Refine Your Health Podcast

Since early May 2022, cases of monkeypox have been reported from countries where the disease is not commonly seen, including the United States. Therefore, this podcast episode focuses on providing a better understanding of the recent outbreak of the monkeypox virus, such as what is monkeypox, how it spreads, symptoms and preventative measures.  Please do not forget to subscribe to the podcast.  Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth  

May is considered National Asthma and Allergy  Awareness Month!  Asthma is impacting the lives of millions of Americans. Listen to this episode to learn some important information about asthma such as causes, risk factors and management  In addition, you will learn about some of the health disparities ,which  impact certain  ethnic groups with asthma when compared to others.  Congrats to  you on  listening to  this episode and taking the steps to improving your health.    Resources as referenced in episode:  Instruction for inhaler use:  https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/inhaler_video/default.htm Asthma action plan:  https://youtu.be/dvcBapdEFaU Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

Multiple Myeloma is the second most common blood cancer in the general population.   Check out this episode to learn more about this condition such as who is impacted the most by this disease, sign and symptoms, and the management of this disease.    Resources from the Multiple Myeloma Foundation: https://themmrf.org/resources/   Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth    

February is American Heart Month! Check out this latest episode to learn about a particular type of heart failure, congestive heart failure (CHF). This episode will provide you with quick information about congestive heart failure, such as who is at risk, symptoms  and ways to improve outcomes and even possibly decrease the risk of developing this health condition.  Share this episode with others in support of Heart Month!   Resource Link for Heart Failure referenced in episode: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/heart-failure-tools-resources   Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth  

Are you confused about what type of masks provide what type of protection? You are not alone! Check out this episode to learn about the recently updated guidelines about masks from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).  In addition, you likely will learn what will be the best mask option for you to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.   Resource regarding counterfeit respirators: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/usernotices/counterfeitResp.html   Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth          

Do You Need Some Om In Your Life? Check out this episode to learn about yoga and some of its health benefits from my exciting interview with an expert, Deverell Austin.  Deverell Austin is a Yoga Teacher and Speaker, passionate about integrating yoga into schools, households, corporations and the healthcare system as a preventative and restorative medicine. Mr. Austin has been teaching Yoga for over a decade, and he has journeyed throughout Asia, Africa, South America, and the continental U.S. discovering and immersing himself in local healing practices, eventually innovating his unique self-care / self-love style. You can follow Deverell Austin on Instagram @yogiposture and possibly take one of his Yoga classes via the resources provided below Resources below to learn more about Yoga and access to different Yoga classes & Instructors as mentioned in this episode: Black Boys Om https://www.ompractice.com/studios/blackboysom/ Black to Yoga https://www.blacktoyoga.com/ Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth        

Is heartburn the same as reflux? Check out this episode to learn the answer! Reflux is a common medical condition experienced by many individuals in the United States. This episode will provide you with beneficial information about the causes, management and potential long-term complications of reflux. Congratulations on taking the steps to a healthier you.  Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Check out the episode to learn about who and when individuals should be screened. In addition, learn about the types of screening and the benefits of screening. In addition, please don't forget to check out my prior episode: episode #-5 Basics of Breast Cancer to learn more details about the disease and its impact on individuals.  Please click on the link below referred to in this episode to learn more about the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP).   https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/screenings.htm Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month! As I celebrate my one year anniversary of this podcast, I think this is a great topic to discuss for this special month. You will be able to gain some great insight about sickle cell including what is sickle disease, who is at risk,  and possible treatments. In addition, you will learn more details about sickle trait and is it considered  synonymous with sickle cell disease.  Thanks to all of my awesome listeners and please continue to share the podcast with others and continue to leave your positive reviews.  Your continued support is truly appreciated.    Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth Website links referenced in episode:  Facts about Sickle Disease - https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/materials/factsheets.html Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. - https://www.sicklecelldisease.org/get-involved/events/national-sickle-cell-awareness-month/#

August is considered National Immunization Awareness Month! This episode will focus on why vaccines are important. In addition, you will learn more  about the recommended vaccines from infancy into adulthood. Hopefully, this episode will assist you on your journey to a healthier you. Please make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you can get the latest episode as soon as it is released.  Below is the Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool mentioned in the episode provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC):  https://www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultimmsched   Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth  

Whether it is a establishing care with a new physician or having a routine visit with your primary care physician/specialist , this episode is for you. Yes, showing up for your office visit may be half the battle, but there are some additional factors that play a role in making sure that you are prepared for your next office visit.  As you take the next steps to a healthier you, check out this episode to learn some quick tips to be prepared for your next doctor's visit and/or information you can pass on to family and friends.  This episode will assist you in taking an active role in your healthcare journey.     Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth  

Many adults in the U.S. report lack of the appropriate amount and quality of sleep.  Check out this episode to find out about the appropriate amount of sleep for your age, risks of insufficient sleep and ways to improve your sleep habits. Congratulations to you on taking  the 1st step toward a healthier you! Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth Resources referenced In episode: Sleep Diary Form Download link- https://sleepeducation.org/resources/sleep-diary/ Quick Sleep Tips -https://sleepeducation.org/healthy-sleep/healthy-sleep-habits/      

In continued support of Men's Health Month, which is recognized the entire month of June. This podcast episode focuses on Low-T or what is considered low testosterone. Statistics reveal that about 2 men in every 100 may have low-T? Could that be you?  Check out the episode to learn more about low-T including signs and symptoms, testing and possible treatments.  Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

June is Men's Health Month! This episode will focus on high cholesterol, which often impacts men at an earlier age than woman.  Check out this episode to learn about what is high cholesterol and why it considered bad.  In addition, learn about potential risk factors, ways to manage and possibly prevent the  development of high cholesterol. Congratulations to you on taking the journey to a healthier you.    Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

May is considered Mental Health Awareness Month!  In support of this month, this episode focuses on the mental health of our children throughout the U.S. and how their mental health may have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.   For this episode, I interviewed  Dr. Cotrane Penn, a psychologist and the Executive Director of Student Wellness & Academic Support for one of the largest school districts  in the country along with Mrs. Amanda Jones, a middle school counselor, serving in the same school district as well.  Both of these amazing professionals provide great insight on this subject and how possible resources and interventions may be helpful. Please don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so that you can have access to newest episode as soon as it is available. Resources from the Episode:  Mental Health America https://www.mhanational.org/ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/ Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

Gout affects more than 3 million Americans. Gout is a form of arthritis. Check out this episode to find out why gout occurs, risk factors, and possible ways to manage it. Congratulations on taking the steps to a healthier you.  Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

Are you Stressed? Life is full of stressors. Some stress is normal and can even be good in certain situations. However, when stress becomes chronic, this is when stress can poorly impact your overall health. Check out this episode to learn about the different types of stress, how it can impact your health, and ways to possibly manage stress.  Hotlines referenced during episode & website information:  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ 1-800-273-8255 National Domestic Violence Hotline:  https://www.thehotline.org/ 1-800-799-7233 Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth  

April is considered National Financial Literacy Month! The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many individuals in many ways. One of the major ways that COVID-19 has impacted many lives in the U.S. is through their personal finances. The stress of finances can have an impact on your overall physical health. Check out this episode to hear my discussion with Ms. Deidra Willis, a certified financial planner, to gain understanding about your current financial health status and learn about some potential ways to improve your financial status in the midst of a pandemic.    Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for Mortgage & Housing assistance: www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/mortgage-and-housing-assistance For those interested in contacting Ms. Willis for consultation, please see info below: Ms. Deidra Willis, CFP, CLU  - Financial Advisor  Website: deidrawillis.nm.com   and click on contact me and complete short form   Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth            

Millions of people in the United States have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and many don't have it under control. This is a major concern! Check out this episode to find out why. Moreover, you can learn about the basics regarding high blood pressure, ways to potentially decrease the risk of developing high blood pressure and learn about how it is often managed.   Link below is for information on the DASH diet mentioned in this episode: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dash-diet#foods-to-eat Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth          

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month! Colon Cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in the U.S. and the 2nd leading cancer that causes death in the U.S. Check out this recent episode to learn some quick information about risks factors, sign & symptoms and most importantly prevention measures.   Please check out the link  below for the American Cancer Society for more info about support groups and colorectal cancer as referenced during episode.  https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer.html  Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth      

February is American Heart Month! Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women, especially coronary artery disease (CAD) in the U.S. Listen to this episode for my amazing discussion with Dr. Denzil Harris, a board certified cardiologist and chief of cardiology for a major hospital system. In addition, Dr. Harris serves as the cardiologist for a professional basketball team. Dr. Harris interests are in cardio-oncology and sports cardiology. This episode focuses on understanding heart disease from how it occurs, risks and its management, including understanding preventative measures. Check out this episode to begin your journey to a healthier you.   Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth      

Weight is an issue that many people often deal with daily. Many have questions about  what is considered a healthy weight, overweight and/or obese. Obesity is a chronic disease.  For this episode, I have a great discussion with Dr. Avishkar Sabharwal, a board certified physician in Obesity & Lifestyle Medicine. We discuss different related topics from what is obesity to its impact on your overall health. In addition, we discuss how obesity is managed.  Please subscribe and download podcast episodes and provide a 5 star review if you find the content helpful. Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform.Refine Your Health Podcast https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealthDr. Avishkar Sabharwal has a podcast focused on obesity. Please see link below:https://decodingobesity.com/listen/

January is Thyroid Awareness Month!  There are many types of thyroid conditions. This  episode will focus on hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a common medical condition. Listen to this episode to learn some quick and basic information about the disease. In addition, please check out the link below from the American Thyroid Association website to learn more about other thyroid diseases along with additional information about hypothyroidism.https://www.thyroid.org/Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform.Refine Your Health Podcast https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth 

 January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!  Cervical Cancer is one of the most preventable female cancers.  Check out this episode to learn the basics about cervical cancer such as screening recommendations, signs and symptoms and preventative measures.  Below is the link referenced in the episode for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/screenings.htmBelow is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform.Refine Your Health Podcast https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

We are in the midst of flu season during a global pandemic. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), an average of 26 million people in the U.S. are infected with the influenza virus annually. This is an alarming statistic with the rising number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. This episode will focus on quick facts to know about influenza during this season, and how it compares to COVID-19 to better protect yourself.  Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast  streaming platform.Refine Your Health Podcast https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

More than 34 million Americans have diabetes. In addition, another 88 million have prediabetes.  In both groups, many don't know that they have it! Diabetes has impacted  so many lives. November is American Diabetes Month.  Understanding diabetes doesn't have to be complicated. Check out this episode to learn some simple but easy facts  to remember about diabetes. In addition, this episode will provide great information to live healthier with a diabetes diagnosis and possibly decrease the risk from developing the disease at all.  Together we can defeat diabetes! Below is the link for the website referenced during the episode for excellent resources.American Diabetes Association website linkhttps://www.diabetes.org/Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast  streaming platform.Refine Your Health Podcast https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth 

There is an overwhelming amount of information about COVID-19 including COVID-19 testing, use of antivirals and monoclonal antibodies in its management.  In addition, there has been recent and significant media coverage about a COVID-19 vaccine on the horizon via Operation Warp Speed. My discussion with Dr. Christopher Barnes, Postdoctoral Fellow at the California Institute of Technology, helps to simplify much of this information because of his groundbreaking research of SARS-CoV-2 better known as COVID-19.  By listening to the episode, you will be able to gain great insight into the path of how the world is looking into combating the COVID-19 virus.Please leave a 5 star review if you find this episode helpful and subscribe to receive the recent episode as soon as it is available!Below is a link to share with friends and family to like the Refine Your Health Facebook Page for access to great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform.https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

These are not normal times! These are trying times! As a result, it can affect your overall mental health especially during a pandemic. My discussion with Dr. Chanda Mayers-Elder, psychiatrist, is a great way for us to begin to navigate this time of unchartered territory.  Let's become mentally healthy together because we are worth it!Please check out the resources below referenced in episode for assistance: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):  https://www.nami.org/HomeEssential Community Services: Dial 2-1-1  (covers roughly all 50 states)National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233https://www.thehotline.org/ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP(4357)https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helplineNational Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453)https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/  

Breast Cancer can affect both women and men. However, it is the most common cancer in women except for skin cancer.  Check out this episode to gain insight and obtain the basic knowledge on a complex topic, such as Breast Cancer. Please click on the link below referred to in this episode to learn more about the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP).  https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/screenings.htm

Prostate Cancer is the second major cancer in the U.S. affecting men. However, it is not discussed as much compared to other cancers. This episode peels back the layers of this disease to raise awareness for men and to make women aware of a cancer likely to strike the men in their lives. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/prostate-cancer#DiagnosisCopy and paste url link above in address bar -will take you to Urology Foundation page, then go to Screening section and click on hyperlink for Prostate Screening Assessment tool to download and print as discussed in episode.

We take a look at how extremely different Covid-19 has impacted the elderly versus the younger population and how we can potentially address these issues.

There continues to be an increase in the positive cases of Covid-19 in U.S. We take a look at some of the myths circulating about  Covid-19 and how to combat these myths to decrease the spread of Covid-19 in the U.S. and globally. 

We take a look at how Covid-19 has disproportionately affected minority and underserved populations across the U.S. and what are some of the possible solutions to address this issue.

A quick introduction about the podcast and your host, Dr. Deon.