Guest: Moumita Naidu, MD - Wheat Ridge, CO – Cardiology

February marks American Heart Month, a national effort to raise awareness about heart disease—the leading cause of death in the U.S. By 2050, an estimated six in ten adults may experience some form of cardiovascular disease. A simple first step is tracking everything you eat and drink for a week to better understand your nutritional choices. Reading food labels often reveals surprisingly high sodium and sugar levels in common foods. The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association recommend 150 minutes of weekly exercise, and newer research shows that high‑intensity and muscle‑strengthening activities—such as HIIT, weightlifting, and sprint intervals—offer significant cardiovascular benefits. By building these habits now—before symptoms ever appear—we give ourselves the best chance at a healthier future. Heart health isn’t defined by age; it’s shaped by the choices we make every day. February serves as a reminder that even small, consistent steps can protect our hearts for years to come.

https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/colorado/

Guest: Shelby Mattingly CEO

The Women’s Bean Project was founded by Jossie Ayer after recognizing a need for long‑term solutions to help women break the cycle of poverty. Starting with $500 and two women from a local shelter, the organization has grown into a nonprofit social enterprise that employs women facing significant barriers to employment. While producing and packaging more than 50 products, participants also receive comprehensive wraparound services, case management, and education to support their transition into stable jobs. Many women find the program through word of mouth, the justice system, or sober‑living environments. There can be a real sense of shame and isolation in having come out of the variety of circumstances or still dealing with the circumstances women in their program are dealing with, a core component of what they do is treating people with deep respect and belief in their worth and their value as a person and all of the things that they're capable of.

womensbeanproject.com

Guest: Pos Ryant Co-founder

Apprentice of Peace Youth Organization is a wellness‑focused nonprofit that uses Tai Chi to help individuals connect with their bodies, calm their minds, and choose peace. Its umbrella program, Connected in Motion, blends Tai Chi with meaningful conversations to create a peer‑support model that strengthens community connections and combats loneliness. The organization also offers Laws of Life, a STEM‑informed program emphasizing Leadership, Arts, Wellness, and Skilled Trades, providing youth with hands‑on learning and leadership opportunities. All programs are offered free of charge to ensure accessible, community‑based support for young people.

AOPYO.org