BLOG

The McKenna Foundation, in partnership with New Braunfels Christian Ministries’ (NBCM) Volunteers in Medicine, invites the public to a free five-part education series: Lifespan vs. Healthspan.

Led by physicians Dr. Kelly Ratheal and Dr. Madhu Challapalli, this free series is designed to empower individuals with proactive and practical strategies for improving long-term health. Each session will explore topics such as blood sugar management, nutrition, cardiovascular health, sleep, and more.

While lifespan refers to the number of years we live, healthspan focuses on the quality of those years. This series will offer insights on how investing in your healthspan can enhance your overall lifespan.

“Heart disease is a leading cause of death in our society. Preventive measures, lifestyle changes, and interventions can empower individuals to take responsibility for and improve their overall health,” said NBCM Jim Wesson. “At NBCM Volunteers in Medicine, we remain committed to seeing a community where everyone has the opportunity to improve their health.”

Dr. Kelly Ratheal added, “It’s important not to delay having your risk assessed because you think you’re too young or believe your risk is low. The earlier your risk is evaluated, the sooner it can be addressed.”

The series kicks off on August 12, 2025, with a focus on metabolic health. Additional sessions will be held on September 9, October 7, November 11, and December 9. All classes will take place from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at NBCM Volunteers in Medicine Clinic, located at 1239 W. San Antonio St., in New Braunfels

RSVP by emailing your name and selected classes to rsvp@mckenna.org or by calling (830) 606-9500. 

The McKenna Foundation is also offering a chance to win a fitness watch of your choosing (Apple Watch, Garmin, or Fitbit). Each session you attend earns you one entry, and attending all five gets you five chances to win. The winner will be drawn following the final class in December.

You can learn more about the physicians at nbpreventiondocs.com or explore the NBCM Volunteers in Medicine program at nbcm.org.