Happy Bones, Happy Life Margie Bissinger

As we all know, this time of year can be harsh on our digestion with all the parties, travel, and indulgent foods. But it doesn't have to derail our health goals if we make minor adjustments.
 
Eating the right foods and avoiding stress could be especially difficult during the holiday season. Today's guest, Elissa Arnheim, shares her story and some invaluable tips for maintaining a healthy gut through this busy part of the year.
 
Elissa Arnheim is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, and a Certified Fermentationist. She holds an MS in Ecological Planning and helps people of all ages heal their digestion and life with science-backed strategies and simple new choices. 
 
During our conversation, Elissa explained the types of food you can choose to help your gut during the holiday season and some relaxation techniques to reduce stress and cortisol levels. 
 
I hope these insights from Elissa help you relax, digest, and feel your best this festive season. Go out, be kind to yourself, and spread some holiday joy!
 
“If you have been doing a lot of work to change your gut health or your eating habits, you've probably discovered what just feels better for you. And so you already have some boundaries that you're not willing to cross. Not because you're trying to be good, but because it just doesn't feel good. ” - Elissa Arnheim
 
In this episode:
[03:33] - The importance of gut health 
[06:23] - Biggest problems with gut health during the holiday season 
[09:13] - #1 tip for having a healthy gut through the holidays
[15:32] - Health benefits of eating fermented vegetables
[19:54] - Who should be careful about eating fermented vegetables?  
[22:48] - Stress relief techniques you can practice before or after parties 
[30:25] - How to choose foods that will help your digestive system
[38:56] - What can you do to get rid of constipation naturally?
[46:14] - Opening up your elimination system  
 
Resources mentioned
- End Your Constipation Naturally - Use coupon code HAPPYBONES to access the program for the discounted price of $60! 
- Improve Your Bone Health Naturally Mini Class 
 
Connect with Elissa Arnheim   
- Website 
 
More about Margie
- Website 
- Facebook 
- Instagram 
 
DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.

Navigating the treatment for osteoporosis can be overwhelming. You may get this diagnosis after your doctor has ordered some blood work. After seeing the results, they recommend calcium, vitamin D, and exercise. 
 
But this is not enough. Focusing mainly on medications, supplements, and general exercise advice without further exploring other factors or options is insufficient. 
 
Today's guest, Irma Jennings, shows us how having the right support makes all the difference. Irma is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and osteoporosis patient navigator. 
 
With over 13 years of specialized experience in bone health, she offers various programs to guide clients through testing, appointments, and developing the right treatment plan. Irma is helping patients feel empowered and in control of their care.
 
As for tips to get the most from your doctor appointments, Irma stresses coming prepared. And while it's good to ask questions, try not to put doctors on the defensive. Finding the right balance and team is critical to overcoming any confusion.
 
I hope you find this interview as insightful as I did. As always, take care of yourself, and keep taking steps for strong, healthy bones!
 
“I recently was in osteoporosis or worked in the capacity as a navigator or advocate. And the doctor looked at her file and said, ‘Why aren't you on drugs?’ That was right after ‘Hello’. And I was like, ‘Uh-oh, this is not going to be good.” - Irma Jennings, INHC
 
In this episode:
[00:00] - Welcome to another episode of Happy Bones, Happy Life
[01:00] - The problem with the conventional approach to treating osteoporosis
[04:09] - Challenges people experience when dealing with doctors 
[11:11] - How did Irma Jennings become an advocate for patients?
[13:42] - What can an osteoporosis patient navigator help you with? 
[16:51] - Current changes in traditional medicine 
[19:42] - Recommendations after you receive your osteoporosis diagnosis 
[23:06] - The importance of analyzing bone markers and gut health 
[28:09] - Are doctors open to new approaches? 
[32:24] - How can you work with Irma Jennings? 
 
Resources mentioned
- Book “Great Bones - Taking Control of Your Osteoporosis” by R. Keith McCormick, DC 
- Book “Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams” by Matthew Walker
 
Connect with Irma Jennings   
- Website
 
More about Margie
- Website
- Facebook
- Instagram
 
DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.

Gratitude has always been a powerful practice for me, elevating my own mood and outlook every time I felt appreciation.  
 
But what's so fascinating is that science has thoroughly studied gratitude, and the data shows how significantly it can impact health and well-being.
 
Extensive research has validated what I intuitively knew and now provides concrete proof of just how effective "good medicine" an attitude of gratitude can be.
 
In this Thanksgiving episode, I spoke with my husband, Dr. Craig Bissinger, about the health benefits of gratitude. 
 
Dr. Craig Bissinger is an OB/GYN in Parsippany, New Jersey. Together, we discuss research showing that simple gratitude practices can significantly boost mood, and reduce stress and depression.
 
Today, you will learn specific practices for cultivating an "attitude of gratitude." These practices are simple, effective, and nearly free, yet they provide incredible value. 
 
If you want to enhance your health, mood, and relationships, start infusing your life with gratitude through some of the impactful (yet simple practices) discussed in this episode. Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for listening! 
 
“In the attitude of gratitude, stress just can't survive. That's the beauty of this. It's the antidote to stress. And, you know, we live in [an] extremely stressful society. So the more gratitude we can incorporate, the better.” - Margie Bissinger, MS, PT, CHC
 
In this episode:
[00:00] - Welcome to another episode of Happy Bones, Happy Life
[01:24] - What is gratitude? 
[02:28] - Scientific studies proving the benefits of gratitude
[06:03] - Effects of receiving a gratitude letter 
[09:46] - How to apply gratitude in social contexts
[13:28] - A trick to use on a Thanksgiving family gathering 
[14:39] - What is a gratitude break?
[15:42] - What about self-gratitude?
[18:33] - Gratitude practices you can implement in your life
[22:29] - More suggestions for Thanksgiving 
 
Resources mentioned
Brazilian study about positive psychology and gratitude 
Seligman’s study published by the American Psychological Association 
An experimental investigation of gratitude published by the American Psychological Association 
 
Connect with Craig Bissinger   
- Website 
 
More about Margie
- Website 
- Facebook 
- Instagram 
 
DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.

We all know that stress has negative effects on our bones and overall health. And we usually try to reduce it using mental strategies such as positive visualization. 
 
But, actually, reducing stress through physical techniques is a more helpful and practical approach. 
 
Today, you’ll learn some techniques from our guest, Chantal Donnelly, a physical therapist and author who will teach you how to reduce your muscle tension and, consequently, your stress levels.
 
Chantal explains how chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can negatively impact bone density over time. She discusses emerging research suggesting bones may even play a role in regulating stress responses in the body.
 
We discuss how forward head posture, slouching, and chest breathing from stress can strain the neck muscles and compress the ribcage, making it difficult to breathe deeply. 
 
Chronic muscle tension is linked to increased stress levels and risk of neck pain. But you’ll learn to reduce that tension in only 30 seconds daily. 
 
Listen in to learn easy ways to soothe stress-induced muscle tension and naturally relax your way to stronger, healthier bones!
 
“If you have a home alarm system, and a squirrel runs across your roof, and that sets off the alarm, and the fire department shows up, you’ve got a problem with your alarm system, not with a fire. And that’s a lot like what chronic pain and chronic stress, both, are.” - Chantal Donnelly
 
In this episode:
[00:00] - Welcome to another episode of Happy Bones, Happy Life
[01:57] - Chantal Donnelly’s backstory
[05:31] - The correlation between chronic stress and chronic pain 
[08:38] - Why is neck pain so related to stress? 
[14:49] - Behaviors and tendencies that may cause neck pain  
[18:58] - Why does stress have such negative effects on the bones? 
[24:21] - How to find out if you are overexercising 
[27:22] - Effective techniques for reducing neck tension
[37:49] - Settled: How to Find Calm in a Stress-Inducing World 
[41:51] - Work with Chantal Donnelly 
 
Resources mentioned
- Chantal's book - Settled:  How to Find Calm in a Stress-Inducing World 
- My Improve your Bone Health Naturally Mini-Class  
 
Connect with Chantal Donnelly  
- Website
- Instagram 
- Facebook 
 
More about Margie
- Website 
- Facebook 
- Instagram 
 
DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.
 

Have you ever bumped into someone and can't remember their name, or rushed back into your room and forgotten why you went there? As we age, our memories can start to fade. It is also painful to see someone you love slowly fading away. Wouldn’t it be great to have the knowledge and strategies to prevent this terrible disease?
 
In 2020, as many as 5.8 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s disease. The number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060. 
 
Today's special guest, Dr. Joshua Helman, will help us understand the truth about Alzheimer's.
 
Dr. Joshua Helman is a double-board-certified physician who has worked in various settings. He developed his passion for medicine while studying for his medical degree at Harvard Medical School and has dedicated his career to helping people live healthier, happier lives. 
 
In today's episode, Dr. Joshua Helman discusses the root causes of Alzheimer's and provides simple tips you can do today for optimal brain health. Discover how to nourish your brain and prevent Alzheimer's while you can.
 
“The good news is that Alzheimer's disease is preventable and reversible. ” - Dr. Joshua Helman
 
In this episode:
[00:00] - Are you always forgetting something?
[02:25] - Dr. Joshua Helman's backstory
[06:19] - The surprising link between sleep and Alzheimer's 
[10:01] - Exercise as a way to improve brain function
[13:06] - The role of toxins and heavy metals in inducing Alzheimer's 
[17:09] - Mental decline in young people
[18:57] - Molds and your brain health
[20:45] - Did you know that stress is a contributing factor to developing Alzheimer's?
[23:44] - Supplements and medications that help support brain health
[28:32] - The Truth About Alzheimer's Summit 2023
 
Resources mentioned
The Truth About Alzheimer’s Summit: Live November 13-19, 2023 
 
Connect with Dr. Joshua Helman
- Website 
- LinkedIn
 
More about Margie
- Website 
- Facebook 
- Instagram 
 
DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.

Do you ever find yourself feeling lost, disconnected, or constantly caring for others but neglecting yourself? If so, you might be facing a deeper issue that resonates within your bones.
 
According to Kathi Pickett, today’s guest, our bones are not just physical structures. They represent our spirit. And when we're disconnected from our spirit, our bones lack the vitality they need.
 
Kathi Pickett is an author, speaker, Certified Healing Touch Practitioner, registered nurse, mentor, and extraordinary energy healer.
 
Her transformative work as an energy healer practitioner and lecturer has touched the lives of many, including myself. 
 
In fact, I've had personal sessions with her, and her talent is nothing short of incredible.
 
In this episode, Kathi sheds light on the profound connection between our spirit and bone health. If you start plugging into your spirit and incorporating simple yet powerful energy practices into your daily life, you can initiate a significant transformation.
 
By the end of our conversation, you'll have a newfound understanding of the integral connection between your spirit and the health of your bones.
 
Ready to reconnect with your soul and transform your life? Let's dive in!
 
“The bones are the most dense part of this physical body that holds our spirit in Earth for this experience. And the bones hold the connection to our spirit. Lifeforce runs through the bones. The blood forms in the bones. The bones hold.” - Kathi Pickett
 
In this episode:
[00:00] - Welcome to another episode of Happy Bones, Happy Life
[03:44] - How did Kathi Pickett become a spiritual healer? 
[08:45] - The connection between the spiritual journey and the bones
[12:48] - How are the bones linked with your life purpose?
[15:25] - A meditation to ignite the light within and energize your bones 
[30:25] - The right way to practice grounding  
[33:05] - Kathi’s class on energy techniques for better bones 
[34:23] - Work with Kathi Pickett
[37:21] - A closing message
 
Resources mentioned
- Improve Your Bone Health Naturally Free Mini-Course
- Kathi’s class on Energy Techniques for Better Bones
- Book “On Becoming You: You Are a Powerful Being of Light, All is Within You” by Kathi Pickett 
 
Connect with Kathi Pickett 
- Website 
- Heart Tree Institute 
 
More about Margie
- Website 
- Facebook 
- Instagram 
 
DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.