Better Beginnings, LLC

01/01/2026

Happy New Year to all! Our office will be closed today but will reopen Friday, 1/2/26.

12/26/2025

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas!
We are thankful to those who choose us as part of your care. We are also thankful to providers and practices/organizations who refer patients to us to collaborate in the health of those you serve.

11/27/2025

Best wishes for a blessed Thanksgiving.
Our offices will be CLOSED: Thursday, 11/27 & Friday, 11/28.
We will REOPEN at 8am on Monday, 12/1.

11/11/2025

Finally! The attention long-overdue on a matter affecting women in peri-menopause and menopause. A decades old study with deep flaws that resulted in many women being denied care via hormone replacement therapies that have vast benefits in this phase of life.

10/25/2025

Part II on sleep and mental health:
😴🧠 UNDIAGNOSED SLEEP APNEA & YOUR MENTAL HEALTH: THE HIDDEN CONNECTION 🧠😴

Do you wake up tired no matter how much you sleep? Snore loudly? Struggle with mood swings, brain fog, or anxiety?

You could be one of the millions living with undiagnosed sleep apnea — and it may be affecting your mental health more than you realize.

🔍 What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night — often without you knowing it. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where your airway gets blocked while you sleep.

🧠 How It Impacts Your Mental Health:
When your brain is constantly being disrupted at night, even for seconds at a time, it never gets the deep rest it needs to reset and recharge. This can lead to:

➡️ Chronic fatigue and brain fog
➡️ Irritability and mood swings
➡️ Increased anxiety and depression
➡️ Memory problems and difficulty focusing
➡️ In severe cases: greater risk of panic attacks and suicidal thoughts

📉 Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because people don’t remember waking up — but the mental toll is very real.

💡 The Good News:
Sleep apnea is treatable. Many people see major improvements in energy, mood, and mental clarity after diagnosis and treatment (like using a CPAP machine or oral device).

📣 If you or someone you love struggles with low mood, fatigue, or snoring — don’t ignore the signs. Talk to your doctor or ask for a sleep study. It could be the missing piece in your mental health journey.

10/23/2025

🧠💤 SLEEP & MENTAL HEALTH: WHY THEY'RE CLOSELY CONNECTED 💤🧠

Struggling with stress, anxiety, or low mood? 😔
Your sleep habits might be playing a bigger role than you think.

Here’s what science tells us ⬇️

🌙 Sleep is Mental Health's Silent Partner
When you sleep, your brain isn't just "resting" — it's resetting. Quality sleep helps regulate emotions, process memories, and recharge your ability to handle stress. Poor sleep? It does the opposite.

🔁 The Two-Way Street

Anxiety and depression can make it harder to fall or stay asleep.

Lack of sleep can trigger or worsen anxiety, depression, and even increase risk of suicidal thoughts.
It’s a cycle — but the good news? You can break it. ✅

🛌 What You Can Do Today:

Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends

Limit screen time before bed 📱

Avoid caffeine late in the day

Create a calming wind-down routine (think: music, reading, deep breathing)

📢 If you're struggling with your sleep or mental health, you're not alone. Reach out today, we can help (386) 518-6089.

10/21/2025

🌿 Did you know your gut health affects your mental health? 🧠✨
Your gut and brain are closely connected through what’s called the gut-brain axis — a communication highway linking your digestive system and your brain.

Here’s how it works:
🦠 Gut Microbiome: Trillions of bacteria live in your gut, helping digest food and produce important nutrients. These microbes also influence the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, often called the “feel-good” chemical.
🧠 Mood & Mental Health: Since about 90% of serotonin is made in the gut, a healthy microbiome can support better mood regulation, reduce anxiety, and even improve cognitive function.
⚠️ Imbalance Warning: Poor diet, stress, antibiotics, and illness can disrupt your gut bacteria, potentially leading to mood swings, depression, or brain fog.
Tips for a Healthy Gut & Mind:
🥦 Eat fiber-rich foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains
🧴 Include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut
💧 Stay hydrated
💤 Prioritize sleep and stress management
🚶‍♂️ Stay active!

Taking care of your gut isn’t just about digestion—it’s about nurturing your whole self, mind and body.
💬 Have you noticed a connection between your gut health and how you feel mentally? Share your experience below!