Hey everyone! 👋 How did you make out with the time change this week? It's incredible how just one hour can throw us off, isn’t it? And even though we’re supposedly “gaining” an hour in the fall, the disruption can still be significant. If you found yourself struggling this week, you're definitely not alone. Why Does Time Change Affect Us So Much? Our bodies are deeply attuned to rhythms—particularly our circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates sleep, energy, hormone levels, and even digestion. This clock relies on light and regular habits to stay in sync. When the clock suddenly changes, it’s like we’re forcing our bodies into a new time zone without traveling. This sudden shift can lead to disrupted sleep, daytime fatigue, mood changes, and even digestive issues. Spring vs. Fall: Which Is Harder to Adjust To? It might seem like "falling back" in the autumn (when we gain an hour) would be easier since we’re adding extra sleep time. But for many people, springing forward in the spring is actually harder. In the spring, we lose an hour, making it similar to a mini case of jet lag. Studies show that springing forward can increase sleep disturbances and even lead to more health risks, like heart issues and mood imbalances, because it takes away from our natural sleep duration. Fall's "extra hour" can feel less disruptive, but even so, that change can still throw off our natural rhythm, causing restless sleep or sluggish energy for a few days. What’s Really Going On in the Body? When we adjust our clocks, our bodies aren’t instantly aware of this change: - Melatonin Production: Melatonin, our “sleep hormone,” is naturally released as it gets dark, helping us feel sleepy. The time change can throw off melatonin release, making it harder to fall asleep or wake up on time. - Cortisol Levels: Cortisol, our “wake-up hormone,” peaks in the morning to help us feel alert. An hour shift can cause mismatched cortisol peaks, so we might feel sleepy in the morning or overly alert at night. - Digestive Rhythm: Eating and digesting also follow a circadian pattern, so sudden changes can lead to disrupted hunger cues, digestion, and energy levels.

Hi everyone! I just finished watching a movie called “a man called otto” staring Tom hanks on Netflix. Such an incredible movie! I thought I would share because the message behind the movie is learning to live after grief, I think a lot of people who have been through any type of loss in life could definitely learn something from this film. I would associate this with mindset because i felt it was empowering.

Would you have guessed that apple cider vinegar has antioxidant and blood sugar benefits?! A new study reveals that just 20 ml of apple cider vinegar daily for 8 weeks significantly improved fasting blood sugar, boosted insulin sensitivity, and reduced oxidative stress in individuals with type 2 diabetes! Does this information motivate you to add a tart and tangy splash of wellness to your routine?

Sharing a simple habit I do for both prevention and treatment of cold/flu. I gargle with Scope and use a saline iodine nasal spritzer! Here’s why: ✨ Gargling with Scope contains cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), an antiseptic that helps reduce bacteria and viruses by disrupting their membranes. This can lower the viral load in your throat, giving your immune system a boost in fighting off infections. Adding this to your daily routine helps keep your mouth and throat clean and healthy! 🌿 Saline Iodine Nasal Spritzer is another secret weapon! The saline clears out mucus and allergens, while iodine’s antiviral and antibacterial properties work to protect your nasal passages. It’s an effective way to reduce pathogens and support your immune defenses. Both methods are quick, simple, and effective ways to support your immune system, whether you’re preventing a cold or recovering from one. Make them part of your daily wellness routine and give your body an extra layer of protection! 💪🌟 Let me know how you like this health support hack! 👌. Add scope to your grocery list 😜

Hey Everyone, I want to share something that’s happening to me right now that serves as a powerful reminder: When we’re sick, our bodies don’t behave the way we’d like. 😷 Last night, I was feeling pretty off—lots of coughing and just not myself (that post Thanksgiving cold that’s going around!). Sure enough, I checked my blood sugar, and there it was...spiked! Illness can throw our blood sugar completely out of whack, even if we’re doing everything “right.” This isn’t just about food; it’s about how our body reacts to stress, inflammation, and fighting off whatever’s making us sick. So, while we’re here experimenting and learning about how our bodies respond to different foods and activities, remember this: getting sick is an experiment I don’t want you to do! 😉 But if it happens, and it will sometimes, here’s how you can manage: What To Do When You’re Sick: 1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! 💧 Water is your best friend when you're sick. It helps with glucose balance and prevents dehydration. 2. Check your levels a little more. 📊 Your blood sugar might be higher than usual—don’t worry, just stay on top of it! 3. Stick to your meds and balanced meals. 🍽️ Even if you’re not feeling hungry, try small, balanced meals to keep your energy steady. 4. Rest up. 😴 Your body is working hard to heal, so give it the downtime it needs. The journey to better health is never a straight line, and sometimes we hit bumps like this. But remember, those bumps are just part of the path. I might not be feeling 100%, but I’m still here, learning from every moment. You’ve got this! Let’s keep supporting each other—health isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Dr. Tara