Sunday, 27 April 2025

What You Didn’t Know About Codependency: Hidden Struggles

While codependents often see themselves as victims (and sometimes are), there is also a darker side to codependency...‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­
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Thursday, 24 April 2025

Vitality Book Club: Spring 2025 Pick Revealed! πŸ“šYour Brain on Menopause—And How to Take Back Control

Spring 2025 Vitality Book Club Selection: The Menopause Brain
Your brain is changing during perimenopause and menopause—but you're not losing your mind!

For our Spring 2025 Vitality Book Club pick, we're diving into The Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi, a must-read that unpacks the science behind menopause and brain health.

✔️ Why does brain fog happen—and how can you clear it?
✔️ How do hormones impact memory, focus, and mood?
✔️ What can you do now to support long-term cognitive health?

Join us as we explore research-backed insights, practical strategies, and simple lifestyle shifts that can help you feel sharper, more energized, and more in control of your health.

πŸ“š How the Vitality Book Club Works:

πŸ”Ή Each season, we read a book designed to help you navigate perimenopause and menopause with confidence.
πŸ”Ή You'll get expert insights, actionable takeaways, and support from a community of like-minded women.
πŸ”Ή We'll come together for engaging discussions where you can ask questions, share experiences, and get real solutions.

Ready to Read With Us?

>>>Join the Book Club Now<<<

Let's turn the page to a more vibrant, thriving you.
See you inside!

Dr. Tracy 

The Legend of Ochi - Fast Film Reviews - Adventure

Title: The Legend of Ochi
Author: Mark Hobin
Category: Adventure
Content:

Rating 7/10

On the remote island of Carpathia in the Black Sea, a shy teenager named Yuri (Helena Zengel) makes a courageous decision that defies the rest of the people in her centuries-old village. When she discovers a wounded baby creature deep in the forest, she chooses to help it—despite the community's fearful legends about the fabled beings that dwell in the mountains. The species, called Ochi, is a simian-like animal with large, expressive eyes and a gentle nature. As Yuri sets out on a journey to return it to its family, she not only ventures into an unfamiliar wilderness but also confronts the long-standing fears of her father, Maxim (Willem Dafoe), and an entire community steeped in mistrust. Yuri's journey is also one of reconciliation. Her family is fractured—father, Maxim, is terrified of the Ochi, and older brother, Petro (Finn Wolfhard), finds himself torn between obedience to their father and empathy for Yuri's cause. Further complicating matters is Dasha (Emily Watson), Yuri's estranged mother, who reenters Yuri's life after years of absence. The Legend of Ochi marks the feature debut of director Isaiah Saxon. As a co-founder of the animation studio Encyclopedia Pictura, Saxon brings to the big screen the artistry that first earned him acclaim in the world of music videos. In particular, BjΓΆrk's "Wanderlust" showcased his flair for surreal, handcrafted visuals. That same sensibility is present here, applied to a full-length narrative that leans heavily on atmosphere to evoke feeling. Saxon's aesthetic is a testament to the power of indie cinema. The picture unfolds with otherworldly vibes and a quiet, meditative rhythm. Though set in a mythical realm, it was shot on location in Romania, whose landscapes lend beauty to the surroundings. The fantastical elements seamlessly blend with a real-world setting to enhance a dreamlike quality. Saxon's worldbuilding is tactile. He embraces practical effects—expressive puppets, hand-painted matte backgrounds, and richly detailed sets—to create an environment that feels both lived-in and magical. The Ochi are enchanting; their delicate movements and melodic, trilling sounds bring the warmth of a fairy-tale to the misty habitat. It's easy to become entranced by their hypnotic tone and the overall milieu. A wistful undercurrent is further promoted by a score from David Longstreth, founder of the rock band Dirty Projectors. Longstreth's compositions blend orchestral swells with ethereal textures that serve the mood. The music, performed by the Vienna Synchron Orchestra and Choir, carries the emotional weight in a screenplay where talk is sparse. Old-school craftsmanship and a modern indie spirit combine in this transportive experience—one that causes the viewer's mind to wander. Mine drifted to memories of The Dark Crystal, The NeverEnding Story and, of course, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial—the greatest child-and-alien bond ever committed to film. And there is plenty of time to meander. This is, at its core, a deliberately paced production. The plot is minimal, and there are long stretches with no dialogue. What little there is often difficult to understand. The sound mix sometimes renders voices muffled. Though they speak English, captions in the same language would have been a welcome addition. The almost nonexistent narrative might not satisfy viewers seeking action or conventional dramatic arcs. Yet The Legend of Ochi offers something more introspective: a tale about compassion with atmosphere and mood. The pictorial storytelling invites us into Yuri's inner world. We feel her isolation. She yearns to do what's right—even when no one else understands. Director Isaiah Saxon's debut may not match the scale of the great fantasy epics of the 1980s, but it carries the torch of their spirit. 04-21-25

Monday, 21 April 2025

Neuroplasticity: Transforming Codependent Behaviors

One of the key principles I emphasise to clients is that the only sustainable recovery from codependency lies in discovering one's own sense of individuality.‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­
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Wednesday, 16 April 2025

Could Your Liver Be Making Perimenopause Worse?

Hi ,

I know you're doing your best to do all the right things—eating well, exercising, taking your supplements. So why are you still struggling with weight gain, mood swings, bloating, and night sweats

Here's something most women don't realize: hormone balance isn't just about how much estrogen or progesterone your body makes—it's about how well your body clears them out. If your liver isn't processing and eliminating excess hormones efficiently, those symptoms you're dealing with could be getting worse—no matter what you do.

As a newly appointed member of the Menopause Association Advisory Board, I just wrote an article breaking down exactly how your liver impacts hormone balance, why standard blood tests might be missing key issues, and how to support your detox pathways naturally.

If you want fewer symptoms and better energy, you don't want to miss this.

Read it here:

Are You Processing Hormones Efficiently? The Role of Liver Detoxification in Perimenopause and Why the Correct Type of Lab Testing Matters


To feeling like yourself again,
Dr. Tracy

Thursday, 10 April 2025

Group Therapy Begins May 18, 2025

A guided space to explore, connect, and transform - together.‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­
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Tuesday, 8 April 2025

Better Sleep Starts Before You Get in Bed

You know that feeling when you crawl into bed exhausted… but your brain suddenly decides to put on a full Broadway performance?

You replay an awkward conversation from the day, stress about your to-do list, and suddenly remember that thing you were supposed to order from Amazon three weeks ago.
Meanwhile, your body? Still tense, still wired, still not asleep.

You're not alone.
Most women in perimenopause and menopause need more than just "good sleep hygiene" to rest deeply—because our hormones dictate our sleep cycles.
I've been there too.

For a long time, I thought I just had to "push through" bad sleep. That it was just part of this stage of life. But once I got my nighttime routine dialed in, everything shifted.

Here's what I've found actually works:
🌿 Support your body's natural wind-down process. A warm shower 90 minutes before bed mimics the core temperature drop that signals sleep.
🍽 Eat dinner 2-3 hours before bed—but don't go to bed starving. If you're waking up at 3 AM, your blood sugar might be crashing overnight. Try adding a little protein at dinner or a small handful of nuts before bed.
πŸ“± Set a "reverse alarm" for your wind-down. Just like you have a time to wake up, set an alert for when to start unplugging, dimming the lights, and signaling to your brain that the day is winding down.
πŸ›Œ Still tossing and turning? Try body scanning. Instead of forcing sleep, mentally scan from head to toe, noticing where you're holding tension (jaw, shoulders, belly, hips). Breathe into those places.

One more thing... if sleep issues are hitting your focus and memory, you're going to love what we're doing next.

This spring, I'm hosting a Book Club, and we're diving into "Menopause Brain" by Dr. Casey Means—a must-read if you've ever wondered why your brain feels foggy, distracted, or off… and what to do about it.

Want to join?
πŸ“š Click here to sign up for the Spring Book Club!

Let's make this spring the season of better sleep, clearer thinking, and more energy to do what you love.

Excited to read with you,
Dr. Tracy

The Link Between Hormones & Sleep Cycles—What No One Tells You

You know the drill, —early bedtime, no caffeine, calming bedtime routine.
But here you are, staring at the ceiling at 2 AM or dragging yourself out of bed in the morning feeling like you barely slept.

What gives?

Here's what most people don't realize: sleep isn't just about rest—it's about repair. And if your hormones are out of sync, that repair work never fully happens.

πŸ‘‰ Estrogen helps regulate REM sleep. When levels drop, your brain struggles to get into the deep, restorative stages of sleep.
πŸ‘‰ Progesterone is like nature's Valium. Too little = racing thoughts, restless legs, and feeling wired but tired.
πŸ‘‰ Cortisol is supposed to drop at night. If it doesn't, your body stays in high alert mode, making deep sleep impossible.


This isn't just about feeling rested—it's about brain function, memory, and long-term cognitive health.

The good news? There are real, practical ways to support your brain and your hormones so you can sleep deeply and wake up refreshed.

That's why I'm inviting you to join me in my Book Club this Spring, where we'll be reading Menopause Brain by Dr. Casey Means. It's a deep dive into how hormonal shifts impact your brain—and most importantly, what you can do about it.

πŸ“– Want in? Click here to join the Book Club
Let's read, learn, and reclaim our sleep together.

Dr. Tracy

Your metabolism didn’t ‘slow down’—it adapted.

Midlife weight gain isn't just about food. It's about physiology. And here's what no one told you: Estrogen plays a big role in ...