We’ve all come across home remedies at some point in our lives. Whether it was our parents offering ginger ale for an upset stomach or a friend suggesting local honey for allergies, there’s no shortage of at-home treatments people swear by. But do any of them actually work? In this episode, we explore some of the most popular home remedies to uncover what works and what doesn’t. Expert:  Dr. Megan Arthur, Primary Care Physician Interviewer: Zach Moore Notable topics covered: Can a frozen water bottle hack plantar fasciitis? What home remedies work for a sore throat Does a steak or bag of frozen peas do anything for a black eye? The effect of butter or coconut oil on burns, olive oil on chapped lips   Can coffee alleviate gout? MacGyver skin care: toothpaste for acne, duct tape for warts? Does vinegar actually get rid of lice?  Can ginger prevent or alleviate nausea caused by morning or motion sickness? How prunes and prune juice, love them or hate them, affect constipation  Can cranberry juice treat a urinary tract infection (UTI)? Is it OK to scare someone with hiccups? Can the bees in your area cure your seasonal allergies with their honey? The true powers of chicken soup If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Weightlifting has been around for ages, but it’s never been more popular than now, thanks in part to new research on its health benefits. The classic form of strength training — one of the cornerstones of the CDC’s exercise recommendations — weightlifting is linked to better bone strength, balance, metabolism, fat burning and cardiovascular health. Plus, it may help reduce cancer risk and even extend lifespans. But how much do you really know about it? Are you ready to start lifting? Are you getting the most out of your sessions? In this episode, we provide the lowdown on everything you need to know about what some experts call the fountain of youth. Expert: Dwight Adsit, Athletic Trainer Interviewer: Todd Ackerman Notable topics covered: Is strength training now considered more important than aerobic exercise? The rate at which muscle declines as you age The most common mistakes made by weightlifters Guidance for beginners intimidated by the prospect of lifting weights Guidance for aging lifters unsure how much weight to hoist How to maximize your workout without getting injured Which is better: machines or free weights, more reps or heavier loads? How long you should rest between sets How much does weightlifting increase your protein needs? Strength training’s underappreciated benefit: your brainIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Sinus problems are the bane of many people's existence, all that congestion and discharge, difficulty breathing, post-nasal drip, coughing, pressure. But is the issue an infection or allergies? It can be a tricky question, even for doctors, who see about 30 million people annually for sinus infections and more than 80 million annually for allergies. So what are the key distinguishing symptoms? Why is it sometimes so hard to tell the difference? And is there any overlap in the treatments? In this week's episode, we attempt to unlock the mystery of the two most common sinus ailments.Expert: Dr. Mas Takashima, OtolaryngologistInterviewer: Todd AckermanNotable topics covered:The tools sinus specialists use when severe allergies mimic symptoms of infectionsIs there a difference in the body's response to sinus infections and allergens?The study that found many chronic allergy sufferers' real issue was an infectionViral, bacterial, fungal — which sinus infection type is the most concerning?How to know if the antibiotic killed the infection when it's allergy season and you're still having symptomsStricken with a viral sinus infection? Beware follow-up bacterial infection months laterDo food allergies affect sinuses?How long is too long to have mysterious nasal symptoms?Distinguishing between long Covid and allergies or other infectionsIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

A diagnosis of coronary artery disease, or CAD, should be taken seriously. But what does this mean exactly? CAD is the most common type of heart disease — 18 million adults in the U.S. live with the condition — roughly the combined populations of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and our fair city of Houston. In this episode, we explore how we can prevent CAD from ever developing — and potentially prevent it from ever leading to heart attack or stroke.   Expert: Dr. Mahmoud Al Rifai, Preventive Cardiologist Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber Notable topics covered: What causes CAD — and who’s at risk Cholesterol: the major culprit behind the development of arterial plaque  Why someone should take a CAD diagnosis seriously The four types of heart disease prevention How cardiologists calculate your risk for heart attack or stroke Coronary artery calcium score: The CT scan that can show the severity of CAD The differences between heart disease, cardiovascular disease and CAD  Can you reverse the effects of coronary artery disease? Ways to control CAD risk factors to prevent heart attacks, stroke How to move past guilt, shame after a CAD diagnosis to change the course of the condition How to support a loved one with heart disease How stress and mental health affects your heart health  If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Body mass index, or BMI, has long been used to gauge whether a person's weight falls in a healthy range, but people are rightly wondering whether the measurement makes sense for today's world. Do we need better ways to talk about weight? In this episode, we explore what the formula does and doesn't measure, when focusing on BMI can lead to misleading conclusions and practical tips for keeping tabs on our weight.Expert: Dr. Laura Choi, Weight Loss SurgeonInterviewer: Katie McCallumNotable topics covered:Is there even such a thing as an "ideal" weight?The "ancient" history of BMI, including what it measures and why it's so widely usedThe pros and cons of this measurementThe misleading conclusions that can come from relying on BMI aloneWhy BMI is used for certain medical diagnoses and treatment plansIf not BMI, how should you think about your weight?Alternatives to BMI: Could body roundness index (BRI) be a better tool?The importance of looking at trends (not single readings) when using a smart scaleBody fat isn't all bad: The value of having some fatty tissueNumber-free ways to think about your weightIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Milestone birthdays come with new rights and responsibilities. At 18, we can vote; at 21, we can drink; and at 40, women can get their first mammogram. Adding a potentially stressful cancer screening to your yearly to-do list (on top of everything else women manage) doesn't sound like much of a gift — but getting a mammogram is crucial to detecting breast cancer early, when it's easier to treat. In this episode, we explore what getting a mammogram (and the potential dreaded callback) is really like so you can feel confident about your first, fifth or twentieth. Expert: Dr. Ainel Sewell, Breast Imaging Radiologist Notable topics covered: Why mammogram is the gold standard for detecting breast cancer When (and how often) you should get a mammogram — and the criteria to start before age 40 The surprising conditions a mammogram can detect besides breast cancer Know before you go: the time commitment, prep and whether you should schedule around your period   What a mammogram is like — from the time you step into the waiting room until the time you leave How painful is getting a mammogram, really? Do women with breast implants need to approach mammograms differently? Is it common to get a callback — or be recalled — after your first mammogram? Why consistency is key with mammograms (including where you get one) You get a callback. How that "callback" appointment may go and the additional imaging that may be needed You discover you have dense breast tissue or a benign breast condition. What's next? What to expect if something suspicious is detected and you need a biopsy  Anxious or nervous about a mammogram? Why you're in good hands at a breast center If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

If you're over "diet" trends, we don't blame you. But the Mediterranean Diet isn't your usual diet. For starters, the U.S. News & World Report has named it the best overall diet for six years in a row. And most dietitians don’t even like referring to it as a diet anyway. In this episode, we cover how this eating pattern benefits everything from heart health to weight management and get tips for starting a Mediterranean Diet.Expert: Lea Obeid, Registered DietitianInterviewer: Katie McCallumNotable topics covered:A deep dive into the underlying principles of the Mediterranean DietYes, you can still have meat on the dietHow many whole grains can you actually name?The two types of veggies — starchy and nonstarchyThe health benefits of healthy fats, including olive oilsHow to get enough protein from plantsBurgers, avocado toast, cereal, chips and dip — do they fit?How to make the Mediterranean Diet work for your lifestyleTricks of the trade from a dietitian who grew up in the MediterraneanIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Neurological disorders are the world’s leading cause of ill health and disability, but people are often slow to recognize the relevant symptoms. More than 3.4 billion people have a disorder of the nervous system — the brain, spinal cord and nerves — and the numbers will only keep growing as the population ages. The disorders range from Alzheimer's disease to neuropathy and stroke to multiple sclerosis and cause a wide range of symptoms. So what are the early symptoms that suggest you might have a neurological disorder? And how can a neurologist help? In this week’s episode, we discuss the most common of the more than 600 neurological disorders and what patients should expect during a first-time appointment with a neurologist. Expert: Dr. Tanu Garg, Neurologist Interviewer: Todd Ackerman Notable topics covered: The neurology symptoms that warrant an immediate trip to the ER Might an episode of vertigo really be a symptom of stroke? Spouse staring into space? They might not be ignoring you, they might be having a seizure  The role neurologists play in the diagnosis and management of brain tumors How do you know if the pain in your arm or lower back is caused by a pinched nerve Why shingles patients need to make an appointment at the first sign of pain and rash Not getting headache relief? You might get a different medication from a neurologist The stroke acronym that has replaced FAST The questions and tests you’ll likely get at an initial neurologist appointment 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 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.