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16 Minutes Read

Resetting the Course of Women’s Health: Laura Owen’s Bold Mission

Resetting the Course of Women’s Health: Laura Owen’s Bold Mission

A Broken System and a Bold Mission

Laura E. Owen believes it’s time for America to hit the “reset” button on health. A Kansas City-based wellness advocate and author, Owen has witnessed the toll of chronic disease and the shortcomings of a healthcare system focused on pills over prevention. “As a nation, our healthcare system is really broken… our food system is broken, and as a result, all of these broken things have resulted in some pretty broken health,” she says. The statistics she points to are sobering: nearly half of U.S. adults either have diabetes or prediabetes[1][2], and over three-quarters are overweight with 42% classified as clinically obese – a figure on track to reach 50%

within the next few years[3]. Most of these conditions are lifestyle-driven and preventable, yet “90% of the $4.1 trillion this country spends each year on health care goes toward chronic disease”[4] and managing conditions that could often be reversed with diet and lifestyle changes. “Our solution [so far] has been pills and shots,” Owen says, lamenting the quick-fix, symptom-focused approach that leaves root causes unaddressed.

Confronting this crisis, Owen has launched The Reset Code – a comprehensive wellness roadmap that aims to empower people (especially women) to reclaim their health through sustainable lifestyle changes. The effort began with her 2023 book The Reset Code, which distills cutting-edge research and timeless wisdom into ten science-backed steps for better health. Now, it has grown into the Reset Code Community, a 10-week program that guides groups of women through those steps in pursuit of lasting wellness of body, mind, and spirit. It’s an ambitious undertaking, but Owen is no stranger to leading bold initiatives. A seasoned entrepreneur and former public official – she co-founded a Nasdaq-traded tech company and even served as Kansas Secretary of Commerce[5] – Owen is leveraging her expertise and faith to spark what she hopes will become a nationwide wellness movement.

From Personal Wake-Up Call to Wellness Advocate

Owen’s passion for preventative health is rooted in personal experience. “I’ve actually always been kind of a health nut,” she laughs, but even diligence didn’t spare her from a serious scare. In her 40s, Owen faced two precancerous breast cancer diagnoses. “It really got my attention,” she recalls. Having lost her mother to breast cancer (and her grandmother had it as well), Owen understood she had to take her health into her own hands. “We were batting a thousand with our risk factors,” she says of her family history. Around the same time, her husband suffered life-threatening heart attacks. These events were a wake-up call that “we need to be even more intentional about the way that we’re living our lives and caring for these vessels that God has given us,” Owen says.

That realization set her on a journey to delve even deeper into nutritional science, preventive medicine

research, and spiritual wellness. The more she learned, the more she saw a path to help others. She began formulating what would become The Reset Code: a holistic framework to address the underlying causes of chronic illnesses (like inflammation, poor diet, stress, and sedentary habits) rather than just treating symptoms. “The body is meant to heal, but we don’t give it much opportunity because it’s constantly being stressed with chronic inflammation,” Owen explains. By making consistent, incremental changes – “baby steps” – in daily habits, Owen argues, people can dramatically improve their health. In fact, she notes that even type 2 diabetes, one of America’s most rampant chronic conditions, can often be completely reversed in well under 10 weeks through lifestyle changes. It sounds astonishing, but research supports that aggressive diet and exercise interventions can indeed trigger remission of type 2 diabetes in some cases. Owen has seen it firsthand: “People are shocked to hear that.” Cutting out sugars and simple carbs, getting the body moving (even a daily brisk walk), and prioritizing sleep and stress reduction – these basic shifts allow the body to begin repairing itself. “Sleep is incredible – it’s like God’s gift to helping restore our bodies, that’s when your body heals,” she says, emphasizing that many people underestimate the power of truly restorative sleep.

Owen stresses that pursuing health doesn’t mean a life of joyless self-denial. “That doesn’t mean you can never have fun again,” she laughs, dispelling the idea that a healthy lifestyle is austere. “Nobody has a perfect diet… It’s really about moving in the right direction and doing most of the things well.” In Owen’s view, a diet that is 80–90% “on track” allows room for occasional treats – a drastic contrast to the Standard American Diet, which she quips is “pretty much 100% wrong” today. The key is intentionality: being mindful of how we eat, move, sleep, and even think, so that we honor our bodies. This philosophy of grace and balance is woven throughout The Reset Code, making it approachable for people at any starting point. “It’s about baby steps… It means to become more intentional,” she says, “about how you prepare for sleep, how you speak to yourself, how you view the world… moving in the right direction.” That mindset of progress over perfection would shape not only her book, but the interactive program that followed.

Ten Steps to a Health Reset

At the heart of Owen’s approach are ten clear, actionable steps that collectively form a blueprint for better health. Each step corresponds to a chapter in The Reset Code and a weekly focus in the Reset Code Community program. “You can think of the 10 steps as gears,” Owen says. “When one of those gears is thrown off course, the whole thing [your health] gets out of whack.” By addressing all the gears, one by one, the program seeks to get the whole system running smoothly again. Here are The Reset Code’s ten steps:

  1. Discovering Your “Why” – Motivation for Change: The journey begins with a deep personal inventory. Participants reflect on why they want to get healthy. Surface answers like “I want to lose 20 pounds” are peeled back to reveal more heartfelt motivations – perhaps to have energy to play with children, to feel confident again, or to live to see grandchildren grow up. Owen believes understanding this core motivation is crucial for lasting commitment. “If we don’t get real about what our motivation is, on the tough days it’s easy to give up,” she notes. By drilling down into the true why, women tap into a well of inspiration to fuel the hard work of change.

  2. Food is Medicine: Owen makes no apologies for her stance on nutrition: “What we put in our mouths is either medicine or poison, every single day,” she says. This step educates participants on embracing whole, nutrient-dense foods and cutting out the ultra-processed, sugary products that drive inflammation and disease. Rather than a fad diet, it’s about adopting a sustainable way of eating (think plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and water) that heals the body. Owen shares tips for shopping, meal prep, and even indulging wisely, making it clear that healthy eating can be delicious and satisfying – and profoundly healing.

  3. Moving with Purpose: You won’t find any extreme gym mandates here, but you will find an emphasis on daily movement. This step encourages women to find physical activities they enjoy and to be intentional about staying active. Whether it’s a morning walk, dancing, swimming, or gardening, the goal is consistent movement to boost metabolism, strengthen the heart, and improve mood. “I’m not talking about becoming a gym rat,” Owen says. “Let’s just get out and walk… just move every day.” The program highlights how even moderate exercise can yield big health improvements over time.

  4. Managing Stress: Chronic stress is a silent culprit behind many health issues – it triggers inflammation, disrupts sleep, and can lead to emotional eating or burnout. Owen dedicates a step to stress management techniques, from prayer and meditation to breathing exercises and time management. Participants learn to identify their stressors and build coping strategies. “If we don’t get a handle on stress, then all these other things get out of whack,” Owen observes. The program introduces simple practices (like taking short relaxation breaks, journaling, or setting healthy boundaries) to help women cultivate peace in the midst of busy lives.

  5. Restorative Sleep: Quality sleep is non-negotiable for healing. “Sleep is when your body heals,” Owen says, calling it one of the most underestimated aspects of health. In this step, women assess their sleep habits and learn how to improve them – establishing a calming bedtime routine, limiting screens before bed, creating a dark cool sleep environment, and addressing issues like sleep apnea if needed. The difference between merely getting 7–8 hours and getting restorative sleep (cycling through all the stages, including deep and REM sleep) can be life-changing. Improved sleep balances hormones, sharpens the mind, and even aids weight loss.

  6. Mind Over Matter (Mindset): Our thought life and self-talk have profound effects on health. “Oh my goodness, we all beat ourselves up every day,” Owen exclaims. This step helps participants reframe

    negative thought patterns and practice positive, faith-filled mindset shifts. From speaking kindly to oneself in the mirror to practicing gratitude and refraining from snap judgments of others, the “mind over matter” step fosters emotional resilience. It’s about resetting one’s mental outlook to reduce anxiety and depression – issues that have reached epidemic levels in recent years. “Learning to speak to yourself in an empowering way, not putting yourself down, changes how you view the world,” says Owen, who integrates biblical principles of identity and purpose here as well.

  7. Hormonal Balance: Especially for women, hormones can significantly impact mood, weight, and overall well-being. This week demystifies hormonal health across all ages – from menstrual cycle issues to

    perimenopause and menopause (and yes, men’s hormones get a mention too). By understanding how factors like diet, stress, and sleep affect hormones, women can take steps to balance them naturally. For younger women, that might mean managing issues like PCOS or post-partum changes; for midlife women, easing the transition of menopause. Simple changes (reducing endocrine-disrupting chemicals, for example, or adjusting diet) and working with healthcare providers can help regulate hormones, which in turn improves energy and emotional stability.

  8. Detox – Inside and Out: Toxin exposure is another modern health hurdle. Owen’s program tackles detoxification in a broad sense: from eliminating toxins in food (like additives and pesticides) and home products (harsh cleaners, plastics), to reducing one’s toxic load from environmental sources. But it also means an emotional detox – reassessing unhealthy relationships or negative media consumption that can poison the spirit. Participants learn practical tips to support their body’s natural detox systems (drinking plenty of water, eating fiber and antioxidant-rich foods, perhaps even trying a guided fast) and to cut out the “garbage” in their surroundings. The result is often increased mental clarity and a lighter, more energetic feeling physically.

  9. Oral Health: This step often surprises people – why is dental care in a holistic health program? Owen points to emerging science linking oral health to diseases like heart disease and even Alzheimer’s. “There are great studies now that show the correlation between periodontal disease and heart disease, and Alzheimer’s – it’s mind-blowing,” she notes[6][7]. Gum disease is essentially chronic inflammation in the mouth, which can seed inflammation elsewhere in the body. Thus, caring for one’s teeth and gums (through regular flossing, dental checkups, and treating issues like infections) is not just about a nice smile – it’s a critical piece of overall health. The program features insights from a biological dentist on how to optimize oral hygiene and its ripple effects on the rest of the body.

  10. Pills in Balance: In the final step, participants take a close look at the medications and supplements they use. Owen’s stance is balanced: modern medicine is invaluable in many cases, but polypharmacy (relying on a long list of drugs) can sometimes do more harm than good if root causes remain ignored. She encourages women to review their meds with their doctors – could any dosages be lowered through lifestyle changes? Are there unnecessary drugs treating side effects of other drugs? On supplements, the program urges discernment: more is not always better. Many people take handfuls of vitamins or herbal pills without understanding interactions or whether they’re needed. Owen wants women to be informed consumers of both medicine and supplements, using them wisely and only as truly needed. “A lot of people pop supplements without considering that there could be adverse effects with some medications they’re taking,” she cautions. The goal is to find the right balance – supporting health naturally as much as possible, and using medications strategically under a doctor’s guidance.

Each of these ten steps is grounded in scientific research (Owen’s book contains dozens of medical references

in the back) yet presented in down-to-earth, actionable terms. The Reset Code isn’t about a temporary detox or a trendy diet; it’s about building sustainable habits in all areas of life. By the end of the 10 weeks, women have not only learned a tremendous amount, but they’ve practiced new behaviors and tracked their progress. “All 10 of those things together really pull together a big picture,” Owen says, “for women to embrace approaching their lives in a more empowering way – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”

Faith and Community at the Core

One aspect that sets the Reset Code Community apart from typical wellness programs is its faith-based, community-driven delivery model. Owen, a longtime Christian, chose to partner with local churches to host the 10-week program. Each week, groups of women come together (often in a church hall or living room) to watch a video lesson, discuss the week’s topic with guidance from a workbook, and support each other in making changes. Owen or a trained facilitator leads the sessions, but much of the magic comes from the participants bonding and holding each other accountable. “Women who initially pretty much didn’t know each other are now like best friends,” she says of one recent group she led. “It creates this great, very close connection… supporting each other through this journey.” That sense of sisterhood and shared purpose is intentionally cultivated – it turns out getting healthy is easier when you’re not doing it alone.

Why focus on women specifically? Owen firmly believes that when women are healthy and confident, the ripple effects are immense. “When women feel good about themselves, when they are healthy and have the right energy level and the right mindset, it not only affects their families in a great way, it affects communities and the world,” she explains. By equipping women with knowledge and tools, the program indirectly uplifts children, spouses, neighbors and beyond. Additionally, some health issues addressed (like hormonal changes or even emotional struggles) are deeply personal; women often feel safer opening up in a female-only space. Owen recalls that in mixed company, many women might shy away from discussing, say, menopause or postpartum depression. In the Reset Code circles, they find empathy and understanding from peers who might have similar experiences.

Churches are a natural partner for this wellness outreach. Houses of worship have built-in community and trust,

and many churches are eager to help congregants with health as part of holistic ministry. Owen modeled her approach partly on the success of Upward Sports, a popular church-based youth sports program. Just as Upward uses kids’ basketball leagues to share a positive message (the gospel is briefly presented at halftime of games), Owen’s Reset Code weaves spiritual encouragement throughout a health program. “Even though the program is focused on women’s health, the gospel message is always shared,” says Owen. The Reset Code is overtly Christ-centered – each session includes a short scripture or faith reflection, and Owen makes it clear that nurturing the spirit is as important as nurturing the body. The program welcomes anyone (many participants are not church members), and it’s presented in a non-judgmental, loving way. But Owen is unapologetic that finding one’s God-given purpose is part of true wellness. She encourages women to see themselves as beloved daughters of God and to ask the big questions about their purpose in life. “What is our purpose? That is a very powerful question,” she says. “Once you embrace that, there’s a whole sense of fulfillment and power that comes with it.” In her view, a healthy life is one lived with meaning and grounded in faith.

Importantly, Owen has structured the program to be accessible and scalable. All the leader guides, video lessons, and supporting materials are provided to churches or groups free of charge. “We don’t charge… it’s completely free,” she notes, aside from the cost of the book and companion workbook (which participants purchase on Amazon). Owen considers this initiative part of her calling and even refers to it as a “tithing offering” on her organization’s part. By removing financial barriers, she hopes any church or community group that wants to host a Reset Code series can easily do so. A volunteer with a passion for women’s health is really all it takes to get a group started. “It’s a simple program to lead,” Owen says. “Even if someone has never led a group in their life – perfect! The Leader’s Guide provides in great detail what to do each week.” She adds that the video lectures (about 18 minutes each) feature subject-matter experts joining her to cover that week’s topic, so the burden isn’t on the local leader to be a health guru. They are more of a facilitator, guiding discussion questions from the workbook and creating a warm, supportive atmosphere. The heavy lifting (in terms of medical expertise and program design) has been done by Owen and her team. This plug-and-play design, combined with the urgent need it addresses, gives The Reset Code enormous potential to spread.

Early Success and Growing Momentum

Though The Reset Code Community is still new, success stories are already emerging. In the pilot groups Owen led, participants saw dramatic improvements. Several women with type 2 diabetes saw their blood sugar levels normalize and were able to reduce or even eliminate certain medications under their doctors’ supervision. Others reported weight loss (often 10–20 pounds over 10 weeks) as a side effect of healthier eating and regular movement – notable because, as Owen emphasizes, “this is not a weight loss program by any stretch,” yet weight comes off naturally when the body’s in balance. Many women have shared increases in energy, better sleep, and reductions in issues like joint pain or digestive problems. The mental and spiritual impact has been profound as well. Women describe feeling hopeful and empowered, sometimes for the first time in years. Burnout and anxiety begin to give way to joy and purpose. “I get text messages every week,” Owen says. “The next day after our meeting, someone will say, ‘This was my aha moment last night, and I’m so grateful – here’s how I’m already seeing changes in my life.’” Those messages, she says, are incredibly rewarding and validate why she started this movement.

Owen is quick to note that The Reset Code is not about replacing doctors or eschewing medical treatment when it’s needed. Rather, it’s about educating and empowering individuals to control what they can. She encourages participants to work with their healthcare providers, especially if they aim to reduce medications. Often, doctors are thrilled to see patients improve through lifestyle changes – something busy practitioners wish they had more time to help with. “I’m not suggesting throwing out physicians by any stretch. God bless these guys and gals – they’re taught to diagnose and prescribe. They’re not taught to get to the root cause… and frankly, in our system today, they don’t have time,” Owen says empathetically of doctors. Her program fills that gap by addressing root causes (like poor diet, inactivity, stress) so that clinical treatments work better and, ideally, fewer prescriptions are needed in the long run. It’s a win-win approach: patients take responsibility for daily habits, and doctors can focus on truly intractable issues.

The Reset Code book itself has earned praise from prominent figures in medicine and public service. World-

renowned neurosurgeon and former HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson endorsed the book, calling it an inspiring guide for people to take control of their health. U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas – who is also a medical doctor – also gave his endorsement[6], impressed by the program’s medical soundness and holistic philosophy. “I am very proud of that,” Owen says of the high-profile support. It signals that her work is resonating not just with everyday women but with leaders who see the need for a grassroots health revolution. And momentum is building. Churches in several states have expressed interest in hosting Reset Code groups. Owen’s website (TheResetCode.net) invites inquiries and makes it easy for local leaders to get started. She hopes to train an army of volunteers to bring the 10-week program into churches, colleges, workplaces, community centers – anywhere women can gather. “My hope, my prayer with this is that this will expand across the nation, and perhaps outside of our nation,” she says. America is ready for this message, Owen believes. After decades of rising chronic illness, people are waking up to the reality that “what we’re doing isn’t working” and seeking a better way.

For Laura Owen, better health is just the beginning. Yes, she wants to see women shedding pounds, ditching pills, and reversing disease markers. But her ultimate goal is deeper: to see women step boldly into the life “they were uniquely created to live”[6]. By restoring their health – body, mind, and spirit – women can become the vibrant, purposeful individuals they’re meant to be. Families will flourish, communities will strengthen, and even the nation’s dire health trends could turn around. It’s a grand vision sparked by one woman’s personal trials and her refusal to accept the status quo. “We’re on this earth for a nanosecond,” Owen often reminds people. We don’t have time to languish in poor health or in purposeless living. Through The Reset Code, Laura Owen is challenging women to use that “nanosecond” well – to heal, to thrive, and to shine. And in doing so, she just might be triggering a much-needed reset in how we all think about health.

Sources:

  • Owen, Laura E. The Reset Code (HealthyID, 2023) – program details and endorsements[6][5].

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Chronic Disease statistics[4][2].

  • Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – U.S. obesity projections[3].

  • American Institute for Cancer Research – Diabetes and prediabetes prevalence[1].




[1] Half of US Adults Have Diabetes or PreDiabetes - American Institute for Cancer Research

https://www.aicr.org/news/half-of-us-adults-have-diabetes-or-prediabetes/

[2] The hidden epidemic of prediabetes | NIH MedlinePlus Magazine

https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/the-hidden-epidemic-of-prediabetes

[3] Close to half of U.S. population projected to have obesity by 2030 | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/half-of-us-to-have-obesity-by-2030/

[4] House Approves Legislation Expanding Access to Chronic Disease Treatments - Ways and Means

https://waysandmeans.house.gov/2025/03/04/house-approves-legislation-expanding-access-to-chronic-disease-treatments/

[5] [6] [7] 10 Steps to Your Best Health and Life NOW! - Healthy ID

https://healthyid.com/10-steps-to-your-best-health-and-life-now/



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