Get Healthy or Get Dead

Trust is the foundation of every healthcare relationship—whether you're caring for a person or a pet.

In this video, I share the story of what happened after my cat, Pien, was diagnosed with diabetes and why a breakdown in communication ultimately led me to find a new veterinarian. This isn't about attacking one veterinary clinic. It's about a much bigger issue: what happens when healthcare systems become so overwhelmed that patients and families are left without the guidance they need.

As a CRNA with more than 20 years in healthcare, I've seen firsthand how communication can make—or break—patient care. This experience reminded me that technology, medications, and advanced treatments can never replace trust, responsiveness, and human connection.

This story also sets the stage for my next blog, where I'll share what I learned while researching alternatives after Pien couldn't tolerate her prescribed diabetes medication.

Read the full blog here:
https://gethealthyorgetdead.substack.com/p/when-too-busy-becomes-a-patient-safety

Subscribe to Get Healthy or Get Dead on Substack:
https://gethealthyorgetdead.substack.com/

Learn more about my coaching and wellness work:
https://paddleperformancehealth.com

If you've experienced a breakdown in communication with a healthcare provider—human or veterinary—I'd love to hear your story in the comments.

Race recap!

The BillBone Paddle for the Peanut is in the books, and what a fantastic day on the water.

The conditions around Peanut Island were beautiful, the current made for a fun race, and it was great catching up with friends from the family after crossing the finish line.

One of my favorite moments wasn't just the race itself—it was seeing a 78-year-old paddler still out there competing. That's exactly why I love this sport. Paddleboarding truly can be a lifelong adventure.

I'm also happy to share that I finished **1st place** in my division!

I wrote a blog about the entire weekend—from traveling to Tampa, race preparation, and everything that happened on race day. If you'd like the full story, I'd love for you to check it out.

Read the blog: https://gethealthyorgetdead.substack.com/p/sup-racing-around-peanut-island

I was back in Riviera Beach, Florida, for the Bill Bone Paddle for the Peanut race on Sunday. Before the starting horn sounded, I did a behind the scene video to show you what race morning looks like—from checking out the course around Peanut Island to getting my SUP ready for the water.

After spending the last week exploring and seeing live, it was time to shift gears and get back into race mode. The conditions were calm, the weather was beautiful, and didn't get knocked down by a barge.

Read the full race weekend story and behind-the-scenes blog here: https://gethealthyorgetdead.substack.com/p/sup-racing-around-peanut-island

If you enjoy paddle racing, endurance sports, travel, and performance health, follow me for more race weekends, training tips, recovery strategies, and life on the SUP race circuit.

I was dreading my dental appointment to fix the tooth I broke in a paddleboard accident.

After years in healthcare, it's easy for my mind to jump to worst-case scenarios after what I have personally experienced. Thankfully, my dentist did a great job.

What are your experiences like in the healthcare system? Leave a comment below.

I never expected my love of craft beer to lead me down a rabbit hole of hormone research. In this week's article, I explore what the research actually says about hops, estrogen, the gut microbiome, and why two people can drink the same beer and have completely different experiences.

If you enjoy craft beer—or you're simply curious about the intersection of nutrition, hormones, and physiology—I think you'll enjoy this one.
Read the full article on Substack, and let me know your thoughts in the comments. I'd love to hear whether you've ever noticed certain beers affecting you differently than others. Link in bio for Substack.

https://gethealthyorgetdead.substack.com/p/the-unexpected-hormone-in-your-favorite

Not every paddle session goes according to plan. Sometimes the best lessons come from the days when everything goes wrong. This is one of those stories.

Follow me for more paddle board stories, training tips, and lessons learned from real experiences on the water. Follow me on YouTube:

If you've recently bought a paddle board—or you've been paddling for a while but still don't feel completely confident—this video is for you.

I'm sharing practical tips to help you paddle with better balance, improve your technique, stay safer on the water, and have more fun every time you go out.

These are the same fundamentals I teach in my beginner clinics and wish every new paddler learned from day one.
Watch the complete video with tips here:
https://youtu.be/21iW2Oicsbs?si=FEJ17vRrGSmbuFSO

Join my Beginner Paddle Clinic on July 18 at 9:00 AM.
You'll learn:• Better balance and stance• Efficient paddle technique• Turning and maneuvering• Water safety and awareness• Equipment basics• Common mistakes to avoid• How to build confidence on the water.

Reserve your spot: https://facebook.com/events/s/beginner-paddleboard-clinic/4338016809862166/

Whether your goal is exercise, exploring local waterways, or simply enjoying your new paddle board, this clinic will help you get there faster.

If you enjoyed this video, please Like and Share it with someone who's just getting started.
See you on the water!