When is it helpful to use medical cannabis, and are there risks? For many people, the word cannabis brings up images of recreational use and the legality surrounding it. For others, it's a trusted and prescribed tool used for medicinal purposes. How do we know when it is appropriate to inquire about and take medical cannabis? What are the potential health risks? We spoke with Jacci Bainbridge, PharmD, FCCP, who defined cannabis terminology, like THC versus CBD, explained how cannabinoids...

Every year in the United States, more than 795,000 people have a stroke. And about 610,000 of these are first or new strokes. Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability. What are the main risk factors for stroke? How can we intervene before a stroke happens? We spoke with Dean Sherzai, MD, PhD, and Ayesha Sherzai, MD, neuroscientists, bestselling authors, and hosts of the Your Brain On podcast, about the types of stroke, important signs to look out for, modifications to lower risk,...

What are the secrets behind the world's Blue Zones, areas renowned for their high rates of longevity and low incidence of chronic disease. In this episode, we sit down with Susan Benigas, executive director at The American College of Lifestyle Medicine, to discuss the exciting new partnership between Blue Zones and the ACLM. Learn about the upcoming Blue Zone certification for clinicians, the impact it will have on patient care, and what to expect from a lifestyle medicine provider. We delve...

As spring is ramping up, many of us may notice our allergies ramping up along with it. Additionally, many of us may also notice that every year, our seasonal allergies tend to get worse. So, what’s going on regarding pollen? We talked with Stanley Fineman, MD, allergist and editor-in-chief for the publication Allergy Watch, about the various types of pollen allergies, the role climate change plays in allergies, possible treatment plans, and how those dealing with seasonal allergies can...

In this episode, discover effective solutions for constipation and tools to improve gut health. Each year, millions suffer from constipation, leading to 2.5 million doctor visits. What are the signs that it’s time to consult a doctor? What are the most effective ways to manage constipation? Will Bulsiewicz, MD, better known as Dr. B, a board-certified gastroenterologist and NYTimes bestselling author, sheds light on the root causes of constipation, effective remedies, and the critical role...

We are experiencing a youth mental health crisis. Young people worldwide are increasingly struggling to manage the escalating stress and complications of everyday life. In 2021, 42% of high school students reported feeling so sad or hopeless for two consecutive weeks that they would stop engaging in their usual activities, up from 26% in 2009. Is there a way to eliminate the stigma around mental health and make kindness cool? We spoke to Claudia-Santi F. Fernandes, Ed.D., LPC, MCHES,...

Every night, millions of Americans are affected by insomnia. Insomnia presents in various forms, including difficulty falling asleep at night and frequent waking up during the sleep cycle, resulting in feeling tired during the day. What are the causes of insomnia? And how do factors like screen time and caffeine consumption during the day impact our sleep? We spoke to Michael Breus, PhD, DABSM, clinical psychologist and diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, about the common...

More than one million Americans are diagnosed with gallstones every year, and women of all ages are more likely to develop them. How are gallstones formed? What do they mean for our health? While gallbladder problems can be uncomfortable and potentially risky, understanding the treatment options available is the first step toward relief. We spoke to Benjamin Schmidt, MD, board-certified gastroenterologist and creator of the healthcare platform Doc Schmidt, about the function the gallbladder...

Health equity is when everyone has a fair opportunity to achieve their highest level of health. But in the United States, that’s not always the case. Today, Black Americans are more likely to die at early ages for most health issues, and young Black Americans are living with diseases that are typically more common in other races during older age. How do barriers in healthcare contribute to the current health disparities in the Black community? And how do these challenges spill over into worse...

March is colorectal cancer awareness month. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly double the number of young adults under 55 are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. And while it’s a highly treatable cancer, many people will not have symptoms in the early stages of colorectal cancer. So, when should regular screening begin? And what measures can we take to lower our risk for colon cancer? What do we need to know about the latest research on a blood test for colon cacner...

Many people desire happiness, but is there a science to being happy? Can we learn to be happy regardless of external challenges? Are there evidence-based tools and practices for managing emotions and enhancing our lives? We spoke with Arthur C. Brooks, who co-authored the book Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier with Oprah Winfrey, about using science to understand happiness from a psychological and biological perspective, the intersection of happiness with our...

Often, when we think of toxic chemicals, our minds go to household cleansers or environmental pollution. But we can also be affected by harmful chemicals in our clothing. What are some of the chemicals found in clothing, and what potential impact do they have on our health? Are there resources to help consumers identify fashion products that are safe, sustainable, and free from harmful chemicals? We spoke to Alden Wicker, award-winning journalist, sustainable fashion expert, and author of To...

Weight management is something that many people struggle with. And sometimes, it can feel impossible. But what happens when we shift our focus beyond the scale? How would incorporating sleep management tools, social support and connection, and other pillars of lifestyle medicine positively impact our experience with weight management? To guide us through this topic, we spoke to Mahima Gulati, MD, a triple board-certified physician specializing in endocrinology, diabetes, metabolism, and...

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States alone, with one person dying from heart disease every 33 seconds. February, in addition to American Heart Month, is Black History Month. Black Americans are 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic white Americans. What risk factors contribute to heart disease impacting Black Americans at higher and more fatal rates? Are there lifestyle changes...

Between the extreme opposites of toxic positivity and pessimism lies a healthy middle ground that we often overlook: practical optimism. What does it mean to move through the world with optimism? And even if we often feel pessimistic or hypervigilant, how can we practice optimism on a daily basis to develop this emotional muscle? To explore this topic, we spoke with Sue Varma, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and author of the new book Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of...

Over the past century in the U.S., there's been a societal transformation in what we expect from our romantic relationships. It's not just about love anymore; there's a growing belief that our partners will fulfill many roles, including being instrumental in our personal growth. But what do these expectations mean in romantic partnerships? Are they realistic, or are we setting ourselves up for disappointment? We spoke with Lia Love Avellino, LCSW, a modern love therapist and founder of Spoke...

February is American Heart Month, and a pivotal date, February 22nd, shines a spotlight on Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, emphasizing the significance of the role heart valves play in maintaining our overall health and well-being. What function do the heart valves serve? What are the ways a heart valve can fail? We spoke with Icilma Fergus, MD, board-certified in internal medicine and cardiology and director of cardiovascular disparities and clinical lipidology at Mount Sinai Medical...

When we think of racism, we often think of overt acts of prejudice and discrimination, but what about subtle microaggressions, bias, and systemic barriers? February is Black History Month, and we are looking at the ways trauma and stress due to racism can impact the Black community physically, mentally, and emotionally. We'll discuss covert racism, explore the psychological impact of working twice as hard to attain what others might take for granted, and unpack the ways hypervigilance takes a...

In January, many people choose to refrain from alcohol, or what is known as a “dry January,” after potential excess during the holiday season. But what about those who want to refrain longer or explore their relationship with alcohol? What does it mean to be sober curious, or practice mindful drinking? How would shifting our drinking habits impact our health? We spoke to Amanda E. White, licensed professional counselor and the owner of Therapy for Women Center, author of Not Drinking Tonight,...

Do you know the difference between a pap smear and a pelvic exam? Do you know where the cervix is located and what it does? Most importantly, what about the connection between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer? According to some experts, almost 100% of sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lifetime and more than 14,000 women in the US are diagnosed with HPV related invasive cervical cancer every year. For cervical cancer awareness month, we spoke with...

A 2023 survey by Cleveland Clinic found that 44% of men do not get an annual physical exam. How should men take control of their health? What are the top health concerns for men after the age of 40? What health screenings are essential? And why do we often overlook mental health when having these discussions? Neha Pathak, MD, and John Whyte, MD, discuss the importance of checking blood pressure and cholesterol, maintaining heart health, cancer risk and screening, and how wearable devices and...

In the first episode of the new year, Dr. Pathak takes a different approach to traditional New Year's resolutions. Rather than overwhelming you with the pressure of becoming a "new you," this episode encourages listeners to appreciate and love the "you" that exists right now. With a focus on embracing and accepting the current version of ourselves, we explore the transformative power of self-compassion. Guiding us through this topic is our guest, Kristin Neff, PhD, a pioneer in the field of...

Many of us can relate to feeling triggered or having our buttons pushed in our closest relationships, but what can we do about it? Is there an effective way to identify and communicate healthy boundaries? Can we create and sustain healthier connections even in the midst of conflict? We spoke with Whitney Goodman, LMFT, psychotherapist behind the hugely popular Instagram account @SitWithWhit, author of Toxic Positivity, host of the Calling Home podcast, and owner of the Collaborative...

It’s commonly said that we are what we eat. A great deal of research has been done to find a correlation between healthy diets and brain function, but misinformation persists. Figuring out how certain foods impact our physical, mental, and emotional health while also balancing our busy lives can become a frustrating exercise. So, how does food impact the brain exactly? To find out, we spoke to Uma Naidoo, MD, director of Nutritional and Metabolic Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital...

We've all heard of seasonal affective disorder, but did you know that it's more than just the winter blues? The cooler temperatures, seasonal changes, and limited daylight hours of the winter months can stir up a certain cozy feeling, but they can also bring a sense of lethargy, persistent sadness, and a loss of interest in activities that once brought joy. So, what exactly is seasonal affective disorder? What are the symptoms? Are there effective treatments available? We spoke with Michael...