Healthy Families YYC

Healthy Families YYC

by Dr Lindsay Nealon
Alternative HealthParenting
Season 1

The Hidden Link Between Pelvic Floor, Hips, and Low Back Pain with Hilary McDermott

Dr. Lindsay sits down with pelvic floor physiotherapist Hilary McDermott to chat about the connection between pelvic floor function and persistent hip and low back pain. They discuss common indicators such as deep hard-to-locate hip pain, tailbone pain, and chronic pain that doesn’t fully resolve with stretching, massage, or medication. Hilary also delves into the differences between underactive versus overactive pelvic floors (or, as is often the case, how a combination can also present); asymmetries stemming from daily habits; and the whole-system approach used in pelvic floor physio, including breathing, mobility, core and glute/hip strengthening, and internal exam when appropriate. They flag that pelvic floor dysfunction can overlap with urinary leakage and can mimic bladder infection symptoms, period pain, or ovulation pain through referred pain. Dr Lindsay and Hilary also highlight the importance of collaboration between pelvic floor physio and chiropractic care for joint mobility, muscle function, and longer-lasting results. Follow Hilary on Instagram @pelvicphysio.hilary Healthy Families YYC is hosted by Dr Lindsay Nealon, founder of Healthy Families Chiropractic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Follow Dr Lindsay on Instagram @dr.lindsaynealon. Learn more about the clinic or schedule a visit at https://healthyfamilieschiropractic.ca/ and visit us on Instagram, @healthyfamiliesyyc. Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/ Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/
S1 · E23
Mar 18, 2026
15:03

Health through Movement with Dr Friede Kiernan

Dr. Lindsay sits down with returning guest Dr. Friede Kiernan to talk about why movement is essential to health. Dr Friede explains that motor control begins in the brain, and that pain, dysfunction, or injury can disrupt movement patterns and create compensations that show up as tension, instability, and pain. They explore the difference between simply moving and moving well; how, counterintuitively, pain may not originate where it’s felt; and common compensations such as stiff mid-back leading to low-back twisting, tight hips overloading knees, forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and poor core activation. Dr. Friede also discusses how dysfunctional movement can stress the nervous system, contribute to fatigue, and cause other joints and muscles to compensate over time. They go through practical strategies to create better movement, including taking micro breaks, posture resets, deep breathing, and the reminder that “your best posture is your next posture.” They also touch on a chiropractic’s role in restoring mobility and reducing restrictions, pairing adjustments with retraining for stability and balance, and why it’s important to prioritize mobility and alignment before loading or strengthening to avoid reinforcing dysfunction. Follow Dr Friede Kiernan on Instagram @dr.friedekiernan Healthy Families YYC is hosted by Dr Lindsay Nealon, founder of Healthy Families Chiropractic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Follow Dr Lindsay on Instagram @dr.lindsaynealon. Learn more about the clinic or schedule a visit at https://healthyfamilieschiropractic.ca/ and visit us on Instagram, @healthyfamiliesyyc. Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/ Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/
S1 · E22
Mar 11, 2026
13:29

Breath and Body Balance in Pregnancy with Ashley Herrera

Dr. Lindsay and Ashley Herrera discuss simple, grounded ways to support pregnancy through movement, breath, and body balance. Ashley is a prenatal yoga educator, mom of three, and Calgary’s only Spinning Babies certified parent educator, as well as a Birthing From Within childbirth educator and doula. Ashley shares how daily movement can ease common pregnancy symptoms and how movement focus shifts across trimesters. They discuss diaphragmatic breathing as a key tool during labor, along with simple practices like calf stretching and rolling the foot on a ball to release the back body and pelvic floor fascia. They also talk about the importance of listening to your intuition, and evaluating pregnancy advice based on what resonates - because pregnancy is not black-and-white, and is as unique as all the folks who experience it! Find Ashley on Instagram @ashleyherrera_prenatalyoga or at her website, ashleyherrerayoga.com. You can also find her article in the Winter 2026 Birthing magazine: Complementary Care issue. Healthy Families YYC is hosted by Dr Lindsay Nealon, founder of Healthy Families Chiropractic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Follow Dr Lindsay on Instagram @dr.lindsaynealon. Learn more about the clinic or schedule a visit at https://healthyfamilieschiropractic.ca/ and visit us on Instagram, @healthyfamiliesyyc. Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/ Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/
S1 · E21
Mar 4, 2026
16:40

Understanding your X-Rays: Osteoarthritis, Degenerative Disc Disease, and Degenerative Joint Disease

Recording from Mission Bay in Auckland while helping Lexi settle in at chiropractor college, Dr. Lindsay explains some of the common x-ray phrases - osteoarthritis (OA), degenerative joint disease (DJD), and degenerative disc disease (DDD) - and how these labels can create fear when misunderstood. While some of these words might make you think of autoimmune inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and lupus, Dr Lindsay unravels common misconceptions around how degeneration in OA, DJD, and DDD is largely influenced by biomechanics and environment, rather than being inevitable with age or driven by our genes. She also makes practical recommendations, including how to restore lost spinal motion, improving alignment, and moving more with greater variety. Interpreting your x-rays can feel scary - but it doesn’t need to be! If you need help navigating your x-rays, book an appointment at Healthy Families and get the support you need to make this journey more manageable, and help restore the function that’s missing from your life! Healthy Families YYC is hosted by Dr Lindsay Nealon, founder of Healthy Families Chiropractic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Follow Dr Lindsay on Instagram @dr.lindsaynealon. Learn more about the clinic or schedule a visit at https://healthyfamilieschiropractic.ca/ and visit us on Instagram, @healthyfamiliesyyc. Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/ Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/
S1 · E20
Feb 18, 2026
17:10

Repetitive Stress Remedies: Expert Tips from Alta Physio

Dr. Lindsay is joined by physiotherapists Sarah Park and Mary Mitton from Alta Physiotherapy to discuss stress injuries. They cover identifying and preventing repetitive strain injuries in kids, teens, and even adults. Sarah and Mary provide insight into some of the most common causes of repetitive stress injuries, like poor posture, overuse, and of course a lack of variety in movement - both for the everyday motions of our lives, and in the sports our littles love to play. They also share strategies for recognizing early warning signs, the importance of multimodal movement, and tips for families to incorporate simple, effective habits into their daily routines to minimize injury risk. Links for this episode: https://altaphysio.com/ Follow Alta on Instagram, @altaphysio Healthy Families YYC is hosted by Dr Lindsay Nealon, founder of Healthy Families Chiropractic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Follow Dr Lindsay on Instagram @dr.lindsaynealon. Learn more about the clinic or schedule a visit at https://healthyfamilieschiropractic.ca/ and visit us on Instagram, @healthyfamiliesyyc. Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/ Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/
S1 · E19
Feb 11, 2026
25:38

Why I chose chiropractic

In this special episode of Healthy Families YYC, Lindsay sits down with her daughter Lexi - on location from Lexi’s kitchen in her apartment in New Zealand - to talk about a huge life transition. At just 18 years old, Lexi has moved halfway across the world to begin her chiropractic education! This conversation explores what led her there, what she’s most excited about, and what it means to grow up immersed in a chiropractic and vitalistic lifestyle. Together, Lindsay and Lexi reflect on family, healing, purpose, and the power of trusting the body’s innate intelligence. From growing up in a chiropractic household, to discovering her own passion for helping others, Lexi shares what made chiropractic feel like the right path - and what she hopes to bring to families in the future. Footer on every episode: Healthy Families YYC is hosted by Dr Lindsay Nealon, founder of Healthy Families Chiropractic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Follow Dr Lindsay on Instagram @dr.lindsaynealon. Learn more about the clinic or schedule a visit at https://healthyfamilieschiropractic.ca/ and visit us on Instagram, @healthyfamiliesyyc. Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/ Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/
S1 · E18
Feb 4, 2026
17:27

The 4 Approaches to Health

In this solo episode, Dr. Lindsay explores the different ways we approach our health and why those choices matter now more than ever. She explains how stress, lifestyle, emotions and life experiences build up in the body over time - much like how a glass of water gets fuller the more you add to it - and how symptoms are often the result of a system that’s been coping without enough reserves, causing a spillage when you’re least equipped to deal with it. Dr. Lindsay breaks down the pros and cons of four common approaches to health: pain-based, prevention, maintenance and wellness, guiding listeners through how each lens shapes our relationship with our bodies. From reacting in crisis to consciously creating vitality, she shares how shifting toward a wellness-based, salutogenic approach allows us to build resilience, adaptability and deeper connection. This episode invites you to tune in, notice your own coping capacity and consider what it might look like to stop managing symptoms and start creating health - one small, intentional choice at a time. Healthy Families YYC is hosted by Dr Lindsay Nealon, founder of Healthy Families Chiropractic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Follow Dr Lindsay on Instagram @dr.lindsaynealon. Learn more about the clinic or schedule a visit at https://healthyfamilieschiropractic.ca/ and visit us on Instagram, @healthyfamiliesyyc. Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/ Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/
S1 · E17
Jan 21, 2026
22:56

Core Connections - What Your Diaphragm Has to Do with Your Pelvic Floor Blair Blyth

In this episode, Dr. Lindsay sits down with pelvic floor physiotherapist Blair Blyth to explore one of the body's most overlooked yet essential muscles: the diaphragm. While most people know it helps us breathe, Blair reveals how this dome-shaped muscle sits at the center of so much more - core stability, posture, digestion, circulation, spinal mobility, and even pelvic floor function. From the surprising connection between the diaphragm and acid reflux to how shallow breathing creates compensation patterns in the neck, low back, and hips, this conversation illuminates the ripple effect of breathing mechanics throughout the entire body. Blair offers a simple starting point for anyone looking to reconnect: breath awareness in different positions, noticing where movement happens naturally, and fostering coordination between the diaphragm and pelvic floor without force or perfection. This episode is an invitation to see the core not as a six-pack to achieve, but as a dynamic, coordinated system that thrives when we get out of the way and let everything do its job! Connect with Blair Blyth on Instagram @ways_we_thrive Listen to the episode referenced in this conversation here: What Postpartum Moms Need to Know about Rebuilding Their Core Stability with Dr. Natasha Brandt Healthy Families YYC is hosted by Dr Lindsay Nealon, founder of Healthy Families Chiropractic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Follow Dr Lindsay on Instagram @dr.lindsaynealon. Learn more about the clinic or schedule a visit at https://healthyfamilieschiropractic.ca/ and visit us on Instagram, @healthyfamiliesyyc. Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/ Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/
S1 · E16
Jan 14, 2026
14:37

Celebrating 5 years at Healthy Families with Linda-Mae Higgins

Happy anniversary, Healthy Families! Dr. Lindsay is joined by office manager and team lead, Linda-Mae Higgins to celebrate five years at the clinic. They reflect on the messy, beautiful beginnings that shaped the practice into what it is today. From hosting early conversations with patients in Dr Lindsay’s living room, to opening the clinic in the middle of a pandemic with drywall dust still settling, Linda-Mae and Dr Lindsay share what it was like to build something rooted in care, connection and community from day one. Together, they revisit the early chaos - including pregnancy announcements, last-minute renovations and the collective hope that carried them through those first weeks. Their conversation explores the heart of Healthy Families’ community care model: why healing doesn’t happen in isolation, how relationships deepen care and what it truly means to support families through both joyful milestones and hard seasons. Tune in to hear the full heartfelt anniversary episode about growth, resilience and why choosing community over perfection continues to guide Healthy Families forward in the many years to come. Healthy Families YYC is hosted by Dr Lindsay Nealon, founder of Healthy Families Chiropractic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Follow Dr Lindsay on Instagram, @dr.lindsaynealon. Learn more about the clinic or schedule a visit at https://healthyfamilieschiropractic.ca/ and visit us on Instagram, @healthyfamiliesyyc. Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/ Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/
S1 · E15
Jan 7, 2026
8:13

Why Pregnant Mom’s Should See A Webster Certified Chiropractor with Dr Natasha Brandt

Dr. Lindsay is joined by Dr. Natasha Brandt to dive into the world of prenatal chiropractic care. Dr. Natasha, a specialist in prenatal, postpartum, and pediatric chiropractic care, shares her unique journey into the field and her passion for supporting families. They discuss common reasons pregnant women seek chiropractic care, such as pain relief, improving labor experiences, and ensuring optimal baby positioning. They also cover the Webster Technique, designed for expectant mothers, and how chiropractic adjustments can support the nervous system during pregnancy. Dr. Natasha also provides practical advice for maintaining pelvic balance and comfort throughout pregnancy. Tune in to learn how prenatal chiropractic care can create a smoother, more comfortable pregnancy journey! Links: Follow Dr Natasha on Instagram @dr.natashabrandt Learn more about the Webster technique at https://icpa4kids.com/training/webster-certification/webster-technique/ Healthy Families YYC is hosted by Dr Lindsay Nealon, founder of Healthy Families Chiropractic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Follow Dr Lindsay on Instagram @dr.lindsaynealon. Learn more about the clinic or schedule a visit at https://healthyfamilieschiropractic.ca/ and visit us on Instagram, @healthyfamiliesyyc. Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/ Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/
S1 · E14
Dec 17, 2025
15:58
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