In this week’s episode of the Reawaken Your Health Podcast, Dr. Darrell Stickel, founder of Trust Unlimited and author of Building Trust: Exceptional Leadership in an Uncertain World, shares his remarkable journey from small-town Canada to becoming one of the world’s foremost experts on trust.   After enduring a severe concussion and vision loss as a teen, Darrell’s challenges inspired him to study human connection and vulnerability. His government work with First Nations communities led him to a key question — how do we rebuild trust where it’s been broken? That question became the focus of his Ph.D. at Duke University and the foundation of his life’s work.   Darrell defines trust as the willingness to make yourself vulnerable when you can’t fully predict another person’s behavior. Trust depends on balancing uncertainty and vulnerability, and it grows when we reduce uncertainty through benevolence, integrity, ability, and context. He reminds us that most people overestimate their own trustworthiness, focusing more on competence than genuine care. Real trust, he says, is co-created through empathy, consistency, and compassion.   In the second half of the conversation, Darrell shares how integrity and trust show up in daily life, especially in parenting and leadership. He explains how trust deepens when we make promises based on effort instead of outcomes, lead with empathy, and create psychological safety.   Through personal stories about raising his sons, Darrell illustrates how trust grows when children feel understood and valued rather than controlled. He and Amy explore how these same principles apply to resolving conflict, leading teams, and personal growth.   Darrell also discusses his podcast The Imperfect Café, his book Building Trust: Exceptional Leadership in an Uncertain World, and his mission through Trust Unlimited to help people—especially young men—build stronger, more authentic relationships.   Please join us to learn more about trust and connection!   Please feel free to reach out to Darryl at https://www.linkedin.com/in/darryl-stickel-phd/ or https://www.trustunlimited.com/.   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: www.pabrinstitute.com   P.S. We are now offering the Total Body Freedom Fundamentals Video-Only Course! This has been requested for years and it has now come together.  To learn more and sign up: https://www.pabrinstitute.com/total-body-freedom-video   What others had to say:   "Both Jana and I have benefited greatly from your course. I had a lot of pain because I’m bone on bone in my right knee, but refused to skydive on a fake knee so I had resolved to simply put up with the pain. My pain is much more manageable now and sometimes nonexistent. Thanks for all you do!" Randy Hubbs, Business Owner   "Lifesaving. Changed so many aspects of my life. It's such a great life skill being able to understand your Body and regulate it naturally. The Mind -Body connection is real. Dr. Amy teaches you how to fix it.  She is the Best."  David Goldstein, Executive   Dr. Amy Novotny founded the PABR® Institute with the mission to provide pain, stress and anxiety relief to those who seek a naturalistic form of treatment when other treatment methods have fallen short. Her unique approach comes from her experience treating in a variety of settings and with a wide range of patient populations over the past 15 years. Her background in orthopedics, sports, geriatrics, balance disorders, nerve injuries, and most recently, chronic pain; and influences from coursework at the Postural Restoration Institute gave her the foundation to develop this treatment method to address a wide variety of painful and restrictive conditions.   She customizes all treatment plans to the individual to help them achieve their goals, whether it is to pick up a child, get through a work day pain free or play a sport.  She co-authored two #1 Best-Selling books Don’t Quit: Stories of Persi

Do you listen to that voice in your head that criticizes you?  What do you think will happen if you stop listening to it and create something positive that inspires you to take action?    This past weekend for the Weekend Wellness Hour Show, we discussed the health benefits of positive affirmations with author Brianna Greenspan. Brianna grew up with a chronic illness that led to countless doctor visits, medications and more damage to her body.   Brianna shared her story of illness with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a genetic connective tissue disorder, and how it led to a failed low back surgery and a temporary inability to walk. We discussed the turning point in her health journey and why she began to change her mindset.   Brianna explained what positive affirmations are and how they can impact the actions you take and how your life unfolds.  She discussed the importance of visualization and setting intentions so that you take action on your affirmations.   We also touched on toxic positivity and how positive affirmations differ from trying to be positive all the time.  We also discussed having flexibility and allowing change in those affirmations as well as the need to practice daily.    Brianna even gave an example of how she had to use her affirmations to shift her mood and attitude since she woke up without the energy to go on a nature hike with her fiancee.      Brianna has studied Cranio Sacral Therapy, Unified Mindfulness, Jewish Energy Healing, Sound Healing, Reiki, and has become Permaculture Certified and an Xchange method facilitator.   Please join us to learn about how positive affirmations could improve your health!   Please feel free to reach out to Brianna Greenspan at https://www.briannagreenspan.com/.   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: https://pabrinstitute.activehosted.com/f/1   www.pabrinstitute.com  

How do you show up in your relationships?  Do you have good solid connections or do you feel you need to work on them?   For this week’s episode of the Weekend Wellness Hour show, we discussed the importance of developing successful relationships with Success Coach Tina Jesso.  Tina has mentored many in her 30+ years in the financial services world and now uses her knowledge of relationship building to help others.   We discussed Tina's background in developing a dating app and what she learned during that process.  She spoke about communication as a vital feature, but she went beyond that to stress the importance of people gaining clarity on their identity and purpose.   We talked about the Passion Test and what that entails as well as how that helps people with all types of relationships in their lives.  Tina also uses the Xyte Insight Assessment to provide more information on tendencies and personal characteristics to help her clients navigate relationships.    Tina stressed the importance of doing work on yourself when examining your relationships.  She explained the difficulty people have when their energy is low and doesn't match well with others.   Tina is also a Jack Canfield Success Trainer.  She enjoys helping her clients tap into their core genius and remove barriers to relationship and career success.   Please join us to learn about some keys features of successful relationships that can impact all areas of your life!   Please feel free to reach out to Tina Jesso at https://tinajesso.com/.   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: https://pabrinstitute.activehosted.com/f/1   www.pabrinstitute.com

Did you get the urge to grow your own food when you saw the grocery shelves empty as the pandemic broke out?  Do you want to learn to be more self-sustaining?   For this week’s episode of the Weekend Wellness Hour show, holistic healer and business owner Lisa Kaiser joined us to discuss her decision to live off grid and get into homesteading.  She and her family started Pinedora Farms in 2016 in the White Mountains of Arizona and now sell produce to local farmer's markets.   We discussed the most important factor when beginning to homestead: determining a water source.  She shared some stories to help those who are considering buying land to start this endeavor.   Lisa explained various aspects of homesteading such as deciding what to include to live sustainably, including building greenhouses and how to design the interior.  We discussed the importance of soil quality and fertilizer using the droppings of animals living free range on the farm.   We touched on how to control some pests and the need to be creative without compromising your produce.  She mentioned a couple ways to plant different flowers near the produce garden to ward off various insects.    Lisa is also a Holistic Healthcare Practitioner who focuses on the subtle energies that everything emits to heal others.  She and her family are developing the Pinedora Farms into an educational and wellness retreat facility as well.   Please join us to learn about homesteading and some steps to consider before taking that journey!   Please feel free to reach out to Lisa Kaiser at https://www.pinedorafarms.com/.   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: https://pabrinstitute.activehosted.com/f/1   www.pabrinstitute.com

Have you ever developed pain or discomfort right after an emotional experience?  Do you think about how your body seems to respond to whatever stress or trauma you're experiencing?   For this week’s episode of the Weekend Wellness Hour show, we discussed the mind-body connection and epigenetics of trauma with intuitive psychologist Dr. Daniel Atkins.  Like many people in the health and wellness world, Dr. Atkins's own personal journey led him on a path to healing that he now uses with others.   Dr. Atkins shared his diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome after achieving his doctorate and his difficulty emerging from what felt like a daily unending flu virus.  On his path to recovery, he discovered some intuitive abilities that has allowed him to transition into helping others through his connection with emotions and the body.   We discussed the importance of emotions in the human experience and how society and culture often shames those who exhibit an emotional display like crying.  Dr. Atkins explained the importance of allowing people to release these emotions in a safe environment.    Dr. Atkins also shared on the epigenetics of trauma and how we are often born with programming or coping mechanisms from previous generations.  He even explained how young children are heavily influenced by their parents, and their response to stress as adults reflects what was engrained into their subconscious during the first few years of life.   We discussed solutions to trauma responses including energy medicine and discovering the unique needs of each person.  Dr. Atkins has moved beyond the field of psychology into a more integrative practice that incorporates the foundations of his training, his experience in the field of mind body medicine, and his intuitive guidance as an energy worker to meet the holistic needs of sufferers.   Please join us to learn about the mind-body connection and it’s role in your mental health!   Please feel free to reach out to Dr. Atkins at https://www.drdanielatkins.com/.   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: https://pabrinstitute.activehosted.com/f/1   www.pabrinstitute.com

Have you ever experienced depression that was so extreme that no treatment seemed to help?  Do you feel stuck with no sense of hope?   For this week’s episode of the Weekend Wellness Hour show, we discussed the role of a psychedelic medication, ketamine, in helping those with treatment-resistant depression with psychotherapist, Leah Benson.  She began exploring this form of treatment in 2018 when she had clients who began asking questions about it.    Leah has been practicing psychotherapy in Florida since 2001 but started working with ketamine over the past couple years.  We discussed how ketamine has historically been used as an anesthetic in the military, but the benefits of it for mental health are becoming more apparent.   Leah stressed the safety of this drug and how it is the only legal psychedelic medication available to help those with severe forms of depression.  We discussed the benefit of ketamine in its role to form new connections in the brain to allow patients to view their past or their trauma in a new light.    She also noted that it’s a bit easier on the body in terms of responses to the medication and side effects, and the sessions are typically of shorter duration, ranging from 30 minutes to 20 hours, depending on the method of intake.  She advised that anyone using this medication take 24 hours to recover and avoid using heavy machinery, including driving.   We also discussed her role as a therapist while someone undergoes this treatment.  She stressed the importance of therapy in the 24-48 hours after taking ketamine to guide a person to form new brain connections to lift him or her out of the depression.    She also explained that this form of treatment, similar to all others, is dependent on the individual with some only needing 1-2 sessions but others needing more.  She described a typical dosage as being 6 treatments spaced out 1-2 times per week, but studies are currently looking at the benefit of 12 doses.    Leah has a private practice in Florida and is also a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Bioenergetic Therapist (CBT), a Certified Adoption Competent Counselor, a Licensed practitioner of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), and a Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE).  She helps those suffering from depression, anxiety, panic, anger problems, personality issues that interfere with relationships or work, identity issues, addiction and eating disorders, among others.   Please join us to learn about ketamine and it’s role in your mental health!   Please feel free to reach out to therapist Leah Benson at https://leahbensontherapy.com/.   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: https://pabrinstitute.activehosted.com/f/1   www.pabrinstitute.com

Have you ever felt the room change when someone walks in the room with positive energy?  Have you ever felt the opposite when someone  suffering comes into the room?   We explored the topic of frequency and vibration for this week’s episode of the Weekend Wellness Hour Show with Transformational Energy coach Susan Hayward.  Susan has been in this field of energy healing for over 30 years to help people feel alignment of their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual realms.   Susan explained the basics of vibration and frequency and how that applies to all of us and our surroundings.  She related it to her work as a city planner and designer since the environment in which we exist influences our energy levels.   We even discussed the concept of alignment and the desire to match our physical frequency to our emotional and spiritual frequencies.  She touched on shame as the lowest emotional frequency we experience with guilt just a bit above that.   Susan gave examples of how we can raise our frequency since the longer we stay down, the more our body changes to stay in that lower frequency.  She stressed the importance of nature and being outside where there is open air to allow for changes in vibrations.    We even explored how various foods and drinks can influence our energy and frequency.  Even the people around us impact our energy field and can influence the vibration and frequency within us.      Susan is also a Transformational Energy Coach and Feng Shui Master with clients both locally and virtually.  She has spent years developing and designing spaces to maximize energy flow that impacts businesses and relationships. She has also studied etheric plane surgery, a profound form of energy healing that helps people gain clarity on their limitations and help them transform into their full potential and personal power.   Please join us to learn about vibrations, frequencies and existing on a new level.   Please feel free to reach out to Susan Hayward at https://presentnowmoment.com/.   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: https://pabrinstitute.activehosted.com/f/1   www.pabrinstitute.com

Why are herbs used in so many cultures throughout history?  What is it about them that helps our health?  How do they complement modern medicine?   We explored this topic of herbalism as an alternative option for a variety of health conditions for this week’s episode of the Weekend Wellness Hour Show.  Joining us was Registered Herbalist-(AHG), Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Teacher, Researcher, Iridologist and Natural Health Advocate, Carmen Adams who has a practice in Las Vegas, Nevada.   Carmen shared with us her background that led to the study of herbalism and nutrition.  She became her own first client and solved several of her own health issues.   We touched on what herbalism is and how it can be used in conjunction with modern Western medicine to help boost a person's health and possibly reduce medication use.  She cautioned that she works alongside your physician's to provide the best supplements for your unique needs.   Carmen explained the different types of ways we can take in herbs from teas, to capsules to tinctures and more.  She tailors the method based on each person and their preferences.   We discussed various conditions in which a person would benefit from an evaluation and possible herbals including cardiac conditions, diabetes, and thyroid conditions. She even explained how most people who work with her have fatigue as the main complaint.    She named a couple common herbs that have become quite popular, but she warns that too much of an herb can be detrimental to the health. For instance, she explained that turmeric is also a blood thinner which can have repercussions on certain medical conditions.      Carmen is a Registered Herbalist-(AHG), Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Teacher, Researcher, Iridologist and Natural Health Advocate. She has been in this field for 11 years and specializes in metabolic syndrome.    Please join us to learn about how you can use herbs to change your energy, health conditions and much more!   Please feel free to reach out to Carmen Adams at https://www.innergymedgroup.com/.   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: https://pabrinstitute.activehosted.com/f/1   www.pabrinstitute.com

Do you question why you are here?  What is your purpose?  How do you discover this?   We explored this topic of self actualization with author and editor Tim Shields for this week’s episode of the Weekend Wellness Hour Show.  Tim has been studying the power of the mind to create for over a decade and recently began writing a new book on self actualization.   Tim explained his definition of self actualization as more of a process and a hero's journey to seek truth and purpose.  We discussed how travel can bring this about through the exposure to different ideas, cultures and experiences.   Tim shared his own experiences with traveling to India following his mother's passing and how it led to him learning what's possible when consciousness is guided by gratitude, intention and trust.  This laid the premise for his book, A Curious Year in the Great Vivarium Experiment.   We also touched on fear and how it keeps us stuck. Tim shared his thoughts on overcoming fear and the programming we received in our youth.     Tim is a world traveler and served as an editor for the well known Dr. Joe Dispenza for 6 years.  He has written several of his own books, and through his travels, his collaboration with great visionaries, and his work in the corporate world, he brings a unique perspective on the search for how to overcome the self and live your hero's journey.    Please join us to learn about how you can create using your mind and achieve self actualization!   Please feel free to reach out to Tim Shields at https://www.acuriousyear.com/.   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: https://pabrinstitute.activehosted.com/f/1   www.pabrinstitute.com

As chronic illness and diseases become more prevalent, it’s important to look at the environment around us to consider all factors contributing to health challenges.  We discussed this and more in this week’s episode of the Reawaken Your Health Podcast with Dr. Joe Nieusma, a Senior Toxicologist and the founder of Superior Toxicology & Wellness, an international scientific consulting firm.    Dr. Joe shared a brief background of his several decades in toxicology, specifically pharmaceutical toxicology.  He confirmed that many pharmaceutical companies are in the business to retain customers, not solve health problems.    We discussed how all medications have side effects and whether or not we feel the side effects depends on how toxic our environment already is.  He touched on a few common medications that have side effects that are often disregarded.   Dr. Joe shared his perspective on why chronic diseases exist but he also gives hope on how to reduce toxicity in the environment to combat chronic disease.  He shared how he cleans his air and water to avoid the pollution in the air we breathe and the pharmaceuticals in all water sources.   We also touched on supplements and which ones he feels are needed.  He stressed the need for a good anti-oxidant and a good oxidative therapy agent to help fight inflammation that contributes to aging.    We touched on how people can get help to reduce the variety of medications they are on. Dr. Joe provides feedback on anyone who wants to submit a form on his website, www.Drjoe4hope.com, to learn what questions they need to ask their primary care physician to help reduce medication overload.   With 37 years of experience, Dr. Nieusma has built a distinguished career in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries, where he focuses primarily on issues related to employee and patient safety. A leading expert in toxicology, Dr. Nieusma specializes in evaluating exposure to drugs, chemicals, biological agents, and environmental toxins.   Please join us to learn more about toxicology and chronic illness!   Please feel free to reach out to Dr. Joe at https://www.superiortoxicology.com/hope/.   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: www.pabrinstitute.com

How often do you think about your heart?  Do you only think about it when you or a loved one are sick?  What if you could make lifestyle changes now to improve your heart health?   For this week’s episode of the Weekend Wellness Hour show, we discussed lifestyle and heart disease prevention with Dr. Jherie Ducombs.  Dr. Ducombs had wanted to be a physician since she was young but chose to specialize in cardiology when her grandfather passed from a heart attack and she saw the potential of helping others.    Dr. Ducombs explained what heart disease means and how it's the leading cause of death in the United States.  She touched on the various forms and types of heart disease, including ones that are congenital.    We discussed how genetics can play a role in various heart conditions, but  atrial fibrillation, one of the most common ailments, is often related to unhealthy lifestyle choices. In fact, she mentioned that 80% of the conditions could be avoided through lifestyle improvements.    We also discussed the importance of diet and nutrition for our heart health.  She explained the most important factors when it comes to what you put in your body.   Dr. Ducombs gave more tips regarding sleep, stress, cholesterol and exercise and what to consider for each of these topics in regards to the heart.  She admitted that most changes must come from a person's desire to change and while the changes are simple, they are hard to implement.   Dr. Ducombs is a practicing Cardiologist, Assistant Chief Medical Officer of her local community hospital and previously Chairman of the Network Operations Council for it’s multi-specialty Physician Group.  She also serves as the Women in Cardiology Section Chair and past Secretary-Treasurer for the Louisiana Chapter of the American College of Cardiology.  Some of her most rewarding accolades include being named Physician of the Year by her colleagues in 2010 and being chosen as one of ten 2019 “Women in Medicine” honorees by the New Orleans contingent of the American Heart Association and FestiGals.   Please join us to learn about how to make simple lifestyle changes to improve your heart health!   Please feel free to reach out to Dr. Jherie Ducombs at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jherie-ducombs/.   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: https://pabrinstitute.activehosted.com/f/1   www.pabrinstitute.com

Have you ever wondered what hypnosis is all about? Does it really work? How does it help people?   We discussed hypnotherapy this past Saturday on the Weekend Wellness Hour Show with expert Anne Fernandez.  Anne has been a clinical hypnotherapist for over 20 years and works with clientele both in person and virtually.   We began by discussing process of hypnotherapy and what it does to the body and brain. Anne shares how hypnotherapy can get past the filters we have in our conscious brain to access the subconscious.   We discussed what happens in a hypnotherapy session and how Anne provides suggestions in a safe way to encourage clients to think differently or to rewrite stories that the subconscious holds onto. We touched on some fears that people might have undergoing the sessions, and Anne firmly explained that the client is always in control.   She described the typical experience of coming out of a trance and the need for a few minutes of processing the experience. We also went through some of the self care that she recommends after a hypnotherapy session and how a person progresses along in his or her spiritual and health journey.    We also touched on who might benefit from this treatment modality and why a person would choose hypnotherapy.  If you have habits that you would like to change, this might be worth exploring.   Anne has been in the healing world for over 40 years as a clinical hypnotherapist, meditation guide, and a master reiki intuitive healer.  She is also a speaker as well as a retreat facilitator.   Please join us to learn about how hypnotherapy could improve your habits and your health!   Please feel free to reach out to Anne Fernandez at https://risingawareness.com/.   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: https://pabrinstitute.activehosted.com/f/1   www.pabrinstitute.com

Have you ever noticed that certain times of the month or certain times in your life that your sleep is disrupted? Have you ever thought of hormonal fluctuations affecting your sleep?   That's what we discussed for the Weekend Wellness Hour Show this past weekend with Dr. Carol Yuan.  Dr. Yuan is a Board Certified physician in pulmonary, critical care, internal medicine, and sleep and has dedicated her scientific curiosity to helping women get better sleep so they can live fully.   Dr. Yuan explained how the monthly menstrual cycle in women affects their ability to sleep soundly and can contribute to irritability and fatigue. She also discussed what happens during pregnancy and menopause.   We even touched on what happens with hormonal changes in men and how sleep apnea can impact testosterone levels.  She discussed why it's important to see a sleep physician before getting testosterone supplementation for sleep apnea.   Dr. Yuan stressed the importance of discovering your sleep identity and why this is different for each person. We looked at other causes of sleep disturbances including stress, diet, and negative beliefs or thought patterns.   Dr. Yuan also gave her opinion on sleep medications and explained how they can be a tool for improving sleep on a temporary basis.  We even discuss the most important aspect of getting a good night's sleep.   Dr. Yuan has treated patients with sleep disorders in both private practice and in hospital settings and is the founder of B. Hai Sleep Health, a telehealth sleep consultation service for women.     Please join us to learn about how controlling your hormones can improve your sleep!   Please feel free to reach out to Dr. Carol Yuan at www.bhaisleephealth.com.   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: https://pabrinstitute.activehosted.com/f/1   www.pabrinstitute.com

Have you ever wondered why yoga has become the latest health and fitness craze?  Why is it touted as improving our mental health?   This past weekend for the Weekend Wellness Hour Show, we discussed the benefits of yoga from a mental health perspective with yoga instructor and wellness coach Emily Chhatriwalla. Emily works with nurses who are burned out and want to rebuild their lives through self-healing, but her teachings apply to everyone.   Emily shared her background in this field and explained the coursework needed to become a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with specialized training in yoga psychology and trauma.  She clarified that she is not a psychologist, as her training involves understanding the mental health benefits of yoga, but she doesn't diagnose.   We discussed how yoga can be used to help those who suffer mentally from trauma or other stressors through the use of the breathwork, movement and meditation.  Emily explained the importance of mindset as well for mental health issues and how she has a process for helping her clients through stress to healing.   We touched on the types of yoga practices that she uses with clients to promote releases and self healing.  She also emphasizes the need for daily practice as well to maintain gains from each weekly session. Clients can work with her individually or in a group setting to meet their needs.   Besides her work as an instructor and coach, Emily is the creator of Emily Kathryn Yoga, a wellness resource for women in healthcare.    Please join us to learn about how yoga can improve your mental health!   Please feel free to reach out to Emily Chhatriwalla at https://emilykathrynyoga.com/.   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: https://pabrinstitute.activehosted.com/f/1   www.pabrinstitute.com

In this powerful and personal episode, we sit down with Jim Kaveney, a seasoned biotech entrepreneur, educator, and wellness advocate whose life was forever changed by a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (Afib). After founding his own pharmaceutical training company in 2012, he was diagnosed with Afib at age 38—an experience that shifted his focus toward heart health and purposeful living.   Jim’s journey with Afib began during his college years as a competitive rower, when he started experiencing unexplained heart rate spikes. At the time, he brushed them off. Years later, while traveling for work, he had a frightening episode of dizziness and tachycardia that led to a collapse at home and a formal diagnosis of paroxysmal Afib, which later became persistent. He discussed his variety of treatments over the course of several years.    He’s now passionate about educating others on the preventable nature of many heart conditions, emphasizing that lifestyle changes—such as improved nutrition, stress management, regular (but moderate) exercise, and sleep—can significantly reduce Afib risk. He also shares that family history matters: had he known earlier about the potential genetic connection, he might have made different choices sooner.   Jim also discusses the link between overtraining and heart arrhythmias, referencing the book The Haywire Heart by Dr. John Mandrola, which outlines how too much exercise can actually damage the heart. He now focuses on walking and weight training rather than high-intensity workouts.   Listeners can learn more about Jim’s story in his book, Unlimited Heart: How to Transform Your Pain Into Your Purpose, available on Amazon.    Please join us to learn more about atrial fibrillation and heart health!   Please feel free to reach out to Jim  at https://unlimitedheart.co/.     -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: www.pabrinstitute.com

Have you ever felt ill and had some type of health condition that no one could figure out? What if your feet were the secret to allowing you to heal?   This past weekend for the Weekend Wellness Hour Show, we discussed the way our feet can be used to promote healing in the rest of the body through foot zonology. Expert Tammy Artz joined us to discuss this methodology that she uses to provide holistic therapy and ease stress levels in clients.   Tammy shared the story of her daughter becoming very ill and working with all types of specialists who couldn't provide relief or answers.  She took her daughter to see a foot zonologist at the urging of her sister and after several sessions, her daughter improved.   After witnessing this incredible healing event, Tammy studied became certified in this healing art. Tammy shared the history of how foot zonology was developed. She also explained the signal system that goes from the feet to the cells of the rest of the body.   We dove into how Tammy approaches a new client with the use of Foot Zone Analysis and Zone Balance. She shared the various conditions where she has seen improvement in her client's health.   We went through what a session looks like for a person new to this type of healing art. Tammy explained how she applies pressure through her knuckles to communicate with other parts of the body. She gave a brief description of where to press on the foot to access the heart.   Since this is an in person modality, Tammy shared www.footzonology.com as a resource to find a local foot zonologist. As with many modalities out there, we discussed some contraindications and conditions where foot zoology is not used.   Besides being a Foot Zonologist and Zoning Coach, Tammy owns Wellness Gardens Foot Zoning L.L.C.     Please join us to learn about how our feet signal distress in our body and how foot zonology can provide relief!   Please feel free to reach out to Tammy Artz at https://wellnessgardensfootzoning.com/   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: https://pabrinstitute.activehosted.com/f/1   www.pabrinstitute.com

Do you feel on edge and can't calm yourself because of some trauma in your life or past?  Do you feel as though you can't move forward in life or live fully in the present?   There are many options out there to help those suffering from trauma, and on this week's episode of the Weekend Wellness Hour Show, we discussed brainspotting as one of those methods with therapist Kirsten Powell.   Kirsten shared her background in the mental health field, starting with a Master's degree in social work and then progressing to learn more techniques that connect the brain and mind with the body.  She studied Dr. David Grand's work that began in EMDR treatment and then moved into brainspotting, which pairs well with Kirsten's narrative style of therapy.   We discussed what brainspotting is and how we often use gaze spotting in our daily lives to allow our brain to process something while we have a fixed gaze on an object.  Kirsten shared how she uses a wand to help people move through different eye positions to determine the body's response in connection to emotional events.      Kirsten explained how the client is in charge of the experience and leads the session through his or her experiences and story.   As the therapist, Kirsten supports the client and helps them find a safe space in their body to process the trauma.   We explored what a session looks like, the recovery from a session and how progression through this process is made. Kirsten uses brain spotting both in person and virtually to help those needing to become unstuck.    Kirsten has over 18 years of work in behavioral health and is also certified in Compassionate Bereavement Care and Integrated Mental Health Care.  She has her own practice called The Well Rooted Life in Arizona.    Please join us to learn how brainspotting can help you along in your mental health journey!   Please feel free to reach out to Kirsten Powell at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/kirsten-powell-scottsdale-az/309724.   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: https://pabrinstitute.activehosted.com/f/1   www.pabrinstitute.com

Do you ever feel overwhelmed to the point you don't think you can go on?  Where all you want is some hope but it doesn't seem like there is any? That's what Arjan Erkel experienced when he was kidnapped and held hostage for 20 months by Muslim rebels.    We discussed human resilience on this week's episode of the Weekend Wellness Hour Show with author and international speaker Arjan Erkel. Arjan was working as Head of Mission for “Doctors without Borders,” when Muslim rebels brutally kidnapped him in the Republic of Dagestan situated in Russia’s turbulent North Caucasus in 2002.    Arjan shared the story of his capture and the resulting 20 months held in horrible conditions with insects and rodents in a 5 foot by 6 foot cell.  He revealed his plea to his kidnappers to spare his life and the mental anguish he suffered as he figured out the correct words to say.   We discussed his daily fears and routine while held hostage.  He explained his sleeping and eating conditions and how he had to change his mindset to get through the monotonous days and find ways to make his situation better.    He often thought about his family and his organization.  He wondered if they were trying to save him, if he would ever see them again, if he would ever have freedom.  He wondered if his captors were going to kill him at any second.   We discussed Arjan's surprising release and his return to his family.  Arjan touched on his recovery and how he has rebuilt his life since 2004.  He shared his desire to help save girls who are part of the sex trafficking and exploitation and how his Find A Girl organization has helped save over 5,000 girls.   Arjan is a cultural anthropologist and now an author of 3 books as well as an international motivational speaker.  Please check out his latest book, Held Hostage, that was just released in December 2020.   Please join us to learn how you can improve your mindset and human resilience even in the worst case scenario!!   Please feel free to reach out to Arjan Erkel at https://arjanerkel.nl/.   -Dr. Amy Novotny   Subscribe to PABR Institute's email list for free Tips for Relief: https://pabrinstitute.activehosted.com/f/1   www.pabrinstitute.com