In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, Dr. Cindy Howard shares what it's like to experience healthcare from both sides, as a doctor and as a patient. She opens up about her journey of recognizing the signs of Hodgkin's lymphoma in herself and navigating treatment while drawing on her years of experience in functional medicine.

Together, we discuss the emotions that come with receiving a life-changing diagnosis, the importance of self-care, and why personalized healthcare can make a real difference. We also explore gut health, environmental toxins, genetic testing, and how AI is changing the way patients can advocate for their own health.

Dr. Howard explains why asking questions, setting boundaries, and working with healthcare providers who listen and collaborate are essential parts of achieving better health outcomes.

If you or someone you love is lost in the healthcare maze or facing a critical diagnosis, this episode is for you. Listen in, share the episode with a friend, and empower yourself to be an informed, proactive participant in your own health journey!

Dr. Navaz Habib

Email: podcast@healthupgraded.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

JP Errico
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aa

Dr. Cindy Howard
Website: https://www.innovativehwc.com/

In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, I talk with Waldi Hoon, the founder of yōjō, about her journey into the world of vagus nerve health. She shares how her background in content creation, along with her family's experience with chronic pain, inspired her to help others improve their health using science-based solutions.

We also discuss how modern life, from constant stress to information overload and unhealthy habits, affects our nervous system. Waldi explains why building resilience, creating simple daily routines, and finding the right self-care practices can make a big difference. We also explore how YoJo's technology and community help people make these healthy habits part of everyday life.

If you're looking for practical ways to reduce stress, improve your wellbeing, and learn more about nervous system health, this episode is for you. If you find it helpful, share it with three friends who could benefit too.

Dr. Navaz Habib

Email: podcast@healthupgraded.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

Waldi Hoon
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waldihoon/
Website: https://www.yojo.health/

In this episode, I explore the connection between your light environment, the vagus nerve, and heart rate variability (HRV). Drawing on a 2025 systematic review of 25 studies, I explain how both the timing and quality of light exposure can influence nervous system function and overall recovery.

I discuss how morning exposure to bright, blue-enriched light helps regulate your circadian rhythm and support healthy biological rhythms, even if it may cause a temporary reduction in HRV. In contrast, warmer, dimmer light in the evening can help promote relaxation and prepare the body for restful sleep.

I also share practical strategies for optimizing your daily light exposure, particularly for individuals who experience anxiety, stress, or heightened sensitivity to environmental factors.

As a simple challenge, I invite you to pay closer attention to your light habits for one week. Aim to get natural light in the morning and use warmer, lower-intensity lighting in the evening. Observe how your HRV responds over time, rather than focusing on moment-to-moment changes.

If you find this episode valuable, share it with someone who may benefit from it. Small changes in daily habits can have a meaningful impact on long-term health and well-being.

Dr. Navaz Habib

Email: podcast@healthupgraded.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib