Got Health?

Welcome to the Sibling Soapbox Podcast blog series! In this episode, we’re diving into one of our most important conversations yet: How to stay healthy in a broken medical system. Healthcare today is confusing, expensive, and often inaccessible—but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. By focusing on simple daily health hacks, preventative care, and smarter lifestyle choices, you can reclaim control of your wellness.

Why We Need Health Hacks in Today’s System

Both Tristan and Heather have felt firsthand the frustrations of trying to navigate America’s healthcare system. Long wait times, lack of accessible doctors, astronomical costs, and a heavy reliance on pharmaceuticals all highlight why taking charge of your health is more important than ever.

While we aren’t medical experts (disclaimer: this is not medical advice), we are passionate about wellness and finding everyday ways to live healthier lives. And the best part? Many of these health hacks are simple, affordable, and accessible.

Daily Health Hacks You Can Start Today

• Grounding (Earthing): Heather’s favorite practice is reconnecting with nature. Going barefoot on grass, sand, or earth can help recalibrate your body, reduce stress, and provide natural vitamin D from sunlight.
• Power Naps: Inspired by their grandmother who lived to 95, Tristan swears by the power nap. Just 10–20 minutes can reset your energy, sharpen focus, and boost productivity.
• Daily Movement: Whether it’s a 30-minute walk, yoga, or light exercise, moving your body daily helps prevent chronic illness and improves overall wellness.
• Juicing & Whole Foods: Fresh juices packed with vegetables, fruit, and protein support immunity and energy. Eating more whole, unprocessed foods while limiting preservatives and dyes can reduce inflammation and improve long-term health.

The Bigger Issue: A Broken Healthcare System

While hacks like these help, there’s no ignoring the elephant in the room: America’s medical system isn’t working for everyone. From months-long wait times to the rising cost of holistic care, both hosts share personal stories about:

* Doctor shortages

* Insurance roadblocks

* Limited access to preventative medicine

* The dominance of pharmaceuticals over holistic solutions

Their experiences echo what many Americans feel: it shouldn’t be this hard to get basic care.

Food, Health, and Prevention

A recurring theme in this conversation is how food plays a massive role in our health. From dyes like Red 40 that affect children’s behavior, to sugar addiction and ultra-processed foods, the podcast highlights:

* The importance of whole, real foods

* Growing awareness about food labels and hidden ingredients

* The connection between diet and mental health

Heather and Tristan encourage listeners to explore farmers markets, home gardening, and cooking at home as ways to take back control from a food system designed for convenience, not health.

Why Preventative Care Matters

Other countries invest more in preventative healthcare—time off, affordable alternative medicine, and wellness practices—while the U.S. focuses heavily on treatment after illness strikes. The result? Rising rates of diabetes, heart disease, and childhood health problems. Shifting focus to prevention not only saves money but creates healthier, longer lives.

* Small daily health hacks (grounding, naps, movement, juicing) make a big impact.

* The U.S. healthcare system is broken—but we can empower ourselves with lifestyle choices.

* Food matters: eliminating artificial dyes, preservatives, and excess sugar supports mental and physical health.

* Preventative care is the missing piece in America’s health puzzle.

Because at the end of the day, humans are designed to thrive, in spite of their environment. And we are all just trying to get through this thing called LIFE.