Welcome to The Health & Fitness Show with Tracy.

This episode explores an often-overlooked connection between oral health, brain health, and stroke risk.

Most people think brain health starts with exercise or medication — but research now shows that teeth, gums, and oral inflammation play a role in brain and vascular health.

Gum disease and chronic dental infections don’t stay in the mouth. Inflammation and bacteria can enter the bloodstream, affect blood vessels, and impact circulation to the brain. Studies have linked poor oral health to increased risk of ischemic stroke, vascular brain changes, and long-term brain health concerns.

In this episode, I discuss:
• How oral health affects the brain
• Why inflammation matters for stroke risk and recovery
• What current research is showing
• Practical steps to support both brain and oral health

This episode is part of The Health & Fitness Show with Tracy and is available as both a video and a podcast episode on major podcast platforms.

This information is intended for education and awareness and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.
▶️ This video is educational and not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.

For More Support for Stroke Recovery, Balance, and Safe Movement

I create educational videos to help stroke survivors, caregivers, and professionals understand movement, balance, and recovery with clarity and confidence.

🔹 Learn more & resources:
🌐 Website: https://www.tracymarkley.com

🔹 Books by Tracy L. Markley:
📘 Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley

🔹 Community & continued support:
🤝 Membership / Programs: https://www.tracymarkley.com/membership
🎓 Courses: http://www.tracymarkley.com/cec-courses

Sign up for Tracy's Free Stroke Recovery Newsletter:
https://www.tracymarkley.com/form/newsletter-sign-up

These videos are for educational purposes and are not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before starting any exercise program.

#TracyMarkley
#StrokeRecovery
#BrainHealth
#StrokePrevention
#OralHealth
#GumDisease
#TeethAndBrain
#Inflammation
#BrainCare
#VascularHealth
#StrokeSurvivors
#HealthyAging
#DementiaPrevention

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When Someone Says They’re Lonely: What to Do, and NOT to Do | Holiday Grief, Kindness & Brain Health

Loneliness is one of the most misunderstood emotional experiences, especially during the holidays, seasons of grief, and major life transitions. In this episode, Tracy Markley shares clear guidance on how to respond when someone says they feel lonely and explains what not to do so you don’t unintentionally make their loneliness worse.

Tracy talks about how grief, holiday overwhelm, and emotional overload affect the brain and nervous system. She explains why kindness has a real impact on brain health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. You will hear supportive insights on how loneliness influences physical and cognitive health, how to communicate compassionately, and what real emotional validation looks like.

This conversation is created to help anyone who feels lonely, anyone supporting someone through loneliness or grief, and anyone wanting to understand emotional health in a deeper, more meaningful way. You are not alone, and you do not have to navigate loneliness without support.

#Loneliness #HolidayGrief #MentalWellness #BrainHealth #KindnessMatters #GriefSupport #EmotionalHealth #HolidayStress #ConnectionMatters #Compassion #MentalHealthAwareness #SupportAndHealing #YouAreNotAlone #StrokeRecovery #TracyMarkley #HealingJourney #NervousSystemRegulation #HeartHealth #WellnessTools #HolisticHealing #HopeAndHealing #CaregiverSupport #HolidaySeason2025 #MindBodyConnection #EmotionalSupport #BrainFitness #SelfAwareness #HealthyCommunication #HelpOthers #PersonalGrowthJourney

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Welcome to Stroke Recovery: Therapy Ended? Now What? — an educational podcast series by Tracy L. Markley designed to help stroke survivors, caregivers, and professionals better understand the body, the brain, and the recovery process long after formal therapy ends.

Each episode focuses on one essential area of stroke recovery, blending neuroscience, movement education, functional training, safety guidance, and real-life insight from Tracy’s decades of experience specializing in stroke, balance, gait, proprioception, and the brain–body connection.

This series is based on Tracy’s award-winning work with stroke survivors around the world and her book Stroke Recovery: What Now? When Physical Therapy Ends But Your Recovery Continues. Her mission is to empower survivors at every stage — from newly home to years into recovery.

IN THIS SERIES, YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT:

• Muscles, biomechanics, and movement patterns
• Proprioception, spatial awareness, and body connection
• Brain injury basics and how to care for the healing brain
• Balance training, stability, and fall prevention
• Walking gait, posture, and leg alignment
• Spasticity, drop foot, bracing, and safety strategies
• Strength training, fascia, flexibility, and mobility
• Memory, vision challenges, reading difficulties, and peripheral vision
• Communication and cognitive struggles after stroke
• Pain management, fatigue, and realistic recovery expectations
• Home-exercise ideas and equipment recommendations
• How to choose the right trainer or recovery professional
• Emotional recovery, confidence building, and support systems
• Neuroplasticity and what improves it
• Caregiver education and family guidance
• And many more recovery essentials throughout the series

No matter where you are in your recovery journey — early, mid, or long-term — these episodes help you understand your body more clearly and provide the tools you need to continue improving safely and effectively.

Website (resources, articles, membership library):
www.TracyMarkley.com

Amazon Author Page:
www.Amazon.com/author/tracymarkley

Membership Library (workouts, Pilates, balance training, stroke-recovery videos):
www.tracymarkley.com/membership

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In celebration of National Author’s Day, Tracy Markley shares how writing her very first book completely transformed her life — and how your story has the power to transform yours as well.

When Tracy published The Stroke of an Artist, she had no idea it would lead to speaking opportunities, national recognition, awards, magazine features, media interviews, and collaborations with inspiring people like Elaine LaLanne. What began as one book became the foundation for her entire author journey.

If you’ve ever felt a pull to write but didn’t know where to begin, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and a reminder that your story matters.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR:

• How writing a first book can open unexpected doors and life-changing opportunities
• The mindset shift that helped Tracy turn passion into purpose and profession
• Why sharing your story creates connection, healing, and legacy
• How to start your own book even if you feel unsure, overwhelmed, or not “ready”
• Why writing is a gift — for the writer and the reader

Your book is more than an idea — it’s your legacy. Your words can inspire, educate, heal, and empower others. If you’ve ever felt called to write, this episode will help you take that first courageous step.

📚 CONNECT WITH TRACY L. MARKLEY

Explore Tracy’s books on stroke recovery, balance, brain health, and inspiring personal stories:

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley
Website & Bookstore: www.tracymarkley.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/motivate_healthfit

🌟 ABOUT THE TRACY MARKLEY MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY

Looking for deeper guidance on strength, balance, mobility, brain health, stroke recovery, or overall wellness?
Tracy’s website membership offers education and movement sessions for all fitness levels — not just seniors or stroke survivors.

Inside the membership, you’ll find:

• Stroke recovery education & training
• Balance, walking, proprioception & fall-prevention lessons
• Strength training workouts
• Pilates mat classes
• Stretching & mobility sessions
• Yoga-inspired movement
• Brain health education
• Whole-body wellness tools

Whether you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, fitness professional, or someone seeking better movement and health, this community supports every stage of life.

Join the membership at: www.tracymarkley.com

Music is one of the most powerful — and most overlooked — tools in stroke recovery.
In this episode, Tracy Markley explains how listening to meaningful, familiar music can improve cognition, verbal memory, language recovery, emotional regulation, focus, and motivation during stroke rehabilitation.

You’ll learn how the brain responds to your favorite songs, why familiar music activates multiple regions of the brain at once, and how this multisensory stimulation supports neuroplasticity. Tracy also shares insights from neuroscience research and a lecture from a leading neuroscientist whose clinical studies show that personalized music strengthens cognitive processing after a stroke.

This episode includes two powerful personal stories of stroke survivors who transformed right in front of Tracy when listening to music they loved — changes so profound they inspired her to research this topic further and write about it in her book Stroke Recovery: What Now? When Physical Therapy Ends but Your Recovery Continues.

Music is not just entertainment. It’s a healing tool for the brain.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• How familiar music activates multiple regions of the brain
• Why your favorite songs stimulate verbal memory and language pathways
• How music improves focus, emotional stability, and motivation
• The role of rhythm in gait, timing, and coordination
• Real-life examples of stroke survivors transformed through meaningful music
• How to use music safely and intentionally during home recovery
• Neuroscience research on auditory–memory pathways and neuroplasticity
• Why emotionally significant music enhances healing and cognitive function

If you or a loved one is healing after a stroke, adding meaningful music to daily routines may provide new progress, renewed motivation, and a powerful emotional lift.

🎙️ ABOUT TRACY L. MARKLEY (AUTHOR & STROKE RECOVERY SPECIALIST)

Tracy Markley is the author of multiple stroke recovery and brain health books, including:

• Stroke Recovery: What Now? When Physical Therapy Ends but Your Recovery Continues
• Stroke Recovery: Regaining Arm Movement
• Stroke Recovery: Leg Stability and Walking Gait
• The Stroke of an Artist: The Journey of a Fitness Trainer and a Stroke Survivor
• Your Brain: The Engine of Your Body – A Fitness Trainer’s Guide to Brain Health
• Balance, Walking & Fall Prevention: A Fitness Trainer’s Guide for Seniors and Pre-Seniors

📚 Amazon Author Page: www.Amazon.com/author/tracymarkley
🌐 Website Bookstore: www.tracymarkley.com

Regaining arm and hand movement after a stroke is one of the most challenging — and most important — parts of recovery.
In this educational and encouraging episode of The Health & Fitness Show with Tracy, stroke recovery specialist and author Tracy L. Markley shares essential knowledge to help survivors better understand arm movement, muscle function, neuroplasticity, and safe training practices.

Tracy breaks down how the shoulder, arm, wrist, and finger muscles work together, why certain movements feel difficult after a stroke, and what survivors can do at home to support progress. She also explains how brain–body connection, consistency, and proper alignment influence recovery success.

This episode is filled with hope, clarity, and practical education — empowering survivors and caregivers with the knowledge they need to keep moving forward.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why certain arm and hand movements are affected by stroke
• Key muscles involved in lifting, reaching, gripping, and stabilizing
• How neuroplasticity supports long-term improvement
• The importance of alignment, posture, and body awareness
• Why safe form and patience are essential for recovery
• Encouragement for survivors working toward stronger arm function

Whether you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, therapist, or trainer, this episode gives you the foundational understanding needed for effective, safe arm recovery.

Remember: Knowledge is power — and understanding the body helps unlock progress.

Website: www.tracymarkley.com

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley

Instagram: www.instagram.com/motivate_healthyfit

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Tracy Markley discusses the importance of exercise for your dog and yourself. Even when it is raining. She used to live in a town where it had a lot of rain when she first recorded this show. Exercise is good for your health and your dog's health. Enjoy your walks. Your dog will love them too!

Of course, always walk in weather when it is safe. Safety first!

Tracy Markley www.tracymarkley.com

Tracy’s books and courses can be found on her website.

Her books are also on Amazon at

www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley

#tracymarkley

#dogcare

#walking

#exercise

#power

#selfcare

#fitness

#health

Tracy Markley discusses the importance of honesty and inner wisdom in the context of health and fitness, particularly focusing on the impact of these values on women and children. She shares personal stories that illustrate how dishonesty can confuse children and hinder their ability to trust their instincts. Tracy emphasizes the need for women to genuinely support each other and the importance of fostering a safe environment for children to develop their intuition and emotional health.

Tracy Markley www.tracymarkley.com

Tracy’s books and courses can be found on her website.

Her books are also on Amazon at

www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley

#tracymarkley

#honesty

#innerwisdom

#trustyourgut

#power

#trust

#safety