This article is a little different from Dr. Talerico’s usual health topics — and all the more powerful for it. When sitting down to write, she found herself reflecting not on cardiovascular disease or obesity, but on the state of the world: the lives lost to senseless violence, the men and women whose lives have been forever changed by exploitation, the families whose homes and belongings were swept away by hurricanes and natural disasters. Faced with so much suffering, she asked herself a question many of us have asked: what can I actually do to make a difference?
The answer came from an unexpected place — a song by Britt Nicole called “Be The Change.” The lyrics sparked a deeper reflection on the unique gifts each of us carries and how we might use them to help others. For Dr. Talerico, that gift is the knowledge of nutrition and its power to transform lives. Could that knowledge help someone take fewer medications, move more freely, live longer, and feel genuinely well? She believes the answer is yes — and that the ripple effect of one person making healthier choices can inspire those around them to do the same. The human brain learns through repetition, and small, consistent messages — eat less sugar, eat more vegetables, drink more water, take a walk — can eventually become lasting habits that spread from person to person:
- Through individual counseling, group cleanses, detox programs, and community workshops, real change becomes possible one person at a time
- Each of us has special gifts to share — whether that’s nutrition knowledge, volunteerism, kindness, or simply being more encouraging to the people right next door
As we move into a new year, Dr. Talerico’s message is simple and timeless: we all need to help others a little more, be a little kinder, a little more encouraging, and a lot more loving. Be the change.