Daily Health Bites

When my brother was diagnosed with EGFR+ non-small cell lung cancer, asking the right questions and advocating for his care changed his entire treatment plan. Learn why self-advocacy and support teams are critical in today’s complex healthcare system. How a Chest X-Ray Changed Everything It’s been a minute since I last blogged, but life—and more specifically, my brother Josh’s cancer journey—brought me back here. It all started with chest pain that sent him to a cardiologist. After a full cardiac workup, he was given a clean bill of health. But just before wrapping up the visit, the cardiologist said something that changed everything: “Let’s do a chest X-ray, just to be thorough.” That chest X-ray revealed a suspicious spot. A follow-up CT scan confirmed a lung mass with smaller nodules . After a bronchoscopy, the diagnosis was clear: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with an EGFR mutation. The Diagnosis That Reshaped Our Lives Thankfully, Josh responded exceptionally well to targeted...

As we close out Wellness Week, I did not want to leave out one of the most intriguing and therapeutically powerful trends in holistic health: Salt Caves, also known as halotherapy. Whether you’re seeking clearer skin, easier breathing, or a place to disconnect and recharge, salt therapy is rapidly gaining popularity in both spa circles and functional wellness routines across the U.S. — and it’s not just hype. 🌬️ What Is a Salt Cave? A salt cave is a serene, man-made environment designed to replicate the therapeutic microclimate of Eastern European salt mines. These caves are often made with Himalayan salt walls, a salt-covered floor, and a halo-generator that diffuses tiny pharmaceutical-grade salt particles into the air. This practice, known as halotherapy, is based on centuries-old traditions and is now making a huge comeback in modern wellness spas and studios. 🧘‍♀️ Why Try Salt Caves? The Top Wellness Benefits 1. 🫁 Improved Respiratory Health Inhaling micro salt particles can: -...

Wellness Week continues today and we are exploring real, actionable, and trending self-care practices you can do at home or in a spa. So far, we’ve uncovered the power of lymphatic drainage massage and the science behind red light therapy — and today, we’re diving into a ritual so simple and so effective, you’ll wonder why you haven’t started sooner. What Is Dry Brushing? Dry brushing is a wellness practice that involves gently brushing your skin with a firm, natural-bristle brush — no water, no oils — just you, your skin, and some circular strokes.   This simple routine stimulates your lymphatic system, boosts circulation, promotes exfoliation, and even gives your nervous system a wake-up call — making it one of the most invigorating morning rituals you can add to your day. Think of it like a mini massage + detox + glow-up in under 5 minutes. 🧠 Why Dry Brushing Is Trending (And Totally Worth It) With wellness trends exploding on TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube, dry brushing has go...

If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve seen celebrities and wellness influencers raving about Red Light Therapy (RLT). But this isn’t just another passing trend — it’s scientifically backed, increasingly accessible, and seriously effective for boosting your health, skin, and overall vitality. Whether you’re looking for skin rejuvenation, pain relief, or recovery support, Red Light Therapy could be your new secret weapon. Let’s dive deep into what it is, why it’s blowing up in the health and beauty world, and how you can get started — either in a spa or from the comfort of your home! 🔥 What Exactly is Red Light Therapy? Red Light Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that delivers specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to your skin and deeper tissues. Unlike UV rays that damage your skin, these wavelengths stimulate your cells, helping them repair, rejuvenate, and energize. In simple terms?   Red light "feeds" your cells ene...

Self-care and wellness are essential—not luxuries—in today’s fast-paced world. Taking time to reset your mind and body helps you stay healthy, balanced, and energized. The good news? You don’t need expensive retreats or complicated routines. Simple, affordable practices can make a real difference. One powerful but often overlooked self-care method is lymphatic drainage massage. In today’s post, we’ll explore what it is, why it’s beneficial, and how you can easily incorporate it into your wellness routine—whether at a spa or from the comfort of your home. What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage? Lymphatic drainage massage is a specialized type of gentle massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body.   The lymphatic system is part of your immune system and helps remove waste, toxins, and excess fluids. However, because the lymphatic system doesn’t have a central pump like the heart, it sometimes needs a little boost—especially if you’re recovering from illness, sur...

Let’s talk about blood pressure—because those two little numbers can reveal *a lot* about your health. Whether you’ve been told your pressure is "a little high" or you’re monitoring it daily, understanding what’s really going on can help you take control before serious problems sneak in. 🧠 What Is Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. It’s recorded as two numbers: - Systolic pressure (top number): The pressure when your heart beats. - Diastolic pressure (bottom number): The pressure when your heart is resting between beats. 📊 What’s a Normal Blood Pressure Reading? According to the American Heart Association : | Category | Systolic (Top # )| Diastolic (Bottom #) | |--------------|-----------------------|----------------------------| | Normal | Less than 120 | AND less than 80 | | Elevated | 120 – 129 | AND less than 80 | | High BP (Stage 1) | 130 – 139 | OR 80 – 89 | | High BP (Stage 2) | 140 o...

Let’s have a real conversation. Today, I had the honor of sitting in on a symposium designed to offer healthcare providers extra incentive to treat African American patients more equitably. At first, it felt like a win — finally, a system recognizing the gap in care and trying to do something about it. But then, the bigger question hit me: Why is this even necessary in 2025? Do we, as a community, avoid doctors more than others?   Are we not taking care of ourselves the way we should — or the way other groups do?   Or is the system simply not built to protect us? The answer, unfortunately, is all of the above — and the cost is devastating. 📉 The Truth About Black Health Disparities In the African American community, we are more likely to die from conditions that are completely treatable, simply because we don’t always receive the same quality of care or don't access care at all. Here are just a few examples: - Breast Cancer : Black women are less likely to be diagnosed earl...