Demystifying Wellness: Recent Episodes
Laura Merkel
SEASON 2 DROPS NOVEMBER 2, 2021
There are so many concepts that seem “basic” to fitness and healthcare professionals that the everyday person doesn’t know exist. It’s not because they’re complicated or exclusive, it’s just not common knowledge...yet!
In this bi-weekly podcast, I, Laura Merkel, talk to a variety of fitness and healthcare professionals to help you fill in the gaps of your knowledge. We take a science-forward and practical approach to educating, empowering, and advocating for you, the everyday mover!
Let's get into it!
In this episode, I sat down with Emily McLaughlin to talk about all things meditation! We discussed common misconceptions, types of meditation, and ways to incorporate it into your life without changing your routine. We even reflected on how the pandemic has changed our relationships with meditation and movement.
Connect with Laura:
@lauramerkelfitness
www.Lauramerkel.com
Connect with Guest:
@ekm_yoga
If you like what you hear, please leave a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In today's episode, Laura and Jared discuss how much has changed in regard to the covid pandemic from when they started this podcast in January. They discuss their vaccine experiences, their thoughts of the current state of things, and how they think this pandemic may change our futures.
Note: This is the last episode in season 1. Jared and Laura will take a few weeks off to prepare for season 2!
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
Resource Links:
A pretty comprehensive vaccination tracker with easy-to-read graphics.
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this episode, Laura and Jared had the pleasure of chatting with coach/massage therapist/doula extraordinaire, Heidi Childers Jones. They cover everything from the basics of the doula's role, to racial disparities in healthcare, to birthing during quarantine, to postpartum fitness, and more. They are so honored to share space with Heidi as she disseminates her wisdom and experiences to y'all! Connect with us on Instagram: @lauramerkelfitness @jaredthephysio Work with us: www.Lauramerkel.com www.jaredthephysio.com Connect with Heidi: @heidi.flowbirthandbody If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :) Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this episode, Jared and Laura discuss the importance of grip strength, especially as you age. They get into why it is valuable, how to measure it, and how to train your grip depending on your lifestyle needs and goals.
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
Resource Links:
Captains of Crush Grip Trainers
Theraputty
Grip Strength Normative Values
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this episode, Laura and Jared cover everything you need to know about stretching. They break down what happens physiologically during a stretch, some of the language commonly used around stretching, different types of stretches and where they each fit into your fitness routine, and why you may want to rethink how you use static stretches, particularly for youth athletes.
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
Resource Links:
-will be updated shortly
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this episode, Laura and Jared start to break down some of the fear and stigma around deadlifts. Laura tells of how her perspective has shifted on this topic over time the more she learns and experiences this lift. They discuss some of the reasons this particular lift is so polarizing and why some of these fears are misplaced (hint: you probably do deadlifts most days without even realizing it!).
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this episode, Laura and Jared tackle the age-old myth that lifting heavy weights will make a person bulky. They reflect on what "bulky" may mean for different people and the social conditioning that leads us to believe looking bulky is "bad." They discuss the benefits of resistance training, the types of sports that involve lifts, and ultimately why lifting weights will not necessarily add bulk to your body (unless you want it to!).
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
Some of our favorite body-positive wellness accounts:
@decolonizing_fitness @meg.boggs @themollygalbraith @fatdoctoruk @thenutritiontea @sonyareneetaylor
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this episode, Laura and Jared discuss the difference between group classes and private sessions. They go through the pros and cons of each and at what points in your life you might find yourself drawn to one versus the other. They acknowledge some of the ways our choices are limited and talk through strategies for how to find the right instructor or coach for you.
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
Intuition can sometimes lead us astray. In this episode, Laura and Jared dig into why stretching may not be your best strategy for dealing with the sensation of tightness in your muscles. They also discuss what "tightness" is, why the word "tight" may not be the most helpful adjective when referring to muscles, and what you can work on instead.
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
Resource Links:
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
On this week's episode of Demystifying Wellness, Laura and Jared were delighted to chat with Dr. Mary Qian about dentistry and oral health. They discuss what dentistry is, its role in overall health, what to expect during your exams, how covid has impacted dentistry, and some tips and tricks to help you get high praises during your next cleaning!
Dr. Mary Qian is a general dentist practicing in Palo Alto, CA. She is originally from the east coast and completed her education at Tufts Dental School but most recently has settled in CA with her own private practice. Her practice is focused mostly on preventative and restorative work for adults. She has seen and treated a variety of patients throughout her career and is well versed on the topics and concerns that most people have involving their teeth and oral health.
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
Connect with Mary:
IG: @DMDPaloAlto
Email: maryqian@dmdpaloalto.com
Website: www.dmdpaloalto.com
Resource Links:
oral hygiene and oral health: https://www.mouthhealthy.org
https://cocofloss.com/ (@getcocofloss)
www.nimbusdental.com (@nimbusdental.toothbrush)
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this episode, Laura and Jared attempt to answer the age-old question - Should I use ice or heat?! They discuss what is happening to your body when using both (from a biopsychosocial perspective), what the current medical recommendations are, and how they would (or wouldn't) fit into your recovery journey.
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
Resource Links:
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this episode, Laura and Jared discuss functional movement. Functional movement or functional fitness is a bit of a buzz word, but it's not always clear what it means. They talk about What it means, what exercises you might work on, and how functional movement might it look different at different stages of your life or on differently-abled bodies.
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this episode, Laura and Jared break down why the RICE method is no longer accepted by professionals in Sports Medicine. Then they lay down some updated guidelines for what you can do instead.
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
Resource Links:
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this episode, Jared and Laura myth-bust the idea that you can "pull your rib out." They discuss the belief systems around subluxation and what we know through current research. They tackle why cavitations, or "pops," feel good and what mechanisms are at play during those "adjustments." And then they discuss how a more comprehensive approach to managing pain yields better results. They highlight one major red flag to watch out for when working with practitioners. This episode is DENSE, so buckle up!
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
Resource Links:
- Keating JC Jr, Charlton KH, Grod JP, Perle SM, Sikorski D, Winterstein JF. Subluxation: dogma or science?. Chiropr Osteopat. 2005;13:17. Published 2005 Aug 10. doi:10.1186/1746-1340-13-17
- Reggars, J.W. Chiropractic at the crossroads or are we just going around in circles?. Chiropr Man Therap 19, 11 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1186/2045-709X-19-11
- Mirtz, T.A., Morgan, L., Wyatt, L.H. et al. An epidemiological examination of the subluxation construct using Hill's criteria of causation. Chiropr Man Therap 17, 13 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-1340-17-13
- Moseley GL. I can't find it! Distorted body image and tactile dysfunction in patients with chronic back pain. Pain. 2008 Nov;140(1):239–43.
- https://www.painscience.com/articles/subluxation.php
- Image of Lamar Grant - Famous Powerlifter with Scoliosis
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this episode, Jared and Laura discuss trigger points. They explore how trigger points are defined by wellness professionals, what is happening on a biological level, the mechanisms at play during trigger point therapy, and how we might "rebrand" trigger points with more useful language.
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
Resource Links:
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this episode, Laura and Jared have a candid discussion about the prevalence of fearmongering in the wellness industry. They talk about what fearmongering is, how to recognize it, why it's problematic, and what you can do when you see it.
Fun fact: This episode features a special guest - our dog Ivy! We recorded this before we learned we need to take her collar off while podcasting. So, when you hear jingling, don't be alarmed. It's just a very lovable pup!
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this mythbuster episode, Laura and Jared discuss fascia! Laura reads a quote from a wellness publication that claims yoga can reshape the fascia in your body. They explain what fascia is, what it does, and how malleable it actually is. Hint: you don't really want to reshape it! They then explore what factors are really at play to influence a feeling of "release" in yoga. They even talk a little bit about our old friend, the IT band!
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
Resource Links:
- Beardsley. Effects of self-myofascial release: A systematic review. 2015
- Cheatham. The effects of self-myofascial release using a foam roll or roller massager on joint range of motion, muscle recovery, and performance. 2015
- Schroeder. Is self myofascial release an effective pre-exercise and recovery strategy? A literature review. 2015
- Flexor tendon adhesion in rats: https://goo.gl/qQf1p2
- Tensile properties of collagen matrices: https://goo.gl/F42YB9
- Endoscopic treatment of sciatic nerve entrapment: https://goo.gl/DdQ8SG
- Assembly and mechanical properties of extracellular matrix: https://goo.gl/Ysz5zu
- Looking back on back pain: https://goo.gl/JCe931
- Mechanisms of manual therapy - Bialosky 2018. JOSPT
- 3D Model of Facial Deformation
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this episode, Laura and Jared discuss the types of questions you might expect to hear from a wellness practitioner in an appointment addressing pain. They touch on why such information is helpful to the practitioner, as well as what prep work you can do ahead of your appointment so you don't feel flustered and put on the spot when it comes time to articulate your pain experience.
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this episode, Jared and Laura talk about physical balance. They discuss the body systems responsible for maintaining balance, how those systems are impacted by age, why we would want to make balance a priority not just in aging populations, but everyone, and some of the ways you can do so.
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
Resource Links:
- https://physio-pedia.com/Balance?utm_source=physiopedia&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=ongoing_internal
- Susan B O sullivan, Leslie G Portnry. Physical Rehabilitation :Sixth Edition. Philadelphia: FA Davis. 2014.
- Peterka RJ. Sensorimotor integration in human postural control. J Neurophysiol 88: 1097–1118, 2002.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3597289/
- https://asbmr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1359/jbmr.2003.18.12.2231
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/17453674.2013.878831
- https://geriatrictoolkit.missouri.edu/srff/deBrito-Floor-Rise-Mortality-2012..pdf
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this special episode, Laura and Jared chat with Amy Pisani, Executive Director of Vaccinate Your Family. She is a leading authority in vaccine advocacy and has played an integral role in setting the standards of immunization in America today. Amy addresses some common questions and concerns Laura and Jared have been hearing about the Covid-19 vaccine and vaccines in general. She helps to set the record straight with evidence-based information.
Connect with Amy:
Vaccinate Your Family Website
VYF Facebook
VYF Instagram
VYF Youtube
Connect with Laura and Jared on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this episode, Laura and Jared myth-bust the idea of having a "bad" joint. They reflect on how you can more accurately describe your sensations and they discuss the power language can have to heal/harm.
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
Resource Links:
- Stewart M, Loftus S. Sticks and Stones: The Impact of Language in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. 2018;48(7):519-522. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.0610
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this episode, Laura tells a story about a time when she didn't have a healthcare team she trusted. Then, Jared explains two primary models of healthcare (the biomedical model and the biopsychosocial model). They discuss how these models can help you understand why practitioners ask (or don't ask) some questions. And finally, they discuss how knowledge of these models might help you know when to seek a second opinion.
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
Resource Links:
- Borrell-Carrió F, Suchman AL, Epstein RM. The biopsychosocial model 25 years later: principles, practice, and scientific inquiry. Ann Fam Med. 2004;2(6):576-582. doi:10.1370/afm.245
- Farre A, Rapley T. The New Old (and Old New) Medical Model: Four Decades Navigating the Biomedical and Psychosocial Understandings of Health and Illness. Healthcare (Basel). 2017;5(4):88. Published 2017 Nov 18. doi:10.3390/healthcare5040088
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
Educating, empowering, and advocating for the everyday mover! In this trailer, you'll find a sample of the topics we'll cover each week.
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
Music by Adam Kurgatikov
In this mini-episode of Demystifying Wellness, Laura Merkel and Dr. Jared Aguilar introduce themselves and give an overview of what they hope to accomplish with this podcast. Join them as they set out to educate, empower, and advocate for the everyday mover!
Connect with us on Instagram:
@lauramerkelfitness
@jaredthephysio
Work with us:
www.Lauramerkel.com
www.jaredthephysio.com
If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! We love hearing from you! :)
Music by Adam Kurgatikov