As we head into 2026, many of us are thinking about goals: what to improve, what to let go of, and how to live better. But what if the real question isn't how long we live, but how well we live?

In this episode, Dr. Holly Carling and Alicia shift the conversation from lifespan to healthspanL the number of years you live with vitality, independence, mental clarity, and joy. Dr. Carling explains why modern medicine has extended lifespan without protecting quality of life, and how inflammation, nutrition, stress, and mindset quietly determine how we age.

You'll learn how acupuncture, real food, emotional resilience, and intentional thinking can slow decline, restore balance, and help you build a future where strength, clarity, and purpose last well into later decades.

This episode is a powerful invitation to rethink your 2026 goals, not as resolutions, but as investments in your future self.

In this episode:

• The difference between lifespan and healthspan and why it matters

• Why many people spend their final years managing illness instead of enjoying life

• How inflammation quietly accelerates aging

• The role of acupuncture in regulating inflammation, circulation, hormones, and stress

• Why nutrition at the cellular level shapes long-term vitality

• How mindset and emotional health directly influence aging

• Why purpose, joy, and curiosity protect brain and immune health

• How to reframe goals around vitality instead of restriction

• A simple framework: repair, restore, and reinforce

For full show notes, resources and links head to: https://vitalhealthcda.com/podcasts/

The Vital Health for You Podcast is for everyone. Get to know us more by connecting with us at our website or on our Facebook page.

*Disclaimer: The statements made in this episode about specific products have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. All information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional.