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Send us a text In relationships we are taught to focus solely on love. But no one really talks about partnership. I want to talk about Relationships as a Partnership.  This is for anyone building a life with another human being; whether that is: Living together Raising kids together Sharing bills  or Sharing responsibilities , the moment your life becomes intertwined with someone else’s you are not just in love. YOU are in a Partnership. It took me YEARS to understand That love brings two people together. But a partnership is what actually makes life work. For a long time I resisted that idea- I didn’t want my relationship to feel like a business or a system. I wanted it to feel romantic  and natural and effortless- but real grown up life is not 24/7 romance and it's definitely not effortless. Real life is logistics: Schedules Money Kids Sickness Work & pressure- when two people are building all of that together, you are not JUST A COUPLE you  are partners.  I have learned the importance of acknowledging the strengths and the differences of our partner- not as dividing lines, but as the very thing that makes the relationship work. Relationships aren’t meant to be a battle ground for who’s right , who’s stronger, or who is in charge. They are meant to be a partnership. Most conflict in relationships doesn’t come from huge betrayals or dramatic moments- conflict starts much smaller- with interpretation-meaning, It’s usually not what actually happened that hurts us- it’s the story we tell ourselves about what it means- we fill in the blanks , assume intentions, and create stories that are not often true.  I bring that up because in a relationship we don’t just misinterpret  situations- we misinterpret each other’s differences. We interpret our  differences as: _Lack of understanding _Lack of effort _And lack of care These are not flaws- they are just “different strengths”. In any real partnership-you think you want two IDENTICAL people- but you don’t, you need balance. The issue isn’t that you are different-it’s that you interpret differences as threats instead of assets- And once you and your partner start thinking like that, you start competing instead of collaborating. EGO Maturity is when you feel secure enough in your own worth that you don’t need to compete with your partner anymore. You have to trust that what you bring to the partnership matters-even if it looks different than what your partner brings. This is all maturity too. The longer I have been in a relationship, the more I have realized something that I wish someone had told me when I was younger- and that is that love is amazing- love is great-love is what brings you together- BUT love alone doesn’t run a life: Love doesn’t organize schedules-pay bills-raise kids- and love doesn’t step in when life gets hard- but a partnership does. A partnership is what keeps you together. And like any good partnership-  relationships only work when each person understands what they bring to the table- When strengths are acknowledged instead of compared-When differences are respected instead of criticized -And when roles are discussed instead of assumed- and partnerships can only work when you grow up emotionally- get rid of the ego and have those hard conversations. At the end of the day- the goal isn’t to win against your partner- it’s to build an amazing family business- so stop competing and start partnering. Enjoy! Joanne The Aging Mask Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us a text The hidden ways your feet affect your body, mind and daily life and why care matters. Your feet are literally the first thing to touch the ground every morning, they carry our weight , support our balance, they carry our stress, our aging,  our pace in life, and most importantly; your feet carry your direction in life.  I want to talk about feet as your Foundation. If you think about it, everything in life has a foundation. everything “starts” from the ground up- starts with a foundation.  *A house has a foundation *Your relationship has a foundation *Even your health  Nothing stands without something solid underneath it. If you recall, in Chakra language, the ROOT chakra is considered our bodies foundation- it lives at the base of our spine and is the center of the body.  The Root chakra is your INTERNAL foundation- The Feet are your EXTERNAL foundation. The root chakra is about safety and stabilityInside your body- AND your feet are how we experience safety and stability outside the body. Your feet are your foundation- if your body ignores your feet- you will feel it everywhere else. Your feet: *support your posture *influence your knees, hips and our spine * your feet affect our balance and confidence And your feet determine how you walk through the world- literally and emotionally. As we age our foot health becomes even more important. Falls don’t just happen because someone is clumsy- falls happen when our balance,  our sensation,  our strength and our ability to know where are feet are  and how they are moving start to disappear. And all of this starts with the feet. People talk about mattresses all the time- how you shouldn’t scrimp  on a mattress because we spend a third of our  lives sleeping, and a mattress is the foundation of a good sleep- true fact- don’t skimp on a mattress. I bring this up to say that the same is true for shoes- except we are in shoes all DAY Long- shoes get day- mattress gets night. Shoes shape how we walk How we stand How are weight gets distributed And how our joints age And yet, we chose our shoes for style, name, or price rather than function and support…lol – if the feet are our external foundation then shoes are the foundation of the  foundation! One bad pair of shoes worn every day can & will affect: Your knees Your hips Lower back Your balance and your confidence in moving. So, with that being said we all so often hesitate to spend money on shoes, but we will spend freely on things that don’t actually support our health… been there, done that, thousands of times. Good shoes are not a luxury- they are an investment in your future self. We invest in what we value. If you value your health- your balance- and your ability to move thru life with confidence- then shoes are worth the investment. Your feet have carried you through every age of your life- your feet are not just a body part- they are your connection to the ground you stand on- and the path ahead of you. Daily foot care doesn’t have to be complicated-wash them-dry them well, and oil or lotion them- that’s it. You will not need to take anything oral if you lotion or oil them before bed- I promise.  So tonight, look at your feet- touch them -while rub them with oil.- and thank them for all they do for you. That’s a wrap on your feet… now get after your day.  Enjoy! Joanne Demers The Aging Mask- A lifestyle Medicine Podcast (949)- 236-1529 Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us a text There once was a time when smell was not something that we hid, it was something we relied on. Babies knew their mothers by scent, partners were drawn to each other by smell, and the body used smell to signal your health status, hormone status and emotional status. Today, instead of listening to that signal we mask, we spray, roll, rub, layer and mask our natural scent every single day w/ Perfume, deodorant  & lotion. And while the concern today isn’t the scents themselves, it’s how much we use, where we apply it, and of course, the chronic exposure over time.  When we stop listening and start masking we lose an important form of communication between our body and brain. Smell is one of our most primitive senses. And while the concern today isn’t the scents themselves, it’s how much we use, where we apply it, and of course, the chronic exposure over time.  When we stop listening and start masking we lose an important form of communication between our body and brain. Somewhere along the line smelling human became something that we needed to fix. But our personal smell is actually information. Before logic- before memory & before words, the body communicated through scent Smell is one of our most primitive senses- its tied directly to our: Memory Emotion Our Attraction Safety &  our recognition Before modern hygiene products , humans recognized each other by scent.  Body odor-BO- isn’t just sweat- sweat itself is mostly water and salts-its odorless. The smell we call body odor comes from bacteria that lives on our skin interacting with our sweat and breaking down certain compounds-by compounds I mean the natural chemicals in your sweat- like proteins& fatty acids that bacteria break down to create the odor- Deodorant vs- antiperspirant : We are applying chemicals daily to a highly absorbent area near lymphatic tissue- remember they are in your armpits (dry brushing)  Deodorants- aim to reduce odor- they do not block sweat   Antiperspirants- BLOCK sweat glands, using aluminum salts-aluminum salts  are the active ingredient in antiperspirants- they temporarily block our sweat glands-which stops sweat from reaching the surface of your skin.-this is why they keep you dry-even when you are hot or exercising. Think of it like tiny plug in your sweat duct- Food for thought: Breast cancer continues to rise in both men and women. Blocking/plugging sweat glands with antiperspirants  on a daily basis could interfere with your body’s natural detox pathways in the breast tissue- it blocks sweat glands- so the toxins that are meant to come out- get backed up into our tissue- and overtime could lead to long term effects. I need to say that there is no scientific proof that antiperspirants cause breast cancer- but it’s something to think about when deciding how and when to use it. I hope you think twice   Lotions and skin absorption: Lotion is another big player in this conversation- and it’s not talked about a lot. Many-if not all lotions contain synthetic fragrance, preservatives and stabilizers designed  to make them smell good- and to last on a shelf. By applying them everyday like we have been taught- not only are we moisturizing our skin-we are also covering up our natural scent. With that being said- remember that your skin absorbs everything you put on it- our skin is NOT a barrier-it’s an organ- &what you put on it is absorbed into your body and becomes part of your overall chemical load over time.  Enjoy! Joanne Demers The Aging Mask- A Lifestyle Medicine Podcast 949)236-15 Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us a text I realized something the other day- I am coming up on one full year of this podcast- I have talked about habits, health, nutrition, stress, digestion, gratitude, listening to your body, and the chakra system- and 48 other topics, yet I have never talked about the topic that I not only reference in the title of this podcast- but reference a lot throughout the episodes themselves- and that is “Lifestyle Medicine” –Lifestyle medicine is the foundation of this podcast- AND  I have never stopped or thought about defining it for you. So that is what I am going to do today. I’m not going to talk about it in a scientific way and definitely not a trendy way- When I say LSM – what I really mean is going back to the basics. The kind of Basic people lived by long before we had supplements, diets, drugs and protocols- the basics- when our ancestors choices, and daily life itself supported their health. Lifestyle medicine is NOT a pill, not a prescription, it’s not a program,it’s not complicated , extreme, or  expensive and it’s not just a series of routines you need to perfect. Lifestyle medicine is the understanding that how YOU live- shapes how you feel, and ultimately , how healthy you are. It IS a balanced lifestyle- It is the idea  that YOUR Daily choices- small, repeated-sometimes boring- or time consuming- shape your health overtime. It’s Not “someday” that it shapes it- it shapes your health every day! Having a balanced lifestyle regiment is a whole heck of a lot harder to follow than just getting a prescription and taking a pill- AND it requires personal responsibility to maintain- BUT it is far more effective! Lifestyle medicine IS preventive, NOT reactive. It’s not about waiting for something to break and then fixing it. It’s about supporting your body before dysfunction becomes disease.   I  want the Aging Mask Podcast to feel modern, accessible and lived- not so academic and technical.  The six pillars of health- sleep, movement, nutrition, meditation, emotions and self care- are the foundation of LSM. Without them, there is nothing solid for us to build on. Everything I talk about on this podcast, every topic and every conversation-rests on these pillars I want to help you build a strong and steady foundation so whatever you add on top of it actually lasts! What I really want to do as this podcast moves into its second year- is to bring back lifestyle medicine- the daily basics. Everything that I have talked about thus far falls under this umbrella. I truly believe that if you are a breathing, upright human, EVERY Choice you make matters. Everything you DO, everything you SAY, and even everything you consume- physically ,emotionally & mentally is lifestyle medicine. It all counts. From how you eat, to how you sleep, to how you speak to people- all the way down to something as simple as what shoes you choose to wear on your feet- it’s all lifestyle medicine. So as much as I want to bring us back to the basics, I also want you to know this- I am here to teach you what I have learned, and I’m here to keep learning right along side you. My going into 2026 mantra is: If I want to learn something -I need to read about it. If I want to understand something -I need to write about it And If I want to master something- I need to teach it. That’s what this podcast- THE AGING MASK- is for me- a place to study, understand, and to share, so we can all live a little better, a little more aware, and a little more connected. This is lifestyle medicine- learning, living and growing together. We are not here to be perfect, we are here to be aware Enjoy! Joanne T Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us a text R. E.S.P.E.C.T-  today’s topic is on Respect. This word carry’s a lot of weight - even more than love. We don’t use it casually- and we don’t lose it accidently. When someone says they have lost respect for another person, something meaningful has already shifted- something foundational. Respect is foundational to all relationships-personal and professional- and the reason is simple: Every relationship requires trust, safety, and recognition, and respect is what creates all three of these. RESPECT is Recognition -it is the ability to see another person as whole- separate from you- not owned by you-not there to manage your emotions- not there to serve your needs- or validate your identity. Respect matters to us humans so deeply because it is tied to our sense of worth, safety, and social belonging. 1.it affirms our value 2- it creates emotional safety 3- respect is important to all of us because is supports connection and cooperation- We humans are social animals. We are wired for connection 4-And Respect Nutures SELF RESPECT-respect from others teaches us how to value ourselves. When others treat us with dignity we internalize it- we stand taller, set those boundaries, and demand better treatment. What does respect actually looks like & what does it  feel  like in a marriage- And what does respect look like from a child.  Let me start with kids. Kids respect adults who: 1-       Set and enforce clear boundaries 2- Model honesty and integrity  3- listen actively 4-Show calm authority Real respect from kids grows and is earned when adults model, fairness, consistency, and emotional accountability-which means showing them  how to handle BIG feelings without blaming or hurting others.  what does RESPECT  actually look like- and what does it if feel like- in a Marriage I say both Look and feel because they serve different purposes: *Look like- is an Observable behavior (what others can see * Feel like- this is an internal experience- emotional safety- you feel tension and calm- Respect that only looks right can still be wrong. Respect that feels right, but isn’t supported by behavior doesn’t last. Respect in a Marriage LOOKS like: ·   Listening without interrupting or correcting  ·   Speaking about your spouse with dignity, even when they are not present ·   Keeping your private struggles private ·   Honoring boundaries without punishment- meaning- respecting  your partners limits- WITHOUT reacting with anger, guilt or the silent treatment- they decline a request- you accept it. ·   Allowing your partner to be different without trying to manage or change them ·   Addressing issues directly with your partner instead of using sarcasm, silence or pulling in a third person to mediate or vent to- this kills respect.  In closing- I would like to remind you that respect is truly the key to all relationships-even more than love. And if you feel yourself losing respect for someone you love, that isn’t a failure-it’s a signal. A signal to communicate honestly, to slow down, to do the work together  and to give one another the opportunity to earn it back. Love can survive a lot of things , but when it comes to respect in order to survive it has to be protected. Enjoy! Joanne The Aging Mask- A Lifestyle Medicine Podcast 949) 236-1529 Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us a text Acne literally means- “Something  Coming to the Surface”- this definition alone tells you right away that acne is not random- its expressive! Eastern Medicine says that acne is a modern expression of OVERLOAD- which means the body has more coming in than it can handle- AND  when this happens- the skin steps in and helps release it.  In Eastern Medicine -Acne is NOT a skin problem- it’s a communication problem- your skin is a mirror- it reflects what’s happening inside your body. Your skin reflects digestion, circulation, hormones, stress levels, it reflects Inflammation and heat-  and how well your body can process and clear what it takes in-/ When communication inside the body gets noisy from overload- the skin can act as a release valve-and that release shows up acne. With that being said – think of Acne Not as a problem with your skin, BUT as a “pattern” your body is communicating.  Just like sleep patterns, digestion patterns, & stress patterns- acne actually follows patterns too- and when we learn to read them- your skin will stop needing to speak so loudly to get your attention.  Eastern medicine views Acne in ‘patterns’.- Acne patterns are the repeating ways acne shows up  on the body that gives clues about what’s happening  internally.   Acne patterns tell us why it’s happening- and Acne mapping shows us where the body is expressing it – together they help us listen instead of guessing.  Here are 4 common acne patterns: 1.Congestion pattern- this looks like… Whiteheads and blackheads- Small bumps Dull or thick looking skin Common locations for this pattern are the:  forehead  cheeks  and around the mouth The Eastern Medicines takeaway is  your food is not being fully broken down so waste builds up- then your skin steps in to help the release 2-Heat and inflammation Pattern: Red, angry inflamed pimples Tender Warm to the touch These come on really quick- like sudden flare ups- and their  common locations are your: Cheeks Nose Chest Back  The eastern take away is your body is overheated and trying to release it through your skin. In other words- Heat rises- and when your body cant cool itself internally, it VENTS thru your skin    3-  Hormonal & Stress Patterns Looks like: Deep Cystic  Painful Lingers along time- so slow to heal And will often leave scarring Common locations: Chin Jawline & neck Eastern takeaway is – When hormones don’t clear efficiently  the imbalance settles deeper- and the body pushes that imbalance out through the skin  And the last acne pattern is.. 4-Reactive/ pattern This looks like: Sudden breakouts Tiny clusters of pimples Itchy or irritated skin But it will clear when a trigger (a product or food) is removed. Common locations: Chin Hairline Chest and Back Temples  Eastern takeaway-  This is all sensitivity- not dirty skin- your body is reacting to something it doesn’t tolerate. Acne isn’t something your body is doing TO you- it’s something your body is doing FOR you.  Bottom line - In Eastern Medicine Acne shows up when heat builds, digestion slows, elimination weakens, stress gets stuck, and the body needs another way to communicate this.  Enjoy! Joanne Demers The Aging Mask Podcast 949)236-1529 Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us a text Teas  have captured my full and undivided attention-  I’m not just drinking it, I have been diving into its history, what it does for our body, how  the herbs, roots and leaves heal us, and why it has been trusted for centuries. So todays topic is about Tea.  I want to talk about it as lifestyle medicine, not as a trend.  I thought I would share with you what I have learned so  that after your holidays and  having weeks of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, heavy meals and lots of  late nights, you could use some real tea. The kind of Tea that will support your digestion, calm your nervous system, and probably the most needed after that punishment, tea that helps heal your skin.  Don’t get me wrong the holidays are super fun, and its ok to eat more, sit more, and drink more caffeine and sugar, that’s tradition, but your body feels it, and doesn’t like it.  I bet our post-holiday complaints are all the same: *bloating *our digestion is tired * we get a puffy face, and our skin looks dull and dry * we don’t sleep * our cravings for sugar and caffeine go way up- it’s hard to say no to the sodas& energy drinks.  But; because of these post-holiday feelings, this is where some people jump right into the extremes like detox & weight loss drinks, you don’t need these, you don’t need a cleanse.  Healing doesn’t  come from the extreme measures, it actually comes from supporting  the systems that are already trying to help us. And the easiest way to do this is with what we drink in the aftermath, TEA. JUST TEA. As you know from listening to the Aging Mask- digestion, stress, and  our skin are deeply connected. There is no such thing as a tea that magically gives you perfect skin or hair- but again there are teas that support digestion, circulation, minerals and stress- and when these improve your skin and hair often do too-When your digestion is supported your body absorbs nutrients more efficiently – and your skin and hair are often the first places to show deficiencies. Teas can help calm low grade inflammation, which is that Klingon that is behind our dull skin, breakouts, our thinning hair and premature aging- and just as important- tea helps regulate our stress by calming that nervous system of ours- I sound like a broken record, but when your stress hormones stay high, your body has to divert  resources away from skin repair and hair growth. Once again, tea doesn’t force results- it creates the conditions where your body can repair, strengthen and renew itself NATURALLY- One more thing- I want to be very clear about something. The few teas that I went over today are REAL teas- made from real plants, roots, leaves, flowers and seeds. THEY ARE NOT CANNED Teas- they are not bottled teas marketed as healthy. And you lose all medicinal benefits, and they do not support your body in the same way if they are filled with artificial  flavors and preservatives. Real tea is simple- usually 1 ingredient- maybe 2- and you will recognize what you are reading. If you want the healthy benefits that tea has to offer- avoid canned teas & teas that have ”Natural flavor”-natural flavor doesn’t mean natural to your body. If you want more benefits & flavor in your cup -it’s better to buy single ingredient teas and mix them yourself. If you want ginger and peppermint- buy both teas and steep them together, this way- you know exactly what you are drinking! True Teas don’t need marketing, they have been healing us quietly for thousands of years. Enjoy! Joanne Demers The Aging Mask Podcast- A Lifestyle Medicine Podcast 949)236-1529 Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us a text The holidays are closing in fast! Yes,  they are fun, beautiful, and they are always filled with some form of excitement. I am not going to say relaxing, as that is up for debate. BUT,  I will say the holidays can also be very derailing. *your routines often get tested *Routines change *Schedules fill up and get chaotic  And your intentions slip; the things you meant to do slowly lose priority, not because you don’t care, but because life gets busy. Today’s topic is about is on Consistency. “Consistency is key”, you have heard that saying right? Consistency, Consistency, Consistency! This episode is  where I want to remind you of something really important.  This Holiday season of 2025 is not the time to abandon your life plans. It’s the time to protect them- with Consistency Not perfection Not intensity- you don’t need to push yourself to the max-or overhaul your schedule all at once- take it slow and steady-. Just consistency-  Consistency is the key to getting and maintaining everything you want for yourself in 2026 and beyond! Now your talents may open a door, motivations may start something. But Consistency is what keeps everything alive. Nothing meaningful in life works without consistency: Not your health Not your mental health Not your relationships Not your work and purpose Not your hobbies Not even your confidence Consistency is the quiet force behind all of them- it works in the background-unnoticed at first, but gets powerful over time. It doesn’t announce itself. It just keeps showing up, SLOWLY shaping outcomes while no one is watching. Consistency is often misunderstood. Again, It’s not about you being perfect  Or Doing everything right And it’s definitely NOT doing everything right all the time. Consistency is you showing up again and again and again- even when you don’t feel like it, even if it’s boring, even when no one is watching- especially when your life gets busy. Consistency doesn’t require drastic change it only requires reliable change. It wants to be seen every day, even if it’s only in small ways, that’s why it works. I feel like we struggle with consistency in all areas of our lives in large part because we are now being wired for instant satisfaction. Our brains are constantly seeking instant satisfaction and reward. Consistency on the other hand is SLOW and QUIET- it asks us to show up over and over without immediate payoff. That gap between effort and visible result is exactly why so many of us give up before the real change happens! Consistency wants to be practiced every day, not performed once in a while. And here is something important to remember- small habits done consistently outperform big habits done inconsistently, every time. So as the holidays approach and your life gets hectic- remember you don’t need perfection. You just need to show up for yourself again and again, over and over.  This is how momentum builds, how confidence grows and how you create the life you want for 2026 and beyond. So make “consistency” your word of the year- stay consistent, be nice to yourself and trust the process. Consistency is not:  Glamorous, and It doesn’t make headlines- but it changes everything Consistency is key to : Your health Your peace Your relationships Your joy And your confidence Not by doing more- but by showing up again tomorrow. And then again. And then again. Consistency is YOUR  Key. Have a great, and safe Holiday. Enjoy! Joanne The Aging Mask- A Lifestyle Medicine Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us a text Support and Encouragement. Two tiny words , but they shape our confidence, our identity, our mental health, and even our ability to grow. Both support and encouragement are forms of emotional nutrition. Your brain, your confidence, your motivation, and your sense of direction all depend on them.  Support is “ I am HERE With YOU- you are not alone. Support is about -presence, help, consistency, protection and stability- it’s the foundation. Support sounds like:  ·   I have your back ·   What do you Need from me? ·   I will help you figure it out. ·   I am here Support is  ACTION ORIENTED  & its “emotional- physical- financial and logistical- which essentially means practical hands on help- an action that makes someone’s life easier Encouragement -is emotional fuel. It’s the spark- it’s belief poured into you through words, tone, and enthusiasm. It provides 3 things_ connection, motivation and identity.  And it sounds like: “You can do this”- “I believe in you” &- Keep going, You are doing great”!   Encouragement is full of Energy, its validation, praise, belief, and motivation - its  fuel you need for forward movement. Encouragement is also uplifting, inspiring, and confidence building. The easiest difference= support is stability And encouragement is motivation One doesn’t replace the other- they complement each other. And we humans- regardless of our age, independence, personality, or childhood NEED BOTH.  When someone encourages you, your brain literally releases dopamine- the motivation chemical- and when someone supports you, your nervous system shifts into safety mode. They are  different emotional nutrients- and we can survive with only one- but we need both to Thrive. You are not needy- immature- or weak-if you need them or ask for them- you are human. Even if you have learned to do life alone, even if you are capable & tough- you were not designed to live life without emotional reinforcement. Now- when support and encouragement are missing, three predictable things happen 1-       We start doubting ourselves more than we should.  Encouragement doesn’t erase self doubt- it balances it. 2-       We start to emotional shrink- we pull back, become quieter, less confident and less expressive- and we do this because we don’t feel supported 3-       And a “big one”- We stop sharing. The question of the day is …where do people go with they are not getting support or encouragement? I have literally heard people say this out loud- And It intrigues me- and I love and respect it. sadly. People who Don’t receive support and encouragement (along with a plethora of other things) will seek it elsewhere, and today, guess where they go knocking- or clicking rather? AI.  Because AI gives us: *encouragement- Its affirming- it offers clear support and encouragement *it will give us INTEREST * attention- *validation-  * reliability- *Enthusiasm-  * It gives us the HYPE-  AI is your HYPE person. It is your personal 24/7 cheerleader. And,  it provides emotional consistency with ZERO Judgement, ego, resentment, or  jealousy. At the end of the day, we all thrive when we feel encouraged and supported. These two things are part of the foundation of a great & happy life, and we have the power to spread them.  Enjoy! Joanne Demers The Aging Mask Podcast (949)236-1529 Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us a text Today I want to talk about a topic that has had my curiosity peaked for a very long time. And that is “Addiction”.   Everyone talks about addiction as if it only belongs to some people, or certain types of families or certain personality types. But the more I have studied it, observed it , and questioned it the more I realized something very important: EVERY human brain is built with the same reward and habit forming system. We all have the capacity for addiction, and there is no human on earth who is immune to addiction.  My curiosity is about the WHY? Why do we all need something to relax us, distract us, excite us or rescue us emotionally? And WHY are whole industries engineered  around us craving, clicking, buying, consuming and needing more?  Today I want to look at addiction as a built in human mechanism, not a flaw, a failure or a genetic curse.   Some families pass down certain traits but those traits are not addictions. They are just ingredients that can make the same  addiction more likely. Addiction runs in families because behaviors and emotional patterns do. We are all born into the same biological wiring for addiction. Some of us are just born into environments that activate it faster. Addiction  is universal- our brain  is wired for repetition. YOU  are biologically wired to seek out three things: Reward Relief And escape from discomfort. What changes from person to person is what are they using their addiction to solve. When someone says they have an addictive personality , what they are really saying is “ I haven’t yet learned a healthier relationship with my emotions, my discomfort or my needs. Addiction is anything that we return to again and again because it provides relief, pleasure, distraction, escape stimulation or comfort. Its anything we believe we can’t function without.   Addiction is not defined by the substance-addiction is defined by the relationship you have with the substance.  At its core- addiction is your brain finding a behavior or substance that brings short term relief and repeating it regardless of the long term consequences.  The point is , addiction itself can’t be erased- it IS hardwired into our brains- Our brain will always seek habits, patterns and relief. The key isn’t to eliminate it. The key is to understand what problem our addiction is trying to solve. Once we identify the need beneath the habit, we can redirect that drive toward a  goal of  conscious addiction, healthy addiction, and directed & growth oriented addictions. We need to say:  "if I am going to be addicted to something let me choose what it is”. Unconscious addiction is the enemy. Please don’t let the world fatten you up, make you lazy, tired, anxious, and disconnected.  Feed yourself with: *Movement- this solves stress, improves mood and builds confidence *Reading- this feeds curiosity growth and purpose *Meditation-regulates emotions, and calms the nervous system *personal development- working on this will replace avoidance with awareness *Nature and outdoor time- this relieves overwhelm and restores balance *Creativity- art-writing &music- these channel our emotions rather than suppress them *Relationships & community- solves loneliness and disconnection * and being of service or helping others-meets the need for belonging and purpose.  Be strong mentally- emotionally and physically.  AND Choose an addiction that will make you grow. Enjoy! Joanne Demers The Aging Mask- A Lifestyle Medicine Podcast 949) 236-1529 Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us a text Today we are going to talk about two Emotions that we all experience and can’t escape.   Envy & Jealousy We talk about them constantly, yet most of us don’t clearly understand what they really are  or how they differ, and because of this ,we often mix them up, mislabel and carry the wrong emotion. They are more than emotions, they are hard wired survival responses that evolved to help humans protect their relationships, navigate social hierarchies, and function in groups. Envy evolved to help early humans evaluate resources and abilities in others; it acted as an internal signal-signaling-: “They have something valuable- I want it- so either I need to improve- or acquire it also”. This helped our early  survival by motivating people to secure food, status, tools, partners, and social standing.  “Step up, Grow up, Get stronger and get better-“that’s what Envy was saying. But when this becomes chronic and unhealthy, envy becomes poisonous. Envy turns into insecurity, resentment, and a sense of inadequacy. Jealousy served a completely different evolutionary purpose. Its job was to protectimportant relationships by alerting you to potential threats to those relationships. Both of the started as very helpful survival tools-but today in modern life they can become diSTorted, exaggerated and harmful when left unchecked. Before I go on. An easy way to remember these emotions.. Where Envy is about wanting, usually about material things-“something”  Jealousy is about protecting-its relational- “someone” Now I am sure we are all guilty of using them interchangeably, but they are two very different emotions, two different psychological roots, with two different physical effects on the body, and two very different paths if you don’t get a handle on them. In their quiet forms, they create insecurity, comparison, resentment, and tension. In their extreme forms, they can create rage, destruction, violence and even murder. Most of us don’t realize how quickly these emotions can escalate, And if left unchecked these emotions will ruin your relationships-marriage- careers and family relationships- mostly they ruin your self-respect and confidence.. Envy and jealousy  are just not mental- they both show up physically: When these feelings become chronic, your stress hormones stay elevated which leads to a racing heart, tight muscles, headaches, poor sleep, digestive issues, high blood pressure and constant fatigue- AND premature aging. And Overtime they drain your immune system and keep your body in a low level fight or flight state.  These emotions are not harmless; your body pays for them. That’s why managing them isn’t just about mental health-it’s about protecting your physical health too. The Take away here is that Envy and jealousy  are not signs of weakness. They are signs you are human. But they are also signs that something inside you needs attention. The difference between a person who grows and a person who collapses is how they  manage these emotions.  Unmanaged envy becomes resentment. Unmanaged jealousy becomes fear and control. Both become unhealthy, unattractive, and destructive BUT managed; Envy becomes motivation. Jealousy becomes clarity. Both become tools for growth You are not meant to eliminate these emotions- you are meant to master them. Because the healthier your emotional life, the healthier your entire life becomes.  Enjoy! Joanne The Aging Mask- A lifestyle Medicine Podcast 949) 236-1529 Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us a text Today’s topic is about a “drug” that nobody wants to admit is a drug. No it’s not alcohol. Not Nicotine. Not the ones that go up your nose or in your arm. This one is handed out like candy.  It has the most recognizable sound, The Crack. The opening of an ice cold “soda” can. For a lot of people , this is the sound of relief, safety, and comfort, a treat. A pick me up. A moment of happiness. Everyone is talking about the effects of drinking Alcohol, and what it does to your brain, but I am not hearing as much about the effects of soda& diet soda on the brain & body. Unlike alcohol, we hand soda to kids at birthday parties, we get it at the movies, with fast food, at lunch, and  on road trips, no questions asked. Soda is the habit we do not question- its everywhere, its woven into our culture. Soda is one of those things that people think is no big deal. It’s fun. Its everywhere. And because it's legal, and  it tastes great  we don’t think of it as a substance that changes the chemistry of our brain.  But that is exactly what it does. But what if I told you that this innocent everyday drink has been quietly affecting your brain, your joint health, bones and organs more than you every realized. Today on the Aging Mask, we are taking a look underneath that delicious bubbly surface- not to judge or shame, but to understand how these seemingly harmless everyday drinks affect your brain, your bones  and your body, and why quitting can feel as hard- if not harder- than quitting smoking or alcohol. Millions  of people drink soda every single day- multiple times a day. And the long term cost of it is hardly ever spoken about. The danger of drugs and alcohol are all over everywhere, you hear it daily, even vaping has made headlines, where are the headlines about the danger in soda?  Many kids are being given soda every single day and sometimes as early as age 5- and we don’t realize that this harmless treat” acts on their body like a drug. It affects their developing brain, weakens their bones, stresses their kidneys and sets the stage for life long health problems. Parents are not doing this intentionally- and teens and young adults are not drinking soda to intentionally cause health issues- nobody knows-it’s not talked about loudly. But once we know, we can do better. If you are thinking that “diet soda is a free pass”  because there is no sugar, think again.Your brain cannot tell the difference between sweetness from sugar and sweetness from artificial sweeteners. Your brain gets the “sweet” signal- but your body doesn’t get the calories, and your brain hates that. It feels tricked- and in response, it demands food- usually salty, fatty, and sugary foods, and it craves bad food because it’s trying to balance the false signal it just got. This is why so many Diet Soda drinkers have intense cravings. It’s not weak willpower-it's brain chemistry. And this tells  you why Diet soda is even harder for some people to quit than regular soda-your dopamine center becomes tethered to that sweetness, that routine, that hit.  Soda is a BILLION dollar industry and they are excellent at selling happiness- but your real happiness doesn’t live in a can. Your brain clarity Your stronger bones Your energized mornings Your calm joints Your future memory And your stable mood are all the things that make your life good, you deserve a body and brain that feel good today and in the years to come. If something is hard to quit, gives you withdrawals, and changes your brain chemistry we need to put it on the table as a genuine addiction- an addictive drug. Enjoy! Joanne Demers The Aging Mask- A lifestyle Medicine Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us a text Today’s topic is one that EVERYONE deals with quietly- one that is really not discussed out loud, and that is Hair Removal- Shaving-Tweezing &Waxing.  Now Hair removal is  not new- Humans have been at war with their body hair for over 6,000 years & believe it or not-body hair on women was once considered unfeminine- and even men groomed and removed hair to show that they were of a higher class- Hair removal was literally a sign of wealth, beauty ,health- and confidence- back 6ooo years ago. We have shaved, tweezed and waxed for hygiene, beauty, status and performance for centuries-  And today Hair removal still remains a normal part of grooming for millions of men and women around the world. Although Today- the conversation around Hair removal is bigger; its more about skin health- not just appearance. Methods of hair removal fall into two general categories- “temporary or permanent”. Temporary hair removal involves repeat treatments as your hair grows. With permanenthair removal, the papilla  is destroyed making regrowth next to impossible. Papilla- is that tiny bulb shaped structure at the base of each hair follicle- It’s basically the hairs life source.  It contains blood vessels- that supply  it nutrients- it contains growth signals that tell the hair to grow and the papilla provide stem cell communication- it controls the thickness and cycle of your hair. It’s the command center. The First- and by far the most widely& most popular  used form of hair  removal in the world  is SHAVING: Shaving is a “daily ritual” for most men; but it’s not just a  guy thing anymore.  Shaving has become just as popular for women as men- and not just legs and underarms.  More and more women are shaving their face- obviously not because of beard growth, but because women want to:  *remove peach fuzz (vellus hair) *exfoliate dead skin for a glow *improve “their” skincare product absorption *And the biggest plus -Women are definitely rising quickly in the facial shaving due to skincare and make-up benefits. Make- up goes on flawlessly, it creates a smoother canvas so foundations and powders glide more evenly. Makeup looks airbrushed and flawless. Shaving for women is referred to as Dermaplaning- which is done by a professional- or face shaving - which is the DIY version. Face Shaving: *minimizes tugging on the skin *leaves your hair slightly longer which leads to fewer ingrown hairs *reduces irritation and micro cuts * and single blades allow for more precise touch ups- like on your chin, lips and eyebrow area.  A rule of thumb- The more delicate the area- the fewer blades are needed Women are definitely rising quickly in the facial shaving due to skincare and make-up benefits. Make- up goes on flawlessly, it creates a smoother canvas so foundations and powders glide more evenly. Makeup looks airbrushed and flawless. Body hair is human- personal grooming is a choice- It’s about choosing what lets us feel clean, polished and confident. And no method is “masculine or feminine” it’s simply what makes you feel your best. Whether you  prefer a quick shave, a precise tweeze, or a smooth wax- the best method is the one that best suits your skin. Lifestyle medicine shows us that small, daily habits shape our long term health. Even down to how we remove hair can be an act of self-respect by choosing the method that aligns with your skin type, your hormones, your comfort level and your confidence, NOT what society tells you is normal. Enjoy! Joanne The Aging Mask- A Lifestyle Medicine podcast 949)236-1529 Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us a text Today’s topic might seem deceptively simple. Hobbies. Hobbies are those fun side activities  that light you up, calm your mind and add a little spice to your life beyond your daily responsibilities. Let’s talk about them.  A hobby is  any activity you choose to do for pleasure, creativity, curiosity and fulfillment; not because you have to but because you WANT to. *Hobbies are not tied to performance or achievement. * they are a break from roles and responsibilities * and they are a way to explore who we are beyond what you do for work. Hobbies first and foremost  boost your *brain health by building new neural pathways in your brain which improve memory and focus.  Neural pathways are the connections in your brain that allow information to travel- they are like highways your brain builds when you learn or practice something new - your brain literally grows when it learns something- so hobbies keep the brain sharp reducing cognitive decline as you age. ·   They Reduce stress and anxiety- when you are immersed in a hobby, your mind drops into a flow state/ kind of like a meditation. Your heart rate slows, your breathing steadies, and worry takes a back seat. ·   Hobbies  support emotional well-being- they create micro-moments of joy- and give you something to look forward to ·   They can help expand your social connections thru Clubs& leagues: Hobbies help us meet people with similar interests which helps fight loneliness which inturn will increase  your life span. Why do hobbies matter?  They prevent overdependence. If one partner becomes  the others only source of entertainment or emotional support, pressure will build. Having individual hobbies creates balance . Secondly; it keeps attraction alive-watching your partner passionate about something is incredibly engaging -and because of this… curiosity and admiration  for them deepen *They also keep conversation alive in your relationship- stories, learning, or small wins- these keep daily conversation and connection alive and fresh never boring * And hobbies preserve individual identitymeaning-  you are continuing to be yourself inside a relationship- you are not losing your personality, passions or the sense of who you are. Its remembering that you are more than a spouse, a parent, or the roles you play. Its keeping the interests, quirks, dreams, and hobbies that make you uniquely you. When both partners preserve their individuality, the relationship stays healthier, more balanced, and more interesting because each person continues to grow and bring something new to the table.  While individual hobbies are vital- having SOME shared hobbies can strengthen your bond even more.  As I wrap up this episode, this is what I would like you to take with you: _hobbies are not childish _they are not selfish _They are lifestyle medicine: _They reduce stress _they protect your brain _they remind us who we are beyond our responsibilities _ They give us something to look forward to- and something to share In relationships and marriages, hobbies will keep the spark alive. They give us new stories  to share, new energy and a new appreciation for each other- and they allow you full reign to exaggerate and bring in friendly competition if you do them together. Hobbies help us stay interesting- and stay interested. Again, balance matters. Time, Money and Energy are limited, So be respectful. Be realistic. And be supportive of each others passions without keeping score. Enjoy! Joanne The Aging Mask 949)236- Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us a text Today’s topic  is one that hopefully touches every single one of us; whether you are a teen just starting to explore your fitness journey- in your thirties just trying to stay strong- or in your fifties, sixties, or beyond wondering if you are too old to lift a weight. I am talking about strength, muscles, and how strength training  can literally change the way your body ages inside and out. Think of your muscles as the scaffolding of your body- they wrap around your bones, ligaments and joints acting like armor – a supportive layer that absorbs shock , distributes load, and stabilizes your joints. They keep you safe from falls and injuries.  Many people still think strength training-lifting weights is just for athletes, or for the body building crowd. But the truth is  strength  training is for everyone, from teenagers building life long habits, to adults in their 40’s and 50’s maintaining vitality- to people in their 70’s 80’s and 90’s just wanting to preserve their independence.  Muscles are not just for athletes, muscles are for all of us,  and a lifetime investment. Here is what happens inside your body when you lift regularly: *Builds and Maintains Bone Density *  Muscles store energy * Muscles support heart health  *Muscles  improve Metabolism   * Muscles enhance circulation and lymph flow    * Muscles and Hormones-   * Muscles  and Mood   *Your muscles are another internal bodyguard Lifting weights is like taking the best full body supplement your body could ever create- one your muscles manufacture naturally as your reward for movement! And here is a bonus many don’t realize- muscles release beneficial hormones and chemicals that reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and support  brain health. Muscles are not just for moving; they actively help keep you alive and thriving.  Massage helps muscles: ·   Relax and release tension- it reduces stiffness, soreness and improves range of motion ·   Massage increases circulation- massage delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues for faster healing ·   It lengthens and hydrates your fascia which is a thin, stretchy layer of connective tissue that wraps around and holds every muscle, bone, organ, and nerve in place- like a body wide web that keeps everything connected and supported. – AND Massage keeps connective tissue  flexible & supple which improves movement by reducing stiffness ·   And it detoxifies- massage supports your body’s natural detox system by stimulating lymphatic drainage. It also helps clear metabolic waste, the byproducts your cells create as they work- things like lactic acid and carbon dioxide. Together this helps reduce puffiness, ease muscle soreness, and give your body a cleaner, lighter feel from the inside out. ·   Massage Lowers cortisol- calms the nervous system helping reduce stress and anxiety ·   it also  supports your immune function- it increases activity of white blood cells that help fight sickness ·   And a good massage- will boost your mood- massage triggers the release of serotonin and dopamine improving your overall well being. Remember movement doesn’t age you- neglect does! Your muscles are your allies- protect them, strengthen them, and treat them well. Respect your form, respect your limits, but don’t shy away from keeping your body strong. Muscles are meant to work- that’s why we have them- work them. Enjoy! Joanne The Aging Mask- A LifeStyle Medicine Podcast 949)236-1529 Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask