerative clinic in the U.S. led by a dual board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon. Elite focuses on adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)—your body’s master repair cells. These cells are harvested from a patient’s own bone marrow and carefully reintroduced into damaged joints, discs, ligaments, and soft tissues to support natural healing.

THE ONLY U.S. SURGEON USING A PATENTED STEM CELL HARVESTING TECHNIQUE

Dr. Donner is the co-inventor of U.S. Patent No. 11,655,454, a breakthrough method and apparatus designed to dramatically improve how MSCs are collected and concentrated from bone marrow.

M UST SE E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS

Amber Denzel: Leading the Next Wave of Regenerative Aesthetics Under the leadership of Amber Denzel, the Med Spa is pioneering advanced treatments that blend aesthetics with biologic science. Amber has been instrumental in designing protocols that merge stem cell science with cosmetic procedures—offering patients regenerative tools that go far beyond surface-level beauty. • Stem-cell–infused microneedling for collagen regeneration • Stem-cell topical therapies paired with RF Microneedling • Advanced anti-aging procedures that use biologic signals, high frequency and shock wave to improve skin texture, elasticity, and tone • Regenerative hair restoration for thinning or damaged hair • Post-surgical or post-injury skin recovery protocols that speed healing and reduce scarring • These treatments use the same biologic principles Dr. Donner employs in orthopedic care—encouraging the body to rebuild, repair, and regenerate.

Unlike standard bone marrow draws, this patented approach: • Targets microenvironments where stem cells are most plentiful • Maximizes the purity and viability of the cells • Removes material that could impair healing • Produces a uniquely high-quality biologic mixture for treatment Elite is the only clinic in the country using this patented technique. Dr. Donner and his research partners also developed a proprietary bone-marrow–derived biologic called BMAX™, designed to support stem cell survival and adhesion at injury sites. Their internal data covers roughly 5000 procedures across 30 musculoskeletal conditions, with patient satisfaction at 96% and an average 70% improvement at 6 months. This innovation is the reason patients travel from all over the United States for Elite’s procedures. Many come after exhausting options in their home states. Others come because they’ve heard about life-changing results from friends, family, or medical referrals.

CHANGING LIVES, ONE PATIENT AT A TIME

Dr. E. Jeffrey Donner

The stories are powerful. A grandmother told she needed fusion surgery regained mobility through Elite’s patented stem cell procedure. A former athlete sidelined by SI joint pain returned to training. Business owners, ranchers, teachers, and travelers have shared how they got their lives back—sometimes after being told nothing more could be done. Elite tracks outcomes closely, allowing them to refine and improve treatment plans. While not every patient is a candidate—and severe neurological deficits often still require surgery—the regenerative pathway offers new hope to those who once felt out of options. For access to journals, links, and an array of stem cell knowledge please visit EliteRegen.org and ColoSpine.com.

THE BEAUTY SIDE OF REGENERATION: ELITE’S STEM CELL MED SPA

What many Northern Colorado residents don’t know is that the same cutting-edge regenerative science being used to repair spines and joints is also transforming beauty and skincare. At the Elite Regenerative Med Spa, the team has brought stem cell technology into the aesthetic world in a way few clinics in the country are doing.

A DESTINATION FOR HEALING, BEAUTY, AND WHOLE-BODY REGENERATION

Dr. Donner and his team are doing more than treating pain—they’re creating a regenerative hub where medical expertise, scientific invention, and aesthetic innovation come together under one roof. From internationally recognized stem cell procedures… To life-changing spine and joint treatments… To a Med Spa using stem cells in ways the beauty world rarely sees… Elite Regenerative Stem Cell Specialists is setting a new standard for what’s possible. For patients searching for answers, for hope, or simply for the chance to feel like themselves again, this clinic in Johnstown is offering something extraordinary: A chance at real, regenerative healing—inside and out.

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TO WHOLENESS

JANUARY: A RETURN

A N E W YE AR ' S RESOLUTION TO ALIG N YOU R WHOLE B O DY T O W A R D S Y O U R H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S J O U R N E Y

ARTICLE BY ADRIANA KARAGOZIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIANA KARAGOZIAN, E.T.C. PHOTOGRAPHY

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | L IF E + CU LT U RE

“THERE IS NO QUICK FIX, NO FAD DIET, NO PERFECT ANSWER. NOTHING IS ABSOLUTE. NOTHING IS EITHER/OR, YET BOTH/AND.”

There is a moment every year—usually sometime between the last glittering ornament being boxed away and the first sunrise of the new year— when I exhale in a way I didn’t realize I’d been holding my breath. You may know that feeling too. It’s knowing that the season has ended, the kitchen has quieted, and the great engine of my business has powered down just long enough to finally hear my own body again. It’s relief and exhaustion braided together. Celebration and collapse. A tenderness washes in, and I head straight for the beach, feet in sand and hands in the warm, droopy jowls of my bloodhounds. That alone is its own kind of healing. January has always been, as Katherine May calls it, my “Wintering” month—the transition between who I am as a business owner and who I am when I return to Self. While the rest of the world sprints toward resolutions, I move toward restoration. For nearly twenty years, I’ve honored this moment with a cleanse I’ve sculpted slowly, season after season, into something that feels like home: a gentle recalibration, my ritual of letting go, clearing space, and feeding the deeper parts of myself that get lost in the chaos of running a business. CONTINUED >

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“WELLNESS ISN’T THE ABSENCE OF ILLNESS—IT IS THE PRESENCE OF WHOLENESS.” People hear “cleanse” and think deprivation. I envision expansion. Breath. The sacred invitation to return—mind, body, and spirit—to the truth of what supports me. As a business owner, I’m sure you feel the call of your body, needing a reset, craving a return home. It’s a true testament to health, to living in wellness, that goes beyond trendy buzz words and fitting a mold. It’s a way of coming back home, to a place of recharge and renewal that gives us a sense of remembering, of why we chose to do this in the first place. It gives us clarity. It renews our hope. Finding your path to wellness is a personal journey. There is no quick fix, no fad diet, no perfect answer. Nothing is absolute. Nothing is either/or, yet both/and. All I can offer is encouragement, support, and ideas that have worked for me and my clients over the years. But I also ask that you choose what fits you, and tailor your renewal to your body—by listening to what it needs. As From Scratch Farm closes for the season, I finally have permission to rest. And rest, I’ve learned, is its own form of medicine. It reminds me that I’m a creature who needs tending. Rest is where I recharge for spring. Rest is where I can hear myself again.

When one part of us is out of alignment—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual—the imbalance eventually shows. January becomes my time to release what no longer serves me: unhealthy foods, dysfunctional habits, stale narratives, the quiet lies we justify when stressed or feeling unworthy. It’s when we step into Truth that we’re ready to release. Whatever you notice, honor it. Let your body speak. Sometimes, the fix is simple. Brain fog? Remove alcohol for a bit. A sluggish gut? Try a sugar-free 30 days. Trouble sleeping? Retreat from caffeine, and heal with ginger tea. These small acts of self-love become the foundation for deeper renewal. My own cleanse is simple but impactful: whole foods, clean proteins, no sugar, no gluten, no soy, no artificial anything, no caffeine. Hydration. Intentional movement. Sweat for detoxification. A fasting window that honors my rhythms. Magnesium. Minerals. Nutrients that repair, not just fuel. I become more attuned to: my hunger, my thoughts, my impulses, my intuition. Noise lowers. Vision clears. I remember who I am beneath the apron and the business plan. I remember CONTINUED >

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that wellness isn’t the absence of illness—it is the presence of wholeness. By February, I feel stronger, clearer, ready to begin my year with a renewed sense of confidence, of purpose, of Self. My creativity and passion return. The old narrative of my own inabilities fade, and I’m restored to be the Leader that I am, guiding people back to earth, one garden, one class, one meal at a time. Every person deserves their own version of this rebirth. Maybe your cleanse is a phone-free weekend. Maybe it’s two weeks of whole foods. Maybe it’s simply giving yourself permission to rest, breathe, and re-evaluate before marching into a new year carrying old patterns. The beauty of January is that it asks nothing more of you than where you’re at, right now. In the stillness of winter, the answers rise— slowly, gracefully, from deep within, where they’ve been waiting all along. What are you ready to let go of? ***For more information about my cleanse, visit my blog page at scratch-farm.com/blog-2-1. About the Author: Adriana Karagozian is the owner of From Scratch Farm, a chef, and sustainable grower dedicated to intentional cooking, holistic wellness, and helping people reconnect with the earth.

“THE BEAUTY OF JANUARY IS THAT IT ASKS NOTHING MORE OF YOU THAN WHERE YOU’RE AT, RIGHT NOW.” 18

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | L IF E + CU LT U RE

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M A K ING ME N TA L

HE A LT H C OU N T PRACTICAL, PROVEN STEPS TO SET YOU UP FOR A MORE PEACEFUL AND FUNCTIONAL INNER LIFE

ARTICLE BY MIKE ENSLEY, COMEBACK STORY COUNSELING PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY

S ELF CA R E | LO CAL SERV ICE S

In a culture that’s embraced mental health language almost flippantly, there’s hardly a concept that’s become more watered down and misused than “self-care”. Be honest, what really comes to mind? Usually our first thoughts are: indulgence, distraction, escaping duty. No wonder we don’t make time for it; it feels useless and irresponsible. But truly taking care of yourself—mentally and emotionally—is a necessary discipline. Here’s how to make it count.

“Genuine self-care is always about realigning ourselves to who we really are and want to be.”

JOURNAL

Yes, you should journal. The point is not to vent to your diary; it’s to clarify your awareness and direction. Genuine

CONTINUED >

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self-care is always about realigning ourselves to who we really are and want to be. When our chosen method of false “care” is escapism, it tells me that some important component of life feels disconnected from your true self. Have you defined for yourself who you are and what you’re here to do? I know those are big questions. Just start with your first thoughts. It doesn’t have to be the answer you keep forever. But notice what you write, and now you have context to explore your choices, relationships, and pursuits. As you go, notice the voice you use to narrate the different parts of your life. What do you notice about the way you

S ELF CA R E | LO CAL SERV ICE S

describe your relationships, your setbacks, your dreams? Are there any other voices in you that have something to say about it, too? We rarely feel singularly about anything. With the holidays fresh behind us, don’t be surprised if there’s a lot that wants to be heard. The rule with writing is, get it out first and decide what’s important once it’s on the page.

CHANGE YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO DISCIPLINE

We don’t like to hear it. Don’t you dare say anything to me about how I’m eating, spending, using my time, talking to my partner, etc. And yes, a lot of that feedback

has come ill-intended or just undisciplined in its own way. But I’ve realized it’s so easy for me to use that as my excuse to settle into a cozy spot of resentment and feel unobligated to do better. Your discipline, however, is first and foremost about your relationship with you. How you attend to your health, finances, relationships—it’s all an agreement. You are agreeing with one story or another about who you are. I’m not suggesting you go all-in on one of these kicks where people take one aspect of discipline to the extreme and act like it makes them better than other people. This is a failure. But you can find one thing to do differently to speak to that person you want to be.

Make your bed. Not because you should— do it for the person who’s coming home tired to that room tonight. Do it so when they walk in they are greeted by order and readiness that says, “you are valuable.” Don’t do it because you feel bad. Do it as a choice to believe you deserve it. (You’ll notice I didn’t say that because you feel like you deserve it).

DO YOU NEED THERAPY?

“Discipline is first and foremost about your relationship with you. How you attend to your health, finances, relationships— it’s all an agreement.”

I can’t not be biased, but I truly believe everyone can benefit from therapy—which isn’t the same as saying everyone needs it. Therapy is for the places we get stuck. Perhaps even reading the suggestions in this article, you encountered parts of yourself that were offended, resistant, cynical, even as another part of you wished you could take it to heart. You liked the idea and knew right away you wouldn’t do it. That could be one. Here are examples of when to think about counseling: My emotions are overwhelming, and I don’t know why. I keep doing what’s not working. I know the past is affecting me, but I don’t know what to do about it. I’m having an experience I don’t think others have or understand.

I know I need a change, but I have no idea what it could be. I keep having thoughts that frighten me. Not every therapist is right for everybody. Don’t be afraid to shop around and test us out. We know what the process is like.

A WORD ON PERSONALITY TESTS

Despite how the language gets obfuscated sometimes, I’m glad people are familiarizing themselves with concepts surrounding mental health. I hardly see a new client these days who hasn’t ‘found out’ their Enneagram number, Myers-Briggs personality type, attachment style, or something else. These can be helpful in starting the exploration, but remember that what you have is not a formal assessment. It also shouldn’t restrict how you think about yourself and what’s possible. Use what you find helpful and hold it loosely. If you’re looking to dig deeper and write a new chapter in 2026, it’s totally free to come in for a consultation. Come get the vibe at Comeback Story Counseling, and see if it’s the right place to find the support you need, or we can help you find the place that will be. Free consultations are bookable online at www.NocoStory.com, or call our office (970) 316-3939.

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TAKING ARTICLE BY SHEN WU TAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACKIE MOODY, PLUNJ

The

PLU NJ

PLUNJ Loveland offers saunas, cold plunges, rejuvenation, and connection

Imagine stepping into a traditional Finnish sauna, the steam from water thrown onto heated rocks seeping into your skin. You rest in the sauna, set at around 180 degrees, for about 10 to 15 minutes – both your mind and muscles unwinding. Next, you rinse yourself under the warm water of a bucket shower, gradually cooling yourself off, before taking a cold plunge. As you immerse yourself in the chilly water, you may initially grit your teeth as a tingling, numbing sensation travels throughout your body. But as you acclimate to the cold, your mind stills. You focus on your breathing and the present moment. Your soul and energy reset, reconnecting with your physical self. You soak in the cold plunge pool for maybe a handful of minutes. Afterward, you get out and relax in a lounge chair for a few moments while sipping on tea or filling up on electrolytes. Then you do it all over again. Welcome to PLUNJ Loveland, Northern Colorado’s first Nordic-style bathhouse. This premium contrast therapy space is expected to arrive at Loveland Yards in February 2026. “Our values as a brand are community, accessibility, and cleanliness,” Jackie Moody, the owner and operator of PLUNJ Loveland,

shares. “Community, in my mind, is our top value. We really want to create a space where you can meet new people, and you also can embrace time with people you already know.” PLUNJ Loveland is part of a franchise that sticks true to the Nordic rituals of contrast therapy and the hot/cold/rest/repeat cycles. As a company, PLUNJ stresses the Nordic concepts of sisu and lagom. Sisu is a Finnish term that translates to grit or resilience, but PLUNJ defines it as the extraordinary willpower to dive in despite overwhelming adversity. Lagom is a Swedish term that means not too much, not too little – just the right amount. In essence, it’s a matter of finding harmony and living in moderation. Equipped with two suites, PLUNJ Loveland provides a cultural experience and a communal space for guests to connect and rejuvenate. Each suite houses a traditional Finnish sauna, an in-ground cold plunge pool, a bucket shower, and a rest area with lounge chairs. The suites can each fit between eight to 10 people. The cold plunge pools will be extensively filtered and treated with ozone and chlorine. PLUNJ Loveland also will offer a larger community space that can be used either before or after the hot/ cold/rest/repeat sessions – giving patrons a chance to connect. CONTINUED >

S PA DAY | HEALTH + WELLN E SS

“Making time for your health and wellness isn’t selfish. It’s how you reset and return to your world more present and resilient than before.” JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FO RTC O L L I N S

“When you step into the heat or embrace the cold and take a moment The space can be utilized for a wide range of activities, from yoga sessions to business meetings. PLUNJ Loveland, an ADA-compliant facility, will have lockers and private changing rooms and bathrooms as well. The 3,000-square foot bathhouse, located at 5644 McWhinney Blvd., doesn’t just offer a sanctuary for physical and mental revitalization, but also a welcoming environment for customers. With a strong emphasis on hospitality, bathhouse hosts will provide complimentary electrolytes, teas, and cold towels to visitors along with engaging conversation – all for the sake of helping guests feel better than when they arrived. “Ultimately, I feel like a lot of people focus on nutrition, a lot of people focus on fitness,” Jackie says. “And there isn’t a lot of focus on more of the recovery aspect of health and wellness, both physical recovery and mental health recovery.” Jackie notes a long laundry list of benefits of contrast therapy, including reducing anxiety and depression, boosting dopamine, reducing inflammation and tissue congestion, decreasing swelling, improving sleep quality, removing toxins, increasing metabolism, lifting mood and energy, enhancing joint mobility, and more. “You have to kind of slow down to go faster, right?” Jackie reflects. “You have to take the time to connect with yourself, connect with the energy, refill your cup…. You really have to take a minute to slow down and consider what really is health and wellness to you.” She adds, “Taking that time and just pausing and finding that presence I think is really, really important.” Jackie herself intentionally makes time in her week to pause. She and her husband, Bobby Wise, regularly practice contrast therapy at home with their basement sauna and backyard cold plunge. They aim to complete the hot/cold/rest/repeat sessions two to four times a week throughout the months. However, for the month of January, they do the sauna and cold plunge routine every day.

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to breathe intentionally, you’ll reconnect with the energy, clarity, and strength that carry you through life.”

“We hope people will give us a try and just experience this for themselves,” Jackie comments about PLUNJ Loveland. “We’re really excited to open this business for the community aspect…. I think it’s a special experience, and I think sharing it with others makes it even more special.” Once its doors open, PLUNJ Loveland will offer a mix of options for customers to accommodate various budgets, including two different levels of memberships, a 5-visit punch card, guest passes, and a drop-in rate. To learn more about PLUNJ Loveland, you can visit loveland.plunj.co/ coming-soon or https://www.plunj.co/ or email loveland@plunj.co.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FO RTC O L L I N S

U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E “WHY” BEHIND WELLNESS ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES AND PROVIDED

The New Frontier of Health AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. KYLE GILLETT

Why do so many people feel exhausted, foggy, or unwell, even when their medical tests insist everything is “fine”? Why are we prescribed quick fixes instead of being given real answers? Across modern medicine, a shift is happening. More patients are demanding real explanations, and more clinicians are rethinking what “healthcare” should actually mean. Leading that shift is Dr. Kyle Gillett, a dual board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine and an expert in metabolic, hormonal, and preventive health. Through his clinic, research, and The Gillett Health Podcast, he’s become a trusted voice for people seeking science-based, root-cause solutions rather than symptom-based band-aids. “Functional medicine is really ‘root cause medicine,’” Dr. Gillett often says. “It’s about asking why the problem exists and not just quieting the noise.” In this Q&A, Dr. Gillett breaks down the most common questions he hears from patients and offers simple, actionable guidance anyone can begin using today.

1. “WHY DO I FEEL AWFUL EVEN THOUGH MY LABS ARE ‘NORMAL’?”

Dr. Gillett: I like to say, “There is no such thing as ‘we’ve done everything.’” We can always dig deeper. Often, the labs ordered

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are the wrong type of assay, or important markers like ferritin or SHBG—which binds testosterone and estrogen—are completely missed. Beyond lab work, there are other factors: mitochondrial health, sleep quality, mental health, and even how sensitive your dopamine and serotonin receptors are. “Normal” labs do not always equal normal physiology for you. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FO RTC O L L I N S

2. “HOW DO I FIX MY ENERGY, BRAIN FOG, OR SLEEP WITHOUT 20 MEDICATIONS?”

Dr. Gillett: Start with a good, comprehensive lab panel to assess nutrients and hormones. Then build the foundation with sleep. My favorite tool is the 10/3/2/1/0 rule: • 10 hours before bed: No caffeine • 3 hours: Avoid large meals and alcohol • 2 hours: No vigorous exercise • 1 hour: No bright blue or white light • 0: No snoozing and no inconsistent sleep/wake times Aim for 7+ hours of high-quality sleep. When sleep improves, energy almost always follows.

3. “IS MY GUT ACTUALLY CAUSING ALL THESE OTHER PROBLEMS?”

Dr. Gillett: Gut health influences most major health issues, but it’s rarely the only problem. Diet is my second pillar of health for a reason. Exercise, sleep, and stress reduction all improve gut function too. Even simple tools like self-hypnotherapy apps can reduce gut-related symptoms.

4. “WHAT CAN I DO RIGHT NOW, TODAY, TO START FEELING BETTER?”

Dr. Gillett: Focus on the pillars of health: diet, exercise, sleep, stress, sunlight, social connection, and spiritual health. Treat them like habits and find ways to make them enjoyable or easy to start. Supplements and medications are supportive tools, not substitutes. Think of them like turbo chargers: they enhance a system that’s already functioning.

5. “WHAT DOES FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE ACTUALLY DO DIFFERENTLY?”

Dr. Gillett: True functional medicine is root-cause medicine, not cookie-cutter supplement regimens. Imagine an older adult with cognitive symptoms who receives multiple prescriptions from a conventional doctor. A functional approach might uncover something entirely different: B12 deficiency, hearing loss, and vision impairment. Fix those, and cognition often improves dramatically with no medications required. CONTINUED >

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FO RTC O L L I N S

6. “WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE TEST THEIR HORMONES, AND WHICH TESTS MATTER MOST?”

Dr. Gillett: Most adults should get a baseline hormone panel between ages 18 and 28, or earlier if they have symptoms like poor sleep, unexplained fatigue, or changes in heart rate. A proper panel includes testosterone, estradiol, fasting insulin, CMP, lipids (including Lp(a)), A1C, morning cortisol, IGF-1, DHEA-S, vitamin D, and ferritin. These markers catch metabolic and hormonal issues long before symptoms become severe.

7. “WHAT LONG-TERM TESTS ACTUALLY HELP PREVENT DISEASE, NOT JUST DIAGNOSE IT?”

Dr. Gillett: Preventive care is evolving rapidly. For heart health, I recommend Coronary Artery CT Angiography (CCTA) because it detects soft plaque that calcium scores miss. Knowing this data early informs you what is needed to prevent a heart attack. Instead of asking your doctor “Do I need cholesterol medication?” ask “Do I have plaque in my arteries?”. Full-body MRIs can be useful too, but they often find harmless abnormalities, which can lead to unnecessary stress or testing. Always weigh the pros and cons with a clinician who understands your goals.

A FINAL WORD FROM DR. GILLETT

“The goal isn’t to tell people what to do, rather it’s to give them the information they need to decide what’s best for themselves.” By understanding the why behind your symptoms, labs, and lifestyle choices, you become the driver, not the passenger, of your health journey.

New Year. New Chapter. Unfiltered conversations for designing what’s next– in family, lifestyle, and business.

Love this interview with Dr. Gillett? Hear the full conversation in our premiere episode.

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