MOTHERHOOD: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER YOU NEVER RETIRE FROM

Moms know all too well that motherhood is the hardest job ever and also the most emotionally intense one! Motherhood is wild because nobody warns you that you’ll spend half your day saying “please stop screaming,” or “stop fighting with your brother” (or sister) and the other half staring at photos of your kids (as your heart melts,) while they sleep or are all grown up, because you miss them already.

It’s a whole package, bundled into joy, fear, worry, excitement, comedy, uncertainty, but most of all, unconditional love. 💕

It’s beautiful. It’s messy. It’s overstimulating (100% on this one.) It’s sacred. And nobody really talks enough about how all of those emotions can exist at the same time. Motherhood is realizing you can be deeply grateful for your children and still desperately need a moment alone. (And may I just interject here, a shout-out to all the dads, who must step up and play the mom role sometimes too.)

No one ever really tells you the truth or warns you about the hard stuff or for that matter, the details of the good parts. It’s laughter, guilt, pride, stress, purpose, burnout, wonder, and unconditional love, all tangled together into one loud, beautiful, emotional rollercoaster. But when you are not a fan of rollercoasters, the ride can be really bumpy and unpredictable, especially when you have never been on that proverbial rollercoaster before and are unsure of what you are doing. Somehow, you find the way to make it work, because that bond of love is beyond any explanation and makes it all worthwhile.

Motherhood is without a doubt the strangest emotional rollercoaster because oddly, you can feel overwhelming love, exhaustion, gratitude, guilt, happiness, anxiety, and complete chaos, all before your first cup of coffee.

It’s definitely quite a ride!

When the kids are younger, motherhood is exhausting because little one’s demand so much of your time and energy.  One minute you’re staring at your baby pleading with them to sleep through the night, and barely getting through the horror that is the “teething phase,” then soon you’re hiding from your toddler, in the pantry eating snacks you didn’t want to share, and then once again, you have the sleepless nights that are the teen years, where you are fighting to stay awake, to make sure they get home safely and then before you know it you find yourself with adult children, asking, “Where did the time go? 🥺

And then when your children are adults, you still worry about them and for them, thinking about their problems and how you can best support them. You never stop being their mom at any age, whether by birth or by choice, your children are forever a part of you.

No matter how old your child (children are,) you never retire from being a mom! No matter how old you are, or how grown-up your children have become, you will always, always continue to be a mom: worrying about them, helping them, and loving them!

And then sometimes, you are blessed with a promotion and get the new title of: Grandma, Nana, Gigi, Mimi, Abuela, Memaw, Mima, Abu, or whatever they call you, and your heart melts all over again. ☺️💕

Mothers are indeed the lifeline of this Earth. Every single person on this planet is here because their mother gave birth to them. Not all who give birth deserve the title of “mom,” but when a woman cares, nurtures, loves unconditionally and raises a child to the best of her ability, it should always be celebrated and appreciated.

If you are still blessed to have your mom, call her, visit her, give her all the love you can. And if like myself, you no longer have your mom on this Earth, remember how blessed you were for the time you shared together and smile for the gift of life she gave you.

 

PREPARED NOT PARANOID - HANTA VS. ANDES

If the news and the internet feel a little like ‘late 2019’ lately, you’re not imagining it. Conversations are buzzing about the recent cruise ship outbreak on the MV Hondius. What we have to remember is that there is a fine line between staying informed and becoming overwhelmed by headlines. 

As moms (and parents,) we tend to notice shifts in the world before we can even explain why. A headline here, an online post there. More people are asking questions again and more conversations about viruses are popping up again. 

Recently, I started seeing more mentions of Hantavirus and Andes virus online, and it gave me that familiar feeling many of us remember from the end of 2019. Not panic, but that quiet sense of wanting to understand what’s going on before the noise takes over.  

This time, I think we should have all learned some lessons to not downplay things and to be very aware of what is happening. But most of all, to use our discernment, gather factual information and use common sense! 

So, I did what moms (and I personally,) do best, I started researching. 

This article is meant to provide balanced, evidence-based information in a calm and approachable way, without sensationalism, fear tactics, or internet hysteria, because facts matter and before the fear-based content machine kicks into full gear.  

I wanted to put together something grounded, researched, and easy to understand, especially for fellow parents, grandparents, and anyone who may be traveling abroad, and just want clear information without the drama. It’s about awareness, education, and understanding what’s actually being discussed when people mention Hantavirus or Andes virus, because informed people make calmer decisions than frightened people ever do.

Here’s the real-world breakdown based on current 2026 evidence and outbreak data.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is caused by a group of rodent-borne viruses called hantaviruses.

These viruses are usually spread through:

• breathing in dust contaminated with rodent urine/feces
• cleaning sheds, barns, cabins, crawl spaces
• rodent infestations
• rarely, rodent bites

Most hantaviruses:

• DO NOT spread person-to-person
• mainly infect through rodents
• can cause severe lung or kidney disease
• have high fatality rates once symptoms become severe

WHO still considers hantavirus infections relatively rare overall.  

What Makes Andes Virus Different?

Andes virus infection is a specific hantavirus strain found mainly in Argentina and Chile.

What makes it unique and scientifically important is:

It is the ONLY hantavirus clearly documented to spread between humans. That’s the key difference.

This has been observed in:

• household contacts
• romantic partners
• caregivers
• healthcare settings with prolonged close exposure

WHO confirmed in 2026 that Andes virus remains the only hantavirus with documented person-to-person transmission.  

Why Everyone is Suddenly Talking About it in 2026

The recent international attention is because of the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak linked to Andes virus.  

Health officials became concerned because:

• multiple countries were involved
• several deaths occurred
• passengers traveled internationally before symptoms appeared
• Andes virus has a long incubation period (up to ~6–8 weeks)

That combination creates a difficult public-health tracking situation.

But there’s an important nuance:

Andes virus is NOT behaving like COVID.

Current evidence still suggests:

• transmission requires close, prolonged exposure
• it does not appear highly airborne in casual settings
• it spreads FAR less efficiently than influenza or COVID

WHO and infectious disease experts continue to describe the public risk as relatively low outside close-contact settings.  

Scientifically: Why Andes Virus is More Dangerous

Researchers think Andes virus may be more capable of human transmission because:

• higher viral loads in saliva/respiratory secretions
• better ability to replicate in human endothelial cells
• unique immune-evasion behavior
• possible genetic mutations enhancing transmissibility

But honestly? Scientists still do not fully understand why Andes behaves differently from other hantaviruses. That’s part of why virologists are paying such close attention to it.

Symptoms: Hantavirus vs Andes Virus

Symptoms are very similar because Andes virus causes a form of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

Typical early symptoms:

• fever
• muscle aches
• fatigue
• headache
• nausea/vomiting
• abdominal pain

Then some patients rapidly progress to:

• severe shortness of breath
• fluid-filled lungs
• respiratory failure
• shock

The scary part is how quickly patients can deteriorate after seeming “flu-like” at first.  

Fatality Rate

This is where hantaviruses get serious fast.

Approximate fatality rates:

• Some hantaviruses: under 1–15%
• Americas strains causing pulmonary syndrome: often 20–50%
• Andes virus outbreaks: often around 35–40%

Early ICU-level care improves survival significantly.  

Is There a Vaccine or Cure in 2026?

Right now, as of the time of this post (May 2026):

• no approved universal vaccine
• no specific antiviral cure
• treatment is mainly supportive care
• oxygen/ICU support is critical

Early detection matters a LOT.

What Actually Matters for Everyday People

For most people, the real risk is still:

• rodent exposure
• cleaning contaminated areas incorrectly
• poorly ventilated spaces with droppings

Not random casual human contact.

Basic prevention still works:

• avoid sweeping/vacuuming rodent droppings dry
• disinfect first
• wear gloves/masks in infested areas
• seal homes against rodents

Keep in mind that the internet is currently doing what the internet always does: half useful information, half apocalypse fan fiction.

The scientific concern is legitimate, but there is currently zero evidence Andes virus has evolved into an easily spreading pandemic virus.

Awareness and education should empower us, not frighten us. 

Be safe, be smart, be healthy!

*Some important points from the WHO (World Health Organization) as of May 2026:  

• Andes virus is unusual because limited human-to-human transmission has been documented
• Public risk is still considered low
• Hantavirus is not spreading like COVID
• Close/prolonged contact matters most

References

1) Jonsson, C. B., Figueiredo, L. T. M., Vapalahti, O. (2010). A global perspective on hantavirus ecology, epidemiology, and disease. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 23(2), 412 441.

2) Li, et al. 2024. Seroprevalence of hantavirus infection in non-epidemic settings over four decades: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health.

3) Tian, H., Stenseth, N.C., 2019. The ecological dynamics of hantavirus diseases. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases.

4) AP News - Inside the cruise ship with a deadly hantavirus outbreak | AP News

(May 2026)

THE HORMONE SUPPORT TRIO

Hormone Support for Women: How to Balance Energy, Mood and Digestion Naturally

This one is for the moms (or women in general) who feel burned out, stressed or just feeling physically and emotionally overwhelmed.  

If you are over 40, (or getting up there,) and your body feels unfamiliar lately, you are not imagining it! You’re not “failing” your body. You are just exhausted and probably dealing with: inexplicable weight gain, stress, mood swings and stubborn belly fat that won’t budge no matter what you try.

Between having kids, responsibilities at home and/or work and trying to take care of everyone else, most moms are running on empty with too much stress, quick meals, and whatever time is left over. And more often than not, that is not enough time for self-care. 

So, when you start feeling off-balanced, too stressed out, gaining the weight that doesn’t budge, energy crashes mid-afternoons, and when your hormones feel all over the place, it’s not a lack of effort. It’s your body asking for support, sometimes pleading.

That is something many learn the hard way, including myself!

Weight isn't always the real issue. It is what is happening underneath:

• Blood sugar spikes and crashes
• Hormone disruption from stress + food and often, environment
• Gut issues
• An overwhelmed detox system

Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause (and even post-partum) impact everything:

• Insulin sensitivity
• Fat storage
• Digestion
• Detox pathways

So doing “more” isn’t always the answer. Supporting your body differently is. This is when it's time to shift your focus. Not to have the perfect body or restrict yourself in ways that are unreasonable. This is not about restriction. It's just support, that over time, helps your body to heal.

It helps to:

✨ Get your energy came back
✨ Make your body feel more balanced
✨ And get things finally start working with you instead of against you.

For the sake of this article, I am talking to the women, who are not on the trendy weight loss s-h-o-t or peptides. Maybe you already tried it, maybe you can't take it for health reasons, like me. Honestly, I would probably have tried it too for weight loss, but I only have one kidney, and I am very cautious about what I choose to put in my body, so I have to choose the longer, more natural route. No critique to those who are using it. 

However you are choosing to heal yourself is what matters most! 

Something to keep in mind, as you are on your wellness journey, is that you don't always have to think in terms of weight loss. You need to start thinking in terms of healing first and then everything starts to just fall in place.

That’s why I’m so passionate about what I use now because these products support what I just described. If you have ever been (all the P's) under pressure, post-partum, suffered PCOS or PMS, perimenopause, or menopause, then you know exact how difficult it is on your health and mental wellness.

There are so many things' women are told to try for menopause or hormone imbalance, but most of them miss the root cause. Hormones don’t work in isolation. They are deeply connected to your blood sugar, liver, digestion, and toxin load.

Instead of fighting your body, start focusing on:

• Supporting blood sugar balance
• Removing hormone-disrupting foods
• Healing your gut
• Supporting liver detox
• Moving consistently (not excessively)

And slowly…

✨ Your body will start to feel more stable
✨ Your energy will improve
✨ And you will stop feeling like you are constantly working against       yourself.

That’s why this is the foundation I recommend right now. This is my go-to hormone support trio, which helps to balance hormones naturally. And when I really want to go deeper, I add Glutathione for extra detox and antioxidant support.

• S-Balance - supports healthy blood sugar levels and metabolism (huge for cravings, energy dips, and hormonal swings)

• Organex - supports liver and digestive function (your liver plays a key role in processing hormones)

• Tea Detox  - gently supports digestion and helps reduce bloating while encouraging natural cleansing

 

• Glutathione - helps with inflammation and cellular health, provides antioxidant support to help the body manage oxidative stress and toxin load. 

(Note: Glutation Plus = more advanced formula for deeper cellular and antioxidant support

I have a whole line-up of products I can share that are very beneficial for your health, but for hormonal health, this trio + Glutation is a great start. 

When these systems are supported, your body is better equipped to maintain balance. This isn’t a shortcut. It’s support for the work your body is already trying to do. And for many women, that’s where real change begins. ✨

Mama...your body isn’t the problem. It is just communicating with you and when you listen and give it the right kind of support, it responds! 💛Stay positive, be open and ready for change. And remember, you are a warrior!

⚠️ These products are designed to support overall wellness and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

WHY HOCKEY PLAYERS (AND ATHLETES) NEED COLLAGEN: JOINT SUPPORT, INJURY PREVENTION & FASTER RECOVERY

Photo Credit: HockeyMomFit

I didn’t choose to write about hockey by accident. This one is personal. As a hockey mom (and bonus mom) of three boys who have all played hockey, and with my youngest still grinding it out after 13 years, who is now at the juniors' level, I’ve had a front-row seat to what this sport really demands. The early mornings, the long drives, the back-to-back practices, the weight training, the pressure, the discipline and yes, the wear and tear on their bodies. I’ve seen the injured knees, the broken hand, sore joints, the shoulder issues, and the injuries that come with pushing limits on the ice. 

Hockey players are tough, almost to a fault, but over the years, it became clear to me that supporting joint health and recovery isn’t optional, it’s essential. If a hockey player, or any athlete is going to keep showing up and performing at a high level, their bodies need that same level of support behind the scenes.

Hockey is one of the most physically demanding sports out there with its explosive sprints, hard stops, sharp turns and many times, full body contact.  Having good, clean energy and strong healthy joints is crucial for their health and success as athletes.

Every shift puts stress on your joints, connective tissue, and muscles. Whether you’re grinding through a long season or training in the off-season, your body needs proper support to stay strong and resilient.

That’s where collagen comes in.

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What is Collagen and Why Does it Matter for Hockey?

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the body. It’s a key component of:

• Joints and Cartilage
• Tendons and ligaments
• Connective tissue
• Skin and structural tissue

For hockey players, these structures are constantly under physical load, especially knees, hips, shoulders, and ankles.

Supporting your body’s structural foundation is just as important as building muscle.

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 What is actually the best source of collagen?
It depends on your goal, but here’s the honest breakdown:

🥇 Marine collagen (fish)

• Best for: skin, anti-aging, glow, hair

• Why: Mostly Type I collagen (the one your skin is made of)

• Bonus: Smaller particles → better absorption

👉 If your focus is beauty/skin = this is usually the top pick.

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🥈 Bovine collagen (cow)

• Best for: overall health (skin + joints + gut)

• Contains Type I & III

• Most common + usually more affordable

👉 This is the “all-purpose” collagen most people use.

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🥉 Multi-collagen blends

• Mix of bovine, marine, chicken, etc.

• Best for: full-body support (joints + skin + gut)

👉 Not essential but can be nice if you want a “cover all bases” option.

How Collagen Supports Hockey Performance

🏒 Helps Maintain Joint Health and Mobility

Hockey requires rapid changes in direction and powerful lower-body drive. Collagen provides key building blocks that help maintain healthy cartilage and joint structure, which is vital to movement.

By incorporating collagen into your routine, you can:

• Support joint flexibility                                                 
• Help maintain smooth movement patterns
• Complement your mobility and recovery work

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💪 Supports Connective Tissue Strength

Tendons and ligaments are rich in collagen. These tissues handle the force transfer between muscle and bone, especially during skating, shooting, and checking.

Collagen supplementation can:

• Help maintain connective tissue integrity
• Support structural resilience during intense training  
• Complement strength and conditioning programs

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🔁 Supports Recovery After Training

Heavy practices, games, and weight sessions create physical stress. Recovery is when progress happens.

Collagen contains amino acids that contribute to normal tissue repair processes and can:

• Support post-workout recovery
• Complement your protein intake                                    
• Help maintain muscle and connective tissue health

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🧱 Supports Long-Term Athletic Longevity

Young athletes often feel invincible until wear and tear catches up. That is why taking a proactive approach to structural support may help maintain joint comfort over time, as well as support performance consistency through a long season and complement your overall nutrition strategy

It’s not just about playing hard today; it’s about staying strong for seasons to come.

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Why Consider Vital Health Collagen?

Vital Health’s collagen formula is designed to complement an active lifestyle. It can easily be added to your daily routine whether you’re in-season, off-season, or focused on strength development.

This collagen blend combines hydrolyzed peptides with gut and tissue-supporting nutrients to restore skin elasticity, strengthen joints, supports microbiome health and internal radiance.

Three power benefits:

1. Supports healthy joints, skin, and connective tissue
2. Promotes elasticity and visible signs of aging
3. Encourages gut repair and internal tissue strength

Many athletes' pair collagen with:

• A balanced high-protein diet
• Proper hydration
• Mobility work
• Resistance training                                                         
• A comprehensive multivitamin

Consistency is key. Structural support is built over time, just like strength and skill.

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A Smart Addition to a Hockey Nutrition Plan

If you’re serious about:

• Training harder
• Recovering smarter
• Maintaining mobility                                                   
• Supporting your body’s foundation

Then Collagen may be a valuable addition to your performance routine, whether you pay hockey or any other sport, it can only benefit your health. 

As always, supplements work best when combined with proper training, sleep, nutrition, and coaching.

†Any statements made on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
*This post contains affiiliate links.