Headed to Healthier | Expert Health Advice, Managing Your Health

The Effects of Hormonal Changes on Sleep and Mood

If you’ve found yourself lying awake at night or noticing unexpected shifts in your mood as you move through peri/menopause, you’re not alone. Sleep struggles and emotional changes are some of the most common — and most frustrating — symptoms women face in midlife.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Susan Zink, a board-certified psychiatrist, to unpack what’s really going on during this season of change. Together, we explore:
Why sleep often gets disrupted during menopause
How hormonal shifts affect mood, anxiety, and even depression
The two-way street between poor sleep and emotional health
Practical lifestyle strategies (beyond medication) to improve sleep and stabilize mood
When it’s time to seek professional help — and what options are available
Simple first steps you can take today to feel more rested and emotionally balanced
Whether you’re in the thick of night sweats and restless nights or just beginning to notice changes, this conversation is full of clarity, compassion, and actionable advice.
✨ Tune in and take the first step toward better sleep and steadier moods.
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Connect with Dr. Zink!
Email: drzink@elementalintegrativepsych.com 
Website: elementalintegrativepsych.com
Instagram: @elemental_integrative_psych
Facebook: Elemental Integrative Psychiatry
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Why Am I Losing My Hair?

Noticing more hair in your brush, on your pillow, or in the shower drain? You’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it. Hair loss is one of the most common concerns women (and men) bring up with their doctors, especially in their 40s and beyond.
In this episode of Headed to Healthier, I sit down with a dermatologist, Dr. Dina Strachan, to answer the question so many of us ask: “Why am I losing my hair?” Together, we dig into the causes, the myths, and what you can actually do about it.
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Connect with Dr. Strachan!
Website - www.dinastrachanmd.com
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@AglowDermatology
Instagram - www.instagram.com/drdinamd and www.instagram.com/aglowdermnyc
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Are You Eating Enough Protein? What Women Need to Know

From protecting muscle and bone to supporting metabolism, satiety, and healthy aging, protein truly is a powerhouse nutrient.
In this episode of Headed to Healthier, Dr. Brittney Anderson breaks down:
Why protein is so essential for women over 40
How much protein you really need each day (and why the RDA may not be enough)
Simple, practical ways to hit your daily protein goals without overcomplicating your meals
You’ll also hear examples of what 90–100 grams of protein looks like in a day, plus easy snack and meal ideas that fit into busy lives.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re getting enough protein—or how to add more into your routine—this episode is for you.
👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share this with a friend who could use some protein inspiration!
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Stop Setting Vague Goals: Try SMART Instead

Ever set a health goal like “I want to get healthier”—only to lose steam a week later? You’re not alone. The problem isn’t your motivation, it’s how the goal is framed. In this short and practical episode, I’ll walk you through the SMART method for goal setting—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—so you can finally set goals that stick.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why vague health goals don’t work (and what to do instead)
The 5 parts of the SMART acronym and how to apply each one
A real-life example of turning “I want to exercise more” into a SMART health goal
How to rewrite your own goals so they’re clear, doable, and motivating
Why This Matters:SMART goals give you structure, accountability, and motivation—so you can actually follow through and see results in your health.
Next Step for You:Pick one area of your health you’d like to improve—whether it’s sleep, movement, nutrition, hydration, or stress—and rewrite your goal using the SMART framework. Small, SMART steps can lead to big, lasting change.
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Why Weight Loss Feels Harder After 40 — And What to Do About It

If you’ve ever wondered why the scale seems harder to budge in your 40s and 50s, you’re not alone. Hormonal changes, shifts in metabolism, and lifestyle factors all play a role — but the good news is, there are solutions.
In this episode of Headed to Healthier, I’m joined by Dr. Babalola, a physician trained in lifestyle medicine who specializes in obesity and women’s health during menopause. Together, we unpack why weight loss often feels more difficult in midlife and what you can actually do about it.
We cover:
How menopause hormones affect weight, metabolism, and fat distribution
The role of muscle loss and why strength training becomes so important
Lifestyle habits that can either support or sabotage midlife health
Practical strategies for women to feel strong, balanced, and in control of their health again
Whether you’re navigating peri-menopause, already in menopause, or just curious about how to set yourself up for success in your 40s and beyond, this episode will leave you with both clarity and encouragement.
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Connect with Dr. Babalola!
WEBSITE: https://layfwellness.com/
*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr7JWONvEmP_bieQPAplitA*Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1202669*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingAtYourFinest
*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingatyourfinestwellness/
 
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Busting 5 Common Myths about Your Health

We’ve all heard them — little “rules” about health that get repeated so often that they start to sound like facts. But some of the most common health myths can actually hold you back from taking care of yourself in the ways that matter most.
In this episode of Headed to Healthier, I’m busting 5 myths I hear all the time in clinic. We’ll talk about why these beliefs aren’t true and how you can make better choices for your health moving forward.
You’ll learn why:
Feeling fine doesn’t mean you can skip your annual checkup
“Normal” cholesterol isn’t the whole story for heart health
Peri-menopause is more than just hot flashes
Persistent fatigue isn’t always “just stress”
Exercise doesn’t give you a free pass on nutrition
Knowledge is power — and by breaking free from these myths, you’ll be better equipped to make decisions that truly support your health.
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Your Annual Lab Work: Making Sense of Your Numbers

Lab results can feel like a jumble of numbers — but those numbers tell a story about your health. In this solo episode, I’m walking you through the most common tests included in annual lab work, what each one measures, and why they matter for prevention and early detection.
We’ll talk about:
The difference between “normal” and “optimal” results
Which labs give the biggest clues about heart, kidney, liver, and thyroid health
How to track your results over time for a clearer picture of your health trends
Smart questions to ask your provider so you get more than “everything looks fine”
By the end, you’ll feel more confident in understanding your labs — and more empowered to use them as a tool for better health.
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Is It Your Thyroid? How to Spot the Signs and Take Action

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Dana Gibbs, a Texas-based ENT who specializes in thyroid disease.
Together, we break down what every woman should know about her thyroid—whether you’ve been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, suspect something is “off,” or just want to stay proactive about your health.
Whether you’re seeking answers or just want to feel your best, this conversation will help you better understand your body and take the next step toward vibrant health.
Listen now and walk away empowered with knowledge you can put into action.
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Connect with Dr. Gibbs
Podcast: Beyond the Thyroid
Here is a link to the Understanding Your Thyroid Labs course she discusses in the episode.
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Cholesterol & Lifestyle Medicine: What You Can Do to Improve Your Numbers Naturally

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tolu Olabintan, a physician who practices lifestyle medicine, to talk all things cholesterol. We cover what those numbers really mean, how lifestyle medicine works, and what you can start doing today to improve your cholesterol through diet, movement, and other daily habits.
Whether you’re looking to avoid medication or already on one, this conversation is full of practical, science-backed strategies to help you take charge of your heart health.
 
What You’ll Learn:
What lifestyle medicine is — and how it can help
What your cholesterol numbers really mean
How food, movement, and daily habits affect your numbers
Why lifestyle changes still matter, even if you're on medication
Connect with Dr. Olabintan on social media
www.livingspringmedicals.comhttps://mailchi.mp/livingspringmedicals/livingspring-echoeshttps://www.youtube.com/@dr_olabintanmd
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Releasing Limiting Beliefs and Becoming Transcendent

What does it mean to become transcendent?
In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by Dr. Sarah Nasir, a physician and spiritual teacher who guides others on the journey of becoming their highest self. We explore what it means to live beyond the limits we place on ourselves—and how to reconnect with the soul's deeper wisdom.
Dr. Nasir shares her insights on:
What it truly means to be a “transcendent being”
How limiting beliefs form—and how to begin releasing them
The difference between your conditioned mind and your limitless soul
Practical ways to start living more soul-aligned
Why your purpose isn’t something you find—it’s something you remember
Whether you’re feeling stuck in self-doubt, burned out by the grind, or simply ready for something more, this conversation is your invitation to expand.
Dr. Nasir’s words are both grounding and uplifting—and a reminder that the path to healing often starts with remembering who you really are.
Want to link up with Dr. Nasir?
Website: https://transcendantyou.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-nasir-do/
Professional Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drsarahnasir
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transcendantyou/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transcendantyou/
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