Heather shares a deeply personal reflection on how chronic illness flares shape her mornings and mindset, and can impact others navigating chronic illness in unique ways. From the smallest daily tasks to the bigger picture of self-acceptance, this episode is a gentle reminder that your worth isn’t defined by your productivity.

To view the Stats Can social post I mention in this post:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BvrMSydSk/

To get your physical copy of The Human Potential Journal:

https://amzn.to/447cQDy

Or if you'd still like to try the free version I explored during my "Reflections on my Reflections" series, it is still available at:The Human Potential Journal | Free Guided Journal for Reflection and Self-Discovery

💬 Did you know I also offer 1:1 health consultations?
If you’re navigating chronic illness or fluctuating health and want someone who truly understands to talk things through with, I’d love to support you.You can book a session here:

https://www.northstarhealthservices.ca/service-offerings/

Turning 40 can feel like crossing an invisible line, especially when you’re also navigating chronic illness. In this heartfelt episode, Heather shares her story of redefining self-worth, strength, and joy in a body that’s changing.

You’ll hear about:

• The cultural narratives that tell women their value fades with age
• How chronic illness reshapes identity and self-perception
• Finding strength and beauty beyond productivity and perfection
• Simple, everyday ways to thrive and find joy again

✨ Join Heather’s Live Online Birthday Party!
Connect, ask questions, and meet other women rewriting their stories after 40.
👉 Join here

🎧 Question for you: If you’re 40 or over, what do you wish you knew on your 40th birthday? Comment or message Heather to share your story.

What does it really mean to move from survival to flow? In this episode, Heather shares her personal journey of rediscovering ease, joy, and alignment after years of living in survival mode. Through gentle storytelling and reflection, she explores how small glimmers of awareness can guide us back to ourselves.

If you’re ready to reconnect with your own sense of flow, start with The Human Potential Journal — a simple, seven-day practice to help you notice the moments that matter.The Human Potential Journal | Free Guided Journal for Reflection and Self-Discovery

🎧 Listen to the full conversation on healing, hope, and the power of understanding your nervous system.
In this episode, Cedar shares her incredible story of healing from ME/CFS, the lessons she learned about decoding her nervous system, and the 5 keys that helped her reclaim her life.

Connect with Cedar:
🔹 Free class: Decode Your Nervous System
🔹 5 Keys of Healing: Learn more here
🔹 Website: www.cedarsacredwell.com
🔹 YouTube: @cedarcbrown
🔹 InsightTimer: Cedar Sacred Well

And if you’d like to explore more about holistic healing and support, visit me at northstarhealthservices.ca.

Please note that I am not a medical doctor or psychologist, therefore please take any advice or suggestions to your medical team to determine if they are right for you.

As the days grow shorter and the world slows down, many of us feel that emotional slide into winter, especially when living with chronic illness. In this episode, we explore how to find steady ground through the darker months, honouring the natural rhythm of rest and reflection that autumn invites.

Join me as we talk about the energetic shift of the season, the pull toward stillness, and how to care for your body and mind when the world feels heavier during Yin season.

✨ Learn more and explore supportive resources @ northstarhealthservices.ca

🛋️ Stay cosy this season with my favourite Westinghouse Electric Heated Blanket Throw — perfect for soothing tired muscles and keeping warm through the colder months (this one has 2-10 hour settings!): https://amzn.to/47Zve3r

🔗 Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult your healthcare team before trying any new approach.

References:Patel, J. C., et al. (2018). Chronic lifestyle diseases display seasonal sensitive comorbidities among hypertension, obesity, asthma and fibrosis diseases. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(7), 1414.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15071414

Basnet, S., et al. (2016). Seasonal variations in mood and behaviour are associated with the risk of non-communicable diseases: Evidence from Finland. Journal of Affective Disorders, 189, 170-175.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2015.09.039

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we uncover one of the most overlookedcauses of chronic, treatment-resistant illness: Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome (SNAS).

Most people think of nickel allergy as a simple skin rashfrom jewelry, but research now shows it can trigger systemic inflammation, gut dysfunction, autoimmune-like symptoms,and even weight gain.

Join Heather as she explores the science behind SNAS, howit’s diagnosed, and the powerful role of a low-nickel diet inrestoring health. You’ll also hear about the fascinating connection between nickel, the gut microbiome, and metabolic health in women.

A special thank you to Jackie Ward for herpioneering work in raising awareness and developing treatment strategies for SNAS.Jaclyn Ward | Carina Medical and Specialist Centre

What You’ll Learn:👉What Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome (SNAS) isand why it’s often missed👉How nickel exposure affects the immune system, gut,and hormones👉The link between nickel allergy, obesity, andmetabolic imbalance👉Why SNAS overlaps with conditions like IBS, chronicfatigue, and autoimmune disorders👉How to identify SNAS through patch testing, oralmucosa testing, and dietary trials👉Practical steps for managing SNAS through diet,supplements, and lifestyle changes

*Please note that I am not a medical doctor or psychologist, therefore please take any advice or suggestions to your medical team to determine if they are right for you.*

Connect & Share:

If this episode resonated with you, please share it withsomeone who’s been struggling with unexplained symptoms. Awareness is the firststep to healing.

💬 Join the conversation on Facebook and LinkedIn🎧Listen on Spotify and YouTube💖Support the show and access bonus content on Patreon

(Full reference list available here:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAG3TPO9oL8/570MNPMJcMRFC9LQkvIccg/view?utm_content=DAG3TPO9oL8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h73511f99b8)

Resources Mentioned:

📘 Low Nickel DietCookbook by Laura Duzett – a practical guide to low-nickel living and recipes for symptom relief.

👉 Get it on Amazon

🦠 L. ReuteriProbiotic from BioGaia – clinically studied to support gut health and reduce SNAS-related symptoms.

👉 Shop it on Amazon

🔗 Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

SEO Keywords:

Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome, SNAS, nickel allergy, lownickel diet, chronic illness, autoimmune disease, gut health, nickel sensitivity, nickel detox, nickel allergy symptoms, nickel and weight gain, nickel and gut microbiome, holistic health, chronic fatigue, endometriosis, nickel intolerance, low nickel recipes, nickel allergy treatment

A calm, practical guide to gentle movement for those living with POTS or ME/CFS. Discover how the ADaPT approach can help you rebuild strength and confidence at your own pace. I also share some of my own experiences with maintaining strength while managing POTS, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Here are the promised links to help:
⁠ADaPT Flowchart (Patients) | Neurology Department | U of U School of Medicine⁠
Microsoft Word - CHOP_Modified_Dallas_POTS_Exercise_Program.docxback-in-business-physiotherapy.com/latest-news/335-postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome-pots.html(includes printable calendars)

What Does the Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale Measure?

Remember to be gentle with yourself, even with these careful and graded methods. Give yourself grace, rest when you need, and trust that you know your body best.
If you’d like more support or to connect with a community who understands, visit ⁠northstarhealthservices.ca⁠.

Over 27,000 women shared their stories in this groundbreaking IWK Foundation survey. The findings reveal the emotional and systemic challenges women face every day — from healthcare bias to caregiver burnout.This is more than a report. It’s a movement for change.📖 Read the full report:https://iwkfoundation.org/sites/default/files/users/2025-iwk-foundation-the-unspoken-burden-of-womens-health-survey-summary-october-2025.pdf💫 Continue the conversation and find more insights at North Star Health: www.northstarhealthservices.ca