81:: 10 health & wellness jump scares (Halloween special!)

This week, we’re diving into some science that might just blow your mind — starting with the fact that sperm aren’t just built for fertilization. In reality, only a small fraction of sperm are meant to fertilize an egg. The rest? They work together to create the perfect environment for fertilization to even happen. From neutralizing vaginal acidity to distracting the immune system’s “guards,” sperm are strategic little players.We’ll also break down:Male fertility & pregnancy outcomes: How paternal health can impact preeclampsia risk and why sperm function is more complex than you think.Female physiology & training: Why your early strength gains have nothing to do with bigger muscles, and how your cycle affects motivation, energy, and endurance.Creatine & the luteal phase: Why creatine loading can help with energy, mood, and bloating during the second half of your menstrual cycle.Pain science myths: Pain isn’t just a signal from injured tissue—it’s your brain’s interpretation of threat.Body fat and menstrual cycles: The minimum body fat needed to start and maintain your period, and why this matters for athletes.Breastfeeding 101: Why milk production is hormonally driven at first, and why regulating it early on isn’t always in your control.Fat loss facts: Why you can’t spot-treat fat loss and what actually works for body composition changes.Muscle fibers in women: Why women’s muscles resist fatigue longer and why HIIT and SIT might give us more bang for our buck than endless Zone 2.Whether you’re here for the science, the menstrual cycle tips, or just a better understanding of your body (and his), this episode is packed with evidence-based gems.Dr. Katie Hirsch episode: https://wellness-big-sis-the-pod.captivate.fm/episode/49-female-specific-fueling-training-performance-with-dr-katie-hirsch-fasting-creatine-the-menstrual-cycle-more/ Board-Certified Lactation Consultant Episode:https://wellness-big-sis-the-pod.captivate.fm/episode/mamapalooza-breastfeeding-secrets-and-qa-with-board-certified-lactation-consultant-sunayana-weber-of-its-more-than-milk/https://wellness-big-sis-the-pod.captivate.fm/episode/copy-of-img-0565/ Male Fertility Episode:https://wellness-big-sis-the-pod.captivate.fm/episode/mamapalooza-top-moments-sex-creatine-male-fertility-more/ Female muscle physiology episodes: https://wellness-big-sis-the-pod.captivate.fm/episode/73-the-controversial-hiit-sit-conversation-why-both-are-essential-parts-of-our-exercise-routines-as-women/ https://wellness-big-sis-the-pod.captivate.fm/episode/75-/ loving the pod? click the follow button, & we'd love if you could leave a review! thank you x 1000 :) sign up for the free Wellness Girl Chats newsletter!Want a peak into what it is like building this business, the podcast interviews, and all things female founder BTS? sign up for the free Firstborn Daughter Diaryinsta:: @dr.kelsyvickdpt & @wellnessbigsispodyoutube:: @dr.kelsyvickdpttiktok:: @dr.kelsyvickdpt & @wellnessbigsispodsign up for our patreon for exclusive content & workouts!NEAP Protein: www.neapfoods.com Safely Sidekick: http://livesafely.co/shop/drkelsy (or use code DRKELSY for 10% off)Grab your very own Stakt Mat & Accessories for 10% off your order while also supporting the pod! (Thank you so much!):: https://shopstakt.com/?rave=DAW65UTUF4VNG7OVThorne Website:: https://s.thorne.com/Zgk7YMy Thorne Dispensary & Recs:: https://www.thorne.com/u/drkelsyvickdptMessage me for 35% off your Thorne orders!00:00- 00:17 Intro00:18- 01:03 Welcome to the Halloween Special01:04- 02:14 Surprising Facts About Sperm02:15- 04:07 Creatine Loading for Women04:08- 05:24 Understanding Pain Perception05:25- 06:15 Menstrual Cycle and Motivation06:16- 06:51 [Safely]06:52- 07:30 Body Fat and Menstrual Health07:31- 08:06 Breastfeeding Insights08:07- 08:39 The Truth About Spot Fat Reduction08:40- 09:33 Male Fertility and Preeclampsia09:34- 10:04 Initial Strength Gains Explained10:05- 11:03 Female Skeletal Muscle Facts11:04- 11:30 Halloween Wrap-UpMentioned in this episode:Live Safely Sidekick