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Jennifer Matakovich headshot

Health Beyond the Headlines

I have been in healthcare for over 30 years, and I have witnessed so much change in our world in that time. Not long ago, healthcare practitioners didn’t live behind computers delivering patient care. We complained about the growing demands of computer documentation and enjoyed the simplicity of paper charting.

That wasn’t long ago, because I’m not that old. However, today, information (and misinformation) is a mere finger stroke away. We are bombarded with new information, so overwhelmingly so, that every time we turn around there is some new crisis lurking just around every corner from the very edges of our world, just enough to re-ignite malingering anxieties.  We suddenly find that our world has changed so drastically that we have forgotten simply how to be healthy… and happy. 

🥁 An Out-of-Rhythm Drum

It seems that so many aspects of our everyday lives are now geared towards speed, convenience, or digital substitutes. We are naively dependent on the food and basic necessities provided for us by the nearest big box store.  No longer do we feel the need for canning when we can buy what we need from any grocer, in any season year-round.  No longer do we need to sew our own clothes when the latest fashion is affordable at a mere Amazon swipe.  Gardening has become a weekend past-time, with annual flowers and maybe a few exotic potted plants or a few vegetables being grown just for fun—no longer a necessity. 

We now live in a world where both parents work just to make ends meet, and Netflix shows have become the center of breakroom talks over coffee at work.  Children spend hours in front of video games making ‘friends,’ and losing the ability to hold intellectual conversations while maintaining eye contact with adults.  We are so mentally drained that we choose to text a friend rather than make the effort to meet for lunch. We opt to pick up fast food on the way home for the kids instead of creating a home-cooked meal together. We ask Alexa to manage our schedules, ask ChatGPT for fashion advice, and use Google Maps to navigate from one obligation to the next.

Depression and anxiety have hit an all-time high with people desperately turning to doctors for help.  People are eating ‘all the right foods’ and frantically biking on their Peloton in their virtual spin class but still gaining weight.  Heck, doctors are even turning to doctors for answers with the same problems among each other, prescribing medications to patients and themselves, so that we, as a society, can drive on to the beat of an out-of-rhythm drum.

🌿 The Power of Herbal Medicine

Despite this unhealthy and unhappy lifestyle that seems to be today’s norm, I believe we are at the dawn of a new awakening, which is ironic because this awakening is centered on not-so-old-world solutions.  Perhaps Grandma and Grandpa were on to something: we are missing something tangible, something meaningful, something important.

Across my 30+ year journey, I have spent years researching and working in many capacities of medicine.  My life experiences treating patients have spanned across three continents and have ranged from in-utero to end-of-life care, trauma to chronic illnesses, military and civilian—and everything in between. Across them all, I have discovered what has always been: herbal medicine.

Herbs are a vivacious source of survival for humanity.  Herbs are all around us, and are actually intelligent sources of critical life.  Without herbs there would be no life source, as they provide food, medicine, and the delicate balance of nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide in the air we desperately need for survival.

As a proud graduate of David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies, I am an herbalist with a distinct difference. I have a very unique approach to medicine, utilizing my former military training coupled with my extensive experience as a licensed respiratory therapist for 20 years.  I understand the conventional approach to medicine, but I also provide an herbal niche that most do not. 

Though I specialize in sleep, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the respiratory system, I treat more than just symptoms, I treat the entire person.  I use plants in such a way that most people are unaware possible.  I utilize old-world practices to really get to the root of dis-ease, allowing the proper herbs to heal the root cause and allowing the body to heal itself

Herbs and spices displayed in jars, bowls, spoons. Photo credit: Patrycja Tomaszczyk

💚 Join Me at Rebekah’s

I think this awakening is just starting to happen. There are communities of people waking up to the realization that herbs are powerful, as they are searching for ways to reconnect and seeking solutions to unanswered questions.  People want to make a change, to re-learn how to be healthy… and happy in our modern world.

I have found that Rebekah’s offers a home to these communities, almost like an outreach program.  She has consistently built an open space, allowing for anyone looking for answers to find something within her stores.  You don’t have to be a subject matter expert on health and wellness to find answers and products to improve your life.  That’s what her stores, her staff, and her practitioner events are focused on. 

As part of her community, I’ll be teaming up with Rebekah and her crew to hold my Health Beyond the Headlines class on Saturday, February 28 from 10am to 1pm in Lapeer. Join me and Rebekah’s staff for an uplifting, educational, and hopeful fight for our health.  I will talk about how to get back to basics, with an emphasis on reading—and decoding—labels, understanding PLU codes, and how to navigate a healthy balance in this fast-track, digital world we are living in.  We will discuss our senses, our skin, and what to look for to maximize our healthy exposures during our everyday life. 

Don’t worry about where you are in your own journey. I recognize how we all have different stages of life and come from different backgrounds, so I will guide individually.  My class wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t discuss our up and fast-approaching spring (though I hear Punxsutawney Phil’s ex-wife now lives in Florida and said that Phil is a compulsive liar) and ideas as to how to expand our spring preparation.

Like we say in the Army, “Train as you fight, fight as you train!” Healthcare is about training your body to be able to fight to survive and be healthy—physically, mentally, and spiritually. It takes 100% effort every day so that your body is resilient and prepared to thrive.

With sincerity,

Jennifer Matakovich
Clinical Herbalist
Licensed Respiratory Therapist (retired)

📣 A Special Offer for Those Who Attend!

Save 10% off your in-store purchase when you attend the Health Beyond Headlines event. Offer valid for use in Rebekah’s Lapeer store February 28, 2026, only.

Seating is limited! Register to attend the Health Beyond Headlines event today. Visit the Events page for more information: rebekahspureliving.com/events

Two hands forming the shape of a heart in front of an ocean and sky background.

Show Your Heart Some Love: 3 Reasons to Take a Max Pulse Test

When you hear the words “max pulse test” do you think of heart health? Because that’s exactly what this cutting-edge test helps you understand.

A max pulse test measures the maximum potential of the cardiovascular system. Using a photoelectric clip on the fingertip, the test tracks your pulse wave from your heart to your finger.

As a board-certified holistic health practitioner and certified max pulse technician, I am passionate about offering max pulse testing because I want to help people. In fact, I’ll be offering 1-minute assessments this Saturday, February 7, at Rebekah’s Heart-to-Heart Health Fair in Lake Orion!

Here are three reasons why you should come to the health fair and see me for a max pulse test this Saturday:

💔 1. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide.

Taking a max pulse test can literally change your life because it tells you how strong your arteries are, how well your blood is circulating, and also gives insight into your stress levels. Understanding these clues can help you catch heart issues early and make smarter health choices every day.

2. It’s quick and easy.

I offer two types of max pulse tests—both of which require less than five minutes to complete. They’re non-invasive and FDA-approved.

First, the one-minute test, which I’ll be offering at Rebekah’s health fair this weekend, tells us your pulse wave type which measures the health of your arteries. It’s a great starting point.

Second, the three-minute test is a full cardio health assessment, including an autonomic nervous system stress report. This gives us an in-depth look at heart health, blood pressure, vascular issues, and more. On top of that, this test gives us a peek into the balance (or imbalance) of the central nervous system, which can open a dialog about things like anxiety, depression, and sleep issues. I offer these tests by appointment and provide you with a report and consultation about my recommendations.

🎉 3. You can shop for heart-healthy products right at Rebekah’s.

As you already know, Rebekah’s cares about your health! Based on your max pulse test results, I make recommendations for products that you can pick out right in her store. That way it’s easy for you to make small changes and improve your heart health right away.

Ready to show your heart some love? Stop by and see me—along with dozens of other health practitioners—this Saturday, February 7, in Lake Orion at Rebekah’s Heart-to-Heart Health Fair!

Tamra Hartwig
Holistic Health Practitioner
Certified Max Pulse Technician

Visit the Events page for more information about the upcoming health fair: rebekahspureliving.com/events

Flyer to promote the free Lake Orion Health Fair at Rebekah's, Saturday, February 7th, 2026, from 12-4pm.

Heart to Heart Health & Wellness Fair Coming to Lake Orion!

February is American Heart Month and we’re hosting an inspiring, community-centered afternoon dedicated to heart health, healing, and whole-body wellness. Join us in Lake Orion for our Heart to Heart Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, February 7 from 12-4pm!

This free event is designed to educate, empower, and connect you with trusted local practitioners and wellness resources.

What You’ll Experience:

Meet Local Healers & Practitioners
Connect with knowledgeable experts in holistic health, functional wellness, and natural therapies.

Mini Sessions & Live Demonstrations
Enjoy hands-on experiences, wellness technologies, and complimentary assessments.

Heart Health Education
Learn natural approaches to supporting cardiovascular health, circulation, stress balance, hormones, peptides, and overall vitality.

Samples, Giveaways & Goodies
Sip, sample, and explore—plus raffles and refreshments throughout the afternoon.

Community Connection
Discover practical tools to support your heart, your health, and your happiness.

💚Practitioners & Services:

Tamra Hartwig– Mini Cardiovascular Scans

Natalie LaBute – Intuitive Readings

Jennifer Shell – FREE Facial Wellness Scans

Eric – FREE Chair Massage- Tips Welcome

Balance Your Fitness – FREE Health & Physical Assessments

Jessica Guibord – FREE Reiki (tips welcome)

Donna Tayler – Acupuncture & Ozone Therapy

Robotic Rehab – FREE Health Assessments

🧠Education & Wellness Talks

Terésa McQueen – Mi Wearable Wellness | McQueen Life

Laura Young–Total Wellness Solutions (Hormones • Peptides • Nutrition)

Holly Straka – Quantum Wave Wellness

🛍️Local Vendors

Mark Spencer–  Spencers Local Honey

Elizabeth Hucker– Handcrafted Solstice Soap

Flora Coffee Company LLC– Fresh Costa Rican Coffee

The Little Loaf Bakehouse – Sourdough Bread Sale

Shelley Pelky -(Mighty Greens) – Microgreens Sale

Becky Albert – Baked Goods Sale

Devon Gibson – Just Thrive

James Boyd – Knockout Spray

Pete- Emerald Brand

Our Health Fairs are known for bringing together the very best in holistic wellness—from nutrition and herbal medicine to energy work and innovative natural therapies.

Bring a friend. Stay awhile. Leave informed, inspired, and with a full heart (and maybe a few goodies too). For complete event details, visit: Free Health & Wellness Fair- Lake Orion – Rebekah’s Health and Nutrition or follow our Lake Orion store on Facebook!

With care,
Rebekah Lynn Spencer
Owner & Holistic Health Advocate
Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition

Laura Young, founder of Total Wellness Solution, is a midlife hormone and perimenopause specialist.

New Year, New You: A Midlife Woman’s Guide to Thriving Through Perimenopause Hormone Changes

As we step into a new year, many women feel a mix of hope, overwhelm, and frustration—especially if you’ve been battling changes that seem to come out of nowhere. You may be eating clean, taking supplements, working out, managing a full household and career… and yet you feel exhausted, inflamed, moody, or unlike yourself.

If this resonates, you’re not alone. What you’re experiencing is not a personal failure or a lack of willpower, it’s the biological reality of perimenopause and menopause, one of the most transformative shifts a woman’s body will ever go through.

🔄Your Body in Transition

According to The Menopause Society, hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can begin years before the final menstrual period and impact nearly every organ system in the body, including the brain, heart, bones, muscles, and metabolism.

The truth is nobody warned you how intense this transition could be. Hormones fluctuate wildly, and these changes ripple through every system. This is why women suddenly find themselves struggling with symptoms they never expected, like:

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Mood changes that feel like emotional whiplash
  • Brain fog and memory issues
  • Weight gain or stubborn belly fat
  • Recurrent UTIs
  • Vaginal dryness or pain with sex
  • Frozen shoulder and joint pain
  • Sleep disruptions
  • Digestive issues
  • Anxiety and low mood
  • Hair thinning

Research published through PubMed and supported by the National Institutes of Health confirms that estrogen decline is strongly linked to changes in insulin sensitivity, fat distribution, inflammation, and muscle loss, which explains why weight becomes harder to manage and fatigue becomes more pronounced in midlife.

For many women, these symptoms collide with some of the most demanding years of life that involve raising kids, maintaining a career, caring for aging parents, managing a household—and carrying the invisible emotional and logistical load that comes with each. And for many women, they finally muster the courage to seek help only to be told that their labs are “normal,” that they’re “just stressed,” or that “this is aging.”

I believe women deserve better than dismissal.

⚖️A Better Way to Find Balance

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists  states that menopausal symptoms are “medical conditions that deserve evaluation and treatment,” not something women should simply “tough out.” Yet far too many women are left without answers or dismissed altogether.

Here’s the reality: perimenopause isn’t a disease, but it is a state of hormonal imbalance. And those imbalances affect everything from your blood sugar and metabolism to your gut, mood, sleep, and muscle composition.

As you enter this new year, I want to shift the focus away from the pressure to reinvent yourself. The real “New Year, New You” isn’t about restriction, dieting, or punishing your body. It’s about returning to yourself. Understanding your body. Supporting your hormones. Building strength. Creating metabolic stability. Nourishing your nervous system. And advocating for a level of care that honors your lived experience.

This season of life asks for more support, not less.
More nourishment.
More rest.
More muscle.
More blood sugar stability.
More hormone evaluation.
More compassionate care.

And, absolutely, more evidence-based approaches—from nutrition and strength training to peptide therapy, functional lab testing, and bioidentical hormone therapy when appropriate.

💚Total Wellness Solutions is Here to Help!

The perimenopause symptoms you’re feeling are not a sign that you’re broken. They are signals. And they deserve proper evaluation, proper support, and a provider who doesn’t dismiss your concerns.

Midlife can actually become one of the most powerful chapters of your life. You’ve gained wisdom, confidence, boundaries, and resilience. Now imagine pairing that with balanced hormones, restorative sleep, strong muscle, a calm nervous system, and a metabolism that works with you rather than against you. That’s the true transformation.

As we begin this new year, I want you to know this: You are not alone. Your symptoms are valid. And there are real solutions that can help you reclaim your energy, confidence, and health.

You deserve to feel good in your body again—and you absolutely can. Book a call with me to get started on your TOTAL WELLNESS journey.

Laura Young, FDN-P
Midlife Hormone Specialist & Peptide Expert
Board Certified Functional Wellness Practitioner
Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner

Learn more at totalwellnessolutions.com
Book a call
Follow along on Instagram

Venders chat with shoppers at a Health and Wellness Fair held in the past at Rebekah's.

Free Health Scans, Raffles, and Healing Energy—Join us in Clarkston!

Celebrate the season of renewal with an afternoon of holistic healing at our Health & Wellness Fair this month.

Join us Saturday, December 6 from 12-4pm at our Clarkston location. Explore natural remedies, meet local wellness practitioners, and enjoy the day dedicated to mindful living. The best part? Admission is free!

We’ll have samples of our favorite products, expert-led live demonstrations with practical health tips, gift bag raffles, and more!

🌟Healers & Practitioners You’ll Meet:

• Natalie LaBute – Intuitive Readings
• Aaron Wallace – Balance Your Health
• Angelica Arnes – Naturopathic Doctor
• Tamera Harwig – Max Pulse Cardio Testing
• Donna – Acupuncture & Ozone Therapy
• Dr. Jennifer Shell – FREE Facial Wellness Scans
• Erin Levi – Myofascial Release
• Jill Pittman – Craniosacral Therapy & Foot Reflexology
• Brother Love Windell – Card Readings
• Kristin Gilmore – Hado Counseling & Therapy
•Jennifer Shell – Visera Link wellness scans

💚Supplier & Vendor Lineup:

• Mark Spencer – Spencer’s Honey & Medicine From the Hive
• Flora Coffee – Freshly roasted, locally loved
• 6AM Sourdough – Artisan breads & starter creations
• Joe Gallagher – Red Light Therapy
• Club Pilates – Strength, mobility & whole-body alignment
• Kawa – Ceremonial Grade Cacao
• Pete Laduke – Boiron, CBD, Herb Pharm, Pranarom, & more
• Devon Gibson – Just Thrive Demo
• Nicole Wakefield – Ener-C, Paradise Herbs, & Symphony Naturals

Bring a friend, explore local wellness experts, and celebrate community healing through heartfelt conversations with people who are as passionate about health as you are.

Rebekah’s isn’t just a store – it’s a community and we can’t wait to see you at this Health & Wellness Fair! Come curious, leave inspired. 👋

With care,
Rebekah Lynn Spencer
Owner & Holistic Health Advocate
Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition

Men's Health Gift Guide 2025 graphic with a border of wrapped gifts and holiday ornamental items.

Shopping For Him? Use Our Men’s Health Gift Guide 🎁

As the holiday season quickly approaches, you might be looking to get a head start on gathering gifts for all your loved ones. And finding the right things for the men in your life can be tricky. This year, consider giving a gift that will support his health and wellness.

To help get you started, we’re launching our first-ever gift guide! We’re counting down our top 5 men’s health and wellness gift ideas, so you can spend the holidays spreading good vibes and good health.

💪5. Men’s multivitamins and minerals

Starting with the basics, men’s multivitamins and minerals are great for a variety of reasons, like providing the body with nutrients that might be missing from diet alone or preventing diseases. According to research, women are more likely to take a multivitamin than men, no matter the age group.

Trying a supplement can be an easy entry point to the health and wellness journey for the men you love!

Rebekah’s Pick: Pure Essence men’s multivitamin

🌿4. Natural and chemical-free deodorant

Slathering on deodorant can be such a mundane, daily task. Something many people overlook is how this small habit can actually be harmful to the skin. While artificial fragrances might smell good, they can cause painful irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Natural, chemical-free deodorant works to absorb moisture and eliminate odor-causing bacteria with the help of essential oils and safe ingredients. You can make sure he gets the same benefits as standard deodorant—and wonderfully scented options— without the skin irritation.

🎅3. Tallow oil

Next up is tallow oil for the men who sport facial hair. Known for its moisturizing benefits, tallow oil comes from animal fat, which is natural and nourishing for all skin types. It promotes healthy hair growth, supporting both the follicles and the skin beneath the facial hair. Finally, tallow oil also works as a conditioner, softening coarse hair and making his beard or mustache more manageable.

Tallow oil is a great choice to help him feel nourished and stylish.

💚2. Cholesterol products for a healthy heart

Now, let’s go straight to his heart. In general, men tend to have higher levels of cholesterol than women. Sometimes that’s because of genetics and hormones and other times it can be linked to smoking, alcohol consumption, and other lifestyle behaviors. The good news is that there are plenty of products that can support a healthy heart and lower cholesterol numbers.

From omega-3 fatty acids, garlic, and flaxseeds to green tea and plant stanols and sterols, consider stocking your pantry with supplements that will support his heart all year long.

Rebekah’s Pick: Bio Nutrition Cholesterol Wellness

💊1. Prostate support

    Did you know that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the U.S.? There are many ways for men to maintain a healthy prostate, including eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting regular screenings to detect problems early on.

    In addition, supplements can offer prostate support, earning the number 1 spot on our list. Zinc, lycopene, selenium, and saw palmetto are all great options to reduce inflammation, improve urinary flow, and support overall prostate health. Glycinate powder is also helpful for reducing prostate inflammation and quieting an active bladder to ensure a good night’s sleep.

    With the gift ideas on our list, great health doesn’t need to be expensive! You can support men’s health and wellness by making small, mindful changes.

    At Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition Source, we proudly offer products in each of these categories and more. Stop in and find the perfect gift to give the men you love a healthy holiday season today!

    With care,
    Rebekah Lynn Spencer 

    Holistic Health Practitioner | NES Health Practitioner | Health Coach
    Owner, Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition

    Rebekah’s Health Fairs are Back!

    Ready to fall in love with wellness? 💚🍂 We’ve got you covered with our FREE Health Fair this month at our Lapeer location.

    Join us Saturday, November 15 from 12-4pm to explore natural living, meet local healers, and enjoy an afternoon dedicated to feeling your best with like-minded health seekers.

    Our Health Fair will have product samples so you can try our favorite wellness products, expert-led live demonstrations with practical health tips, gift bag raffles, and more! Our Health Fairs bring together people who make great health a priority and remind us that we’re all in this journey together.

    ✨Welcome this year’s incredible Health Fair lineup:

    Julia Deer: Pigeon Chiropractic & Deer Holistic health scans

    Jessica Guibord: Reiki Healing

    Tamera Harwig: Max pulse cardio testing

    Ramie: Acupuncture

    Sandy Traver Montgomery: Reiki drum healing

    Darlene Stryker: Intuitive readings

    Natalie LaBute: Intuitive readings

    Sue Novotney: Intuitive readings

    Aaron Wallace: Balance Your Health

    Taylor: Peak Performance Chiropractor

    Liana Toy/Cori: Sound Vibration Mat

    Mandy Slawter: Panda Fitness and nutrition assessments

    Laura Young: Wellness consultations

    Dr. Schelter: Zerona Laser

    🎉Meet our Health Fair suppliers!

    Eva: Organic sourdough (lovejoybread.com)

    Mark Spencer: Local honey & beekeeping (spencerapiaries.com)

    Flora Coffee is BACK!

    Reagan: Wilderness Wick Candles

    Elizabeth Hucker: Solstice Soap Co.

    Jake and Katie: Happy Apple Farms Jewelry

    Devon Gibson: Just Thrive

    Our Health Fairs are perfect for people interested in health and wellness ready to explore a variety of opportunities and resources. Every Health Fair reminds me why I started Rebekah’s: people leave smiling, relaxed, and inspired to take better care of themselves. That’s what real wellness is about.

    If you’ve never been to one of our Health Fairs, come experience what health and happiness feel like. You’ll walk out lighter, brighter and full of new possibilities. 💚

    With care,
    Rebekah Lynn Spencer
    Owner & Holistic Health Advocate
    Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition

    A family of two adults and two children walk together in a park with a soccer ball on a sunny, fall day. Photo by Family Moments.

    Your Best Defense During Cold and Flu Season

    Cold and flu season is here, and while we can’t avoid every bug, we can build strong defenses that help us recover faster and stay well longer.

    At Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition – Michigan’s third-largest supplier of high-quality health and wellness products – our approach is simple: prevention first, and when illness does strike, keep it short and mild.

    To give you and your family a strong defense during cold and flu season, we’ve gathered our top prevention tips as well as essential products to ensure quick recovery and immunity strength this fall and winter.

    Tips for Prevention:

    Strengthen your immune system with each of these daily practices:

    ☀️ Get outside for sunshine because Vitamin D is a free immune booster.

    🍭 Cut back on processed foods and sugar which can suppress immunity.

    🧼 Wash your hands often, this is a small habit with a big impact.

    💚 Spend time with loved ones because social connection lowers stress, and a calmer body is a healthier body.

    Products for Quick Recovery:

    When it comes to extra support, you’ll want to keep three essential types of products on hand during cold and flu season:

    💊 Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Zinc are core nutrients to keep the immune system primed and responsive.

    💪 Probiotics because a healthy gut is the foundation of strong immunity.

    🌿 Rebekah’s Signature Supplement Formulas:

      Wellness 911 is a rapid response supplement with garlic extract, which has been relied on for centuries to promote overall wellness. Other botanicals like elderberry, olive leaf extract, and oregano oil complete this comprehensive formula – your go-to for cold and flu season!

      Seasonal 911 offers a combination of key vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts to support respiratory health specifically, including lung discomfort.

      Immuno Well RX is a daily herbal blend for long-term resilience, not only helping with cold and flu season but also bacterial and viral infections.

      CongestEeze is an herbal supplement which naturally relieves congestion and respiratory discomfort for acute colds, flu, sinus infections, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and more.

      Rebekah’s personal favorite! Sinus Blaster offers fast-acting results and professional strength relief from first use. This liquid formula can be sprayed in the mouth to treat sinus infections, sinus headaches, colds, flu, fevers, snoring, and more.

      Remember: it’s okay to get sick a little bit. Rebekah’s Signature Supplement Formulas are designed to make it easier for you to bounce back!

      With care,
      Rebekah Lynn Spencer
      Owner & Holistic Health Advocate
      Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition

      A senior couple embraces and smiles while sitting on a bench in autumn.

      5 Ways to Care for Yourself on World Mental Health Day

      Millions of people are affected by mental illness each year. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health says one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness, which can include mild to severe mental, behavioral, or emotional disorders.

      As a holistic health practitioner and health coach, I believe the key to improving mental health is prevention. The best advice I give to my clients is to take control of your own life and health. And that can be done through small lifestyle changes and routines which make a big difference for our overall health.

      With World Mental Health Day coming up on October 10, I wanted to share five practical ways to care for yourself and improve your mental health:

      🌻 1. Get Moving and Go Outside

      Tai chi, a walk in the park, an exercise class at your local community center. Whatever you choose, make movement part of your regular routine, especially if it can be done outdoors. Regular exercise can sweat away stress, boost your mood, increase blood flow to the brain, and improve sleep quality. And getting out in nature is a great way to stay grounded and grateful for the world around us.

      🍎 2. Eat Something Good

      Nourishing our bodies with a balanced and nutritious meal is an act of self-care and self-love. Do your best to choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber, and healthy fats—these all benefit your brain health and mood. Supplements and probiotics can also ensure your body is getting the right mix of essentials.

      🧩 3. Have Fun!

      Social connection can have a profound impact on mental health, because it creates a sense of belonging and we feel loved, cared for, and valued. Seek out time with friends and family who support you. Make time to do something that brings you joy. Let yourself have time to play!

      🧘‍♀️ 4. Breathe

      Mindfulness is another powerful tool for improving mental health because it brings us to the present moment, rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. From simple breathwork to meditation, you can become aware of your emotions, accept and work through them, and allow yourself to heal.

      🌙 5. Rest

      Whether you take a break from technology, dedicate time to be alone, or focus on getting a good night’s sleep, rest is critical for mental well-being. Carve out time in your day to rest—that means no doing, planning, or overthinking. Use the time to pause, recover, and recharge. Your body and mind will thank you!

      To further your wellness journey on World Mental Health Day—or any day—explore our products, resources events, and health fairs at all of our store locations:

      • Lapeer – 588 S Main St, Lapeer, MI 48446
      • Lake Orion – 1095 S Lapeer Rd, Lake Orion, MI 48360
      • Grand Blanc – 252 Perry Rd, Grand Blanc, MI 48439
      • Clarkston – 7093 Dixie Hwy, Clarkston, MI 48346

      My team and I are passionate about supporting your wellness journey through consultations, workshops, and personalized sessions. We care about your health!

      With care,
      Rebekah Lynn Spencer
      Owner & Holistic Health Advocate
      Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition

      If you or someone you know is struggling with a serious mental health condition, there are professional resources available for immediate help through the National Institute of Mental Health at nimh.nih.gov.

      Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers stacked containers on display in Rebekah's Health & Nutrition store.

      🌿 7 Types of Magnesium and How They Boost Your Health

      Magnesium is one of those powerhouse minerals our bodies can’t live without. In fact, it’s needed for over 300 biochemical reactions that keep us running at full steam. It helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heartbeat steady, and strengthens our bones.

      On top of that, magnesium helps regulate blood glucose levels and is essential for producing energy and protein in the body.

      While you can find this mighty mineral in whole foods—like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes—many people still fall short of getting enough through diet alone. That’s where supplements can make a big difference.

      What Are the 7 Types of Magnesium?

      When shopping for magnesium supplements, you’ll find many types with different names. Let’s explore the 7 main types and how they boost your health:

      Magnesium Glycinate

      • Highly absorbable and gentle on the stomach
      • Calms the nervous system, eases tension, supports deep sleep

      Magnesium Citrate

      • Highly absorbable
      • Mild laxative effect — helps relieve occasional constipation

      Magnesium Malate

      • Supports energy production in cells
      • Eases muscle soreness and fatigue

      Magnesium Taurate

      • Combines magnesium with the amino acid taurine
      • Supports heart health, steady heartbeat, and healthy blood pressure

      Magnesium Threonate

      • Crosses the blood-brain barrier effectively
      • Supports memory, focus, and overall cognitive function

      Magnesium Chloride

      • Highly absorbable
      • Can be taken orally or used topically for sore muscles and magnesium replenishment

      Magnesium Oxide

      • Most economical form
      • Used short term for occasional heartburn and constipation (less absorbable)

      ✨ Now Available at Rebekah’s

      Not sure where to begin? At Rebekah’s, we’ve got you covered. You can find each of these types of supplements in our stores to support your wellness journey.

      We’re also excited to now carry Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers—the only brand that combines 7 different forms of magnesium into one powerful blend for optimal absorption and benefits, including glycinate, citrate, malate, taurate, and more!

      You can find Magnesium Breakthrough as capsules or delicious drink mixes at all four of our Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition locations:

      • Lapeer – 588 S Main St, Lapeer, MI 48446
      • Lake Orion – 1095 S Lapeer Rd, Lake Orion, MI 48360
      • Grand Blanc – 252 Perry Rd, Grand Blanc, MI 48439
      • Clarkston – 7093 Dixie Hwy, Clarkston, MI 48346

      With care,
      Rebekah Lynn Spencer 💚

      Holistic Health Practitioner | NES Health Practitioner | Health Coach
      Owner, Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition