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In this episode of Healthy California, I’m coming to you from the highest city in the world—La Paz, Bolivia—where breathing takes on a whole new meaning.

We’ll explore what really happens when we breathe, how oxygen moves through the lungs and tissues, and why this simple act is the foundation of life. You can go weeks without food and days without water, but only minutes without air. We’ll dive into the many factors that can reduce oxygen delivery—altitude, tight clothing, pollution, smoking, sleep apnea, anxiety, and even anemia—and why they matter more than you think.

You’ll learn practical ways to support your oxygen levels naturally: deep breathing exercises, movement to expand your ribs, better posture, good nutrition, and restful sleep. Whether you live at sea level or the top of the Andes, breathing well means living well.

I’ll close with a reminder that love and connection are also part of healing—because love, like oxygen, sustains life.

“Love one another as I have loved you.” — John 15:12
Stay healthy, California. 🌿

References:

Faria, A., Allen, AJH., Fox, N., Ayas, N., and Laher, I. (2021). The public health burden of obstructive sleep apnea. DOI: 10.5935/1984-0063.20200111

Espiritu, JRD., (2021). Health Consequences of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-54146-0_3

Kim, Y.H., Warren, S.H., Kooter, I. et al. (2021). Chemistry, lung toxicity and mutagenicity of burn pit smoke-related particulate matter. Part Fibre Toxicol 18, 45. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12989-021-00435-w

I want to share a helpful resource with you—a free health questionnaire designed to pinpoint the areas in your life that need focus for optimal wellness. If you're interested, simply click the link in my show notes or visit www.heal-throughfood.com to access it.

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com

Send us a text

In this episode, we take a 30,000-foot view of the first 30 episodes — connecting the dots between food, movement, stress, sleep, and spiritual well-being.

Health is not just the absence of disease; it’s the presence of vitality, purpose, and balance. We began by addressing access to healthy foods and how food insecurity affects every stage of life — from development in utero to chronic disease in adulthood. From there, we explored gut health, inflammation, metabolism, hormones, and how nearly every system in the body begins in the gut.

We revisited stress as a major hormone disruptor, food sensitivities as hidden inflammation triggers, and brain and spiritual health as essential parts of healing. Movement, through physical therapy, ties it all together — because motion truly is medicine.

The take-home message? Start small. Eat clean food, move daily, breathe deeply, sleep well, and connect with others. Health is built one intentional choice at a time.

💬 “He will tend his flock like a shepherd…” — Isaiah 40:11

Stay healthy, California. 🌿

I want to share a helpful resource with you—a free health questionnaire designed to pinpoint the areas in your life that need focus for optimal wellness. If you're interested, simply click the link in my show notes or visit www.heal-throughfood.com to access it.

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com

Send us a text

Physical therapy isn’t just about stretches or rehab—it's a science of movement. It is a clinical discipline focused on restoring motion, reducing pain, and improving function. PT goes deeper than exercise. It's about understanding biomechanics, neuromuscular patterns, and the body's natural healing timelines. PTs are true movement detectives—assessing, diagnosing, and guiding recovery with precision.

As therapists often say, "Motion is lotion." Movement heals—but only when it's intentional. When we stop moving, everything else slows down too. Research shows that physical therapy reduces reliance on opioids, prevents surgery, improves stroke and Parkinson's outcomes, supports heart health, and helps prevent deadly falls.

But PT isn't just reactive; it's proactive. From preventing injuries and improving posture to strengthening bones and muscles, proactive care keeps you living strong. Beyond the physical, PT empowers—building confidence, trust, and community.

What is your next step? See your PT for a baseline of strength, balance, and flexibility—don't wait for pain to start. Remember: physical therapy isn't a luxury; it's a lifeline.

Stay tuned for simple ways to stay strong, move well, and live healthy—because movement is therapy.

Stay healthy, California! 🌿

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com