Set against the beautiful backdrop of Portugal’s southern coast, the upcoming Healthcare & Wellness Conference in partnership with Algarve Care Services on Thursday, July 10 at the Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa, will bring together leading voices in research and wellness. The conference aims to explore how individuals and communities can take a more proactive approach to health and well-being.

Opening Keynote: Insights into the Aging Process

The event will begin with a keynote address from Dr. Joana Apolónio, Researcher and Scientific Project Manager at the Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI). Dr. Apolónio will introduce the mission of the ABC-RI and share how the center is helping to position the Algarve as a hub for aging research.

With a background in epigenetics and cancer research, Dr. Apolónio has been investigating how molecular and environmental factors influence aging. Her keynote will provide insights into how this research is paving the way for earlier detection of age-related diseases and potential new therapies, making it possible to shift from reactive to preventive models of care.

Panel 1: Preventing Illness and Disease Before They Start

Following the keynote, the first panel discussion will focus on preventing illness and disease through science, behavior, and nutrition. The conversation will be moderated by Sharon Farrell, Chair of the IPBN Algarve and Partner at Blevins Franks, who brings decades of experience in financial planning and a strong commitment to community well-being.

Panelists will include Joana Apolónio, who will expand on how the latest scientific discoveries in epigenetics may help identify early signs of disease before symptoms arise.

She will be joined by IPBN member Elaine Godley, founder of the DISCPlus Academy and the Perfect Health HUB. Elaine is a multi-award-winning health and life mentor with over 30 years of experience. Her work focuses on the connection between behavior and health outcomes, using her DISCPlus model to identify patterns that may point to burnout, stress, or emerging health risks. Her insights are expected to offer a powerful framework for both individuals and organizations looking to improve well-being from the inside out.

The panel will also feature Sally Turner, a natural nutritionist who is passionate about using food as medicine. Sally is known for helping individuals understand the healing power of nutrition, and she will speak about how functional eating strategies can support the immune system, balance energy, and play a key role in preventing chronic disease.

A Proactive Approach to Health and Wellness

Together, the panelists will highlight the value of taking a preventive and personalized approach to health—whether through scientific research, behavioral analysis, or nutrition. Attendees can expect a thought-provoking discussion centered on practical strategies for living healthier, longer lives.

This conversation will set the tone for a day of discovery, insight, and networking with professionals dedicated to advancing health and wellness across the Algarve and beyond.

Stay tuned for more details about the full agenda and additional speakers. The IPBN Healthcare & Wellness Conference promises to be a standout event for anyone interested in the future of proactive, person-centered care, so be sure to register here!