DrLeeds: Recent Episodes

Mark Leeds, D.O.

This is the Dr. Leeds podcast, reflecting the content and spirit of the DrLeeds.com website and topics of interest to Dr. Leeds.

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In this episode, we look at an important topic for those recovering from benzodiazepine dependence: balancing physical activity during withdrawal. Exercise plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being, but the intensity of physical activity requires careful consideration during this sensitive period.

We'll discuss how different types of exercise can impact withdrawal symptoms and overall healing. While intense workouts may be detrimental and exacerbate symptoms, light exercise can support the recovery process when approached mindfully. We'll also touch on the role of cortisol and how it affects withdrawal symptoms, as well as the impact vigorous physical activity can have on the central nervous system.

Listeners will learn about the benefits of gentle exercises like walking, stretching, yoga, swimming, tai chi, and qigong. These activities can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote better sleep quality. We'll emphasize the importance of listening to your body and adjusting your exercise routine to support your recovery journey.

For more detailed information, check out our comprehensive blog post: Balancing Physical Activity During Benzodiazepine Withdrawal.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips to navigate your physical activity during benzodiazepine withdrawal effectively.

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Welcome to our podcast, where we examine the intricacies of managing negative thoughts during benzodiazepine withdrawal. In this episode, we'll explore a range of cognitive techniques such as thought stopping, cognitive restructuring, and mindfulness that can help you navigate this challenging period.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can trigger a spectrum of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. These symptoms often lead to automatic negative thoughts and unhelpful thinking patterns, exacerbating the withdrawal process. Understanding and managing these cognitive distortions is crucial for mental health and overall recovery.

We'll discuss practical advice and strategies to break the cycle of negative thinking, including recognizing cognitive distortions, using thought stopping techniques, practicing mindfulness, and leveraging cognitive restructuring and thought reframing. You'll also hear expert insights on how to implement these techniques effectively and the importance of professional support during withdrawal.

Whether you're experiencing benzodiazepine withdrawal yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode aims to provide valuable information and support for the recovery journey.

For more detailed information, check out our comprehensive blog post here: Understanding Negative Thinking Patterns During Withdrawal

Tune in and empower yourself with the tools to manage your thoughts and emotions during benzodiazepine withdrawal!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health and medical care. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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Episode: Enhancing Patient Experience and Creating a Positive Culture

Overview:
In this episode, Brad Stoddard joins Mark Leeds on "Health Matters" to discuss the significance of providing exceptional patient care in mental health services. Brad, the owner of Sunrise Mental Health, shares insights into creating a welcoming environment for patients and the importance of customer experience in healthcare.

Key Points Discussed:

  1. Creating a Comforting Environment:
  2. Brad emphasizes the impact of a calm and pleasant environment at his clinic, focusing on patient comfort and relaxation. Mark shares his positive experience at a orthodontist with a coffee bar, underscoring the importance of creating a welcoming waiting area.

  3. Patient Experience and Caretaker Appreciation:

  4. Both guests stress the importance of enhancing the patient experience, including offering treats for caretakers and ensuring friendly staff interactions to foster a caring atmosphere.

  5. Business Aspects in Healthcare:

  6. Brad delves into the administration side of mental health care, highlighting the significance of handling business aspects like billing and customer service. He emphasizes the need for analyzing and improving the patient journey for quality care.

  7. Telehealth Services and Patient Engagement:

  8. The discussion delves into offering telehealth services in Arizona and the benefits for patients in remote areas. Brad emphasizes the role of patient interaction in growing a practice and obtaining referrals, with a focus on maintaining quality care over expansion.

  9. Support for College Students:

  10. Brad shares his experience in serving college students from major universities in Arizona, stressing the impact of COVID on mental health needs. The importance of quick access to care, fast response times, and high customer service is highlighted.

  11. Establishing a Positive Culture:

  12. The conversation touches on the significance of company culture, proactive measures, and hiring staff with shared values to ensure high standards of care.

Closing Thoughts:
Mark and Brad conclude by discussing the importance of each person's role in a business and the value of maintaining a positive workplace culture. They highlight the need for healthcare providers to prioritize patient experience and engagement to deliver quality care effectively.

Please visit Sunrise Mental Health here: https://www.srmentalhealth.com/

And our podcast websites here: https://drleeds.com and https://therehab.com

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Amy Anthony is one of New York City’s top aromatherapy practitioners and one of America’s most influential aromatherapists. She is the host of the Essential Aromatica Podcast and she tends her own aromatic garden where she distills her unique products.
She is the New York State representative for the Alliance of International Aromatherapists. Her private practice, NYC Aromatica, includes one-on-one customized aromatherapy sessions, online classes, corporate consulting, and writing.

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Xerxes is a spiritual leader and a futurist. He has helped many people to learn to relax and get better sleep, using sound therapy and breath work.

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Chris Paige returns to discuss his new organization which has a goal of educating doctors and the public on the best available therapies for making benzodiazepine withdrawal, including protracted withdrawal, more tolerable.

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This interview with Mark Rizkallah of Tulua Health is a fascinating exploration of the use of psychedelic medications in treating addiction and other mental health conditions. His goal is to make this treatment accessible to all people, and also to provide it in an appropriate setting, with guidance and therapy.

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Iatrogenic Injury from prescribed medications includes adverse effects of medications as well as the effects of withdrawal from medications after they have been discontinued. Benzodiazepines are well known to cause iatrogenic injury, which includes akathisia, a serious movement disorder which can last for long periods, and it is very difficult to live with. Chris Paige is an expert on the topic of akathisia, and he has helped many people to live with iatrogenic injury. He provides therapy, and he offers understanding and hope.

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Harry Derbitsky is a spiritual leader in The Three Principles movement. He is a direct disciple of Sydney Banks, founder of The Three Principles. Harry is also a best-selling author, and he provides addiction counseling to many people, including the indigenous people of British Columbia, Canada. Jay Yow is the producer and engineer for The James Altucher Podcast. Jay is a good friend on social media, and he is also actively involved with NotePD.com, a program that is free to the public and helps people to exercise their creativity. I hope that you enjoy this episode, and please let me know what you think.

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Dr. Adam Bisaga, a research psychiatrist and professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University, is the author of Overcoming Opioid Addiction, the definitive book on the subject of effective treatment for opioid dependence.