Health Discovered
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186 episodes
March is colorectal cancer awareness month. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly double the number of young adults under 55 are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. And while it’s a highly treatable cancer, many people will not have symptoms in the early stages of colorectal cancer. So, when should regular screening begin? And what measures can we take to lower our risk for colon cancer? What do we need to know about the latest research on a blood test for colon cacner screening? We spoke to Jaydeep Bhat, MD, MPH, gastroenterologist, and physician lead for resource stewardship at The Southeast Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, about what puts someone at a higher risk for colorectal cancer, the various screening tests available, questions we should ask our primary care doctors, and small and actionable lifestyle changes we can make to reduce our risk.
Many people desire happiness, but is there a science to being happy? Can we learn to be happy regardless of external challenges? Are there evidence-based tools and practices for managing emotions and enhancing our lives? We spoke with Arthur C. Brooks https://arthurbrooks.com/, who co-authored the book with Oprah Winfrey, about using science to understand happiness from a psychological and biological perspective, the intersection of happiness with our environment, the impact of social media, the benefits of healthy relationships, and how we can actively teach ourselves to live happier lives.
Often, when we think of toxic chemicals, our minds go to household cleansers or environmental pollution. But we can also be affected by harmful chemicals in our clothing. What are some of the chemicals found in clothing, and what potential impact do they have on our health? Are there resources to help consumers identify fashion products that are safe, sustainable, and free from harmful chemicals? We spoke to Alden Wicker, award-winning journalist, sustainable fashion expert, and author of – and How We Can Fight Back, about the potentially unhealthy chemicals fabrics can hold, go-to resources to help us identify safe products, and the most efficient way to edit, audit, and refill our closets with less toxic and more sustainable fashion.
Weight management is something that many people struggle with. And sometimes, it can feel impossible. But what happens when we shift our focus beyond the scale? How would incorporating sleep management tools, social support and connection, and other pillars of lifestyle medicine positively impact our experience with weight management? To guide us through this topic, we spoke to Mahima Gulati, MD, a triple board-certified physician specializing in endocrinology, diabetes, metabolism, and lifestyle medicine, and associate professor of Medical Sciences at the Frank H. Netter School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, about how GLP-1 agonists work for obesity management and how the six key pillars of lifestyle medicine can assist with weight loss and weight management from incorporating a plant-based diet https://www.webmd.com/diet/plant-based-diet to sustainable physical activity and more.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States alone, with one person dying from heart disease every 33 seconds. February, in addition to American Heart Month, is Black History Month. Black Americans are 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic white Americans. What risk factors contribute to heart disease impacting Black Americans at higher and more fatal rates? Are there lifestyle changes we can implement to shift health outcomes? We spoke to Anekwe Onwuanyi, MD, board-certified cardiologist and professor of medicine who serves as chief of cardiology at Morehouse School of Medicine, medical director of the heart failure program at Grady Memorial Hospital, and president of the Association of Black Cardiologists, about barriers in healthcare, the impact of stress and socioeconomic factors on cardiovascular issues, preventative measures, and necessary policy initiatives to create sustainable change in the Black community.
Between the extreme opposites of toxic positivity and pessimism lies a healthy middle ground that we often overlook: practical optimism. What does it mean to move through the world with optimism? And even if we often feel pessimistic or hypervigilant, how can we practice optimism on a daily basis to develop this emotional muscle? To explore this topic, we spoke with Sue Varma, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and author of the new book https://www.doctorsuevarma.com/book/, about the importance of cultivating everyday mental wellness and developing emotional resilience to help us navigate inevitable moments of crisis and triumph. This discussion of practical optimism is a powerful reminder that the glass is neither half full nor half empty - the glass is simply refillable.
Over the past century in the U.S., there's been a societal transformation in what we expect from our romantic relationships. It's not just about love anymore; there's a growing belief that our partners will fulfill many roles, including being instrumental in our personal growth. But what do these expectations mean in romantic partnerships? Are they realistic, or are we setting ourselves up for disappointment? We spoke with Lia Love Avellino, LCSW, a modern love therapist and founder of Spoke Circles https://www.spokecircles.com/, a group support hub in Brooklyn, about the primary concerns couples face communicating our wants and needs, creating balance in a relationship, and cultivating supportive bonds without trying to facilitate one another's self http://goog_673989585/-actualization. http://-actualization./
* February is American Heart Month, and a pivotal date, February 22nd https://www.valvediseaseday.org/, shines a spotlight on Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, emphasizing the significance of the role heart valves play in maintaining our overall health and well-being. What function do the heart valves serve? What are the ways a heart valve can fail? We spoke with Icilma Fergus, MD, board-certified in internal medicine and cardiology and director of cardiovascular disparities and clinical lipidology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, about lifestyle prevention strategies, warning signs of valve disease, new treatments, and how patients can be empowered to best advocate for themselves at the doctor’s office. * * *
When we think of racism, we often think of overt acts of prejudice and discrimination, but what about subtle microaggressions, bias, and systemic barriers? February is Black History Month, and we are looking at the ways trauma and stress due to racism can impact the Black community physically, mentally, and emotionally. We'll discuss covert racism, explore the psychological impact of working twice as hard to attain what others might take for granted, and unpack the ways hypervigilance takes a toll on mental health. We spoke with Riana Elyse Anderson, PhD, LCP, clinical psychologist and Fellow at the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University, about the intergenerational impact of racism, tools for Black families https://bigheartworld.org/ to discuss this with the next generation, and how the brain responds to racial trauma.
In January, many people choose to refrain from alcohol, or what is known as a “dry January,” after potential excess during the holiday season. But what about those who want to refrain longer or explore their relationship with alcohol? What does it mean to be sober curious, or practice mindful drinking? How would shifting our drinking habits impact our health? We spoke to Amanda E. White, licensed professional counselor and the owner of Therapy for Women Center https://therapyforwomencenter.com/, author of , and creator of the popular Instagram account @therapyforwomen, about mindful drinking, how to practice boundaries when refraining from alcohol, and helpful tips for listeners who are sober curious to begin changing their relationship with alcohol.
Do you know the difference between a pap smear and a pelvic exam? Do you know where the cervix is located and what it does? Most importantly, what about the connection between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer? According to some experts, almost 100% of sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lifetime and more than 14,000 women in the US are diagnosed with HPV related invasive cervical cancer every year. For cervical cancer awareness month, we spoke with Staci Tanouye, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN to answer common questions about cervical health. We discuss the difference between pelvic exams and pap smears, how often to schedule them, common facts and misconceptions about HPV, and why regular cervical cancer screenings are so important throughout the lifespan.
A 2023 survey by Cleveland Clinic found that 44% of men do not get an annual physical exam. How should men take control of their health? What are the top health concerns for men after the age of 40? What health screenings are essential? And why do we often overlook mental health when having these discussions? Neha Pathak, MD, and John Whyte, MD https://www.webmd.com/john-whyte, discuss the importance of checking blood pressure https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/diastolic-and-systolic-blood-pressure-know-your-numbers and cholesterol, maintaining heart health, cancer risk and screening, and how wearable devices and apps can inform and empower men to approach their health and wellness proactively.
In the first episode of the new year, Dr. Pathak takes a different approach to traditional New Year's resolutions. Rather than overwhelming you with the pressure of becoming a "new you," this episode encourages listeners to appreciate and love the "you" that exists right now. With a focus on embracing and accepting the current version of ourselves, we explore the transformative power of self-compassion. Guiding us through this topic is our guest, Kristin Neff, PhD, a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research and author of the books Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, and Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power and Thrive. Dr. Neff explores mindfulness, empathy, fierce self-compassion, and helpful practices we can incorporate into our daily lives to show up with an open heart and mind.
Many of us can relate to feeling triggered or having our buttons pushed in our closest relationships, but what can we do about it? Is there an effective way to identify and communicate healthy boundaries? Can we create and sustain healthier connections even in the midst of conflict? We spoke with Whitney Goodman, LMFT https://sitwithwhit.com/, psychotherapist behind the hugely popular Instagram account @SitWithWhit, author of https://sitwithwhit.com/toxic-positivity, host of the Calling Home podcast, and owner of the Collaborative Counseling Center, about how to communicate our wants, needs, and boundaries, as well as dynamics of enmeshment, estrangement and loving detachment.
It’s commonly said that we are what we eat. A great deal of research has been done to find a correlation between healthy diets and brain function, but misinformation persists. Figuring out how certain foods impact our physical, mental, and emotional health while also balancing our busy lives can become a frustrating exercise. So, how does food impact the brain exactly? To find out, we spoke to Uma Naidoo, MD https://umanaidoomd.com/, director of Nutritional and Metabolic Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) & director of Nutritional & Lifestyle Psychiatry at MGH Academy, and author of the forthcoming book . We explored the gut and brain connection, the benefits of spices and adaptogens, helpful food pairings to boost bioavailability and realistic solutions for supporting our mental and emotional health with food.
We've all heard of seasonal affective disorder, but did you know that it's more than just the winter blues? The cooler temperatures, seasonal changes, and limited daylight hours of the winter months can stir up a certain cozy feeling, but they can also bring a sense of lethargy, persistent sadness, and a loss of interest in activities that once brought joy. So, what exactly is seasonal affective disorder? What are the symptoms? Are there effective treatments available? We spoke with Michael Terman, PhD, founder and president of the Center for Environmental Therapeutics, about the science behind what causes seasonal affective disorder, the significant role that your chronotype plays, where and how to accurately assess https://cet.org/assessments/ mood changes during seasonal transitions, and the therapies available that alleviate symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder.
What happens when vaccine hesitancy and medical misinformation evolve into an anti-science aggression? While navigating the COVID-19 pandemic https://www.webmd.com/covid/coronavirus, we found ourselves facing daily monumental decisions regarding our health. As the pandemic continued, many of us became well-informed about viral loads, the effectiveness of masks in preventing transmission, and the critical question of whether the vaccine would benefit or potentially harm us. The introduction of the COVID vaccine brought these decisions to the forefront of our lives along with a debate about politics, identity, and privacy. We spoke with Peter Hotez, MD, PhD https://peterhotez.org/, scientist, pediatrician, and the author of about the origins of vaccine skepticism, the impact of community outreach and patient education, and lessons learned in countering the spread of medical misinformation.
Forty years ago, the idea that HIV would shift from a terminal illness to a chronic manageable disease was almost unthinkable. In recent years, another health crisis, COVID-19, much like HIV, was wrought with fear, stigma, and misinformation. In honor of World AIDS Day, we'll discuss key terminology, misconceptions, and advancements in HIV, including U=U undetectable equals untransmittable, the life-changing impact of current treatments and medical breakthroughs, and how science has prepared us with tools to navigate future pandemics. Joining us in this conversation is Michael Saag, MD, physician and prominent HIV/AIDS researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and author of . This episode is dedicated to people living with and affected by HIV and those who lost their lives to AIDS.
* Have you ever been in a stressful situation where it feels as if you are losing control of your body? Activation of the sympathetic nervous system may cause our chest to tighten, our thoughts to race, and our breathing to become shallow. What are our options in these moments? What can we rely on to bring us back to center when we experience dysregulation? Breathwork, belly breathing, or paced respiration is an intentional manipulation of how we breathe to achieve specific mental, emotional, or physical benefits. We spoke to Ana Lilia, a certified breathwork teacher, about various breathwork techniques, from breath of fire to box breathing, and the powerful advantages of breathwork, including relaxation, stress reduction, and overall well-being. Through this discussion, we learn how consciously incorporating our breath is a pathway for transformation. * * *
In 2023 alone, an estimated 64,050 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, accounting for 3% of all cancers in the U.S. and 7% of all cancer deaths. The most concerning thing about pancreatic cancer is that detection often occurs in later stages when it has spread beyond the pancreas. For this reason, pancreatic cancer is often referred to as the "silent killer." To explore the myths and facts of pancreatic cancer, we spoke with Malini D. Sur, MD, FACS https://atlantaliverandpancreas.com/, a board-certified surgical oncologist. Dr. Sur explains the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer, current treatment options available, and the best way for patients to advocate for themselves while navigating this diagnosis.
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States. An estimated 238,340 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023, and 64% of lung cancers are diagnosed at stage III or IV. With all of these facts, it’s surprising that lung cancer screening, a tool that could save lives, is rarely used. Why is that? Who does that impact the most? And what changes can be made? We spoke with Jeff Yang, MD, a thoracic surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital and founder of the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative https://www.alcsi.org/, about symptoms, recommended lung cancer screenings, and available treatment options. We then spoke with Narjust Florez, MD, associate director of the Cancer Care Equity Program and a thoracic medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, about the stigma and lung cancer patients experience and how patients can better advocate for themselves. READ WEBMD CENTERPIECE: CATCHING A KILLER
Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which your immune system destroys insulin-making cells in your pancreas. Typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, type 1 diabetes is not just a medical condition; it's a story of resilience and adaptability, requiring a lifelong commitment to managing one's health. In today's episode, we'll sort through the myths and learn the facts of type 1 diabetes—examining the science, the daily challenges faced by those living with it, and the groundbreaking advancements in treatment and technology revolutionizing how individuals manage this condition. We spoke with Jessica Lilley, MD, board-certified Division Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology at the Mississippi Center for Advanced Medicine, and Jana Taylor, a medical student living with type 1 diabetes, about common misconceptions and the physical and emotional impact of managing this condition.
Sexual health is crucial to our well-being. Despite its impact on our lives, it’s still not something we commonly discuss with our doctors. This is particularly true for cancer survivors, both during treatment and in the post-treatment phase. What are some of the challenges that cancer survivors have when it comes to sexual wellness? How do the mental, physical, emotional, and financial burdens of cancer impact connection and intimacy? How can doctors, patients, and caregivers foster a better conversation surrounding this topic? We spoke with Sage Bolte, PhD, LCSW, CST, Chief Philanthropy Officer and President of the Inova Health Foundation https://foundation.inova.org/, certified sex therapist, and respected leader in the field of oncology social work. Our conversation with Dr. Bolte explored ways to navigate sex and body image changes in cancer survivorship, inclusive conversations surrounding sexual wellness and intimacy, how to communicate wants, needs, and fears with your partner, and the sexual wellness resources available to cancer survivors.
There are many misconceptions about what people experience following a breast cancer diagnosis. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we decided to look at breast cancer through the eyes of a survivor https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/features/breast-cancer-survivorship. We spoke with Bossi https://www.iambossi.com/, a two-time breast cancer survivor, founder of House of Bossi, and singer/songwriter of the 2022 EP titled Run with Lions, inspired by her battles with cancer. Bossi highlights the often unseen experience of breast cancer survivors. She shares her first thoughts post-diagnosis, things she wished she had known then, and the importance of advocating for yourself through treatment. Through transparent sharing of her experience, we explored how a breast cancer diagnosis impacts relationships, family planning, goals, and dreams, which resources were most helpful, how friends and loved ones can show their support, and treatment options she learned about through other breast cancer survivors.
More than 5% of the US population, 18.1 million people, are cancer survivors. Over the next decade, the number of people who have lived 5 or more years after their cancer diagnosis is projected to increase by approximately 30%. How do we define cancer survivorship? What does cancer rehabilitation look like? And what are lifestyle prevention strategies? We spoke to Amy Comander, MD, medical director of the Mass General Cancer Center-Waltham and director of the Breast Oncology Program at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, about her program PAVING the Path to Wellness in collaboration with Beth Frates, MD, the six key pillars of lifestyle medicine, how you can support your loved one going through a cancer diagnosis, and the long-lasting power of social connection in cancer survivorship.
Each year in the United States, about 240,000 women and 2,100 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. The average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13%. This means there is a 1 in 8 chance she will develop breast cancer, which is why breast cancer awareness and screening are so important. In May 2023, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) lowered the breast cancer screening age from 50 to 40 – but do these age screenings apply to everyone? What factors contribute to a high-risk classification for breast cancer, and how do we identify if we are at genetic risk? We spoke with Lauren Nye, MD, board-certified oncologist at the University of Kansas Cancer Center and Clinical Medical Director of Breast Cancer Prevention, about the importance of assessing your cancer risk, learning your genetic history, and prioritizing your overall health.
What is trauma? How does it manifest in our lives? How is trauma passed down through generations or within communities? And most importantly, what can we do about it? Most of us have some experience with trauma, but rarely, if ever, are we encouraged to discuss it. Instead, we are encouraged to muscle through it or transcend it. In this episode of the WebMD Health Discovered podcast, we explore the impact of trauma in our lives and the often-overlooked topic of intergenerational trauma. We spoke with Thema Bryant, PhD https://drthema.com/, host of the Homecoming podcast, author of Homecoming: Overcome Fear and Trauma to Reclaim Your Whole, Authentic Self, and 2023 president of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Thema is a tenured professor of psychology in the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University, where she directs the Culture and Trauma Research Laboratory. Dr. Thema unpacks how traumatic stress disrupts the nervous system and is passed down through generations and within communities. She highlights the importance of honoring the survival skills of people who came before us, how we can adopt and model healthy coping https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/ss/slideshow-emotional-trauma-self-care methods, and how we can appropriately talk with future generations about our lived experiences of trauma to help them go from just surviving to thriving.
Heart failure affects approximately 3 million women and is the leading reason for hospitalization and a major cause of death in women over age 65. What facts do women need to know about heart failure? Why is heart failure so prevalent in Black and Hispanic communities? How does premature onset heart failure impact people under the age of 65? We spoke with Karol E. Watson, MD, PhD, attending cardiologist and professor of medicine/cardiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, about common risk factors and symptoms of heart failure, treatment options, and how racial disparities and social determinants of health impact diagnosis and treatment. We also spoke with Chevonne Dixon, blogger of This Well Planned Life, who is living with heart failure after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at age 19. Chevonne spoke openly about her journey to diagnosis and how other heart failure patients can be their own best advocates....
The average adult uses a dozen personal care products daily, including shampoo, deodorants, lotions, and cosmetics. That averages to about 125 chemicals we are exposing ourselves to daily. How does this chemical buildup in our system increase the chance of health risks? What can we do in our everyday lives to minimize exposure to toxic chemicals? We spoke with Kristina Marusic, an award-winning journalist at Environmental Health Sciences and author of , about the common chemicals we are exposed to, online resources to learn about alternative health-conscious products, the importance of an at-home water filtration system, and small ways we can implement changes in the products we purchase to reduce our chemical body burden without disrupting our lives or breaking the bank.
Every 3 minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with a blood cancer. About half of the blood cancers that occur each year are lymphomas https://www.webmd.com/cancer/lymphoma/lymphoma-cancer. Unlike some cancers, there is no widely recommended screening test for lymphoma, and as a result, people typically don't know something is wrong until they experience symptoms. In honor of Blood Cancer Awareness Month, we spoke with Peter Martin, MD https://weillcornell.org/pmartin, Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Lymphoma Program at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, to learn more about lymphoma, including risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options. Dr. Martin also shares an empowering perspective on cancer survivorship https://blogs.webmd.com/cancer/default.htm that everyone navigating a cancer diagnosis should listen to.
