"The Change." "Ovarian Retirement." "Private Summer." "Reverse Puberty." "Second Spring." There are many ways society describes perimenopause and menopause, both positive and negative. But while we sit down with preteens to give them "The Talk" about how their bodies will change during puberty, there isn't an analog for 35-year-old women facing their next transition. In this episode, we talk with a gynecologist who specializes in menopausal medicine about what that second "Talk" might sound like so women (and the men in their lives) can be more informed about the transition and get proper care and support when they need it.Expert: Dr. Erin Manning, GynecologistInterviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-WeberNotable topics covered:Is menopause really a second puberty?The difference between menopause and perimenopauseThe common and not-so-common symptoms of perimenopauseHow treating menopause symptoms has changed over timeThe controversy around hormone therapy — and why its use is resurgingNon-hormonal medications & lifestyle changes to help manage perimenopausal symptomsAre there long-term health issues associated with not treating perimenopausal symptoms?Is there a link between menopause and dementia?"Doctor, I think I'm in perimenopause" — framing the conversation, advocating for yourselfWhy testing hormone levels isn't an accurate gauge for diagnosing or treating perimenopauseAre the newer telehealth startups, at-home tests, devices and supplements helpful or hype?Why you should have a second "The Talk" with your doctor to not fear menopauseIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Fatigued? Libido fading? Muscle wasting away? You’re the perfect candidate for testosterone therapy, at least according to those seductive TV commercials. There’s certainly an ample market, with more than 1 in 3 men older than 45 suffering from a deficiency in the hormone responsible for masculine characteristics. But is low T therapy really a fountain of youth? Who really benefits from it? And is it safe? In this episode, we talk to a urologist about what’s often called the male menopause and when replacement therapy is the appropriate response. Expert: Dr. Nathan Starke, Urologist Interviewer: Todd Ackerman Notable topics covered: Does too much testosterone really cause “roid rage?” Is declining testosterone inevitable? What are normal levels? Natural ways to boost your testosterone The symptoms that warrant going in for a blood test  Why testosterone use tripled in the century’s first decade Types of prescription testosterone: injections, gels, patches and, now, pills Have concerns about heart side effects been debunked? The connection between testosterone and prostate cancer Testosterone’s little-known precipitous drop: impending fatherhood The causes of low testosterone The difference between testosterone therapy and performance-enhancing steroids If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

There’s no shortage of advice on the internet about how you should approach skin care. Whether it’s celebrity GRWM (Get Ready With Me) videos, influencers promoting their skin-care companies or Big Beauty targeting you with social media ads, we’re inundated with messaging about how to care for our skin — especially if antiaging is a concern. In this episode, we speak with a medical aesthetician who shares what works and what doesn’t when it comes to all things skin care: antiaging, devices, procedures and more.  Expert: Annie Christenson, Licensed Medical Aesthetician  Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber Notable topics covered: The surprising steps of a bare-bones healthy skin-care routine Why skin care is like exercise  Tretinoin vs. over-the-counter retinols: Is one better than the other? You’ve seen the ads — are teledermatology startups a good option? How to know when products work for your skin type What it’s like working with a medical aesthetician The at-home skin-care devices worth buying  How long you should wait to see results from your skin-care routine  Microneedling, dermaplaning and other skin-care treatments  Do collagen supplements work?  The red and green flags for finding a skin-care professional to work with Aging gracefully with little intervention is a valid choice If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Think you don't need to worry about your blood sugar? It's time to reconsider. A shocking 1 in 3 adults over age 20 have prediabetes, an early warning sign that there's too much sugar in the blood. What's more, nearly 80% of people are unaware they have the silent precursor to type 2 diabetes. In this episode, we discuss the factors that put you at greatest risk and the steps to take when it comes to managing blood sugar and preventing diabetes.Expert: Dr. Archana Sadhu, EndocrinologistInterviewer: Katie McCallumNotable topics covered:What is blood sugar, what is prediabetes and when do you need to worry about it?All about glucose regulation, insulin resistance and how type 2 diabetes developsWhy you should eat fruit rather than drink fruit juiceWhen and how often should we be getting our blood sugar checked?The factors that increase the risk of prediabetes and warrant earlier screeningDr. Sadhu's three keys to maintaining healthy blood sugar levelsWe used to be hunters and gatherers, now we're processed food eatersSimple vs. complex carbs: How each affects blood sugarContinuous glucose monitors: Should someone without diabetes consider wearing one of these devices?Diabetes prevention in a bottle? What you should know about blood sugar supplementsIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

If the phrase "heart-healthy diet" makes you think of poached chicken and steamed vegetables without salt or seasoning, you're not alone. But eating to improve heart health — whether to control blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels or slow coronary artery disease — doesn't mean signing up for a lifetime of bland food. In this episode, we explore the different ingredients, simple swaps and best cooking methods to help achieve our health goals without sacrificing one of life's great pleasures — enjoying delicious food.Expert: Amanda Beaver, Registered DietitianInterviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-WeberNotable topics covered:Do you need to fear sugar in a heart-healthy diet?The salt shaker isn't your enemy — discover the true culprit for excess sodium intakeTips & tricks to shopping for (and cooking with) ingredients from the grocery store's middle aislesSea salt, iodized, Kosher, Himalayan pink: Is one better than the other?Why you should revisit (or bulk up) your spice drawer or cabinetCan acid make smaller amounts of salt go farther in dishes?MSG, the controversial ingredient that can add savoriness with two-thirds less sodiumHealthier choices when shopping for cooking oilWhy not all fats are bad — and the swaps that can help improve our heart healthIs there a healthier option to white table sugar?Why your mindset should be "what can I add" rather than "what I should take away"Why cooking method matters and why we should use our oven or air fryer moreIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Apologies for the bathroom talk, but we need to discuss a growing (and concerning) digestive trend. A recent study reported that almost half of all Americans are struggling with chronic gastrointestinal issues. It’s also estimated that 1 in 3 of us wouldn’t discuss our symptoms unless our doctor asked us about them first. Yikes. In today’s episode, we cover those bathroom questions you’ve been too hesitant to ask about yourself. Expert: Dr. Eamonn Quigley, Gastroenterologist Interviewer: Katie McCallum Notable topics covered: The undeniable increase in digestive issues From top to bottom, a list of the GI problems that can affect the body The digestive “red flags” that should never be ignored Other GI symptoms you shouldn’t wait to seek care for The interesting connection between your brain and your gut Lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity: How common are they really? Where to begin if you think the problem is your diet Can food allergy and microbiome tests provide answers? The effectiveness of digestive supplements, probiotics, prebiotics and more Signs that antacids, laxatives and other over-the-counter treatments aren’t enough If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

You may think of colorectal cancer as an older person’s disease, but over the last 30 years rates in people younger than age 50 have increased by 50%. Indeed, for people under 50, colorectal cancer is now the No. 1 cause of cancer death in men and the No. 2 cause in women, behind only breast cancer. Why are cases jumping?  What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? And how can you reduce your risk? In this episode, we talk with a colon and rectal surgeon about the alarming trend that’s something of a mystery even to doctors. Expert: Dr. Tareq Kamal, Colon and Rectal Surgeon Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber Notable topics covered: Is colorectal cancer more aggressive in younger people than those over 50? Are the risk factors different for those diagnosed at younger ages?  Learn the symptoms of colorectal cancer – and whether they differ among age groups The current screening recommendations for colorectal cancer & how they’ve evolved  Colorectal cancer screening tests – which may work for you? Colonoscopy: What to do if you’re anxious; is prep that bad? What colorectal cancer treatment plans can look like  What younger people are being misdiagnosed with when they’re experiencing colon cancer How to advocate for yourself if you are having symptoms What people of all ages can do to help lower their risk of colorectal cancer  If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

It’s been called the most common and serious condition you’ve never heard of. Metabolic syndrome, which afflicts an estimated 1 in 3 U.S. adults, occurs when the body’s metabolism is disrupted, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Why is it on the rise? What triggers it? And how can you boost your natural metabolism to prevent the condition? In this week’s episode, we talk to an endocrinologist about why some people can eat so heartily without gaining weight, how much of metabolism is genetic and which groups are most at risk of developing metabolic syndrome.  Expert: Dr. Laila Tabatabai, Endocrinologist  Interviewer: Todd Ackerman  Notable topics covered: Is a fast metabolism always preferable to a slow one? The surprising ages when metabolism slows — and doesn’t slow The counter-intuitive effect of starvation diets on metabolism Should doctors more routinely test patients for metabolic rate? Whether pills that claim to boost metabolism work The ties between fertility and metabolic health The cluster of risk factors that indicate metabolic syndrome Insights from metabolic health research that can help people shed weight Best exercise for speeding up metabolism — aerobic or strength training? The best diets to prevent metabolic syndrome Why middle-aged women have a harder losing weight than men If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

The phrase “Got milk?” has taken on new meaning in recent years. Cow’s milk hasn’t gone anywhere of course, but the options have expanded to also include soy milk, almond milk, oat milk — even milk made from peas. Whether it's going in your coffee, cereal, oatmeal, smoothie or a glass by itself, which type is best for you? In this episode, we “pour over” everything there is to know about traditional and plant-based milks.Expert: Kelly Gaines, Wellness DietitianInterviewer: Zach MooreNotable topics covered:Whether milk really builds strong bonesPasteurized, homogenized, filtered: What does it all mean?Is whole milk too high in fat? And more questions about cow’s milk, answeredWhat does “organic” mean on a milk label anyway?Ultra-filtered milk: Too good to be true?How to think about milk if it’s just going in your coffeeMoo-ve over dairy milk: A plant-based milks deep diveIs almond milk as healthy as its proponents claim?Some plant-based milks have protein and added sugar problemsThe plant-based milk Gaines recommends the most and leastIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Are supplements helpful, harmful or just a waste of money? Is avocado toast the healthiest choice at brunch? Can you lower your blood pressure without taking medications?Hosted by Zach Moore, Katie McCallum, Todd Ackerman and Kim Rivera Huston-Weber, On Health with Houston Methodist is a podcast for the health conscious, curious and even skeptics out there. Each week, your hosts are joined by a Houston Methodist expert to explore an everyday wellness trend or significant health topic.If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

It’s no secret that America is facing an obesity crisis. But is there hope on the horizon? The new wave of weight-loss medications — Wegovy and Zepbound  — certainly seem to be game changers. Whereas previous options helped people lose only around 5% of their weight, these new medications can lead to up to 22% weight loss. But you’re not alone if you have questions. In this episode, we discuss everything we know (and don’t yet know) about the new class of weight-loss medications.Expert: Dr. Garth Davis, Weight Loss SurgeonInterviewer: Zach MooreNotable topics covered: How weight-loss medication compares to bariatric surgeryWeight-loss medications vs. supplementsThe many reasons why losing weight often isn’t as simple as diet and exercise How the new wave of weight-loss medications workAll about GLP-1 agonists, including why achieving “the GLP-1 effect” promotes weight lossWho should consider taking these medications? And are they covered by insurance? Just one tool to get weight off: why diet and exercise still matterWill you need to stay on this medication forever?How these medications also benefit heart health, type 2 diabetes management and moreThe potential side effects of weight-loss medicationsIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Statistics show nearly 2 in 5 U.S. adults have high cholesterol, the excess of fat in the blood that can raise the risk of heart disease. For decades, people were told that foods high in cholesterol — eggs and butter, for example — were the major culprits. Now dietary cholesterol is thought to play only a minor role. So what are the real causes of high cholesterol, which lab results are most meaningful and what can you do to improve your numbers? In this episode, we talk to a preventive cardiologist about the revolutionary new thinking regarding cholesterol.Expert: Dr. Khurram Nasir, CardiologistInterviewer: Todd AckermanNotable topics covered:The essential functions cholesterol serves in the human bodyHow too much cholesterol sticks to the arteries and wreaks havocShocking statistics about people's lack of cholesterol awarenessLDL, HDL, triglycerides: what they mean, how important each isAre high levels of so-called good cholesterol actually not good?How often is cholesterol a result of genetics? How much is under your control?New kid on the block: lipoprotein(a) as an emerging risk factorWhat are the best diets for keeping cholesterol in the desired range?The heart scan that tells whether you might not need cholesterol testingStatins: Should more people be on them? Can you ever get off them?If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Running may get all the hype, but walking is Americans’ favorite form of exercise, according to numerous surveys. It’s low-impact, free and easy to get started, and it provides both long-term health benefits and the chance to unwind and recharge. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just getting started, how much do you really know about the popular form of exercise? In this episode, we learn what matters most when it comes to using walks to better your health.Expert: Jonathan Williams, Fitness CoordinatorInterviewer: Zach Moore                      Notable topics covered: The varied health benefits of walking What makes for a good walk? Why walking posture matters (and what it should look like) Think walking is pretty basic? The way you plant your feet is important Is it better to walk fast or walk far? What type of walk is best for weight loss? Heart health? Mobility? The number of steps per day we should aim to reach Walking shoes: what to consider If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

There’s a lot to consider when deciding what’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Food choices often come down to personal and cultural tastes, our dietary needs and other factors such as time, money and access. And then there’s always the big, looming question: Is this food healthy for me? There’s only one way to find out: reading the food labels, including the Nutrition Facts. We discuss what you should (and shouldn’t) focus on as you debate whether that box of crackers goes into your shopping cart.  Experts: Mag Ayyad, Clinical Exercise DietitianInterviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-WeberNotable topics covered:Why you should turn that food packaging aroundThe top five things to look for when reading the Nutrition FactsHow to use serving size effectivelyMacronutrients:  What you should eat more of and what you should limitIs the “Percent Daily Value” metric helpful or hurtful when evaluating a food?How to tell how natural a product is (or isn’t) and other lessons from the ingredients listYes, front-of-packaging label claims are regulated, but that's not the whole story ...Which grocery aisles are the most deceptive in portraying themselves as healthy?Buying organic: Are the supposed benefits worth the higher cost?Are expiration or best-by dates canon, or just mere suggestions?What to do if you need extra help with your dietIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Achy knees that creep up on you with age. Lower back pain from overdoing it in the gym. Joint pain doesn’t just disrupt your day to day, it can be tricky to course correct. Should you stop exercising for a few days? Modify your workouts until the pain resolves? Could extra stretching and foam rolling do the trick? And when is it time to see a physical therapist? In this episode, we discuss all things joint pain, including effective strategies for relieving and preventing it. Experts: Dr. Scott Rand, Sports Medicine Physician Corbin Hedt, Physical Therapist Interviewer: Katie McCallumNotable topics covered: Muscle soreness vs. joint pain vs. injury: How to tell the difference The most common reasons we develop joint pain Could the cause of your knee pain be hiding in your hips? More examples of how joint pain often isn’t as simple as the area in question Can you be genetically predisposed to joint pain? Everything you need to know about physical therapy “Your muscles aren’t tight, they’re weak.” Are foam rollers and massage guns worthwhile? The surprising percentage of people who have back pain Workout rule No. 1: Don’t neglect the basics If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

It’s Halloween, which caps a month of people watching their favorite scary movies, braving haunted houses and generally celebrating all things spooky. Is it normal to seek out things that frighten us? Aren’t we wired to avoid them instead? The mix of chemicals the brain releases is no different whether the fear is real or fictitious so what accounts for the difference between getting a rush and feeling terrorized? In this episode, we talk to a neuroscientist and Halloween enthusiast about what happens in the brain when we’re scared, the many distinct types of fear and why people either love or loathe the horror genre.  Expert: Dr. Philip Horner, Neuroscientist Interviewer: Todd Ackerman Notable topics covered: The appeal of a holiday dedicated to curdling blood and tingling spines Horror’s function: distraction, adrenaline release, overcoming fears Safety in numbers: Why we like watching a scary movie in a crowded theater Why humans, uniquely among species, are afraid of the dark Common phobias: From heights to public speaking to spiders to needles Children’s literature: Why many classic fairy tales are so dark Fear’s physical manifestations: Is it unhealthy to be terrified? What fight or flight situations and existential anxiety have in common   Some classic scientific studies of fear Is that seemingly universal fear innate or learned? The woman whose brain condition has made her fearless. Literally. Nightmares: Why things that didn’t scare us in life do in our dreams  If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

An estimated 80% of moms experience “mom brain,” the forgetfulness and concentration difficulties that come with pregnancy and motherhood. Ask a mom to describe the condition and she might mention anything from having a hard time finding words and engaging in conversation to lapses in judgment, missed appointments and emotional breakdowns. Science hasn’t quite caught up with how impactful mom brain can be on a woman’s work-life balance … yet. To understand what we know and what we’re still learning about mom brain, we talk to a clinical psychologist who is also a mom to two young girls.  Expert: Dr. Jessica Rohr, Clinical Psychologist, Director of Women’s Mental Health Interviewer: Melissa Schafer  Notable topics covered: Mom brain isn’t just a colloquialism: How the brain changes during pregnancy Why objective research findings don’t always match the subjective experiences of moms Why mom brain research is in its infancy: A deep dive into the historical exclusion of women in medical studies Whether “dad brain” also exists Neuroplasticity: One of the benefits that comes with the cognitive changes in motherhood Does mom brain ever go away? Navigating the shift from seeking perfection to simply being a good person and mother What spouses, loved ones and friends can do to support a new mother How to reframe conversations like, “I want you to want to do the dishes.” Tips, tools and workarounds for overcoming the challenges of mom brain If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

There's a reason headache is considered slang for "nuisance" or "annoyance." Simply put, they can wreak havoc on your day — or life, if you get them often. We're all bound to experience a headache at some point, but some people — 1 in 7 globally — suffer from migraine, the usually recurrent, particularly throbbing version. Migraine is considered the third most common condition in the world, but it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. So how do you know if that nagging headache is actually a migraine — and what you can do about it? In this episode, we learn when it's time to get help as we talk all things migraine with a neurologist.Expert: Dr. Julia Jones, NeurologistInterviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-WeberNotable topics covered:What is a headache, what is a migraine, and where is there overlap? Which headache types are most often confused with migraine Migraine causes compared to other headache types The most common (and not-so-common) migraine triggers Do other conditions make people think they have migraines when they don't? When to seek care for headache or migraine What home remedies work for managing a migraine Migraine treatments — both for active migraines and preventive treatments What can people do to prevent migraines? Can someone be "cured" of migraines? If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Almost half of adults have high blood pressure — the “silent killer” — so you’re not alone if you’re concerned yours isn’t in a healthy range. Medication might seem the obvious course of action, but it’s not the only way to lower your numbers, whether they’re already in the dangerous zone or just starting to creep up. In fact, there’s a lot you can do to prevent and lower high blood pressure — and even get off medication if that’s your goal. In this episode, a preventive cardiologist explains how the choices you make every day affect your blood pressure and offers strategies for maintaining healthy numbers.Expert: Dr. Sadeer Al-Kindi, Preventive Cardiologist Interviewer: Katie McCallum Notable topics covered: How high blood pressure’s effect on arteries resembles pipe corrosion in the oil industry It’s not just stroke and heart disease – high blood pressure can also affect the kidneys and brain The lifestyle factors that help prevent and lower high blood pressure It’s never too late to reverse high blood pressure The single best thing you can do to lower your blood pressure Whether behavior changes are enough to help avoid or get off blood pressure medication Is vaping as bad for blood pressure as smoking? You may not think you’re getting that much salt, but are you reading food labels? How much you can expect your blood pressure to drop if you get down to a healthy weight Actionable ways to achieve the lifestyle needed to maintain a healthy blood pressure If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Most everyone knows acute inflammation, that short-lived redness and swelling that characterizes the healing process in response to injury or infection. But you may not be so familiar with chronic inflammation, a low-grade, insidious condition linked to the biggest killers of Western world, including heart disease, stroke, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. A constant state of immune system overactivity, chronic inflammation is all but invisible, meaning people typically don't know they have it until disease has developed. Are there telltale signs? And what can you do to prevent it? In this episode, we learn about the condition the World Health Organization ranks as the greatest threat to human health.Expert: Dr. Joshua Septimus, Primary Care PhysicianInterviewer: Todd AckermanNotable topics covered:What we know about how chronic inflammation causes disease Why it took so long for low-grade inflammation to come into the chronic disease spotlight Do the "-itises" (sinusitis, colitis, tendonitis) have anything to do with chronic inflammation? The link between processed food and the risk of low-grade inflammation The best test to determine if you have chronic inflammation Are there pharmaceutical treatments targeted at chronic inflammation? It's not just what you eat — the other factors that can promote low-grade inflammation Does being significantly overweight always predispose a person to chronic inflammation? The best dietary approach to prevent chronic inflammationIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.