Learn more about building healthy habits, Top 2026 health trends, and understanding kidney health. BUILD HEALTHY HABITS WITH "WELLNESS STACKING" Building healthy habits doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire lifestyle. In fact, small, meaningful changes are often the most sustainable. That’s the idea behind wellness stacking, a method that helps you build better routines by pairing new habits with behaviors you already do every day. By linking a new action to an existing routine, you create a simple structure that makes healthier choices easier and more automatic. Wellness stacking works because your brain thrives on predictable patterns. Existing habits, such as brushing your teeth or making your morning coffee, act as “anchors.” When you attach a small wellness habit to one of these anchors, your brain begins to connect the two behaviors. Over time, the new habit requires less effort because it becomes part of an established routine. This reduces the mental load of having to remember to be healthy and makes consistency feel natural rather than forced. Getting started with wellness stacking is simple. First, identify your daily anchor habits—the things you do without thinking. These might include waking up, sitting down at your desk, eating lunch or winding down at night. Next, choose a small wellness habit that aligns with your goals, such as drinking a glass of water, stretching for one minute, taking a brief walk or practicing a few deep breaths. Attach the new habit to the existing one using a clear structure. Then, keep the new behavior small, easy, and repeatable to help it stick. Here are some examples of habit stacks: • After I wake up, I will drink a full glass of water. • While my coffee brews, I will do one minute of light stretching. • When I sit down at my desk, I will take five deep breaths. • After lunch, I will take a five‑minute walk. • Before brushing my teeth at night, I will write down one thing I’m grateful for. • After I turn off the TV, I will prepare water or snacks for tomorrow. By connecting tiny wellness habits to moments already built into your day, you can create sustainable changes. Reach out to a health care professional for further guidance. U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT REVEALS TOP 2026 HEALTH TRENDS This year, U.S. News & World Report (U.S. News) replaced its long-running Best Diets annual rankings with a Top Health and Nutrition Trends report. The findings reflect survey results from a panel of 58 experts, including doctors, dietitians and health researchers. The experts were asked which emerging health trends would have the greatest impact in 2026. Here are their top predictions: 1. Expanded use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs —About 1 in 5 adults have used GLP-1 medications, and usage rates are rising as costs decrease and pill versions of these formerly injectable drugs become available. GLP-1’s popularity will grow as its use broadens beyond obesity and Type 2 diabetes, tackling other conditions. 2. Integration of artificial intelligence (AI)and wearable technology —Wearable tech can reveal simple health information, and can provide real-time information and personalized recommendations when paired with AI. Many people are opting for smartwatches and smart rings that track metrics, such as physical activity, sleep and food. 3. Greater use of “food as medicine” —While this concept isn’t necessarily new, it does recognize that the foods consumed directly impact health. Experts predict a return to the basics of whole, nutritious food this year. While plant-based food, sustainable sources and meat alternatives used to dominate the U.S. News’s diet rankings, those trends landed at the bottom of this new health report. Today’s reality is that more people are focusing on ways to incorporate animal products they consider sustainable and ethical. Consult your doctor for more information about these health trends or for guidance in setting your own health goals for the year. UNDERSTANDING KIDNEY HEALTH March is National Kidney Month, making it a great time to take charge of your health by lowering your chances of developing kidney disease. Kidneys filter blood to remove waste products and excess water, creating urine. They also produce vital hormones that help create red blood cells, promote bone health and regulate blood pressure. The National Kidney Foundation reports that 1 in 3 adults are at risk for kidney disease. Kidney disease is the 9th leading cause of death in the United States. Today, 14% of adults are affected by kidney disease—and 90% of them don’t know it. Most won’t have symptoms unless their kidneys fail. There are some physical signs of kidney disease, but most people attribute them to other conditions. Here are risk factors for kidney disease: • Diabetes • Family history of kidney disease • Heart disease • High blood pressure • Excess weight • Smoking Taking care of your kidneys is essential because they work continuously to keep your body healthy. Regular testing can help detect early signs of kidney issues, while limiting over‑the‑counter pain relievers reduces the risk of kidney damage. Healthy habits, such as daily exercise, plant-based protein and hydration, support kidney function and can help protect your kidneys for the long term. Contact your doctor for more information about kidney health and warning signs of kidney disease. This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. Readers should contact a health professional for appropriate advice. © 2026 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved. Download the PDF copy here.