2026 Health & Wellness in the Berkshires

HEALTH & Weness

IN THE BERKSHIRES

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

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Dear Readers,

Health and wellness rarely announce themselves in dramatic ways. More often, they take shape quietly — in the choices we make when no one is watching, in the routines we return to again and again and in the communities that support us when life feels heavy, uncertain or simply busy. Wellness is not a finish line or a single definition. It’s a process and, for many of us, a lifelong conversation with our bodies, our minds and the world around us. This section is an invitation into that conversation.

Health & Wellness in the Berkshires brings together stories, guidance and perspectives rooted in real life — the kind that meet you where you are, whether you’re navigating stress, seeking balance, managing illness or simply trying to feel a little more like yourself. Inside these pages, you’ll find a

blend of practical advice, local expertise and human stories that reflect how wellness actually shows up day to day.

Some of the articles explore wellness from the inside out. You’ll read about journaling as a simple but powerful tool for mental clarity, emotional grounding and self-discovery — a reminder that sometimes the most effective practices don’t require expensive gear, just a pen, a page and a willingness to slow down. Others focus on movement and physical health, offering accessible ways to stay active through cold winters, tight budgets and shifting motivation, reinforcing the idea that consistency matters more than intensity.

There are also stories that highlight how wellness is shaped by the systems and services around us. Expanded surgical care across Berkshire County, advancements in local health systems and the lifesaving impact of blood and plasma donation all un-

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derscore an essential truth: access matters. When care is close to home, when providers are neighbors and when communities show up for one another, health outcomes improve.

Several pieces take a closerlook at cannabis, hemp and the evolving landscape of plant-based wellness. These articles cut through confusion, offering clarity around CBD and THC, sustainable growing practices and the importance of transparency, education and intention in an industry that’s still finding its footing. At their core, these stories are less about trends and more about trust — in the products we use, the people who provide them and the values that guide their creation.

Wellness, of course, doesn’t stop when we leave home. Whether you’re traveling for work or rest, maintaining health on the road requires thoughtfulness, preparation and flexibility. And beyond

individual habits, this section explores broader strategies for promoting wellness at work, in communities and through spiritual and emotional connection.

These stories are grounded in the Berkshires and the surrounding region, shaped by local voices, local institutions and local values. They reflect a community that understands wellness not as a luxury, but as a shared responsibility — one supported by education, access, compassion and connection.

As you move through these pages, take what resonates and leave what doesn’t. Try something new. Revisit something familiar. Let this section serve as both a resource and a reminder: that wellness is not about perfection, but presence; not about doing everything, but doing what you can, with intention. Here’s to another year of learning, caring and moving forward together.

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Successful strategies to promote wellness

The tenets of wellness can be traced to ancient civilizations. Wellness encompasses strategies that lead to a state of holistic health. Those strategies include physical, mental and even spiritual components. The root of wellness incorporates various natural approaches and preventive care.

Physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being is achieved through different avenues. Programs in communities and places of employment can promote and emphasize wellness, which can benefit people in myriad ways.

FEELING EMPOWERED

Wellness begins with individuals, who can feel empowered when they make healthy choices and utilize the tools and support sys-

tems at their disposal. This can include information provided by health care professionals as well as research people uncover on their own.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Individuals who have access to healthy food, safe housing, education and medical care are more likely to make wellness a priority. Community leaders can ramp up their efforts to provide health-based offerings to people in surrounding neighborhoods.

WORKPLACE INITIATIVES

People spend eight or more hours each day at work, and health should and can be prioritized at places of business. Employers can incorporate healthy eating options in cafeterias or break rooms, offer stress

management services, engage in fitness challenges and even provide workout equipment or quiet spaces so employees can incorporate wellness into their work days.

SPIRITUAL CONNECTION

While spiritual wellness can include faith in a specific religion or belief, it also encompasses values, ethics, service to others and finding meaning and purpose in one’s life. Embracing spiritual wellness through outreach and other efforts can improve health. The World Health Organization states that health is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. It also includes physical, mental and social well-being, which can be fostered through a spiritual component of wellness.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

The National Institute of Mental Health says approximately 59.3 million adults in the United States experienced a mental illness in the past year. Such illnesses include anxiety and depression. The World Health Organization estimates 970 million people globally live with a mental health disorder. Mental wellness comes from seeking help from doctors, therapists and support groups when needed. It also can involve finding root causes of mental distress and taking steps to remove triggers.

Wellness is a broad term that incorporates many different components, each of which can contribute to improved health and a greater sense of well-being.

CBD and THC: Understanding the cannabis alphabet soup

Recent years have witnessed a growing acceptance of the use of cannabis products to address various health needs and conditions. Consumers may come across CBD or THC on the labels of many different items and wonder if these edibles, lotions or tinctures are one and the same. In fact, CBD (cannabidiol) is not the same as THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), and it’s important to recognize distinctions between the two.

CBD and THC are both produced by the cannabis sativa species of plant, says the National Institutes of Health. But they differ dramatically in their mechanisms of action and effects on the brain. Both compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, but they have very different effects. Cannabis plants actually produce more than 100 cannabinoids, but THC and CBD are the main ones.

CBD: CBD and THC both come from the same plant. However, CBD is not psychoactive, so it will not make a

person feel “high.” CBD typically is extracted from hemp, which is considered cannabis with 0.3 percent or less of THC. Marijuana is cannabis with a higher amount of THC. CBD comes from the resin on the leaves and buds of female cannabis plants, as well as the flowering heads of the hemp plant.

THC: THC is similar to CBD, but it is a psychoactive ingredient in the cannabis plant, which makes a person feel “high” when consumed. In the United States, THC products and marijuana are considered Schedule I controlled substances. However, marijuana is legal in some cities and states (and approved in others for medical purposes), but laws are continually evolving. According to the Department of Justice Canada, cannabis is legal in Canada and is regulated by The Cannabis Act.

HEALTH BENEFITS: Both CBD and THC offer many of the same medicinal benefits. However, Healthline indicates that factors like dose, frequency and product qual-

ity may affect how individuals respond.

CBD may be used for treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia and schizophrenia. It also may offer mild pain relief. THC largely is used to help with issues like nausea, appetite, pain and insomnia.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved prescription medications that include either CBD or THC. For example, Epidiolex is a CBD medication used to treat rare, difficult-to-control forms of epilepsy.

Commercially available products containing CBD and THC also are available in certain areas.

Healthline advises that CBD is typically well tolerated, even in large doses. THC may cause a higher number of temporary side effects and the potential for long-term negative psychiatric effects.

CBD and THC are similar substances but produce very different effects. Use of CBD and THC should be discussed with a medical professional, and careful considerations must be made to ensure legality where one lives.

Sustainably grown, rooted in the outdoors: Peak Cannabis, Co.

After a decade in the West Coast cannabis industry, David Ross found the East Coast’s transactional retail mindset disconnected from both the plant and the community. With Peak Cannabis Co., Ross — alongside co-founder and longtime friend Chris Lynch — brings a different sensibility to Great Barrington, one shaped by environmental values and the belief that cannabis belongs as much outdoors as it does behind a counter.

Opening at 325 Stockbridge Road, Peak Cannabis focuses on responsibly grown products and an outdoor-minded lifestyle that reflects the Berkshires. For Ross, the project is a homecoming. “Great Barrington was part of my childhood — my father owned a store on Main Street,” he says. Lynch, who stayed closer to home, became involved early in the emergence of the Massachusetts cannabis market. When legalization arrived, the two saw an opportunity to reunite

their experience and bring it back to the community that raised them.

Rather than positioning itself as a disruptor, Peak aims to elevate expectations around quality and transparency. “What we are trying to provide is a more wholesome approach to cannabis in the area, balancing the area’s consciousness with our Peak Standards,” Ross explains. That philosophy pushes back against what the founders describe as the East Coast’s heavily pre-packaged approach to cannabis retail.

At the heart of the store is a deli-style bud bar that allows customers to see and smell flowers before purchasing. “Cannabis is personal, and you should be able to have confidence in your purchase,” Ross says. Inspired by Ross’s years operating cultivation facilities in Oregon, the model improves quality control while reducing waste. A jar refill system will also help limit excess packaging.

These principles are formalized through Peak’s “Peak Standards,” a framework designed to distinguish naturally grown cannabis from synthetic alternatives. “The emphasis behind the brand is to show people the real quality difference between synthetically produced products and naturally grown cannabis,” Ross says. Transparency is central to that mission. “We want to expose what’s in the jar past what’s on the label.” Peak regularly visits partner farms and works only with cultivators who align with its values around responsible land use, traceability and craft.

Education is woven into every interaction. “We start with what the end goal is for the use of the product and then work our way back from there,” Ross explains. As relationships develop, staff can make more thoughtful recommendations, including non-smokable options such as patches, topicals and tinctures.

Peak Cannabis is also intentionally aligned with the outdoor culture of the Berkshires. “This is what our community does,” Ross says. “It’s what connects us to nature.” Cannabis, in this context, is not about disengagement or stagnation. “We want people to come into our store and think about being outside.” Community involvement extends beyond lifestyle branding. Drawing on both founders’ deep ties to the region, Peak has committed to giving back locally, including donations to Thanksgiving Angels. “We grew up in an era of scrutiny around cannabis,” Ross says, “and now we get to use it as a vehicle to help others.”

Looking ahead, success for Peak Cannabis is measured in trust rather than transactions. “We want to be known as pioneers of cannabis in the Berkshires,” Ross says. “A company that puts quality and customer experience before profits.”

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Staying fit in winter without freezing your butt o or breaking the bank

Let’s be real — winter can be a real motivation killer. The cold, early darkness and post-holiday bills don’t exactly scream “Let’s get fit!” With gyms charging higher fees in January, it can feel nearly impossible to keep up with fitness goals without freezing or burning through your wallet. But don’t worry; staying active during the colder months doesn’t require a gym membership or designer gear. The key is finding ways to move that suit your budget, space and motivation level. While winter may be a time to slow down, it’s also a perfect opportunity to build habits that carry you through the year.

FOCUS ON STRETCHING AND MOVING ENOUGH

Winter is rough on the body. Cold air makes everything feel stiffer, and we spend more time curled up under blankets or near a heater. If you’ve ever felt like the Tin Man in need of oil, you’re not alone. Winter weather can worsen joint pain, lead to sluggishness and even cause swelling, particularly in the ankles.

As my physical therapist says, “Motion is lotion.” That is, the more you move,

the easier it is to maintain flexibility and strength. Sitting all day because of cold or stress can lock up joints, stiffen muscles and drain energy. The solution is simple: stretch daily. You don’t need hours for yoga. Start small by reaching for your toes, stretching your arms across your chest or rotating wrists and ankles. YouTube and Instagram offer free routines. Accounts like MovementbyDavid or Forever Fit With Mitch provide short, effective options.

Even 10 minutes in the morning or before bed can make a real difference and prevent stiffness during cozy hibernation days.

DO A LITTLE BIT EVERY DAY

Consistency matters more than intensity. If you can carve out 30 minutes to move, you’ll keep energy up and lethargy away. Moderate movement counts. Set a simple goal: move for at least 30 minutes daily. Do it in the morning, at lunch or after work. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; it may never come. Set a reminder if needed. Morning workouts boost energy, but avoid intense exercise after 7 p.m., which can disrupt sleep.

JUMP ROPE OR JUMP IN PLACE

For a high-intensity indoor workout, grab a jump rope or jump in place. Concerns about tripping or noisy neighbors are fair, but don’t let them stop you. Jumping is an excellent calorie-burning cardio workout you can do almost anywhere with enough ceiling height. Start with a minute, rest, then repeat. Build stamina over time. Add a rope, try different directions or criss-cross patterns or do 30 seconds on and 30 seconds off for 10 to 15 minutes.

CREATIVE WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE WHILE SAVING

Fitness doesn’t need a price tag. Libraries often offer free workout DVDs, from aerobics to dance to HIIT. Mute the music and use your own playlist. Online resources are endless, including Facebook groups and YouTube channels for dance, bodyweight workouts and stretching. Channels like The Fitness Marshall or HASfit offer routines for all levels.

The many ways donated blood and plasma is utilized

There’s no shortage of ways for people to give back to their communities. Volunteering, coaching kids’ sports teams and participating in charitable fundraisers and food drives are just some of the many ways to strengthen a community. Donating blood is another way to give back and save lives.

The National Institutes of Health notes that blood and plasma donations are crucial for a wide range of reasons. In fact, recognition of the many ways blood and plasma donations are used might compel more people to make this simple and selfless act a bigger part of their efforts to give back to their communities.

BLOOD DONATIONS ARE UTILIZED DURING SURGERY

The American Red Cross notes donated blood is often used during surgery, including heart surgeries, organ transplants and operations performed after emergencies. Red cells carry oxygen throughout the body, and the Red Cross notes these are frequently given to trauma and surgery patients.

BLOOD DONATIONS HELP CANCER PATIENTS

The Red Cross notes that platelets are tiny cells in the blood that help to form clots and stop bleeding. Certain types of cancer and cancer treatments prevent patients from forming their own platelets, making platelet donation vital for such individuals’ survival. Platelet donation differs from more routine blood donation, and the Red Cross estimates the process typically takes roughly three hours from start to finish. However, some platelet donations yield enough platelets for

two to three patients, making this well worth the investment of time.

BLOOD DONATIONS HELP FIGHT SICKLE CELL DISEASE

The Red Cross notes that patients with sickle cell disease may require multiple blood transfusions every year, and the blood used during such procedures needs to be very closely matched to the recipient’s blood type to avoid complications. Sickle cell disproportionately affects people who are Black or African American, and the most compatible matches tend to

be people of the same ethnicity, making blood donated by other members of the Black community particularly useful and necessary to help individuals with sickle cell disease.

PLASMA DONATIONS ARE PIVOTAL FOR BURN VICTIMS

Burn victims typically lose considerable amounts of blood, and the plasma donation experts at Plasmasource.org note that severe burns commonly cause fluid to leak from blood vessels into other tissues. When diminished fluid volume within blood vessels is not addressed, a host of negative outcomes, including shock and potential organ failure, can occur. Such patients typically require plasma donations to replenish fluid volume and avoid further complications from severe burns.

Blood and plasma donation is a simple and selfless act that annually helps to save millions of lives. More information about the donation process can be found at redcrossblood.org.

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Berkshire Health Systems expands surgical services from south to north Berkshire

Whether facing an urgent medical need or managing routine care, patients benefit in many ways from having healthcare close to home, being cared for by local healthcare professionals who understand they are caring for family, friends and neighbors. Nearby services make it easier to keep up with regular appointments and follow treatment plans, which leads to better health outcomes.

Berkshire Health Systems is proud to share patients across the county have expanded access to comprehensive surgical services— at Fairview Hospital, Berkshire Medical Center (BMC), Crane Center for Ambulatory Surgery and North Adams Regional Hospital (NARH). While there are numerous surgical professionals providing care, four new general surgeons have more recently joined BHS, diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, primarily focusing on the abdomen, breast, skin and endocrine system and treating appendicitis, gallstones, hernias and other areas, while also specializing at times in vascular and tho-

racic care.

Mark Taylor, II, MD, joined Fairview Hospital in 2022, after spending much of his life in large cities. “I was initially hesitant about practicing in a small community, but I am struck by how strongly the community rallies around Fairview. It’s unlike anything I have experienced elsewhere,” he said. “Caring for patients in a close-knit community makes the work far more meaningful.”

Dr. Taylor provides a range of services, including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, robotic and laparoscopic surgery, hernia and gallbladder surgery and emergency procedures like appendectomy, skin cancer lesion removal, among others.

Brett Matthews, DO, joined North Adams Regional Hospital in 2025. He cares for patients in need of general surgery and endoscopy services, and he began his career in the Berkshires, as a surgical resident at BMC. “We are lucky to have such a strong surgical team that performs a wide array of techniques to help care for our patients, who do not have to travel to larger

cities for their care,” he said. “A strong patient and physician relationship is critical. I always strive to ensure my patients have appropriate understanding of their disease, treatment options and provide reasonable expectations for optimal outcomes.”

Marguerite Ballou, MD, recently joined BMC as a vascular and general surgeon and provides a number of highly specialized procedures. “I focus on arterial disease, including blockages and aneurysms, providing both minimally invasive and open procedures for abdominal aneurysm repair and carotid intervention,” she said. “In 2026 we are starting a trans carotid artery program, allowing me to stent the carotid artery under direct access to the vessel, a technique that has replaced more traditional carotid stenting.”

Dr. Ballou is from a small town in Virginia and can easily relate to life in the Berkshires. “I grew up playing in the mountains, and it’s still my favorite thing to do in my free time. I am also an artist, and the combination of such vivid outdoor experiences

with a vibrant arts community made the Berkshires a perfect fit for me.”

Adam Bowling, DO, a general and bariatric weight loss surgeon at BMC, also trained as a resident here. He provides a broad range of surgical care, including upper endoscopy, colon and rectal surgery, and robotic and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Coming from a smaller community himself, Dr. Bowling said he has a lot of familiarity with the Berkshires and its lifestyles. “I am from a small town in Maryland very similar to the Berkshires, and my practice is entirely patient driven. The patient and I decide on an individualized plan with their best interests in mind. I want our patients to know that we are deeply committed to providing excellent surgical care, countywide. We continually work to improve our practices and technology, with state-of-the-art care.”

For more information, visit berkshirehealthsystems.org/ general-surgery

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How journaling can benefit your mental health and soul

Writing of any kind can feel intimidating at first, but it doesn’t have to be. At its core, journaling is simple. It’s a quiet, intentional practice of mindfulness and self-reflection — one that can help you better understand your inner world and make sense of the outer one.

START SIMPLE AND WORK YOUR WAY UP

No one is asking you to write your magnum opus in your very first journal (though it could become the seed of one… you never know). If keeping a traditional diary feels too vulnerable or a bit too cliché, start smaller. Jot down a few words that best describe your day, your mood or your energy. Over time, those words may naturally turn into sentences, paragraphs or stories.

CAPTURE BRIEF SNAPSHOTS OF WHAT FELT MEANINGFUL

Maybe it was the color of the morning sky, the way the sunset lingered, an extraordinary bird you noticed or a single word or phrase that stayed with you. Whatever caught your attention

— write it down. These small snapshots train you to notice beauty and meaning in the fleeting moments of everyday life, moments that often pass unnoticed.

CONSIDER MAKING A “GRATITUDE LIST”

This idea comes from a coworker who sends daily texts listing the people and things they’re grateful for throughout the day. On days when writing about yourself feels difficult, shift the focus

outward. Ask yourself: what made life feel a little more worth living today? Who or what made you smile, even briefly? Gratitude doesn’t have to be grand — it can be as simple as a good cup of coffee or a kind word.

CAPTURE QUOTES, LESSONS AND PASSING THOUGHTS

Perhaps you heard a quote from an author or public figure you admire. Write it down as best you can and reflect on why it resonated. Or maybe

you learned something the hard way, overheard a meaningful conversation or came up with a line of your own that surprised you. Journals are a safe place to collect these fragments of wisdom.

CONSISTENCY MATTERS — BUT YOU GET TO DEFINE IT

Writing every day can be powerful, but the true goal is simply to keep coming back. Don’t let long gaps discourage you. Sometimes you need time — a week, a month, even an entire season — to ruminate and gather your thoughts before you can articulate what’s going on upstairs. What matters most is the act of returning to the page.

WORK UP THE COURAGE TO SHARE YOUR WORDS

This is easier said than done, but sharing your writing — whether with a trusted friend or a wider audience — can be deeply affirming. It builds confidence, strengthens your narrative voice and reminds you that your thoughts and experiences have value.

How to stay healthy while traveling

Travel is a regular part of life for many people, whether it’s for work, leisure or visiting friends and family. While exploring new destinations can be exciting, travel also presents challenges such as long lines at airports, crowded trains, extended time in transit and disruptions to daily routines. One of the biggest challenges travelers face is maintaining their health while on the road. Fortunately, with some thoughtful planning and practical strategies, it’s possible to stay healthy while traveling by air, rail or car.

PRIORITIZE QUALITY SLEEP

Sleep often suffers during travel. Unfamiliar environments, changes in time zones and packed schedules can all interfere with rest.

Many travelers sleep worse away from home than they do in their own beds. Bringing familiar items — such as a favorite pillow, blanket or sleep mask — can help create a more comfortable sleep environment. Getting adequate rest is essential, as lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and make travelers more susceptible to illness.

PLAN AHEAD FOR NUTRITIOUS MEALS

Eating well can be difficult while traveling, especially when options are limited to airport food courts, roadside stops or unfamiliar restaurants. Taking time before a trip to research dining options can help travelers identify restaurants that offer healthier meals along the way or at their destination.

Packing nutritious snacks, such as fruit, nuts or protein bars, can also help maintain balanced nutrition and reduce the temptation to rely on less healthy convenience foods.

CHOOSE ACCOMMODATIONS THAT SUPPORT ACTIVITY

Staying active while traveling contributes to overall well-being. Many hotels offer fitness centers, swimming pools or partnerships with nearby gyms. Booking accommodations with access to exercise facilities can make it easier to maintain a regular fitness routine while away from home. Even simple activities, such as walking around a new city or stretching in a hotel room, can help travelers stay energized and healthy.

MANAGE STRESS DURING THE JOURNEY

Travel can be stressful, even for experienced travelers. Delays, crowds and unexpected changes can test anyone’s patience. Bringing items that promote relaxation, such as a good book, music, podcasts or downloaded movies can help pass the time and reduce stress. Managing stress is important, as prolonged stress can negatively affect the immune system and overall health.

Staying healthy while traveling doesn’t require drastic changes — just a bit of preparation and awareness. By prioritizing sleep, nutrition, physical activity and stress management, travelers can protect their well-being and fully enjoy their journeys, no matter the destination.

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TheWellnessPerspective

Formanyadults,cannabisisusedintentionallytosupportsleep,stressmanagement, recovery,andmindfulness.Wellness-focuseduseemphasizesclarity,moderation,and purpose-notintensity.

WhyEducationMatters

Cannabisa ectseveryonedi erently.Dosage,format,tolerance,andintentallshapethe experience.Educationhelpspeoplemakeinformed,con dentchoices.

ThePeakStandards

Transparencybeyondthelabel

• Naturallygrown,responsiblysourcedproducts

Educationbeforerecommendation • Reducedwaste • Communitybeforetransactions

PEAKCANNABISCO. GREATBARRINGTON