Founded by local orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert, Bright McConnell, III, MD, FitMed Partners™ conducts a comprehensive health risk profile to assess the overall nutritional, fitness and health status of individuals. With that information in hand, personalized programs that utilize the latest findings in clinical research are designed to better manage the overall aging process while optimizing health and performance.

“There is so much new information now available to guide us in better managing our overall health and, specifically, the inevitable aging process,” commented McConnell, who also holds certifications in age management medicine and clinical densitometry.  “Our goal is to implement the latest information from medical research, some of which actually contradicts previously accepted practices and guidelines, to help clients not just ‘endure’ life’s natural phases, but to optimize their health and fitness throughout the aging process.”

McConnell points out that the many messages relating to aging and weight management concerns are often contradictory and can be somewhat overwhelming. This is particularly true when trying to decide which nutritional or fitness program is most effective, as well as the options that deal with declining hormone levels, an area of treatment that has dramatically changed in recent years.

For example, he notes that new evidence and findings now refute the previous belief that all hormone therapy may cause an increased risk of cancer in women. New research shows that natural, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, when clinically monitored and adjusted, is safe and effective and provides many health benefits, McConnell adds.

Research also supports the benefits of hormone replacement therapy in men. Men’s hormone levels begin to decline, typically after age 30, and the result is an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and atherosclerosis. While there was a prior perception that testosterone replacement therapy may affect prostate health in men, most recent studies indicate there is no correlation.

For women, studies show that estrogen deficiency greatly increases mortality from cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. “Many new studies show that natural estrogen and progesterone, when started early, greatly reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and urinary tract symptoms. Bioidentical hormones do not have the same side effects as the more traditional synthetic hormones that have most often been prescribed in the past,” he adds.

“Many new studies, including large trials in Europe, have definitively demonstrated that estrogen does not cause an increased risk of breast cancer. This increased risk has only been seen in those women taking synthetic progestins and not bioidentical estrogen supplements  If we know we can safely initiate hormone therapy early to stop the progression of osteoporosis and help prevent diabetes and heart disease, why wouldn’t we?” asks McConnell.

Further, McConnell notes that there is increasing understanding of the impact that nutrition and fitness have on one’s health, weight and quality of life during the aging process. “By staying up-to-date on the latest information in nutritional and exercise science, we can guide our clients with a pro-active health plan to optimize health, well-being and physical performance,” says McConnell. “Our goal is to help our clients know all they can about their health to ensure early detection and disease prevention,” he adds. “We want to be sure they’re living life better, and longer, and optimal health and fitness are a proven pathway to that.”

From offices on Daniel Island, FitMed assesses each client using state-of-the-art technology and designs individualized programs based on each client’s goals. The staff, led by McConnell, includes a physician, registered dietitians and exercise physiologists. Depending on the individual’s needs, ongoing programs may address weight loss and age management issues, with nutrition or fitness assessments available for determining a personal nutrition and exercise plan.

The FitMed team stresses a comprehensive approach to health, nutrition and fitness, with particular emphasis on natural, safe and proven methods.  “We work to offer our clients programs based on the latest medical evidence,” commented McConnell, “and we also believe it’s very important to stick with safe, proven methods, including the most natural form of hormone replacement when medically indicated.”

Translating the latest medical knowledge into practice, FitMed Partners™ provides personalized, proven health and wellness solutions for those who seek optimal fitness, performance and health at any age.  FitMed Partners offers professional assessments, recommendations and monitored programs in the areas of age management, weight control, nutrition and exercise performance. The services are tailored to safely and naturally guide clients toward renewed energy, enhanced fitness and overall physical well-being. For more information, visit www.fitmedpartners.com.