When it comes to holiday traditions, we think of decorating Christmas trees, baking cookies, the Elf on the Shelf, or lighting a menorah. But holiday traditions are far more unusual and diverse throughout the world. Some might really surprise you!

On today’s episode, we touch on some unusual international holiday customs you’ve likely never heard while sprinkling in some clinical pearls. We also continue our podcast tradition of reading The Lab Report’s special rendition of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 5:00 Kentucky Fried Christmas
• 7:00 The Christmas Pickle
• 8:55 Pooping logs, yule goats, & frankincense
• 14:30 Christmas disease game
• 17:30 Santa Claus towns
• 20:00 ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, cold and flu season sneaks in bringing sniffles, coughing, fatigue, and fever. It’s a time when germs spread easily, and our immune systems face a tough challenge. When you add holiday stress in the mix, it becomes even more important to boost your defenses, and optimize your immunity.

In today’s episode, we offer tips to help you unlock your body’s natural defenses as we try to navigate cold and flu season. This podcast has everything you need to stay ahead of seasonal sickness so you can enjoy your holiday.

Today on The Lab Report:

· 3:00 Yep -Patti is still sick

· 5:05 Vitamin D is awesome

· 8:50 Sleep quantity and quality

· 12:00 Michael’s rant on herbal therapies

· 17:40 The importance of zinc

· 20:05 Cortisol and dampened immunity

· 22:55 Honorable mentions

Additional Resources:

Genova Connect

Manna Food Bank

Eblen Charities

United Way Asheville

Beloved Asheville

Habitat for Humanity - AVL

Rural Organizing and Resilience

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration – but to be honest, it can also be incredibly stressful. Between hosting dinners, finding the perfect gifts, managing finances, and navigating family dynamics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? You’re not alone and there are ways to reclaim the magic of the season without losing your sanity.

In today’s podcast, we dive into the science of stress and how the vagus nerve holds the key to calm. Discover how breathwork, mindfulness, and gratitude can transform your holiday experience, helping you stay grounded, joyful, and resilient. Tune in and gift yourself some peace this season!

Today on The Lab Report:

· 3:10 Holiday season is here!

· 6:20 Stressors and getting to the root cause of expectations

· 8:40 Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic – neuroendocrine responses

· 11:30 Vagus nerve

· 13:15 Breathwork techniques, singing, gargling, laughing

· 18:15 Mortality of holiday season

· 20:15 Mindfulness and joy

· 24:00 Gratitude

Additional Resources:

Genova Connect

Manna Food Bank

Eblen Charities

United Way Asheville

Beloved Asheville

Habitat for Humanity - AVL

Rural Organizing and Resilience

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.