Social-Ize Your Health Podcast ™

Dr. Shelly Ann
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Nutrition
  • Monthly Series

I just love a health and wellness story! I hope you do too. The whole idea of changing one’s life, healthily, truly resonates with me.  As such, good health is to be shared, and if you are not there yet, it won’t be long before, as you join us on ‘Social-Ize Your Health'.  Social-Ize Your Health is a monthly, Jamaica-based health and wellness podcast, exploring practical, science-informed topics related to everyday health, nutrition, fitness, skincare, and overall wellbeing. We will also provide you with the opportunity to share your health and wellness stories and a whole lot more! So, you can go healthy like you mean it!  Join me, Dr. Shelly Ann (not medically), a Researcher, Educator, Certified Nutrition Coach, and most importantly, a Health and Wellness Nut, as I explore the mentioned topics with you and have other candid conversations surrounding health and overall wellbeing. Just like that!Join me nuh! Update:   🌿 Exciting news! The podcast episodes are now coming to you weekly, while still keeping the seasonal theme you love. I hope you’ll enjoy these bite-sized,  healthful insights as we continue to Social-Ize our health together.Catch you on the next episode  — and as always, stay blessed! Disclaimer:  This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding any health concerns or before making changes to your health routine.

  1. Episode 1

    If You Can See Clearly, Your Eyes Are Healthy – Right?

    Can you see clearly? Great! But does that necessarily mean your eyes are healthy? Not always. In this Season 6 opener of the podcast, we are debunking a common health myth: that clear vision automatically means healthy eyes. In this episode, we are exploring eye health in general. This is because some eye conditions can develop quietly, without obvious symptoms in their early stages. As such, they may start to affect your vision before you realize something is wrong. By the time you notice changes, some damage may already have occurred. In recognition of World Sight Day on October 8, we are exploring why eye health involves much more than how clearly you see. We will also explore practical considerations for eye health in general so that you can start protecting your vision today, if not yet. Key Takeaway: Don't wait until your vision becomes blurry to pay attention to your eyes. Start today, and don't delay that eye examination. ***You can find the full list of researched references and further readings below.  Main Discussion Points Why clear vision doesn’t always mean healthy eyes.Why comprehensive eye examination matters, even when you have no symptoms.Practical ways to support your eyes.Which warning signs should prompt urgent medical attention.What can you do today to make eye care part of your overall wellness routine.Related/Helpful Episode: The Blood Sugar Conversation Everyone Should Be HavingVox Pop – The Blood Sugar Conversation You're Sleeping…But Are You Resting?Sleepmaxxing – Optimizing Your Sleep Like A Hacker Stay in the Know: *** Subscribe to the blog's newsletter to stay informed and enjoy additional health and wellness topics. Things you can do right now to improve your health  Resources/Freebies: 1.     Helpful Blog Posts/Videos: Five (5) 'Must-Have' Nutrients for Impeccable Eye HealthCerasee and DiabetesPycnogenol and DiabetesBlood Sugar ExplainedWhat are Sunscreens? Benefits and Ingredients to Look Out ForVideo: Let's Talk Eye Health2.   Almonds and Olivez Wellness Blog 3. Almonds and Olivez YouTube Channel References and Further Readings Althomali, T. et al. (2023). The Impact of Ultraviolet Radiation on the Eyes and the Relevant Protective Measures: Knowledge and Awareness. Archives of Pharmacy Practice. Atchison E, Barkmeier A. The Role of Systemic Risk Factors in Diabetic Retinopathy. Curr Ophthalmol Rep. 2016;4(2):84-89. Burton MJ, Ramke J, Marques AP, Bourne RR, Congdon N, Jones I, et al. The Lancet Global Health commission on Global Eye Health: vision beyond 2020. Lancet Glob Health. 2021; 9(4): e489–e551.Dziedziak J, Zaleska-Żmijewska A, Szaflik JP, Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska A. Impact of Arterial Hypertension on the Eye: A Review of the Pathogenesis, Diagnostic Methods, and Treatment of Hypertensive Retinopathy. Med Sci Monit. 2022 Jan 20;28: e935135. GBD 2019 Blindness and Vision Impairment Collaborators; Vision Loss Expert Group. Causes of blindness and vision impairment in 2020 and trends over 30 years... Lancet Glob Health. 2021;9(2):e144-e160. Ha A, Lee YJ, Lee M, Shim SR, Kim YK. Digital Screen Time and Myopia: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Feb 3;8(2): e2460026. Kulkarni A, Banait S. Through the Smoke: An In-Depth Review on Cigarette Smoking and Its Impact on Ocular Health. Cureus. 2023 Oct 27;15(10): e47779. Morya AK, Ramesh PV, Nishant P, Kaur K, Gurnani B, Heda A, Salodia S. Diabetic retinopathy: A review on its pathophysiology and novel treatment modalities. World J Methodol. 2024 Dec 20;14(4):95881. Petrie JR, Guzik TJ, Touyz RM. Diabetes, Hypertension, and Cardiovascular Disease: Clinical Insights and Vascular Mechanisms. Can J Cardiol. 2018 May;34(5):575-584.Wahl S, Engelhardt M, Schaupp P, Lappe C, Ivanov IV. The inner clock-Blue light sets the human rhythm. J Biophotonics. 2019 Dec;12(12): e201900102. Weinreb RN, Aung T, Medeiros FA. The pathophysiology and treatment of glaucoma: a review. JAMA. 2014 May 14;311(18):1901-11. Xiao K, Gao J, Zhang Y, Chen R, Wang Y, Gu C, Liu J, Huang Y, Li L. Healthy Dietary Patterns and Risk of Major Eye Diseases: Evidence from Nationally Population-Based Data and Bibliometric Analysis. Food Sci Nutr. 2026 Mar 3;14(3): e71528. Learn more: World Sight Day is observed on October 8, 2026. Use this opportunity to make eye health part of your wellness checklist. For more Health and Wellness tips, subscribe to the Social-Ize Your Health ™ Podcast on Spotify and Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts. Leave a review and share it with someone who enjoys real conversations about health.  Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening! Have a great day!

    If You Can See Clearly, Your Eyes Are Healthy – Right?

  2. Episode 2

    Mental Health: What Your Everyday Habits May Be Doing to Your Mind

    What if some of the things you do every day are quietly supporting your mental health, or quietly working against it? Mental health isn't just about mental illness. It's also about how we cope, connect, function, rest and navigate everyday life. And while our habits don't determine our mental health on their own, they can play an important role in our overall well-being. In this episode, we take a closer look at some of the everyday habits that may influence the way we feel, think and cope, including sleep, physical activity, nutrition, among others. Key Takeaway: You don't have to overhaul your entire life to start taking better care of your mind. Small, healthy habits are a start. ***You can find the full list of researched references and further readings below.  Main Discussion Points Why sleep and mental health are closely connected.What your everyday eating pattern may have to do with brain healthThe difference between normal stress and living in a state of constant stressWhy healthy habits are not a substitute for professional mental health care.Related Episode: Is Your Lifestyle Quietly Damaging Your Brain?Sleepmaxxing - Optimizing Sleep Like A HackerYou’re Sleeping… But Are You Resting?Can You Really Catch Up On Sleep Over The Weekend?Stress Is Normal - But What It's Doing to Your Body Isn’tIs Loneliness a Health Risk?Ultra-Processed Foods: How Much Is Too Much?5-Minute Habits That Actually WorkEating Like You Care, Even When You Are Busy Stay in the Know: *** Subscribe to the blog's newsletter to stay informed and enjoy additional health and wellness topics. Things you can do right now to improve your health Resources/Freebies: 1.     Helpful Blog Posts/Videos:  Exercise and Mental Health Longevity Habits from the World's Blue ZonesThe Mediterranean DietExercise is More Than Weight LossZone to Zone Cardio for Metabolic Health 2.   Almonds and Olivez Wellness Blog 3.   Almonds and Olivez YouTube Channel References and Further Readings Cena H, Calder PC. Defining a Healthy Diet: Evidence for The Role of Contemporary Dietary Patterns in Health and Disease. Nutrients. 2020 Jan 27;12(2):334. Gautam S, Jain A, Chaudhary J, Gautam M, Gaur M, Grover S. Concept of mental health and mental well-being, its determinants and coping strategies. Indian J Psychiatry. 2024 Jan;66(Suppl 2): S231-S244. Hossain MN, Lee J, Choi H, Kwak YS, Kim J. The impact of exercise on depression: how moving makes your brain and body feel better. Phys Act Nutr. 2024 Jun;28(2):43-51. Kabthymer RH, Karimi L, Livesay K, Lee M, Apostolopoulos V, Millar R, McKay S, Barry S, Olga CN, Colomer MF, Soultanakis H, Conduit R, Takac M, Mizzi S, Sidossis LS, Tierney A, Itsiopoulos C, Feehan J, Courten B. Effect of Mediterranean diet on mental health outcomes: a systematic review. Nutr Res Rev. 2025 Nov 6;39: e9. Kesner L, Juríčková V, Grygarová D, Horáček J. Impact of Media-Induced Uncertainty on Mental Health: Narrative-Based Perspective. JMIR Ment Health. 2025 Jun 13;12: e68640.Mariotti A. The effects of chronic stress on health: new insights into the molecular mechanisms of brain-body communication. Future Sci OA. 2015 Nov 1;1(3): FSO23. Martino J, Pegg J, Frates EP. The Connection Prescription: Using the Power of Social Interactions and the Deep Desire for Connectedness to Empower Health and Wellness. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2015 Oct 7;11(6):466-475. Tomaso CC, Johnson AB, Nelson TD. The effect of sleep deprivation and restriction on mood, emotion, and emotion regulation: three meta-analyses in one. Sleep. 2021 Jun 11;44(6): zsaa289. Youssef R, Najm DB, Al-Bourji M, Boutros PH. Association of the Mediterranean diet with mental well-being: a cross-sectional study among adults living in Lebanon. BMC Public Health. 2025 Aug 7;25(1):2689.  Disclaimer: This podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only.  If you are experiencing persistent or severe mental-health symptoms, please seek professional support. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, seek emergency help or contact an appropriate crisis service in your country.  For more Health and Wellness tips, subscribe to the Social-Ize Your Health™   Podcast on Spotify and Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts. Leave a review and share it with someone who enjoys real conversations about health.  Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening! Have a great day!

    Mental Health: What Your Everyday Habits May Be Doing to Your Mind

  3. Episode 3

    How to Improve Bone Health for Midlife & Beyond

    Are you eating to support your bones? When we think about strong bones, calcium and milk are often the first things that come to mind. But bone health involves much more than that! In this episode, we explore how everyday food choices can help support stronger bones throughout life. From calcium to protein and other essential nutrients, discover how to build a bone-supportive eating pattern using foods you may already enjoy. Key Takeaway: You don't need to rely on one special food to support your bones. Small, consistent choices can contribute to bone health over time. ***You can find the full list of researched references and further readings below.  Main Discussion Points Why your bones need attention at every stage of lifeCalcium-rich foods beyond milk and dairy productsWhy protein matters for bone healthOther nutrients that contribute to bone healthWhether calcium supplements are necessary for everyoneRelated Episode: All About VitaminsWhy Minerals?Ultra-Processed Foods: How Much is Too Much?Stay in the Know: *** Subscribe to the blog's newsletter to stay informed and enjoy additional health and wellness topics. Things you can do right now to improve your health  Resources/Freebies: 1.     Helpful Blog Posts/Videos:  Our ABCs: A Complete Vitamins OverviewWhy MineralsMicronutrients vs MacronutrientsFoods High in OxalatesChia Seeds and OxalatesExercise is More than Weight LossFree Download - Vitamins GuideFree Download - Mineral Guide    2.   Almonds and Olivez Wellness Blog    3.   Almonds and Olivez YouTube Channel References and Further Readings  Asif A, Farooq N. Vitamin D Toxicity. [Updated 2023 May 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557876/Borer KT. Physical activity in the prevention and amelioration of osteoporosis in women: interaction of mechanical, hormonal and dietary factors. Sports Med. 2005;35(9):779-830.  Eating disorders in adolescents: Principles of diagnosis and treatment. Paediatr Child Health. 1998 May;3(3):189-96. Fatima G, Dzupina A, Alhmadi B, Magomedova A, Siddiqui Z, Mehdi A, Hadi N. Magnesium Matters: A Comprehensive Review of Its Vital Role in Health and Diseases. Cureus. 2024 Oct 13;16(10): e71392. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee to Review Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D and Calcium; Ross AC, Taylor CL, Yaktine AL, et al., editors. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2011. 2. Overview of Calcium. Kerstetter JE, Kenny AM, Insogna KL. Dietary protein and skeletal health: a review of recent human research. Curr Opin Lipidol. 2011 Feb;22(1):16-20. Lerolle N, Lantz B, Paillard F, et al. Risk factors for nephrolithiasis in patients with familial idiopathic hypercalciuria. Am J Med. 2002;113(2):99-103.  Li K, Wang XF, Li DY, Chen YC, Zhao LJ, Liu XG, Guo YF, Shen J, Lin X, Deng J, Zhou R, Deng HW. The good, the bad, and the ugly of calcium supplementation: a review of calcium intake on human health. Clin Interv Aging. 2018 Nov 28; 13:2443-2452. Mangano KM, Sahni S, Kerstetter JE. Dietary protein is beneficial to bone health under conditions of adequate calcium intake: an update on clinical research. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2014 Jan;17(1):69-74. Movassagh EZ, Vatanparast H. Current Evidence on the Association of Dietary Patterns and Bone Health: A Scoping Review. Adv Nutr. 2017 Jan 17;8(1):1-16. Office of the Surgeon General (US). Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville (MD): Office of the Surgeon General (US); 2004. 2. The Basics of Bone in Health and Disease. Rowe P, Koller A, Sharma S. Physiology, Bone Remodelling. [Updated 2023 Mar 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan.Sorensen MD, Eisner BH, Stone KL, et al. Impact of calcium intake and intestinal calcium absorption on kidney stones in older women: the study of osteoporotic fractures. J Urol. 2012;187(4):1287-1292.  Weaver CM, Alexander DD, Boushey CJ, et al. Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and risk of fractures: an updated meta-analysis from the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Osteoporos Int. 2016;27(1):367-376.  Xie C, Gong J, Zheng C, Zhang J, Gao J, Tian C, Guo X, Dai S, Gao T. Effects of vitamin K supplementation on bone mineral density at different sites and bone metabolism in the middle-aged and elderly population. Bone Joint Res. 2024 Dec 11;13(12):750-763. Zimmerman L, Anastasopoulou C, McKeon B. Osteomalacia. [Updated 2024 Sep 2]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan.For more Health and Wellness tips, subscribe to the Social-Ize Your Health™   Podcast on Spotify and Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts. Leave a review and share it with someone who enjoys real conversations about health.  Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening! Have a great day!

    How to Improve Bone Health for Midlife & Beyond

  4. Episode 4

    You’re Too Young to Have a Stroke, Right?

    Many people assume that being young means they don't have to worry about having a stroke. But age alone does not protect you. In this episode, we are challenging this potentially dangerous myth and exploring why strokes can happen in younger adults, the risk factors we need to understand, and the warning signs that should never be ignored. Because when it comes to stroke, knowing what to look for and acting quickly can save lives. Have you ever thought that stroke was mainly an older person's health concern? Share this episode with someone who needs to hear this conversation. Key Takeaway: Know your health numbers, understand your risk factors and learn the warning signs. ***You can find the full list of researched references and further readings below.  Main Discussion Points What a stroke is and the main typesWhy younger adults can experience strokesWhat are some of the risk factorsThe warning signs of strokesHow you can help someone experiencing a strokePractical ways to help reduce your risk of strokeRelated Episode: Is Your Lifestyle Quietly Damaging Your Brain?Sleepmaxxing - Optimizing Sleep Like a HackerHow to Improve Bone Health for Midlife & BeyondMental Health: What Your Everyday Habits May Be Doing to Your MindHow Small Habits Create Big Health TransformationUltra-Processed Foods: How Much is Too Much?Stress Is Normal, But What It's Doing to Your Body Isn’tStay in the Know: *** Subscribe to the blog's newsletter to stay informed and enjoy additional health and wellness topics. Things you can do right now to improve your health Resources/Freebies: 1.     Helpful Blog Posts/Videos:  Exercise is More Than Just Weight Loss: 5 Science-Backed BenefitsLongevity Habits From The  World's Blue ZonesWhy Blood Sugar Matters for Non-Diabetics2.   Almonds and Olivez Wellness Blog References and Further Readings Bukhari S, Yaghi S, Bashir Z. Stroke in Young Adults. J Clin Med. 2023 Jul 29;12(15):4999. Boehme AK, Esenwa C, Elkind MS. Stroke Risk Factors, Genetics, and Prevention. Circ Res. 2017 Feb 3;120(3):472-495. Ding SR, Patel K, Chaparala SP, Pendyala P, Rani K. Association Between Smoking and Stroke: A Retrospective Study Using the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Data. Cureus. 2025 Jul 31;17(7): e89171. Katsafanas C, Bushnell C. Pregnancy and stroke risk in women. Neurobiol Dis. 2022 Jul; 169:105735. Lui F, Vadakekut ES. Transient Ischemic Attack. [Updated 2026 Jun 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Wang TJ, Massaro JM, Levy D, Vasan RS, Wolf PA, D'Agostino RB, et al. A risk score for predicting stroke or death in individuals with new-onset atrial fibrillation in the community: The Framingham Heart Study. JAMA. 2003; 290:1049–1056. Wolf PA, D'Agostino RB, Belanger AJ, Kannel WB. Probability of stroke: A risk profile from the Framingham study. Stroke. 1991; 22:312–318.  For more Health and Wellness tips, subscribe to the Social-Ize Your Health ™   Podcast on Spotify and Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts. Leave a review and share it with someone who enjoys real conversations about health. Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening! Have a great day!

    You’re Too Young to Have a Stroke, Right?
See All Season 6 (4)

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About

I just love a health and wellness story! I hope you do too. The whole idea of changing one’s life, healthily, truly resonates with me.  As such, good health is to be shared, and if you are not there yet, it won’t be long before, as you join us on ‘Social-Ize Your Health'.  Social-Ize Your Health is a monthly, Jamaica-based health and wellness podcast, exploring practical, science-informed topics related to everyday health, nutrition, fitness, skincare, and overall wellbeing. We will also provide you with the opportunity to share your health and wellness stories and a whole lot more! So, you can go healthy like you mean it!  Join me, Dr. Shelly Ann (not medically), a Researcher, Educator, Certified Nutrition Coach, and most importantly, a Health and Wellness Nut, as I explore the mentioned topics with you and have other candid conversations surrounding health and overall wellbeing. Just like that!Join me nuh! Update:   🌿 Exciting news! The podcast episodes are now coming to you weekly, while still keeping the seasonal theme you love. I hope you’ll enjoy these bite-sized,  healthful insights as we continue to Social-Ize our health together.Catch you on the next episode  — and as always, stay blessed! Disclaimer:  This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding any health concerns or before making changes to your health routine.

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