Last Updated on December 19, 2024 by Brenda

As we wrap up 2024, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared with you through the Health IQ podcast. From expert interviews to practical tips, we’ve explored a wide range of health and wellness topics.

We’ve had the privilege of hosting local experts who shared their knowledge on everything from nutrition and fitness to mental health and stress management.  We’ve provided actionable advice on how to improve your daily habits, boost your immune system, and reduce stress.  And we learned a lot along the way.  Here are some of the things I learned at each episode.

1 – Opening The Chapter – Annie shared a way to help children and even adults deal with anger by wadding up a piece of paper and throwing it against the wall

2 – Thriving in 24 – The tip I thought was most helpful, is if you want to start a new habit, start immediately and don’t wait until the beginning of the Month, Week or tomorrow.

3 – From Shadows to Sunshine – We learned that even in our climate people experience SAD and it is important to have a routine that includes spending time outside year round and make sure you are getting enough vitamin D.

4 – The Power of Purge – One of my favorite episodes.  I am still working my way around the house cleaning out one space at a time.  I put into practice taking items right away to the donation place.

5 – Pioneering Protection – I was surprised when I learned during our History episode that 200,000 people still die in the world from measles, but in the United States there were only 13 cases in 2020 because of our high vaccination rate.

6 – Dinner Dash -I really enjoyed trying the recipes that were shared and love the Egg Roll Supper, so easy to make.

7 – Vital Advice on Senior Health – Great tips from the presenter on building immunity with eating right, exercise, and vaccine along with good hygiene. 

8 – Be Prepared – This episode reminded me that I need to update my digital record of my belongings.

9 –  Vaccine Magic and Alchemy – I was excited to learn about the NM Immunization System, so you can check to see what vaccines you have had and do not have to keep up with cards.

10 – H2Oooo Yeah! – I was really surprised have much water each of us uses a day.

11 – Getting a Good Start – Heat and Tylenol after shot instead of ice and Tylenol before.  The information on Autism and vaccines was very interesting.

12 – Cool Confidence – I loved the instructions for using a fan to create a mini air conditioner.

13 – Men Living with Stress and Anxiety – Anxiety often hits after the long term stressful situation has ended.

14 – Expanding Rural Health Through Digital Media – The dangers of contracting Measles and information on the current outbreak.

15 – Health Your Body Through Food – I learned about the importance of fermented foods in our diets to act as probiotics, like Kimmich and kamaboko, yogurt without added sugar or sweetener. 

16 – From Summer to School – We learned that teachers want you to take an active role and visit with them about your child’s needs.

17 – Tantrums to Triumphs – The smart tip that I did not know about was about Smart Music which helps children learn about rhythm and motion.  Remember those PBS TV shows from your childhood.  They all had music.  Research shows that music make kids calmer and smarter.  Make up your own songs for chores, feelings or even weather.  Make some homemade instruments and let them explore their creativity.

18 – Be Kind – The episode concludes with a powerful message about the legacy we leave behind.

19 – Conquer the Aisles – This episode encouraged me to embrace technology and start clipping digital coupons.

20 – Beyond Thanks – I learned that journaling doesn’t have to be insightful.   Write down up to five things for which you feel grateful.  The things you list can be relatively small in importance or relatively large.  The goal of the exercise is to remember a good event, experience, person, or thing in your life—then enjoy the good emotions that come with it.

21 – Gut Health With Dr. Tina – This is the hardest new tip that I have been working on implementing.  Chew your food, 50 times for a piece of meat a little less for vegetables, so your body can make the most of the nutrients in the food.

22 – Breathe Easy – As I was researching this I was surprised by the data on people who die yearly from Flu and Pneumonia even though I know people who died from both.  If your fever reaches 102 or you struggle with breathing, seek help from a health care provider.

23 – Helpful Harm Reduction Practices – We learned that people who have diabetes can make use of the harm reduction program by picking up needle containers and dropping off used needles. 

24 – Say Hello to Your Little Friends, Anxiety – I learned about the importance of building a strong wall of resistance.

25 – The Truth About Drugs and The Numbers – We learned that according to the data, there are some good things happening that in our community that shows some of the environmental changes we have been talking about are making a prevention difference like locking up medications.

26 – Decoding Food Labels – We discussed the important things to look for on a label including the serving size and the rest depends on your health need.  If you are allergic to a certain ingredient, then it would be the ingredients label.  If you need to lower blood pressure it would be the sodium content.  People with diabetes need to look at the total carbohydrate amount.

27 – Enjoying the Holiday Meal with Diabetes – Rachelle discussed some of the foods she makes that are diabetic friendly can be something everyone likes and become new family traditionally foods.

28 – Digital Detox – We learned that studies indicate that too much screen time can delay language development, reduce attention spans, and even hinder motor skills.

29 – Connecting the Dots – We learned if you have had Shingles, you can get them again and they may come back in a different area.

30 – Holiday Survival Tips – There were many great tips.  I really liked the one Rachelle shared about her large family.  Each family coming to stay with them is responsible for a planning and preparing a dinner. 

If you would like to learn more about any of these tips, watch this podcast episode here What We Learned

 All of these episodes are still available for you to view on YouTube and Spotify at Health IQ Podcast. 

We’re excited to announce that we have even more exciting content planned for 2025. We will be learning new ways of interviewing so that we can bring in experts from around te state.  We’ll continue to bring you informative and engaging episodes on a variety of health and wellness topics, including:

Mental Health Awareness: We’ll delve deeper into strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Nutrition and Fitness: We’ll explore the latest trends in healthy eating and exercise.

Chronic Disease Prevention: We’ll discuss ways to reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. We couldn’t have done it without your support. Here’s to a healthy and happy 2025!