Health Discovered
WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.
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Oct 26, 2023
Intimacy, Sexuality, and Cancer Survivorship: Communicating Wants, Needs, and Fears
Sexual health is crucial to our well-being. Despite its impact on our lives, it’s still not something we commonly discuss with our doctors. This is particularly true for cancer survivors, both during treatment and in the post-treatment phase. What are some of the challenges that cancer survivors have when it comes to sexual wellness? We spoke with Sage Bolte, PhD, LCSW, CST, Chief Philanthropy Officer and President of the Inova Health Foundation, certified sex therapist, and respected leader in the field of oncology social work. Our conversation with Dr. Bolte explored ways to navigate sex and body image changes in cancer survivorship, inclusive conversations surrounding sexual wellness and intimacy, how to communicate wants, needs, and fears with your partner, and the sexual wellness resources available to cancer survivors.
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Oct 19, 2023
Navigating A Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Beyond: A Cancer Survivor’s Story
There are many misconceptions about what people experience following a breast cancer diagnosis. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we decided to look at breast cancer through the eyes of a survivor. We spoke with Bossi, a two-time breast cancer survivor, founder of House of Bossi, and singer/songwriter of the 2022 EP titled Run with Lions, inspired by her battles with cancer. Bossi highlights the often unseen experience of breast cancer survivors. She shares her first thoughts post-diagnosis, things she wished she had known then, and the importance of advocating for yourself through treatment. Through transparent sharing of her experience, we explored how a breast cancer diagnosis impacts relationships, family planning, goals, and dreams, which resources were most helpful, how friends and loved ones can show their support, and treatment options she learned about through other breast cancer survivors.
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Oct 12, 2023
Thriving Beyond Diagnosis: Exploring Cancer Survivorship and Wellness
More than 5% of the US population, 18.1 million people, are cancer survivors. Over the next decade, the number of people who have lived 5 or more years after their cancer diagnosis is projected to increase by approximately 30%. How do we define cancer survivorship? What does cancer rehabilitation look like? And what are lifestyle prevention strategies? We spoke to Amy Comander, MD, medical director of the Mass General Cancer Center-Waltham and director of the Breast Oncology Program at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, about her program PAVING the Path to Wellness in collaboration with Beth Frates, MD, the six key pillars of lifestyle medicine, how you can support your loved one going through a cancer diagnosis, and the long-lasting power of social connection in cancer survivorship.
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Oct 5, 2023
Important Breast Cancer Screening Updates: Risks and Recommendations
Each year in the United States, about 240,000 women and 2,100 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. The average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13%. This means there is a 1 in 8 chance she will develop breast cancer, which is why breast cancer awareness and screening are so important. In May 2023, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) lowered the breast cancer screening age from 50 to 40 – but do these age screenings apply to everyone? What factors contribute to a high-risk classification for breast cancer, and how do we identify if we are at genetic risk? We spoke with Lauren Nye, MD, board-certified oncologist at the University of Kansas Cancer Center and Clinical Medical Director of Breast Cancer Prevention, about the importance of assessing your cancer risk, learning your genetic history, and prioritizing your overall health.
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Sep 28, 2023
Surviving to Thriving: Dr. Thema Bryant Unpacks Intergenerational Trauma
What is trauma? How is trauma passed down through generations or within communities? And what can we do about it? Most of us have experience with trauma, but rarely are we encouraged to discuss it. Instead, we are encouraged to muscle through or transcend it. In this episode of the WebMD Health Discovered podcast, we explore the impact of trauma in our lives, including intergenerational trauma. We spoke with Thema Bryant, PhD, host of the Homecoming podcast, author of Homecoming: Overcome Fear and Trauma to Reclaim Your Whole, Authentic Self, and 2023 president of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Thema unpacks how trauma disrupts the nervous system and is passed down through generations and within communities. She highlights the importance of honoring the survival skills of people who came before us, how we can adopt and model healthy coping methods, and how we can talk with future generations about our lived experiences of trauma to help them go from surviving to thriving.
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Sep 21, 2023
Heart Failure and Women: Facts, Health Disparities and Solutions
Heart failure affects approximately 3 million women and is the leading reason for hospitalization and a major cause of death in women over age 65. What facts do women need to know about heart failure? Why is heart failure so prevalent in Black and Hispanic communities? How does premature onset heart failure impact people under the age of 65? We spoke with Karol E. Watson, MD, PhD, attending cardiologist and professor of medicine/cardiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, about common risk factors and symptoms of heart failure, treatment options, and how racial disparities and social determinants of health impact diagnosis and treatment. We also spoke with Chevonne Dixon, blogger of This Well Planned Life, who is living with heart failure after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at age 19. Chevonne spoke openly about her journey to diagnosis and how other heart failure patients can be their own best advocates.
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Sep 14, 2023
Cleaning Up Our Personal Care Products: Weeding out Toxic Chemicals
The average adult uses a dozen personal care products daily, including shampoo, deodorants, lotions, and cosmetics. That averages to about 125 chemicals we are exposing ourselves to daily. How does this chemical buildup in our system increase the chance of health risks? What can we do in our everyday lives to minimize exposure to toxic chemicals? We spoke with Kristina Marusic, an award-winning journalist at Environmental Health Sciences and author of A New War on Cancer: The Unlikely Heroes Revolutionizing Prevention, about the common chemicals we are exposed to, online resources to learn about alternative health-conscious products, the importance of an at-home water filtration system, and small ways we can implement changes in the products we purchase to reduce our chemical body burden without disrupting our lives or breaking the bank.
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Sep 7, 2023
Understanding Lymphoma: Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Survivorship
Every 3 minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with a blood cancer. About half of the blood cancers that occur each year are lymphomas. Unlike some cancers, there is no widely recommended screening test for lymphoma, and as a result, people typically don't know something is wrong until they experience symptoms. In honor of Blood Cancer Awareness Month, we spoke with Peter Martin, MD, Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Lymphoma Program at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, to learn more about lymphoma, including risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options. Dr. Martin also shares an empowering perspective on cancer survivorship that everyone navigating a cancer diagnosis should listen to.
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Aug 24, 2023
How to Find the Right Therapist: Navigating Stigma, Blocks, and Treatment Modalities
Finding the right therapist can be challenging. Before we ever attend our first session, we must navigate health insurance, research available therapists who can meet our needs, and address our blocks to seeking therapy in the first place. So when should we seek help? How do we start looking for a therapist? What happens if we find a therapist and are unsure if they are the right fit? How can we practice self-care while waiting for an appointment? We spoke with Sue Varma, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and author of a forthcoming book, Practical Optimism: The Art, Science and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being, about the four M's of mental health, the benefits of different therapeutic modalities, and key tips for creating an impactful therapeutic experience.
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Aug 10, 2023
Is American Motherhood Unsustainable?
American mothers are spread thin and feeling the strain of unrealistic parenting expectations. The lack of parental leave, rising healthcare costs, and constant messaging from both media and social media about how to be a "good mother" can leave us confused and depleted. Add a pandemic on top of that, and you have a recipe for disaster. We spoke to Jessica Grose, an opinion writer at The New York Times and author of Screaming on the Inside: The Unsustainability of American Motherhood, about the dynamics of motherhood in the U.S., why so many of us feel unsupported and under-resourced, how this impacts our physical and emotional health, and most importantly, what changes we can implement in our personal lives and at the policy level to empower ourselves, our children and our communities.
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Jul 27, 2023
Menopause and the Mind: Unveiling the Mystery of Brain Fog
While many of us are familiar with well-known menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, libido changes, and mood swings, there is another symptom that deserves attention: brain fog. How exactly is brain fog linked to menopause, and what solutions and tools are available for individuals experiencing brain fog? We spoke with Gayatri Devi, MD, Director at Park Avenue Neurology and Clinical Professor of Neurology & Psychiatry at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, to explore the timing and symptoms of brain fog during menopause and available treatment options such as hormone replacement therapy.
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Jul 13, 2023
What is Perimenopause and What Are My Treatment Options?
We've all heard about what happens during menopause, but what exactly occurs during perimenopause, why is it so important, and why is no one talking about it? We spoke with Sharon Malone, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist and chief medical officer at Alloy Women's Health, about hormonal changes linked to perimenopause, lifestyle adjustments, treatment options, and how to talk about these things with your doctor for an empowered and collaborative experience in personal health.
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Jun 29, 2023
Surviving Migraine: Expert Insights on Diagnosis and Treatment
June is Migraine Awareness Month, shedding light on the over 1 billion people globally experiencing migraine. In this episode, Dr. John Whyte sits down with two migraine experts, Dr. Cynthia E Armand, clinical director of Montefiore Headache Center and fellowship director of the Montefiore Headache Program, and Dr. Addie Peretz, board-certified neurologist and clinical assistant professor at Stanford Medicine, to discuss diagnostic criteria, cardiovascular risks, the impact of social determinants of health, support during reproductive years, and new treatment options to empower long-term migraine sufferers.
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Jun 15, 2023
Getting Hotter in Perimenopause: Conversation and Community as Medicine
Perimenopause, the time in our lives leading up to menopause, can be isolating and confusing for many of us. A lot of medical literature surrounding perimenopause is often outdated, with language oriented toward the end of our sexuality and vitality, and symptom control often focused mainly around hot flashes. Where does that leave those of us experiencing a wide variety of changes? We sit down with Falguni Lakhani Adams and Kruti Majmudar of the “Getting Hotter” platform to discuss why it is so crucial to openly talk about various aspects and experiences of perimenopause, the importance of seeking resources, and the significance of community.
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May 11, 2023
"But You Look Fine!" What Happens When You Have An Invisible Chronic Illness?
Invisible illnesses – illnesses with no outwardly visible signs or symptoms – can be a frustrating and discouraging experience when it comes to navigating healthcare as a patient. Between short appointments, appearing outwardly healthy, and ever-changing health insurance for those in the job market, many people have difficulty managing chronic illnesses. What are some ways we can better manage a chronic or invisible illness? We talk with Meghan O'Rourke, author of The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness, about the complexities of dealing with a chronic illness, the importance of morals in healthcare, how those of us with illnesses can better advocate for ourselves in the doctor's office, and how doctors can make space for diverse patient experiences with invisible illnesses. For more information on O'Rourke's book, visit https://meghanorourke.com.
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Apr 21, 2023
Climate Change and Families: Small Changes Have a Big Impact
When it comes to climate change, anxiety is a common feeling among many of today’s youth. From fires to air quality, to hurricanes and floods, exposure to diseases, and more, the rising concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere profoundly impacts children’s health today. So, what can we do to support our kids? We talk with Aaron Bernstein, MD, MPH, Interim Director of The Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, a pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital, and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Bernstein shares with us what makes children uniquely vulnerable to climate change, identifies action steps communities should take to better the environment for our children, and, most importantly, how the solution to despair – is action.
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Mar 23, 2023
Heart Failure: How to Be Your Best Advocate
Few people know the importance of finding your voice when you have heart failure better than Rhonda Monroe, who held a press conference from her hospital bed when she knew she needed better treatment - then went on to found her own advocacy organization. Joining her is Massachusetts General Hospital's James L. Januzzi, MD, who will touch on the challenges that come with heart failure, how to build strong relationships with your care team and the many ways that advocacy can lead to better care.
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Mar 9, 2023
Health Equity and the Heart Failure Journey
What's it like to be a person of color with heart failure? James Young will discuss how his community and lifestyle played into his condition -- and how he got his health back on track. Michelle M. Kittleson, MD, PhD, from the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center will address the need for greater awareness among underserved communities to boost prevention and early detection.
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Feb 9, 2023
Tips for Living With Plaque Psoriasis
Ingrid Tablazon, a young medical student living with plaque psoriasis, joins us to talk about her journey -- from discovering itchy spots on her scalp at age 9 to what it takes to find the right doctor. She'll also touch on how to be an advocate for yourself throughout the treatment process. Then we'll hear from Steven R. Feldman, MD, PhD, a dermatology professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He'll share some common clues that a skin condition is really psoriasis and give advice on how to talk to your doctor if you think you might have it.
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Jan 5, 2023
Getting Real About Climate Action in 2023
For more and more of us, the impacts of climate change got real in 2022 – from wildfires, to floods, to hurricanes and deadly heat waves. As we enter 2023, what actions can we take – in our own lives and communities – to tackle this global crisis? We talk to Ann-Christine Duhaime, MD, pediatric neurosurgeon and author of Minding the Climate: How Neuroscience Can Help Solve Our Environmental Crisis, about the changes we can make to have the biggest impact.
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Dec 22, 2022
How to Manage Emotions Through the Holidays
With the holidays being a time of celebration and cheer, it can often be difficult when our emotions don’t match. Why do so many of us – during a joyful time – tend to deal with feelings of sadness? And how do we manage those tough emotions? We sit down with clinical psychologist Seth J. Gillihan, PhD, to talk about managing seasonal expectations, understanding our vulnerabilities, and ways to find gratitude during difficult moments.
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Dec 15, 2022
The Fight for Equity in Multiple Myeloma Care
The journey to a multiple myeloma diagnosis can be a long one. That’s especially true for people of color, who are often diagnosed late in the course of the disease. Why does this happen? What can we do about it? We talk to Robert Brooks, who’s working to raise awareness of multiple myeloma after his own diagnosis. And we’ll hear from hematologist Craig Emmitt Cole, MD, about how we can improve diagnoses of -- and raise awareness about -- the condition among people of color.
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Dec 8, 2022
The Effects of Opioid Use on Life After Prison
The U.S. has a huge problem with opioid use and addiction among inmates. We also have some of the highest crime recidivism – or reoffence – rates in the world. We asked Brendan Saloner, PhD, associate professor of Addiction and Overdose at John Hopkins, to talk about how those two things are related. He also discusses the culture of incarceration, opioid use disorder, and comprehensive reentry support upon release from jail or prison.
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Dec 1, 2022
What It's Like to Live With Multiple Myeloma
This rare form of blood cancer causes plasma cells in your bone marrow to grow out of control. Kate Harris, who was diagnosed after a routine blood test, gives us insight into what it’s really like to live with this condition. Then Joseph Mikhael, MD, chief medical officer for the International Myeloma Foundation, joins us to talk about the cutting edge of multiple myeloma research and how well current treatments work.
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Nov 24, 2022
The Effects of Overeating: Holiday Edition
The holidays are here and for many of us that means one thing -- lots of yummy food! Unfortunately, with so many comfort foods and delicious desserts on hand, it's really easy to eat too much. So we wondered – what happens to our bodies when we overdo it? Joining us to answer that question is gastroenterologist Jaydeep Bhat, MD. He'll talk about why we overeat, how it affects us, and go over some tips to avoid it. We'll also take a look at some additional health concerns to be aware of during the festive season.
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Nov 17, 2022
Changing the Way We Look at Weight Loss
Losing weight can be a lifelong challenge. Today there are more options than ever to help you do it successfully – and safely. John Whyte, MD, WebMD’s chief medical editor, talks to Tyeshea Campbell, host of the Sit Black and Watch podcast, about struggles with her weight -- and the medical community's response to it -- that began when she was a child. We’ll also hear from Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, an obesity specialist at Harvard Medical School, about the concept of obesity as a disease and how doctors need to change the way they think about it.
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Nov 10, 2022
Monkeypox: What We Need To Know
What exactly is monkeypox? And how likely are we to catch it? Stella Safo, MD, an HIV primary care physician and assistant professor of clinical medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has the answers. She'll address the stigma surrounding the virus and debunk some myths. And she'll explain how it spreads and tell us what we can do to stay safe.
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Nov 3, 2022
Psoriasis: Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Krista Kellogg was diagnosed with psoriasis in her 20s. After watching her mother struggle with the condition, she knew it was key to get answers as soon as saw the first signs. She also talks about what it’s like to live with the condition, how treatments have evolved, and why it’s important to build a top-notch care team. Adam Friedman, MD, joins us to discuss how an early diagnosis can help prevent complications down the road.
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Oct 27, 2022
What Does It Mean to Be Clean?
What does it mean to have clean skin? And does clean skin necessarily mean healthy skin? We speak with James Hamblin, MD, author of Clean: The New Science of Skin and the Beauty of Doing Less, about our gut and skin microbiome, our perception of what it means to be clean, and how maintaining healthy skin starts from the inside.
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Oct 20, 2022
Psoriatic Disease: How to Slow Progression
It can take years to get a psoriatic disease diagnosis, and no one knows that better than Katie Roberts, who waited a decade for doctors to make the call. She shares her diagnosis story and talks about what it’s really like to live with psoriatic disease. We also hear from Elizabeth Ortiz, MD, about the importance of early diagnosis, and why finding the right treatment matters.
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Oct 13, 2022
How to Fight High Medical Bills
In the U.S., Americans waste an estimated nearly $800 billion a year on health care on things like high prices, treatment fraud, and complicated claims. So, what can we do to navigate a tricky system? We talk to Marshall Allen, investigative journalist and author of Never Pay The First Bill, about the ways we overspend on health care, the importance of health literacy, and how to handle sky-high medical bills.
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Sep 29, 2022
Do Doctors Need Better Training to Care for Skin of Color?
Common skin conditions -- from rashes to skin cancer -- can look very different depending on your skin tone. But are doctors trained to care for some of the more common hair and skin conditions in people of color? We talk to board-certified dermatologist, researcher, and published author Dr. Chesahna Kindred, MD, about the realities behind hair loss, specifically in Black women, and her research into potentially dangerous ingredients in hair products marketed towards ethnic hair.
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Sep 15, 2022
What Makes Someone A Narcissist?
It’s a personality buzzword we hear so often today: narcissist. We often use it to refer to someone who's self absorbed, but in reality there's much more going on psychologically. We sit down with W. Keith Campbell, PhD., author of The New Science of Narcissism, to talk about what narcissistic personality disorder actually is, the development of narcissism, and the culture surrounding this disorder.
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Sep 1, 2022
How Does Heat Affect Your Body?
Unprecedented heat waves drove temperatures to historic highs this summer across the U.S. and Europe. Ollie Jay, PhD, professor and director of the Heat and Health Research Incubator at the University of Sydney in Australia, talks about what our bodies might be facing as temperatures rise and offers suggestions for how to stay cool.
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Aug 25, 2022
Is There a Bias In Psoriasis Treatment?
Some 7.5 million people in the US have psoriasis, but white people are diagnosed twice as much as people of color. Could skin tone be a barrier to diagnosis -- and treatment? Alisha Bridges discusses the emotional impact of life with this chronic condition, as well as barriers to treatment she encountered. We also talk to Junko Takeshita, MD, PhD, a researcher at Penn Medicine who's dedicated her career to uncovering -- and dismantling -- healthcare disparities related to skin diseases.
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Aug 18, 2022
Inside the Black Maternal Mortality Crisis
In the U.S., Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Why is this, and what would help save their lives? We speak with Tonya Lewis Lee, co-director and co-producer of the new Hulu documentary Aftershock, about these issues, the women lost to maternal mortality, and their families that are forever changed.
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Aug 4, 2022
What Happens in the Addicted Brain?
What happens in the brain when we experience addiction? Do some people just have more of an addictive personality than others? We talk with Bret S. Stetka, MD, Medscape's Neurology and Psychiatry editorial director, about different chemical messengers, neurotransmitter networks, our brains' complex reward systems, and the role anticipation plays in addiction.
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Jul 21, 2022
The Truth About Sunscreen
Roughly 90% of all skin cancers are a direct result of ultraviolet light exposure. So, what are the best sun protection methods? And does SPF matter? Board-certified dermatologist Laurel Naversen Geraghty, MD, talks to us about what UVA, UVB, and broad spectrum means, the ideal SPF number, and breaks down the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen. Listen in to find out the best ways to protect your skin.
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Jul 7, 2022
How to Teach Our Kids the Power of Self-Compassion
How can we help our kids deal with the stress of everyday life? Hansa Bhargava, MD, pediatrician and chief medical officer at Medscape Education, introduces us to cognitively-based compassion training (CBCT). This practice can bring their focus back to the present moment, she says, and help them build a healthy level of resilience along the way.
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Jun 23, 2022
What Happens When You Freeze Your Eggs?
More and more women are looking into oocyte cryopreservation -- or egg freezing -- to take control of their fertility. James Grifo, MD, PhD, director of the NYU Langone Fertility Center and the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, talks about the process and its impacts on physical and mental health. Also, listen in on Rachel Lehmann-Haupt’s fertility story, author of In Her Own Sweet Time: Egg Freezing and the New Frontiers of Family. Find more information on guests at fertilityny.org and lehmannhaupt.com.
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Jun 9, 2022
Mindfulness and the Present Moment
How does stress affect our overall well being? And how can mindfulness reduce the effects of stress on our nervous system? Clinical psychologist Seth J. Gillihan, PhD, who specializes in mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, helps us understand the practical benefits of mindfulness – like breath – and remembering to honor ourselves through all phases of our mindfulness journey.
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May 27, 2022
The End of Alzheimer's: Rewriting the Long Goodbye
Alzheimer's affects millions of Americans -- but it isn't a normal part of aging. Lisa Marshall saw every moment of her father's descent into the depths of dementia. She wrote about it in “The End of Alzheimer’s" and tells us about it in this episode. Also, listen in as Drs. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai explain what helps prevent dementia, based on research. Small things can make a big difference. Find more info about them at teamsherzai.com
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May 19, 2022
How to Balance Your Gut Health
Your gut is home to an ecosystem of bacteria, viruses and fungi called the gut microbiome. That may sound bad, but it's really good for your overall health. When it's in balance, you feel great. But when something goes wrong, it rocks your world. Robynne Chutkan, MD, author of The Microbiome Solution, talks about how your digestive system works and why keeping it in good running order is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
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May 12, 2022
Can Social Media Be a Tool for Mental Health?
Today, mental health struggles impact us more than ever. Many of us turn to social media for help and information. Clinical psychologist Seth J. Gillihan, PhD, who specializes in mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, talks about the pros and cons of using social media, the harmful effects of consuming the wrong content, and the power of community.
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May 5, 2022
How to Get Your Joint Pain Under Control
Osteoarthritis (OA), is a condition that affects nearly 33 million Americans. It can make your joints sore, achy, and render everyday tasks difficult. Orthopedic surgeon Kim Templeton, MD, and physical therapist Daniel White, PT, discuss what’s actually happening inside your joints, how to stay active, and simple ways to ease the pain.
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Apr 28, 2022
The Science of Sleep
It's no secret that lack of sleep can interfere with our lives. So, how important are healthy sleep patterns to the brain? And can we harness the restorative power of sleep while we're awake? Cognitive neuroscientist and author of The Power of the Downstate, Sara Mednick, PhD, talks about the positive effects of sleep and the downstate on our bodies, including improving perception, our creativity, and enhancing our understanding of the world around us.
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Apr 13, 2022
How to Raise Happy Kids
Stress, anxiety, and depression are rising among kids and teens. What can we do to help them? In her new book, Building Happier Kids, pediatrician Hansa Bhargava, MD, chief medical officer at Medscape Education, talks about how the world today is affecting our children -- and shares practical tools for kids and parents.
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Mar 30, 2022
Can Psychedelics Be Beneficial?
Is medicine going back to the future? 50 years ago, psychedelics were a way to tune in, turn on, and drop out. They're still illegal as recreational drugs, but today's doctors are looking at them to help treat various mental health conditions, including PTSD and cancer-related depression. Natalie Gukasyan, MD, psychiatrist and assistant professor at John Hopkins University, explains the beneficial results psilocybin-assisted therapy is showing in clinical trials.
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Mar 16, 2022
Can You Prevent Diabetes?
Some 37 million Americans have type 2 diabetes. But what if you could stop the condition before it starts? In his new book, Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, WebMD's Chief Medical Officer John Whyte, MD, MPH, offers easy, practical steps to do just that.
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Mar 3, 2022
Are We Really Built to Exercise?
Everyone has heard the message: Be sure to get regular exercise. But is exercise something humans really evolved to do? Evolutionary Biologist Daniel Liberman, author of the new book Exercised, shares why working out can feel a little "weird."
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Feb 17, 2022
Apolo Ohno's Hard Pivot
What's it like to drastically change your life's direction? Apolo Ohno, the world and U.S. champion speedskater, did just that when he hung up his skates and went on to find new purpose and meaning. With a new book, <em>Hard Pivot</em>, Ohno shares the 5 principles that helped him -- and how they can help you, too.
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Feb 3, 2022
How Food Affects Your Mood
You know that burst of happiness when you chomp down on something sweet -- or salty, whichever works for you. But what's really fueling that powerful link between food and mood? We'll explore the science of nutritional psychiatry and answer the question: How does what we put in our mouths affect our body -- and our brain?
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Jan 21, 2022
Omicron: How to Stay Safe
Get everyday advice and answers to questions about life with the ongoing Omicron variant. Is everyone really going to get it? Which masks work best? What's considered fully vaccinated - both vaccine shots, or do you need the booster, too? What might a vaccine passport look like?
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Jan 6, 2022
Omicron: What You Need to Know
Get answers to common questions about the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus: Is it really milder than other variants? Does it have a shorter incubation time? Why did the quarantine time change? How well do vaccines and boosters work against it? Does it affect children differently, and if so why?
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Dec 23, 2021
Does COVID-19 Cause Hair Loss?
Many people are noting significant hair loss after a bout with COVID-19. But the virus itself may not be to blame. We'll explore the role pandemic-related stress plays in this unsettling phenomenon.
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Dec 9, 2021
Does Everyone Need Therapy?
It's a valuable part of treatment for depression, PTSD, and other conditions. But what role could therapy play in maintaining mental health for everyone? One expert describes what could be gained from a regular mental health check-up, and how to decide what type of therapy might be right for you.
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Nov 25, 2021
Why Loneliness Hurts
For years, experts have warned that feeling lonely and isolated was a problem with major health consequences for Americans. And for many people, the lockdowns and social distancing that were necessary during the COVID pandemic only made things worse. In this episode, we learn how feeling lonely can affect mental and physical health, and the role that everyone can play in fighting isolation and forging connections.
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Nov 11, 2021
COVID and the Menstrual Cycle
As the world was grappling with the life-altering changes of the COVID pandemic, many people started noticing that something else was different -- their periods. Now, researchers are trying to understand the factors that could lie behind those changes -- stress, the virus, vaccines, or something else? And what can these changes teach us about the role the menstrual cycle plays in understanding your health?
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Oct 28, 2021
Endometriosis: When Period Pain Isn't "Normal"
Millions of people around the world live with the severe pain of this condition. But most of them wait years for an actual diagnosis. MIT researcher Dr. Linda Griffith tells us why that happens, and the toll that endometriosis takes on those who live with it -- including herself.
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Oct 14, 2021
My Experience With Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Kristy Hammam, former senior vice president at WebMD, discussed her journey with this aggressive form of breast cancer. In this interview, recorded in October, she shared her story, what had helped her through her cancer, and how she hoped to tap her experience to benefit others.
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Sep 30, 2021
How to Lower Your Cancer Risk: What Helps With Cancer Prevention
This episode of WebMD's podcast features John Whyte, MD, MPH, WebMD's Chief Medical Officer and the author of the new book, Take Control of Your Cancer Risk. Dr. Whyte shares what can help with cancer prevention, how to understand what your cancer risk is, and simple things that can make a big difference.
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Sep 16, 2021
When Will COVID Vaccines Be Ready for Kids?
As pediatric COVID cases rise, WebMD medical editor, Neha Pathak, MD, answers the question many parents are asking now: What's the hold-up on COVID shots for children under 12? Also, what to know about RSV, flu, and other illnesses as kids head back to classrooms.
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Sep 2, 2021
What It's Like When Your Child has Cerebral Palsy
We continue our caregiving series with Jane and Jerry Grillo, whose 20-year-old son Joe has cerebral palsy. They offer insight into caring for him while making time for their own careers -- and one another. Jane also discusses Transition Tuesdays With Jane and Joe, their vlog for the Georgia Parent Mentor Partnership.
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Aug 19, 2021
Do You Need an Exercise Prescription?
WebMD's podcast discusses exercise prescriptions you get from your doctor. How much exercise do you need to do and what are the benefits?
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Aug 5, 2021
What the Delta Variant Means for You
This new version of the coronavirus is changing the COVID pandemic in some big ways. Infectious disease expert William Schaffner, MD, tells us what the Delta variant means for people who are vaccinated and unvaccinated, what makes it so much more contagious, and the role that vaccine mandates might play in containing it.
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Jul 22, 2021
Can Forgetting Be Healthy?
On WebMD's podcast, learn about healthy and unhealthy forgetting fom Scott Small, MD, director of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Columbia University and author of the new book, Forgetting: The Benefits of Not Remembering.
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Jul 9, 2021
What It's Like to Live With ALS
Sandra Abrevaya shares what it's like to care for her husband, Brian Wallach, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), four years ago. She also discusses the mission of I Am ALS, the nonprofit the couple founded to provide hope for others with ALS -- and to help find a cure.
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Jun 24, 2021
The Truth About Your Medical Bills
Problems with a medical bill? On WebMD's podcast, Marshall Allen, author of Never Pay the First Bill, shares what to do.
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Jun 10, 2021
40 Years of AIDS
On WebMD's Health Now podcast, AIDS researcher James Curran, MD, recalls the first cases of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Is an HIV vaccine on the horizon?
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May 27, 2021
What’s It Like To Live With Crohn’s Disease
Joe Cobucci joins us to share his experiences, from getting diagnosed as a teen, to finding the right medications, to learning what works to help him manage the condition. He also talks about the second family he’s found along the way with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
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May 13, 2021
What It's Like to Have Melanoma
Caitlin Jones is a physician assistant, so when her husband noticed that a spot on her scalp had changed, she did something about it -- even though she'd had it checked before and had no symptoms. She tells us what it's like to have biopsies, surgery, and what life is like on the other side of melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.
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Apr 29, 2021
Are You Catastrophizing?
That worst-case scenario you're imagining -- how realistic is it? Clinical psychologist Seth Gillihan, PhD, shares how to stop catastrophizing.
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Apr 15, 2021
A 'Nose Dive' Into Your Sense of Smell
It's something you don't even think about ... until it doesn't work anymore. If COVID-19 put your sense of smell on the fritz, or if you just have questions, we have answers. Harold McGee, author of Nose Dive: A Field Guide to the World's Smells, explains the basics, including why a dog's paws can smell like corn chips and how you can improve your sense of smell.
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Apr 1, 2021
Life After COVID-19 Vaccination: What's OK to Do?
Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, president and dean of the Morehouse School of Medicine, talks with WebMD about COVID-19 vaccine availability, hesitancy, and what you can do after you're vaccinated. Hear the discussion on WebMD's podcast, Health Now.
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Mar 25, 2021
Suicidal Thoughts: Risk Factors and What to Do
On the "Health Now" podcast, clinical psychologist Seth Gillihan, PhD, discusses suicidal thinking and shares advice for people who are thinking of suicide. Help is available 24-7 from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255.
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Mar 11, 2021
COVID-19 and Chronic Illness
When COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic one year ago today, life for everyone with a chronic illness got even more complicated. The Arthritis Foundation's Rebecca Gillett and Julie Eller -- who both have a form of arthritis -- talk about the pandemic's effects, from reimagining doctor visits to the hope the vaccine brings.
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Feb 25, 2021
Women and Alcohol: Podcast Wth Holly Whitaker
Is getting sober different for women than it is for men? We talk with Holly Whitaker, author of "Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice Not to Drink in a Culture Obsessed With Alcohol." Whitaker shares her experiences with alcohol, what helped her stop drinking, and what happened when Chrissy Teigen praised her book.
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Feb 11, 2021
COVID-19 and Your Heart
A year into the pandemic, we've learned that COVID-19 can affect your heart. We ask cardiologist Todd Hurst, MD, what the short- and long-term effects might be. Plus, a COVID long-hauler shares what it’s like to live with virus-related heart damage.
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Jan 28, 2021
How to Get Healthier in 2021
Laura Downey, executive editor of WebMD Magazine, shares how she's challenging herself to get healthier. Then, can 4 seconds of exercise really help? Michael Smith, MD, WebMD's chief medical director, explains.
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Dec 3, 2020
Your COVID Vaccine Questions, Answered
As experts prepare to approve and distribute vaccines for the coronavirus, what do we know about how well they'll work, how safe they are, and how you can get one? Infectious disease expert Michael Saag, MD, tells us what to expect and shares what he, as a COVID survivor, wants others to know about getting immunized.
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Nov 12, 2020
Holidays During the Pandemic: What's Safe, What's Not
Thanksgiving and the winter holidays are almost here. Will you travel or stay home? Gather with loved ones in person or on a screen? Line up for Black Friday deals and go to holiday parties -- or feel lonely if you don't? Plus, how to handle feeling burned out by it all -- and what helps if you'll be seeing someone whose pandemic habits are different from yours. Erin Bromage, PhD, of the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth shares ideas for keeping the season's joys and traditions, while staying safe.
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Oct 29, 2020
Why We Love Fear
From books to TV shows to podcasts, it seems we can’t get enough of ghost stories, ghost hunters, murder mysteries, and serial killers. We asked psychologist Seth Gillihan just what it is that makes us seek out a good scare. We also talked to WebMD Senior Medical Director Hansa Bhargava about what we can do to keep our kids -- and ourselves -- safe this Halloween.
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Oct 8, 2020
The Truth About Your Immune System
Your body's natural defenses have never been more important. Can you boost your immune system -- or accidentally hamper it? How does it handle the new coronavirus or other threats -- and how is it also a key to a groundbreaking group of cancer treatments? Listen in as James Crowe, Jr., MD, director of the Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, explains.
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Sep 24, 2020
Dating, Sex, and the Pandemic
Has your love life taken a hit or taken off during the pandemic? Andrea Gunning and Ben Fetterman, hosts of the podcast “Dating Diaries: Questions and Confessions" talk to us about the effects of COVID-19 on the dating process. When do you know if it's time to meet in person? What happens if you get ghosted? We'll also hear from Justin Lehmiller, PhD, a social psychologist and research fellow at the Kinsey Institute, who says we may be in the midst of a sexual revolution.
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Sep 10, 2020
The COVID Mental Health Crisis
If the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on your mental health, you’re definitely not alone -- 1 in 3 U.S. adults reported signs of depression and anxiety in the early months of the crisis. Whether you’re struggling for the first time or you’ve been living with those conditions for years, clinical psychologist Seth Gillihan, PhD, covers how pandemic stress has caused mental and emotional strain for so many and what can help.
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Aug 27, 2020
COVID Plus Flu: What to Know
The last thing you need during a pandemic is another virus to worry about. But flu season is just around the corner. Listen in as WebMD Chief Medical Director Michael Smith, MD, tells us what we need to do to take care of ourselves as flu season nears. Also, can you really get coronavirus twice -- and are we any closer to herd immunity?
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Aug 13, 2020
What Is the Pandemic Doing to Our Children?
From school to friends, the changes have been drastic. Will resiliency overcome it, and are there things that parents can do to help them make it through this time -- and perhaps even thrive? Listen in as we talk with pediatrician Hansa Bhargava, MD, WebMD Senior Medical Director, and Johns Hopkins University professor Christina Bethell, PhD.
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Jul 30, 2020
What's It Like to Recover From COVID-19?
Most people who get the disease recover. But what does recovery feel like, and what does having COVID-19 mean for your health down the road? Michael Saag, MD, has a unique perspective on these questions -- he's an infectious disease expert and a COVID-19 survivor. He shares how he thinks the disease is still affecting him months after his diagnosis and what the pandemic can teach us about future outbreaks.
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Jul 20, 2020
Special Episode: Anthony Fauci, MD
We’re bringing you a conversation with the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He spoke with WebMD about what’s behind the U.S.’s soaring COVID-19 case numbers, his thoughts on reopening schools, and a bit of optimism about coronavirus vaccines.
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Jul 16, 2020
Pandemic Parenting: How to Keep It Together
Between working, doing chores, and taking charge of kids' education, health, and emotions, parents have been stretched to the breaking point during the COVID-19 pandemic. Laura Markham, PhD, says it's more important than ever for them to find ways to take care of themselves, too. She shares advice on how to handle "mom rage," the prospect of going back to school, and what to think about before you form a quarantine pod.
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Jul 2, 2020
Coronavirus Update: How Safe Is It Out There?
With many states in some phase of re-opening, the coronavirus is still around and COVID-19 cases are rising in a lot of places. WebMD’s Chief Medical Editor Michael Smith, MD, shares advice on how to protect yourself and others everywhere from the gym to the nail salon to your next doctor's appointment. And don't miss his suggestions for getting your mindset, habits, and health goals back on track after a long time in quarantine.
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Jun 17, 2020
The Toxic Trauma of Racism
The toll is shocking and ever present, from the daily stress of microaggressions to the fear of a violent encounter -- or witnessing one in person or on social media. Listen in as Amani Allen, PhD, MPH, executive associate dean of the UC Berkeley School of Public health, describes the many ways racism burdens health -- and the power in how we respond to that.
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Jun 3, 2020
COVID-19 Treatments and Vaccines: How Soon?
America is opening back up. With more people heading outdoors or back to work, we thought it was time to get an update on the development of treatments and tests we’ve heard so much about. Infectious disease expert William Schaffner, MD, has the answers, along with insight into what life might be like while we wait for them to hit the market.
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May 20, 2020
What's Safe? What's Risky? Tips for Our New Normal
Everyone wants to avoid the coronavirus. But are you worried about things that you might not need to be -- and are there creative ways to do the things you need and want to do? Infectious disease expert Erin Bromage, PhD, of the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth helps sort it all out. If you're working from home, try our Tweak of the Week to make your space more comfortable.
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May 5, 2020
Reopening After Coronavirus: Are We Ready?
Is it safe to emerge from COVID-19 isolation? WebMD Chief Medical Officer John Whyte, MD, talks to two experts -- former CDC Director Richard Besser, MD, and Vincent Racaniello, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology at Columbia University -- about antibody tests and other first steps. Plus, is a 4-second workout all you need?
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Apr 22, 2020
Pregnancy in a Pandemic
COVID-19 has seriously shifted the way most pregnant women thought they’d deliver their babies, get prenatal care, and care for their newborns. WebMD medical editor (and expecting mom) Neha Pathak, MD, tells us what new parents should know about delivery in a hospital or other setting, what happens if you or your birth partner test positive for coronavirus, and how to keep your newborn safe.
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Apr 9, 2020
Coronavirus Check-in: How Are You Holding Up?
Whether you're worried about your health or that of a loved one, grieving losses, or are finding it hard to stay at home all the time, it's a lot to handle. We talk with clinical psychologist Seth Gillihan, PhD, about how to take care of your mental and emotional health during this trying time.
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Mar 25, 2020
Your Top Coronavirus Questions Answered
Who really needs a test? What can you do to stay safe if you have diabetes, heart disease, or other medical conditions? How can you be physically active when you’re stuck at home? WebMD’s Chief Medical Editor, Michael Smith, MD, takes a deep dive into the latest COVID-19 issues and what everyone should do to protect themselves. Plus, a way for healthy people to make a difference.
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Mar 11, 2020
Coronavirus: What You Must Know
Infectious diseases expert William Schaffner, MD, tells us what to do, and NOT do, to guard against COVID-19. Plus, clinical psychologist Seth Gillihan, PhD, shares tip to help tame anxiety about the coronavirus pandemic.
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Feb 27, 2020
How a New Heart Changed This Doctor's Life
We talk with Dr. Alin Gragossian, a young ER doctor who needed an emergency heart transplant. The author of A Change of Heart blog, Dr. Gragossian tells us what happened, from becoming a patient in her own ER to the peace she felt in the middle of the chaos. Plus, learn about the key step you may have overlooked if you want to be an organ donor.
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Feb 12, 2020
Why Does Good Sex Matter?
Nan Wise, PhD, author of the new book, Why Good Sex Matters, shares why we all need "healthy hedonism" in our lives. Listen in on our conversation. And, why a good hug can make a bad day a bit better.
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Jan 29, 2020
How (and Why) to Protect Your Hearing
Most of us give little thought to preventing hearing loss -- until it's too late. David Owen, author of Volume Control: Hearing in a Deafening World, tells us about the social and emotional toll of hearing loss, the latest in hearing technologies, and how everyone can protect their ears. Also, how to clean those nasty earbuds.
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Jan 15, 2020
Should You Break Up With Your Phone?
Or at least put it in check? Catherine Price, author of How to Break Up With Your Phone, tells us when we might need to outsmart our smartphone habits -- and how to override the urge to keep checking it "just in case."
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Jan 1, 2020
Can the Anti-Diet Reboot Your Relationship with Food?
Is weight loss one of your goals for the new year? Check out our conversation with nutritionist Christy Harrison, MPH, RD, CDN, author of Anti-Diet. She tells us why diet culture is toxic for so many people, what intuitive eating is (and isn't), and what the "health at every size" movement is all about. Plus a tweak of the week to kick off 2020 with good health in mind.
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Dec 18, 2019
Does Art Have the Power to Help Us Heal?
The folks at the Cleveland Clinic’s Arts and Medicine Institute think it does. Executive Director Joanne Cohen and Medical Director Francois Bethoux tell us how their efforts to fill the facility with art and use it as a form of treatment are benefitting patients, families, and staff alike. Plus, a tweak of the week to help you avoid a post-holiday letdown.
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Dec 4, 2019
How to Be Happier, Starting Now
Nataly Kogan, founder of The Happier Method, tells us the skills that put happiness within reach, no matter what’s going on in your life. Plus, WebMD Chief Medical Officer John Whyte, MD, talks to Men’s Health editor-in-chief, Richard Dorment.
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Nov 20, 2019
American Medical Association President Patrice Harris, MD
Dr. Harris is the current president of the American Medical Association (AMA). She tells us about the group's role in confronting opioid abuse, encouraging diversity among doctors, and why it's important to focus on the effects of childhood trauma. Also, she tells us what it's meant to be the first African American woman to lead the AMA. Then, our Tweak of the Week can make time with your own doctor a little more efficient.
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Nov 6, 2019
Sailing the South Pacific With Muscular Dystrophy
Ryan Levinson and his wife, Nicole, are on the journey of their lives, sailing the South Pacific. They decided to set sail after Ryan, an athlete, was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called FSH muscular dystrophy, which weakens his muscles over time. Five years into their adventure, they join us from Tahiti to talk about the disease -- and about living life to the fullest, even in the face of illness and fear.
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Oct 23, 2019
How Medicine's Technology Revolution Can Help You -- Now
New innovations are reshaping medical care -- and you can start to tap into that today. Daniel Kraft, MD, gives us the inside scoop on that, the upcoming Exponential Medicine, and how he juggles being a doctor, researcher, entrepreneur, academic, and parent.
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Oct 9, 2019
Living With Depression: An Insider's Guide
How can you live well, or even thrive, when you have depression? Halley Cornell, a mental health advocate and WebMD editor, describes what she's learned from living with the condition, including her tricks for getting through even the worst days. Read Halley's latest WebMD blogs on life with depression.
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Sep 25, 2019
Could You Save Your Pet's Life?
What would you do if your dog had a bloody paw or your cat needed CPR? Arden Moore, host of the Oh Behave! podcast and founder of Pet First Aid 4U offers tips about emergency care for our furry friends and does some pet health care myth-busting to boot! Plus, what to put in your own pet first aid kit.
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Sep 11, 2019
What Opioid Dependence Is Really Like
Travis Rieder, PhD, author of In Pain, tells us how a motorcycle crash led to him becoming dependent on opioid pain medications – and why it was so hard to get good advice to come off the drugs. Also, if you one day have to take opioids, you’ll want to know what to ask your doctor to help prevent problems when it’s time to stop the meds.
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Aug 28, 2019
Self-Help Books: Are They Really Worth It?
Meet Jolenta Greenberg and Kristen Meinzer, hosts of By the Book. These podcasters check out all the latest and greatest self-help books so you don’t have to. They live the book to the letter for two weeks, then share everything they learned along the way on their weekly show. We get their take on why we need self-help books, the best ones they've tried and some red flags to watch for.
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Aug 14, 2019
Kara Swisher on her Mini-Stroke, Tech, and Health
Kara Swisher, writer and host of the Recode Decode podcast, tells WebMD’s Chief Medical Officer John Whyte, MD, about her transient ischemic attack (TIA, often called a mini-stroke) and how technology is changing health. Plus, what to do -- and what not to do -- if you think someone may be having a stroke.
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Jul 31, 2019
Bombing Survivor to Marathon Runner: Adrianne Haslet
Nothing stops Adrianne Haslet. She was a bystander when bombs went off at the Boston marathon in 2013. After losing a leg that day, she vowed to run the race herself -- and she did in 2016. But first, she had to learn how to walk again. As she was training for the 2019 marathon, she was struck by a car and injured her shoulder. But Haslet didn’t let that keep her down. She shares her thoughts on resilience, and what it is that motivates her to keep on going.
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Jul 18, 2019
The Ways We Grieve
Most of us will experience grief, but the process and its effects are different for everyone. We explore various sources of grief, and WebMD's chief medical editor, Michael Smith, MD, describes how it can affect your body.
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Jul 4, 2019
Surprising Signs of Drowning; The Truth About Beauty Trends
If someone near you at the pool or on the lake or beach were drowning, would you know it? WebMD's chief medical editor, Michael Smith, MD, tells us what to watch for. It might help you save a life. Then, we talk with dermatologist Laurel Geraghty, MD, about microblading, jade rollers, K-beauty, preventative Botox, microneedling, and more skin care trends.
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Jun 20, 2019
All About Empathy, Feel the BRRRN, Where Do Restaurant Germs Hide?
What is empathy? Arefa Cassoobhoy, MD, WebMD’s senior medical director, asks Helen Riess, MD, co-author of The Empathy Effect, about the ability to understand how others truly feel. Next, WebMD’s Chief Medical Officer John Whyte, MD, chats with Jimmy T. Martin and Johnny Adamic, founders of New York City’s BRRN gym, about the benefits of exercise in cold temperatures. Finally, if you’ve ever wondered where germs lurk in your favorite restaurant, we have the answers.
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Jun 6, 2019
Filing for a "Sleep Divorce;" Does Your Child Need an ADHD Drug Holiday?
Would sleeping away from your partner let you get better rest? Journalist Karen Asp tells us why she decided a separate bedroom was a must for her health. Then, what common plant oils can (and can't) do for you. And could kids with ADHD benefit from a break from their meds over the summer? Child psychiatrist Smitha Bhandari, MD, tells us what to expect. Plus, pasta, red meat, and other foods get a bad rap, but they can have good qualities, too.
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May 23, 2019
Will A.I. Change Your Doctor Visits; The Buzz on Caffeine; How to Get Over Your FOMO
Will artificial intelligence make your doctor visits better? WebMD Chief Medical Officer John Whyte, MD, MPH, interviews Medscape Editor-in-Chief Eric Topol, MD, about the future of health care. Then, do you lean on caffeine to power through your day? Find out how it affects your body. Plus, what you can do about your fear of missing out (FOMO).
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May 9, 2019
Mother's Day: Brunch Dos and Dont's; Why Are the Measles Back?; The Truth About Face Masks
It’s Mother’s Day and brunch is on the calendar. How do your favorite dishes stack up when it comes to eating healthy? Next, we talk to Michael Smith, MD, WebMD’s chief medical editor, about the measles. The US declared this highly contagious disease eradicated in 2000, but now it’s back. The good news: A simple vaccine can keep your kids safe. Finally, we take a look at one of hottest self-care trends around -- face masks. Dermatologist Laurel Geraghty, MD, weighs in on the safety and usefulness of these super-trendy products.
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Apr 25, 2019
What Happens When You Quit Sugar for 30 Days; Anahad O'Connor of The New York Times; Surprising Things That Raise Your Blood Pressure
Could you stop sugar for 30 days? What would you crave most? We find out. Plus, WebMD's chief medical officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, interviews Anahad O'Connor, a reporter covering health, fitness, and nutrition for The New York Times. Then, learn about things that you wouldn't expect to raise your blood pressure -- but they can.
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Apr 11, 2019
Sanjay Gupta, MD, on Health, Happiness Around the Globe; Medication Mistakes; Health Benefits of Martial Arts
What can other cultures teach us about living a longer, healthier, happier life? CNN's Sanjay Gupta, MD, tells us what he learned from traveling the world. Plus, how to avoid common mistakes when taking medicines. Then, WebMD Chief Medical Officer John Whyte, MD, MPH, talks to actor Michael Jai White about the health benefits of martial arts.
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Mar 28, 2019
All About Endometriosis; Is there a Right Way to Apologize; How Well Do You Know Your Thyroid?
Karli Goldstein, DO, a gynecologic surgeon with endometriosis, tells us what it’s really like to live with this painful condition. Seth Gillihan, PhD, lists the do’s and don’ts of saying you’re sorry. Take our thyroid quiz to learn more about this powerful gland. Plus, we have timely tips to help keep pollen and other sneeze-makers out of your home this allergy season.
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Mar 14, 2019
Dean Ornish on 4 Changes That Undo Disease; Do You Really Have a Food Allergy; Truth About Hangover Cures
Who wouldn't want to "undo" conditions like heart disease? WebMD Chief Medical Officer John Whyte, MD, MPH, interviews Dean Ornish, MD, on what changes to make. Then, food allergies vs. intolerances -- we break down the difference. Plus, how to stop a hangover before it starts.
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Feb 28, 2019
Why You Need to Control Clutter; Surprising Reasons You Feel Angry; Why Colonoscopies Aren’t That Bad
Cleaning out your home can “spark joy,” but it can also be really hard. Dr. Seth Gillihan talks about why clutter can weigh on your mind, and the benefits of letting it go. Then, learn about some surprising reasons you might feel angry. And is it time for you to schedule a colonoscopy? WebMD chief medical editor, Dr. Michael Smith, explains why they’re so important – and what his own colonoscopy was like. We also cover a few unexpected things that can put your heart at risk. Plus, a good way to watch your salt intake.
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Feb 14, 2019
Surviving a Heart Attack at 38; Heart-Smart Quiz; Must-Know Heart News
Award-winning MSNBC reporter Trymaine Lee tells us about his heart attack at 38. Then, take our cardio quiz. Plus, will aspirin help your heart, should you test your blood pressure at home, and what helps with cholesterol? Cardiologist R. Todd Hurst, MD, weighs in. And do you know where the nearest AED is?
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Jan 31, 2019
The Truth About CBD Oil, Super Bowl Health Trivia, How to Clean When Your Whole Family Is Sick.
CBD oil is trendy, but is it really a miracle cure for, well, everything? WebMD's Chief Medical Editor Dr. Michael Smith has the answers. Do the short winter days get you down? You might have seasonal affective disorder. Learn what it is and what to do about it. Ready for the big game? We found some Super Bowl stats that will blow your mind. Got a house full of sick people? Medical Editor Dr. Neha Pathak explains how to keep it clean -- and keep yourself well. Plus, why you should swap juice for a smoothie.
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Jan 17, 2019
Meet Our Health Heroes, The Truth About At-Home DNA Tests, Do You Need a Skincare Reboot?
Hear how Kathy Bates, Rufus Wainwright, and other WebMD Health Heroes are making a difference in health and wellness in 2019. Then, are you thinking of mailing in your DNA to learn more about your health and ancestry? Listen to these facts first. And, dermatologist Dr. Laurel Geraghty tells us why January is a great time to think about some changes to your skincare routine.
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Jan 3, 2019
Weight Loss Myths Busted, Habit Hacks, Should You Try Dry January?
Did you set a goal to lose weight in the new year? WebMD's Chief Medical Editor, Michael Smith, tells us the truth about common weight loss myths. Then James Clear, author of the best-selling book Atomic Habits, shares the four things that you should do to make a new habit stick. Plus, check out our list of the biggest workout mistakes. And are you ready to quit alcohol for Dry January?
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Jan 2, 2019
Should You Quit Diets Forever?
Is weight loss one of your goals for the new year? Check out our conversation with nutritionist Christy Harrison, MPH, RD, CDN, author of the new book, Anti-Diet. She tells us why diet culture is toxic for so many people, what intuitive eating is (and isn't), and what the "health at every size" movement is all about. Plus, our tweak of the week will help you kick off 2020 with good health in mind.
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Health Discovered
WebMD's bi-weekly podcast covers all things health: your body, your brain, and your wellbeing. Host Neha Pathak, MD, discusses the latest news and trends, interviews leading experts, and shares simple live-better tips.