The Wellness Way- Granville

05/11/2026

🦠 HANTAVIRUS ALERT & INFO DROP 🫁

Hantavirus can trigger severe vascular leakage in the lungs — a condition called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) 😳🫁

This happens because the virus targets receptors on the cells lining blood vessels — especially αvβ3 integrins and PCDH1 receptors — contributing to inflammation, fluid buildup, and serious breathing complications.

A few weeks ago, reports started circulating about people on a cruise ship becoming sick with hantavirus-like illness 🚢😳 which this virus back into mainstream discussion.

🐭 HOW PEOPLE ARE TYPICALLY EXPOSED:
✔️ Rodent droppings
✔️ Mouse urine/dried particles in the air
✔️ Cleaning dusty barns, sheds, garages & campers
✔️ Rural and wooded environments

🔬 POTENTIAL THERAPIES & COMPOUNDS BEING STUDIED THAT SHOW PROMISING RESULTS:

🌿 Quercetin
🌿 Curcumin/Turmeric
🌿 Green Tea (EGCG)
🌿 Chinese Skullcap
🌿 Resveratrol
💊 Ivermectin (investigated experimentally for possible antiviral effects)

🚨 Important:
No herb or medication has been definitively proven to cure or prevent hantavirus in humans.

🧬 INTERESTING FACT:
There is already a published US patent for mRNA vaccines against hantavirus that were approved in 2025 last year.

Patent link here 👇
https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/2c/cb/cc/353a3127dd45a4/US20250127870A1.pdf

📄 Another interesting document that has circulated online is Pfizer’s early post-marketing adverse event report database released through FOIA requests.

Some people have pointed out that “hantavirus pulmonary infection” appears within the large list of reported medical adverse events submitted after vaccination on page 33.

Document here 👇
https://phmpt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/5.3.6-postmarketing-experience.pdf

Stay informed 📚
Stay aware 👀
Stay healthy 💪

05/07/2026

This special was crazy last year!! We love watching all of our hard working athletes excel. I totally wish I would have done something like this when I was in sports in high school and in college.
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Oh the potential!
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Call to schedule at 740-672-3630
Or visit our link in the bio to schedule an athlete screening, online with Dr. Ethan!
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Ages 5-21 for any sport! Dr. Ethan will tailor your plan to you and your sport specifically!

Let’s do this!
🏀🏈⚽️⚾️🥎🏐🎳🏒🥊🏂🚴⛳️🥋🧗

05/05/2026

🦠🏠 Mold Testing: Body vs. Environment — Where Should You Start? 🤔

This is a question I get ALL the time, so let’s break it down 👇

👉 My preference? Start with the ENVIRONMENT.

Here’s why:

🚫 Urine mold testing can be misleading
If someone is taking supplements that support detox, it can skew results and even lead to a false negative. That means you might miss something important.

If I do run a urine test, I always recommend:
⏸️ Avoiding supplements for at least 10 days prior
🍄 Avoiding commonly moldy foods for at least 72 hours before testing

🧪 So when do I actually test the body?
Only in specific situations:
• Concern for mold exposure related to breast implants
• When we need proof for a skeptical spouse, landlord, school, etc.

📊 Why the environment matters most
Testing the home tells us:
✔️ If there is a current exposure
✔️ How significant the issue is
✔️ What the healing timeline might realistically look like

💰 It also tends to be more cost-effective to test the home first rather than testing the body and THEN trying to track down the source.

🧫 Best testing methods?
Not all mold tests are created equal…

❌ Air testing → often inconsistent and unreliable
✅ Surface swab testing → much more accurate
🏆 My personal favorite: the “DUST Test”

Link: https://www.thedusttest.com/?_ef_transaction_id&oid=2&affid=50

This method can is even more informative and accurate than the ERMI test.

If you are in central Ohio and want a full run through of your home to pin point the EXACT location of mold and how bad it is then I would call my #1 mold inspector TNK Inspections who are a fraction of the cost that conventional inspectors do and much more thorough and accurate to work with!

✨ Bottom line:
If you’re concerned about mold, start with where you live. The environment often holds the answers.

Have questions or wondering what makes sense for your situation? Reach out 💬

- Dr. Alex

The Dust Test detects 36 harmful mold species in home dust with lab-grade PCR analysis, giving clear, actionable results for a healthier living space.

05/04/2026

💙 What is Lymphedema? 💙

Lymphedema is a condition where fluid builds up in the body’s tissues, usually causing swelling in the arms or legs. This happens when the lymphatic system (a key part of your immune system) isn’t able to properly drain lymph fluid.

👣 Common Symptoms May Include:
✨ Swelling in part or all of your arm or leg
✨ A feeling of heaviness or tightness
✨ Reduced range of motion
✨ Skin that feels tight or thickened
✨ Recurring infections
✨ Discomfort or aching

It can develop after surgery, radiation, infection, low nutrient status, etc.

🔬 Did you know? Nutrient levels may play a role.

Research suggests that low selenium levels may increase susceptibility to lymphedema. Selenium is an essential mineral that helps support:
🛡️ Antioxidant defenses
🦠 Immune function
🧬 Cellular protection

According to a study published in Nutrients (2020), individuals with lower selenium status showed a higher likelihood of developing lymphedema. One reason may be that selenium supports enzymes that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation—both of which can impact lymphatic vessel function and fluid balance.

📄 Study reference:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7281982/pdf/nutrients-12-01211.pdf

🥦 What can you do?
If you’re concerned about lymphedema or nutrient status:
✔️ Consider a lymphatic massage
✔️ Consider getting tested for hidden infections
✔️ Focus on a balanced diet with selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts, seafood, eggs, and whole grains

💬 Awareness matters. Early recognition and support can make a big difference!

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05/03/2026

🌿✨ SALICYLATES: What are they & why do some people react? ✨🌿

Ever notice certain “healthy” foods or natural products don’t feel so great for you? 🤔 You might be dealing with salicylate sensitivity.

🔍 What are salicylates?Salicylates are natural compounds found in many plants 🌱—they help protect against pests and disease. You’ll find them in foods like:🍓 berries🍅 tomatoes🥬 spinach🌶️ spices🍊 citrus fruits🧴 plus things like lotions, shampoos, and even some medications (like aspirin)

⚠️ Common symptoms of salicylate sensitivity:People who are hypersensitive may experience:😵 headaches or migraines🤧 sinus congestion / runny nose🌬️ asthma or breathing issues🧠 brain fog😖 digestive upset (bloating, cramps, diarrhea)😴 fatigue😬 skin reactions (rashes, hives, itching)😡 mood swings or irritability

Not exactly what you’d expect from “clean eating,” right?

🧩 Why would someone become sensitive?There are a few reasons this can happen:👉 The body may have trouble breaking down and clearing these compounds👉 The immune system can become overly reactive👉 Chronic environmental stressors can “lower tolerance” over time

☣️ Where mold comes into play…Exposure to mold (especially in water-damaged homes or buildings 🏚️💧) can make the body more reactive overall.

Here’s how that connection can show up:🌀 Mold can irritate the immune system, making it more sensitive🧪 It can interfere with how the body processes natural chemicals like salicylates⚡ It may increase inflammation, lowering your threshold for triggers

So suddenly, foods and products you used to tolerate just fine… don’t feel so fine anymore 😕

💡 What to do if this sounds like you:
✔️ Pay attention to patterns—foods, products, environments
✔️ Consider simplifying your diet temporarily
✔️ Check your home/workspace for moisture or musty smells
✔️ Work with a practitioner if symptoms are persistent

🌱 The good news: sensitivity doesn’t always mean forever. With the right support and environment, many people see improvement 🙌

I had the craziest story about this. Worked with an autistic boy in Massachusetts. Had him start eating clean and the mom told me that whatever we did differently completely radicalized his behavior to an extreme defiant behavior. She said he literally came home one of the days, dropped his pants down to his ankles and deficated right on the floor in defiance. We later discovered there was mold in the home and as we adjusted his diet and detoxed the mold his behavior changed, he was pooping again, and expanding on his vocabulary (he was non-verbal when we met). Years later I would soon discover what salicylates are and how mold can make people hypersensitive to them and looking back on the original dietary recommendations I gave them he was on a high salicylates diet. This is why we call it a “practice” for a reason as we are constantly evolving and learning to produce the best clinical outcomes.

- Dr. Alex

05/01/2026

🌙🍽️ Eating Late? It Might Be Sabotaging Your Sleep & Weight Goals 😴⚖️

Ever notice how a late-night snack turns into restless sleep… and stubborn weight that won’t budge? There’s a reason for that 👇

🚫 Why eating late can backfire:
• Your body naturally slows down at night 🕰️ — digestion isn’t as efficient
• Late meals (especially sugary or high-carb foods 🍕🍩) can spike blood sugar, making it harder to fall asleep 😵‍💫
• Poor sleep = more cravings the next day 😩🍫
• Your body is more likely to store calories as fat instead of using them for energy

💡 A better approach:
✔️ Try to finish eating by 7 PM (or at least 2–3 hours before bed)
✔️ Keep dinners lighter and balanced 🥗🍗
✔️ Limit sugary snacks and heavy carbs late at night 🍬❌
✔️ If you’re hungry, go for something simple like protein or healthy fats 🥜🥚

🌟 Why it works:
When you give your body time to digest before sleep, you rest better, wake up with more energy, and your metabolism works more efficiently 🔥

Small change… BIG impact 🙌

04/30/2026

🧬 The Mold / Ehlers-Danlos Connection (can mold play a role in hypermobility?)

There’s been a lot of talk lately about mold and hypermobility — including the idea that mold might contribute to EDS-type symptoms.

Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense 👇

💡 First: Ehlers-Danlos (EDS)
EDS is a connective tissue condition — meaning the “glue” that holds your body together is more flexible than usual.

Common things people notice:
🦴 Loose or unstable joints
🤕 Frequent pain or injuries
🧻 Stretchy or fragile skin

🤔 So where did this idea about mold come from?

Some practitioners suggest that chronic mold exposure may impact connective tissue by:

⚠️ Increasing inflammation
⚠️ Activating immune cells (mast cells)
⚠️ Releasing enzymes that can affect the extracellular matrix (the body’s structural support system)

These enzymes (like proteases) are part of your body’s normal response — but when they’re constantly activated, they may contribute to tissue breakdown over time.

🔥 Enter: Mast Cells

Mast cells are immune cells that live in connective tissue.

When triggered, they release:
💥 Histamine
💥 Inflammatory chemicals
💥 Enzymes that interact with surrounding tissue

If they stay activated too long, this can:
👉 Irritate tissues
👉 Affect repair processes
👉 Contribute to that “loose / inflamed / unstable” feeling

🏠 Mold as a trigger

For some people, mold exposure (especially long-term) can:

🚨 Keep mast cells activated
🚨 Increase total inflammation in the body
🚨 Make the system feel constantly “on edge”

🤯 So can mold cause hypermobility?

Here’s the honest take:

👉 Mold does NOT create genetic EDS
👉 But it may contribute to hypermobility-like symptoms in some people
👉 And it can worsen symptoms if you already have EDS

Some people describe:
🦴 Joints feeling looser than before
😩 More pain and fatigue
🌀 Less stability overall

🧠 A helpful way to think about it:

EDS (or underlying tissue sensitivity) = baseline 🧬
Mast cell activity = amplifier 🔥
Mold exposure = ongoing trigger 🚨

➡️ The combination can make symptoms much more noticeable

💬 The big takeaway

If your body feels:
❗ More unstable than it used to
❗ Worse in certain environments
❗ Better when you’re away from musty or water-damaged spaces

…it might be worth looking at environmental factors like mold as a contributor — not the sole cause.

🌿 Bottom line:
Mold isn’t “creating” EDS — but it can stress the system in a way that brings out or worsens hypermobility-related symptoms.

04/28/2026

🤯 The Top 10 Weirdest Symptoms I See with Mold Exposure 🤯
(And yes… they can feel VERY real and VERY confusing)

Mold doesn’t just cause sniffles or allergies 😅 It can affect multiple systems in the body—especially the nervous system, immune system, and inflammation pathways.

Here are some of the strangest symptoms people report 👇

1️⃣ Frequent Urination 🚽
Inflammation + nervous system irritation can make your bladder feel overactive—even when there’s no infection. The body is trying to rinse the toxins out so you p*e more.

2️⃣ EMF Hypersensitivity 📱⚡
Some people become extremely sensitive to electronics. This may be tied to a heightened, overstimulated nervous system. Mold also has been shown to produce more toxins under the stress of the radiation it is exposed to from EMFs.

3️⃣ Pins & Needles Everywhere 🪡
Tingling or “buzzing” sensations can happen when nerves get irritated or inflamed.

4️⃣ Constant Bloody Noses 🩸
Mold can irritate delicate sinus tissues, making them dry, inflamed, and more prone to bleeding.

5️⃣ Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears) 🔔
Inflammation and nerve involvement can impact how your brain processes sound signals.

6️⃣ Frequent UTIs 🚨
Immune system stress + irritation of the urinary tract can make infections more likely—or feel like one is always coming on.

7️⃣ Heavy Menstrual Bleeding 🌙
Inflammatory stress can influence hormone signaling, which may lead to heavier or more irregular cycles.

8️⃣ Frequent Strep Throat Infections 😷
Mold and Streptococcus do not like one another and Strep will overgrow in the throat to combat mold and now you have an overgrowth.

9️⃣ De-realization (Out-of-Body Feeling) 🌫️
This one stops people in their tracks. Neuroinflammation can affect how your brain perceives reality—leading to that “I don’t feel like myself” sensation.

🔟 Hypersensitive to EVERYTHING 🤧
Perfumes, car exhaust, cleaning products… suddenly it all feels like too much. This often reflects an immune and nervous system that’s on high alert 🚨

✨ The wild part?
I could go on and on… fatigue, anxiety, skin issues, brain fog, dizziness, food sensitivities—the list is LONG.

If you’ve ever thought,
“Why are all these random things happening at once?”
…you’re not alone.

These patterns can feel strange, overwhelming, and even scary—but they’re more common than people realize when mold exposure is in the picture.

📍More and more people right here in Licking County are starting to connect the dots and ask better questions about their environment and health.

💬 Have you experienced any of these?

04/27/2026

🚨 Is There a Connection Between Root Canals and Breast Cancer

A study published in the National Institutes of Health database explored something many people have never even considered — the possible connection between oral bacteria and breast cancer. 🦷➡️🎗️

Researchers found that certain bacteria commonly found in the mouth — including those that can live deep inside treated teeth — may be linked to changes in the body that are associated with breast cancer development. While this doesn’t prove cause and effect, it does highlight how connected our bodies really are. 🤯

Even more interesting…
Some clinicians have anecdotally observed that breast cancer can often times appear on the same side as chronic dental issues like root canal-treated teeth. Again, this is not definitive science, but it’s a pattern that has been reported enough to spark curiosity and further investigation. 👀

💡 What does this mean for you?
It’s a reminder that oral health isn’t just about your teeth — it’s part of your whole-body health picture. Paying attention to chronic infections, inflammation, and overall wellness matters.

🧠 The takeaway:
Stay informed, ask questions, and make sure your healthcare providers are looking at the full picture when it comes to your health.

📖 Read the study here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7672538/



💕🦷🎗️

Understanding the importance of oral microbiota in human health and disease also leads to an expansion of the knowledge on functional, metabolic, and molecular alterations directly contributing to oral and systemic pathologies. To date, a compelling ...

04/26/2026

✨💛 VITAMIN E: The Underrated Wellness Powerhouse 💛✨

Most people think of Vitamin E as “just another vitamin”… but it’s actually doing some seriously impressive work behind the scenes 👀

Let’s break it down 👇

🩸 Supports Healthy Blood
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your blood cells from oxidative stress 🛡️
Think of it as helping keep your circulation running smoothly and your cells resilient.

💞 Fertility Friend
Vitamin E has been linked to reproductive health in both men and women 🌱
It supports:
• Healthy s***m quality 🧬
• Hormonal balance ⚖️
• Overall reproductive function

🥑 Heart & Cholesterol Support
Vitamin E may help:
• Support healthy cholesterol balance ❤️
• Protect LDL (“bad cholesterol”) from oxidation
• Promote overall cardiovascular wellness

🌟 Skin Glow + Anti-Aging Support
• Helps protect skin from environmental damage ☀️
• Supports hydration + elasticity 💧
• That natural glow? Yeah… Vitamin E plays a role ✨

🧠 Brain & Nerve Health
Vitamin E helps protect nerve cells and supports cognitive function 🧠💡

🔥 Not All Vitamin E Is Created Equal…

Most supplements use tocopherols… BUT there’s a more potent form:

👉 TOCOTRIENOLS

These are considered the premium form of Vitamin E because they:
✔️ Have stronger antioxidant activity
✔️ May support better cholesterol balance
✔️ Pe*****te tissues more efficiently

If you’re looking at labels… this is where quality matters 👀

🥦 Where to Find It Naturally
• Nuts (almonds, hazelnuts) 🌰
• Seeds 🌻
• Avocados 🥑
• Spinach + leafy greens 🥬

💬 Bottom line: Vitamin E is doing WAY more than most people realize—from your blood to your heart to your skin and beyond.

Have you been getting enough? 🤔

📍 Licking County fam—let’s stay healthy together 💪💛
Tag someone who needs to hear this!

04/25/2026

📊💙 What is HRV & Why Should You Care? 💙📊

HRV = Heart Rate Variability — the tiny differences in time between each heartbeat.
It might sound small, but it’s a BIG deal when it comes to understanding your body 👇

✨ What HRV Indicates:
HRV reflects how well your nervous system is adapting to stress.

🔼 Higher HRV = your body is flexible, resilient, and ready to handle stress
🔽 Lower HRV = your system is taxed, overloaded, or needs recovery

Think of it like your body’s “stress readiness score” 🎯

⚠️ Things That Can Lower HRV:
These are signals your body might be under more strain than usual:
🍺 Alcohol
🏋️ Overtraining / not enough recovery
😴 Poor sleep
😰 Mental or emotional stress
🤒 Illness or infection
💧 Dehydration
🍔 Poor nutrition

Even one rough night of sleep or a stressful day can show up in your HRV 👀

🌿 Ways to Improve HRV:
Small daily habits can make a big difference:
😴 Prioritize quality sleep
🧘‍♂️ Manage stress (breathing, meditation, walks)
💧 Stay well hydrated
🥗 Eat nutrient-dense foods
🏃‍♀️ Balance training with recovery days
🌞 Get sunlight + time outdoors
🤝 Stay socially connected

🔥 How to Use HRV in Real Life:

🔼 High HRV? Push it 💪 Train harder, take on challenges, go for it
🔽 Low HRV? Pull back 🛑 Rest, recover, recharge

Your body is always giving you feedback — HRV just helps you listen better 🎧

💡 Bottom Line:
HRV isn’t about being perfect — it’s about knowing when to push and when to pause. That’s where real progress happens.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-is-heart-rate-variability-hrv-and-how-do-you-improve-it/id1709740887?i=1000745264112

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Podcast Episode · The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka · January 15 · 11m