Your Checkup: Health Conversations for Motivated Patients
Ever leave the doctor’s office more confused than when you walked in? Your Checkup: Health Conversations for Motivated Patients is your health ally in a world full of fast appointments and even faster Google searches. Each week, a board certified family medicine physician and a pediatric nurse sit down to answer the questions your doctor didn’t have time to.From understanding diabetes and depression to navigating obesity, high blood pressure, and everyday wellness—we make complex health topics simple, human, and actually useful. Whether you’re managing a condition, supporting a loved one, or just curious about your body, th...
Reboot: Hypertension Lifestyle Changes
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We continue our hypertension journey with two pillars—lifestyle and medication—and show how small, honest changes shift blood pressure in meaningful ways. From sodium awareness and exercise to sleep apnea, tobacco, alcohol, and med side effects, we focus on what actually works.
• two pillars of treatment: lifestyle and medication
• non‑modifiable risks: age, sex, race, family history
• sodium literacy and the DASH eating pattern
• track intake and aim for 1,500–2,300 mg sodium
• clinically meaning...
Reboot: Hypertension Explained
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Since we are away we wanted to give you an oldie but a goodie!
We demystify blood pressure with clear examples, practical thresholds, and simple steps for accurate home readings, then connect the numbers to real risks for the brain, heart, and kidneys. We end with a preview of lifestyle changes and meds to manage hypertension well.
• what systolic and diastolic numbers represent
• how to think about normal vs elevated readin...
81: Concussions: Raising Awareness for Student Athletes and Parents
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We unpack myths, the new stepwise approach, and why return to school should come before return to play.
• what a concussion is
• common and delayed symptoms including mood and sleep changes
• immediate sideline steps
• why “cocooning” is outdated and how light activity helps
• individualized recovery timelines and risk of returning too soon
• return-to-learn before return-to-play with simple accommodations
• a staircase model for activity and symptom thresholds
• helmets vs brain movement and the role...
80: Screen time, Social Media & Mental Health
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Screen time impacts our mental health in significant ways, with research suggesting particular risks for teens who spend more than three hours daily on social media.
• Higher social media usage linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and stress
• Teens more vulnerable to negative mental health effects than adults
• Using social media to escape negative feelings raises mental health risks
• Limiting social media to 30 minutes per day can lower depression and anxiety
• Open conve...
79: Colon Cancer Screening: Why It Is Important & Your Options
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Colon cancer screening saves lives by catching cancer early and even preventing it, yet only 69% of eligible adults are up to date with their screenings. We explore who needs screening, what tests are available, and how to choose the right one for you.
• Most adults should start colon cancer screening at age 45, even if healthy
• Family history may mean you need to start screening earlier
• Stool-based tests like FIT and Cologuard are convenient home option...
78: DASH Diet: Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension
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The DASH diet offers a powerful, evidence-based approach to lowering blood pressure through nutritional changes rather than medication.
• Stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension
• Focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy
• Limits sodium, saturated fat, added sugars, and processed meats
• Can lower systolic blood pressure by 5-6 points and diastolic by 3 points
• Recommends 4-5 servings each of fruits and vegetables daily
• Suggests 6-8 servings of whole grains per d...
77: The Flu Shot: Why This Vaccine Matters More Than You Think
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The flu vaccine is our best defense against influenza, a contagious respiratory virus that causes millions of illnesses and thousands of deaths in the US each year. Despite being only 40-60% effective, the vaccine significantly reduces hospitalizations, outpatient visits, and deaths while protecting vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated.
• Influenza causes 9-41 million illnesses, 140,000-960,000 hospitalizations, and 12,000-80,000 deaths annually in the US
• Everyone aged six months and older should receive the flu vaccine yearly
...
76: Four Habits of People Who Maintain Weight Loss
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We explore the four key habits of people who have successfully maintained significant weight loss, based on findings from the National Weight Control Registry's long-term observational study.
• 62% of successful weight maintainers watch less than 10 hours of TV weekly (under 90 minutes daily)
• 75% weigh themselves at least once weekly as a data point, not as a measure of self-worth
• 78% eat breakfast every day, potentially helping regulate hunger cues throughout the day
• 90% maintain high levels of physical...
75: Understanding Your Liver: From Function to Fatty Disease
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The liver performs vital functions including filtering toxins, producing proteins, storing energy, aiding digestion, and regulating cholesterol and hormones. Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease globally, affecting up to 38% of the population worldwide.
• The liver filters blood, breaks down alcohol and medications, produces proteins like albumin and clotting factors
• It stores energy as glycogen, vitamins, and minerals including iron
• The liver makes bile for digesting fats and he...
74: Why Your Body Fights Weight Loss: Metabolic Adaptation Explained
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Metabolic adaptation is a powerful physiological process that explains why weight loss is so challenging and why keeping it off can feel like your body is working against you.
• Your body burns fewer calories than expected after weight loss, creating an "energy gap"
• For every kilogram lost, metabolism slows by approximately 25 calories
• Weight loss affects hormones like leptin (satiety) and ghrelin (hunger) that control appetite
• Metabolic adaptation is a survival mechanism, not a personal...
73: Ultra-Processed Foods: Why Food Processing Matters for Your Health
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Our food choices extend far beyond calories, with recent research showing minimally processed diets outperform ultra-processed diets for weight loss even when nutrient content is identical.
• Ultra-processed foods contain industrial ingredients not found in home kitchens like sweeteners, emulsifiers, and preservatives
• The NOVA classification categorizes foods from unprocessed to ultra-processed based on processing methods
• Signs of ultra-processed foods include long ingredient lists, unpronounceable ingredients, and extended shelf life
• Ultra-processed foods are engineered to be "hype...
72: How Many Steps a Day Keep the Doctor Away? New Study Reveals the Answer
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We dive deep into recent research that challenges everything you think you know about daily step goals. The famous 10,000 steps target was actually a marketing gimmick from 1960s Japan with no scientific backing, while new evidence shows 7,000 steps delivers the most dramatic health benefits.
• The 10,000 steps goal originated from Japanese marketing, not science
• Meta-analysis followed 161,000 adults across 24 global cohorts for seven years
• 7,000 daily steps reduced death risk by 47% compared to 2,000 steps
• Walking 7,000 steps cut hear...
71: Tylenol vs. NSAIDs: Which Pain Reliever Is Right For You?
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We break down the key differences between Tylenol (acetaminophen) and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) to help you make informed decisions about which pain reliever is right for you. This evidence-based discussion draws from top medical sources to explain how these common medications work differently in your body.
• Tylenol works on perception of pain and fever in the brain but doesn't address inflammation
• NSAIDs reduce pain, fever AND inflammation by blocking the prostaglandin cascade
• Both medica...
70: PCOS: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options for Patients
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PCOS affects approximately one in ten women of reproductive age, creating a cascade of symptoms from irregular periods to fertility challenges. This common hormonal and metabolic condition has implications for long-term health beyond just reproductive concerns, including increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues.
• PCOS is characterized by elevated androgens and insulin resistance
• Symptoms include irregular periods, acne, unwanted hair growth, and weight management challenges
• Diagnosis requires meeting at least two of thr...
69: Mediterranean Diet: Life Prolonging Benefits & Sample Meals
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The Mediterranean diet is an evidence-based eating pattern that supports heart health, brain health, and longevity with delicious, sustainable food choices. We explore what makes this diet special and provide practical ways to incorporate its principles into everyday meals.
• Core components include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil
• Fish (especially fatty varieties like salmon) should be eaten regularly
• Poultry, eggs, and dairy can be consumed in moderation
• Red meat and processe...
68: Side Effects Broken Down: GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Explained
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On this episode discuss the side effects of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro offering practical strategies to manage these effects while still benefiting from the medications.
• GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound) help manage type 2 diabetes, obesity, and can reduce cardiovascular risk
• Most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and constipation
• "Sulfur burps" are a frequently reported side effect that some manage with Pepto-Bismol
• Start with low dose...
67: Understanding Heat-Related Illness: Surviving Summer's Deadly Threat
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We explore heat-related illnesses, from mild conditions to life-threatening emergencies, providing crucial information for staying safe during hot weather. We break down the six types of heat-related conditions and explain who's most vulnerable during extreme temperatures.
• Young children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions face higher risks of heat illness
• People taking beta blockers or diuretics may have compromised temperature regulation
• Heat rash, cramps, and edema are milder conditions typically resolved with cooling and hy...
66: Medical Mishaps: When Patient Education Falls Short
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We discuss an important patient education story about medication misunderstandings that could have led to serious harm, highlighting the gaps in healthcare instruction.
• Nicole shares her experience with a broken toe and visit to urgent care
• The hosts discuss their current reality TV favorites including Love Island and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
• A patient was discovered not removing the needle cap when trying to administer insulin
• Another patient only took blood pressure medication once weekly d...
65: Pulse Oximeters May Fail People of Color: What You Need to Know
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We investigate how pulse oximeters – those small devices that clip onto your finger and measure oxygen levels – can show bias against people with darker skin tones. This critical medical tool may overestimate oxygen readings in Black patients, potentially leading to delayed or inadequate treatment.
• Pulse oximeters use infrared light to measure blood oxygen, but melanin in darker skin can scatter this light and cause inaccurate readings
• Studies show Black patients are nearly three times more likely t...
64: Insulin Resistance: Early Warning Signs, Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes
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Insulin resistance often precedes diabetes by 5-10 years and serves as an early warning sign of potential damage to your cardiovascular system and other organs. We explore this common condition, its risk factors, and how simple lifestyle changes can reverse it before more serious health problems develop.
• Insulin resistance occurs when muscles, liver, and fat cells fail to respond to normal levels of insulin
• The pancreas compensates by producing more insulin, eventually leading to beta cell...
63: Prediabetes Explained: Risks and Prevention of Diabetes
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Prediabetes affects over one-third of Americans, yet 80% don't know they have it. We break down what this silent condition means for your health and provide practical strategies to prevent progression to diabetes.
• Prediabetes is defined as blood sugar that's elevated but not high enough to be diabetes
• Risk factors include being over 45, overweight, family history of diabetes, and certain racial backgrounds
• Prediabetes independently increases risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease
• Losing just 7...
62: Sunburn, Skin Aging & Skin Cancer Prevention
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We dive deep into the essential topic of skin cancer prevention and sun protection methods. As summer approaches, it's crucial to understand how to protect yourself from harmful UV rays that can lead to skin cancer, a condition that affects one in five Americans in their lifetime.
• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime
• Seek shade between 10am-2pm when the sun's rays are strongest
• Wear protective clothing including lightweight long s...
61: Fitness Might Be the Best Medicine of All
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Cardiorespiratory fitness might be the strongest predictor of how long you'll live, with a massive study showing fitness level may have a more significant impact than traditional risk factors like smoking or diabetes.
• Study of 122,000 people undergoing treadmill testing followed for eight years
• People with elite fitness were 80% less likely to die than those with low fitness
• Being unfit appeared worse for mortality than smoking, diabetes, or heart disease
• Benefits were seen across all age...
60: Safe Sleep: Every Parent Needs to Know These Life-Saving Guidelines
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Safe infant sleep guidelines have reduced SIDS deaths by 50-80% over the last three decades, yet funding for this critical public health campaign is now at risk of being cut.
• Explained difference between SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and SUID (sudden unexpected infant death)
• Described the "triple risk model" that leads to SIDS: vulnerable infant + critical developmental period + external stressor
• Detailed the history of the Back to Sleep campaign which began in 1994
• Outlined key safe...
59: Low Back Pain: Causes, Relief, Prevention for Patients
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Back pain affects 80% of people at some point in their lives, but the good news is that approximately 90% of cases improve within 6-12 weeks with proper care and movement. Understanding the causes, treatments, and prevention strategies for back pain can help you navigate this common but often debilitating condition.
• Most back pain is "non-specific" with muscle strain being the most common cause
• Common types include lumbosacral strain, SI joint dysfunction, and disc herniations
• Imaging (X-rays...
58: Full Body MRI: Marketing Hype vs. Medical Reality
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• Full body MRIs cost around $2,500 and are being promoted as the "gold standard" for preventative health without proper medical context
• Unlike established screening tests, these scans haven't been evaluated by medical societies for appropriate use in healthy populations
• 15-30% of diagnostic images have at least one incidental finding, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety and further testing
• The marketing tactics use fear-based messaging about finding cancer early, which might be ethically concerning
• These services create hea...
57: Understanding Hypoglycemia Could Save Someone's Life: Diabetes
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We dive deep into hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), exploring its causes, symptoms, and critical treatment options for patients with diabetes and their loved ones. This episode provides essential knowledge that could potentially save lives in emergency situations.
• Hypoglycemia defined as blood sugar below 70 mg/dL, with severe cases below 54 mg/dL
• Common causes include excess insulin/medication, inadequate food intake, vigorous exercise, irregular eating patterns, and alcohol consumption
• Early symptoms include sweating, trembling, hunger and an...
56: Seasonal Allergies: Medications and Treatments That Actually Work
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Managing allergic rhinitis requires realistic expectations and a strategic approach to medication. Though no treatment will completely eliminate symptoms, the right combination of therapies can significantly reduce discomfort and improve quality of life during allergy season.
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays are first-line treatments that reduce inflammation in nasal passages
• Proper technique matters: point spray toward outside of nostril and sniff gently "like smelling a flower"
• Non-sedating antihistamines (Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra) relieve itching, sneezing, and runny nose w...
55: How to Manage Allergies: Trigger Avoidance
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Allergic rhinitis affects 20% of people with substantial impact on quality of life, causing symptoms like nasal inflammation, itchy eyes, and post-nasal drip.
• Allergic rhinitis is a nasal reaction to airborne particles causing a histamine response
• Symptoms include itchy nose, watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, and sinus pressure
• Allergens fall into four categories: pollens, insects, animal dander, and molds
• Allergies can be seasonal (specific times of year) or perennial (year-round)
• Trigger avoidance is the first...
54: Compounding Pharmacies vs. FDA-Approved: The Weight Loss Drug Dilemma
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The meteoric rise in demand for weight loss drugs has created widespread shortages, leading to the emergence of compounding pharmacies as an alternative source for these medications.
• Compounding pharmacies create custom medications by combining, mixing, or altering ingredients to meet specific needs
• Unlike FDA-approved medications, compounded drugs don't undergo the same rigorous safety and effectiveness reviews
• Dosing errors with compounded weight loss medications have led to serious adverse events requiring hospitalization
• Confusion between units, m...
53: The Impact of GLP-1 Medications on Weight Loss and Muscle Mass
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Summary
In this episode, Ed Delesky, MD, and Nicole Aruffo, RN, discuss the impact of GLP-1 medications on lean body mass and muscle mass during weight loss. They explore definitions of lean body mass and skeletal muscle mass, the effects of weight loss medications on muscle physiology, and strategies to preserve muscle mass through diet and exercise. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding muscle quality and the potential risks of sarcopenia, particularly in v...
52: Navigating Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Comprehensive Guide
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In this episode, Ed Delesky, MD, and Nicole Aruffo, RN, discuss Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), covering its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and various treatment options. They emphasize the importance of understanding IBS as a common condition affecting a significant portion of the population and provide insights into managing symptoms through dietary changes, stress management, and medical treatments. The conversation aims to educate listeners about IBS and encourage proactive health management.
Takeaways
...
51: Depression Treatment Triangle: Medications, Therapy, and Behavioral Activation
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Depression requires a comprehensive treatment approach addressing biological, psychological, and social dimensions for true healing. We explore the three essential components of effective depression management: medication, therapy, and behavioral activation.
• Depression categorized as mild, moderate, or severe, with treatment options varying accordingly
• PHQ-9 questionnaire serves as both diagnostic tool and progress tracker
• SSRIs (like Lexapro, Prozac, and Zoloft) serve as first-line medications with fewer side effects
• Antidepressants typically require six weeks at therapeutic dose to...
50: Understanding Depression: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Help
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We are offering a trigger warning for this episode as we discuss topics related to depression including suicide. Please know 988 as a phone number and a resource to get immediate help in a mental health crisis.
Do you feel persistently sad, hopeless, or disinterested in the things you once enjoyed? This episode of Your Checkup explores the complexities of clinical depression, a common yet often misunderstood mental health condition. We'll break down the key symptoms, discuss w...
49: Measles – MMR Vaccine, and Medical History
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Stay informed and protect your family from measles! In this episode of Your Checkup, we discuss the current measles outbreak, including the situation in Texas. Learn about measles symptoms, how it spreads, and the potential complications. We emphasize the critical role of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles and discuss the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect our communities. Get the facts about measles and the MMR vaccine.
Support the show
...
48: Wegovy and Knee Osteoarthritis for those with Obesity
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This episode of Your Checkup examines a recent study investigating the effects of semaglutide, a medication used for weight loss, on individuals with both obesity and knee osteoarthritis. We will delve into how this trial was conducted, the key findings related to weight reduction and pain relief, and what these results might mean for patients experiencing these conditions. The study showed that semaglutide led to significant weight loss and pain reduction in participants. Join us as...
47: Health Misinformation: Tips to Stay Informed and Protect Your Health
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Are you feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of health information available online? It's getting harder to tell what’s true and what’s not, especially with so much misinformation spreading like wildfire on social media and even through friends and family. This episode of "Your Checkup" will equip you with the tools you need to navigate the confusing world of medical information. We'll discuss what exactly misinformation is, why it spreads so quickly, and, most importantly, what step...
46: Reducing Cardiovascular Risk: Lifestyle and Statin Deep Dive
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"Cholesterol Treatment Options" is a comprehensive guide to understanding the available treatments for high cholesterol. The episode explains when treatment is needed, the importance of lifestyle modifications, and a focus on medication options, including statins. This episode aims to help listeners make informed decisions about their cholesterol management and take control of their cardiovascular health.
Takeaways
Statins are effective in preventing heart attacks, strokes, and death.
Lifestyle changes...
45: Norovirus: The Highly Contagious Stomach Bug - What You Need to Know
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This episode of "Your Checkup" tackles norovirus, a highly contagious virus that's a leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the U.S. We'll break down how it spreads, explore common outbreak locations like healthcare facilities, restaurants, schools, and even cruise ships, and give you practical prevention tips. We'll also cover current food safety alerts and discuss how to respond if you suspect you have norovirus. Whether you’re a parent, a traveler, or anyone who wa...
44: Cardiovascular Risk Explained: Prevention and Management Strategies
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This episode is designed to inform listeners about cardiovascular health. It explains what cardiovascular risk is, its significance, and the various risk factors involved, such as smoking, hypertension, and diabetes. The episode details how cardiovascular risk is assessed, including the use of risk calculators for different age groups and the importance of considering risk-enhancing factors. The podcast emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications and medical interventions, along with the need for shared decision-making with healthcare providers to reduce...
