Latest news with #SollisHealth
Fast Company
07-07-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
How leaders can future-proof their business
In the midst of economic volatility driven by inflation, tariffs, and global geopolitical tensions, how do businesses keep up without a crystal ball? As the CEO of Sollis Health, my deep background in scaling mission-driven brands has taught me that thriving businesses don't predict the future—they embrace uncertainty. Future-proofing is investing in your business, your offerings, and your relationships rather than trying to anticipate specific challenges. At Sollis Health, a 24/7 concierge medical membership, our guiding star is future-proofing by pioneering new ways to elevate and transform healthcare for our members, providers, and community. Build for adaptability, not predictability With its rigid structure, extensive financial projections, and reliance on outdated market analyses, the traditional business plan was designed for a world that no longer exists. Rather than boxing themselves in with an inflexible growth strategy, the businesses that prioritize data-driven decision making, lean operational structures, and empowered teams create more opportunities for innovation, even in today's unpredictable business climate. I've seen this with Sollis Health, where we've found that working to meet the needs of a growing, mobile membership base has given us the freedom to be more responsive to our members' needs. For example, after we saw that many of our New York-based members were regularly visiting our new Palm Beach location, we quickly opened a Boca Raton location because we maintain a robust list of target markets and available real estate. This foresight not only provided more convenience for our local members but strengthened our regional offerings with more comprehensive staffing and services. Invest in long-term relationships, not just short-term wins When market volatility rises, trust among your customers, your employees, and your business partners becomes even more valuable. Whether you're expanding member services, prioritizing employee culture, or exploring exciting new campaigns with your partners, investing in your people—whomever they might be—is a future-proofing tactic that builds loyalty across the board. When I led global strategy and operations at Starwood Preferred Guest, the award-winning hotel loyalty program (now part of Marriott Bonvoy), we invested in 'ambassador service' for our most frequent guests—those staying 100+ nights per year. Each member enjoyed access to a dedicated ambassador to help navigate reservations and service requests, anticipate their needs, and even 'surprise and delight' on special stays, like stocking a member's room with plush dolls for her kids when she redeemed points to treat her family to a Disney World vacation. And if a longtime loyal member didn't spend the requisite number of nights with us in a given year due to extenuating circumstances, the ambassador was empowered to make a proactive exception to maintain ambassador service for another year. With this investment, Starwood made its most important members feel recognized and valued, thereby creating more opportunities for loyalty in the long term. Make customer experience your competitive edge In premium sectors especially, customer expectations are rising even as conditions become more uncertain. The pressure to differentiate has never been higher, but it's more than possible to rise to these challenges with a focus on personalization, service continuity, and care that goes beyond the transactional. At Peloton, we leveraged the power of community to enhance the customer experience. We cultivated online spaces for members to connect outside of class, from scheduling workouts to drive shared accountability, to celebrating fitness milestones together. We even hosted in-person events to bring members together IRL, from hosting group rides and runs at our production studios to instructor meet-and-greets at each new showroom. I still remember a massive line of members decked out in Peloton gear snaking through Washington's Bellevue Square in 2017 to meet instructor Cody Rigsby. We even hosted an annual Peloton 'Homecoming,' a sold-out event in New York City that brought together 3,000 of our most passionate members, cementing their loyalty to the brand. When it comes to member experiences, it's little things—and they all add up. Whatever your industry, customer experience will continue to be the core of your differentiation. The businesses that serve customers deeply and in obsessive detail will not only outlast economic uncertainty, but ultimately thrive. Leadership with purpose and clarity The antidote to uncertainty is not certainty—it's clarity of mission and agility of execution. As business leaders, we must foster cultures that welcome change while remaining steadfast in our commitment to value. You can't future-proof your industry, but if you prioritize adaptability, long-term relationships, and customer experience, you can future-proof your business.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Should you use hydration multipliers in extreme heat?
It's officially the 'Dog Days' of the summer season — and they're getting hotter and more humid thanks to the impact of the human-caused climate crisis. In extreme heat, hydration is critical to prevent heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. The adult body is 60 percent water, and drinking enough each day helps regulate body temperature, prevent infections, and maintain organ and other key functions. Hydration multipliers - powders, packets, and liquid drops that you add to water - have become popular to boost that process and replenish electrolytes that are lost when we sweat. Electrolytes are substances that help your body to regulate chemical reactions and maintain the balance between fluids inside and outside your cells. Nearly every fluid and cell in the body contains electrolytes, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 'When we sweat, we lose more than just fluids, we also lose electrolytes — mostly sodium and chloride, but also smaller amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium," Dr. Scott Braunstein, chief medical officer at medicine concierge company Sollis Health, told CBS News. "While it all could all be replaced by drinking water and eating a variety of solid foods, for those not ready for a meal, drinking electrolyte-containing fluids is a great way to replace the losses in sweat." So, should you add a hydration multiplier to your water this summer? Here's what to know... Hydration multipliers hydrate the body faster than water alone due to a process that takes place in the small intestine and rapidly pulls not just water, but other nutrients, into cells. 'The hydration multiplier maximizes your water uptake by using the sodium and glucose co-transport across the stomach while pulling water along,' Texas Health explains. 'With such optimal sodium to glucose ratio, water gets transported into your body faster than if you drank water alone.' The formulas also carry potassium, calcium, and essential vitamins. Experts recommend using them when exercising for long periods of time or following heat exposure. 'When you drink plain water, it is absorbed primarily by osmosis through the walls of the intestine,' registered dietitian Mia Syn told Vogue. But if you're dealing with an imbalance of electrolytes—say, you just ran a half-marathon or are feeling the effects of a few too many negronis — then plain water may not be absorbed as efficiently, she says. Water is generally a safer bet than hydration multipliers because of what else might be on the ingredient list. For example, some electrolyte drinks contain more sodium and sugar than nutritionists recommend you consume in a day. That may be harmful for people suffering from chronic conditions, such as diabetes. Too much sugar can lead to kidney damage in people who have diabetes. 'Electrolyte drinks in general are safe for young athletes, but it's important to avoid any that contain caffeine,' University Hospitals pediatric sports medicine specialist Dr. Laura Goldberg said. 'Many people believe electrolyte drinks and powders are healthy, but they have a large amount of sugar which is unnecessary unless you're exercising for more than 60 minutes.' Too many electrolytes can also lead to unintended consequences, such as weakness, headache, tremors, confusion, muscle cramping, rapid heartbeat, and gastrointestinal issues. Many of the signs of an electrolyte imbalance are similar to dehydration symptoms. Check with a physician before drinking hydration multipliers. "Those with certain chronic conditions, especially kidney disease — since your kidneys regulate your electrolytes — high or low blood pressure or heart disease, should consult their doctor before consuming these products, as maintaining fluids and electrolytes within a specific range may be critical for their health," Braunstein added.
The Independent
04-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Should you use hydration multipliers in extreme heat?
It's officially the 'Dog Days' of the summer season — and they're getting hotter and more humid thanks to the impact of the human-caused climate crisis. In extreme heat, hydration is critical to prevent heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. The adult body is 60 percent water, and drinking enough each day helps regulate body temperature, prevent infections, and maintain organ and other key functions. Hydration multipliers - powders, packets, and liquid drops that you add to water - have become popular to boost that process and replenish electrolytes that are lost when we sweat. Electrolytes are substances that help your body to regulate chemical reactions and maintain the balance between fluids inside and outside your cells. Nearly every fluid and cell in the body contains electrolytes, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 'When we sweat, we lose more than just fluids, we also lose electrolytes — mostly sodium and chloride, but also smaller amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium," Dr. Scott Braunstein, chief medical officer at medicine concierge company Sollis Health, told CBS News. "While it all could all be replaced by drinking water and eating a variety of solid foods, for those not ready for a meal, drinking electrolyte-containing fluids is a great way to replace the losses in sweat." So, should you add a hydration multiplier to your water this summer? Here's what to know... How they work Hydration multipliers hydrate the body faster than water alone due to a process that takes place in the small intestine and rapidly pulls not just water, but other nutrients, into cells. 'The hydration multiplier maximizes your water uptake by using the sodium and glucose co-transport across the stomach while pulling water along,' Texas Health explains. 'With such optimal sodium to glucose ratio, water gets transported into your body faster than if you drank water alone.' The formulas also carry potassium, calcium, and essential vitamins. Experts recommend using them when exercising for long periods of time or following heat exposure. 'When you drink plain water, it is absorbed primarily by osmosis through the walls of the intestine,' registered dietitian Mia Syn told Vogue. But if you're dealing with an imbalance of electrolytes—say, you just ran a half-marathon or are feeling the effects of a few too many negronis — then plain water may not be absorbed as efficiently, she says. There's nothing as good as plain water Water is generally a safer bet than hydration multipliers because of what else might be on the ingredient list. For example, some electrolyte drinks contain more sodium and sugar than nutritionists recommend you consume in a day. That may be harmful for people suffering from chronic conditions, such as diabetes. Too much sugar can lead to kidney damage in people who have diabetes. 'Electrolyte drinks in general are safe for young athletes, but it's important to avoid any that contain caffeine,' University Hospitals pediatric sports medicine specialist Dr. Laura Goldberg said. 'Many people believe electrolyte drinks and powders are healthy, but they have a large amount of sugar which is unnecessary unless you're exercising for more than 60 minutes.' Too many electrolytes can also lead to unintended consequences, such as weakness, headache, tremors, confusion, muscle cramping, rapid heartbeat, and gastrointestinal issues. Many of the signs of an electrolyte imbalance are similar to dehydration symptoms. Check with a physician before drinking hydration multipliers. "Those with certain chronic conditions, especially kidney disease — since your kidneys regulate your electrolytes — high or low blood pressure or heart disease, should consult their doctor before consuming these products, as maintaining fluids and electrolytes within a specific range may be critical for their health," Braunstein added.
Fast Company
08-05-2025
- Health
- Fast Company
To keep healthcare human, we need better tech
The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. While virtual doctor visits were available prior to 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic kicked them into overdrive: From 2018-2022, the percentage of American hospitals offering telehealth jumped over 14% to 86.9%. In 2021, McKinsey reported that the use of virtual care had stabilized at 38 times higher than before the pandemic. That same year, 85% of doctors offered it and 37% of adults surveyed had used it in the past year. In less than a decade, telehealth has gone from care alternative to industry staple. But with patients and providers increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care, is this a positive development? It can be. As the CEO of Sollis Health, a 24/7 concierge medical membership, I've seen how telehealth can be leveraged alongside features like premium tech-based services, healthcare personalization, and powerful proactive care to prioritize patient experience, support providers, and boost health outcomes—because 'high-tech' and 'human-centered' don't have to be mutually exclusive. Premium tech-based services More than ever, time is a luxury for both patients and healthcare providers: Patients are waiting longer for care while overworked providers are slowed down by administrative burdens and staffing shortages. This lack of time contributes to burnout on both sides, with a 2022 poll revealing that fewer than half of Americans feel that the healthcare system is ' generally handled well.' On the provider side, a 2024 survey showed that 48.2% of physicians reported experiencing at least one symptom of burnout. Tech-based services could help fill these gaps, alleviating these pressures on both sides. AI is just one example. By automating administrative tasks, streamlining preventive care, and even playing a role in diagnostics —like reading MRIs or X-rays—a smart rollout of AI could free providers to spend more intentional time with patients while making care more efficient and effective by finding cancer sooner and making precision medicine more comprehensive. Healthcare personalization Women are more likely to die from heart attacks —and yet, because of medical biases, they are also more likely to be misdiagnosed. While a one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare has long been the norm, care that tailors medical treatments and interventions to the unique needs of individual patients not only improves health outcomes, but streamlines them, too. From simply making sure patients are comfortable before, during, and after exams, to providing access to wearables like Zio patches, targeted cancer diagnostics, and seamless care navigation, personalized healthcare can save time and money by enhancing prevention and refining diagnostics. It can also improve engagement and compliance: Healthcare strategies specifically tailored to an individual's needs makes patients feel more understood and cared for overall. Powerful proactive care You're probably already familiar with preventive care, which research shows could reduce premature cancer deaths by about 40%. Proactive care broadens preventive care's reach by deepening the connection between patients and providers with more and better communication while encouraging traditional preventive measures like health education, lifestyle changes—like quitting smoking or balanced eating habits—and screenings for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Unfortunately, in the United States only slightly more than half of recommended healthcare interventions are provided during the course of normal care, often due to a lack of time. Technological advances in preventive care have so much to offer, especially in terms of access. Thanks to the time-savings of telehealth, AI-driven diagnostics, app-based medical education and care, wearables, and more, proactive care becomes more accessible to those who need it, including at-risk patients, patients managing chronic conditions, and others who would benefit from the convenience of higher-tech care. The future of healthcare is human-centered Finding solutions to a healthcare system that's become too complex, transactional, and onerous doesn't mean ignoring technologies like telehealth—it means striking the delicate balance between the human touch and the cutting edge. Whether it's as simple as a warmer bedside manner or as advanced as AI-driven predictive analytics, human-centered healthcare is not just possible, but necessary, in this evolving landscape.
Forbes
24-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The Economic And Social Consequences Of The Women's Health Gap
Dr. Scott Braunstein is the Chief Medical Officer of Sollis Health. Women's health has long been underfunded and under-researched. The disparity isn't just a healthcare issue: It's an economic and social crisis. In 1977, the FDA recommended excluding women of childbearing age from Phase I and early Phase II drug trials—even if they weren't pregnant or trying to become pregnant. While this policy was intended to prevent adverse health outcomes after thalidomide, a morning sickness drug, caused severe birth defects, it resulted in a shortage of data on how medication affects all women. This policy dovetailed into the general exclusion of women from medical research, strengthening gender biases that viewed the white male body as the physiological 'norm.' In the 1980s, activists protested the CDC's case definition of HIV/AIDS, which was too narrow to include many women with the condition. While the NIH began encouraging the inclusion of women and minorities in drug trials and medical research later that decade, it wasn't until 1993 that Congress codified it in federal law. In 2025, women's care continues to be affected by lack of funding, delayed treatments and misdiagnoses. Women experiencing a heart attack are 50% more likely to be misdiagnosed because their symptoms often differ from men's. Only 4.5% of coronary artery disease research funding is allocated to women, despite cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death for women. Women are diagnosed later than men for over 700 diseases, including several types of cancer. And while chronic pain is more common in women, they're less likely to receive painkillers and more likely to have physical symptoms dismissed as psychological. The disparity in women's care goes deeper than health outcomes. The McKinsey Health Institutes reports that globally, the average woman will spend nine years of her life in poor health—25% longer than men. With nearly half of this health burden affecting women during their working years, the healthcare gap can have a profound impact on their ability to financially support themselves and their families. This productivity loss affects the healthcare industry, too, contributing to the global healthcare workforce shortage that, according to the World Health Organization, will see a shortfall of 11 million healthcare workers by 2030. For any healthcare company concerned about employee retention or patient experience, the other side of the coin is investing in women's health—which is itself a high-potential market. According to McKinsey, investing in women's health shows a positive ROI, with approximately $3 in economic growth projected for every $1 invested. Closing the women's health gap can benefit patients, industries and even the global economy, to the tune of $1 trillion annually by 2040, according to McKinsey. I believe this will require nothing less than a paradigm shift in medical research and healthcare delivery. But what does that entail? From my perspective as a chief medical officer, I believe healthcare leaders need to lead the shift toward more personalized, proactive healthcare solutions—particularly in emergency medicine, where an overreliance on urgent cares and ERs has resulted in overcrowding, a rise in misdiagnoses, and stress and confusion caused by long waits and a lack of continuity between providers. Here are several ways you can get involved: • Support better funding and research for women's health. In the United States, the National Institute of Health (NIH) only allocates 11% of its budget to women's-health-specific research. Private-sector stakeholders have an opportunity to channel funds into high-impact areas of research, enabling more investment and innovation that will reap more data about how women experience disease, react to medication and recover. • Create financial incentives to close the gender gap. Developing new financial products and investment vehicles can attract capital to projects that directly address the women's health gap. For example, the fast-growing FemTech sector, already disrupting the healthcare market, funds consumer products, digital health applications, and medical products and technologies specifically designed for women's health needs. • Improve the patient experience. Develop creative business models that provide a better experience for your urgent and emergent care patients, such as concierge medicine, which is currently undergoing explosive growth. This can help remove barriers for women seeking acute care and allow your organization to provide more personalized, accurate care and diagnoses. If the medical, social and economic costs of treating women's health as a 'specialty' are obvious, the reasons for closing the women's health gap should be even more so. Achieving medical equity and inclusivity for women could not only improve their lives but also their families, their communities and the world in which we all live. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
