Laughter: Medicine or Weapon?

Send us Fan MailWe often associate joint pain with arthritis, old injuries, or simply the wear and tear of aging, and those are all legitimate reasons, but inflammation is a huge contributor in joint pain as well.But what if I told you it may  be something that you are eating?In this episode, we are connecting the dots between what you eat and inflammation in your joints.We will talk about the types of inflammation:Acute and Chronic.We will look at some common dietary contributors, including processed meats, excess sodium, refined carbohydrates, added sugars and highly processed foods. We will also look at how certain foods, healthy fats, nuts, and seeds, herbs and spices can all help support a healthier inflammatory response.Feeling achy and sore isn't always something you should automatically blame on something you did, arthritis or aging.Lifestyle Medicine is about understanding how our everyday choices work together to support our health... and sometimes a good place to start is right inside your own pantry and freezer.Connect the Dots.. I know you will be surprised by the connection.Enjoy!Joanne DemersThe Aging Mask- A Lifestyle Medicine Podcast(949)236-1529Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us Fan MailWhen we think of generosity, we often think of money, gifts, or material possessions. But, generosity goes far beyond what  we can buy or give away.Generosity is the quality or habit of being willing to give money, time, effort, kindness, or resources freely and unselfishly to others, often without expecting anything in return.In todays episode, we will talk about the many ways generosity shows up in our relationships, from giving our time and energy, to offering forgiveness, understanding, and support.We will look at that difference between genuine generosity and obligation, why giving doesn't always mean receiving, and what happens when generosity only flows in one direction in a relationship.Generosity isn't about giving everything to everyone. It's about understanding what we bring to our relationships, why we give, and recognizing when giving becomes something more complicated.Generosity should contribute to a relationship, not be the thing holding the entire relationship together.Basically, You can’t keep giving more and more in an effort to make up for what your partner isn’t giving. Generosity doesn’t require you to give everything to everyone. It doesn’t mean neglecting yourself, tolerating disrespect, or constantly putting yourneeds last. It means recognizing the different ways you can contribute to the lives of others while maintaining a health relationship with yourself.Enjoy!Joanne DemersThe Aging Mask- A Lifestyle Medicine Podcast(949)236-1529 Text me.. let's have a conversation.Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us Fan MailHave you laughed today?I hope so, because we are born to laugh.Laughter is one of the most natural things we do, but, have you ever stopped and thought about the power laughter  has?From  the belly laugh that heals, to the nervous laugh that releases, then the polite laugh that smooths, then to the  cruel laugh the wounds. Laughter has many faces. It can strengthen relationships, ease stress, and bring people closer. But, it can also be used to belittle, embarrass and wound.In this episode we are going to explore that many sides of laughter, why shared laughter matters in our relationships, and how something that sounds so innocent can sometimes become a weapon.Laughter can bring us together, or push us apart.So, is laughter medicine or a weapon? Sometimes it depends on who's laughing- and who is on the receiving end.Enjoy!Joanne DemersThe Aging Mask- A Lifestyle Medicine Podcast(949)236-1529- textFollow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us Fan MailJack of all trades, Master of NoneThis is someone who is capable, handy & knows a little about a lot of things, but hasn’t  really mastered any of them.It’s a criticism of someone who spreads their attention across too many different skills, and overtime it became somewhat of a warning: Don’t try to do everything, because you might never become good at anything.Now…Is it a warning, or is it a trap?Are you spending too much time trying to improve your weaknesses while neglecting your strengths?We have been taught to work on what we are not good at, but what if we are approaching personal growth backwards?I today's conversation, we will explore why it's time to start looking at yourself like a business: *identify your assets*invest in your strengths and, put your time and energy where they have the  greatest  potential to grow.You don't have to be good at everything. The goal is to recognize what you do well and develop it into something exceptional.It's time to stop trying to master everything and start mastering what matters most.Enjoy!Joanne DemersThe Aging Mask Podcast- A Lifestyle Medicine Podcast(949)236-1529Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really mean to Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk?In this episode, I will share the meaning behind this familiar saying, how it differs from "Actions Speak Louder Than Words" and " Practice What you Preach", and why  our words and actions need to align.From public figures and the influence they carry to the everyday relationships in our own lives, I will share the importance of integrity, keeping your word, and earning the trust of others..Because its not just about what you say you believe, its about how you choose to live it.So, are you talking the talk, walking the walk, or both?Enjoy!Joanne DemersThe Aging Mask- A Lifestyle Medicine Podcast(949) 236-1529Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us Fan MailTattoos are everywhere, but what do we really know about the person wearing one?Today, I will share the history of the tattoo, why people still get them even when they are judged, and why we still make assumptions about someone based on what we see on their skin.We will talk about tattooing, judgment, the possibility of compulsive behavior, what tattoos can do to your body, and why some people  eventually regret getting them.The Social perception of tattoos has evolved alot, yet they still remain a deeply polarizing choice- that often triggers immediate judgment and societal bias. While  a lot of people view tattoos as a powerful form of self-expression, there are others who continue to associate tattoos with historical stereotypes of deviant behavior, criminality, or unprofessionalism. The tattoo  is real, but the story we create about the person wearing it may not be true.Enjoy!Joanne  DemersThe Aging Mask- A lifestyle Medicine Podcast(949)236-1529Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us Fan MailQuestion of the day…Can where and how you live affect how you experience your life??In this episode, I will share  a look at Feng Shui, and the idea that our surroundings may influence the way we feel, think, age, and move through everyday life.We will start with something I found really fascinating: Why Feng Shui  views a home  located directly at the end of a cut-de-sac differently, and what you can do if you already live in one.Then we will look at something much closer to home: Clutter, broken things, the things we don't like, and the things we choose to bring into our space...Because a house is a structure....And a home is an experience.Feng shui says a space holds the energy of whoever lives in it.. and it isn’t just about the house itself… it’s about the relationship between YOU and the space you live in…That’s why feng shui isn’t really about decorating…it’s about  turning a house into a home on purpose.And creating a home that feels good isn't just about how it looks... it's about the way it makes you feel.Enjoy!Joanne DemersThe Aging Mask- A LifeStyle Medicine Podcast(949)236-1529Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us Fan MailDistraction is everywhere, and sometimes, the biggest distraction isn't coming from the outside world. Sometimes, it's coming from within you.In today's episode, I want to talk about DISTRACTION.Have you ever had something you really wanted to do, something you wanted to accomplish, change, learn, create, or maybe even become, and yet, you just keep putting it off ?You weren’t necessarily afraid.. or incapable … and you weren’t even lacking the desire to motivate.You were “just distracted”.  And this got me thinking… I do believe whole heartedly that…“Distraction does  kill more dreams than Fear”I will talk about distraction, how it can become a habit, and why it may be doing more than just wasting our time.I will breakdown the 4 D's of personal success:Dreams.DisciplineDeterminationAnd Dedication.And the one word that silently kills all 4 of them before they ever get a chance to grow.. Distraction.Not fear. Not Failure. Distraction.From External Distractions like your phone, screens, and social interactions, to Internal Distractions like stress, worry, fatigue, and simply wanting to do something easier.I think the best question you can ask yourself is..What is getting my attention right now?That question.. asked honestly and asked often, is the closest thing there is to a cure, not because it stops distraction from showing up, it will show up anyway. But, because it stops distraction from showing up unnoticed. And unnoticed is the only way it ever actually wins.I would like to add that, your attention is limited,  and wherever your attention goes, your time follows.So maybe for you, the first step isn’t trying to become a perfectly focused person,  maybe it’s just noticing when your attention wanders…..What am I doing right now?IS this where I want my attention to be?Because you have a dream..*you can have discipline*you can have determination* you can be dedicatedBUT, if you are continually giving your attention away… it becomes almost impossible to move forward.”What is getting my attention”?That question is the only defense we have against the thing that’s been silently killing all four.. Distraction.The hardest truth in this whole episode is this…”nothing is easier, or more immediately fun than distraction”.Enjoy!Joanne DemersThe Aging Mask- A Lifestyle Medicine Podcast(949)-236-1529Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us Fan Mail…A winning smile gives a positive first impression…“What  really makes a winning smile”?We usually think about straight, white teeth, but  in order to have a  ‘”winning smile” it starts with having a healthy mouth.Taking care of your mouth everyday…by brushing & flossing.In today's conversation, we are talking about your mouth as an ecosystem, why brushing and flossing matter, the important role your gums play, and why flossing can affect more than just the space between your teeth.We will also talk about something we don't always think about.... and that is; How our teeth naturally change as we age, what makes them darker or more yellow, and even a quick beauty tip for women that can make your smile "appear" brighter and whiter.A winning smile isn't just about your teeth... It's about  your whole mouth.Enjoy!Joanne DemersThe Aging Mask Podcast(949)263-1529Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask

Send us Fan MailDo we really need all those skin care products?Before you add another serum, mask, or "miracle" product to your  skin care routine, lets go back to basics.In this episode, I will go back to the core steps I learned in Esthetician School:Cleanse, Tone, Exfoliate, and Moisturize.What does each step actually do?Do we need all four?And as our skin changes with age, should our skin care routine change too?This isn't about having  more products.It's about understanding what your skin actually needs, and remembering that sometimes... less is really more.Let's get back to basics.Enjoy!Joanne DemersThe Aging Mask- A Lifestyle Medicine Podcast(949)236-1529Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask