ACA premiums to rise 30 percent:Health Care Sharing Ministries offer a lifeline amid soaring costs
As inflation, record insurance rate hikes squeeze families, the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries says faith-based sharing offers affordable, values-driven care
WASHINGTON — As Americans brace for a 30 percent surge in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance premiums next year — the steepest annual increase in recent memory — Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries (Alliance) leaders say the news underscores the growing need for faith-based alternatives that help families stay healthy, solvent, and free from bureaucracy.
Recent reporting from KFF Health News, The Washington Post, and Insurance Business Magazine confirms that roughly 17 million Americans who buy coverage on Healthcare.gov will see premium hikes averaging 30 percent beginning in 2026. Analysts warn that without continued pandemic-era subsidies, many households could see their premiums double or even triple.
“The Alliance has long advocated for negotiating better prices and having more transparency in health costs of all kinds, from drug prices to medical treatments to hospital stays,” said Katy Talento, executive director of the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries. “Non-insurance options such as Health Care Sharing Ministries may be one of the only ways to buck the trend of skyrocketing costs of health care.
“Leveraging the power of the cash-pay economy, as well as the community connections and mutual accountability to live in a healthy way, is not only good stewardship, but also consistent with Christian beliefs.”
The dramatic premium increase arrives amid lingering inflation and partisan gridlock over how to contain health care costs. Congress remains divided: Democrats push to extend COVID-era expanded ACA subsidies, while Republicans argue such subsidies were always meant to be temporary. Meanwhile, middle-income Americans — too prosperous to qualify for expanded assistance but unable to absorb the rate hikes — face excruciating financial choices.
“Families are caught in a perfect storm of inflation, medical debt, and shrinking options,” said Talento. “Health Care Sharing Ministries demonstrate that a community of believers can stand together, care for one another and avoid being trapped in a costly and impersonal system.”
Members of Health Care Sharing Ministries— nonprofit, faith-based communities that share one another’s medical needs — have existed for decades, long before the ACA, and say their approach provides both spiritual and financial relief. Participants contribute monthly “shares” to assist others’ eligible medical expenses and, in turn, have their own needs supported when they arise.
According to the Alliance, members enjoy advantages such as:
Community support and accountability that encourages healthy living consistent with faith principles
Transparency in pricing, as members or their ministries often negotiate directly with providers
Lower monthly costs compared to insurance carriers’ premiums
“When the federal government or insurance carriers announce yet another double-digit rate increase, Americans need to know that a faithful, ethical alternative exists,” said Talento. “Health Care Sharing Ministries are not insurance, but they represent a return to stewardship, generosity and wise financial management in health care.”
The latest ACA premium spike continues a decade-long trend of rising costs that have far outpaced wage growth. These premium increases are just creating an opportunity for more Americans to discover what hundreds of thousands of other people have already discovered, which is the non-insurance option, Health Care Sharing Ministries. The Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries reports a steady uptick in Americans exploring health care sharing options, particularly among Christian families and self-employed individuals who value autonomy and transparency.
“As prices rise, more Americans are turning toward health care models that reflect their values and give them control,” said Talento. “This is not just a financial decision — it’s a moral and spiritual one, rooted in how we care for one another as believers.”
Talento added that while insurance carriers grapple with inflation, regulatory complexity and profit pressures, Health Care Sharing Ministries rely on a simpler model of mutual aid: Members directly share funds for eligible medical bills, guided by their commitment to Christian compassion.
“The system is broken when premiums rise faster than paychecks and when government policy punishes personal responsibility,” said Talento. “Lawmakers should focus on empowering Americans with real choices — including Health Care Sharing Ministries — that reward stewardship and transparency rather than propping up a failing status quo.”
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries is a 501(c)(6) trade organization representing the common interests of Health Care Sharing Ministries, which facilitate the sharing of health care needs — financial, emotional and spiritual — by individuals and families. The Alliance engages with federal and state regulators, members of the media, and the Christian community to provide accurate and timely information on health care sharing.
To learn more about the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries, visit www.ahcsm.org or follow the ministry on Facebook or X.
‘Fine’ Is the New Fake: Life Coach Darla Nelson on Why Emotional Honesty Is the Key to Connection and Peace
TURLOCK, Calif., Nov. 17, 2025 — “Fine” may be the most common and most dishonest word in the English language, and it’s silently keeping people isolated from one another, explains Christian Life Coach Darla Nelson. She believes the antidote to that isolation begins with vulnerability.
‘Fine’ keeps people at arm’s length; honesty invites connection,” Nelson said. “Vulnerability is where true healing begins, and that’s when peace starts to take root.”
That message is at the heart of Nelson’s new book, I’m Fine. Really?: Moving From Stress and Anxiety to Peace and Calm. Her book invites readers to drop the mask, embrace grace and rediscover the peace that comes from being real — with themselves, with others and with God.
Her book walks readers through simple, life-giving shifts to help them:
● Understand what’s really behind those feelings of stress
● Release emotional weight that’s been holding them back
● Build healthier thoughts, habits and relationships
● Embrace peace, even amid life’s chaos
“The book is filled with honest, relatable stories — my own and those of people I’ve coached — that show life isn’t always neat and tidy,” Nelson said. “I don’t pretend to have it all figured out. I’m just an ordinary woman who’s learned (and is still learning) to trust God more deeply, let go of stress and build healthier habits one step at a time.”
And that’s what makes Nelson’s narrative so refreshing: She doesn’t speak from a place of perfection. She shares the trenches of real life with readers in a way that is candid and heartfelt. I'm Fine. Really? is an honest, faith-filled guide that can help readers let go of stress and live with more clarity, connectedness and purpose.
“Ultimately, my prayer is that readers feel seen, understood and inspired to let go of the pressure to be ‘fine’ and start creating a life that’s truly fulfilling — spiritually, emotionally and physically,” Nelson added.
I’m Fine. Really?: Moving from Stress and Anxiety to Peace and Calm
Darla Nelson is a Christian Life and Health Coach, author and speaker who specializes in helping women (and a few wise men!) move from stress and anxiety to peace and purpose. With over a decade of coaching experience and certifications in life and health coaching and NLP, she equips her clients with practical tools and faith-based strategies to navigate life with greater calm and clarity.
She has been married to her husband for 38 years, and together they have built a life filled with love, faith and family that includes three married children and five grandchildren.
‘Fine’ Is the New Fake: Life Coach Darla Nelson on Why Emotional Honesty Is the Key to Connection and Peace
TURLOCK, Calif., Nov. 12, 2025 — “Fine” may be the most common and most dishonest word in the English language, and it’s silently keeping people isolated from one another, explains Christian Life Coach Darla Nelson. She believes the antidote to that isolation begins with vulnerability.
‘Fine’ keeps people at arm’s length; honesty invites connection,” Nelson said. “Vulnerability is where true healing begins, and that’s when peace starts to take root.”
That message is at the heart of Nelson’s new book, I’m Fine. Really?: Moving From Stress and Anxiety to Peace and Calm. Her book invites readers to drop the mask, embrace grace and rediscover the peace that comes from being real — with themselves, with others and with God.
Her book walks readers through simple, life-giving shifts to help them:
● Understand what’s really behind those feelings of stress
● Release emotional weight that’s been holding them back
● Build healthier thoughts, habits and relationships
● Embrace peace, even amid life’s chaos
“The book is filled with honest, relatable stories — my own and those of people I’ve coached — that show life isn’t always neat and tidy,” Nelson said. “I don’t pretend to have it all figured out. I’m just an ordinary woman who’s learned (and is still learning) to trust God more deeply, let go of stress and build healthier habits one step at a time.”
And that’s what makes Nelson’s narrative so refreshing: She doesn’t speak from a place of perfection. She shares the trenches of real life with readers in a way that is candid and heartfelt. I'm Fine. Really? is an honest, faith-filled guide that can help readers let go of stress and live with more clarity, connectedness and purpose.
“Ultimately, my prayer is that readers feel seen, understood and inspired to let go of the pressure to be ‘fine’ and start creating a life that’s truly fulfilling — spiritually, emotionally and physically,” Nelson added.
I’m Fine. Really?: Moving from Stress and Anxiety to Peace and Calm
Darla Nelson is a Christian Life and Health Coach, author and speaker who specializes in helping women (and a few wise men!) move from stress and anxiety to peace and purpose. With over a decade of coaching experience and certifications in life and health coaching and NLP, she equips her clients with practical tools and faith-based strategies to navigate life with greater calm and clarity.
She has been married to her husband for 38 years, and together they have built a life filled with love, faith and family that includes three married children and five grandchildren.
AI Is Transforming Hiring – But Human Expertise Remains Essential, Finds Canada 2026 Hays Salary & Hiring Trends Report
Toronto, ON – Artificial intelligence is reshaping the Canadian workplace, but the latest Canada 2026 Hays Salary & Hiring Trends Guide reveals that the shift is measured, with human skills and adaptability still at the forefront.
The annual study, based on thousands of employer and employee responses nationwide, shows that while over 53% of Canadian organizations are using AI to supplement their teams, only 2% of roles are being fully replaced by AI. Instead, companies are leveraging AI to automate repetitive tasks, fill gaps created by talent shortages, and empower existing staff. More than 40% of organizations are choosing to upskill their teams rather than hire new talent, reflecting a strategic shift toward internal development and resilience.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept, it’s a present force reshaping the workplace,” said Travis O’Rourke, President of Hays Canada. “Canada’s workforce is evolving to adapt to AI, but the shift isn’t as dramatic as many headlines suggest. While AI continues to make waves, its impact on job displacement remains limited, highlighting the ongoing need for human expertise in key areas. The future of work in Canada will be shaped by those who embrace change with intention, leaders who invest in people, communicate transparently, and align technology with human potential.”
Key Findings: The State of Work in the Age of AI (Canada)
AI adoption is widespread but measured: Over 53% of organizations use AI to support teams, while only 2% report replacing jobs outright.
Upskilling over hiring: 42.6% of companies are investing in upskilling current employees, compared to 35% hiring externally to fill skill gaps.
New in-demand skills: Data literacy, automation fluency, and prompt engineering are now baseline expectations across most functions.
Top sectors feeling AI’s impact: Customer service and technology roles are experiencing the most disruption, while skilled trades, construction, mining, and oil & gas remain notably resilient.
Human oversight remains critical: Roles demanding empathy, communication, and complex decision-making continue to show high resistance to automation.
Tariffs and trade policy: Nearly 25% of organizations have paused or delayed hiring due to economic uncertainty and tariffs.
The Human Advantage Endures
Despite the rise of AI, human skills remain irreplaceable.
“The shift to AI is more nuanced than it appears. For instance, finance roles like controllers and analysts are evolving, as organizations increasingly value data literacy and automation fluency. With these capabilities becoming central to performance, clients are starting to benchmark compensation differently by comparing finance talent not only to peers in accounting, but also to roles in analytics and technology,” said Alistair Houghton, Vice President of Accounting and Finance Recruitment at Hays.
Emerging Roles and Economic Forces
AI is not only transforming traditional workplace functions but also generating new opportunities – particularly in high-skilled, technology-driven roles such as machine learning engineers, data infrastructure specialists, and automation experts. At the same time, economic pressures, including tariffs and trade restrictions, are influencing hiring decisions and prompting organizations to accelerate investment in automation and AI.
About the Canada 2026 Hays Salary & Hiring Trends Guide
The Canada 2026 Hays Salary & Hiring Trends Guide is based on an August 2025 survey of hiring managers, HR professionals, and employees across all major industries. The report explores compensation data, workforce strategies, and AI adoption patterns shaping the next era of work in Canada.
COSRX Unveils New 5 PDRN Vital Care Collection and Upgraded Vitamin C 23 Serum on Amazon
COSRX Unveils New 5 PDRN Vital Care Collection and Upgraded Vitamin C 23 Serum on Amazon
November 12, 2025, New York, NY - Award-winning K-beauty brand COSRXis kicking off the holiday season with the launch of its highly anticipated 5 PDRN Vital Care line and the renewed Advanced Vitamin C 23% Serum, available exclusively on Amazon.com starting November 10. Whether you're battling dull, tired skin or looking for high-performance treatments to refresh your routine before the year ends, this launch delivers powerful solutions grounded in skin science and trusted ingredients. The new 5 PDRN Vital Care line was developed as a total skin resilience system - ideal for restoring elasticity, calming irritation, and helping skin bounce back after dermatological treatments like peels or micro-needling.
Meet the New Launches:COSRX 5 PDRN B5 Vital Soothing Toner($23): Infused with 5 PDRN and panthenol (Vitamin B5), this refreshing non-sticky toner helps calm sensitivity, reinforce the moisture barrier, and prep your skin for the products that follow.COSRX 5 PDRN Collagen Intense Vitalizing Serum($25): This 100ml daily-use serum made with 5 PDRN and low molecular collagen helps strengthen the skin barrier and restore youthful elasticity. COSRX 5 PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Vital Hydrating Hydrogel Mask ($23): This innovative hydrogel mask melts transparently into skin as it delivers 5 PDRN and 8 types of hyaluronic acid deep into the dermis. With 34g of multi-activating serum per sheet, it's a one-step spa-level treatment for glow, bounce, and barrier repair.COSRX Advanced The Vitamin C 23 Serum - Now Renewed ($25): A longtime favorite with over 7,000 glowing Amazon reviews, this pure 23% vitamin C formula is now back - better than ever. The upgraded version features an enhanced texture, reduced scent, and a clean formula to minimize irritation while maximizing brightness. Formulated with super vitamin E, glutathione, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, it targets uneven skin tone, dark spots, and early signs of aging - making it the perfect end-of-year skin reset. Images HERE
Exclusive Availability and Holiday Discounts:COSRX fans can shop the new products starting November 10, exclusively on Amazon.com(with the Vitamin C Serum also available on COSRX.com through 2025). To celebrate the launch, a 20% discount will be offered during COSRX's Black Friday & Cyber Monday Event on Amazon (November 20 - December 1) - the perfect chance to gift your skin, or someone else's, a powerful end-of-year reset. About COSRX:With its powerful yet affordable skincare solutions, COSRX has quickly become one of America's favorite skincare brands. Using a minimal number of highly effective natural extracts in concentrated doses, COSRX products deliver visible results by treating the skin with only the essentials it needs and nothing it doesn't. Find its best-selling skincare solutions at retailers nationwide, including COSRX.com, Amazon, ULTA, Revolve, Dermstore, Nordstromand Target. COSRX is also on Instagramand TikTok.
From “prejuvenation” serums to anti-sunscreen influencers, Dr. Weniger breaks down what’s worth trying—and what’s potentially harmful.
TikTok may be today’s beauty classroom, but not every viral lesson deserves an A-plus. Board-certified plastic Hilton Head, South Carolina Plastic surgeon Dr. Frederick Weniger says he’s seeing more patients influenced by social media than ever before. “TikTok can inspire curiosity about skincare, but it also spreads half-truths,” he explains. “My goal is to help people tell the difference between science and spectacle.”
Below, Dr. Weniger weighs in on the newest anti-aging trends flooding social media:
1. The “#MorningShed” Layering Ritual
What it is: An elaborate pre-bedtime routine combining masks, chin straps, mouth tape, and multiple serums—all filmed for TikTok as a nightly performance. Verdict:Not necessary. Dr. Weniger says: “This is more about aesthetics for the camera than for the skin. Over-layering can clog pores, irritate the barrier, and make products less effective. You don’t need ten steps—just the right few.” What to do instead: A simple cleanser, one proven active (retinol or peptide), moisturizer, and SPF in the morning are still the most reliable foundation for healthy skin.
2. The Anti-Sunscreen Movement
What it is: Creators claiming that daily sunscreen use blocks vitamin D or is “unnatural,” encouraging minimal SPF or “sun exposure therapy.” Verdict:Dangerous and misleading. Dr. Weniger says: “This is one of the most concerning beauty myths we’ve seen. UV damage is responsible for up to 80 percent of visible aging—and skin cancer. Skipping SPF accelerates wrinkles, pigmentation, and collagen loss.” What to do instead: Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily, reapply outdoors, and look for lightweight mineral or hybrid formulas if you dislike traditional sunscreens.
3. Hypochlorous Acid for ‘Inflamm-Aging’
What it is: HOCl sprays marketed as miracle anti-aging mists that calm inflammation and “reset” the skin. Verdict:Promising but not magic. Dr. Weniger says: “Hypochlorous acid can soothe redness and support barrier recovery, especially after treatments like microneedling. But it’s not a wrinkle-eraser on its own. Think of it as supportive care, not a cure.” What to do instead: Combine soothing ingredients with proven actives: retinoids, antioxidants, and professional treatments—to address structural aging at multiple levels.
4. ‘Prejuvenation’ and Cell-Derived Serums
What it is: TikTok’s newest buzzword—“prejuvenation, ”urges users to start anti-aging early with exosome, stem-cell, or growth-factor serums. Verdict:Conditionally positive. Dr. Weniger says: “The idea of preventing aging before it shows is sound, but the science behind many of these products is still evolving. Almost none of the agents in these products are solidly proven. Some do show promise; others are overpriced moisturizers in disguise. Always look for data and medical oversight.” What to do instead: Integrate prevention with evidence-based skincare and, when ready, professional treatments that actually build collagen.
5. Skin Cycling (Still Going Strong)
What it is: Alternating “active” nights (retinol, exfoliation) with “recovery” nights for hydration and barrier repair. Verdict:Smart and effective—when personalized. Dr. Weniger says: “This trend stuck around because it makes sense. It allows the skin to repair itself and prevents over-exfoliation. This can be good for thin skin and more aged skin. People with thick, oily skin would probably be better with a more aggressive routine Just remember that one routine doesn’t fit all, sensitive skin may need longer rest phases. An experienced aesthetician is invaluable for personalized management of your skin.”
Dr. Weniger’s Final Take:
“Social media trends can make skincare seem complicated, but the fundamentals haven’t changed: protect your skin from the sun, support it with proven actives, and rely on professionals for advanced care. Everything else should pass the ‘science or show?’ test before you try it.”
Comfort Food, Reinvented: Flower Chef’s Gluten-Free Pasta Brings Health and Flavor to Fall Meals
(SEATTLE, WA) NOVEMBER 2025 — As cooler weather returns and comfort food takes center stage, Flower Chef Foods is redefining what it means to indulge well. Created by Celebrity Chef Jules Houser and crafted in Italy, Flower Chef’s high-protein, gluten-free pasta combines the comfort of traditional Italian cuisine with modern nutrition and a mission rooted in compassion. With the brand’s guiding message, “Eat Well, Love Well, Live Well,” Flower Chef Foods is helping families rediscover the joy of pasta that nourishes both body and soul.
With the global gluten-free pasta market projected to reach $18.3 billion by 2035, demand is soaring for products that deliver on taste, texture, and clean-label integrity. Flower Chef Foods is answering that call with a pasta that’s not only gluten-free, but also rich in plant-based protein (with 19g per serving), three simple organic ingredients, and authentic Italian craftsmanship. Each bite celebrates a commitment to quality, health, and sustainability, a perfect fit for fall meals, from cozy weeknight dinners to family gatherings.
“At Flower Chef Foods, we believe comfort food should never come with compromise,” said Jules Houser, Founder and CEO of Flower Chef Foods. “Our pastas are designed for people who value good food and good values, for those who want to Eat Well, Love Well, Live Well. This isn’t just gluten-free pasta; it’s an invitation to eat with joy, intention, and connection.”
Made in Italy using premium ingredients and time-honored techniques, Flower Chef’s pasta is a celebration of culinary excellence and ethical innovation. Every purchase supports Project Flower Power, the company’s global food relief initiative that provides nourishing meals to children in need, made from the same wholesome pasta customers enjoy at home.
As consumers seek meaningful brands that blend flavor, function, and purpose, Flower Chef Foods is emerging as a trusted leader in the better-for-you foods movement. This fall, the brand will spotlight new recipes and seasonal serving ideas that showcase its versatile pasta as the perfect foundation for hearty, wholesome, and delicious meals.
Flower Chef Foods is a purpose-driven food company founded by Celebrity Chef Jules Houser, offering premium, high-protein gluten-free pasta crafted in Italy. With a mission to make plant-based eating accessible, delicious, and impactful, the company supports global food security through its Project Flower Power initiative, donating nourishing meals to children in need worldwide. Flower Chef Foods combines culinary artistry, sustainability, and social good to inspire healthier lifestyles across the globe.
Chef Jules’ Pasta Aglio E Olio (with Flower Chef’s Artisanal Gluten-Free Pasta, serves 2-3) • Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. • Gentle sauté 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves in ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil until golden. • Add in 1/8 tsp LorAnn chili oil. • Toss pasta into the pan with a splash of pasta water. Swirl to coat and gloss. • Add kosher salt and black pepper, to taste. • Stir in freshly chopped parsley, taste and serve immediately.
Why I Love SpoiledChild Collagen and How It’s Changed My Routine
As someone who is always on the go... coaching, training, managing, creating content, and living the athlete lifestyle... I’m constantly focused on recovery and longevity. I take my supplements seriously because I only promote what I actually use and believe in. One product that has truly earned its place in my daily routine is the SpoiledChild Extra Strength Liquid Collagen.
Collagen is one of those supplements that everyone talks about, but not all formulas are created equal. SpoiledChild’s liquid collagen stands out because it’s highly bioavailable, meaning your body can actually absorb and use it effectively. It’s designed to help improve skin elasticity, hair and nail strength, and joint health... all things that matter whether you’re training hard or simply want to look and feel your best.
For me, the biggest difference I’ve noticed is in recovery and skin quality. My joints feel smoother during training, especially on heavy leg days or after high impact sessions, and my skin has a more hydrated, even look. It’s that subtle but noticeable glow that comes when your body is getting the right kind of support from the inside out.
Why I Like the Liquid Form
The liquid form is a game changer. I don’t have to worry about mixing powders or dealing with chalky textures. I just take it in the morning with my other supplements or after my first meal, and it’s done. It also tastes good, which makes it easier to stay consistent... and consistency is what gets results.
What Makes SpoiledChild Different
SpoiledChild uses types I and III collagen peptides which are the most effective for skin, hair, nails, and connective tissue. It’s also enhanced with hyaluronic acid and biotin which give it an extra boost for hydration and support. I like that it’s clean, simple, and effective without unnecessary fillers.
My Honest Thoughts
I’m not someone who jumps on every trend. I test things, look for real results, and only stick with what makes a difference. After a few weeks of using SpoiledChild Collagen, I could feel and see the change... better recovery, stronger hair, and more supple skin. It has become one of those non negotiables in my supplement stack because it supports both how I look and how I perform.
If you’ve been thinking about adding collagen to your routine, this is the one I recommend. It’s easy to use, tastes great, and delivers real results when you stay consistent.
Train It Right... because how you take care of your body on the inside shows on the outside. 💪🏽✨
Optimize Your Recovery with the Hume Body Pod
As athletes and high performing individuals, recovery is one of the most overlooked parts of training. You can lift heavy, push through cardio, and eat perfectly, but if your body is not recovering, you are leaving progress on the table. That is why I have added the Hume Body Pod to my recovery routine... and I can honestly say it is a total game changer.
What Is the Hume Body Pod?
The Hume Body Pod is an advanced recovery and wellness system designed to help your body reset, recharge, and rebuild. It uses a combination of infrared heat, red light therapy, and dry salt therapy to enhance recovery, detoxification, and cellular regeneration.
This means your muscles recover faster, inflammation is reduced, and you leave every session feeling lighter, more relaxed, and ready to perform again. It is like giving your body a full reset from the inside out.
The Benefits of Using the Hume Body Pod
The science behind the pod is simple but powerful. Infrared heat works deep beneath the skin to increase circulation and oxygen flow, helping deliver nutrients to your muscles while flushing out toxins. Red light therapy enhances collagen production, speeds up tissue repair, and supports healthy hormone balance.
For athletes, competitors, or anyone training at a high level, this combination can:
Decrease muscle soreness and stiffness
Improve sleep and recovery
Boost metabolism and calorie burn
Enhance mood and stress management
Strengthen immunity
Whether you are in competition prep or simply managing a busy training schedule, recovery sessions in the Hume Body Pod help you perform at your best without burning out.
My Experience
I am all about training smart... not just hard... and the Hume Body Pod fits perfectly into that philosophy. After intense sessions, I use the pod to reset my nervous system and support recovery. The warmth, calm, and light exposure help me unwind mentally while my body gets exactly what it needs physically.
This is not just about relaxation. It is about building a stronger, more resilient body that can handle the workload of elite training.
Early Black Friday Sale — Limited Time Only
Now is the best time to invest in your recovery. The Hume Body Pod is part of an early Black Friday sale, and the savings are incredible. Here are a few things to keep in mind so you can make the most of it:
✨ The Body Pod is HSA and FSA eligible. Use any remaining FSA dollars before they expire at year end, and make the most of any HSA funds that can roll into next year. Use it or lose it!
🔥 You can save up to 50% total on the Body Pod in November when stacking my exclusive code on top of the Black Friday sale. That means you are saving more than ever before while upgrading your recovery routine.
Try It for Yourself
If you are serious about your results, I highly recommend trying the Hume Body Pod. Whether you are an athlete, coach, or someone who simply wants to feel better in your body, this recovery experience will change how you train and recover.
Use Code: TRAINITRIGHT at checkout to stack your discount with the early Black Friday sale and save up to 50% total.
Train It Right... you are stronger than your excuses. 💪🏽
10 Critical Signs of Menopause Every Woman Should Recognize, According to Dr. Janette Gray
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 5, 2025 — Dr. Janette Gray, internal medicine physician, hormone expert, author of The Truth about Sex Hormones, and medical director and founder of Perfect Balance Health, is sharing 10 key signs every woman should know about menopause.
“Although menopause is natural, for many, it can lead to a hormone imbalance and deficiency, which is an often overlooked yet widespread and silent epidemic,” warned Dr. Gray. “Millions of people are either undertreated or not treated at all for hormone imbalance, suffering needlessly from fatigue, weight gain, poor sleep, loss of sexual function and an overall poor sense of vitality. What makes this lack of treatment even more dangerous is that untreated hormone deficiency can cause heart attacks and even dementia.”
Dr. Gray’s 10 Key Signs Every Woman Should Know About Menopause
1. Irregular Periods for 90 Days: If your menstrual cycle becomes unpredictable for three consecutive months, with periods arriving early, late or skipping entirely, this is often the first sign of perimenopause beginning.
2. Night Sweats and Hot Flashes: While hot flashes get attention, night sweats that soak through pajamas and sheets are actually reported by 85% of menopausal women and can start years before periods stop.
3. “Menopause Brain”: Difficulty finding words, forgetting names or experiencing brain fog isn't your imagination. Declining estrogen directly affects cognitive function and memory processing.
4. Sleep Disruption Pattern Recognition: Waking up between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. regularly, even without night sweats, indicates hormonal shifts affecting your natural sleep-wake cycle.
5. Joint Pain: Unexplained aches in hands, knees or shoulders that worsen in the morning could be estrogen-related inflammation, not just aging.
6. Mood Changes That Aren't “Just Stress”: Sudden irritability, anxiety or feeling emotionally overwhelmed without obvious triggers often begin two to three years before periods end.
7. The Bladder Wake-Up Call: Increased urgency, frequency or minor leakage when laughing or sneezing signals pelvic floor changes from hormonal decline.
8. Skin and Hair Texture Changes: Thinning hair, dry skin despite moisturizing or adult acne appearing after years of clear skin reflect shifting hormone levels.
9. Weight Shifting to Middle: Gaining weight specifically around the waist, even with unchanged diet and exercise, indicates metabolic changes from decreased estrogen. While most people associate testosterone with men, women need it too, and hormone replacement therapy with estrogen and testosterone goes a long way toward eliminating midsection weight gain.
10. Start Watching at 45: While the average menopause age is 51, symptoms can begin as early as mid-40s, and women with a family history may experience changes even earlier.
“As soon as you notice perimenopause symptoms, it's a good time to discuss these health changes with your doctor and get your hormone levels tested,” advised Dr. Gray. “Women who choose hormone replacement therapy or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy get the most health benefits, including relief from hot flashes, better sleep, improved mood and libido, better cardiovascular health, protection from Alzheimer’s, and stronger bones when they start early.”
About Janette Gray Dr. Janette Gray is an internal medicine physician and recognized pioneer in integrative medicine and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy with over three decades of clinical experience. As founder and medical director of Perfect Balance Health in San Diego, she has dedicated her in-clinic and telehealth practice to helping adults of all genders achieve optimal wellness through personalized Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and comprehensive weight management programs. Dr. Gray's evidence-based approach combines traditional medical expertise with cutting-edge hormone therapies to address fatigue, metabolic dysfunction, decreased libido and age-related wellness concerns. A passionate advocate for healthy aging, Dr. Gray exemplifies her treatment philosophy through her own active lifestyle as a competitive pickleball player, participating in tournaments across the United States. For more information, visit https://perfectbalance.health.
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