EP30: Mind-Body-Spirit Secrets to Thriving at Any Age with Julie Freeman

EP31: When Hormones Feel Like a High-Response Team with Dr. Kelly Peterson

Summary In this episode of Dare to Age Well Now, Angela Belford speaks with Dr. Kelly Peterson [https://wasatchfunctionalmedicine.com/], a nurse practitioner specializing in functional medicine and hormonal health. They discuss the importance of understanding hormones, particularly during menopause, and the various symptoms women may experience. Dr. Peterson explains the differences between synthetic and bioidentical hormones, emphasizing the need for personalized care and the role of hormone specialists in managing women's health. The conversation aims to empower women to take charge of their hormonal health and seek appropriate treatment options. Takeaways Dr. Kelly Peterson is a nurse practitioner specializing in hormones. Women can experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms during menopause. The Women's Health Initiative study impacted perceptions of hormone replacement therapy. Menopause is diagnosed after one year without a period. Hormonal balance is crucial for libido and overall health. Bioidentical hormones mimic the body's natural hormones. Finding a hormone specialist is essential for effective treatment. Synthetic hormones can have adverse effects on women's health. Education about hormonal health is vital for women today. Women should advocate for their health and seek knowledgeable practitioners. Sound bites "I love talking to women about their hormones." "Our moms did not go on hormone replacement therapy at all." "You have to have high estrogen to have high desire." "A lot of that has to do with the balance of hormones." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hormonal Health 03:06 Understanding Menopause and Its Symptoms 06:05 The Impact of Hormones on Women's Health 11:51 Navigating Hormone Replacement Therapy 17:54 Finding the Right Hormone Specialist Connect with Dr. Kelly at https://wasatchfunctionalmedicine.com/ [https://wasatchfunctionalmedicine.com/]

EP30: Mind-Body-Spirit Secrets to Thriving at Any Age with Julie Freeman

Summary In this episode of Dare to Age Well Now, Julie Freeman shares her insights on aging, health, and the importance of a holistic approach to wellness. She discusses the mind-body connection, grounding techniques for emotional well-being, the significance of nutrition, and the role of spirituality in personal growth. Julie emphasizes the need to embrace discomfort and connect with nature as part of the journey to aging well. Takeaways At 67, Julie Freeman is passionate about helping women through transitions like menopause. Julie combines her knowledge of nutrition, mental health, and functional medicine in her practice. Emotional and spiritual health are crucial components of physical well-being. The gut-brain connection plays a significant role in our overall health. Grounding exercises can help individuals feel more present and centered. Nutrition should be about balance and satisfaction, not just restriction. Julie’s cookbooks focus on healthy, balanced eating and creating a beautiful dining experience. Spirituality is an essential aspect of Julie's life and work. Aging well involves embracing discomfort and connecting with nature. Taking time to breathe and appreciate the world around us is vital for mental health. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Julie Freeman and Her Philosophy 02:45 The Mind-Body Connection in Health 05:13 Grounding Techniques for Emotional Well-being 07:52 The Importance of Nutrition and Satiation 10:27 Exploring Spirituality and Personal Growth 12:58 Final Thoughts on Aging Well Connect wtih Julie at https://juliefreeman.net/

EP29: Finding Positive Movement Experiences with Shane Rhoads

Summary: In this episode of Dare to Age Well Now, host Angela Belford talks with Shane Rhoads, founder of Movement Med in Chicago. Shane shares how his studio bridges the gap between traditional personal training and physical therapy, offering medically informed fitness for people managing injuries, chronic conditions, or simply wanting a smarter approach to exercise.  We dive into:  * What it means to provide “high touch, medically informed” training * How conditions like arthritis, spinal stenosis, MS, and Parkinson’s can be managed through movement * Why Pilates is such a powerful foundation for mobility, posture, and strength * The importance of consistency – even if it means stretching or breathwork instead of a full workout * Why finding a positive movement experience is key to staying active for life Memorable Quote: “Don’t beat yourself up. Find consistency, and just start taking care of yourself. Ten minutes counts.” – Shane Rhoads Resources & Links: *  Learn more about Movement Med: www.movementmedChicago.com [https://movementmedchicago.com/] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Movement Med and Personal Training 01:58 Navigating Chronic Conditions Through Exercise 04:23 The Benefits of Pilates for Aging Well 09:44 Mindset for Consistency in Exercise 15:41 Finding Positive Movement Experiences

Ep 28 The Liver, Loneliness, and Listening to Our Bodies with Sarah Weaver

Summary In this episode of Dare to Age Well Now, host Angela Belford speaks with Sarah Scott Weaver, a functional medicine nurse practitioner, about the importance of personalized healthcare. They discuss metabolic stability, the role of the liver in overall health, and the significance of social connections in maintaining wellness as we age. Sarah emphasizes the need for individualized approaches to health, including understanding blood sugar levels and the impact of loneliness on physical health. Takeaways Personalized healthcare is essential for effective treatment. Metabolic stability is crucial for preventing aging-related diseases. Blood sugar spikes can lead to inflammation and cognitive decline. Understanding individual metabolic health is key to wellness. The liver plays a vital role in detoxification and hormone balance. Social connections are critical for mental and physical health. Loneliness can have severe health implications, comparable to smoking. Community support is essential for longevity and well-being. Functional medicine provides a comprehensive view of health. Listening to our body's signals is important for maintaining health. Sound bites "The liver is our filter." "Your body is trying to communicate." "Community is medicine."  Learn more about Sarah and Entourage Health: entouragefm.com [http://entouragefm.com/]  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Personalized Healthcare 01:33 Understanding Metabolic Stability 06:30 The Role of the Liver in Health 10:38 The Importance of Social Connections 20:37 Resources for Functional Medicine

EP 27: POTS Explained: Why Your Heart Races and What You Can Do

Have you ever stood up, only to feel your heart race, your head spin, and your energy drain in seconds? That’s the reality for people with POTS—Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.  This is the second part of my conversation with Dr. Nathan Keiser, where we explore what POTS really is, why traditional medicine often misses the root cause, and how patients can find hope through a different approach.  Instead of chasing symptoms, Dr. Keiser helps people retrain their bodies, rebuild confidence, and move forward with measurable progress.  If you’ve ever felt dismissed or hopeless about your health, this conversation is an invitation to see things differently.   Key Takeaways  * POTS is often mislabeled as a heart rate issue, but the real challenge is how the brain and blood vessels regulate circulation. * Conventional medicine tends to manage symptoms instead of addressing underlying mechanisms. * Neural rehab and retraining the body can help restore efficiency and reduce symptoms. * Healing isn’t about quick fixes—it’s a process patients take part in, guided step by step. * Asking better questions leads to better answers, opening the door to progress and empowerment. Quotes * “POTS isn’t just about a fast heartbeat—it’s about the body’s adaptation struggling to keep up.” * “The healthcare system is designed to manage symptoms, not necessarily to create health.” * “I don’t give people a pill; I guide them through a process. That’s what makes it empowering.” * “If you’re going to spend the time on this planet anyway, you might as well spend it building toward something better.” * “When we run out of good questions, that’s when we get stuck.”   Chapter Markers  * 0:00 – Introduction and recap of Long COVID episode * 1:21 – What POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) really means * 4:38 – Why heart rate is a symptom, not the root cause * 6:45 – Rethinking healthcare: from symptom management to retraining * 10:23 – Empowering patients to take part in their own healing  Connect with Dr. Nathan Keiser: https://www.keiserclinic.com