Family Health with Dr. Lex

Every once in a while I come across a physician who is so inspirational and does the most meaningful work in medicine.  So, I always jump at the chance to interview them.   Dr. Elda Fisher is one of those doctors.  Now, this episode is not going to resonate with everyone in my usual audience.  But this is FAMILY HEALTH.   For those people looking to pursue gender affirmation surgery, it can be hard to find information and resources.   So if you know someone who might benefit from this information, PLEASE share.    Dr. FIsher and I talked about the logistics of her work in gender affirming surgery and answered the following questions:***************- What is gender affirmation surgery?- How did Dr. Fisher get into this unique field?- What types of procedures does Dr. Fisher do?- What options does the patient have in determining how they want to look?- How long does a typical operation take to complete?- What is the difference between a Plastic Surgeon and an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon?- What type of evaluation and preparation does a patient go through prior to  surgery?- Is there a multidisciplinary team approach to preparing for the procedure?- How many people are pursuing this procedure?- Are all parts of the surgeries done at the same time or separately?- Do some people do just face or just lower body?- What is gender dysphoria?- What resources are available for the uninsured who desire gender affirmation surgery?***************Dr. Elda Fisher completed medical school and residency at the University of North Carolina.  She then completed a fellowship in aesthetic surgery in Columbus, Ohio. Dr Fisher is an expert in Facial Gender Affirmation Surgery and has spoken nationally and internationally on this topic. She is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons and is a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. Dr Fisher is currently an Associate Professor of Surgery at UNC - Chapel Hill and is the Director of Facial Gender Affirmation Surgery in the Division of Craniofacial and Surgical Care. She is also the residency program director for the Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program and enjoys training residents in gender affirming care.***************You can find more from Dr. Fisher at:Web: https://findadoc.unchealthcare.org/nc/chapel-hill/elda-l-fisher-md-120-dental-circlehttps://www.eldafisheraesthetics.com/IG: @facialfemsurgeonEmail:  elda.fisher@unc.edu***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Elda Fisher,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.***************#genderaffirming #genderaffirmingcare #genderaffirmationsurgery #transgender #transgenderpride #transgendered #transgenderboy #transgenderwoman #transgenderrights #transgendermale #transgendermodel #transgenderteen #transgenderfemale #transgenderequality #transgenderawareness # #transgenderdayofvisibility; #transgenderpeopleofcolour #transgenderlife #transgenderproud #transgenderyouth #unctransgendercareprogram 

Like so many others, I used to cringe when my parents or others would talk about sex. And it wasn't really until I was in my professional life helping others find solutions to difficulties or dissatisfaction in their own sex lives that I developed the language and confidence to discuss it openly.  Today's guest Ob/Gyn Dr. Sadaf Lodhi and I share common goals of empowering our patients to explore their bodies, become confident expressing their needs and feel comfortable having conversations about their intimate lives. In the episode we tackled the taboo and answered the following questions:***************- Why is sex such a taboo topic?- How does one identify the need to seek out sex therapy?- How can couples adjust to changes in a relationship over time - like changes in stress levels, body image, hormones, physical changes or difficulties due to medical conditions?- How does emotional intimacy affect a couple's physical connection?- How can someone with a traumatic past heal and move toward a healthy intimate life?- How are sex therapy and sex coaching different?- How can someone become comfortable discussing intimacy when they were raised in a household where it wasn't talked about?- How can we talk to our children about sex positivity and ensure that they have a healthy approach to their future intimate lives?- How does your upbringing affect your attitudes and beliefs around sex and intimacy?- What happens when you realize that you are dissatisfied with your sex / intimate life?- How do you figure out what you like sexually?- How do you develop the confidence to express what you want?***************Dr.  Lodhi is a Board Certified Ob/Gyn and Certified Life Coach from Rutgers University.  She is currently undergoing AASECT training at the University of Michigan.   She offers courses and one-on-one coaching services. ***************You can find more from Dr. Lodhi at:Website: www.drsadaf.comIG/TIKTOK: @drsadafobgynYoutube/Podcast: Muslim Sex Podcast***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Sadaf Lodhi,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.***************#sexpositive #sexpositiveeducation #sexpositiveart #sexpositiveculture #sexpositiveevents #sexpositiveworld #sexuality #sexualityeducation  #sexualityacceptance  #sexualitycoach #sextherapy #sexcoach #intimacy #intimacycoach

I was so pleasantly surprised by the conversation I had with Dr. Keira Barr.  I thought this would be a discussion about which products to use and how to wash and things to avoid and when to seek a dermatologist.  Ya know, the standard stuff.   But this is not your mama's skincare routine y'all.   Dr. Barr's philosophy and approach to helping women reveal their best image and live fully in their own skin is unlike anything you have heard before.  Listen in to this raw, honest, feel-good conversation that will have you glowing!   Spoiler alert:hang in there until the end for her thoughts on a simple regimen of products.   ***************Dr. Keira Barr is a Board Certified Dermatologist who blends science with soul as an embodiment coach, mind-body medicine practitioner and dual board certified integrative dermatologist empowering women around the world with the tools to help them feel more comfortable and confident in their skin. Through no B.S. conversations, straight-up truths and tangible, actionable advice, Dr. Keira teaches you how to heal your relationship with yourself by reclaiming a sense of safety, trust, and pleasure through your body and create sustainable habits that align with the fullest expression of you. Her work has been featured in MindBodyGreen, Better Homes and Gardens', Reader's Digest, Glamour, SELF, Oprah Magazine, and more.***************You can find more from Dr. Barr at:Website: www.drkeirabarr.comIG: @drkeirabarrFB: @drkeirabarrLinkedin: @keirabarr***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Keira Barr,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.***************#skincare #beautyfromwithin #skincareroutine #skincareaddict  #skincarejunkie #skincaretips #skincareblogger #skincarecommunity #skincarelover  #skincarethread t #skincareregimen 

If you have chronic pain or know someone who has, chances are you have heard of Fibromyalgia.  But not many people know exactly what it is or where it comes from.  In fact, many patients and doctors alike have doubted whether or not Fibromyalgia is even a real disease!   Well, indeed it is.  In this episode, Board Certified Rheumatologist Dr. Martina Ziegenbein and I are demystifying the diagnosis by answering to the following questions:***************What is fibromyalgia?How do we diagnose it?Why has FM been known as a “wastebasket” diagnosis?What causes FM?  Is it autoimmune? Inflammatory? Neurologic?Aside from pain, are sleep and mood disturbances part of the diagnosis?What are the types of pain? Which category does FM pain fall into?Why was FM previously considered psychosomatic?How has the stigma associated with FM affected how patients are treated?Why are rheumatologists the specialists with FM expertise?Why does it take so long to come to a diagnosis of FM?How do personality, intrinsic characteristics and past trauma contribute to the development of FM?How does an overactive nervous system contribute to hypersensitivity?What are the treatment options for pain?How does nervous system training help in the overall management?What is somatic tracking and how can it help?***************Dr. Ziegenbein is a board certified rheumatologist practicing on Cape Cod.  She graduated from PJ Safarik University School of Medicine in Slovakia and completed Internal Medicine at the Marshfield Clinic Medical Center.  For her Rheumatology Fellowship she attended Boston Medical Center and subsequently completed a Lupus Fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital.***************You can find more from Dr. Ziegenbein at:Website:www.winningatfibromyalgia.com***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Martina Ziegenbein,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.***************#fibromyalgia #fibromyalgiaawareness #fibromyalgiawarrior #fibromyalgiasucks #fibromyalgiapaintreatment #fibromyalgiatherapy #fibromyalgiafighter #fibromyalgiasupport  #fibromyalgiaproblems  #fibromyalgiaarmy #fibromyalgiaisreal #fibromyalgiadiet #fibromyalgiacommunity #fibromyalgiapain

FOOD IS MEDICINE!   It's about as ancient a remedy as we have.  But since pharmacology became a mainstream treatment, it seems that using our diet to help ourselves has fallen by the wayside.  Luckily we have friends like Dr. Basma Faris, an Ob/Gyn who started her career as a Registered Dietician and now uses Culinary Medicine to teach patients how to regain control of their health with food as part of their treatment plan.   Lifestyle and Culinary Medicine are two fields that are making a grand comeback.  We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it. ***************- How did Dr. Faris become a Culinary Medicine Specialist?- WHAT IS Culinary Medicine? - How did Nutrition get excluded from medical education?- What is the difference between a nutritionist, dietician and Culinary Medicine Specialist?- How can Culinary Medicine help a patient determine which way of eating is best for them?- How do accessibility, budget and preferences factor into choosing a way of eating?- What does a Culinary Medicine visit look like?- Is Culinary Medicine individualized?- How can we overcome the barriers to achieving our food goals?- Can Culinary Medicine help patients figure out which diet is best?- Will a Culinary Medicine specialist help identify food sensitivities?- How can Culinary Medicine help women as we go through various metabolic changes (puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding and peri / post menopause)?- Why is sleep such an important factor in regulating metabolism?- Why are protein, Ca, Vit D and gut halth so important in menopause?***************Dr. Basma Faris is a Board Certified Ob/Gyn and Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist. Dr. Faris attended the University of California at Berkeley where she received a B.S. in Nutrition Sciences. She went on to complete a an Registered Dietetics Internship and M.S.  in Nutrition at Brooklyn College.  She received her medical degree from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University at Buffalo in 2009. She completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Dr. Faris began her career in healthcare as a Registered Dietitian. She worked with adults and children to manage chronic health conditions and obesity. She developed curricula for group nutrition interventions for children, pregnant women and adults. She is the founder of PollyPrep, a company aimed at educating and treating people with PCOS using an evidence-based mix of Culinary Medicine and Gynecology.She recently joined The Mount Sinai Health System in New York where she holds the position of Assistant Professor in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science. Previously she practiced at Weill Cornell Medicine, and NYU Langone Brooklyn where she served as the medical student Clerkship Director, as well as Associate Residency Program Director and she led the peer review committee for the department.Dr. Faris practices General Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She became a Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist in 2020. She was named a New York Superdoctor Rising Star in 2022. ***************You can find more from Dr. Faris at:IG: @basmafaris Web: www.basmafaris.com***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music

Have you ever felt stuck?  Like you should feel grateful for what you have in your life but there's something tugging at you saying "there's more?"    Have you felt like you want to improve, change, grow, feel better / happier / more?   Well, this episode is for you.... Dr. Rebecca Lauderdale is an expert in Flourishing, not just surviving, but Thriving.  And she has so much juicy goodness to share with us.    In this episode we talked about the many ways we can evaluate and change our lives for the better,  including the following:***************- What is the definition of flourishing?- How did Dr. Lauderdale go become an expert in flourishing?- Why is there so much shame around struggle and burnout?- How do we become aware of the capacity to change?- What can we do to make space for change?- What are the factors that we can evaluate / what is PERMA (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Mastery, Achievement)?- What are the three different types of lives?- What is the VIA character strength survey?- How does someone begin to feel unstuck?- What are some resources to go from surviving to thriving?***************Dr. Rebecca Lauderdale is a board-certified internist practicing Primary Care Internal Medicine in the Deep South. She is passionate about helping people learn the science and practices of flourishing. She can be heard regularly on her podcast, Women Physicians Flourish, where she talks about subjects ranging from grief and vulnerability to gender bias and joy in the practice of medicine.***************You can find more from Dr. Lauderdale at:Website:www.rebeccalauderdalemd.comInstagram: @dr.lauderdalePodcast:Women Physicians Flourish***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Rebecca Lauderdale,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.

Time Management is not usually considered a health topic.   But like so many episodes on this podcast, we are talking about making lifestyle changes in order to optimize our health, wellness and happiness.  Time freedom is an invaluable asset but can be hard to find.   Fortunately, Dr. Kirthi Lilley is an expert and has joined me to talk about all things Time Management!***************Dr. Kirthi Lilley is a Board Certified Gastroenterologist working in the VA Health System and is the Associate Program Director for the GI fellowship at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center.   After one of her own transitions, she became a Certified Life and Weight Loss Coach through the Life Coach School.   In her practice, she helps healthcare professionals with time management and burnout so they can create extraordinary and fulfilling lives. S he is also a supermom to three young daughters. ***************You can find more from Dr. Lilley at:Website: https://www.revealyou.coachInstagram: @revealyoulifecoachingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirthi-lilley-md-36068b220***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Kirthi Lilley,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.

You know I love advocating for accessibility and equity in mental healthcare, so I was especially excited to speak with Dr. Alison Baum.  She is a Family Physician living with Bipolar Disorder and has been brave enough to share her story for the first time here on this podcast.  She is living proof that you can live a healthy, fulfilling life while managing mental illness.  I am honored to share her story and amplify her voice.  In this episode we covered so much,  including the following:***************- How did Dr. Baum realize she had Bipolar Disorder?- What is Bipolar Disorder and why is it confused with other diagnoses?- What are some of the triggers for BPD?- Are antidepressants used for BPD?- Why should medications be carefully monitored?- Why did Dr. Baum feel a sense of relief when she was finally diagnosed?- Why do people with mental health symptoms not seek / get help?- Did having a mental illness affect Dr. Baum's ability to work?- How does someone with concerns about mental health ask for help?- How did Dr. Baum's eating disorder coexist with her BPD?- Did therapy play a role in Dr. Baum's treatment?- How do lack of resources affect the ability to secure high quality care?- How did Dr. Baum transition to becoming a full-time coach?***************Dr. Alison Baum is a fellowship trained Family Medicine Physician, and up until 2018 she was faculty at a Family Medicine residency in California. In 2017 she was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.  She then devoted considerable time and energy towards remaining well, working part time and learning about how to manage her mental health.  She realized that, in retrospect, there were many times in her training that her mental illness was apparent and was giving clues. She is sharing her story in hopes that other women can get the help they need.  Dr. Baum now lives overseas with her physician husband and children, and isn't practicing medicine.  Instead, she is sharing her experience working from home as a professional mom and coaching women on improving their work-from-home lives.***************You can find more from Dr. Baum at:Websites:www.alisonterese.comFB & IG: @alison.t.baum***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Alison Baum,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthday #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalhealthwarrior #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthawarness #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthawarenessweek #mentalhealthweek #bipolar #bipolardisorder #bipolarismo #bipolarawareness #bipolar2 #bipolardisorderawareness  #bipolardepression #Bipolaridade #bipolarlife #bipolarquotes #bipolar1 #eatingdisorder #eatingdisorderrecovery #eatingdisorders #eatingdisorderawareness #eatingdisordersrecovery #eatingdisorderwarrior #eatingdisorderecovery 

We don't often think of money as a health topic, but being savvy with our finances can not only impact our quality of life, but can be really important in case of a medical emergency.  In this episode Dr. Elisa Chiang and I had such a great conversation about Growing a Wealthy Mindset in which we answered the following questions:***************- As an ophthalmologist, how did Dr. Chiang become an expert in money management?- What are the advantages of investing early in life even if you can't invest much?- Why do women wait until later on in life to start thinking about money management / investing?- How does mindset affect performance when it comes to money management?- How can women like us start learning about money management?- How does coaching help advance our understanding of and strategy for investing?- What about credit cards?  How can they be used to improve your finances?- Which type of investing is the easiest to get started?- Is it wise to have a financial advisor? If so, what should we be looking for?- What are Dr. Chiang's money mindset words of wisdom?***************Elisa Chiang is an board certified Ophthalmologist, fellowship trained Oculoplastic surgeon and certified Life Coach. Elisa earned her M.D. and Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Case Western Reserve University. She trained at Northwestern for Ophthalmology and Medical College of Wisconsin for Oculoplastics. She started investing, first in individual stocks as well mutual funds, during medical school and then expanded to real estate during graduate school. Elisa is a certified Life Coach through the Life Coach School. As a Life Coach, Elisa primarily works with health care professionals to work through issues of burnout as well as master their money mindset so they can build wealth and practice medicine on their own terms. She works part time as a physician at Ice Ophthalmology in Painesville, Ohio.***************You can find more from Dr. Chiang at:Websites: www.GrowYourWealthyMindset.comwww.DrEyelid.comhttps://www.youtube.com/c/WealthyMindsetMDFB & IG: @growyourwealthymindset@eyeliddrchiang***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Elisa Chiang,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.

I am such a fangirl in this episode.  Seriously, Dr. Hala Sabry is one of the most prominent names in medicine, and for good reason!  Not only has she created a network of over 116K women physicians but she has used her leadership position to educate, empower and inspire patients and physicians worldwide.  Today she is telling her very personal story from a different perspective:  as a patient who underwent bilateral prophylactic mastectomy.   We had such a great conversation in which we answered the following questions:***************- Who is Noha and what kind of legacy has she left behind?- Why did Dr. Sabry decide to share her story at this time?- Why was a prophylactic mastectomy indicated for Dr. Sabry?- Is it indicated for anyone with a breast cancer family history?- Can anyone get genetic testing?- What does it mean to have a positive breast cancer gene?- How does lifestyle play a factor in breast cancer risk? - Who did Dr. Sabry discuss her results with?- What kind of decisions did she have to make with the results?- What role did anxiety play in this decision?- How did Dr. Sabry prepare for this process and how her body would change?- How does such a massive change affect your capacity for self-love?What does it mean to Dr. Sabry to have made this decision?- What advice does Dr. Sabry have for anyone facing a major medical decision?- What other steps can someone take to get more information about genetic testing and options for treatment? ***************Dr. Hala Sabry is a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine Physician, a feminist leadership coach, the founder of Physician Moms Group (PMG), and a super mom of five- with two sets of twins!Balancing her career in medicine with her roles as a mother and entrepreneur was initially challenging.  Dr. Sabry frequently fought through fear, negative self-talk, and a recurring desire to quit, and she knew other busy professional working mothers must have experienced the same struggles.She created PMG seven years ago to offer emotional availability and support to women like her which now supported over 116,000 members.  Dr. Sabry expanded her outreach to coaching individuals and consulting businesses. She offers high performance coaching to professional women in male dominated professions who feel unseen and unheard in quest to develop their personal brand and become a confident thought leader.Dr. Sabry is a tenacious advocate for ending sexism and promoting gender and racial equality in the medical field. She believes that as a community leader, she has a responsibility to forge a path for other women and to elevate her fellow physician mothers. She has collaborated with leading Fortune 500 companies and international organizations to further her work advocating for women physicians, patients, and children. ***************You can find more from Dr. Sabry at:Website: halasabry.comTik tok and IG: @drhalasabryFacebook: @halahsabry***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Hala Sabry and her loving mother Noha,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.

This is a good one that I know lots of people need to hear, myself included.   So many of us lack the skills or the confidence to establish boundaries which can make or keep us unhealthy, unhappy and unfulfilled.  Luckily, the friends of our show are experts who are excited to help us learn.  In this episode, Psychiatrist Dr. Maryna Mammoliti and I discuss Setting Healthy Boundaries.   She offers insightful examples to help us understand why setting boundaries is so important to maintaining our personal peace and accomplishing our goals.  We had such a great conversation in which we answered the following questions:***************- As a psychiatrist, how did Dr. Mammoliti become interested in coaching around boundaries?- What is the difference between therapy and coaching?- How does systemic gender bias interfere with our ability to set boundaries?- What are boundaries and what do they define?- Why is the word 'no' an affront?- How do we gain the confidence to start saying no?- Why is knowing who we are so important to boundary setting?- Do people need to be informed of our boundaries? If so, who?- How do we deal with barriers to maintaining boundaries?- What is the potential cost of setting boundaries versus the cost of not setting boundaries?- How can we evaluate if the cost is worth it?- How do we prepare to announce boundaries and for the reactions of others?- What happens when our boundary reveals an inherent conflict in a relationship?- What if that conflict cannot be overcome?- How can we support our children asserting boundaries, especially if we are not yet comfortable?- Why is important to manage our own reactions to the boundaries of others?***************Dr. Maryna Mammoliti is a practicing Canadian-trained psychiatrist, professional coach, and  mother of four. In her psychiatric practice she has worked on promoting physician health, focusing on ADHD, trauma and eating disorders.  She has completed her coaching training through the College of Executive Coaching. She co-founded Triumph Excellence and Coaching Centre Ltd with her colleague Adam Ly through which they collaborate on providing leadership, career and professional coaching services, educational webinars and workshops. Dr. Mammoliti focuses on boundaries, career transitions and emotional intelligence in her coaching and is the co-author of upcoming book for physicians: Saving Lives Without Destroying Yours: Boundaries for the Modern Physician. She enjoys working with medical students and residents in her clinic and has been involved in various initiatives to support physicians during COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from clinical experience and coaching, she has been involved in advocating for the systemic issues as the outgoing OMA psychiatry section chair. Dr. Mammoliti is the mother of four children and spends her time between Canada and the US. She enjoys writing about issues relevant to physicians not usually found in our classrooms (including violence faced by physicians).Website: https://www.triumphleader.comIG: @triumphleadercoach @ drmomlifeincanada Twitter: DRMMCanada***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Maryna Mammolitimy inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.

We've spoken extensively about the harmful effects of chronic stress, but in this episode Board Certified  Radiologist Dr. Robyn Tiger and I discuss how learning complete self-care can reverse symptoms, improve functional capacity, quality of life and longevity.   This is a game-changing episode called The Self-Care Formula Everyone Needs to Know.  In it we offer answers to the following questions:***************- How did Dr. Tiger safe her own life?- Did modern medicine fail her?- What does it mean to regulate the nervous system?- Why were all of her tests negative?- Can chronic stress really cause all of those symptoms?- Can stress management really reverse all of those symptoms?- What are some triggers of the stress response?- Do major stressors cause a different response from minor stressors?- What happens physically when the stress response is activated?- What are telomeres and how are they affected by chronic stress?- How do stress management techniques help tone the nervous system?- How does breathwork affect our mind and body?- What is somatic movement?- What happens to your brain during meditation?- What is neuroplasticity?- How do these techniques help our bodies change permanently?- How does awareness create space for improvement in the way you feel?- What is the cost of this self-care formula?***************Robyn Tiger, MD is on a mission to empower others with self-care tools backed by science and research. With burnout on the rise, Robyn knows first hand what it's like to love your job while also coping with stress, anxiety, overwhelm, imbalance and even illness.She uniquely combines her 15 years in diagnostic radiology with a certification in yoga therapy, meditation and life coaching in her innovative courses, private coaching, and podcast that focus on complete physical, mental, and emotional well-being and resilience. She is deeply passionate about helping others relieve stress, elevate calm and live their best lives!When she's not busy supporting her clients, Robyn can be found enjoying her own self-care through hiking, paddle boarding, meditating, yoga, playing with her dog, husband and kids in the mountains of Asheville, NC.  https://www.stressfreemd.net/https://www.podpage.com/the-stressfreemd-podcast/IG: @stressfreemdFB & LinkedIn: @robyntigermdFree Stress Relief Strategy Callhttps://go.oncehub.com/StressReliefStrategyCallFree Stress Relief Videos:https://www.stressfreemd.net/free-self-care-videosFacebook Group (Physicians):https://www.facebook.com/groups/thephysiciansselfcarecommunity***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Robyn Tigermy inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue, my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.

Most people have heard of the most common tick-borne illnesses like Lyme & Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.  Many have heard of Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis & Tularemia.  But most doctors aren't even familiar with one of the most recently discovered tick-related illnesses called Alpha Gal Syndrome.   I know I hadn't learned of it until I moved to the South.  I feel fortunate to have done this interview with Board Certified Internist/Pediatrician Dr. Laura Diefendorf.   In this podcast episode you'll learn all about Alpha Gal including the answers to the following questions:***************- What is alpha gal?- Why hadn't I heard of it until I moved to the South?- How does one get alpha gal?- What actually is alpha-galactosidase?- What is the physical reaction that occurs?- Is it similar to an immediate allergic or anaphylactic reaction?- What are some symptoms of alpha gal allergy?- Why is alpha gal so difficult to diagnose?- How long does it usually take to come to a diagnosis?- How long ago was alpha gal discovered?- How long after ingesting mammalian meat does it take for the reaction to occur?- What kinds of food products can elicit the alpha gal reaction?- What type of test can help diagnose alpha gal syndrome?- Are there other diagnostic criteria?- What other factors can exacerbate a reaction?- What are the risks associated with repeat tick exposures?- What types of ticks carry the alpha gal carbohydrate complex?- What are some primary prevention strategies?- Is there treatment?- Does the reaction improve over time if there is no repeat exposure?- Can alpha gal patients ever eat mammalian meat again? - What about dairy?- Can this condition be life threatening?- What other precautions need to be taken to prevent reaction?- Are children affected differently than adults?- Where can I find reliable information about such a new and rare disease?***************Dr. Laura Diefendorf is double board certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics.  Her practice is Duke Primary Care in Henderson, NChttps://www.dukehealth.org/find-doctors-physicians/laura-p-diefendorf-md***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Laura Diefendorf,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue, my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.⁣.⁣.⁣.⁣.⁣.⁣#alphagal #alphagala #alphagalactose #alphagalactoseallergy #alphagalactosidase #alphagalallergy #alphagalates #alphagalaxy #alphagaldiet #alphagaleats #alphagalencouragersnwa #alphagaljourney #alphagallergy #alphagallery  #alphagalley #alphagalliving  #alphagalrecipes #alphagalsafe #alphagalsucks #alphagalsupport #alphagalsyndrome

You know that little voice in your head saying you can do better or more?  That you're not good enough, successful enough?  That you aren't worthy of what you have or that you should feel guilty for wanting more? Women have an inherent inner critic thats been cultivated by society for decades.  That voice contributes to the heaviness we feel emotionally and physically… learning to listen and heal this inner critic is really the most joyous way to lose weight (on the scale and for our minds)I had a life-changing conversation with Dr. Priyanka Venugopal about Healing Your Inner Critic and here are some of the questions we answered:***************- What does it mean to have an inner critic?- How do you identify her?- Where does she come from?- Is it ok to want more?- What is inner brilliance?- How do we turn the critic into a cheerleader?- Is it really just me criticizing myself?- Why do we tend to deflect praise or compliments?- How do I begin to believe that I'm capable of handling it all?- How do I begin to believe that I feel safe and am ok?- How do I do this without having to convince myself?- How does the inner critic contribute to body image issues?- How do I reconcile my appearance with my self-worth?- How do I stop comparing myself to others?***************Hi, I'm Priyanka. I'm a board certified Ob/Gyn now turned life and weight loss coach for ambitious working moms. I help women create lightness for their bodies and their life.For more information from Dr. Venugopal you can find her at:www.theunstoppablemombrain.comIG: @theunstoppablemombrain***************Thanks so much for listening! There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Priyanka Venugopal,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue, my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael. 

You've made it! You have the career, the partner, the family you envisioned. But you're heavy, exhausted & you keep hearing that voice in your head & your heart. It's quiet at first, but  grows as time passes.  It's saying:  "What if there's more? What if I want to change, do something different? These are the questions Dr. Radhika Sharma asked herself.  She was stuck in the proverbial quick sand. Walking through the door of her garage after a long day of work, with one arm full of groceries, the other of tasks that needed to be completed, a back pack slung over her shoulder full of work, she admitted, "I'm ready for a change, I'm ready to look for more."What if you could organize your thoughts & feelings? What if you could recognize what the voice inside of you was trying to tell you? What if you could live the way you wanted to live? Would you take the chance?I had the great pleasure of talking with Dr. Sharma about her transition & how she helps other people navigate theirs, both intentional & unexpected.   Here are some of the questions we answered:***************- How did Dr. Sharma come to a career in Life Transitions Coach after being an OB/GYN?- Why do many women feel guilt or shame around wanting something more or different?- What is the social self vs. the essential self?- Why is there such huge emotional distance between fulfilled basic needs & the peak of self-actualization?- What does it look like to assess our needs & wants?- What if the transition is unexpected or unintentional?- Why do we tend to avoid change?- What if I make a change & it doesn't work?- How did COVID spark a pandemic of self-reflection?- How do we define success & why is the definition so personal?- Should our vision for success change in different seasons of life?- How does our approach to our priorities affect our loved ones?- How does income factor into making major life transitions?- What is thought work & how does it affect this process?- How does the body compass work?- Why do we have to get to ourselves before we can make change?- Can my transition occur in steps? - Will this be easy?***************As a mother, wife & physician, Dr. Sharma was stuck & did not see any way out. She found life coaching, which allowed her to recognize her authentic & essential self. While maintaining a career as an Ob/GYN, Dr. Sharma collaborates with clients to help them challenge the obstacles in their lives, follow their essential self & make it through some of their most challenging times. Whether it is new parenthood, starting a new career, changing careers, finding wellness & peace, Dr. Sharma helps tp find clarity & focus, uncover & achieve goals. Through her Martha Beck training & years of medical practice, she helps clients challenge their thoughts, feelings & doubts, in order to uncover the life they really want to live.For more information from Dr. Sharma you can find her at:https://busyobees.comIG & TikTok: @busyobmama***************Thanks so much for listening!  There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Radhika Sharma,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue, my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael. 

I know, I know… no one wants to talk about death and dying.  But in this episode, Board Certified Hospitalist Dr. Ciri Press and I tackle this tough topic - End of Life Planning & Advance Directives. We are breaking down your options and why it's so important to start having conversations about your end-of-life care. Whether you're young and healthy, living with chronic medical problems, are in the later season of life, OR if you are involved in the care of a loved one, this episode is a great one to flag for reference.  We're all going to need this information at some point (hopefully later rather than sooner)!  ***************What is an advance directive?Why is it important to have your wishes for end-of-life care documented?What is a next of kin?What are the issues with NOT having an advance directive and leaving the decision up to your family?Why is it important to have end of life care discussions prior to being hospitalized?How does age affect these decisions?Who is the best person to select as a healthcare Power of Attorney?Can medicine fix everything? Ha.Why is our society so uncomfortable with death?Is TV resuscitation realistic?Is the advance directive reversible?What is palliative care?How successful is CPR?What do the terms Full Code, DNR & DNI mean?Are ventilators used for anything other than end of life care?What's a good way to start the conversation with your family?When is National Black Women Physician's Day & how can we lend our support? (Feb 8th)***************Dr. Ciri Press, MD was born and raised on the Westside of the City of Chicago. Not wanting to leave her home town, she chose to complete her Pre-Med studies at Northwestern University. She went on to earn her Medical Doctorate from Loyola University Chicago - Stritch School of Medicine at the age of 27 years old. Once she earned her doctorate, she decided to expand her network and leave the city that she loves so much. Dr. Ciri completed her residency training in Internal Medicine at a university hospital in Richmond, Virginia. During her third and final year of residency, she discovered Instagram! She saw that it could be a great platform to inspire more minority women to become physicians. With this mission in mind, Sistas In Medicine®️ was born. In 2018, after completing her residency training, Dr. Ciri obtained her Board Certification in Internal Medicine.  She recently helped to found and recognize National Black Women Physician's Day!  Dr. Press is currently practicing as a Hospitalist in the Atlanta area, and outside of work, she is a dedicated wife and mother.  ***************For more information from Dr. Press, you can find her on Instagram at:@ciripmd@sistasinmedicine@nbwpd.official***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Ciri Press,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.#endoflifecare #dyingwithdignity #advancedirective #dnr #dni #lifeplanning

Have you ever tried to become a runner?  How many times have you started and stopped and started again only to find that it doesn't stick?  The answer for me is countless. ***************In this episode, Pediatrician and Certified Run Coach Dr. Michelle Quirk and I tackle the question, So, You Want to Become a Runner?   For those out there who would like to try running, maybe for the 2nd or 50th time, and make it stick, we have got you covered with answers to all your questions including:-Is it possible to enjoy running?-Can anyone be a runner?-How do you shift to the mindset of a runner?-What is the run-walk method?-Is running hard on your body?-Is running the preferred method of cardio?-What about my injuries?-What are the benefits of running?-How does running change your body?-How do I get started on the road to becoming a runner?-How far in advance should I sign up for a race?-What is plateauing?-What about footwear?-What is the best type of surface to run on?-How mindful do you need to be when running?-What about working out with a partner who is a different skill level?-Any tips or tricks in terms of form?***************Dr. Michelle Quirk is a Board-Certified Pediatrician practicing in Philadelphia and a certified run coach with the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). She completed her medical training at Penn State College of Medicine and completed her residency in Pediatrics at Georgetown University Hospital. She founded Mindful Marathon to help make running easy and fun for busy professionals. For anyone thinking that running is too hard or that they can't be runners, she is ready to help you fall in love with running! It comes as no surprise that she loves running races - especially RunDisney races, and traveling and hiking with her husband.***************For more information from Dr. Quirk, you can find her at:www.mindful-marathon.comIG: @mindful.marathonFB: @mindfulmarathonYouTube: @mindfulmarathonIn person coaching in the Philadelphia area is available!***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Michelle Quirk,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.#running #runner #runlife #runcommunity #becomearunner #runmotivation #runclub #runcoach

In this episode, Dr. Judith Borger and I discuss Botox & Fillers including answers to the following questions:- What procedures does Dr. Borger do in her practice?- How did Dr. Borger transition from a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician to an Aesthetic Physician?- How do your interests in your appearance change as you get older?- How does someone begin to learn about the aesthetic procedures that are available and where to go to get them done?- What are some red flags for injectors that you want to avoid?- Why is the aesthetics consult so individualized?- How does budget factor in?- How do you manage expectations?- What are some safety considerations?- What kind of habits can help skin age well?- Once and for all, is Botox preventive?- How does Botox work and how long does it last?- What is the typical age you will treat and what is the youngest?- Do you use Botox for medical reasons like Bell's Palsy or hyperhydrosis?- What can patients do to prepare for their aethetics visit?- How do you manage complications?- What are fillers and how are they used?- What is vascular occlusion? - Can fever sores be prevented when injecting filler, especially ?- What are the aftercare instructions for Botox & fillers?- How long do fillers last and are they reversible?- How do lipid dissolvers like Kybella work?- How do other treatments like chemical peels, ultrasound and lasers / hair removal help with the whole picture?- How far in advance of a big event should someone seek out treatment?- Is Botox safe during breastfeeding?***************Dr. Judith Borger is a multi-passionate physician-leader who is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine and practices Pediatric Emergency Medicine.  In addition she is a researcher, national lecturer and core faculty at an EM residency. She is the owner of Concierge Medical Arts in Fayetteville NC, offers business and life coaching and hosts The Aesthetic Doctor Podcast.***************For more information from Dr. Borger, you can find her at:www.theaestheticdoctor.com www.conciergemedicalarts.comand IG: @doctorborgerThe Aesthetic Doctor Podcast. On all major platformsAesthetic medicine practice in Fayetteville NC: Concierge Medical Arts***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Judith Borger,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.#aestheticmedicine #aesthetics #nonsurgicalfacelift #botox #botoxday #botoxface #botoxfiller #botoxserum  #botoxfacial #botoxinjections #botoxcosmetic #botoxlifting #botoxlips #Juvederm #juvedermlips #juvedermultra #juvedermsmile #juvedermVoluma #juvedermvolift #JuvedermVollure  #JuvedermUltraPlus #JuvedermUltra3 #JuvedermInjector #juvederm3 #JuvedermVolite #juvedermvolumaxc #juvedermvolbella #juvedermxc #juvedermxcplus #juvedermultrasmile #lipfiller 

In this episode, Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown and I discuss How to Get the High Quality Sleep You Dream Of, including answers to the following questions:- As a Pediatric Pulmonologist, how did Dr. Brown become interested in Sleep Medicine as a means of helping families improve their health?- How does sleep deprivation affect other parts of our life - such as work, relationships, parenting?- What is "sleep hygiene?"- What does a proper sleep environment look like?- What is social jet lag?- How do devices and blue light affect sleep?- How do sleep crutches develop, why are they harmful and how can we break them?- What is CREATE?- How does the caffeine - alcohol cycle impair sleep?- How can we accommodate for changes in our routine?- What's the story with naps?- Are biphasic / segmented sleep patterns (sleeping in blocks instead of one stretch) helpful or harmful?- How can night-shift workers improve their sleep routine?- How does light affect sleep quality?- What do circadian rhythm, sleep pressure, sleep inertia and sleep debt mean?- What should we do if we can't fall asleep?- Is there a role for sleep aids like melatonin, antihistamines (Benadryl), sedatives (Ambien, Lunesta) or benzos (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin)?- What is the optimal time to exercise to get a good night's sleep?- What are some warning signs of medical sleep disorders as opposed to just difficulty sleeping?***************Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown is a Board-Certified Pediatric Pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine Physician, speaker, educator and writer. As the founder of Restful Sleep MD she helps busy professional women and their families prioritize sleep to not only achieve their optimal health but also thrive and live to their fullest potential. She emphasizes sleep as a critical pillar of health and aims to educate and empower women through coaching, courses and programs. Dr. Brown also works with organizations and businesses to improve employee health by incorporating healthy sleep as part of their wellness journey. Dr. Brown is here to help families learn how to create the best versions of themselves without sacrificing their health and losing sleep!***************For more from Dr. Brown check out:https://www.restfulsleepmd.com/IG/FB  @restfulsleepmd***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Funke Afolabi-Brown,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.#insomnia #insomniac #insomniacs #sleephealth #sleepdisorders #fatigue #tired #sleephygiene #goodnightssleep #insomniaproblems #insomniarelief #sleephacks#sleepmedicine #gotosleep

In this episode, Dr. Sheila Carroll and I discuss Approaching Weight Issues in Children including answers to the following questions:- How did Dr. Carroll get into coaching children and their families improve their weight?- How does Dr. Carroll direct the conversation around a child's weight?- Can the parent's concern about weight affect the child negatively?- How did Dr. Carroll's experience at a young age affect her weight mindset?- What is the general approach to discussing weight in a pediatric office - both overweight and underweight?- How important are BMI and growth curves?- What is the general approach to recommending weight loss?- How can you manage thoughts and mindset around weight?- What is the thoughts-feelings-actions cycle?- Why is it more effective for the family to make healthy changes than just the affected child?- What is the 5-2-1-0 approach?***************Dr. Sheila Carroll is a Board Certified Pediatrician with almost two decades of experience in both inpatient and outpatient pediatrics experience. She completed medical school at the University of Vermont, Internship at Case Western Reserve Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital, and Residency at Brown University / Hasbro Children's Hospital. Dr. Carroll is also became a Certified Life/Weight Loss Coach from The Life Coach School, and received an Advanced Coaching Certification from Corinne Crabtree / No BS Weight Loss. She was born and raised and loves living in Maine with her family.***************For more from Dr. Carroll check out:www.sheilcarrollmd.com***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Sheila Carroll,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.

In this very special episode, my own doctor Dr.  Alexander Kofinas & I discuss Unexplained Infertility & Recurrent Pregnancy Loss including answers to the following questions:- How did Dr. Kofinas identify my condition & save the lives of my two babies?- Why should specialists practice with the mindset of a general practitioner?- What is Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM)?- How does someone desiring pregnancy know which type of doctor to see?- Why does Dr. Kofinas consider an "IVF failure" of a normal baby a pregnancy loss? - What is the true rate of pregnancy loss?- Most doctors define infertility as the inability to get pregnant after one year, but why does Dr. Kofinas argue that women with even one pregnancy loss should have a basic workup?- When does ovarian function & egg quality begin to decline?- Why is the term "unexplained" infertility inaccurate?- Which environmental factors contribute to infertility & pregnancy loss?- What basic workup should be done for a woman desiring children PRIOR to seeking infertility treatment?- At what age should the fertility evaluation begin?- How do diet/nutrition, exercise & insulin resistance affect a couple's fertility?- What does a fertility workup involve?- What tests should be done on the male partner?- What is the difference between IVF, IUI & ICSI?- What is a HSG?- What are endocrine disruptors & why are they dangerous?- What are the effects of polyphenols?- What does research say about the Mediterranean Diet?- What are telomeres & why are they important?- How does placental health correlate with life expectancy?- What systemic medical conditions can affect fertility?- Why is it so important to identify & treat endometriosis early on?- What are MTHFR, PAI & ACE gene deletions?- What guidance does Dr. Kofinas give for women who do not have insurance, benefits or finances to cover the cost of fertility workup & treatment?- How does Vitamin D correlate with autism?- Where can you find Dr. Kofinas's book The Working Womb?***************Alexander D. Kofinas, MD is the Director & Founder of KOFINAS PERINATAL. He is board certified in Ob/GYN & Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Dr. Kofinas trained in MFM at Wake Forest, where he kept a full-time position for 5 years. He has taught medical students, residents, & conducted research in the physiology of the myometrium & the mechanism of labor, as well as pioneering research on fetal cardio and uteroplacental vascular systems. Since his return to NY in 1994, Dr. Kofinas has been involved in ongoing research & is regularly invited to speak at perinatal forums in the US & abroad. His research has been published in the most authoritative American and international medical journals & textbooks.  Dr. Kofinas' exceptionalism, however, comes from his unparalleled understanding of the fetal placenta, the most neglected human organ according to an official NIH statement. His  experience with infertility patients has imparted him with an inestimable view of the placenta from its absolute earliest stages at five weeks gestation, allowing him to identify & resolve prenatal complications earlier & more effectively than anyone else in his field.Dr. Kofinas has been selected by the New York magazine as one of the very few "Best Doctors" in the major tristate area eight times & has been one of the "Top Doctors" in New York metro area according to the New York Magazine. In addition, Dr. Kofinas has earned numerous awards as the most compassionate & of the highest quality by other regional and online rating agencies.***************For more from Dr. Kofinas check out:https://www.kofinasperinatal.org/

The incidence of autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, psoriasis, thyroid disease and even diabetes has skyrocketed.  They can present with a wide constellation of symptoms, both vague and specific, but can be difficult to diagnose.  While we have made tremendous strides in the treatment of autoimmune disease, there are many important considerations that can affect the course of illness and quality of life.  In this episode, Dr. Kara Wada and I discuss Sjogren's, Autoimmune Disease and Approaches to Invisible Illness including answers to the following questions:- What is autoimmune disease and how does it develop?- Why is it so important to see a specialist for an autoimmune disease workup?- Why has there been an increase in the incidence of autoimmune disease?- How much of a role does genetics play in disease?- What is Sjogren's and how was Dr. Wada's diagnosis made?- How does gut health impact autoimmune disease?- Can autoimmune disease be diagnosed with labs?- What happens when all your labs are normal but you know something is wrong?- How can symptom tracking be helpful?- How did Dr. Wada heal herself?- Why is it important to discuss all your supplements with your physician?- Are "natural" supplements safe?- What are some lifestyle changes autoimmune patients should make?- How do diet, stress management and sleep hygiene affect autoimmune disease?- What is the difference between a physician and coach and which one you should choose?- How do your thoughts inform your feelings, actions and results?- What is some advice for approaching invisible illness or having a challenging condition?***************Kara Wada, MD is a Sjogren's spoonie, quadruple board-certified allergy/immunology and lifestyle medicine physician, coach, medical educator and mom. Dr. Wada sees her work as a balance builder. She focuses on the unique challenges pertaining to those struggling with misbehaving immune systems including autoimmune, allergic and immune deficiency related conditions. She works tirelessly with her patients and coaching clients using her naturally-minded and scientifically-grounded approach to health and healing.Dr. Wada earned her medical degree at The University of Illinois College of Medicine. She completed Internal Medicine-Pediatrics residency, Allergy/Immunology and Medical Education fellowships at The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital. She currently serves as Assistant Fellowship Director and Assistant Clinical Professor at The Ohio State University.Dr. Wada has been featured on NPR, US News & World Reports, Popular Science and Reader's Digest as well as multiple podcasts. Dr. Wada lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, Dr. Akira Wada, and 3 children.***************For more from Dr. Wada check out:www.crunchyallergist.comInstagram: @crunchyallergistFacebook: www.facebook.com/crunchyallergistTwitter: @crunchyallergySuccess with Sjogren's Podcast***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Kara Wada & Oliver,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.

WELCOME TO SEASON 3!  I'm so happy you're here. In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Freeman and I discuss The Global Effects of Stress including answers to the following questions:- How has the stress of the pandemic affected physicians?- How does stress contribute to acute and chronic illnesses?- What are the social determinants of health and how do they affect our health?- How do external stressors cause internal stress?- What are examples of Adverse Childhood Experiences?- How do Adverse Childhood Experiences affect our health as adults?- How can stress arise internally, externally and  socially?- What kinds of resources do our communities need to be able to reduce their stress and make meaningful changes?- How can investing in community health resources prevent disease? - How have discrepancies in resources affected communities differently?- How do we create a shift in our social and emotional consciousness to improve access to healthcare for all?Note: This episode was recorded in July 2021.  There is additional content that is outdated but still relevant, and is therefore included at the end of the episode.  ***************As one of the nation's most acclaimed ICU physicians, Stephanie E. Freeman, MD is a board certified Critical Care physician, a best-selling author, speaker, and consultant. In addition, she is THE expert in helping doctors discover alternative careers in medicine. Dr. Stephanie consistently meets with physicians individually and in groups to discuss ways they can get “unstuck” in their careers. A compassionate, motivating, energizing and resourceful physician, it is no wonder why Dr. Stephanie is known among her colleagues as “The Job Doctor."As Founder and Chief Medical Advisor of DrStephanieICU.com, Dr. Stephanie discusses real world career strategies to help physicians “think outside the box” regarding their careers. By sharing advice on how to find alternative careers in medicine, Dr. Stephanie helps physicians practice medicine on their own terms.  Dr. Stephanie earned her Medical Degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and her Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Stephanie also completed a Geriatrics Fellowship at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. She obtained her Masters of Business Administration at Auburn University.For more from Dr. Freeman check out:www.drstephanieicu.comor FB / IG / Twitter /YouTube:  @DrStephanieICU***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Stephanie Freeman,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.

Dr. Fernando is back to give us an update as we enter into 2022.We discussed all things...- Omicron- Vaccine safety for kids- Boosters- Travelling safely- Navigating the holidays- Predictions for 2022For more information from Dr. Fernando check out:www.chiraj.com

Each year 1 in 5 women will experience a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and so many others.  Women are twice as likely as men to experience any of those conditions, yet are less likely to seek treatment for their symptoms.Barriers to women accessing help include cost / lack of insurance, lack of awareness to treatment options, lack of time, lack of accessible resources and stigma.   My guest today is on a mission to destigmatize women's mental health issues and help improve access to high quality, compassionate care with her virtual model.  I had a great conversation with Dr. Carly Crewe about assessing our mental health, identifying and regulating our emotions and how maternal mental health affects our parenting.   We loved having this discussion and hope it helps you!***************In this episode, Dr. Carly Crewe and I discuss Emotional Regulation and Positive Parenting including answers to the following questions:- Why did Dr. Crewe begin to work with women's mental health?- Do our body and mind know the difference between low level stressors and catastrophic, life-altering stressors?- What are some ways we can assess our own mental health?- What is a safe amount of information to share with our children?- What is positive parenting and how does it differ from traditional / attachment parenting?- How can we help children learn to regulate their emotions?- Why do we have such a low tolerance for stress and distress?- What is the one, really simple thing we can do to help navigate distress?- Does practicing mindfulness or grounding techniques for low level stressors translate to helping us cope with larger scale stressors?- Is it 'dove' or 'dived'? ***************Carly Crewe, MD CCFP is a Canadian-trained and certified family physician. She is a mom to twin toddlers, modern day nomad and MD Psychotherapist specializing in women's mental health. Dr. Crewe is the CEO and Owner of Eunoia Medical Clinic, an innovative and dynamic virtual clinic that provides comprehensive treatment of mental health disorders in women by an extraordinary team of female family doctors.Carly hosts the 5-star rated Mind Over Motherhood Podcast where she shares practical and down-to-earth insights on all things mindset, motherhood and mental health. Dr. Crewe is an Amazon best-selling author and her book You Are Not Your Anxiety is currently available on CarlyCrewe.com and online retailers worldwide. As a mental health consultant and content creator, Dr. Crewe contributes to various online publications and works with health authorities across the country.After the birth of her twins in 2016, Carly struggled with significant postpartum mental illness. Through therapy, mindset work, self-care and medication support, she was able to come out the other side armed with a myriad of strategies and approaches to help others. Carly now calls a 31-foot RV “home” with her husband Ryan, twin girls and two rescue dogs.For more from Dr. Crewe check out:www.carlycrewe.comor IG:  @carlycrewe***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Carly Crewe,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.

Losing a loved one is one of the most painful human experiences.   The grief that follows can be deep and prolonged.  But there are skills we can learn to help us when grief of any kind finds us.  I absolutely loved conversing with and learning from AmarAtma Khalsa about Grief, Loss and Resilience.  We hope this episode brings you some hope!***************In this episode, AmarAtma and I discuss Healing Pain from Grief including answers to the following questions:- How did AmarAtma become a Chaplain, Minister and Grief Coach?- What is grief?- Does grief end?- How do you teach someone to grieve before they have ever experienced loss?- Why is it important to grieve changes?- How is emotional release / letting go helpful in the grief process?- How do we cope with loss, expected vs. unexpected?- What is anticipatory grief?- What are the lifestyle practices we can use to help with grief?- How can you support someone who is grieving?- What are things we should NOT say to to someone in grief?- What about the holidays and milestones?- Is grief cumulative?- What are secondary losses?- How does the mind affect the body?- How can practicing mindfulness help before and after a loss?- How can grief coaching help before, during and after a loss?*************** AmarAtma Khalsa is a Grief Coach with certification as an advanced grief recovery specialist. He has spent the better part of the decade supporting people transitioning out of this life, families grieving their loss, and hospital staff experiencing burnout as a board-certified Chaplain and an Ordained Sikh Dharma Minister.AmarAtma completed his Chaplain residency and fellowship in Phoenix, AZ, at an inner-city trauma-1 university hospital specializing in trauma, critical care, and palliative care services. Along with his degree in Ministry, AmarAtma holds a Masters degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. AmarAtma has evolved this rarified education and professional experience blending trauma-informed practice, mind-body-spirit medicine, and emotional resilience into a virtual, 1:1 grief support program providing much-needed care to grievers with actionable and practical steps towards grief recovery.For more from AmarAtma check out:www.amaratmakhalsa.comor IG:  @amaratmakhalsa***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: AmarAtma Khalsa,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.

Have you or someone you love experienced grief?   We all have.  We usually think about grief as it relates to the loss of a loved one.   But in today's episode Dr. Yvonne Ator and I are discussing grief as it relates to all the other types of loss we may encounter...  the loss of a job, a friendship, your health, a marriage, a child going away to college, the ability to bear children, and so many more.  Dr. Ator is passionate about helping people, especially physicians, thrive through their grief and move forward with meaning.    It is such a great conversation and is so relevant to what so many of us are experiencing.  We hope you enjoy it!***************In this episode, Dr. Yvonne Ator discuss Thriving Through Grief including answers to the following questions:- How did Dr. Ator become interested in coaching people through burnout, grief and loss?- Other than death of a loved one, what sorts of situations or circumstances can cause grief?- What strategies can we learn to meet grief and move past it?- What is DABGA?- Why is it important to go through different phases of grief?- What are adaptive vs. maladaptive ways to grieve?- What is the difference between numbing and comforting?- Why is it important to incorporate moderation into our grieving process?- Why is it so hard to identify what we need?- How can we grieve in a way that supports us?- How does grief help us heal?- What happens if we don't process grief in a healthy way?- How can grief be intentional?- Is there an appropriate amount of time to grieve?- Why is self-compassion so important during the grief process?- How can you utilize grief to move forward or make meaning?- How do we remain nonjudgmental toward those experiencing loss or grief?***************Dr. Yvonne Ator serves as a personal and executive coach for mission-driven physicians. A Certified Facilitator of the Daring Way and Dare To Lead from Brene Brown, she is also a certified in other coaching methodologies including Personal and Executive Coaching Positive Psychology and Unbeatable Mind Coaching (Mental Toughness and Emotional Resilience training from Retired Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine). She is passionate about creating wholehearted culture in medicine and helping physicians thrive in their personal and professional lives without succumbing to compassion fatigue, disillusionment or burnout while making their positive impact in the world.As the Founder of Thriving Physicians and Thriving Idealist, she has spent the past several years coaching mission-driven Physicians and other helping professionals who desire to serve and lead sustainably and thrive in their personal and professional lives while making their positive impact in the world without succumbing to disillusionment, moral injury, compassion fatigue or burnout. As a sheepdog for sheepdogs, she equips helpers and leaders struggling with overwhelm, overwork or feeling stuck with tools and resources to master themselves so they can live authentically and serve to their fullest potential. Yvonne is also passionate about creating daring leadership and courage cultures in the workplace.Born in England, raised in several states in Nigeria and the United States, Yvonne was the quintessential idealist who wanted to change the world through medical mission. However, after finding herself at a crossroads, overwhelmed and compassion-fatigued as a new mom having to choose between her mental health and burnout in the medical profession she had sacrificed everything for, Yvonne became an avid advocate for physician wellness, courageous service and leadership, suicide prevention and a more wholehearted culture in the workplace.After losing her comatose dad during a physician strike and finding herself homeless, divorced and financially destitute, Yvonne realized the pitfalls of bu

Have you or someone you love been prescribed a benzodiazepine like Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Librium, Restoril or Klonopin?Did you know that they:- are among the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medications in the U.S.?- have significant potential for physical dependence and addiction?- can cause life-threatening overdose or withdrawal syndrome?- should be tapered and not stopped abruptly?My guest today is on a mission to educate and inform patients and physicians about benzos!***************In this episode, Cardiologist Dr. Christy Huff  & I discuss Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome including answers to the following questions:- What are benzos used for?- How did Dr. Huff start benzos?- What are the possible side effects of benzos?- What are the symptoms of benzo withdrawal syndrome?- How can a patient become more informed about possible side effects / adverse effects of medications?- What is the best way to stop taking benzos?- What is the difference between physical dependence and addiction?- How did benzo dependence affect Dr. Huff's life as a physician and a mom?- Why did it take so long and such a extensive medical workup to determine that Dr. Huff's symptoms were being caused by benzo withdrawal?- How did Dr. Huff eventually come off of Xanax?***************Christy Huff, MD, is a cardiologist and director of Benzodiazepine Information Coalition, a nonprofit that educates about the adverse effects of prescribed benzodiazepines. Dr. Huff attended medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern where she graduated Alpha Omega Alpha. She completed an internal medicine residency at Washington University in St. Louis and a cardiology fellowship at U.T. Southwestern, with a focus in advanced cardiovascular imaging and noninvasive cardiology. Dr. Huff is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, and was a private practice cardiologist in Fort Worth,Texas until 2011, when she became a stay-at-home mom after the birth of her daughter..Dr. Huff experienced benzodiazepine adverse effects and injury firsthand after three weeks of prescribed Xanax use for insomnia in 2015. Over a three-year period, she slowly tapered off benzodiazepines utilizing Valium, and suffered a protracted and disabling withdrawal. Her personal experience led her to realize the serious risks of these medications and the severity of the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, neither of which were emphasized during her medical training. Dr. Huff specifically advocates for better education of physicians regarding the adverse effects of benzodiazepines and how to safely taper patients off these medications.For more from Dr. Huff check out:www.benzoinfo.comor IG:  @christyhuffmdIG: @bzinfocoalition***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Christy Huff,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.

If you live in a human body, this show is for you.  And if you haven't heard about Trauma Informed Care, you should learn about it now as it will change the way healthcare is delivered to our patients.  Trauma is not a specific event.  It is an experience or the way someone experiences an event.  The experience of trauma or traumatic events become part of our biology. Therefore the Trauma-Informed approach to healing is to first give our bodies the tools to deal with the negative impact of trauma.In this episode, Preventive & Addiction Medicine Physician Aimie Apigian from Trauma Healing Accelerated & I discuss The Biology of Trauma including answers to the following questions:***************- Who should listen to this conversation?  (Answer: anyone in a human body)!- What is trauma?  - Is trauma limited to major catastrophic events or ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)?- Why does Dr. Apigian consider trauma an experience and not just an event?- How and where is trauma stored in the body?- How do we modify the way trauma has affected the body?- What are the three states of the nervous system?- When and why can therapy be harmful? - Can therapy be valuable?- What is somatic body work and how is it done?- What is calm aliveness?- Why is it so impotant to ask about experience?- How do our experiences relate to health/wellness or illness/disease?- How do we incorporate trauma-informed care into our healthcare model?***************Dr. Aimie is a Board-Certified Preventive and Addiction Medicine Physician with a Double Masters in Biochemistry and Public Health. She specializes in trauma, attachment and identifying and reversing the effects of stored emotions in the body and on our health.Having personal experience in foster parenting, adopting and then her own chronic fatigue and autoimmune issues, she has discovered that negative life experiences become our biology, not just psychology. Compromising every system in our biology, these stored emotions cause inflammation, digestive issues and contributes to all disease and aging. Stored emotions become the biggest thief to our health, happiness and aliveness without us ever knowing.A 2-time Summit Host, she is the founder and director of Family Challenge Camps, a weekend intensive for families, and founder and CEO of Trauma Healing Accelerated where she provides education and courses for those wanting to hack their survival systemsand accelerate their healing journey from trauma to achieve their best mental and physical health. Her courses include experiential courses for the general public on shifting The Biology of Trauma and a certification coach for those in a healing profession to have more tools for understanding and addressing the Biology of Trauma.For more from Dr. Apigian check out:www.traumahealingaccelerated.com***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Aimie Apigian,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.

In this episode, Sex Therapist Dr. Melanie Modjoros & I discuss Getting Your Sexy Back After Breast Cancer including answers to the following questions:***************- What is a sexual medicine counselor and how did Dr. Modjoros become one?- Why are patients, especially women, reluctant to discuss dissatisfaction in their intimate / sex lives?- How can medical issues contribute to or exacerbate intimacy / sexuality issues?- What are the primary intimacy / sexuality issues related to living with / surviving cancer?- How does Dr. Modjoros help women get back to accepting and loving their bodies after the shock and trauma of cancer and its treatment?- What kinds of non-physical relationship and communication issues can arise surrounding cancer and its treatment?- How can we keep or regain the excitement surrounding intimacy and sex?- What kinds of resources are available for couples living through cancer?***************Dr. MeLanie Modjoros is an Internist/Womens' Health Specialist who pivoted to a career as a sex therapist. In 2014, she founded Sexual Health Consultants, a sex therapy practice dedicated to healing sexual dysfunction and promoting sex positivity. Her additional training has included Certification in Sex Counseling from AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists) as well as Certification as a Professional Hypnotist from the ICBCH (International Certification Board of Clinical Hynotherapy). Dr. Modjoros provides therapy to individuals and couples who have challenges with sexual identity, sexuality expression, desire, arousal, compatibility, and/or redefining sex in the context of changing health or illness (pregnancy, aging, cancer, chronic pain). She uses traditional counseling modalities as well as hypnosis to help her clients release shame, guilt, and anxiety, which clears the pathways for them to reach their personal goals. Dr. Modjoros is also passionate about teaching sex positivity and providing education about how the mind and body interact to create the sexual experience. She frequently presents on the mind-body connections and management of anxiety and sexual challenges at local, national, and international conferences. Her mantra is "Sex is a gift from your body to you."For more from Dr. Modjoros check out:www.sexualhealthconsultants.com***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Melanie Modjoros,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.

In this episode, Board Certified Public Health & Preventive Medicine Physician Dr. Jordana Rothschild & I discuss The Biology of Stress including answers to the following questions:***************- Is stress harmful?- What is the physiologic mechanism of stress?- How does stress change the body?- How does the body adapt to stress?- Does the body know the difference between life-threatening stress and small stressors?- Can we retrain our brains to reduce our stress?- What is DISTRESS?- What are some lifestyle changes we can make to better handle our stress?- What can families do to maintain less stressful lives?- How do Americans become a healthier, less-stressed-out nation?***************For more from Dr. Rothschild check out:Web: www.alpinehealthmd.comFB: Alpine HealthFB Group: Alpine Health CommunityIG: @mindful.majorLinkedIN: Jordana Rothschild Email: wellness@alpinehealthmd.com***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Jordana Rothschild,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.

In this episode, Family Physician Dr. Catherine Harmon-Toomer & I discuss Patient Self-Advocacy including answers to the following questions:***************- How did Dr. Toomer's own health scare lead her to a career as a patient advocate coach?- Why does Dr. Toomer use weight loss / management as the center of her practice?- Why don't patients visit a Lifestyle Medicine or Preventive Medicine doctor before they become ill?- Why do patients with multiple medical problems sometimes have difficulty coming to a diagnosis or feeling satisfied with the overall management of their care?- Why is it important for your doctor to be a good problem solver?- How do you find a doctor who is aligned with your goals for your care?- How can patients advocate for themselves?- What is the bio-psycho-social approach to healthcare?- Where do you begin to evaluate patients who have been to many other specialists but have not come to a diagnosis?- Why are patients frustrated with their healthcare?- What can patients do to make their doctor's visit valuable and efficient?- How can improving communication lead to improved healthcare?- How can advocating for yourself change the direction of your care?- What should you do when you feel your symptoms are being minimized or you feel like you're not getting proper care?- Do all hospitals have a patient advocate I can reach out to if I can't advocate for myself?- How did Dr. Susan Moore's illness, hospitalization and death amplify the need for patient advocacy?- How do systemic racial, gender and social injustices contribute to gaps in patient advocacy?- What can healthcare workers do to cultivate a patient-centered environment? ***************For more from Dr. Toomer check out:Web: www.chtoomermd.comFB: facebook.com/c.harmon.toomer.mdIG: instagram.com/toomer_mdTwitter: twitter.com/dr_toomer_mdClubhouse: @cathyT.md***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Catherine Harmon-Toomer,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.

In this episode, Intimacy Expert Dr. Alexandra Stockwell & I discuss Uncompromising Intimacy including answers to the following questions:- Why is it taboo to talk about sex and intimacy?- Do we have to choose between a stable, supportive friendship type of relationship and a fiery, passionate one?   Or can we have it all?- How does the show Sex / Life reflect the loneliness and isolation that can develop in a relationship over time?- What happens when the romance in a relationship starts to fade?- What are some strategies to experience sensory pleasure in all aspects of our lives?- What are some non-verbal techniques that we can use to reignite passion in our intimate lives?- How do we begin to reconnect with what we want and need?- How can we gain confidence in asking our partners for what we need?- What are some ways to become more adventurous with intimacy?- What is the role of sex toys, erotica, and porn?- Why is faking orgasm harmful to a healthy sex life?- How can purity culture affect women's expectations of sex life?- Aside from modeling a healthy relationship, what are some strategies to guide our children, especially adolescents towards health intimate lives as adults?- What other resources are available to help us continue to explore our intimate selves and grow our intimate relationship?***************Alexandra Stockwell, M.D. is a Luxury Love and Intimacy Mentor, known as “The Intimacy Doctor.”  She specializes in showing couples how to build beautiful, long-lasting, passionate relationships.   She is the bestselling author of “Uncompromising Intimacy” and host of the highly acclaimed The Marriage Podcast.For over 20 years Alexandra has shown men and women how to bring pleasure and purpose into all aspects of life--from the daily grind of running a household, to clear and intimate communication, to ecstatic experiences in the bedroom.A wife of 25 years and mother of four, Alexandra believes the key to passion and fulfillment, intimacy and success, isn't compromise--it's being unwilling to compromise--because when both people feel free to be themselves, and know how to love and be loved for exactly who they are, the relationship is juicy, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.Alexandra has been featured in the Huffington Post, Rolling Stone, USAToday, Cosmopolitan, Business Insider, FOX NEWS NYC, and many other publications.Dr. Stockwell is a graduate of SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine and completed a  Family Medicine Residency at the UMass-Worcester.  She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and has worked exclusively on zoom for years, coaching clients throughout the United and States and all over the world.***************For more from Dr. Stockwell check out:www.alexandrastockwell.comIG: @alexandra.stockwell.intimacy@themarriagepodcastFB:Alexandra Stockwell, MD***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Alexandra Stockwell,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.

In this episode, Board Certified Family Physician Dr. Nicole Swiner & I discuss The Superwoman Complex including answers to the following questions:- How did Doc Swiner realize she was burned out?- How does the stress of trying to do it all relate to illness?- How are busy people supposed to find more time for self care?- What are some strategies to optimize your productivity and thus leave more time for self-care?- How do you find / make time for self-care?- How can you optimize your work / life balance?- How can starting a business / side gig help you find MORE time?- How do you start a side business?- What parts of my life can I look to change in order to improve my time currency?- How can you use your expertise to create a side gig teaching others?***************C. Nicole Swiner, MD, known as “DocSwiner,” is a Family Physician, 6-time best-selling author, speaker, publisher, wife and mom. She was voted as one of the 10 Best Doctors in North Carolina and is known as the “Superwoman Complex” expert. She has written two best-selling books on the topic. She loves taking care of the family as a whole and helping those suffering from stress, work life imbalance and imposter syndrome follow their own #nosuperwo(man) lifestyle.  Her interests include minority health, women's health, self-care and entrepreneurship.DocSwiner's passion is making medicine “plain” to her patients, so that all people, from all walks of life, can understand how to take better care themselves. ***************For more from DocSwiner check out:www.docswiner.comIG: @realdocswiner@swinerpublishingcompany@serenityhydrationwellness FB:@docswiner***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Nicole Swiner,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.

In this episode, Board Certified Ob/GYN Dr. Hajira Yasmin & I discuss Menopause & Treatment Options / Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) including answers to the following questions:- What is menopause?- How are women with symptoms of menopause evaluated?- Should women be expected to just live with symptoms of menopause?- Why is lifestyle so important to the menopausal woman?- How do hormones affect overall health?- What can we do to prepare for menopause?- What are the non-medication treatments (vitamins, supplements, herbs) and do they work?- How are hormones delivered and monitored?- What is the difference between birth control pills and HRT?- What are the different types of HRT?- Why did HRT get a bad rap?- What are bioidentical hormones?- How does bioidentical HRT differ from synthetic HRT?- Is HRT FDA approved?- What are the risks associated with HRT?- Can cancer patients / survivors take HRT?- What is the role of the partner of a woman going through menopause?***************Dr. Hajira Yasmin is a Board-Certified OB/GYN with expertise in Sexual Medicine as an AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor and North American Menopause Society Certified Menopause Practitioner. She has obtained Sexual Medicine Fellowship in Women's Health with International Society for Study of Women's Sexual Health and training as a Sexuality Counselor from the University of Michigan.Dr. Yaz has over two decades of experience in the field of OB/GYN having practiced in India and England.  She completed her OB/GYN residency from Magee Women's Hospital, University and then practiced in Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS) for over 10 years delivering babies and performing uro-gynecologic, laparoscopic and a robotic gynecology surgeon. She was instrumental in starting the Gynecology Robotics Program in the hospital.In addition, she is a sexuality educator and served as a Lead Faculty and Adjunct Assistant professor at University of Wisconsin, Madison to teach medical students about general OB/GYN, niche topics in sexual and menopausal medicine.  With her continued passion and postgraduate training in menopause and sexual medicine, she was the Founding Physician and Medical Director of Women's Intimacy clinic under the umbrella of Marshfield Clinic Health System. Here she served women with perimenopause/menopause concerns, restoring physical intimacy in cancer survivors, treating pain concerns in vulva/vagina and pelvis. Dr. Yasmin sits as an active board member of Advocacy Committee and Membership Committee for the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) to promote women's sexual health awareness at national and international levels.Dr. Yaz specializes in treating perimenopause, menopause hormonal balance, sexual dysfunction in women, vulvovaginal pain disorders, skin disorders of vulva, pelvic pain and restoring physical intimacy during survivorship care after cancer.For more from Dr. Yasmin check out:www.alraymd.comIG- @yasmingynomdFB page- Alray Direct Gynecology & Intimate Health***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr. Hajira Yasmin,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.

In this episode, dietician-turned-Board Certified Family & Lifestyle Medicine Physician Dr. Lynn Stiff & I discuss Intuitive & Mindful Eating including answers to the following questions:- Why did Dr. Stiff go to medical school after becoming a dietitian?- How does our lifestyle affect our health?- What is Lifestyle Medicine?- How does LIfestyle Medicine differ from Integrative Medicine?- Can supplements & botanicals dangerous?- How are your nutrition & weight related to your overall health?- How do Intuitive / Mindful Eating differ from traditional diets?- How do we lose diet mindset?- How do we stop assigning good / bad value to foods?- Why does a restriction mindset lead to overindulgence?- How does acceptance of a negative thought release you from guilt and shame?- Can we be healthy at smaller & larger body weights?- Can we change our body's weight setpoint?- What are some Lifestyle Medicine approaches to improving health?- How do nutrition, activity, sleep, emotional health, connectedness & risky behaviors affect our overall health?- Why is it important to have a primary care physician?***************Dr. Lynn Stiff is a dietitian-turned-physician passionate about empowering patients to reach their health goals. She has seen firsthand the consequences of suboptimal diet and lifestyle choices while caring for patients riddled with chronic disease in the clinic and hospital. The true path to wellness is through addressing all areas of health – nutritional, physical, psychological and environmental.Dr. Stiff knows that restrictive diets and more willpower are not the answer to improving our health. The false hope provided by the diet industry has resulted in a weight-biased society and health care system. This bias serves as a huge barrier to achieving complete wellness and preventing disease. Instead, Dr. Stiff takes a realistic and empowering approach to wellness. Through education, tools and support, Dr. Stiff provides evidence-based approaches to disease prevention that are sensible and sustainable.Dr. Stiff is board certified in Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine. She is also currently enrolled in the Integrative Medicine Fellowship at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. She is employed full time at a Family Medicine residency and manages the educational platform Nutrition Health Life on the side.For more from Dr. Stiff check out:blog: nutritionhealthlife.comIG: @nutrition.health.lifeFB: @nutrition.health.lifePodcast: Medicine for Life (on all major platforms) - https://nutritionhealthlife.com/medicine-for-life-podcast/***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please like, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music like I do, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr. Lynn Stiff,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily Newman VM,my love, Michael.

In this episode, Board Certified Internist  Dr. Kara Pepper and I discuss Recovering from Burnout & Perfectionism including answers to the following questions: - How do women begin to assess who we are , what we like and what we want to do?- How do we find our calling?- Why do we allow ourselves to live with a certain level of discomfort?- How do we identify, acknowledge & honor our needs?- What is burnout?- How do we deal with shaming from other people, especially other people who are in a similar situation (like fellow moms, colleagues, etc)?- How do we deal with uncertainty?- How do we release pressure and deal with expectations that come from our family members / elders?- How do we deal with criticism from others?- How do we approach / stop negative self-talk?- How can we give ourselves permission to address our own needs?- How can we identify what we want?- How do we take the leap and pursue what we want, especially if it's a major change in plans?- How do we know what we are feeling is not just a mid-life crisis?  Do other women feel this way?Hear my choke up around 25:50 when I talk about how my kids view me....- Where can we find confidence to make a change?- How do we know what to do next?- Is it alright if our path looks different than we planned?- What really is self-care?- How do we identify what type of self-care will restore us?- How can we set work boundaries when so many of us are working from home?- How does regular self care make us more efficient and productive?- How do we set boundaries with tech - texts, emails, work obligations?- How do we know we need a coach vs. therapist?- What are some action steps perfectionists can take towards making peace with perfectionism?***************Dr. Kara Pepper is a practicing Primary Care Internist and Certified Life Coach in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Pepper rebuilt her life and career after burnout.  She now supports high achieving women love the life they worked so hard to create. She provides one-on-one and group coaching, leads retreats, and speaks on topics surrounding burnout, perfectionism, impostor syndrome, and wellness / career transition.For more from Dr. Pepper check out:www.karapeppermd.comFB, IG, Twitter: @karapeppermd***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please like, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music like I do, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr. Kara Pepper,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily Newman VM,my love, Michael.

In this episode, Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician Dr. Anne-Caroline Norman and I discuss Preparing for Common Family Emergencies including answers to the following questions: - Is COVID improving and will we be able to travel again soon?- What are the most common family emergencies we can prepare our home and family for?- What do we need to prepare for wound care, allergic reactions and pain?- What supplies should we bring when travelling?- How do we know a situation is an emergency? - How do we decide when to call 911 for assistance?- How do we know whether to go to an ER or urgent care?- What information should we always have available for paramedics or the ER doctor?- What questions should we ask of your children's friends' parents or visitors to your home?- How can we prepare for emergencies in a public setting?- How can we keep our elderly family members safe?- How do we approach an emergency when we are alone?- What can we do to help the ER doctors and optimize an ER visit? - Why do we have to wait when we come to the ER?- What exactly happens during an ER visit?- Why don't we always get a diagnosis in the ER?- What should we know by the time leave the ER?- Why is it so important to follow up with our primary care doctor?- Why is it so important that our family members know our wishes for end-of-life care?- What is the utility of telemedicine in helping to triage emergencies?- How can we best advocate for ourselves and our family members during an ER encounter?***************Dr. Anne-Caroline Norman is a Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician who has practiced in an academic teaching hospital, a community hospital and in urgent care. She completed her undergraduate degree in sunny California at Stanford University.  After a gap year traveling with a backpack, sleeping bag and a tent in South America, she completed an MD and an MBA, at Duke University.  Dr. Norman did a year of research at the National Institutes of Health, and then completed her residency at Duke University.  She recently relocated to Naples, Florida and has been enjoying outdoor adventures with her husband and four children.***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please like, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music like I do, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr. Anne-Caroline Norman,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily Newman VM,my love, Michael.

In this episode, Board Certified Pulmonologist and Mindfulness teacher Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang and I discuss Mindfulness and Meditation in Medicine including answers to the following questions: - What is Integrative Medicine?  -  How does it differ from Complementary and Alternative Medicine?- How did Dr. Liang's personal experience with cancer lead her to become a mindfulness instructor?- How did Complementary and Integrative Medicine help Dr. Liang during her cancer and treatment?- What is mindfulness and how does it help treat disease?- How does one begin to incorporate mindfulness into their medical treatment plan?- How does mindfulness differ from meditation and mindset?- What are some examples of mindfulness techniques?- Who is an ideal candidate for mindfulness education?- Can mindfulness be used to augment the treatment of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression?- What kind of services does Dr. Liang offer?- What resources are available to learn mindfulness?- Where can we find wellness centers that incorporate Integrative Medicine and mindfulness?***************Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang is a mother of two, cancer survivor, board certified pulmonologist and mindfulness teacher.  She is the Director of Pulmonary Integrative Medicine at Coastal Pulmonary Associates affiliated with the Scripps Health Network in Encinitas, CA .  She maintains a Voluntary Assistant Professor of Medicine appointment at UCSD as a volunteer pulmonary attending for the UCSD Medical Student-Run Free Clinic for undocumented and underserved patients.   She has presented and led workshops and retreats locally and nationally on mindfulness, physician well-being, and integrative and pulmonary medicine to a variety of audiences inclusive of all levels of medical trainees, faculty physicians, healthcare administrators, and patients. She has published articles in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, as well as KevinMD. She is the youngest and first woman of color to receive the American Lung Association San Diego Lung Health Provider of the Year Award 2019 and is a recipient of the inaugural Outstanding Mother Awards 2019 and has been named a San Diego Top Doctor in Pulmonary Medicine in 2017 and 2019. She is CEO of Awaken Breath, LLC,  Founder of the Mindful Healthcare Collective and Co-Founder of the Mindful Healing Collective, providing free online mindfulness sessions to heatlhcare professionals and the general public during the global pandemic and beyond.For more from Dr. Liang check out:www.awakenbreath.orgMindful Healers PodcastIG: @ncliangmdTwitter: @DrNiChengLiang***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please like, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music like I do, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edwardmy intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily Newman VM,my love, Michael.

In this episode, Board Certified Pediatrician & Sleep Expert Dr. Nilong Vyas and I discuss Healthy Sleep for Infants and Children including answers to the following questions: - How can expectant families prepare to welcome baby home? - Whats is the best way for  families develop good sleep habits from the birth? - Do newborns need a sleep schedule?- Is it possible to breastfeed and create a healthy sleep schedule?- Does sleep training, or the Cry-It-Out Method, work?  Is it harmful? - How does sleep affect health later in life?- Why is healthy sleep so important?- What kind of evening routine is most conducive to a smooth transition to sleep? - Do medications like melatonin and Benadryl help with sleep?- Should parents and children co-sleep? ***************Dr. Vyas is a Board-Certified Pediatrician, Public Health Specialist, and sleep expert. Getting your baby to sleep is one of the most controversial, contradictory, and confusing aspects of parenting.  She is knowledgeable not only of the common sleep approaches but more importantly, has a pediatric medical knowledge base so she can fully evaluate the child and family.   Her patients and clients adore their sleep doctor because she considers everything when giving advice knowing that sleep is not a solitary issue but is intimately related to with child's nutrition, development, day-to-day schedule, and holistic wellbeing. Dr. Vyas takes your personal parenting goals into consideration when she formulates an individualized plan for your family.Though Dr. Vyas is based in New Orleans, LA (thus Sleepless in NOLA) she sees clients virtually so she can help you regardless of your location, nationally or internationally.She is a proud mother of two very precocious boys who are incredible sleepers and eaters!For more from Dr. Vyas check out:www.sleeplessinnola.comand on FB and IG @sleeplessinnola***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please like, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music like I do, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr. Nilong Vyas,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edwardmy intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily Newman VM,my love, Michael.

In this episode, Board Certified Cardiologist Dr. Nicole Harkin and I discuss Whole Heart Health including answers to the following questions:- How do you identify and reduce cardiovascular risk if you have a strong family history? - How much does stress contribute to the development of heart disease and what can we do to reduce stress?- Does heart disease really begin in childhood?- How do we encourage more young people to engage in a heart healthy lifestyle?- Which diet is best for our heart and how much alcohol can/should we drink?- Is there a metabolic benefit to intermittent fasting?- In the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular disease, is there a place in for non-traditional treatments and therapies such as supplements, antioxidants,  acupuncture, reiki, herbs?***************Dr. Harkin is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Clinical Lipidology.  After completing medical school at Boston University, Dr. Harkin received her Internal Medicine training at NYU and Cardiology fellowship at Columbia University.  She is the founder of Whole Heart Cardiology, a preventive telecardiology practice. She is passionate about preventing heart disease through healthful, sustainable lifestyle changes. Dr. Harkin is based in San Francisco, but she is available for consultations to patients in CA, NY, and FL.For more from Dr. Harkin check out:www.wholeheartcardiology.com and on IG @nicoleharkinmd***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please like, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music like I do, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr. Nicole Harkin,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edwardmy intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily Newman VM,my love, Michael. 

In this episode, Dr. Kim D'Eramo and I explore EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique - to Reverse Pain, Illness and Fatigue.  Dr. D'Eramo explains how EFT works, how to do it yourself and gives us additional resources to further our knowledge and experience with EFT. *****************Kim D'Eramo, D.O.  is a board certified Emergency Medicine physician who attended residency at Emory University.   She is a conscious physician, bestselling author of The MindBody Tool Kit, and founder of The American Institute of MindBody Medicine. Dr. D'Eramo was able to heal a severe autoimmune disease during medical school when doctors told her she would be on medications for life. She has now developed a new way of practicing medicine internationally to introduce others to the infinite medicine within. Her MindBody Medicine practice incorporates her understanding of conventional medicine and her awareness of the deeper energies that affect health. Dr. D'Eramo assists clients all over the world through her coaching, online courses and group retreats.For more from Dr. D'Eramo check out:Web: www.DrKimD.comFB: MindBody CommunityIG: @drkimderamoYT: Dr. Kim D'Eramo*****************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please like, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music like I do, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr. Kim D'Eramo,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edwardmy intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily Newman VM,my love, Michael. 

In this episode, Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Rajeev Fernando and I discuss COVID-19 including answers to the following questions:- How did the pandemic start and how did it get so bad?- How did Dr. Fernando get involved in public education on coronavirus?- How is the US doing with the vaccine program?- How do we reach herd immunity?- What do we need to be able to return to normal?- When will we be able to travel internationally?- Are the vaccines safe? Were they rushed to production?- Do children have more natural immunity to coronaviruses?- Is it safe to send our children back to school? *Note: some figures may not be current as this show was recorded in March 2021.***************Dr. Fernando is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases. He currently works as a hospitalist and coronavirus specialist at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan, Dr. Fernando has spent the last year educating the public on COVID-19. His global health charity Chiraj supports several important causes including providing menstrual hygiene products to young women in India, sober living homes to women on Long Island, resources to women battling Zikavirus in Brazil and masks to underserved communities worldwide. In July 2021, he will begin a Disaster Medicine fellowship at Harvard University!For more from Dr. Fernando check out:www.chiraj.com and www.maskupearth.com***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please like, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music like I do, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr. Rajeev Fernando,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edwardmy intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily Newman VM,my love, Michael. 

In this episode, Board Certified Trauma Surgeon Dr. Nii Darko interviews ME.  Together we discuss:- Why I decided to start a podcast,- What is Osteopathic Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulation,- What is the difference between and M.D. and a D.O. - What is the difference between a D.O. and a chiropractor,- How Preventive Medicine and Therapeutic Lifestyle changes can help you live a healthier life, - What are the goals of the podcast,- How patients can find reliable information, become advocates for themselves and accomplish their health and wellness goals.***************Dr. Nii Darko is a Board-Certified Trauma Surgeon who is pushing the limits beyond medicine. He holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine D.O. from Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences and a M.B.A. in Health Care Leadership from Rockhurst University. He completed his General Surgery residency at Morehouse School of Medicine, during which he was featured on CNN's Grady's Anatomy special. He went on to complete a Trauma/Surgical Critical Care fellowship at the University of Miami. In addition, he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Dr. Darko hosts Docs Outside the Box podcast featuring ordinary doctors living extraordinary lives and focusing on money, mindset, and mission. He is also the bestselling author of 3,2,1…Podcast – The Beginner's Guide to Building Brand Authority Through Podcasting, and he's helped other doctors find their own voices through his popular podcasting course, 10 Days to Podcasting. Dr. Nii has done medical humanitarian work in Ghana and serves as a mentor for the Tour for Diversity in Medicine. His newest venture is Equal Access Health, a locum tenens company that helps doctors achieve the lifestyle they deserve and have always wanted.For more from Dr. Darko check out:www.drniidarko.comand on FB and IG @drniinarko***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please like, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music like I do, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr. Nii Darko,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy & confidence booster: Edwardmy intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily Newman VM,my love, Michael.