At Coastal, Joel Hall is our go-to guy for anything related to supplementation and the complex role nutrients play in every bodily function. Although he may seem reserved, being able to help people find their way to optimal health drives what he does. If you see him staring intently at his computer screen, he’s most likely researching something that most of us can only partly understand. He seriously lives this stuff. He spends as much time as necessary with you to give you the information you need to make good health decisions.
We know there are a lot of Joel fans out there and thought you may want to know a bit more about him. Here’s our attempt at giving you some insights…
What is your role at CPW?
As Wellness Specialist, I try to provide my customers with quality supplements and guidance on their best application. Education is a huge part of the process.
How long have you been doing this?
12 years
What everyone wants to know: how do you know so much about nutritional supplements?!
I have been investigating the subject of supplements and health for 20 years. I have also attended many trainings and have had many conversations with product representatives, who have helped to round out my education. Customer feedback has also improved my breadth of understanding tremendously.
What are two supplements every person should consider taking to maintain good health?*
*assuming, for the sake of this exercise, that they are generally in good health
Given the typical dietary habits of Americans, it is easy to guess what might be most necessary as a supplement. While I do try to employ a tailored approach when possible, the two most frequent recommendations I make are vitamin D3 and fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids.) Both of these essential elements have profound regulatory potential for better long-term health outcomes – principally affecting genetic expression, metabolism, immune function, and inflammatory response.
Any hidden talents?
I’m still looking… 🙂
What do you like most about your work?
I enjoy having the opportunity to make a positive difference in the health of my customers.
If you could switch jobs with someone at CPW, what job would you choose?
Sometimes escaping into the lab sounds appealing…
What should a person keep in mind upon hearing media reports on the latest research (i.e. omega 3s don’t encourage vascular health)?
While research is undoubtedly a useful tool, it is unwise to infer too much from single studies, or even meta-analyses of multiple studies. For example, vitamin E was reported to have little physiological benefit over multiple trials. However, it was subsequently determined that many trials tested dosages much too low to confer a benefit, while others use a synthetic version which had much lower antioxidant capacity. The original conclusions were sensationalized in the media for the sake of attention-getting headlines, while the reality was much more nuanced.
Do you have a favorite quote or personal motto?
“If they give you ruled paper, write the other way.” –Juan Ramón Jiménez
If you were the ruler of the planet, what one change would you make?
Shifting to a resource based economy is ultimately the most sustainable and equitable arrangement for humanity’s future. Our sun provides as much as 10,000 times our total energy needs per day at no cost to us. Once a solar infrastructure is in place, we could power the planet indefinitely and elevate the living standards of all people.
I’d like to add that Joel has an incredible wit and keeps us laughing on a regular basis. He’s also the Coastal king of a nicely placed gif. Yep, it’s true!
About the Author
Jenny Conti
