Empire Wellness Podcast Sharleen Lawrence

Sarah Howlett has been a Massage Therapist since 2004, Reiki Master since 2009 and currently is a student of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Helping people feel their best is what she loves to do!  When she's not working or in class, you can find her at the gym, walking/hiking, and spending time with her Husband and Daughter.  

Over the years, she has had lots of exposure to different sports and has a particular passion for working with athletes (competitive or not) because injury prevention, treatment and education is so critical to continue training what you love.  Throughout her career she has had the pleasure of working with many different types of athletes such as track and field athletes, soccer players, skiers, boxers, volleyball players, tennis players, martial artists, strongman athletes, powerlifters, Olympic weightlifters, Highland Games Athletes, and more.  All of these sports bring their unique idiosyncrasies and injuries. 

What she's found in working with so many different types of athletes, is that they have a desire to learn about their bodies as they are getting treated which makes it very fun for her to teach.  Sarah also deeply appreciate that most athletes arrive with an established understanding that, not only is she helping their progress but that they carry the largest amount of responsibility for their recovery and growth once they start working together.



Shortly after her daughter was born, Sarah started having severe stomach pain and bleeding during bowel movements.  It seemed that she had been ‘lost in the system’ because it was about 8 months until she was able to get in for a colonoscopy and a Crohn’s disease diagnosis.  While she was waiting for her appointment, Sarah made up her mind that no matter what was happening, she was going to take control of her health, she couldn’t rely on the healthcare system and it is her responsibility.  She had an 11 year journey filled with successes and failures to a full remission diagnosis in 2022.  All the while, continuing to train and compete in various sports…which has sparked the creation of the Inside-Out Athletes Program to help other athletes heal from IBS and/or IBD.  

Sarah lives in Calgary, Alberta (Canada) with her Husband and Daughter.  She is taking a sabbatical from competition while in school for Acupuncture and TCM.  She will be taking her board exams in in the Fall of 2024 and looks forward to getting back to competing in Olympic Weightlifting. 

You can connect with Sarah through her website at: www.rippedhippie.com

In this episode, Dr. Sharleen dives into the harm that doctors are doing by advising you to "eat less and exercise more" if you're looking to lose weight with Hashimoto's. Listen in to learn the real techniques you need to lose weight when you have Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism.

In this episode, we tackle the common challenges faced by individuals embracing a new lifestyle due to Hashimoto's. From family resistance to navigating the holiday season, we explore strategies to maintain your commitment to a Hashimoto's-friendly diet and lifestyle amidst external pressures. Join us as we share practical tips, personal anecdotes, and insights on fostering understanding within your family while staying true to your health goals. Discover how to create a new normal that aligns with your Hashimoto's journey, even during family gatherings and festive occasions. Tune in for guidance on striking a balance between self-care and familial connections, making your health a priority without compromising the joy of togetherness.

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In this episode, we embark on a culinary journey through the lens of the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet, specifically focusing on the most important meal of the day—breakfast. We explore delicious and nutritious AIP-friendly breakfast options that cater to individuals with Hashimoto's. Join us as we uncover a variety of creative and mouthwatering recipes, shedding light on how to kickstart your day with foods that promote thyroid health and minimize inflammation. Whether you're newly diagnosed with Hashimoto's or a seasoned AIP veteran, this episode offers practical insights and culinary inspiration to help you nourish your body and embrace breakfast the AIP way for improved well-being.



Grab my FREE AIP guide here.

In this informative episode, we take a deep dive into the essential laboratory tests that are paramount for individuals living with Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism. We discuss the importance of comprehensive lab work and provide insights into the specific tests that every patient should ensure their doctor is running regularly. From thyroid function to autoimmune markers, we shed light on the critical data needed to manage Hashimoto's effectively. Join us as we empower listeners with the knowledge required to advocate for their health, ensuring they receive the best care and optimal treatment for their Hashimoto's condition.

To hear more from Dr. Sharleen, join her email list here.

In this episode, we dive into a crucial aspect of managing Hashimoto's, a common autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland: the importance of rest. Living with Hashimoto's often means dealing with chronic fatigue, and pushing through exhaustion can exacerbate symptoms. We explore why it's vital to listen to your body and prioritize rest as a fundamental component of self-care. We discuss practical strategies, share personal experiences, and offer insights from experts to help those with Hashimoto's strike a balance between their health and their daily routines. Join us as we emphasize the significance of honoring your body's signals and embracing rest as an essential part of the journey towards better health with Hashimoto's.

To learn more with Dr. Sharleen, please subscribe to her email list at www.empirewellnesscenter.com/hrb.