This episode dives deep into the chaos and complexity of navigating the hospital system during a family health crisis. Dr. Nicole and Dr. Nick share their personal experience advocating for a loved one after a stroke, exposing the pitfalls of blind trust in conventional medicine, the dangers of medication mismanagement, and the critical importance of asking quality questions. They challenge listeners to step up as empowered advocates, highlighting that true health requires education, vigilance, and self-investment—not just defaulting to the status quo.

#MedicalAdvocacy #HospitalNavigation #EmpoweredHealth #AskBetterQuestions #StrokeRecovery #PatientAdvocate #IntegrativeYou #HolisticHealth #QuestionEverything #HealthFreedom

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Blind trust in the medical system can be dangerous: The leading cause of death is iatrogenic (medical error), so it’s crucial to question everything and never assume the experts always have your best interest at heart.
2. Advocacy starts with education and asking better questions: Don’t be afraid to demand details, read package inserts, and challenge recommendations—your loved one’s outcome depends on it.
3. Investing in your own health is not a luxury, it’s a necessity: Waiting for a crisis to learn is a losing strategy. Daily self-education, prevention, and mindset work are non-negotiable if you want to stay empowered and out of the system’s traps.

Quotes:

1. “The quality of your life is dictated by the quality of questions you ask. If you don’t ask quality questions, you’re going to eventually be forced into a circumstance that makes you.”
2. “Being alive doesn’t mean you’re winning. The system’s designed to lose—and if you don’t take control, someone else will.”

Find Integrative You Radio On:

1. Website
2. Youtube
3. Apple
4. Spotify

2 Doctors Committed to Innovating the Healthcare Experience.

Integrative You Radio is hosted by husband-and-wife duo, Dr. Nicole Rivera and Dr. Nick Carruthers. With their voracious curiosity for Integrative Medicine, the Human Mind, Aligned Parenting, and Entrepreneurship, they bring a fresh perspective to the table. They aim to debunk the BS that is holding you back in your health, your relationships, and your life.

Each episode is designed to challenge your thinking, push boundaries, and inspire you to see your life through a new lens. Dr. Nicole and Dr. Nick share transformative insights that have revolutionized their lives and the lives of their clients at Integrative You.

This is raw. This is real. This is Integrative You Radio— where we blow shit up for the sake of human innovation.

Links:

• Website: Integrative You
• Instagram: Dr. Nicole Rivera & Integrative You

Book a Consult [yes, it's free] with our Concierge Coordinator & Dr. Nicole

We are fanatical about relationships. Working on your health, your mind, and essentially your life is the best thing you can do for yourself [and the people you love]. This is why we want to get to know you and make sure we are aligned so we can build a relationship rooted in trust and partnership for growth. If anything, you can at least use this call for clarity on your best move even if that is not working with us. We are here to provide value in this world, so just book the call: https://www.integrativeyou.health/onboarding

Got questions? You can call or text us at 732-810-1084.

In this first part of a 3-part series, Dr. Nicole and Dr. Nick get real about the emotional rollercoaster of being a caretaker during a family health crisis. Using the personal story of Nicole’s mother’s hemorrhagic stroke, they unpack the truth behind the “caretaker” instinct, the dangers of swooping in to save, and the real power of loving someone through their own journey—without losing yourself in the process. This episode is a no-BS look at the intersection of family, health, emotional triggers, and the generational patterns that shape how we show up in crisis.

#IntegrativeYou #CaretakerTruths #FamilyHealing #GenerationalHealth #MindBodyMedicine #HealthAdvocate #InspiredLiving #ConsciousCare #BreakingPatterns #HolisticHealth

3 Key Takeaways:

1. You can’t save someone who isn’t ready to be saved. True healing starts with the individual’s choice, not your desperation to fix them.
2. Caretaking from desperation fuels resentment and drains everyone. Showing up from inspiration and love—not fear—creates real support and growth for both parties.
3. Family health crises expose generational patterns and force accountability. The energy you bring (fear or empowerment) directly impacts the healing environment, and sometimes the best thing you can do is step back and let others own their journey.

Quotes:

• “You can’t save anyone. It’s not your job. It’s not your journey. The best thing you can do is love them where they are.”

• “Nothing good comes out of desperation. You need to calm your system and support from inspiration, not fear.”

Find Integrative You Radio On:

1. Website
2. Youtube
3. Apple
4. Spotify

2 Doctors Committed to Innovating the Healthcare Experience.

Integrative You Radio is hosted by husband-and-wife duo, Dr. Nicole Rivera and Dr. Nick Carruthers. With their voracious curiosity for Integrative Medicine, the Human Mind, Aligned Parenting, and Entrepreneurship, they bring a fresh perspective to the table. They aim to debunk the BS that is holding you back in your health, your relationships, and your life.

Each episode is designed to challenge your thinking, push boundaries, and inspire you to see your life through a new lens. Dr. Nicole and Dr. Nick share transformative insights that have revolutionized their lives and the lives of their clients at Integrative You.

This is raw. This is real. This is Integrative You Radio— where we blow shit up for the sake of human innovation.

Links:

• Website: Integrative You
• Instagram: Dr. Nicole Rivera & Integrative You

Book a Consult [yes, it's free] with our Concierge Coordinator & Dr. Nicole

We are fanatical about relationships. Working on your health, your mind, and essentially your life is the best thing you can do for yourself [and the people you love]. This is why we want to get to know you and make sure we are aligned so we can build a relationship rooted in trust and partnership for growth. If anything, you can at least use this call for clarity on your best move even if that is not working with us. We are here to provide value in this world, so just book the call: https://www.integrativeyou.health/onboarding

Got questions? You can call or text us at 732-810-1084.

Melatonin is often marketed as a simple sleep aid—but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In this episode of Integrative You Radio, Dr. Nick and Dr. Nicole break down the lesser-known but powerful role melatonin plays in detoxifying the brain and supporting neurological health. They explore how chronic stress, poor sleep habits, and lifestyle choices interfere with melatonin production—and how, when properly supported under physician guidance, melatonin can become a key ally in brain detox, gut-brain balance, and regenerative health.

Whether you're battling insomnia, burnout, or brain fog, this episode offers eye-opening insights into a natural tool you may be overlooking.

🕒 Noteworthy Time Stamps:

• 02:26 – How melatonin and cortisol are supposed to work together

• 04:00 – Simple tips to balance and support natural melatonin production

• 12:56 – The gut-brain connection and its surprising impact on sleep

• 14:06 – Common reasons melatonin levels start to decline

• 27:27 – How to safely supplement melatonin for long-term brain support

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Melatonin = Brain Detoxifier: It’s not just about sleep—it’s crucial for cleansing and restoring neurological function.

• Cortisol & Melatonin Dance: These two hormones must stay in rhythm. High cortisol at night can sabotage melatonin levels.

• Gut-Brain-Sleep Axis: A healthy gut supports natural melatonin cycles—making digestive health a critical part of sleep health.

• Supplement Wisely: Melatonin is powerful, but needs to be used with precision. Dosing, timing, and quality matter—and it’s best done under professional supervision.

📲 Interested in Working with Integrative You? Book a free consult call: 👉 https://bit.ly/IWRcall2021

🔗 Connect with Us: Website: https://www.integrativeyou.health Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.nicolerivera Instagram (Clinic): https://www.instagram.com/integrativeyou Book a Complimentary Call: https://www.integrativeyou.health/onboarding Text Us with Questions: 732-810-1084