On Health with Houston Methodist: Recent Episodes
Houston Methodist
On Health with Houston Methodist is for the health conscious, curious and even skeptics out there. Each week, our hosts are joined by a Houston Methodist expert to explore an everyday wellness trend or significant health topic.
For more than 100 years, Houston Methodist has provided the best — and safest — clinical care, advanced technology and patient experience. We are proud to be a top hospital in Texas and the nation.
For more health advice and tips from Houston Methodist experts, check out our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Social media is overflowing with wellness advice that promises a better, healthier you. But how do you know what's backed by science and what's simply trending online? From influencer culture to AI-powered searches, we discuss how to separate credible information from unproven hype to make more informed decisions about your health.
Expert: Dr. Joshua Septimus, primary care physician
Notable topics covered:
- Why health and wellness advice spreads so easily on social media
- The risks of buying health products on the grey market
- How personal success stories from influencers can be misleading
- Tips for finding reputable medical voices online
- Physicians are on the front lines of combatting misinformation
- Practical ways to fact-check health claims before acting on them
- The role AI tools can play in researching health questions — and their limitations
- Why your physician remains one of the most valuable health resources
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Charcuterie comes from the French phrase “chair cuit,” meaning “cooked meat.” Cured meat was more about survival than celebration for our ancestors; in the Instagram age, charcuterie boards aesthetically grace our feeds and party tables, or even make for an impromptu weeknight “girl dinner.” These boards are popular because they’re low effort, look impressive and are highly customizable (and delicious). But it raises the question: Is a dish built around cured meat and cheese only for special occasions, or can it be part of our regular dinner rotation? In this episode, we explore what makes charcuterie both celebratory and nutritious, and how small swaps can turn a spread into a balanced snack or meal, all without losing the joy.
Expert: Kristen Wright, registered dietitian
Notable topics covered:
- What makes a board balanced vs. celebratory
- The ingredients that can easily take you over the recommended daily intake for sodium
- The protein swaps to make a board a nutritious everyday snack or meal
- How to make healthier ranch and other satisfying dips
- Eating the rainbow: why color and variety matter for fruits and vegetables
- Carbs, sweeteners and condiments: Can they be part of a healthy spread?
- Beverage pairings and why portion size is often the real issue
- The "adult Lunchables" trick for a board you can throw together in 10 minutes
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Ever wonder why stress can trigger butterflies in your stomach, nausea or an urgent trip to the bathroom? In this episode, we explore the fascinating connection between the brain and the gut — discussing why your digestive system is often called your "second brain," the science behind stress-related digestive symptoms and what to do if stress frequently shows up in your gut.
Expert: Dr. Eamonn Quigley, gastroenterologist
Notable topics covered:
- Why the gut is often referred to as the body's "second brain”
- The role of the fight-or-flight response in digestive symptoms
- How anxiety, diet and the gut microbiome can influence digestion
- Acute stress and chronic stress affect the gut differently
- Why anxiety and digestive conditions like IBS often overlap
- Diet strategies to help reduce stress-related digestive symptoms
- What to know before spending money on probiotics
- When digestive symptoms could indicate something more than stress
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
When the numbers on the scale suddenly jump, it's easy to blame "water weight." But how can you tell whether you're retaining fluid, gaining body fat or dealing with something else entirely? In this episode, we cover what water weight is, the lifestyle habits that contribute to fluid retention and how to spot the difference between normal fluctuations and warning signs of excess fluid buildup.
Expert: Dr. Laura Choi, weight loss surgeon
Notable topics covered:
- Yes, it's real — and why the term can be misleading
- Why your weight naturally fluctuates throughout the day
- The best way to weigh yourself for tracking long-term trends
- How bloating, puffiness and swelling differ from true weight gain
- Common causes of water retention, including hormones, inactivity and diet
- The surprising connection between dehydration and water retention
- Medical conditions that can cause excess fluid buildup
- Why rapid weight loss on low-carb diets is often just water weight
- The role protein plays in maintaining healthy fluid balance
- Practical habits that support healthy fluid balance
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Modern food looks nothing like it did a generation ago, let alone thousands of years ago. What does this mean for your body? In this episode, we explore how our diets have changed dramatically over time, the types of food our digestive systems are hardwired to handle, and what that mismatch means for metabolism, gut health and more.
Expert: Dr. Archana Sadhu, endocrinologist
Notable topics covered:
- The evolution of the human diet
- How modern diets affect gut bacteria, inflammation and nutrient absorption
- Why ingredient lists matter, and how to tell when a food is ultra-processed
- Why fiber matters but “fibermaxxing” isn’t always the answer
- How pairing macronutrients helps the body digest food more smoothly
- The surprising importance of when you eat — not just what
- Cultural eating patterns and what the Mediterranean diet gets right
- Do vitamins and supplements really help your metabolism?
- Small, realistic changes that support digestion without overthinking food
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Should you eat before a workout? What about after? And do you really need electrolyte drinks, protein shakes or preworkout supplements to see results? In this episode, we break down why you shouldn’t enter a workout fasted, the biggest misconceptions around fueling for exercise and what actually helps you perform better and recover faster.
Expert: Amanda Beaver, registered dietitian
Notable topics covered:
- Why working out fasted can hurt your performance
- Simple, realistic preworkout snack ideas (even for chaotic schedules)
- How fueling needs differ for cardio, strength training and HIIT workouts
- What actually matters when it comes to preworkout and postworkout supplements
- The “protein-sparing effect”: Why carb intake matters after a workout
- How consistently underfueling can impact hormones, immunity and overall health
- Signs you might not be fueling enough — during workouts and beyond
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Recreational team sports aren’t just for kids. In fact, 50% of young adults say they either play in a rec sports league or are interested in joining one. If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, we break down why it’s never too late to play, how to get started and tips for avoiding injuries as you get back into the game.
Expert: Dr. Vijay Jotwani, sports medicine physician
Notable topics covered:
- Mental health and social benefits of playing sports as an adult
- The underappreciated physical benefits of exercise, from heart health to balance
- How to safely return to sports if it’s been a while since you last played
- Choosing the right sport based on your age and fitness level
- Why sports like pickleball and ultimate frisbee are so popular
- Injury prevention tips for adult athletes
- Stretching, warmups and cooldowns explained
- Hydration and nutrition tips for game days
- How accountability and community keep people moving long-term
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Monitoring our macros, steps or sleep (maybe with a wearable?) might come to mind if one wants to optimize their well-being. But there’s another factor often gets overlooked in hacking our health: social connection. And, as a society, we’re currently lacking it. One in three Americans report feeling lonely every week, according to an American Psychiatric Association poll — and 30% of Americans age 18-34 say they feel lonely every day. Building a strong, meaningful social network (IRL, not online) can be as significant for our health as quitting smoking or losing weight. But what counts as meaningful connection — and can small talk, texting and casual interactions really make a difference? This episode explores how social connection shapes our mental and physical well-being, why loneliness and isolation aren’t the same thing, and how to build healthier, more authentic connections in everyday life.
Expert: Dr. Olivia Tomasco, primary care doctor
Notable topics covered:
- What loneliness is and how it differs from isolation
- Why loneliness can affect both mental and physical health
- Who is most at risk for social disconnection?
- When technology helps connection — and when it may make loneliness worse
- Why both quality relationships and everyday small talk matter
- What a healthy, supportive connection actually looks like
- Whether texting, memes and other digital check-ins really count
- How to make new connections in more authentic, low-pressure ways
- When loneliness may be a sign it’s time to seek professional help
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
You’ve likely heard of the pelvic floor, but what do you really know about it? For instance, are you aware that having a weak pelvic floor isn’t the only issue? An overly tight one can cause problems, too. In this episode, we break down what the pelvic floor actually is, why it matters at every stage of life and how it affects more than just childbirth or aging. From bladder control and exercise to pain, prevention and simple daily habits, it’s time to demystify this commonly overlooked, but critically important, part of the body.
Expert: Dr. Danielle Antosh, urogynecologist
Notable topics covered:
- Spoiler: The pelvic floor isn’t actually a flat “floor”
- Why pelvic floor issues aren’t limited to pregnancy, childbirth or aging
- Everyday activities that rely on the pelvic floor — often without you realizing it
- How to know if your pelvic floor is healthy and strong
- The difference between a weak pelvic floor and a tight one
- Symptoms that may signal a pelvic floor problem, including pain and urine leakage
- How menopause and aging can impact pelvic floor muscles
- Practical guidance on Kegels: how to do them correctly — and common mistakes
- The role of Pilates, yoga and other exercises in pelvic floor strength and flexibility
- When pelvic floor physical therapy or other treatments may be needed
- Why early awareness and prevention can make a long‑term difference
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Cancer screenings are an important part of staying healthy. Still, they might feel inconvenient — and sometimes even uncomfortable. So what about tests that claim to detect dozens of cancers from just a single blood draw? In this episode, we dive into the rise of multi-cancer detection blood tests, breaking down how they work and what the science says — for now.
Expert: Dr. Brittany Barthelemy, primary care doctor
Notable topics covered:
- What multi-cancer detection blood tests are and why they’re getting attention
- Why aren’t these tests FDA approved?
- Key findings from the PATHFINDER study, including false-positive rates
- The high out-of-pocket cost and lack of insurance coverage
- Shield: FDA-approved blood testing for colon cancer
- What to know about “silent” cancers, like pancreatic and ovarian cancer
- Practical ways to reduce cancer risk, including proven screenings and lifestyle habits
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Cortisol has made headlines in the past couple of years. If your feed has you questioning whether cortisol is behind everything from “moon face” to belly fat, this episode is here to help. We break down what cortisol actually does, what a normal daily cortisol curve looks like and why true cortisol disorders are rare. We also dig into what’s more likely behind carrying more weight around the midsection and whether it’s worth measuring cortisol at all. Plus, why the basics (sleep, managing stress and healthy routines) tend to matter more than any alleged cortisol quick-fix — including “cortisol cocktails.”
Expert: Dr. Nadir Mulla, primary care physician
Notable topics:
- Why cortisol is the body’s energy mobilization hormone
- The cortisol curve: how the body naturally controls cortisol levels
- How rare are cortisol disorders?
- The simple morning habit that could optimize your cortisol curve
- Uncovering what's more likely to be behind "cortisol face" and "cortisol belly"
- What heart rate variability can tell you about your stress levels
- Why managing stress, your sleep schedule and diet are more important than any cortisol quick-fix tips
- "Cortisol cocktails" may work — just not for the reason you might think
- Learn when to see your doctor about fatigue and any symptoms
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
It's estimated that almost half of Americans now use wearable technology to monitor their health. Whether using a smartwatch, ring or fitness tracker, we have access to a steady stream of data that tech companies say can tell us about everything from our sleep to our metabolic and heart health. But is that sleep score or biological age your wearable suggests real? In this episode, we examine wearables, the data they offer and what they can and can’t tell us about our health.
Expert: Dr. Eleonora Avenatti, cardiologist and obesity specialist
Notable topics covered:
- Why we’re drawn to hyper-personalized health data
- The differences between wearables and medical-grade devices
- How reliable are wearables at detecting hypertension, AFib and other heart conditions?
- Which metrics produced by your wearable you can trust
- Can AI help us make sense of our health data? Is it safe?
- How your doctor may feel about using wearable technology
- Tips for using this tech responsibly
- What’s next for how we use wearables to manage our health
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
With protein being added to everything from chips to water these days, you may be questioning whether you’re getting enough of it. In this episode, we break down how much protein your body really needs, who may benefit from more, when “extra protein” is just clever marketing and practical ways to improve your diet with often-overlooked and affordable sources.
Expert: Knubian Gatlin, Registered Dietitian
Notable topics covered:
- How much protein the average adult actually needs (and how to calculate it)
- The difference between adequate vs. optimal protein intake
- Who truly benefits from higher-protein diets
- What happens when you eat too much protein — from mild symptoms to more serious risks
- Signs you may not be getting enough protein
- Protein bars, chips, shakes and water: Helpful tools or marketing hype?
- Affordable and often-overlooked sources of high-quality protein
- Plant-based vs. animal protein: What really matters
- How protein needs change across life stages
- Practical tips for improving protein intake without overdoing it
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same — and understanding the difference matters. While stress actually can be helpful in short bursts, anxiety can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health. With 42 million Americans living with anxiety — and nearly half of Gen Z reporting the feeling — it’s time to unpack what’s normal, what’s not and how to cope. In this episode, we explore why anxiety is on the rise and practical strategies to help you feel more in control.
Expert: Dr. Olivia Tomasco, Primary Care Physician
Notable topics covered:
- How to tell the difference between stress and anxiety
- When stress can be beneficial — and when it becomes harmful
- Fight, flight … freeze? What happens when you retreat inward
- Digital overload and social media: The new anxiety triggers
- Are some people naturally more anxious?
- Coping tricks everyone should know, including the truth about the sleepy girl mocktail
- Self-care, therapy, medications: Options for managing anxiety disorders
- The role of your primary care provider in supporting mental health
- OCD and anxiety: How they’re connected
- How to know when it’s time to ask for help — and where to start
- Common myths about stress and anxiety that need to go away
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Wondering whether your exercise routine is hitting the mark? You’re not alone. Most of us leave P.E. class behind without ever really learning how to work out as adults. In this episode, we break down what counts as exercise, how much you need and why intensity matters. From everyday activities to structured workouts, learn what truly moves the needle for your health and fitness. Plus, practical tips for tracking progress and staying consistent — without overcomplicating things.
Expert: Dr. Jonathan Zalamea, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician
Notable topics covered:
- Physical activity vs. exercise: What’s the difference?
- Walking the dog, cleaning the house, yardwork — do they count?
- How heart rate plays into exercise intensity and why that matters
- It’s not all cardio — the value of strength training
- Exercise isn’t the only wellness factor that impacts your fitness
- Tips for staying motivated for exercise
- New to the gym? What to try first
- Fitness tracking: The good, the bad, the fixation
- Tips for recovering between workouts
- What to do if pain or injury sets you back
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Move over, protein: Fiber is the newest macronutrient darling of the food world. Content creators promoting optimal digestion suggest we maximize fiber intake — “fibermaxxing” — by eating fiber-rich foods with every meal and snack as well as using fiber supplements as needed. The fibermaxxing crowd claims the approach can help with everything from gut health to improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels and may even aid in cancer prevention. Can increased fiber intake and other digestion-related trends, such as the dense bean salad and post-meal walks, really deliver better overall health?
Expert: Dr. Michael Allen, primary care physician
Notable topics:
- What is fiber, and what role does it play in our diet?
- How much fiber you need in a day (you’re probably not getting enough)
- Who needs more fiber, and who needs to moderate their intake?
- How the body reacts when you have too little or too much fiber in your diet
- Is fibermaxxing a safe trend?
- The role hydration plays when increasing fiber intake
- Dense bean salad: Is it a healthy option?
- Can taking a walk after eating really help with your digestion and blood sugar levels?
- How to safely start increasing your fiber intake
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
What if there were tests that could determine which foods to add or subtract from your diet for optimal health? That’s just one of many overarching claims of the various gut microbiome tests now available and gaining popularity online. But can an over-the-counter test really tell you how healthy (or unhealthy) your gut microbiome is? A gastroenterologist breaks down what you should know about these expensive consumer health tests.
Expert: Dr. Christopher Fan, gastroenterologist
Notable topics:
- The differences between tests gastroenterologists use and at-home tests
- Is there a true definition of a healthy gut microbiome?
- Do we actually know which microbes are “good" or “bad?”
- Can you address constipation, bloating and other symptoms through these tests?
- Leaky gut: The truth about this term making the rounds online
- Who (if anyone) might benefit from gut microbiome testing
- Actions you can take to promote a healthy, happy gut microbiome
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Burnout has become one of the hallmarks of modern life. Nearly half of workers worldwide report the feeling, a percentage that’s been rising steadily since the pandemic blurred the line between work and free time. But what exactly is burnout? How can you tell when stress becomes something more serious? And why does it seem to be spreading across so many professions and age groups? In this week’s episode, we explore the roots of burnout, its effects on mind and body and what it takes to restore energy, purpose, and balance.
Expert: Dr. William Orme, Psychologist
Notable topics covered:
- The three defining characteristics of burnout
- The professions, personality traits, age groups most at risk
- Are you burned out — or do you just not like your job?
- The art of knowing how to say “no” in the workplace
- The 42% rule: the time your body and brain need to spend resting
- It’s not a medical condition, it’s an occupational phenomenon
- The warning signs you may be experiencing burnout
- What to do when you’re burning out, but quitting your job isn’t an option
- When should you see a mental health professional about burnout?
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Seed oils are a hotly debated topic on social media. Some content creators claim that the cooking oils are toxic and cause a host of chronic conditions, from obesity to diabetes. Nutritional research tells a more nuanced story about these often-villainized, refined plant-based vegetable oils, including canola, corn, sunflower and grapeseed. Do we need to rid our pantries of these oils, or just use caution while cooking? In this episode, a registered dietitian shares the truth about seed oils to help you make healthy decisions for your home cooking.
Expert: Amanda Beaver, Senior Registered Dietitian
Notable topics covered:
- Which oils are considered seed oils?
- The truths that get lost in the seed oil debate
- How do omega-6s and omega-3s affect inflammation in the body?
- Smoke point and oxidation: Why you should throw out cooking oil when it smokes
- The terms you need to know when purchasing cooking oil
- Where butter falls in the cooking fat debate
- Beef tallow: Is it a good choice for cooking or skincare?
- The more important questions to ask than “Does it have seed oils in it?”
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Few health topics get more oversimplified than weight gain and weight loss. Poor diet and lack of exercise take the brunt of the blame — and while these can of course contribute to weight gain or sabotage weight loss, the reality is far more complex. In this episode, we unpack the assortment of factors that influence weight — from metabolism and genetics to mood and sleep. We also challenge conventional wisdom around weight loss goals and discuss why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for most people.
Expert: Kimberly Gallien, Licensed Social Worker, Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery
Notable topics covered:
- Think weight loss is just about losing weight? Think again.
- The myth of “just get off the couch” — why it’s not that simple
- How focusing on an end-goal weight can actually derail weight loss
- Why “planning power” is for more effective than willpower
- The importance of consistent micro-adjustments to your routine
- Movement vs. exercise — and why both matter
- When BMI is helpful and when it’s not
- Why a healthy weight range is more realistic than a single number
- Weight management strategies should evolve over time
- Taking action: Making the shift from knowing to doing
- Embracing the idea that health is a journey, not a destination
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Wireless headphones and earbuds have become a part of everyday life: commuting, gym workouts, video calls, even sleep aids. But while they’ve made listening more personal and portable, that convenience comes with a risk. Audiologists are reporting a rise in noise-induced hearing loss linked to unsafe listening practices, particularly among younger people. So how much sound can your ears really handle? Is noise-induced hearing damage ever reversible? And what habits will protect your hearing so you don’t have to stop using your headphones? In this episode, we break down the dangers and share expert advice on listening safely.
Expert: Dr. Kelsey Roy, Audiologist
Notable topics covered:
- A primer on the different types of personal listening devices
- Statistics on noise-induced hearing loss in the wireless headphone era
- Are earbuds more dangerous because they go directly in the ear canal?
- How loud, how long: The lowdown on boundaries for listening to headphones safely
- Podcasts and audio books can’t cause as much damage as music, can they?
- Why noise-cancelling headphones are a good way to go
- Is falling asleep listening to earbuds dangerous?
- The cumulative effect of decades of listening to headphones
- The early warning signs your headphones are hurting your hearing
- Does headphone overuse exhaust and put pressure on the brain?
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
“Eat in moderation.” It’s a phrase that’s often tossed around but rarely defined — leaving each of us to interpret this vague guideline on our own. In this episode, we dig into the meaning behind the mantra. From portion sizing and balancing macronutrients to figuring out how many “cheat meals” per week is too many, we explore how moderation should play out in real life.
Expert: Kristen Wright, Registered Dietitian
Notable topics covered:
- Why moderation isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach
- The power of balancing fun foods with fuel foods
- Where do calories fit in the moderation equation?
- How to tackle today’s enormous portion sizes
- Tips for analyzing food noise and becoming an intuitive eater
- How to build a balanced plate at mealtime and snack time
- The consequences of restricting (or overemphasizing) certain macronutrients
- The truth about cheat meals
- Food psychology: The problem with restricting foods we’re craving
- Why a healthy diet is just consistency over time
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Head throbbing? Back aching? Arthritis flaring up? People in such plights ― and countless others ― almost universally respond the same way: pop a painkiller. Indeed, recent surveys show 1 in 3 Americans take over-the-counter pain medication daily and as many as 8 in 10 report reaching for it routinely. But how much do people really know about these seeming wonder drugs found in practically every home or office first-aid kid? In this episode, we explore the different types of painkillers, how to know which to take for your condition and when they do more harm than good.
Expert: Dr. William McGee, Internal Medicine
Interviewer: Todd Ackerman
Notable topics covered:
- The history of painkillers
- Acetaminophen, NSAIDs — which is right for your pain
- Interaction issues involving painkillers and prescription drugs
- Do some people just respond better to a certain type of painkiller?
- Side effects: The dangers of over-the-counter painkillers
- Are generics just as effective?
- Topical painkillers: All the benefits without the potential harms
- When are prescription painkillers appropriate?
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
If you've ever Googled "How to start working out" and quickly abandoned the page, this episode is for you. Starting — or restarting — exercise can be as challenging mentally as it is physically. Our body and fitness levels may be different from what they were the last time we worked out regularly, and our goals may have changed, too. Instead of chasing the current trends in toned physiques, we may want to focus on working out for our overall health and longevity. Whether you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned pro who's been inactive for some time (who's counting?), we're sharing how to start a new workout routine and overcome the barriers to exercise that can help you make fitness a lasting habit.
Expert: Dr. Dominisha Felder, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber
Notable topics covered:
- The absolute first step to make if you want to start (or restart) exercise
- Should your exercise goals be outcome- or process-driven?
- How to get started without overdoing it and causing injury
- Things to consider before starting an exercise plan if you’re living with a health condition or coming back from an injury or pregnancy
- What we can expect our bodies to feel like as we start moving regularly
- The importance of rest in a consistent routine
- Tips for addressing obstacles to exercise
- How to be mentally disciplined to exercise during every era of your life
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
We’ve all had that moment of regret — maybe it was the medium rare burger at a backyard barbecue or that salad bar that was just too convenient to pass up. But the unfortunate result — food poisoning — is no walk in the park for the estimated 48 million Americans a year who suffer the ensuing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness. What are the first signs you ate something contaminated? How long do most bouts last? And what can you do to help recover? In this episode, we break down how these nasty bugs make their way into our meals and the steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting sick.
Expert: Dr. Neeharika Kalakota, Gastroenterologist
Interviewer: Todd Ackerman
Notable topics covered:
- What is foodborne illness exactly?
- The hallmark sign that it’s likely food poisoning
- Symptoms, onset and duration — all can vary from bug to bug
- The food sources most linked to food poisoning
- Is an “iron stomach” real? Or are we all equally at risk?
- The vulnerability of some individuals to foodborne illness
- When to ride it out at home and when to seek treatment
- Self-care steps to take in the initial hours and days of illness
- Why recovering from food poisoning may take a long time
- Ways to reduce your risk of food poisoning
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
The blue light emitting from your screen as you read this has become a bit of a bogeyman, allegedly responsible for eye strain, headaches, poor sleep and much more. Enter blue light-blocking glasses, also called blue light glasses or blue light-filtering glasses. Advocates of blue light glasses claim these lenses can absorb or filter the short wavelengths of blue light produced by our devices, which in turn improves sleep, vision and even focus and productivity. In this episode, we explore blue light and whether specialized eyewear is the answer to its possible harms.
Expert: Dr. Amina Malik, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Interviewer: Zach Moore
Notable topics covered:
- What exactly is blue light, and is it a problem?
- The biggest source of blue light (it’s not your phone or TV)
- Does blue light affect your circadian rhythm?
- Who is more at-risk for blue light exposure
- Rose-tinted glasses are real — what are they used for?
- The 20-20-20 rule and other tried-and-true tips to help eye strain
- It’s not just the light: Why you should limit screens before bed
- How to choose the right sunglasses to protect your eyes
- What eye color has to do with light sensitivity, skin cancer
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Feeling as if your body needs a reset after a stretch of questionable food and drink decisions? A body cleanse might sound like a practical answer, but do detox diets and supplements really help? In this episode, we explore whether your body needs help detoxifying itself and how to support optimal health.
Expert: Dr. Kyle Mueller, Primary Care Physician
Interviewer: Katie McCallum
Notable topics covered:
- Are greasy foods, sugary snacks and alcohol truly “toxic” to the body?
- Your body is naturally detoxifying itself all the time
- What does a detox diet do for the body?
- The hidden harms of juice cleanses
- Should you try a detox supplement instead?
- Why “cheat days” don’t work for everyone
- The principles of keeping a healthy body
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The use of ice and heat as medical therapy dates to ancient times, easy-to-apply treatments for the management of everything from inflammation to stiffness. They’re today’s go-to remedies for minor injuries and workout recovery, and a recent survey found they’re also American’s most-used relief option for chronic pain. But how do they work? Are you using them appropriately? And are some of the old ways of thinking about them out of fashion? In this episode, we explore all you need to know before you pull out that soft heating pad or chilly ice pack.
Expert: Dr. Megan Arthur, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician
Interviewer: Todd Ackerman
Notable topics covered:
- To ice or to heat: slowing blood flow vs. promoting it
- Do some people just respond to one better than the other?
- They’re not just for sports injuries: ice and heat for other conditions
- Polar plunges: Do they provide any benefits in healthy people?
- Contrast therapy: The benefits of alternating cold and heat
- Is RICE being replaced by a more holistic approach?
- The best ways to intervene with ice and heat
- How long and how often should you apply ice or heat?
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A plant-forward diet is your best bet for healthy aging, according to a recent high-profile study, but it doesn’t mean becoming a vegetarian or vegan. Plant-forward diets encompass a wide range of diets that include some meat — including pescatarian, flexitarian, and the popular Mediterranean diet — all of which are rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes and beans. This eating pattern doesn’t mean going fully plant-based; it simply means deprioritizing meat as the star of your plate. In this episode, we delve into plant-forward eating, exploring its health benefits and how to get started with this approach.
Expert: Fatima Zamudio, Registered Dietitian
Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber
Notable topics covered:
- The health benefits of a plant-forward diet
- Debunking myths around protein requirements, soy dangers and protein combining
- What does our plate look like when meat isn’t included?
- The types of plant-based protein to include with your meals
- How to veg-ify our favorite dishes
- Plant-based meat alternatives: Can we eat too many burger and sausage alternatives?
- The easiest meal for starting a plant-forward diet (and your day)
- Why you don’t have to identify as a vegetarian or vegan to eat plant-forward
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Coffee is the wake-me-up beverage used to start the day around the world. Americans alone drink 400 million cups of coffee each day, more than any other beverage except water. Whether you drink coffee for its unique flavor or you just want that jolt of java, you may wonder: Is coffee good or bad for my health? In this episode, we explore the benefits and potential downsides of coffee consumption.
Expert: Dr. Priya Davar, Primary Care Physician
Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber
Notable topics covered:
- What we actually consume when we drink coffee
- The science-backed benefits of coffee consumption
- The potential downsides of drinking coffee
- How to approach your overall caffeine consumption
- Who should limit their caffeine intake
- What is the healthiest way to take your coffee?
- Coffee alternatives: Do the benefits match the hype?
- Does bean preparation and brew matter, and is decaf really decaf?
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Whether you love working out or just tolerate it, no one enjoys the soreness that sometimes follows. This explains why there’s no shortage of advice and products promising to help speed recovery — or prevent muscle soreness altogether. In this episode, we break down why sore muscles happen and what actually helps your body as you recover.
Expert: Dr. David Braunreiter, Sports Medicine Physician
Interviewer: Katie McCallum
Notable topics covered:
- All about delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
- Aerobic vs. resistance exercise: How each leads to soreness
- Is lactic acid really to blame?
- Muscle soreness vs. pain: how to tell the difference
- Is muscle soreness ever a reason to skip a workout?
- How to limit your chances of sore muscles
- Recovery supplements? Salt bath soak? Cryotherapy? Stretching? What’s the best way to relieve sore muscles
- The physical and mental benefits of a varied workout regimen
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Artificial sweeteners are everywhere these days — soft drinks, iced coffees, yogurt, energy drinks, pre-workout powders, protein bars and the list runs on. The prevailing logic is that they’re smart swaps for regular sugar. But could artificial sweeteners be too good to be true? In this episode, we explore how even a “zero calorie” food or drink might still affect your blood sugar.
Expert: Mag Ayyad, Exercise Dietitian
Interviewer: Katie McCallum
Notable topics covered:
- What are blood sugar spikes? When are they bad?
- A surprising fact you probably didn’t know about artificial sweeteners
- Are artificial sweeteners always better than added sugars?
- Why sugar-free foods can still spike your blood sugar
- Sugar cravings? Gut problems? Cancer? How else might artificial sweeteners affect the body?
- What people with diabetes need to know about artificial sweeteners
- Are some artificial sweeteners better for you than others?
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Ultra-processed foods are ever-present in the American diet: they make up about 60% of what adults eat and nearly 70% of what children eat. These foods (and beverages!) are delicious and affordable by design, and they’re everywhere — gas stations, grocery stores, big-box retailers. And while they’re easy on the palate and pocketbook, they’re linked to more than 30 health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In this episode, we explore the entire spectrum of food processing, so you're able to spot ultra-processed foods and make better choices when you can.
Expert: Amanda Beaver, Senior Registered Dietitian
Interviewer: Zach Moore
Notable topics covered:
- The processing continuum between whole foods and ultra-processed foods
- What research says about eating a diet heavy in ultra-processed foods
- How your body responds to ultra-processed foods vs. minimally processed foods
- The reasons ultra-processed foods have come to dominate the American diet
- How to shift your diet away from ultra-processed foods
- Minimally processed meal options that are as fast as the drive-thru
- How to spot ultra-processed food wherever you shop
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Losing weight is hard work, and hitting a plateau can feel frustrating, gut-wrenching and demotivating. You’re doing everything right — eating well, exercising, staying committed — but, suddenly, the scale won’t budge. Is it time to switch things up? Or should you just be patient? In this episode, we break down what’s really happening when weight loss stalls and provide tips for pushing past it.
Expert: Dr. Garth Davis, Weight Loss Physician
Interviewer: Zach Moore
Notable topics covered:
- Why weight loss plateaus happen (hint: it’s not about willpower)
- How your metabolism, hormones and genetics play a role
- The impact of age and medical conditions on weight loss
- Why crash diets hurt more than help
- The surprising truth about calorie tracking
- When to tweak your approach vs. when to stay the course
- This underconsumed macronutrient might be the simplest weight-loss hack
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Is your preferred sleep position hazardous to your health? You may not realize it, but how you sleep — on your back, your side, your stomach — not only can determine whether you get a good night’s rest, it can make you more likely to snore, exacerbate back pain and acid reflux disease or cause heart issues. So is there a best sleeping position? What are the benefits and downsides of each one? And just how detrimental can the wrong position be? In this episode, we explore a little talked about aspect of sleep’s health impact: the position most people settle into without thinking about it.
Expert: Dr. Mas Takashima, Sleep Medicine Specialist
Interviewer: Todd Ackerman
Notable topics covered:
- All the aspects of health your sleep position can affect
- The study that showed how sleeping on your back facilitates snoring
- Is sleeping on your stomach definitely the least healthy position?
- Aligning the spine: side sleeping with a pillow between the knees
- How do you know if your position is affecting you if you sleep alone
- Restless sleepers: the effect of moving from position to position
- Can you train yourself to sleep in a different position?
- Advice on what to do with your hands in different sleeping positions
- If you’re sleeping well, do you need to change your position?
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Nearly half of all people in the U.S. have some type of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association, including coronary heart disease (CAD), heart failure, stroke, and high blood pressure. Heart disease has also been the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. for over 100 years. So it’s safe to say that at some point, many of us will require care from a cardiologist. In this episode, we break down when you may want to consider seeing a cardiologist and what you can expect so you can make the most out of your care.
Expert: Dr. Joe Aoun, Cardiologist
Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber
Notable topics covered:
- What is a cardiologist, and what do they do?
- The common and not-so-common conditions that cardiologists treat
- Which cardiologist subspecialists support those specific conditions?
- Do you need to work with a primary care provider in order to see a cardiologist, or can you make an appointment with a cardiologist directly?
- The classic symptoms that signal someone should see a cardiologist
- The symptoms that can be managed during an office visit with a cardiologist, and those that indicate an emergency
- The risk factors that should make someone consider seeing a cardiologist even if they’re not showing symptoms
- What you can expect at your first appointment with a cardiologist
- The tests and questions you may be asked during your first appointment
- What you can do to make the most out of the cardiologist-patient relationship
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Whether it’s stabbing, burning, aching or throbbing, back pain is one of mankind’s great curses. Afflicting 90% of people at some point in their lives, it’s one of the top medical problems for which people see doctors and the leading cause of job-related disability. So what should you know when the inevitable occurs? When can you self-treat back pain and when should you see a doctor? Is surgery the answer for chronic back pain? In this week’s episode, we examine how to respond when something goes amiss with the spine, a complex system that provides both the stability to keep us standing upright and the flexibility to facilitate movement.
Expert: Dr. Paul Holman, Neurosurgeon
Interviewer: Todd Ackerman
Notable topics covered:
- The age at which the spinal system starts to degenerate
- Why some people just live with back pain
- The No. 1 myth about back pain
- Ways to prevent back issues from developing
- The latest innovations in the understanding and care of back pain
- Lessons from NASA spaceflight about keeping core muscles strong
- The risk factors and causes of chronic back pain
- Are supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin helpful?
- The benefits of meditation for back pain
- The Tiger Woods Syndrome: back surgery can’t fix tomorrow’s problem today
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Plenty of supplements and wellness products claim to help boost immunity. But given that the immune system is one of the body’s most complex processes, is keeping it strong as simple as taking a mix of vitamins and minerals in a pill or powder? In this episode, we explore how immunity works and the things you can do to help give your immune system what it needs to function optimally.
Expert: Dr. Cesar Arias, Infectious Disease Physician
Interviewer: Katie McCallum
Notable topics covered:
- What a healthy immune system looks like
- Why getting sick isn’t inherently bad
- Do some people get sick easier than others?
- The scoop on greens powders, vitamin C and other supplements
- The important role your microbiome plays in immunity
- The immune system’s first line of defense: your skin
- What you eat, how you behave — the keys to supporting your immune system naturally
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Aging is something we all do if we’re lucky. As we add years in the rearview mirror, we can collect ailments over time, whether due to injuries or chronic conditions. Conventional wisdom says we get wiser as we age, but can we become or stay active? In this episode, we explore how we can adapt our exercise routines as we get older, including the key exercise recommendations to help you age well (but not necessarily get an Instagram butt).
Expert: Dr. Gillian Wooldridge, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician
Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber
Notable topics covered:
- How our bodies change as we age, starting as young as 30
- How exercise affects some of the physiological effects of aging
- How to approach a meaningful strength regimen — and yes, bodyweight exercise counts!
- Why some exercise is better than none at all
- The FIT method (frequency, intensity, and time): jumpstart or adapt a fitness routine with this technique
- How you can prevent perimenopause symptoms, arthritis, osteoporosis or mobility issues from sidelining activity
- The types of rest needed for fitness recovery
- What to do if you notice your energy levels aren’t what they used to be
- Is there any age where it becomes “now or never” in terms of our fitness?
- Why encouraging exercise and fitness in younger family members is important
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It’s the new star of the wellness show, a once humble mineral now touted as a natural antidote for insomnia, migraines, constipation, anxiety, heart and blood sugar issues ... you name it, it seems. It’s true that magnesium is involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions, essential for many bodily functions and lacking in roughly half of people’s diets, according to two major studies. But is it really the holy grail of supplements, worthy of viral TikTok videos and global sales projected to surpass $1 billion in 2025? In this episode, we examine who truly needs more magnesium and sift through the different claims of what the nutrient can actually achieve.
Expert: Dr. Brotee Rahman, Primary Care Physician
Interviewer: Todd Ackerman
Notable topics covered:
- Is magnesium any more important than other minerals and vitamins?
- The amount of magnesium that men, women and adolescents need daily
- The best foods to boost your magnesium intake
- The prevalence and effects of a true magnesium deficiency
- Are there downsides to too much magnesium supplementation?
- Studies that found heart and diabetes risks dropped with more magnesium consumption
- Sulfate, oxide, citrate, glycinate – what’s the best type of magnesium?
- Can magnesium really help put you to sleep? Improve your mood?
- Why magnesium is good after exercising
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"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Ever heard this old saying? It's true. But too often we take a reactive approach to our health instead of a proactive one. What can we do to better monitor our overall well-being and stay ahead of chronic health issues? In this episode, we discuss the health metrics everyone should know and get tips for course correcting if one or more of those numbers is trending in a concerning direction.
Expert: Dr. Joshua Septimus, Primary Care Physician
Interviewer: Katie McCallum
Notable topics covered:
- The number most predictive of future health might surprise you
- Several additional metrics that are important to monitor
- More than numbers — why trends over time matter
- Why your primary care doctor should be your go-to health resource
- The most common chronic conditions you should aim to prevent
- Don't forget about cancer screenings, even if your numbers look good
- The "how to" of keeping tabs on your health, including check-up frequency
- Lifestyle habits that you can also track to help improve your health
- Why the relationship with your primary care doctor is like a marriage
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Americans are drinking far less alcohol than they have in the past, despite an uptick in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift in attitudes — almost 9 in 10 U.S. adults say alcohol use is “very” or “somewhat” harmful, according to a recent Gallup poll — follows research debunking the idea that drinking has any health benefit. The new trend: no- and low-alcohol drinks, known as the “NoLo” movement. NoLo, the fastest-growing part of the adult beverage market, is all about enjoying beverages and preserving their flavor without alcohol. NoLo drinks are becoming more popular among consumers, particularly millennials and Gen-Z, who want to reduce their alcohol intake, whether for health, social or personal reasons. For the sober curious or those simply looking to cut back, this episode explores the wide world of mocktails and NA drinks, and what mindful drinking actually looks like.
Expert: Mag Ayyad, Registered Dietitian
Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber
Notable topics covered:
- The health benefits of drinking less
- Are mocktails and other nonalcoholic drinks simply just our favorite drinks without the booze?
- The ingredients to have on hand to make mocktails
- What to know about nonalcoholic beers and wine – and do they actually contain no alcohol?
- Alcohol-free doesn’t mean calorie-free, and why that’s an issue
- Can you overdo it with nonalcoholic drinks?
- The differences between celebratory mocktails and ones you could enjoy every day
- Drinking mindfully: What should be your drink limit (including NA drinks)?
- “I only drink on the weekends”: Why you may want to reconsider that approach
- How to meet yourself where you are with your drinking but still adapt your habits
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There’s no denying probiotics are big business — and it’s not just the dietary supplement industry, valued at $12 billion. Other sectors are getting into the game too, claiming their skincare, household cleaners and mattresses contain probiotics. Why? Probiotics are alleged to provide gastrointestinal, mental, heart, vaginal and bone and joint health benefits as well as help manage weight and blood glucose levels. Is all that really possible? For what conditions do they work? And with probiotics seemingly everywhere now, how can you choose the right one? In this episode, we share how you can evaluate probiotic claims to find a product for your desired benefit.
Expert: Dr. Eamonn Quigley, Gastroenterologist
Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber
Notable topics covered:
- What are probiotics, and what do they do?
- The different types of probiotics and their science-backed health benefits
- Are probiotics used to treat any conditions?
- Who benefits from taking a probiotic? When should you take them?
- Where probiotics are “naturally” found outside of supplements
- Is it better to get probiotics from a dietary source versus a supplement?
- Probiotic sodas & processed foods: Are they worth the sticker shock?
- Do you really need to take probiotics during or after a course of antibiotics?
- What are prebiotics, and how do they differ from probiotics?
- The risks of taking probiotics
- How to choose an effective probiotic amid the dubious claims
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Prostate cancer has been referred to as both a silent killer and the silent man’s disease. Why? For one, many men don’t like talking or even thinking about it, since the disease affects sexual and urinary function. For another, there are no obvious early warning signs. So what should every man know about prostate cancer? When should you get screened for it? And what are the risk factors, symptoms and treatments? In this episode, we shine a light on prostate cancer, a common but often misunderstood and underemphasized type of the disease.
Expert: Dr. Michael Brooks, Urologic Oncologist
Interviewer: Zach Moore
Notable topics covered:
- BRCA gene mutations: They don’t just raise the risk of breast cancer
- Symptoms common to prostate cancer and an enlarged prostate
- Does an enlarged prostate increase the risk of prostate cancer?
- PSA screening: when to start, when to stop
- When do you need a digital rectal exam? Are they as bad as they sound?
- The ages when prostate cancer treatment is most beneficial
- Surgery or radiation? The advantages and disadvantages
- High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU): the effective new therapy for some cases
- A slow-moving tumor: Why more men die with prostate cancer than because of it
- Active surveillance: The decision not to treat
- Prevention? Just the standard proper diet and exercise
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We’ve all come across home remedies at some point in our lives. Whether it was our parents offering ginger ale for an upset stomach or a friend suggesting local honey for allergies, there’s no shortage of at-home treatments people swear by. But do any of them actually work? In this episode, we explore some of the most popular home remedies to uncover what works and what doesn’t.
Expert: Dr. Megan Arthur, Primary Care Physician
Interviewer: Zach Moore
Notable topics covered:
- Can a frozen water bottle hack plantar fasciitis?
- What home remedies work for a sore throat
- Does a steak or bag of frozen peas do anything for a black eye?
- The effect of butter or coconut oil on burns, olive oil on chapped lips
- Can coffee alleviate gout?
- MacGyver skin care: toothpaste for acne, duct tape for warts?
- Does vinegar actually get rid of lice?
- Can ginger prevent or alleviate nausea caused by morning or motion sickness?
- How prunes and prune juice, love them or hate them, affect constipation
- Can cranberry juice treat a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
- Is it OK to scare someone with hiccups?
- Can the bees in your area cure your seasonal allergies with their honey?
- The true powers of chicken soup
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Weightlifting has been around for ages, but it’s never been more popular than now, thanks in part to new research on its health benefits. The classic form of strength training — one of the cornerstones of the CDC’s exercise recommendations — weightlifting is linked to better bone strength, balance, metabolism, fat burning and cardiovascular health. Plus, it may help reduce cancer risk and even extend lifespans. But how much do you really know about it? Are you ready to start lifting? Are you getting the most out of your sessions? In this episode, we provide the lowdown on everything you need to know about what some experts call the fountain of youth.
Expert: Dwight Adsit, Athletic Trainer
Interviewer: Todd Ackerman
Notable topics covered:
- Is strength training now considered more important than aerobic exercise?
- The rate at which muscle declines as you age
- The most common mistakes made by weightlifters
- Guidance for beginners intimidated by the prospect of lifting weights
- Guidance for aging lifters unsure how much weight to hoist
- How to maximize your workout without getting injured
- Which is better: machines or free weights, more reps or heavier loads?
- How long you should rest between sets
- How much does weightlifting increase your protein needs?
- Strength training’s underappreciated benefit: your brain
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Sinus problems are the bane of many people's existence, all that congestion and discharge, difficulty breathing, post-nasal drip, coughing, pressure. But is the issue an infection or allergies? It can be a tricky question, even for doctors, who see about 30 million people annually for sinus infections and more than 80 million annually for allergies. So what are the key distinguishing symptoms? Why is it sometimes so hard to tell the difference? And is there any overlap in the treatments? In this week's episode, we attempt to unlock the mystery of the two most common sinus ailments.
Expert: Dr. Mas Takashima, Otolaryngologist
Interviewer: Todd Ackerman
Notable topics covered:
- The tools sinus specialists use when severe allergies mimic symptoms of infections
- Is there a difference in the body's response to sinus infections and allergens?
- The study that found many chronic allergy sufferers' real issue was an infection
- Viral, bacterial, fungal — which sinus infection type is the most concerning?
- How to know if the antibiotic killed the infection when it's allergy season and you're still having symptoms
- Stricken with a viral sinus infection? Beware follow-up bacterial infection months later
- Do food allergies affect sinuses?
- How long is too long to have mysterious nasal symptoms?
- Distinguishing between long Covid and allergies or other infections
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A diagnosis of coronary artery disease, or CAD, should be taken seriously. But what does this mean exactly? CAD is the most common type of heart disease — 18 million adults in the U.S. live with the condition — roughly the combined populations of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and our fair city of Houston. In this episode, we explore how we can prevent CAD from ever developing — and potentially prevent it from ever leading to heart attack or stroke.
Expert: Dr. Mahmoud Al Rifai, Preventive Cardiologist
Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber
Notable topics covered:
- What causes CAD — and who’s at risk
- Cholesterol: the major culprit behind the development of arterial plaque
- Why someone should take a CAD diagnosis seriously
- The four types of heart disease prevention
- How cardiologists calculate your risk for heart attack or stroke
- Coronary artery calcium score: The CT scan that can show the severity of CAD
- The differences between heart disease, cardiovascular disease and CAD
- Can you reverse the effects of coronary artery disease?
- Ways to control CAD risk factors to prevent heart attacks, stroke
- How to move past guilt, shame after a CAD diagnosis to change the course of the condition
- How to support a loved one with heart disease
- How stress and mental health affects your heart health
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Body mass index, or BMI, has long been used to gauge whether a person's weight falls in a healthy range, but people are rightly wondering whether the measurement makes sense for today's world. Do we need better ways to talk about weight? In this episode, we explore what the formula does and doesn't measure, when focusing on BMI can lead to misleading conclusions and practical tips for keeping tabs on our weight.
Expert: Dr. Laura Choi, Weight Loss Surgeon
Interviewer: Katie McCallum
Notable topics covered:
- Is there even such a thing as an "ideal" weight?
- The "ancient" history of BMI, including what it measures and why it's so widely used
- The pros and cons of this measurement
- The misleading conclusions that can come from relying on BMI alone
- Why BMI is used for certain medical diagnoses and treatment plans
- If not BMI, how should you think about your weight?
- Alternatives to BMI: Could body roundness index (BRI) be a better tool?
- The importance of looking at trends (not single readings) when using a smart scale
- Body fat isn't all bad: The value of having some fatty tissue
- Number-free ways to think about your weight
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Milestone birthdays come with new rights and responsibilities. At 18, we can vote; at 21, we can drink; and at 40, women can get their first mammogram. Adding a potentially stressful cancer screening to your yearly to-do list (on top of everything else women manage) doesn't sound like much of a gift — but getting a mammogram is crucial to detecting breast cancer early, when it's easier to treat. In this episode, we explore what getting a mammogram (and the potential dreaded callback) is really like so you can feel confident about your first, fifth or twentieth.
Expert: Dr. Ainel Sewell, Breast Imaging Radiologist
Notable topics covered:
- Why mammogram is the gold standard for detecting breast cancer
- When (and how often) you should get a mammogram — and the criteria to start before age 40
- The surprising conditions a mammogram can detect besides breast cancer
- Know before you go: the time commitment, prep and whether you should schedule around your period
- What a mammogram is like — from the time you step into the waiting room until the time you leave
- How painful is getting a mammogram, really?
- Do women with breast implants need to approach mammograms differently?
- Is it common to get a callback — or be recalled — after your first mammogram?
- Why consistency is key with mammograms (including where you get one)
- You get a callback. How that "callback" appointment may go and the additional imaging that may be needed
- You discover you have dense breast tissue or a benign breast condition. What's next?
- What to expect if something suspicious is detected and you need a biopsy
- Anxious or nervous about a mammogram? Why you're in good hands at a breast center
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If you're over "diet" trends, we don't blame you. But the Mediterranean Diet isn't your usual diet. For starters, the U.S. News & World Report has named it the best overall diet for six years in a row. And most dietitians don’t even like referring to it as a diet anyway. In this episode, we cover how this eating pattern benefits everything from heart health to weight management and get tips for starting a Mediterranean Diet.
Expert: Lea Obeid, Registered Dietitian Interviewer: Katie McCallum
Notable topics covered:
- A deep dive into the underlying principles of the Mediterranean Diet
- Yes, you can still have meat on the diet
- How many whole grains can you actually name?
- The two types of veggies — starchy and nonstarchy
- The health benefits of healthy fats, including olive oils
- How to get enough protein from plants
- Burgers, avocado toast, cereal, chips and dip — do they fit?
- How to make the Mediterranean Diet work for your lifestyle
- Tricks of the trade from a dietitian who grew up in the Mediterranean
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Neurological disorders are the world’s leading cause of ill health and disability, but people are often slow to recognize the relevant symptoms. More than 3.4 billion people have a disorder of the nervous system — the brain, spinal cord and nerves — and the numbers will only keep growing as the population ages. The disorders range from Alzheimer's disease to neuropathy and stroke to multiple sclerosis and cause a wide range of symptoms. So what are the early symptoms that suggest you might have a neurological disorder? And how can a neurologist help? In this week’s episode, we discuss the most common of the more than 600 neurological disorders and what patients should expect during a first-time appointment with a neurologist.
Expert: Dr. Tanu Garg, Neurologist
Interviewer: Todd Ackerman
Notable topics covered:
- The neurology symptoms that warrant an immediate trip to the ER
- Might an episode of vertigo really be a symptom of stroke?
- Spouse staring into space? They might not be ignoring you, they might be having a seizure
- The role neurologists play in the diagnosis and management of brain tumors
- How do you know if the pain in your arm or lower back is caused by a pinched nerve
- Why shingles patients need to make an appointment at the first sign of pain and rash
- Not getting headache relief? You might get a different medication from a neurologist
- The stroke acronym that has replaced FAST
- The questions and tests you’ll likely get at an initial neurologist appointment
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"The Change." "Ovarian Retirement." "Private Summer." "Reverse Puberty." "Second Spring." There are many ways society describes perimenopause and menopause, both positive and negative. But while we sit down with preteens to give them "The Talk" about how their bodies will change during puberty, there isn't an analog for 35-year-old women facing their next transition. In this episode, we talk with a gynecologist who specializes in menopausal medicine about what that second "Talk" might sound like so women (and the men in their lives) can be more informed about the transition and get proper care and support when they need it.
Expert: Dr. Erin Manning, Gynecologist
Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber
Notable topics covered:
- Is menopause really a second puberty?
- The difference between menopause and perimenopause
- The common and not-so-common symptoms of perimenopause
- How treating menopause symptoms has changed over time
- The controversy around hormone therapy — and why its use is resurging
- Non-hormonal medications & lifestyle changes to help manage perimenopausal symptoms
- Are there long-term health issues associated with not treating perimenopausal symptoms?
- Is there a link between menopause and dementia?
- "Doctor, I think I'm in perimenopause" — framing the conversation, advocating for yourself
- Why testing hormone levels isn't an accurate gauge for diagnosing or treating perimenopause
- Are the newer telehealth startups, at-home tests, devices and supplements helpful or hype?
- Why you should have a second "The Talk" with your doctor to not fear menopause
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Fatigued? Libido fading? Muscle wasting away? You’re the perfect candidate for testosterone therapy, at least according to those seductive TV commercials. There’s certainly an ample market, with more than 1 in 3 men older than 45 suffering from a deficiency in the hormone responsible for masculine characteristics. But is low T therapy really a fountain of youth? Who really benefits from it? And is it safe? In this episode, we talk to a urologist about what’s often called the male menopause and when replacement therapy is the appropriate response.
Expert: Dr. Nathan Starke, Urologist
Interviewer: Todd Ackerman
Notable topics covered:
- Does too much testosterone really cause “roid rage?”
- Is declining testosterone inevitable? What are normal levels?
- Natural ways to boost your testosterone
- The symptoms that warrant going in for a blood test
- Why testosterone use tripled in the century’s first decade
- Types of prescription testosterone: injections, gels, patches and, now, pills
- Have concerns about heart side effects been debunked?
- The connection between testosterone and prostate cancer
- Testosterone’s little-known precipitous drop: impending fatherhood
- The causes of low testosterone
- The difference between testosterone therapy and performance-enhancing steroids
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
There’s no shortage of advice on the internet about how you should approach skin care. Whether it’s celebrity GRWM (Get Ready With Me) videos, influencers promoting their skin-care companies or Big Beauty targeting you with social media ads, we’re inundated with messaging about how to care for our skin — especially if antiaging is a concern. In this episode, we speak with a medical aesthetician who shares what works and what doesn’t when it comes to all things skin care: antiaging, devices, procedures and more.
Expert: Annie Christenson, Licensed Medical Aesthetician
Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber
Notable topics covered:
- The surprising steps of a bare-bones healthy skin-care routine
- Why skin care is like exercise
- Tretinoin vs. over-the-counter retinols: Is one better than the other?
- You’ve seen the ads — are teledermatology startups a good option?
- How to know when products work for your skin type
- What it’s like working with a medical aesthetician
- The at-home skin-care devices worth buying
- How long you should wait to see results from your skin-care routine
- Microneedling, dermaplaning and other skin-care treatments
- Do collagen supplements work?
- The red and green flags for finding a skin-care professional to work with
- Aging gracefully with little intervention is a valid choice
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Think you don't need to worry about your blood sugar? It's time to reconsider. A shocking 1 in 3 adults over age 20 have prediabetes, an early warning sign that there's too much sugar in the blood. What's more, nearly 80% of people are unaware they have the silent precursor to type 2 diabetes. In this episode, we discuss the factors that put you at greatest risk and the steps to take when it comes to managing blood sugar and preventing diabetes.
Expert: Dr. Archana Sadhu, Endocrinologist
Interviewer: Katie McCallum
Notable topics covered:
- What is blood sugar, what is prediabetes and when do you need to worry about it?
- All about glucose regulation, insulin resistance and how type 2 diabetes develops
- Why you should eat fruit rather than drink fruit juice
- When and how often should we be getting our blood sugar checked?
- The factors that increase the risk of prediabetes and warrant earlier screening
- Dr. Sadhu's three keys to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels
- We used to be hunters and gatherers, now we're processed food eaters
- Simple vs. complex carbs: How each affects blood sugar
- Continuous glucose monitors: Should someone without diabetes consider wearing one of these devices?
- Diabetes prevention in a bottle? What you should know about blood sugar supplements
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If the phrase "heart-healthy diet" makes you think of poached chicken and steamed vegetables without salt or seasoning, you're not alone. But eating to improve heart health — whether to control blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels or slow coronary artery disease — doesn't mean signing up for a lifetime of bland food. In this episode, we explore the different ingredients, simple swaps and best cooking methods to help achieve our health goals without sacrificing one of life's great pleasures — enjoying delicious food.
Expert: Amanda Beaver, Registered Dietitian
Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber
Notable topics covered:
- Do you need to fear sugar in a heart-healthy diet?
- The salt shaker isn't your enemy — discover the true culprit for excess sodium intake
- Tips & tricks to shopping for (and cooking with) ingredients from the grocery store's middle aisles
- Sea salt, iodized, Kosher, Himalayan pink: Is one better than the other?
- Why you should revisit (or bulk up) your spice drawer or cabinet
- Can acid make smaller amounts of salt go farther in dishes?
- MSG, the controversial ingredient that can add savoriness with two-thirds less sodium
- Healthier choices when shopping for cooking oil
- Why not all fats are bad — and the swaps that can help improve our heart health
- Is there a healthier option to white table sugar?
- Why your mindset should be "what can I add" rather than "what I should take away"
- Why cooking method matters and why we should use our oven or air fryer more
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Apologies for the bathroom talk, but we need to discuss a growing (and concerning) digestive trend. A recent study reported that almost half of all Americans are struggling with chronic gastrointestinal issues. It’s also estimated that 1 in 3 of us wouldn’t discuss our symptoms unless our doctor asked us about them first. Yikes. In today’s episode, we cover those bathroom questions you’ve been too hesitant to ask about yourself.
Expert: Dr. Eamonn Quigley, Gastroenterologist
Interviewer: Katie McCallum
Notable topics covered:
- The undeniable increase in digestive issues
- From top to bottom, a list of the GI problems that can affect the body
- The digestive “red flags” that should never be ignored
- Other GI symptoms you shouldn’t wait to seek care for
- The interesting connection between your brain and your gut
- Lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity: How common are they really?
- Where to begin if you think the problem is your diet
- Can food allergy and microbiome tests provide answers?
- The effectiveness of digestive supplements, probiotics, prebiotics and more
- Signs that antacids, laxatives and other over-the-counter treatments aren’t enough
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You may think of colorectal cancer as an older person’s disease, but over the last 30 years rates in people younger than age 50 have increased by 50%. Indeed, for people under 50, colorectal cancer is now the No. 1 cause of cancer death in men and the No. 2 cause in women, behind only breast cancer. Why are cases jumping? What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? And how can you reduce your risk? In this episode, we talk with a colon and rectal surgeon about the alarming trend that’s something of a mystery even to doctors.
Expert: Dr. Tareq Kamal, Colon and Rectal Surgeon
Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber
Notable topics covered:
- Is colorectal cancer more aggressive in younger people than those over 50?
- Are the risk factors different for those diagnosed at younger ages?
- Learn the symptoms of colorectal cancer – and whether they differ among age groups
- The current screening recommendations for colorectal cancer & how they’ve evolved
- Colorectal cancer screening tests – which may work for you?
- Colonoscopy: What to do if you’re anxious; is prep that bad?
- What colorectal cancer treatment plans can look like
- What younger people are being misdiagnosed with when they’re experiencing colon cancer
- How to advocate for yourself if you are having symptoms
- What people of all ages can do to help lower their risk of colorectal cancer
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It’s been called the most common and serious condition you’ve never heard of. Metabolic syndrome, which afflicts an estimated 1 in 3 U.S. adults, occurs when the body’s metabolism is disrupted, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Why is it on the rise? What triggers it? And how can you boost your natural metabolism to prevent the condition? In this week’s episode, we talk to an endocrinologist about why some people can eat so heartily without gaining weight, how much of metabolism is genetic and which groups are most at risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
Expert: Dr. Laila Tabatabai, Endocrinologist
Interviewer: Todd Ackerman
Notable topics covered:
- Is a fast metabolism always preferable to a slow one?
- The surprising ages when metabolism slows — and doesn’t slow
- The counter-intuitive effect of starvation diets on metabolism
- Should doctors more routinely test patients for metabolic rate?
- Whether pills that claim to boost metabolism work
- The ties between fertility and metabolic health
- The cluster of risk factors that indicate metabolic syndrome
- Insights from metabolic health research that can help people shed weight
- Best exercise for speeding up metabolism — aerobic or strength training?
- The best diets to prevent metabolic syndrome
- Why middle-aged women have a harder losing weight than men
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The phrase “Got milk?” has taken on new meaning in recent years. Cow’s milk hasn’t gone anywhere of course, but the options have expanded to also include soy milk, almond milk, oat milk — even milk made from peas. Whether it's going in your coffee, cereal, oatmeal, smoothie or a glass by itself, which type is best for you? In this episode, we “pour over” everything there is to know about traditional and plant-based milks.
Expert: Kelly Gaines, Wellness Dietitian
Interviewer: Zach Moore
Notable topics covered:
- Whether milk really builds strong bones
- Pasteurized, homogenized, filtered: What does it all mean?
- Is whole milk too high in fat? And more questions about cow’s milk, answered
- What does “organic” mean on a milk label anyway?
- Ultra-filtered milk: Too good to be true?
- How to think about milk if it’s just going in your coffee
- Moo-ve over dairy milk: A plant-based milks deep dive
- Is almond milk as healthy as its proponents claim?
- Some plant-based milks have protein and added sugar problems
- The plant-based milk Gaines recommends the most and least
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Are supplements helpful, harmful or just a waste of money? Is avocado toast the healthiest choice at brunch? Can you lower your blood pressure without taking medications?
Hosted by Zach Moore, Katie McCallum, Todd Ackerman and Kim Rivera Huston-Weber, On Health with Houston Methodist is a podcast for the health conscious, curious and even skeptics out there. Each week, your hosts are joined by a Houston Methodist expert to explore an everyday wellness trend or significant health topic.
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
It’s no secret that America is facing an obesity crisis. But is there hope on the horizon? The new wave of weight-loss medications — Wegovy and Zepbound — certainly seem to be game changers. Whereas previous options helped people lose only around 5% of their weight, these new medications can lead to up to 22% weight loss. But you’re not alone if you have questions. In this episode, we discuss everything we know (and don’t yet know) about the new class of weight-loss medications.
Expert: Dr. Garth Davis, Weight Loss Surgeon
Interviewer: Zach Moore
Notable topics covered:
- How weight-loss medication compares to bariatric surgery
- Weight-loss medications vs. supplements
- The many reasons why losing weight often isn’t as simple as diet and exercise
- How the new wave of weight-loss medications work
- All about GLP-1 agonists, including why achieving “the GLP-1 effect” promotes weight loss
- Who should consider taking these medications? And are they covered by insurance?
- Just one tool to get weight off: why diet and exercise still matter
- Will you need to stay on this medication forever?
- How these medications also benefit heart health, type 2 diabetes management and more
- The potential side effects of weight-loss medications
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Statistics show nearly 2 in 5 U.S. adults have high cholesterol, the excess of fat in the blood that can raise the risk of heart disease. For decades, people were told that foods high in cholesterol — eggs and butter, for example — were the major culprits. Now dietary cholesterol is thought to play only a minor role. So what are the real causes of high cholesterol, which lab results are most meaningful and what can you do to improve your numbers? In this episode, we talk to a preventive cardiologist about the revolutionary new thinking regarding cholesterol.
Expert: Dr. Khurram Nasir, Cardiologist
Interviewer: Todd Ackerman
Notable topics covered:
- The essential functions cholesterol serves in the human body
- How too much cholesterol sticks to the arteries and wreaks havoc
- Shocking statistics about people's lack of cholesterol awareness
- LDL, HDL, triglycerides: what they mean, how important each is
- Are high levels of so-called good cholesterol actually not good?
- How often is cholesterol a result of genetics? How much is under your control?
- New kid on the block: lipoprotein(a) as an emerging risk factor
- What are the best diets for keeping cholesterol in the desired range?
- The heart scan that tells whether you might not need cholesterol testing
- Statins: Should more people be on them? Can you ever get off them?
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Running may get all the hype, but walking is Americans’ favorite form of exercise, according to numerous surveys. It’s low-impact, free and easy to get started, and it provides both long-term health benefits and the chance to unwind and recharge. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just getting started, how much do you really know about the popular form of exercise? In this episode, we learn what matters most when it comes to using walks to better your health.
Expert: Jonathan Williams, Fitness Coordinator
Interviewer: Zach Moore
Notable topics covered:
- The varied health benefits of walking
- What makes for a good walk?
- Why walking posture matters (and what it should look like)
- Think walking is pretty basic? The way you plant your feet is important
- Is it better to walk fast or walk far?
- What type of walk is best for weight loss? Heart health? Mobility?
- The number of steps per day we should aim to reach
- Walking shoes: what to consider
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There’s a lot to consider when deciding what’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Food choices often come down to personal and cultural tastes, our dietary needs and other factors such as time, money and access. And then there’s always the big, looming question: Is this food healthy for me? There’s only one way to find out: reading the food labels, including the Nutrition Facts. We discuss what you should (and shouldn’t) focus on as you debate whether that box of crackers goes into your shopping cart.
Experts: Mag Ayyad, Clinical Exercise Dietitian
Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber
Notable topics covered:
- Why you should turn that food packaging around
- The top five things to look for when reading the Nutrition Facts
- How to use serving size effectively
- Macronutrients: What you should eat more of and what you should limit
- Is the “Percent Daily Value” metric helpful or hurtful when evaluating a food?
- How to tell how natural a product is (or isn’t) and other lessons from the ingredients list
- Yes, front-of-packaging label claims are regulated, but that's not the whole story ...
- Which grocery aisles are the most deceptive in portraying themselves as healthy?
- Buying organic: Are the supposed benefits worth the higher cost?
- Are expiration or best-by dates canon, or just mere suggestions?
- What to do if you need extra help with your diet
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Achy knees that creep up on you with age. Lower back pain from overdoing it in the gym. Joint pain doesn’t just disrupt your day to day, it can be tricky to course correct. Should you stop exercising for a few days? Modify your workouts until the pain resolves? Could extra stretching and foam rolling do the trick? And when is it time to see a physical therapist? In this episode, we discuss all things joint pain, including effective strategies for relieving and preventing it.
Experts:
- Dr. Scott Rand, Sports Medicine Physician
- Corbin Hedt, Physical Therapist
Interviewer: Katie McCallum
Notable topics covered:
- Muscle soreness vs. joint pain vs. injury: How to tell the difference
- The most common reasons we develop joint pain
- Could the cause of your knee pain be hiding in your hips?
- More examples of how joint pain often isn’t as simple as the area in question
- Can you be genetically predisposed to joint pain?
- Everything you need to know about physical therapy
- “Your muscles aren’t tight, they’re weak.”
- Are foam rollers and massage guns worthwhile?
- The surprising percentage of people who have back pain
- Workout rule No. 1: Don’t neglect the basics
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
It’s Halloween, which caps a month of people watching their favorite scary movies, braving haunted houses and generally celebrating all things spooky. Is it normal to seek out things that frighten us? Aren’t we wired to avoid them instead? The mix of chemicals the brain releases is no different whether the fear is real or fictitious so what accounts for the difference between getting a rush and feeling terrorized? In this episode, we talk to a neuroscientist and Halloween enthusiast about what happens in the brain when we’re scared, the many distinct types of fear and why people either love or loathe the horror genre.
Expert: Dr. Philip Horner, Neuroscientist
Interviewer: Todd Ackerman
Notable topics covered:
- The appeal of a holiday dedicated to curdling blood and tingling spines
- Horror’s function: distraction, adrenaline release, overcoming fears
- Safety in numbers: Why we like watching a scary movie in a crowded theater
- Why humans, uniquely among species, are afraid of the dark
- Common phobias: From heights to public speaking to spiders to needles
- Children’s literature: Why many classic fairy tales are so dark
- Fear’s physical manifestations: Is it unhealthy to be terrified?
- What fight or flight situations and existential anxiety have in common
- Some classic scientific studies of fear
- Is that seemingly universal fear innate or learned?
- The woman whose brain condition has made her fearless. Literally.
- Nightmares: Why things that didn’t scare us in life do in our dreams
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
An estimated 80% of moms experience “mom brain,” the forgetfulness and concentration difficulties that come with pregnancy and motherhood. Ask a mom to describe the condition and she might mention anything from having a hard time finding words and engaging in conversation to lapses in judgment, missed appointments and emotional breakdowns. Science hasn’t quite caught up with how impactful mom brain can be on a woman’s work-life balance … yet. To understand what we know and what we’re still learning about mom brain, we talk to a clinical psychologist who is also a mom to two young girls.
Expert: Dr. Jessica Rohr, Clinical Psychologist, Director of Women’s Mental Health
Interviewer: Melissa Schafer
Notable topics covered:
- Mom brain isn’t just a colloquialism: How the brain changes during pregnancy
- Why objective research findings don’t always match the subjective experiences of moms
- Why mom brain research is in its infancy: A deep dive into the historical exclusion of women in medical studies
- Whether “dad brain” also exists
- Neuroplasticity: One of the benefits that comes with the cognitive changes in motherhood
- Does mom brain ever go away?
- Navigating the shift from seeking perfection to simply being a good person and mother
- What spouses, loved ones and friends can do to support a new mother
- How to reframe conversations like, “I want you to want to do the dishes.”
- Tips, tools and workarounds for overcoming the challenges of mom brain
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
There's a reason headache is considered slang for "nuisance" or "annoyance." Simply put, they can wreak havoc on your day — or life, if you get them often. We're all bound to experience a headache at some point, but some people — 1 in 7 globally — suffer from migraine, the usually recurrent, particularly throbbing version. Migraine is considered the third most common condition in the world, but it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. So how do you know if that nagging headache is actually a migraine — and what you can do about it? In this episode, we learn when it's time to get help as we talk all things migraine with a neurologist.
Expert: Dr. Julia Jones, Neurologist
Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber
Notable topics covered:
- What is a headache, what is a migraine, and where is there overlap?
- Which headache types are most often confused with migraine
- Migraine causes compared to other headache types
- The most common (and not-so-common) migraine triggers
- Do other conditions make people think they have migraines when they don't?
- When to seek care for headache or migraine
- What home remedies work for managing a migraine
- Migraine treatments — both for active migraines and preventive treatments
- What can people do to prevent migraines?
- Can someone be "cured" of migraines?
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Almost half of adults have high blood pressure — the “silent killer” — so you’re not alone if you’re concerned yours isn’t in a healthy range. Medication might seem the obvious course of action, but it’s not the only way to lower your numbers, whether they’re already in the dangerous zone or just starting to creep up. In fact, there’s a lot you can do to prevent and lower high blood pressure — and even get off medication if that’s your goal. In this episode, a preventive cardiologist explains how the choices you make every day affect your blood pressure and offers strategies for maintaining healthy numbers.
Expert: Dr. Sadeer Al-Kindi, Preventive Cardiologist
Interviewer: Katie McCallum
Notable topics covered:
- How high blood pressure’s effect on arteries resembles pipe corrosion in the oil industry
- It’s not just stroke and heart disease – high blood pressure can also affect the kidneys and brain
- The lifestyle factors that help prevent and lower high blood pressure
- It’s never too late to reverse high blood pressure
- The single best thing you can do to lower your blood pressure
- Whether behavior changes are enough to help avoid or get off blood pressure medication
- Is vaping as bad for blood pressure as smoking?
- You may not think you’re getting that much salt, but are you reading food labels?
- How much you can expect your blood pressure to drop if you get down to a healthy weight
- Actionable ways to achieve the lifestyle needed to maintain a healthy blood pressure
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Most everyone knows acute inflammation, that short-lived redness and swelling that characterizes the healing process in response to injury or infection. But you may not be so familiar with chronic inflammation, a low-grade, insidious condition linked to the biggest killers of Western world, including heart disease, stroke, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. A constant state of immune system overactivity, chronic inflammation is all but invisible, meaning people typically don't know they have it until disease has developed. Are there telltale signs? And what can you do to prevent it? In this episode, we learn about the condition the World Health Organization ranks as the greatest threat to human health.
Expert: Dr. Joshua Septimus, Primary Care Physician
Interviewer: Todd Ackerman
Notable topics covered:
- What we know about how chronic inflammation causes disease
- Why it took so long for low-grade inflammation to come into the chronic disease spotlight
- Do the "-itises" (sinusitis, colitis, tendonitis) have anything to do with chronic inflammation?
- The link between processed food and the risk of low-grade inflammation
- The best test to determine if you have chronic inflammation
- Are there pharmaceutical treatments targeted at chronic inflammation?
- It's not just what you eat — the other factors that can promote low-grade inflammation
- Does being significantly overweight always predispose a person to chronic inflammation?
- The best dietary approach to prevent chronic inflammation
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Hosts Zach Moore, Katie McCallum, Todd Ackerman and Kim Rivera Huston-Weber kick off the new season of On Health with Houston Methodist. Each week, we'll be joined by a Houston Methodist expert to explore an everyday wellness trend or significant health topic. Stay tuned for episodes on everything from whether it's better to walk fast or walk far to how to tell a headache from a migraine to what to do when your joints start aching. Also on the schedule: tips for reading food labels and a Halloween special on the science of fear. Episodes drop every Tuesday morning for the next 10 weeks.
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Christen Press, Catarina Macario, Vivianne Miedema, Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, Janine Beckie — some of the biggest names in soccer will be missing the 2023 Women’s World Cup due to ACL injuries alone. The frequency of the injury in women’s soccer has been talked about for decades, but are ACL tears on the rise? And why is this devastating injury so prevalent in the women’s game specifically? In this episode, we ask a physical therapist and former women’s professional soccer player for her perspective on the issue and path moving forward.
Hosts: Katie McCallum (interviewer), John Dabkowski
Expert: Jordan Jackson, Physical Therapist and Former Professional Soccer Player
Notable topics covered:
- From youth to club to pro soccer, Jordan weighs in on how she's seen injury shape careers
- Jordan never tore her ACL, but she also had a unique training experience growing up
- Are ACL tears in women’s soccer on the rise, or are we just hearing about them more now?
- Women are more likely to tear (and re-tear) their ACLs, but why?
- Moving beyond the conversation about women’s wider hips, knee valgus and quad/hamstring ratio
- Is wider adoption of movement training the key to reducing injuries?
- What the research says about menstrual cycles and injuries
- Why prevention and rehab strategies will need to be personalized
- Studying the benefit of movement training in girls’ youth sports
- The research says it all — now it’s time for meaningful change
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Heat, exercise, anxiety. There are a few things that make people sweat — more than we likely want, given how uncomfortable and embarrassing sweat can sometimes be. But what do you actually know about it? In this episode, we discuss everything from the important role sweating plays in your body to whether someone can sweat "too much" and everything in between.
Hosts: Katie McCallum, John Dabkowski (interviewer)
Expert: Mag Ayyad, Exercise Dietitian
Notable topics covered:
- Why we sweat when we’re hot — and when we’re not
- Genetics, geography, activity level: What determines how much you sweat?
- The actual composition of sweat might surprise you
- Once you start sweating, how do you stop?
- Sweat and body odor: It’s not your sweat — per se — that smells
- How hygiene products can affect your sweat
- Everyone sweats. Or do they?
- Mag’s tips for heavy sweaters
- John and Katie do sweat tests (and share their results)
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Hot dogs are a classic summer cuisine. In fact, Americans will eat 150 million of them on the Fourth of July alone. But hot dogs, as well as other types of processed meat, have a dark side — they’re classified by the World Health Organization as a Group 1 carcinogen and linked to stomach and colorectal cancers, heart disease and more. If this is news to you, you're not alone. In this episode, we discuss everything from how processed meat affects the body to how much we can eat without taking on health risks.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer)
Expert: Dr. Valentine Millien, Gastroenterologist
Notable topics covered:
- What counts as processed meat
- Why processed meat is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen
- What's in processed meat that makes it so bad for us?
- It's more than digestive issues — processed meat leads to inflammation throughout the body
- It's not a bad idea to let your doctor know if you've eaten a lot of it in your lifetime
- Deli meat, charcuterie, beef jerky: Are some types of processed meat less harmful?
- The truth about "nitrate-free" deli meat
- You don't have to stop eating processed meat, but how much is too much?
- Whether the deli meat sliced behind the counter is better than pre-packaged options
- Dr. Millien's recommendations for healthy swaps
- The importance of following colorectal cancer screening guidelines
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We all have go-to workout songs — ones you can always count on to help you get the darn thing done, no matter how unmotivated you are to exercise or how hard your workout gets. What is it about the connection between music and exercise? Is it just a way to distract us from the task at hand and make working out more bearable? Or does a song's tempo have a way of improving our physical performance? In this episode, we explore the effect music has on the brain and whether what we listen to can make for a more effective workout.
Hosts: Zach Moore (interviewer), Katie McCallum
Expert: Maegan Morrow, Senior Music Therapist
Notable topics covered:
- How the brain senses and responds to music
- Beats per minute: How both heart rate and musical tempo are measured
- Why synchronizing your heart rate to a song's tempo makes for effective exercise
- How Maegan uses these principles to help rehabilitate brain injury patients in the ICU
- Whether the volume of what you listen to matters during a workout
- Tips for building the perfect workout playlist
- Ways to determine the beats per minute of your favorite songs
- Running vs. weightlifting vs. HIIT: Do you need different playlists for different types of exercise?
- Why your workout playlists need more than high tempo songs
- TV shows, audiobooks, podcasts: Does it matter if you don't listen to music?
Links:
- On Health with Houston Methodist Workout Playlist
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Dementia is older Americans' most feared diagnosis, according to surveys. This is understandable given that, by 2050, such diseases are projected to rob nearly 14 million people — more than twice the current number — of their memories, personalities, ability to function. Is it just fate or can you do anything to prevent dementia? In this episode, we explore the risk factors for dementia, lifestyle strategies and interventions to keep your brain healthy and whether cognitive impairment is inevitable if you live long enough.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Todd Ackerman (interviewer)
Expert: Dr. Gustavo Román, Neurologist
Notable topics covered:
- Alzheimer's and other types of dementia: The differences
- How much age related mental decline is to be expected?
- Blood flow: Its role in the development of dementia
- How much of dementia is determined by genetics
- When's a good age to implement prevention strategies?
- Should you get tested to see if you're at risk?
- The connection between hearing loss and dementia
- Can vitamins prevent or delay dementia symptoms?
- The best brain exercises aren't crosswords or word puzzles
- Research to develop statin-like drugs for the brain
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Ice cream is one of America's favorite desserts, but all those calories and sugars and fats have lots of people considering alternatives — keto ice cream, plant-based ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, sorbet, sherbet, their own homemade ice cream. But are any really healthier? And what's the taste trade-off? In this episode, we talk with a dietitian about how we're biologically wired to like ice cream, the secret ingredients in the alternatives and what's a healthy framework for enjoying dessert.
Hosts: Zach Moore (interviewer), Katie McCallum
Expert: Amanda Beaver, MS, RDN, LD, Wellness Dietitian
Notable topics covered:
- The feel-good neurotransmitters that ice cream triggers in the brain
- Is there such a thing as a "healthy" amount of ice cream?
- Ice cream parlors vs. store-bought ice cream: Yes, there's a difference
- Sugar-free, keto, vegan: The new wave of "healthier" ice creams
- Ingredients substituted for sugar and fat and their potential downsides
- DIY: How to make healthier ice cream at home
- Gelato, froyo, soft serve, sorbet: Better choices than traditional ice cream?
- Ever heard of banana nice cream? Frozen chocolate-covered bananas?
- How to build a well-balanced smoothie
- Beaver's tips for getting satisfaction out of dessert without overdoing it
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Rainy day doldrums, sunny dispositions, winter blues — plenty of phrases suggest a link between weather and a person's mood. But how real is the connection? Can unpleasant conditions put you in a bad mood, a beautiful day in a good one? Why are some people more sensitive to the elements? And can past experiences with severe weather cause a kind of PTSD? We've got a jam-packed episode this week, covering everything from a psychologist's viewpoint on weather and mood to a high-profile weather expert's tips for preparing for hurricanes, flash-flooding and more.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer)
Experts:
- Dr. William Orme, Psychologist
- Eric Berger, Founder of Space City Weather
Notable topics covered:
- What research says about weather’s effect on a person’s disposition
- The complexities of mood and why it’s rarely as simple as one thing
- Berger’s take on the worst weather month in Houston
- Seasonal affective disorder: When mood is definitely affected by the weather
- Can seasonal affective disorder happen in the summer?
- Dr. Orme’s tips for handling months of humidity and heat or cold and darkness
- The impact severe weather can have on mental health
- Tips for handling the stress and anxiety of severe weather
- Hurricane, flash-flooding, tornado, freeze: How to prepare in advance for a severe weather event
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Few diets have generated as much buzz as intermittent fasting, a way of eating that involves abstaining from food consumption on a regular schedule. Touted as about when you eat rather than what, it's gained great popularity as a means of weight loss. But its value beyond losing weight may be its promise of a host of other benefits — better heart health, improved cognitive function, blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, to name a few. Can not eating over fixed blocks of time really effect such wholesale improvements? In today's episode, we learn about the metabolic science of intermittent fasting and what it means for your body.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Todd Ackerman (interviewer)
Expert: Dr. Philip Horner, Neuroscientist
Notable topics covered:
- Intermittent fasting: Is it really just a form of caloric restriction?
- The benefits of burning ketones (fats) instead of glucose (sugars)
- The changes that occur in your brain and throughout your body when you fast
- Spinal cord regeneration: The intermittent fasting research that got neuroscientists interested
- The evidence that intermittent fasting improves growth and repair states in multiple tissue types
- 16/8, eat-stop-eat, 5/2: The primary types of intermittent fasting
- Contrary to the hype, the quality of what you eat when fasting matters
- Tips for making intermittent fasting successful
- Who shouldn't take on intermittent fasting
- How intermittent fasting appears to improve gut bacteria
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
How do you know if you have sleep apnea? It’s common, with estimates suggesting that more than 20% of adults suffer from this sleep-related breathing disorder. Snoring is often assumed to be the primary sleep apnea symptom. But if you don’t snore, does that mean you’re in the clear? In today’s episode, we cover the most common signs of sleep apnea, why it leads to more than just bad sleep and how sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated.
Hosts: Zach Moore (interviewer), Katie McCallum
Expert: Dr. Philip Pirtle, Pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine Specialist
Notable topics covered:
- There’s more to sleep apnea than just snoring
- The other (potentially more common) sleep apnea symptoms
- How sleep apnea strains the heart, lungs and more
- Whether there’s a hereditary component to sleep apnea
- Sleep studies: What to expect and how they aid in sleep apnea diagnosis
- How the severity of sleep apnea is determined
- High blood pressure, heart attack, stroke: The consequences of not treating sleep apnea
- All about CPAP machines, the best way to treat sleep apnea
- Dr. Pirtle’s other tips for alleviating the symptoms of sleep apnea
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Is it just us or has the bread aisle gotten complicated? Really complicated? White bread, multigrain, honey wheat, whole wheat — to name only a few. How do you know what’s actually healthy and what’s not? In this episode, we take one of the most confusing aisles in the grocery store and break it down into its simplest parts: the nutritious grains you can trust and the refined ones you can’t.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer)
Expert: Kylie Arrindell, Registered Dietitian
Notable topics covered:
- Carbs don’t have to be the enemy
- The benefits of whole grains and downsides of refined ones
- Why you can’t judge a bread’s healthfulness just by its color
- One simple trick for identifying if bread is whole grain or not
- What “multigrain” really means
- Bakery vs. bread aisle: Is scratch-made more nutritious than packaged?
- Whether the crust is really the healthiest part of sliced bread
- Tortillas: Is corn better for you than flour?
- More of Kylie’s tips for navigating the bread aisle
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We all know that the first crack of dawn is the prime time for some folks, an ungodly hour for others. But what do we really know about early birds and night owls, like who’s more productive or creative -- or healthier? It turns out, people’s chronotype, their natural inclination to sleep and wake at certain times, has a bigger impact on them than previously thought. In this week’s episode, we talk with a neurological expert about the prevalence of the two archetypes, the generalizations that can be made about them and why it’s not a good idea to fight your natural tendency.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Todd Ackerman (interview)
Expert: Dr. Randall Wright, Neurologist
Notable topics covered:
- The biological implications of sleep being tied to the sun
- Are you either a night owl or early bird or is there a continuum?
- Whether a night owl can become a morning bird
- The ages at which sleep patterns naturally change
- Is being a night owl a bad thing or do early birds just have great PR?
- What happens when an early bird works a night shift, a night owl a morning one?
- Are there health risks associated with either archetype?
- Is remote working making society more tolerant of night owls?
- Should schools rethink their early start times?
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Hosts Zach Moore, Katie McCallum and Todd Ackerman kick off the third season of On Health with Houston Methodist, sharing what listeners can expect each Tuesday morning for the next ten weeks.
Stay tuned for topics ranging from whether it's bad to be a night owl and how weather affects our mood to what you should know about sleep apnea and tips for keeping your brain young.
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
If you're among the estimated 25 million Americans suffering from seasonal allergies, spring may not be your favorite time of year. It marks the start of watery red eyes, runny nose, sneezing and coughing, all signs of airways inflamed because the immune system is overreacting to the presence of pollen, mold or some other allergen. What can an outdoor lover do? Are allergy seasons getting longer and longer or does it just seem that way? And why is Houston such a hotspot? In today's episode, we discuss one of the most common but overlooked diseases, allergic rhinitis.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Todd Ackerman (interviewer)
Expert: Dr. Mas Takashima, Otolaryngologist
Notable topics covered:
- What the 2023 season has in store for allergy sufferers
- How allergies are an unintended consequence of our ancestors' defense against parasites
- What allergy sufferers should do on high pollen days
- How to distinguish between allergies and sinus infections
- The most common triggers for Spring, Summer and Fall
- How global warming is affecting allergy seasons
- The ages at which allergies hit hardest and start to decline
- Potential solutions: Allergy shots? Masks?
- Which matters most when it comes to allergies — genetics or environment?
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Most people switch to diet soda as a way to appease their sweet tooth without losing control of their waistline. But some pretty serious accusations have been made about these calorie-free drinks. Links to cancer and other health conditions have been debunked, but what about weight gain and increased sugar cravings? In this episode, we discuss whether your diet soda habit is really any healthier, what current studies have to say about artificial sweeteners and tips for making the switch from full-sugar soda to diet.
Hosts: Zach Moore (interviewer), Katie McCallum
Expert: Dr. Karla Saint Andre, Endocrinologist
Notable topics covered:
- How artificial sweeteners in diet soda affect the body
- The eyebrow-raising claims about artificial sweeteners
- What you need to know about the acidic nature and caffeine content of diet soda
- How to know if your diet soda habit has become unhealthy
- Where diet soda ranks on a scale from water to energy drinks
- Whether Dr. Saint Andre recommends switching from regular soda to diet
- More suggestions for cutting back on full sugar sodas
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
You probably don't think about your health when you buy shoes, but they support one of the body's most complex structures — your feet, the site of 25% of your bones and muscles. According to polls, 8 in 10 adults experience problems with their feet. What's more is that the wrong shoes or wrong fit can also affect your legs, knees, hips, back and neck. What do you need to know to choose the right footwear? What happens when you don't? In this episode, we discuss the different conditions caused by improper footwear, what makes for the perfect fit and how to select the right shoe for the right activity.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Todd Ackerman (interviewer)
Expert: Dr. Andrew Friedmann, Orthopedic Surgeon
Notable topics covered:
- The signs it's time to replace your shoes
- How often you can wear those boots, heels and flip-flops
- What's more important for foot health – the shoe or the fit
- What happens when shoes are too big or when they're too tight
- The optimal time of day to shop for new shoes
- Specialized athletic shoes: Necessary? Or just capitalism run amuck?
- Are there actually health benefits to barefoot shoes?
- How to care for your feet after removing your shoes
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Few of us are strangers to having our hearts broken. Whether the cause is a breakup, crushed dream or death of a loved one, a broken heart inflicts a special kind of pain. It's considered an emotional state, but we allude to more than just our frame of mind when we describe it. We "feel it in our bones," say our chest hurts and call it heartbreak, after all. In today's episode, we explore the science of a broken heart — how it can physically affect the body and whether it can cause actual heart damage or even, in certain cases, death.
Hosts: Zach Moore (interviewer), Katie McCallum
Expert: Dr. Devang Parikh, Structural Interventional Cardiologist
Notable topics covered:
- Whether heartbreak can have physical effects on the body
- Yes, broken heart syndrome is an actual medical condition
- Why the syndrome can be confused with a heart attack
- The emotional and physical triggers of broken heart syndrome
- Everyday heartbreak can affect the body, too
- How common is broken heart syndrome? Who's most at risk? What's the prognosis?
- How your doctors can help unravel heartbreak syndrome's root cause
- A reminder of why it's important to have great relationships with your doctors
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
We let them into our hearts, our homes, even our bedrooms. Yes, we adore our pets, a love affair that goes back tens of thousands of years, even if it began because these domesticated animals served a specific purpose, such as protection or pest control. Most pets today play less functional roles. Or do they? In today’s episode, we learn how pets aren’t just our trusted companions. They’re also partners in good health.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer)
Expert: Dawn Brown, Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist
Notable topics covered:
- How pets improve our mental and social well-being
- The surprising way pets improve our physical health
- The age-old controversy: are dogs better companions than cats?
- Fun facts about the benefits of being a pet owner
- How animals don’t just benefit their owners
- Why just watching animal videos is a mood booster
- Animal-assisted therapy, the ultimate example of the power of pets
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The average smartphone user unlocks their phone about 150 times a day. Staying in touch, taking photos, getting directions, watching videos, reading the news — there are many reasons we rely on our smartphones so much. But they can also become a distraction. In today’s episode, we explore the double-edged sword that is the smartphone, a tool that can improve our lives but also cause a reliance bordering on addiction — and how this impacts our mood, sleep, interpersonal interactions, ability to learn and more.
Hosts: Zach Moore, John Dabkowski (interviewer)
Expert: Dr. Kenneth Podell, Neuropsychologist
Notable topics covered:
- Nomophobia, the fear of being without your smartphone
- The way excessive screen time leads to smartphone addiction
- How reading on your phone is different from reading from a book
- Whether the blue light emitted from our smartphones affects our sleep
- When smartphones affect how we interact with other people
- It’s not all doom and gloom — the benefits of smartphones
- Dr. Podell’s tips for forming a healthier relationship with your smartphone
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Heartburn is one of the most common digestive disorders in the world. But is that post-eating burning sensation in the middle of your chest just an annoying fact of life or something more concerning? What are the risk factors? And should you be eliminating certain foods from your diet? In this episode, we discuss the causes of heartburn, when and when not to worry and the best ways to prevent and treat the condition.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Todd Ackerman (interviewer)
Expert: Dr. Neeharika Kalakota, Gastroenterologist
Notable topics covered:
- Whether there’s a genetic component to heartburn
- No, it doesn’t actually have anything to do with the heart
- Which heartburn home remedies are worth trying
- Whether you’re ok regularly taking antacids to relieve symptoms
- What’s the best sleep position to prevent heartburn?
- The complications that can occur if serious cases aren’t treated
- When symptoms warrant making a doctor’s appointment
- Treatments, from over the counter to prescription to surgery
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Fitness trackers collect an impressive amount of data these days. But with endless metrics to sift through, it’s not always clear whether you’re meeting your health and fitness goals. Do steps matter most? Or are exercise minutes more important? What’s the difference between activity and exercise anyway? In today’s episode, we learn how to effectively use our fitness trackers and how the payoffs can benefit our health.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer)
Expert: JJ Rodriguez, Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Notable topics covered:
- Whether someone who exercises routinely can still be too inactive
- JJ warns us about the effects of “the sitting disease”
- Where 10,000 steps a day came from (and whether that number really means anything)
- The health benefit of simply wearing a fitness tracker
- How to know if you’re getting enough exercise
- Tips for setting activity goals on your tracker that make sense for you
- The universal fitness tracker metrics JJ recommends we all keep our eye on
- Which fitness tracker metrics aren’t yet ready for primetime
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Whether you’re on the fence about getting an air fryer or have one but aren’t quite sure how best to use it, you might have some questions about this trendy cooking appliance. Is food cooked in an air frier always healthier, even fries and wings? What else can you make in it? In today’s episode, we talk all things air fryer — including how they work and tips for cooking with one.
Hosts: Zach Moore (interviewer), Katie McCallum
Expert: Amanda Beaver, MS, RDN, LD, Wellness Dietitian
Notable topics covered:
- How an air fryer works, and how this differs from a deep fryer or oven
- Which cooking oils Amanda recommends while using your air fryer
- The times when air frying may not actually be healthier than deep frying
- How worried you need to be about acrylamides and other chemicals formed during cooking
- Amanda’s favorite foods to cook in her air fryer
- How an air fryer can help take your veggie game up a notch
- Tips for making crispy, nutritious and delicious food in your air fryer
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Forming good habits is tough. Breaking bad ones can be even harder. But why? There’s perhaps no better time to explore this question than at the start of the new year, when many of us are resolving to make healthy changes in our lives. In today’s episode, we discuss the psychology of habits and get tips for sticking to our New Year’s resolutions and other goals we set for ourselves.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer)
Expert: Dr. William Orme, Psychologist
Notable topics covered:
- What happens in your brain while making and breaking habits
- Why will power and guilt aren’t enough to sustain lasting behavior change
- Habit reinforcers, including whether change becomes easier when tied to the new year
- Why smart goal setting and consistency are critical for habit formation
- How long does it take for a behavior to become a habit?
- The importance of giving yourself “emotional credit” when forming habits
- How many New Year’s resolutions are too many?
- Dr. Orme’s habit hacks that can help you stick with your resolutions beyond January
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Hosts Zach Moore, Katie McCallum and Todd Ackerman kick off the second season of On Health with Houston Methodist, sharing what listeners can expect each Tuesday for the next ten weeks.
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
We're all aging, so it's never too soon to think about how to enter your golden years as healthy as possible. In today's episode, self-proclaimed "resident old guy", Scott Jones, shares his journey toward healthier aging. As he takes us inside appointments with his health care team, we learn steps we can take today to avoid some of the worst pitfalls of getting older — no matter our age.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum, Scott Jones (interviewer)
Experts: Dr. Joshua Septimus (Primary Care Physician), Emma Willingham (Clinical Dietitian Specialist)
Notable topics covered:
- How muscle mass, body fat, bone density, thirst and more change with age
- Chronic inflammation, the "bogeyman for aging"
- Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome: how they sneak up and the serious issues they lead to
- How easy it is to spot these problems through regular wellness checkups and bloodwork
- The ideal eating pattern, including the foods, drinks and habits we should avoid as we age
- How protein intake and resistance training can help maintain muscle mass as you age
- Why you’re never too young to start thinking about healthy aging
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension. What's more, only about 1 in 4 of those have the condition under control. What can you do to control high blood pressure — or better yet, prevent it from developing in the first place? In today's episode, we get the lowdown on high blood pressure, the leading cause of stroke and major risk factor for other concerning health conditions.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Todd Ackerman (interviewer)
Expert: Dr. Kershaw Patel, Cardiologist
Notable topics covered:
- Why high blood pressure is known as the silent killer
- Symptoms suggesting high blood pressure might be affecting you
- The health conditions that high blood pressure can cause
- The level at which blood pressure is too high — or too low
- Whether there's a need for continuous blood pressure monitoring
- The reliability of those blood pressure kiosk machines
- Ways to control high blood pressure without medication
- The latest on when's best to take blood pressure medication
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
You may assume you’re getting enough vitamin D, but some 42% of American adults are deficient in the nutrient, according to the National Institutes of Health. Moreover, the problem is becoming more common, according to doctors. What are the consequences? And how treatable is a deficiency? In today’s episode, our expert talks about how worried we should be about the trend.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Todd Ackerman (interviewer)
Expert: Dr. Lola Okunnu, Primary Care Physician
Notable topics covered:
- The signs you might be deficient in vitamin D
- How much vitamin D you should get daily, depending on age
- The group of people at greatest risk of a deficiency
- Sun, food, supplements, the best way to get vitamin D
- How much vitamin D you’ll get from 10-15 minutes in the sun
- The best food sources of vitamin D
- Whether vitamin D is the miracle supplement it’s touted to be
- Why too much vitamin D can be a bad thing
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Germs are everywhere. Not all are bad, of course, but you may be wondering what it takes to protect yourself from the ones that can make you sick. Should we disinfect our phones every day? How long is too long to use a towel without washing it? In today’s episode, we get an answer to these and other questions about how best to live among germs.
Hosts: Zach Moore (interviewer), Katie McCallum
Expert: Dr. Ashley Drews, Infectious Disease Physician
Notable topics covered:
- The most important rooms in your home to keep clean
- The less obvious items and places where germs may be breeding
- Smartphones, towels, beards, air purifiers, pools: the germs edition
- The truth about sharing a straw with anyone — even a family member
- Two of the germiest public places we encounter in our day-to-day lives
- Hand sanitizer do’s and don’ts
- The most important times to wash your hands and how to do it right
- Whether there’s such a thing as washing your hands too much
- Important food safety reminders, including why it’s important to wash your vegetables
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Hydration powders and products are flooding the wellness space these days — promising to maximize water uptake and prevent dehydration. The concept is nothing new, of course. Sports drinks have existed for decades. But is staying hydrated really more complicated than just drinking plain old water? In today’s episode, we discuss everything from hydration basics to when water may not be enough.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer)
Expert: Emma Willingham, MS, RD, LD, CSSD, Clinical Dietitian Specialist
Notable topics covered:
- Emma's take on the “8 glasses of water a day” rule
- The many ways dehydration affects your body
- Whether coffee, alcohol and salty foods are dehydrating
- When hydration products are (and aren’t) needed
- All about electrolytes, including how we all sweat them out differently
- The times and situations to choose a sports drink over regular water
- If the pH of water matters for your hydration status
- Whether you can drink "too much water"
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Most American adults take some sort of nutritional supplements, according to recent surveys, often without looping in their doctor. But since the FDA stopped regulating the industry decades ago, consumers don't know whether the supplements they take are beneficial or dangerous — or worth the (often pricey) expenditure. In today's episode, we enlist a primary care physician well versed in the subject to help navigate the terrain.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Todd Ackerman (interviewer)
Expert: Dr. Joshua Septimus, Primary Care Physician
Notable topics covered:
- The mind-boggling number of supplements on the market
- What it means that the FDA doesn't regulate supplements
- Websites to visit that certify whether a supplement is safe
- What studies have found about supplements' usefulness
- The debate about supplements among some doctors
- Whether tablets, capsules or gels are better absorbed
- The herbal supplement Dr. Septimus often prescribes
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
After two fairly quiet flu seasons (an unexpected blip of good news amid the COVID-19 pandemic), you may have been lulled into complacency about the influenza virus. But early signs suggest the flu is returning from its exile in a big way this year. In this episode, we discuss why experts are concerned we're in for a severe season, how the flu is different from COVID-19 and answers to common questions about getting your flu shot.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer)
Expert: Dr. Wesley Long, Medical Director of Diagnostic Microbiology
Notable topics covered:
- What Australia’s bad flu season may mean for us
- The early warning signs we’re already seeing in our own flu data
- What to do if you think you have the flu
- Whether it’s possible to get flu and COVID-19 at the same time
- When (and why) to get your annual flu shot
- Answers to flu shot questions, including whether you can get your flu shot and COVID-19 booster at the same time
Houston Methodist Flu Tracker: https://flu.houstonmethodist.org/
Many of us have a habit of sticking cotton swabs into our ears each day. We do it under the guise of personal hygiene, but do our ears even need to be cleaned in the first place? And given that the ear is a very delicate organ responsible for one of your five senses, should we really be sticking things inside of it? In today's episode, we hear some answers to these questions and discuss other important ear health topics.
Hosts: Zach Moore (interviewer), Katie McCallum
Expert: Dr. Kenny Lin, ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) Specialist
Notable topics covered:
- Everything you never knew you needed to know about earwax, including whether it’s really wax
- Why Dr. Lin gets nervous about people “cleaning” their ears using cotton swabs
- The history of cotton swabs and how we came to put them in our ears
- How cotton swabs can actually make earwax problems worse
- Whether any of the various earwax removal products out there can be trusted
- How your headphone choice (earbud vs. over the ear) affects your earwax and ear health
- Why it’s important to protect your ears from loud noises and tips for doing it right
- What ringing in your ears means and what to do next
Sure, healthy eating and brunch may not seem like they go together. But how about if you order avocado toast? It seems like a healthy choice, especially compared to other brunch options like chicken and waffles or biscuits and gravy. In today’s episode, we deconstruct avocado toast and put its ingredients through a wellness check.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer)
Expert: Kylie Arrindell, MS, RD, LD, Wellness Dietitian
Notable topics covered:
- Whether avocado truly lives up to its “superfood” name
- How your bread choice can complicate things
- What you need to know about eating a whole egg vs. just the egg whites
- The unhealthiest avocado toast Kylie has ever seen
- What the healthfulness of an avocado toast really hinges on
- Kylie builds her ideal avocado toast
You’re not alone if the planet’s health is what’s top-of-mind when thinking about air pollution. But have you ever considered how it affects your own? It’s invisible, but air pollution is all around us — containing particulate matter small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs. In today’s episode, we unpack what long-term air pollution exposure can mean for our health down the line.
Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer)
Expert: Dr. Eric Bernicker, Thoracic Medical Oncologist
Notable topics covered:
- The link between air pollution exposure, lung cancer risk and other lung issues
- The science of how air pollution affects the lungs
- How people with underlying lung issues, like asthma, are even more susceptible
- Whether all types of air pollution (car exhaust, factory smoke, etc.) are equally harmful
- The correlation between length of air pollution exposure and a person’s risk
- Whether lung cancer screening should be expanded to never-smokers
- The way forward, including actionable steps you can take to reduce your risk
From how to interpret SPF numbers to how much sunscreen is enough, studies show that most of us aren’t using sunscreen correctly. This is a problem given that unprotected sun exposure can increase your lifetime risk of skin cancer, not to mention skin aging (aka, wrinkles). In today’s episode, we cover everything you ever wanted (nay, needed) to know about sunscreen — one of the best preventive care products out there.
Hosts: Zach Moore (interviewer), Katie McCallum
Expert: Annie Christenson, LE, Medical Aesthetician
Notable topics covered:
- A reminder of why we wear sunscreen
- Whether it matters if you choose chemical and physical sunscreen
- A rarely-followed spray sunscreen disclaimer that will change how you apply it
- How often you should reapply sunscreen (and when you need to reapply it more frequently)
- Understanding what SPF means and the minimum SPF experts recommend
- A PSA about sunscreen expiration dates
- Whether you should go back out into the sun if you have a sunburn
Hosts Zach Moore, Katie McCallum and Todd Ackerman kick off the inaugural season of On Health with Houston Methodist, sharing what listeners can expect from the podcast and a sneak peek of the first week’s episode.