In this episode of The Health Commute, we explain how your spine and posture directly affect your breathing — and how your breathing controls your stress levels. Many people try deep breathing or relaxation techniques without much success, often because their spine and rib cage don't move well enough to support proper breathing.

When the mid-back is stiff or posture collapses, breathing becomes shallow and keeps the nervous system in "fight-or-flight" mode. Improving spinal mobility allows the ribs and diaphragm to move properly, making calm, deep breathing feel effortless. Simple tools like posture exercises, breathing techniques, and regular chiropractic care can help restore better breathing and lower stress.

Big takeaway: Better alignment leads to better breathing — and better breathing leads to lower stress.

In this episode of The Health Commute, we explain why TMJ dysfunction—jaw pain, clicking, popping, clenching, headaches, and ear pressure—is almost never just a jaw problem. Most TMJ issues actually originate in the neck, posture, and the muscles that support the jaw.

You'll learn how forward head posture, long hours at a desk, stress, clenching, and tight neck muscles all change the way the jaw moves. When the head shifts forward, the muscles under the jaw tighten and pull the jaw backward into the joint, increasing pressure and irritation. Misalignment in the upper neck affects the nerves and muscles that control jaw movement, which explains why so many people with TMJ problems also struggle with neck tension and headaches.

We walk through how chiropractic care helps restore normal neck movement, reduce muscle tension, improve posture, and take pressure off the jaw so it can move smoothly again. Listeners will hear why adjustments, simple postural corrections, and targeted exercises can make a significant difference in jaw pain and overall function.

A must-listen for anyone dealing with TMJ pain, clenching, headaches, or tension related to stress and posture.

Hitting a weight loss plateau in your 40s or 50s — even when you're eating well and exercising — can be incredibly frustrating. In this episode, we break down what's really happening during perimenopause and why your usual strategies may stop working.

You'll learn how fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels affect metabolism, muscle mass, and fat storage — and why sleep, stress, and overtraining can make progress even harder. We explain what actually works during this stage: prioritizing protein, strength training to maintain muscle and bone, managing cortisol, and supporting your nervous system through chiropractic care.

If you've been feeling stuck, this episode will help you understand your changing physiology — and show you how to adapt, rebuild, and move forward feeling stronger and more balanced.

As the days get shorter and colder, do you find yourself feeling more tired, stiff, or achy? In this episode, we explain the science behind the "November slump" — how lower sunlight, colder temperatures, and less movement can leave your body feeling heavy and sore.

You'll learn why your muscles tighten up in the cold, how barometric pressure changes affect your joints, and what poor posture does to your spine during the darker months. We share simple, actionable ways to beat the slump — from short movement breaks and morning light exposure to staying hydrated and keeping up with regular chiropractic adjustments.

This episode is your reminder that the November slowdown doesn't have to mean stiffness or fatigue — with a few small habits, you can stay active, energized, and aligned all winter long.

They're your body's powerhouse, yet one of the most overlooked muscle groups: the glutes.

In this episode, we explain why strong glutes are critical for spinal health, posture, athletic performance, and longevity — and what happens when they "turn off" from too much sitting. You'll learn how weak glutes lead to lower back strain, tight hips, and balance issues, and how simple daily activation can bring them back to life.

We also highlight research from Dr. Heidi Haavik showing that chiropractic adjustments improve how the brain communicates with muscles, helping reawaken areas like the glutes that have gone quiet.

Key takeaway: Your glutes are the foundation for movement and stability. Wake them up, and everything — from your spine to your stride — works better.

Breakfast can set the tone for your entire day — your energy, focus, and even how your body burns fuel. In this episode, we unpack what the best breakfast really looks like.

Dr. Dan and Dr. Pascal break down why a protein-rich meal first thing in the morning helps stabilize blood sugar, boost focus, and protect muscle mass — and why most people's "healthy" breakfasts completely miss the mark.

We also dive into the benefits of intermittent fasting and how giving your body a 12–16 hour overnight rest can improve digestion, insulin sensitivity, and even mental clarity. Whether you're a breakfast eater or a late-morning faster, this episode will help you build a routine that supports both short-term energy and long-term health.

Key takeaway: Start your day with intention — protein, colour, hydration, and movement — and your body (and brain) will thank you.

Many people make the mistake of stopping care as soon as the pain goes away. But feeling better doesn't always mean the problem has been corrected. Just like patching a leaky roof stops the drip but doesn't fix the hidden damage, symptom relief is only the first step.

This episode breaks down the difference between relief care, corrective care, and long-term maintenance, and why each phase matters for lasting results. It also explores how consistent chiropractic care, posture exercises, and healthy habits can "future-proof" your spine and prevent recurring issues.

The key takeaway: don't see feeling better as the finish line—see it as the starting point to do more of what you love. Ask yourself: What will you do when you feel better?

When most people think of creatine, they picture bodybuilders trying to bulk up. But the truth is, creatine is one of the safest, most researched, and most effective supplements available—not just for muscle, but also for brain health and longevity.

In this episode of The Health Commute, we break down what creatine is, how it fuels both muscle and brain cells, and why it might be the simplest, most affordable way to support your health as you age. You'll learn about its role in building strength, preventing age-related muscle loss, boosting memory and focus, protecting the brain under stress, and even supporting mood and recovery.

Whether you're an athlete, a busy professional, or simply someone who wants to stay strong and sharp for decades to come, creatine deserves a spot on your radar.