Medical podcast where you learn how to better care for yourself.
Description: Many of us stop breathing every night in our sleep without even knowing it! Listen to this episode on why you should be aware of sleep apnea even if you feel like you sleep fine; there can be life-or-death consequences. For further learning check out:
Description: Everyone knows that their DNA makes them uniquely them. But this chemical molecule has profound impacts on our health that scientists are only beginning to grasp. Listen to our primer on human genetics and wonder at what amazing medical breakthroughs may be waiting around the corner. For further learning check out: https://www.wellonpod.com/episodes/genetics-how-your-dna-affects-your-health
Description: The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 has exceeded our expectations and caused staggering numbers of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Do we need to deal with Omicron differently from prior strains? What comes next? Could there possibly be light at the end of this dark tunnel? Note: This episode was recorded on 01/27/2022. For the most up-to-date information and guidance on the COVID-19 pandemic, please refer to the CDC and your local state health department. For further learning go to: https://www.wellonpod.com/episodes/covid-19-update-or-what-is-an-endemic
Description: Traveling is not always as simple as just going. In this pilot episode for a new series, discover why proper planning is key for enjoying your next international trip in good health. https://www.wellonpod.com/episodes/travel-medicine-series-part-1-preparing-for-an-international-trip
Description: Telemedicine has come and is here to stay. Do you know best practices for meeting with your medical provider over video? What kinds of visits are especially suited for telemedicine, and which should be done in person? Our primer answers all these questions and gives you tips for a smooth, effective, and safe virtual healthcare experience. For further info check out: www.wellonpod.com/episodes/the-ins-and-outs-of-telemedicine
Description: Yet again, another COVID-19 variant enters the world stage. Could Omicron possibly overtake its predecessor, Delta? In this episode, we discuss what we know and do not yet know about this novel variant and equip you with an understanding of what to look out for in the news in the coming days. In light of this development, should you and your child get vaccinated or boosted with an mRNA vaccine? Do the benefits outweigh the risks? Here we give you the facts so you can make an informed decision for you and your loved ones. Note: This episode was recorded on 11/30/2021. For the most up-to-date information and guidance on the COVID-19 pandemic, please refer to the CDC and your local state health department. For further learning check out: https://www.wellonpod.com/episodes/covid-19-update-december-2021-omicron-variant-booster-expansion-and-vaccines-for-children
Description: It is commonly known that physicians perform colonoscopies to diagnose patients with colon cancer. It is less known that colon cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer death and that there are other methods besides colonoscopy (e.g., stool tests) to screen for colon cancer. Tune in to learn why the best method of colorectal cancer screening is the one you follow through with. Note: In the episode, we mentioned that some organizations recommended colorectal cancer screening starting at age 50, which was true at the time of the recording. However, as of later in 2021 all major clinical guidelines have been updated to recommend starting at the earlier age of 45. For further learning check out: https://www.wellonpod.com/episodes/colorectal-cancer-screening
In Case of Emergency: - If you are having thoughts of ending your life, please call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK), a free, confidential, 24/7 support for people in distress: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Information on mental health services, including a free, confidential, 24/7 phone line that provides referrals specific to your geographical area and mental health situation: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - You can also refer to your local government for information on their publicly funded mental health resource systems (e.g., Community Services Boards) Description: This episode is all about one of humanity's most common ailments: anxiety. We discuss how to recognize and treat anxiety as well as how to support loved ones who struggle with worry and fear. For further learning check out: https://www.wellonpod.com/episodes/anxiety
We wrap up our series on Heart Health by inviting on our first guest, Dr. Zain Sultan (https://doctorzainmd.com)! Obesity, a major driver of cardiovascular disease and death, has become a global pandemic. Learn how excess weight affects the body, and some tips and tricks to help you lose weight so you can live a long and healthy life. For Help with Body Image and Eating Disorders: Mental health struggles can lead to weight gain, or vice versa. Sometimes, eating disorders develop that can cause a lot of suffering and even be dangerous. If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder, please visit one of the following resources to get help. - National Institutes of Health (NIH): National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Eating Disorders: About More Than Food: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders [Note: Overview on different types of eating disorders, treatments, and how to find help.] - National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): Body Image: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/body-image-0 - SciShow Psych: The Very Real Consequences of Weight Discrimination: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do_zld2dS1M In Case of Emergency: - If you are having thoughts of ending your life, please call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK), a free, confidential, 24/7 support for people in distress: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Information on mental health services, including a free, confidential, 24/7 phone line that provides referrals specific to your geographical area and mental health situation: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - You can also refer to your local government for information on their publicly funded mental health resource systems (e.g., Community Services Boards) For further learning go to: https://www.wellonpod.com/episodes/title-heart-health-series-part-5-finale-obesity
Description (updated with disclaimer): The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine recently received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA for use as a booster in certain populations. Learn more about what this means for you and how the different demands of political action and scientific research resulted in a complicated public health situation. We also discuss the current status of COVID-19 variants, exciting treatments, and what this year's flu season might look like. Note: This episode was recorded on 10/01/2021. For the most up-to-date information and guidance on the COVID-19 pandemic, please refer to the CDC and your local health department.
Description: The harms of tobacco smoke go beyond the lungs and involve the heart, too. Learn how tobacco skyrockets our risk of many lesser-known complications including heart disease. In this episode, we bring advice and encouragement for anyone who wants to quit smoking. For further learning check out: www.wellonpod.com/episodes/smoking
The Heart Health Series moves on to discuss diabetes, another major player in heart health. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can damage many parts of the body and lead to premature death. Learn how you can prevent and get treatment for diabetes to live your healthiest life. For further learning check out: http://www.wellonpod.com/episodes/diabetes
Description: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common contributor to heart disease. But uncontrolled hypertension can damage many other parts of the body as well. In this second installment of our Heart Health Series, get ready to finally understand what those blood pressure numbers mean and how you can keep them in a healthy range. For further learning check out: https://www.wellonpod.com/episodes/HIGH-BLOOD-PRESSURE
Description: Heart disease is the leading cause of death across the globe. But do you know the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, and how to respond to each one? What role does cholesterol play in heart disease? In this first installment of our Heart Health Series, meet one of your most vital organs and learn how to care for it. For further learning check out: https://www.wellonpod.com/episodes/heart-attacks-amp-cardiac-arrest
The COVID-19 virus is constantly mutating. The so-called Delta variant, first detected in India, has now become the dominant variant in the United States and is starting another wave of infections. Hear from Dr. Andrew Lam about the latest updates on the Delta strain and how to combat it. For further learning check out: https://www.wellonpod.com/episodes/COVID-19-DELTA-VARIANT
Description: Do you or someone you love suffer from opioid use? You are not alone. Hear from Dr. Andrew Lam how opioids are currently responsible for an epidemic of addiction in the United States. Most importantly, learn how recovery from this disease is possible; you can save someone's life! For further learning check out: https://www.wellonpod.com/episodes/the-opioid-epidemic-andother-treatments-for-pain
Description: As warm-blooded creatures, humans have to fight to keep our bodies from overheating. Losing this battle could have deadly consequences! In this episode, Dr. Andrew Lam teaches us about the amazing ways our bodies cope with the heat and how we can safely enjoy the summer months. For further learning check out: https://www.wellonpod.com/episodes/heat-illnesses
Description: Paying for healthcare in the United States can be a nightmare. Without health insurance, most healthcare is impossible to afford, but shopping for a health insurance plan can be almost just as daunting. With terms like premium, deductible, copay, and coinsurance, it can be hard to sift through the variety of insurance plans and companies that are available. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Lam breaks down the overall principles of health insurance and provides some practical tips on how to find an insurance plan that works for you. For further learning check out: https://www.wellonpod.com/episodes/how-to-use-health-insurance-in-the-united-states
Description: Most life on earth depends on energy-rich sunlight. At the same time, this high energy can be extremely harmful to our health, even causing deadly cancers. How can we navigate this delicate balance? Explore the world of invisible light with Dr. Andrew Lam and marvel at the ways that our planet and bodies have developed to harness the benefits of our star while avoiding its destructive effects. Check out https://www.wellonpod.com/episodes/the-sun-our-best-frenemy for further more resources on this topic!
In Case of Emergency: - If you are having thoughts of ending your life, please call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK), a free, confidential, 24/7 support for people in distress: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Information on mental health services, including a free, confidential, 24/7 phone line that provides referrals specific to your geographical area and mental health situation: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - You can also refer to your local government for information on their publicly funded mental health resource systems (e.g., Community Services Boards) Description: Good mental health is crucial for well-being. In this installment, Dr. Andrew Lam breaks down the stigma around depressive disorders and explains how to recognize, treat, and support people suffering from these conditions. If you or someone you know has struggled with depression, we want you to know that healing is possible! For further learning go to: https://www.wellonpod.com/episodes/depression-hope-for-the-hurting
Allergy symptoms can turn a beautiful landscape into a watery, snotty mess. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Lam talks all about allergic rhinitis and how we can combat this disease through lifestyle, medications, and cutting-edge science. Check out www.wellonpod.com/episodes/airborne-allergies for further more resources on this topic!
The healthcare system can be daunting to navigate. Join us as Dr. Andrew Lam introduces us to our main allies in this arena: primary care providers (PCPs). We discuss how your PCP serves as your personal clinician, efficiently diagnosing and treating your conditions, preventing illnesses through regular check-ups, referring you to the appropriate specialists, and striving to help you achieve your life goals. What could happen for society with PCPs at the helm?
As of March 13, 2021, three vaccines for COVID-19 are being given in the United States and many parts of the world. How do these vaccines work? With how quickly they were developed, can we trust that they are safe? Do the vaccines protect against new COVID-19 variants? Dr. Andrew Lam addresses these and many other frequently asked questions and explains how everyone can help bring about the end of this pandemic by getting vaccinated. For more resources check out: wellonpod.com
Ventilator machines are marvels of medical technology that have saved countless lives in conditions like COVID-19. Dr. Andrew Lam explains how our lungs keep our bodies running and how ventilators play a key role in treating many life-threatening diseases. We also discuss some side effects of being on a ventilator, including why it can help to consider ahead of time if you would want one in a health emergency.
The gateway to the hospital, the emergency department plays a key role in the healthcare system. Dr. Andrew Lam breaks down the purpose of emergency room care and teaches us to recognize situations that may require it, including severe COVID-19, heart attacks, strokes, and other medical emergencies. He also provides guidance for when to call an ambulance, as well as circumstances when urgent care, primary care, or even telemedicine may be adequate for your needs.
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, you may be wondering exactly what viruses are and how they affect our bodies. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Lam takes us on a tour of the invisible world of viruses, explaining how they cause illness and how our bodies fight back. Additionally, he introduces us to strategies that healthcare professionals—and all of us—can employ in our war against these ancient parasites. For further learning, check out: wellonpod.weebly.com