Your gut does more than digest food—it plays a critical role in immunity, energy levels, mood, and overall wellness. In Part 1 of our Gastrointestinal Health series, we lay the foundation for understanding how your digestive system works and why gut health is essential to whole-body health.

In this episode, Dr. V explores:

• The basics of gastrointestinal anatomy and function
• Common signs and symptoms of gut imbalance
• How diet, stress, medications, and lifestyle impact digestion
• The gut–brain connection and its role in inflammation and disease

Whether you’re experiencing digestive concerns or simply want to optimize your health, this episode offers practical insights to help you better understand your body from the inside out.

Tune in and start your journey toward better gut health—this is just the beginning.

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In an era of relentless news cycles, political divisiveness, and constant digital overwhelm, how do we protect our mental health while staying informed and engaged? Join Dr. Valda Crowder (Dr. V), a board-certified emergency medicine physician with 30 years of experience, as she explores the critical topic of psychological safety in today's challenging climate.

This episode tackles the phenomenon psychologists call "chronic ambient stress"—the never-ending background noise of negativity that keeps our stress response systems constantly activated. Dr. V explains what happens to our brains and bodies when we're continuously exposed to troubling headlines, why doomscrolling feels so exhausting, and how "headline stress disorder" impacts our daily lives.

In this episode:

• Understanding the psychology behind our collective anxiety and overwhelm
• Practical strategies to stay informed without burning out
• How to use social media mindfully while protecting your peace
• Managing anxiety about real threats beyond our control (climate change, political instability, economic uncertainty)
• Recognizing and addressing compassion fatigue
• Creating psychological safety for children in uncertain times
• Navigating the suicide crisis and what to do when loved ones are in distress
• Building long-term resilience for sustainable engagement
• The surprising connection between mental and physical health

Dr. V explains sleep apnea, and how it impacts overall health, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues. These effects are primarily due to the lack of oxygen and the stress hormones released in response to these pauses.