Your Doctor Friends

💥 Spoiler alert: Executive physicals might not be as glamorous as they sound! In this episode, we take you behind the curtain of those fancy, high-end health checkups that promise to keep you at peak performance. Are they really worth the $$$? 🤔 Join us as we talk about: What’s included in these “VIP” health checkups and if they’re actually worth your time (and money) 💰 The risks of over-testing, and whether knowing too much about your health is a good thing (or not) 🧪⚠️ Why even doctors like us might be tempted to get one! 😅 The big-picture problem of unequal access to healthcare and how we can improve it 🔑💡 🎯 What You’ll Learn: The real scoop on executive physicals—what they are, what they test, and if you really need one 🏥 Why "more tests" isn't always better for your health 📉 How your wealth can impact your health—and why that needs to change 💸 And a lot more, with plenty of laughs and honest opinions from your doc friends! 😜 🌐Connect with us: Please sign up for our SUBSTACK For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show or on socials! ⭐️ Call to Action: ✨ Want more episodes like this? We’re wrapping up 2024, but we’ve got tons of fresh content coming in 2025! Tell us what YOU want to hear in the next season—head to our website or reach out on social media, and share your thoughts. 🌟 📝 Don’t forget to rate & review! It helps us keep the show going, and it’s the best way for us to reach more listeners like you! 💬 Your Doctor Friends is here to answer your burning health questions, break down complicated topics, and give you a little laugh along the way. Because let’s face it—your health is important, but it doesn’t have to be boring. 😎

Scrolling through social media for health advice can feel like a minefield. Between viral wellness trends, influencers touting quick fixes, and misinformation at every turn, how can you tell who to trust? In this episode, we sit down with doctors and digital creators Adam Goodcoff (@SeeTheMedLife) and Dr. J Mack (@Dr.JMack) to uncover how to find reliable medical advice online, why credentials matter, and how the medical community is standing up against misinformation. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories, practical tips for evaluating content, and how healthcare professionals are reshaping the space for the better. Whether you’re a patient trying to sift through the noise or a medical professional wanting to sharpen your social media savvy, this episode is packed with insights that matter. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to identify trustworthy medical information online ✅ Red flags to watch out for when consuming health content ✅ The importance of credentials and “doing your homework” ✅ Why doctors and medical influencers are stepping up to protect the space ✅ How social media is shaping healthcare practice (and why that matters to you) Key Takeaways: Not all creators are equal. Learn how to vet medical professionals online. Misinformation exists, but so do solutions. Find out how healthcare pros are self-policing social media. Good content matters. Discover the balance between education and entertainment. Connect with us: Please sign up for our SUBSTACK For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show or on socials! Where to Find Today’s Guests: Adam Goodcoff: @SeeTheMedLife Dr. J Mack: @Dr.JMack Medfluencers: @WeAreMedfluencers Want More? Follow us for new episodes every week. Share this episode with someone who might need better health advice online! Call to Action: If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners looking for trustworthy health information.

We all want to see behind the curtain right? Today we go there with Dr. Tommy Martin, a Med-PEDS physician with over 3 million TikTok followers. We discuss the integration of social media within the medical field, the responsibilities of being a healthcare influencer, combating misinformation, and sharing personal experiences. Dr. Martin explains his journey from content creation in 2014 to becoming an influential online presence. The conversation also covers common health concerns addressed by pediatricians, challenges faced by doctors in the digital age, and the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in building trust with an audience. Please sign up for our SUBSTACK For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show or on socials! 00:00 Introduction and Exciting Announcements 01:27 Meet Dr. Tommy Martin 04:01 Journey into Social Media Influencing 05:25 The Importance of Doctors on Social Media 12:57 Common Doctor Friend Questions 15:59 Creating Content and Staying Authentic 20:40 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Ever wondered why your gut feels off even when doctors say everything is normal? In this perfect post-Thanksgiving episode, we explore the often misunderstood mind-gut connection with GI expert Dr. Treta Parohit. We delve into chronic GI symptoms that persist despite normal test results and discuss the gut-brain axis and its role in conditions like IBS. Learn about dietary adjustments, psychological treatment options, and lifestyle changes that can help manage these symptoms. And finally, discover how OSHI Health provides virtual, multidisciplinary care for individuals struggling with chronic GI issues. Please sign up for our SUBSTACK For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show or on socials! 00:00 Introduction and Post-Thanksgiving Greetings 00:01 Understanding Unexplained Tummy Troubles 01:00 Introducing the GI Expert 01:15 The Mind-Gut Connection Explained 02:27 The Importance of Poop in Diagnosing GI Issues 03:19 Stress and GI Symptoms 07:59 Multidisciplinary Approach to GI Issues 11:30 Diet and Lifestyle Modifications 16:29 The Role of Telehealth in GI Care 28:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Do women really need to suffer through menopause? Many people have heard of Hormone Replacement Therapy, but very few are on it. What's behind this? Take a deep dive with us into the often misunderstood world of menopause, perimenopause, and hormone replacement therapy. We sit down with Joanna Strober, CEO of MidiHealth, to uncover the real issues women face and explore innovative solutions for a better quality of life. Learn how to advocate for yourself and gain access to the care you deserve! Please sign up for our SUBSTACK For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show or on socials! 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:46 Joanna Strober's Journey and MidiHealth 02:52 Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause 06:25 Challenges in Diagnosing and Treating Menopause 07:54 Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained 15:54 Myths and Misconceptions about Hormone Therapy 17:12 How MidiHealth Provides Care 20:50 Advocating for Women's Health and Longevity 26:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Imagine knowing exactly what 'healthy' really means on your food labels! This week, we get that clarity straight from the source as we sit down with Jim Jones, the Deputy Commissioner of Human Foods at the FDA. We explore the often-overlooked 'food' aspect of the FDA's role, discussing how the agency plans to make our food safer, the new 'healthy' labeling guidelines, and the implications for our eating habits and future health. Jones, a lifelong regulator, shares insights on food safety, nutrition labeling, and efforts to combat chronic disease through improved nutrition. We also touch on the challenges and strategies for ensuring food access in underserved communities and the upcoming voluntary sodium reduction initiative. Please sign up for our SUBSTACK For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show or on socials! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube 00:00 Introduction and Conference Recap 01:00 Interview with FDA's Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones 02:59 FDA's Role in Nutrition and Food Safety 03:46 New Healthy Label Regulations 04:46 Front of Pack Labeling Initiative 05:58 Challenges and Industry Response 09:50 Transparency and Trust in Dietary Guidelines 12:49 Addressing Food Access and Equity 16:10 Measuring the Impact of New Initiatives 17:13 Nutrition Education for Clinicians 19:46 Voluntary Sodium Reduction Guidelines 21:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

We dive into the important topic of healthspan vs. lifespan and share some laughter along the way. We talk about how one simple thing—strength training—can drastically improve the quality of our years on this planet. Remember our aging episode with Dr. Snyder? We chat about healthspan, the key to living longer and healthier, and introduce the term sarcopenia, the gradual loss of muscle mass. Highlighting a super cool study from the British Medical Journal, we discover that heavy resistance training can keep us strong even into our later years! We share practical tips and anecdotes to help you get started with strength training, no matter your age. Whether you're an Olympic lifter or just getting off the couch, there's something here for everyone. Join us, have a laugh, and let's start lifting those weights together! Please sign up for our SUBSTACK For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show or on socials! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:48 Understanding Healthspan vs Lifespan 02:03 The Power of Strength Training 02:52 Sarcopenia: The Silent Muscle Loss 05:25 Study on Resistance Training in Older Adults 10:14 Practical Advice for Strength Training 13:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of 'Your Doctor Friends,' we discuss Dr. Jessi Gold's impactful memoir, "How Do You Feel? One Doctor's Search for Humanity in Medicine." Dr. Gold shares stories from her experiences as a psychiatrist, focusing on the mental health struggles of healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We delve into the book's emotional depth, exploring themes of vulnerability, guilt, and the difficulty healthcare providers face in acknowledging their own need for help. Dr. Gold's insights stress the importance of external support and the need to change the culture within the healthcare system to prioritize mental health and well-being. Please sign up for our SUBSTACK For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show or on socials! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube 00:00 Introduction: Who Helps the Helpers? 00:10 Reviewing Dr. Jessi Gold's Book 00:20 The Emotional Impact of the Book 00:50 Meet Dr. Jessi Gold 01:03 Patient Stories and Personal Insights 01:49 Discussing Mental Health in Healthcare 02:47 Challenges Faced by Healthcare Providers 04:01 Highlighting Megan's Story 05:06 The Struggles of Healthcare Providers 07:41 The Burden of Asking for Help 09:23 Personal Reflections and Therapy 17:18 The Importance of Support Systems 25:48 Changing the Culture in Medicine 29:33 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Welcome back, friends! In this exciting and insightful episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of physical therapy with the help of renowned expert Mike Reinold. We tackle the challenges of finding a quality physical therapist, evaluating the benefits of various types of therapy practices from large corporate chains to small community-focused clinics, and understanding the importance of one-on-one, personalized care. We explore misconceptions about cost, the significance of hands-on treatments, and the crucial role of repetition and communication in achieving superior health outcomes. We also dig into the necessity of educating patients, setting goals, and continuously assessing progress for sustainable, long-term improvement. Whether you're looking for quality care, contemplating cash-based models, or seeking advice on how to choose the right therapist for your specific needs, this episode has got you covered. Join us as we empower you with the knowledge to navigate your physical therapy journey and reap the benefits of truly tailored treatment. Thanks for tuning in! Please sign up for our SUBSTACK For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show or on socials! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube @JeremyAllandMD on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X @JuliaBrueneMD on Instagram EPISODE: 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Finding Good Physical Therapy 00:00 Personal Anecdote: The Struggle to Find Quality Care 00:36 The Challenge of Identifying Good Physical Therapy 01:35 Podcast Episode Announcement 02:07 Introducing Mike Reinald: Expert in Physical Therapy 02:16 Mike Reinald's Background and Experience 03:10 What Constitutes Good Physical Therapy? 05:29 The Role of Word of Mouth in Finding Quality PT 06:34 In-Clinic Experience: What to Expect 07:04 The Importance of Hands-On Time 07:34 Balancing PT and PTA Roles 09:03 Clinic Environment and Equipment 10:04 Challenges in High-Volume Clinics 11:43 Business Models: Corporate vs. Small Practices 14:15 The Benefits of Concierge-Based PT 16:11 Scheduling Flexibility and Individualized Care 17:11 Hands-On vs. Passive Treatments 18:46 Short-Term Relief and Initial Treatment 19:13 Progressing Exercises for Long-Term Improvement 19:35 Importance of Compliance and Accountability 20:15 Finding and Addressing the Root Cause 20:48 Repetition and Habit Building 21:55 Effective Communication and Patient Education 23:04 Evaluating Physical Therapy Effectiveness 24:12 The Role of Physical Therapists and Physicians 28:31 Choosing the Right Physical Therapist 31:22 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Got protein on your mind? Join us for an in-depth, lively discussion on all things protein! Learn exactly how much you need based on your age and activity level, and steer clear of possible risks like kidney stones. We debunk myths, unveil marketing tricks like 'protein washing,' and provide practical tips for maintaining muscle and optimizing overall health. Utilize tools to track your intake and get the most from your diet. This episode is packed with information to get you excited about taking control of your protein intake! As always, consult your medical professional for personalized advice. Tune in now for an engaging and informative session! Please sign up for our SUBSTACK For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show or on socials! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube @JeremyAllandMD on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X @JuliaBrueneMD on Instagram 00:00 Introduction and Listener's Question 00:56 Protein Hype and Marketing 02:13 Unpacking Protein Recommendations 03:42 Daily Protein Intake and RDA 08:46 Protein Needs for Older Adults 14:42 Protein Intake for Middle-Aged Adults 15:21 Protein Intake and Aging 15:39 Optimal Protein Intake for Middle-Aged Adults 16:37 Protein Needs for Younger Adults 18:59 Stratifying Protein Intake by Activity Level 19:55 Combining Age and Activity Recommendations 23:36 Practical Tips for Increasing Protein Intake 31:02 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement

Our Berlin Marathon Experience: A Life-Saving Moment In this podcast episode, we share the incredible story of our friend, Dr. Eliza Pierko, a sports medicine physician. During her fifth marathon in Berlin, we were amazed to learn how she stopped at mile 21 to administer CPR to a fellow runner who suffered cardiac arrest. Despite this unexpected challenge, she resumed the race and achieved a personal best. We dive into this remarkable life-saving event, emphasizing the importance of CPR knowledge and highlighting Dr. Pierko's journey, including her recovery from a severe ankle injury. As hosts, we reflect on the heroic nature of Dr. Pierko's actions and encourage our listeners to learn CPR, showing that with the right training, any of us can save a life Thanks for tuning in, friends! Please sign up for our SUBSTACK For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show or on socials! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube @JeremyAllandMD on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X @JuliaBrueneMD on Instagram 00:00 Introduction and Teaser 00:21 Meet Dr. Elisa Pierko 00:54 The Berlin Marathon Incident 02:08 Interview with Dr. Elisa Pierko 04:35 Dr. Pierko's Running Journey 07:32 The Day of the Marathon 09:37 The Emergency Response 12:31 Reflecting on the Experience 18:37 The Importance of Immediate CPR 19:32 Calling for Help and Team Coordination 20:47 Administering the Shock 22:10 Continuing the Marathon 22:44 Emotional Aftermath 25:28 Support from the Running Community 31:33 Reflecting on the Experience 33:30 Encouraging CPR Training

Alkaline water is EVERYWHERE! But is there really any benefits behind the booming business? In this episode we explore higher pH water and its supposed impact on hydration, acid reflux, bone health, and even cancer prevention. Through discussions on acidity, alkaline diets, and the Warburg effect, we aim to separate fact from marketing, highlighting that while alkaline water might have minor benefits for specific conditions like osteoporosis, it does not prevent cancer or necessarily provide superior hydration. Moreover, we emphasize safe use when experimenting with alkaline water at home. Have you been buying this water and wanted to know the dirty on the whether it actually helps? Check out this episode with Your Doctor Friends today! 00:00 Introduction: What's Your Preferred Form of Water? 00:25 The Alkaline Water Experience 04:45 Understanding pH and Alkalinity 08:10 The Warburg Effect and Alkaline Diet 13:39 Can You Change Your Body's pH? 17:16 Measurable Outcomes and the Warburg Effect 17:38 The Complexity of Human Biology vs. Lab Data 18:13 The Dangers of DIY Health Research 19:51 The Butterfly Effect and Alkaline Water Myths 20:12 Alkaline Water and Acid Reflux 25:46 Alkaline Water and Bone Health 28:20 Hydration and Alkaline Water 32:22 Final Thoughts on Alkaline Water 35:13 Podcast Disclaimer Thanks for tuning in, friends! Please sign up for our “PULSE CHECK” monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website, and we PROMISE not to spam you. We just want to send you monthly cool articles, videos, and thoughts :)  For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show or on socials! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube @JeremyAllandMD on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X @JuliaBrueneMD on Instagram

In this episode, we discuss the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. We examine public unfamiliarity with the service, despite its crucial role in providing immediate help for mental health crises, substance abuse issues, and suicidal thoughts. We explore the history of the lifeline, its purpose, operation, and how people can better understand and utilize it. We emphasize that 988 is designed to be an easily accessible resource for anyone experiencing emotional distress, highlighting successful call rates and the importance of public awareness and education. 00:00 Introduction to 988 Hotline 00:14 Statistics and Public Awareness 03:05 History of Suicide Prevention Hotlines 05:28 Implementation and Accessibility of 988 07:42 Who Answers When You Call 988? 19:26 What to Expect When You Call or Text 988 26:23 988: More Than Just a Suicide Hotline 29:58 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 32:21 Disclaimer and Credits Thanks for tuning in, friends! Please sign up for our “PULSE CHECK” monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website, and we PROMISE not to spam you. We just want to send you monthly cool articles, videos, and thoughts :)  For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show or on socials! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube @JeremyAllandMD on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X @JuliaBrueneMD on Instagram

Get ready for cold and flu season with this entertaining and informative episode! Dive into everything you need to know about staying healthy this fall. From the latest on COVID-19 and flu vaccinations to understanding the rise of RSV, we've got you covered. Learn the importance of testing, find out the best time to get your vaccines, and discover fun facts about how viruses spread. Whether you're curious about the impact of climate change on diseases like dengue or want to ensure your kids are protected against measles, this guide will keep you informed and entertained. Stay ahead of the season and keep your family safe with tips and tricks from the experts. Don't let the bugs catch you off guard! 00:00 Introduction to the Big Three Fall Viruses 00:05 Current State of COVID-19 01:41 COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Insights 03:41 COVID-19 Vaccination: Public Perception and Recommendations 15:22 Flu Season: What to Expect and How to Prepare 24:37 RSV: The Rising Concern 32:10 Other Emerging Viruses: What You Need to Know 36:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thanks for tuning in, friends! Please sign up for our “PULSE CHECK” monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website, and we PROMISE not to spam you. We just want to send you monthly cool articles, videos, and thoughts :)  For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show or on socials! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube @JeremyAllandMD on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X @JuliaBrueneMD on Instagram

Have you noticed how heavy kid's backpacks are? It seems like a no-brainer that this could cause back pain. But does it? Your Doctor Friends give you the expert insights into whether back pain is actually worsened by backpacks and give parents actionable tips to make it better. We review key research findings, discuss practical solutions for reducing backpack weight, consider whether schools should play a role in managing backpack weights through better locker placement and digital textbook options. We conclude with tips for both parents and children to regularly clean out and minimize the load of their backpacks. 00:00 Introduction: Can Backpacks Cause Back Pain? 00:43 Personal Experiences with Backpacks 03:30 Scientific Studies on Backpack Weight and Back Pain 06:45 Recommendations for Choosing the Right Backpack 11:02 Proper Backpack Usage Tips 16:32 School Policies and Practical Solutions 20:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thanks for tuning in, friends! Please sign up for our “PULSE CHECK” monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website, and we PROMISE not to spam you. We just want to send you monthly cool articles, videos, and thoughts :)  For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show or on socials! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube @JeremyAllandMD on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X @JuliaBrueneMD on Instagram

Can you feel it?!? The energy, the excitement, the smell of fresh-cut grass—football season is back! From Friday night lights to Sunday tailgates, there’s nothing quite like it. The thrill of the game, the hard hits, the big plays, the rivalries—we wait all year for this. It’s the heartbeat of fall.  But behind the touchdowns and tackles, there’s a conversation we can’t afford to ignore. As much as we love this sport, we can’t turn a blind eye to the growing concerns around traumatic brain injuries—injuries that have changed the lives of countless players, from the pros to the youth leagues. In the first week of the new season, two young people, Caden Tellier, 16, of Selma, Alabama and Cohen Craddock, 13, of West Virginia, died of traumatic brain injuries. While we don’t have all the details of their tragic injuries, it is a stark reminder of the risks players take when they step onto the field. In this episode, Your Doctor Friends dive into the other side of the excitement—the risks that come with those bone-crushing hits. We tackle topics such as whether the type of helmet matters, what those weird sponge-like helmet covers actually do and how tackle football compares to flag football (spoiler alert, this 2021 study by the CDC and published in Sports Health, found that youth tackle football players experienced FIFTEEN TIMES more head impacts than their youth flag football players).  We also give you tips on how to be mindful of signs of concussion or more serious brain injuries. The CDC's "Heads Up" program has great information on their website! Football is fun. Football can be dangerous. Informed consent matters! Your Doctor Friends are here to give you the breakdown and help you decide what's best for you and your family. Stay healthy, dear friends! Thanks for tuning in, friends! Please sign up for our “PULSE CHECK” monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website, and we PROMISE not to spam you. We just want to send you monthly cool articles, videos, and thoughts :)  For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show or on socials! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube @JeremyAllandMD on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X @JuliaBrueneMD on Instagram

We're back!!! And we're here to talk about GETTING OLD! We often hear people say something along the lines of, “I feel like once I turned 60, everything went downhill.” Or “It feels like all of a sudden in my mid-40s, I am falling apart.” Does this sound familiar? Historically, as physicians, Your Doctor Friends generally reassure those folks that it's all a coincidence and they weren’t rapidly deteriorating.  But what if there are times when we actually "fall apart"? Like on a biological level?? Perhaps you've come across a few of the headlines from major news outlets, with titles like: Research shows our bodies go through rapid changes in our 40s and our 60s - from NBC News. Feeling old? Your molecules change rapidly around ages 44 and 60 - from The Washington Post. Scientists find humans age dramatically in two bursts – at 44, then 60 - from The Guardian. What if you wanted the unfiltered data about aging, straight from the source?? Cue Dr. Michael Snyder, chair of Genetics at Stanford University, talking about HIS recent study, published by HIS lab, showing two distinct times in our lives in which we may age “faster.” So... when we say that all of a sudden we feel like we are falling apart, we may actually be right. Woof. Stay with us today as we talk to Dr. Snyder about when this aging happens, why it happens and perhaps most importantly, are there ways we can avoid these rapid aging moments? Thanks for tuning in, friends! Please sign up for our “PULSE CHECK” monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website, and we PROMISE not to spam you. We just want to send you monthly cool articles, videos, and thoughts :)  For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show or on socials! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube @JeremyAllandMD on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X @JuliaBrueneMD on Instagram

re-re-re-re-REEEEMIXXXXX TIME! Your Doctor Friends decided to follow the trend set by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark of the My Favorite Murder podcast, and upcycle a classic episode with a fun new twist! We've pared down our July 2023 episode about heat illness and added updates and commentary for your education and enjoyment, friends! YDF will be taking a SUMMER OLYMPICS break until Labor Day, and we are working on some HOT new content ideas for YOU, dear listeners! Check out our Instagram Reels for fun short-form educational content (with an Olympics lean over the next several weeks!), and we will see you again in September with slick new episodes for YOU! IT'S HOT! Dangerous levels of heat have led to increased rates of heat illness and even death. Chalk is up as another story of the climate affecting our health.  What is heat illness? Why does it happen? Who is at risk? And ultimately what you should do if you find yourself in a place with a dangerous heat warning? LET'S ASK AN EXPERT! Welcome Josh Blomgren, DO! Dr. Blomgren is our friend and colleague, a Sports Medicine Physician at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush for 15 years. He is the Chief Medical Officer for the Chicago Red Stars as well as team physician for Willowbrook High School. Pertinent to today’s topic, Josh has volunteered annually since 2007 at the Chicago Marathon overseeing the medical tents that are responsible for over 40,000 runners each year, a percentage of which will experience heat illness, our topic today! Key highlights in this episode include: What's the basic physiology behind heat illness? What are the most common symptoms people develop with heat illness? How can you tell if someone may be suffering from heat illness? How hot is too hot? At what temperature should we be cancelling events? What goes into calculating the "heat index"? What is a wet bulb globe temperature? Who is the most at risk for heat illness? How can you cool someone down most effectively? Dr. Blomgren recommends the following resources to learn about heat illness: Resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics, including: "Climatic Heat Stress and Exercising Children and Adolescents" "Top Safety Tips for Preventing Heat, Sun-Related Illnesses in Children this Summer" "Extreme Heat: Keeping Kids Safe When Temperatures Soar". The Korey Stringer Institute- information on "heat illnesses". Cooling Centers by State- by the National Center for Healthy Housing. Chicago Cooling Centers. Thanks for tuning in, friends! Please sign up for our “PULSE CHECK” monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website, and we PROMISE not to spam you. We just want to send you monthly cool articles, videos, and thoughts :)  For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube @JeremyAllandMD on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X @JuliaBrueneMD on Instagram

Feeling tethered to your screens? Doomscrolling much? Have you gotten that little message from your phone, ratting you out, informing you that "you spent an average of XX hours and xx minutes daily of screen time"?? Do you wish you could set some better boundaries with tech/social media/screens in general? Let's face it, our devices are here to stay. How can we make them work FOR US, instead of distracting us from the personal connections we need? How are we supposed to "multitask"?? Is the human brain even capable of such a feat?? Cue our expert in human-computer interaction (HCI), Gloria Mark, PhD! WE ARE SO FORTUNATE to be able to pick her brain about how to make OUR BRAINS better at prioritizing our precious mental currency: OUR ATTENTION. Dr. Mark is the author of Attention Span and Multitasking in the Digital Age, the Chancellor's Professor of Informatics at UC Irvine, and has published over 200 papers in top academic journals, and appeared in scores of platforms, including the New York Times, BBC, NPR, the Atlantic, and recently on Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard (check it out, the episode is GREAT!) We are aware that we likely outkicked our coverage, and are SO HAPPY to share Dr. Mark's expertise with y'all. Strap in, pay attention, this is a can't-miss episode, friends! :) Topics in this episode include: The MYTH of multitasking. What is "distraction cost'? How attempting to "multitask" affects our brains and bodies (hint: stress!) Is it really the "notifications" on our phones that are distracting us, or is it something else? Are we really "victims of the algorithm" when it comes to social media? How can being "information rich" make us "attention poor"? How can we be aware of our "urges" to check our phones/email/computer and become more intentional in our use of devices? Learn more about Dr. Mark's work at her website. Her latest book, Attention Span, is available nationwide wherever books are sold! Learn more about her book here. Your Doctor Friends have some BIG THINGS in the works for "refreshing" the pod, and how we deliver meaningful, usable, valid health education to YOU, our dear friends! You'll be hearing some "upcycled" episodes this summer while we work on implementing these changes, and we will be back in full force in the next month or so with a brand new haircut ;) Thanks for tuning in, friends! Please sign up for our “PULSE CHECK” monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website, and we PROMISE not to spam you. We just want to send you monthly cool articles, videos, and thoughts :)  For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube @JeremyAllandMD on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X @JuliaBrueneMD on Instagram

Achilles. Rotator cuff. Patella. Hamstring. They're all structures involving tendons, and you probably either know someone who's injured them, or have experienced the dreaded tendon injury yourself. Aaron Rodgers experienced an acute Achilles tendon rupture on Monday Night Football in September 2023, just 4 plays into his first season as QB for the New York Jets. Fans watched as he dramatically pulled up lame after a tackle, having snapped his Achilles, and subsequently sitting out the 2023 season. Just this week he stated in an interview "my summer ends Sunday", confirming that he is back to play this upcoming 2024 football season for the Jets. So what the heck is actually going on? Why do tendons hurt sometimes? Why do they snap? Is it all just degenerative, "getting old"-type stuff? How can we prevent an injury like Rodgers' from happening to US?? In this episode, we reveal it all, friends! We have a world’s expert in tendon pathology, treatment and injury prevention to tell us why our tendons get injured, what we can do to treat them and most importantly, the things we can do prevent them from breaking down. Jill Cook, PhD is a professor in musculoskeletal health in the La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre at La Trobe University in Melbourne Australia. Jill's research areas include sports medicine and tendon injury. She is the "tendon guru" and has dedicated her career to learning about and improving our care of tendons. Jeremy recently had the privilege of attending Jill's educational lecture at the NBA Team Physician's national meeting, and she so graciously agreed to be our guest for this episode! Your Doctor Friends bring the professional-level expert education straight to you, friends! Topics covered in today's episode include: What actually ARE tendons? What do they do? Types of tendon injuries- including acute tears, "overuse" injuries, and degenerative "wear and tear". Risk factors associated with tendon injuries. What is "tendinopathy"? Is it there forever? What is the role of imaging/MRI in the diagnosis and treatment of tendon injury? What about shots? Do cortisone or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections help in tendon injuries? How do you actually treat tendinopathy? Can it be "cured"? Thanks for tuning in, friends! Please sign up for our “PULSE CHECK” monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website, and we PROMISE not to spam you. We just want to send you monthly cool articles, videos, and thoughts :)  For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube @JeremyAllandMD on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X @JuliaBrueneMD on Instagram

Do you remember "Presidential Physical Fitness” testing from youth? Can you name all 6 of the “classic” tests it included? Fun fact: (according to a Feb. 2024 NYT article) Born of Cold War-era fears that America was becoming “soft,” the test was first introduced by President Lyndon Johnson in 1966.  The goal was to improve the fitness of the nation’s youth for military service. The original test also included a softball throw, which mimicked throwing a grenade So if you don’t have antiquated mid-century calisthenics metrics to tell you if you’re fit/athletic, what can you use? How can you know if you’re WINNING AT FITNESS?? What’s an average human to do? Your Doctor Friends came across NYT article titled “This Test Might Be the Best Way to Track Fitness and Longevity” which focused on V02 max. The article presents the pros and cons of using V02 max as a valid, objective measure of cardiopulmonary fitness. Your Doctor Friends decided to reach out to our Exercise Physiology MASTER EXPERT, to break it down for y’all! Welcome, Philip Skiba, DO! Dr. Skiba is the outgoing Director of Sports Medicine/Fellowship Director for Advocate Health - Chicago, where he served for 12 years Dr. Skiba founded the Advocate Human Performance and Biomechanics Laboratories, helping amateur, elite and professional athletes explore their limits using state-of-the-art technology. Dr. Skiba was recently recruited to a professorship at Thomas Jefferson University Medical School in Philadelphia, where he will serve as Medical Director of Sports Medicine/Fellowship Director. Dr. Skiba serves on the medical boards of both USA Triathlon and USA Cycling and accompanied Team USA to the World Championships in Australia.  Unusual for a physician, he has also personally coached dozens of world-class athletes. Most notably, he was hired by Nike for the Breaking 2 project and helped train the fastest runners alive in pursuit of the first 2-hour marathon.  Dr. Skiba later appeared in and narrated portions of NatGeo’s Cannes Award-Winning Documentary “Breaking2”. He remains a familiar presence in print and broadcast journalism. Check out this link to a clip from the Breaking2 documentary to see Dr. Skiba in action and for an adorable iconic Skiba-laugh :) Eat your heart out, Peter Attia, Your Doctor Friends have the REAL MVP (of sports performance)! Let’s get sweaty. We're all winning - listen to Your Doctor Friends :) Thanks for tuning in, friends! Please sign up for our “PULSE CHECK” monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website, and we PROMISE not to spam you. We just want to send you monthly cool articles, videos, and thoughts :)  For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube @JeremyAllandMD on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X @JuliaBrueneMD on Instagram

The United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, declared this week that gun violence in the US is a public health crisis. Dr. Murthy publicly stated, in a 39-page advisory, that the U.S needs to treat gun violence in the same way we have tackled smoking or car crashes. Deaths caused by guns rose to the highest in three decades in 2021. In 2020, firearm-related injuries became the leading cause of death of children and adolescents aged 1-19. Gun-related deaths for youths were higher than car accidents, cancer, and heart disease. To quote Dr. Murthy,  “I want people to understand the full impact of firearm violence in our country, and I want them to see it as a public health issue. I know it’s been polarizing and I know it’s been politicized, but if we can see it as a public health issue, we can come together and implement a public health solution.” Also, this week marks two years since since the mass shooting at the July 4th parade in Jeremy's hometown of Highland Park, Illinois that killed seven people, and injured many more. Your Doctor Friends decided it was timely to re-release last year's Independence Day episode. Our expert for this episode is THE INCOMPARABLE Garen Wintemute MD, MPH: Dr. Wintemute is Distinguished Professor of Emergency Medicine and Baker–Teret Chair in Violence Prevention at the University of California, Davis. He is the founding director of the Violence Prevention Research Program there and of the California Firearm Violence Research Center, the nation’s first publicly-funded center for research in this field. Trained initially as a biologist at Yale University, Dr. Wintemute attended medical school and residency at UC Davis and studied epidemiology and injury prevention at The Johns Hopkins University. He practices and teaches emergency medicine at UC Davis Medical Center, a Level I trauma center, and is a public health leader in the world of violence prevention Key highlights in this episode include: Background in the history of gun violence in the US. Where are we now? What makes the US unique in its struggle with gun violence? What's the history of legislation re: gun violence (including assault-type weapons) prevention? Are there actually more mass shootings now than in previous years? Does Chicago have more gun violence than other major cities? Why is Chicago so often highlighted? What is the mental health toll that gun violence takes? How is this being addressed? What can people do to make a difference in gun violence prevention? Dr. Wintemute recommends the following resources to learn about gun violence prevention: The "What Can You Do" Initiative via UC Davis Health. The Violence Prevention Research Program at UC Davis (Dr. Wintemute is the founding director :) Clinical tools for preventing firearm injuries at The BulletPoints Project. Thanks for tuning in, friends! Please sign up for our “PULSE CHECK” monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website, and we PROMISE not to spam you. We just want to send you monthly cool articles, videos, and thoughts :)  For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube @JeremyAllandMD on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X @JuliaBrueneMD on Instagram

We know we are supposed to wear sunscreen. We know sun exposure can increase our risk for skin cancer. So how do we reconcile our desire for that "desirable summer glow" with the risk of medical harm? Your Doctor Friends get these texts all the time, especially post-summer solstice: "If I wear sunscreen, what SPF should I use? Is chemical or mineral better? Is it actually waterproof? And I’ve heard it can get into my bloodstream, what's that all about??"  Friends, are you ready to soak up the sun…safely? As is standard with Your Doctor Friends, we were able to find one of OUR doctor friends to come on and clear this all up. Welcome Vidya Shivakumar, MD! Dr. Shivakumar is a Dermatologist at Rush University Medical Center, board-certified by the American Academy of Dermatology since 2015. She provides comprehensive skin (and all things Dermatology) care at her bustling academic practice in Chicago at RUSH. She is active in research, teaching, and has presented many times in both the community setting, scientific arena, and in news media. AND NOW she graciously agreed to come chat with us to give us the scoop on the goop we put on our skin to protect ourselves from the sun! Topics covered in today's episode include: What is a sunburn? What are short and long term consequences of a sunburn? Why do some people burn and some people tan? Does this change people’s risk of harm? Do burns affect kids skin differently than adult skin? Are there long term consequences to burns earlier in life? Is there a right or wrong way to put on sunscreen? What is the best SPF to choose? What's the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen? Is it actually waterproof? When should we reapply? If I wear sunscreen, does that mean I won't tan? What's better, aerosol or regular tube form? Can I become vitamin D deficient from wearing sunscreen? What about "oral sunscreen", or "sunburn reduction pills"? Do they work? Does that take the place of regular sunscreen application? Here are some great FAQs from the American Academy of Dermatology about sunscreen. Thanks for tuning in, friends! Please sign up for our “PULSE CHECK” monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website, and we PROMISE not to spam you. We just want to send you monthly cool articles, videos, and thoughts :)  For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube @JeremyAllandMD on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X @JuliaBrueneMD on Instagram

HAPPY PRIDE, FRIENDS! This week we are re-releasing an episode that makes us proud; when we interviewed the amazing Dr. Loren Schechter to learn about and discuss gender-affirming surgery. The conversation was as helpful and poignant last year as it is now, so we thought it would be smart to give it another go :) In general, surgical interventions aim to "right a wrong". Maybe your appendix is acutely inflamed and infected and needs to come out. That's a "wrong." Maybe that "wrong" is that you were born with a cleft palate and your folks wanted it corrected for you so you could eat and breathe easy. Maybe your assigned gender at birth doesn't match your gender identity. Maybe that is the "wrong" that surgery can attempt to make "right". Sometimes fear is our response to being confronted with concepts we don't fully understand. That fear can beget big emotional reactions. Your Doctor Friends get it. That's why we brought on our friend, Dr. Loren Schechter, a wonderfully accomplished, experienced, and kind plastic surgeon who has been performing gender affirming surgery for the past 20+ years. Dr. Schechter is currently the director of the Gender Affirming Surgery program at Rush University Medical Center, and the President-elect of the American Society of Gender Surgeons. In this episode, Dr. Schechter educates us, and we leave with a better understanding of gender affirming care. Key highlights in this episode include: What is gender affirming surgery? What procedures are typically performed, and what are the indications? How long has gender affirming surgery been around? Other than the surgeon, who is on the healthcare team for someone undergoing gender affirming surgery? Does insurance cover these procedures? Do people ever regret their decision to have surgery? What cool innovations are on the horizon in the field of gender affirming surgery? Come on this awesome journey with us, friends! Let's all understand each other better. Happy Pride. Thanks for tuning in, friends! Please sign up for our “PULSE CHECK” monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website, and we PROMISE not to spam you. We just want to send you monthly cool articles, videos, and thoughts :)  For more episodes, limited edition merch, to send us direct messages, and more, follow this link!  Connect with us: Website: https://yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com/ Email us at [email protected] @your_doctor_friends on  Instagram - Send/DM us a voice memo or question and we might play it/answer it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 on YouTube @JeremyAllandMD on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X @JuliaBrueneMD on Instagram

Have you heard of the term, "bigorexia"? It is a form of body dysmorphic disorder, similar in ways to anorexia.  Bigorexia is used to describe muscle dysmorphia, a condition exhibited mostly by boys/men and characterized by excessive weight lifting, a preoccupation with not feeling muscular enough and a strict adherence to eating foods that lower weight and build muscle.  And it is seriously on the rise, and surprisingly under-recognized. The rise has led to articles titled, “What is Bigorexia?” in the NY Times and “Body Dysmorphia in boys and men can fuel muscle obsession, doctors say” in the Washington Post. Body image challenges are not a new thing, however the world we live in today presents new accelerants making these conditions even harder to manage. If we are not screening for them in all people, no matter gender status, we are likely missing people who need help. Lucky for us, there are amazing clinician researchers doing outstanding work to try to help us understand more about these conditions and ways we can help. And today we have a world’s expert whose lab has published extensively on muscle dysmorphia. Welcome, Jason Nagata, MD! Dr. Nagata is a pediatrician and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco specializing in adolescent and young adult eating disorders. He researches eating disorders, muscle-enhancing behaviors, and social media in boys and men. He edited the book Eating Disorders in Boys and Men and is Senior Editor of the Journal of Eating Disorders. He has published over 300 articles in academic journals and his research has been covered by The New York Times, CNN, NPR, and NBC News. He is the recipient of the American Academy of Pediatrics Emerging Leader in Adolescent Health Award and the International Association for Adolescent Health Young Professionals Prize. Dr. Nagata recommends the following resources: The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) website. Your Doctor Friends recommend checking out Dr. Nagata's "Nagata Lab" page on the UCSF website! Thanks for tuning in, folks! Please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BRAIN TUMORS! We try to keep it simple here on YDF, but today it IS brain surgery! We are rounding out Brain Tumor Awareness Month! Building on our conversation last week with Alyx Porter, MD, re: how to know if you could have a tumor, this episode focuses on the other side of the conversation. Let's explore treatment! More specifically, answering the question, "I have a brain tumor, can you remove it?" Cue our UNBELIEVABLE guest, Neurosurgical Oncologist, Edjah Nduom, MD, FAANS! Dr. Nduom is the Daniel Louis Barrow Endowed Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Emory University School of Medicine. He serves as Leader of the Brain Tumors Disease Group for Winship Cancer Institute. He has held numerous national and international roles in the neurosurgical and brain tumor community, including Founder and Diasporan Board Member for the Society for Neuro-Oncology Sub-Saharan Africa, Scientific Program Chair for the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting and Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Brain Tumor Society. He is also accomplished in basic, translational, and clinical research, developing new immune therapy treatments for malignant brain tumors. Dr. Nduom's clinical specialty is the surgical management of brain and spinal cord tumors. Topics covered in today's episode: What are common types of brain tumors and their treatment options? What kind of specialist should you see if you are diagnosed with a brain tumor? Should you get a second opinion? Which tumors should be surgically removed? Should people get routine brain or body scans to look for brain tumors? What are common surgical techniques for removing brain tumors? Are brain tumor surgeries done while the patient is awake? Does brain tumor DNA typing help to guide treatment? And much, much more! Thanks for tuning in, folks! Please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

It's Brain Tumor Awareness Month! Have you ever felt perhaps "too aware" - letting your imagination run amok and ponder if its reaaally just a headache, or maybe something a bit more serious? Most folks can relate. Sometimes we jump to "worst case scenario" when appraising our symptoms, as a defense mechanism. We want to feel prepared, feel like we are one step ahead, that we can control the situation. We also love that sweet release when we realize that it WAS just a headache after all. It can be an exhausting cycle. How do you know if you're one of the "worried well" or if there's really something there, especially when it comes to brain tumors?? Cue today's unbelievable guest, Alyx Porter, MD, FAAN! Dr. Porter is the Director of the NeuroOncology Section at Mayo Clinic in Arizona and is an Associate Professor of Neurology. Having been with Mayo for over two decades, she has worked diligently to provide care for patients with tumors and cancers involving the nervous system in addition to patients who have neurologic complications resulting from their systemic cancers. Her research interests are aimed at ensuring that patients with brain cancers have the best quality of life as possible. She is also co-author of the book, Navigating Life with a Brain Tumor, a resource for patients and families. She and her husband, Dr. Gregory Umphrey founded a national non-profit in 2019, ElevateMeD. To date, ElevateMeD has awarded over $1,000,000 in scholarships and support to medical students from underrepresented backgrounds. ElevateMeD is committed to elevating the field of medicine by providing financial support, mentorship and leadership training to future physicians from racial and ethnic backgrounds underrepresented in medicine. Sometimes it's a tumor. Sometimes it's not. Either way, be informed, be prepared, keep asking questions and listen to Your Doctor Friends :) Thanks for tuning in, folks! Please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Have you ever stood up quickly and felt a little lightheaded or felt your heart racing? What if, out of the blue, that started happening EVERY TIME YOU STOOD UP? This can be reality for folks with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), or other forms of "orthostatic dysfunction". It can be quite debilitating, especially since it seems to target young athletic folks. Also, like many other health conditions which can manifest as nebulous, subjective symptoms (fatigue, dizziness, heart racing, brain fog, etc)- patients with POTS often feel misunderstood, ignored, and gaslit by their healthcare providers (who may not be well trained in these conditions.) Let's fix all that, shall we?? Your Doctor Friends came across a great article in the Washington Post titled "They're young and athletic. They're also ill with a condition called POTS" that featured our guest today, Camden Hebson, MD (as well as his colleague at University of Alabama Birmingham, Sara Gould, MD). Among other expert opinions in the article, Dr. Hebson outlined the increasing diagnosis of POTS, especially in young athletes. What is it? Who gets it? Why do we think this happens? How can we manage it? Resources for today's episode include: UAB website for Dr. Hebson's and Dr. Gould's Sports Medicine Cardiology Clinic for Young Athletes. The website for Dysautonomia International, a great advocacy organization for folks with POTS, and other similar autonomic nervous system dysregulation conditions. Vanderbilt University Autonomic Dysfunction Center website outlining all their recent research projects and publications. Cleveland Clinic's website on POTS. Thanks for tuning in, folks! Please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Do you remember "scoliosis check" during middle school? That embarrassing moment where, as a 12/13 year old, you had to do a shirtless forward fold in front of the school nurse?? MORTIFYING. Perhaps you never had to live through this torture. Or perhaps, even WORSE, you were told by said nurse that your screen was POSITIVE, and now your parents had to know! And they would have to *gasp* take you to the doctor to DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN! Nightmare! Well, thankfully we've come a long way since then! And today we have insights from TWO guests in the world of scoliosis to educate us! We invited our friend and colleague, Chris DeWald, MD, who between him and his father, have over 60 years of experience treating scoliosis patients. Dr. DeWald is an orthopedic spine surgeon at Rush University Medical Center, who specializes in spine deformity, and is legit one of the kindest people on the planet :) And to add a different dimension, we asked Lauren Higginson, the founder of Higgy Bears, and a scoliosis patient herself, to give her insights into living with this condition, the observations she has from her community and her thoughts on screening. You may be met with a twists and turns in life (or in your spine), either way we are here for you :) Thanks for tuning in, folks! Please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

PART 2 of our coverage of young-onset colorectal cancer! This week our guest is an Oncology expert, here to give us in-depth information about colorectal cancer, with actionable items on how we can protect ourselves. Colorectal cancer in younger folks (under 50 years old) is unfortunately on the rise. According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, in the US, about 10% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people under 50.  Did you know that in 2021, the USPSTF (the federal task force that creates and implements screening guidelines in the US) changed their colorectal cancer screening guidelines? Instead of average-risk folks getting their first screening colonoscopy at 50 (the previous standard), the recommendation is now to start at 45! Your Doctor Friends are happy to present a physician expert in colorectal cancer to provide even more helpful information about why this disease may be targeting younger people, and what we can do as individuals to protect ourselves and those we care about :) Welcome, Meena Sadaps, MD! Dr. Sadaps is a board certified oncologist and assistant professor with Your Doctor Friends at Rush, and practices at the RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center. She attended Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University before completing residency and fellowship at Cleveland Clinic. HEADS UP! The Colorectal Cancer Alliance Blue Hope Bash annual fundraising event in Chicago is Friday, May 3rd, 2024, at Galleria Marchetti (where Jeremy got married!) and Your Doctor Friends plan to attend! If you can't attend the Blue Hope Bash, PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance! Resources for this episode include: A 2021 review article from the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology regarding young-onset colorectal cancer. The National Cancer Institute's website re: warning signs of young-onset colorectal cancer. A CNN article about the rise of young-onset colorectal cancer. Thanks for tuning in, folks! Please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Colorectal cancer in younger folks (under 50 years old) is unfortunately on the rise. According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, in the US, about 10% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people under 50.  Those numbers are rising about 1-2% percent each year, and researchers are still finding out why.  Young adults are the only population group experiencing an increase in colorectal cancer Colorectal cancer is currently the deadliest cancer among young men and the second deadliest among young women. In August 2020, the world lost amazing actor, Black Panther himself, Chadwick Boseman, to colorectal cancer at the age of 43. Did you know that in 2021, the USPSTF (the federal task force that creates and implements screening guidelines in the US) changed their colorectal cancer screening guidelines? Instead of average-risk folks getting their first screening colonoscopy at 50 (the previous standard), the recommendation is now to start at 45! Sharing personal experiences, and highlighting the stories of people touched by colorectal cancer is POWERFUL, and the ripple effects flow far. Your Doctor Friends are SO HONORED to highlight two wonderful individuals on this episode- Ashley Bowman, MHA and Dawn Schneider, PhD, MBA. Ashley and Dawn have quite a bit in common- they are both advocate volunteers at the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, members of the Never Too Young Taskforce Advisory Board, and unfortunately both lost sisters to young-onset colorectal cancer. Ashley and Dawn share their amazing, heartbreaking, and inspiring personal stories in this episode. We are so grateful! We will follow up next week with a physician expert in colorectal cancer to provide even more helpful information about why this disease may be targeting younger people, and what we can do as individuals to protect ourselves and those we care about :) HEADS UP! The Blue Hope Bash annual fundraising event in Chicago is Friday, May 3rd, 2024, at Galleria Marchetti (where Jeremy got married!) and Your Doctor Friends plan to attend! (Julie is already shopping for a fancy blue outfit :) COME JOIN US! Opportunities to register for the event CLOSE ON TUESDAY 4/23/24 (the day THIS EPISODE DROPS)! If you can't attend the Blue Hope Bash, PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance! Resources for this episode include: A 2021 review article from the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology regarding young-onset colorectal cancer. The National Cancer Institute's website re: warning signs of young-onset colorectal cancer. A CNN article about the rise of young-onset colorectal cancer. A CC Alliance article highlighting our guest, Ashley Bowman! A CC Alliance article highlighting our guest, Dawn Schneider! Thanks for tuning in, folks! Please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

What happens when you turn 40 (and you also have boobs)? Well, since May 2023, the USPSTF has recommended that women at average risk for breast cancer start screening with mammograms beginning at age 40, and undergo mammography every other year.  These updated recommendations are still “in progress” and the USPSTF cites the urgent need for more research on:  breast cancer screening for people with dense breasts (nearly half of all women),  how to particularly protect women of color In the US, there exists a long history of health disparities across screening and treatment for breast cancer.  The Task Force discusses, for example, that Black women are 40% more likely to die than White women, and too often get aggressive cancers at young ages.  So, Your Doctor Friends are taking a page from America’s Sweetheart (and breast cancer survivor herself) Katie Couric. You may remember Katie both underwent a colonoscopy AND a mammogram on the Today Show, and YDF Julie wants to do the next best thing- consult with a breast cancer expert before she gets her FIRST EVER MAMMOGRAM! Your Doctor Friends have the absolute honor to present our guest today, a consummate badass, breast cancer survivor and breast surgeon, to walk Julie through her own personal risk assessment and screening process for breast cancer.  Finally, we want to take some time at the end of this episode to share the story of a dear friend and colleague, a fellow sports medicine doctor, and absolute amazing human being, who very recently lost her life to breast cancer. She is the inspiration for this episode and Your Doctor Friends think it’s important to talk about her, and are so grateful to her family for their consent to share her story.  Learn more about Dr. Kristin Abbott here. Alright, let’s get on with it, can we answer the question: Can I protect myself from breast cancer? ENTER Dr. Liz O’Riordan to help us find out! Dr O'Riordan is an expert breast surgeon who has had breast cancer three times. She's a best-selling author, speaker, broadcaster and podcaster and is a trusted source of reliable information.  She shares helpful, approachable, valid breast cancer information online, we found her via her IG account @oriordanliz, she also has a podcast called “So Now I’ve Got Breast Cancer”, and she’s published tons of helpful work, including her book “The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer” and her memoir “Under the Knife”. She also has her own wikipedia page, which is pretty rad :) Resources for today's episode include: Dr. O'Riordan's website. Link to the Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment Calculator for breast cancer. The USPSTF's "In Progress" updated guidelines for breast cancer screening. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation's info page on updated USPSTF Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines. Thanks for tuning in, folks! Please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

In the 1990s, a chain email circulated around the series-of-tubes we called the internet, suggesting that aluminum-containing antiperspirants clogged your sweat pores, thus disallowing your body to “purge itself of toxins”, and those "toxins" would accumulate in your axillary lymph nodes, and increase your risk of breast cancer. Yikes. Predating the "antiperspirant-will-give-you-breast-cancer" chain email scare, animal studies in the 1960s suggested a link between aluminum in antiperspirants (which were just becoming popular in postwar America) and Alzheimer's disease. These rabbit studies showed brain neurotoxic effects when the animals were exposed to very high levels of aluminum. In the past several decades, researchers have investigated whether these loose correlations/hypotheses held any water (spoiler: they don't). In today's episode, Your Doctor Friends want to debunk and demystify the data around the potential "risks' around aluminum-containing antiperspirants! Should you ditch the standard roll-on? Switch to a "natural" alternative? OR.. is this all just a case of "all stink and no fire"?? Sources for today's episode include: The NIH National Cancer Institute's fact sheet page on antiperspirants and breast cancer. A 2017 review in Deutsches Arzteblatt International journal titled "The Health Effects of Aluminum Exposure." A 2019 comprehensive review on sweat gland function by Lindsay B. Baker PhD, director of the Gatorade Sport Science Institute. A Scientific American article titled "Fact or Fiction: Antiperspirants Do More Than Block Sweat". A 2021 Canadian study published in NeuroToxicology investigating association between aluminum in drinking water and risk of Alzheimer's disease risk. A Healthline article from 2022 titled "Is There a Link Between Aluminum and Alzheimer's?". A 2021 NYT article titled "Are Natural Deodorants Really Better For You?". AND FINALLY- a 2017 article from The World Textile Conference called "A novel washing algorithm for underarm stain removal" - which was the closest thing to scientific data explaining WHAT MAKES YELLOW ARMPIT STAINS! Thanks for tuning in, folks! Please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

What does the term "microplastics" mean to you? Why is seemingly everyone talking about them lately?  A new study published on March 6th in the New England Journal of Medicine titled, “Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events" has been circulating around the internet, and raises concerns about the risk of exposure to microplastics and long-term adverse health outcomes. What does this study suggest? What does the other data about microplastics show? Our exposure to plastics is ubiquitous; its in our packaging, our clothing, in our air and water. The chemical additives used in plastics manufacturing are also worrisome, as they have demonstrated adverse health effects in animal models. As we have hammered home in many prior episodes, DOSE and EXPOSURE matter when it comes to risk of harm from a particular substance. The same rules seem to apply for microplastics. In today's episode, Jeremy explains what we do and don't know about the risks of long term exposure to microplastics. He ends with some actionable items on how you can choose to limit your exposure with some simple daily behavioral changes. Resources for this episode include: The very recent NEJM article titled "Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events". A 2022 Frontiers in Endocrinology study regarding endocrine changes in mammals related to exposure to micro/nano plastics. A May 2023 article from National Geographic titled "Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us?" A March 19th, 2024 Everyday Health article on microplastics. An EcoWatch article titled "10 Simple Ways to Avoid Microplastics in Your Everyday Life". Thanks for tuning in, folks! Please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Vaping. E-cigarettes. Heat sticks. They're super popular (especially among young people)- an estimated 22 MILLION e-cigarettes are sold in the US every MONTH. As we have (thankfully) seen traditional combustible tobacco cigarette smoking decline over the past couple decades, the flip side is an astronomical increase in vaping. Many e-cigarette brands market themselves as a safer, healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes, calling their vape products "ENDS" or "electronic nicotine delivery systems". Is this reality? Is vaping less harmful to you than smoking? Your Doctor Friends want to clear the air, make the conversation about vaping a little less foggy. Today we will answer questions like: How does vaping affect our health directly? What does the research show about the risks of vaping with respect to cardiovascular problems, cancer, or lung disease? What the heck is "popcorn lung"? What about VAPI (vaping associated pulmonary injury)? What does nicotine alone do to our bodies? How much nicotine is in a vape? A cigarette? What's actually in vape aerosol/mist? How is it different than cigarette smoke? Is it bad for me? Is vaping instead of smoking actually good "harm reduction"? How are e-cigarettes marketed specifically to kids and young adults? Why? What should we do about it? Let's all inform ourselves about the issues surrounding vaping/e-cigarettes, so we can all breathe easier! Resources for today's episode include: A 2022 Tobacco Use Insights journal review of literature on e-cigarette harm vs harm reduction. A March 11, 2024 study and discussion in Pediatrics journal about disposable e-cigarettes, use patterns in youth, and how to counteract the tobacco industry's "reduced-harm" marketing tropes. An August 2023 JAMA article about youth flavored e-cigarette use before and after partial flavoring bans. A Guardian article about the amount of nicotine in vapes vs cigarettes. A 2023 article in Advances in Respiratory Medicine outlining the data on vaping and cancer risk. Results from the 2023 FDA Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey. A 2016 study in Environmental Health Perspectives about acrolein, diacetyl, and other chemicals found in flavored e-cigarettes. A 2019 Cureus article about vitamin E acetate as plausible cause of acute vaping-related lung illness. A 1/24/24 CNN article about the lack of progress on the US menthol cigarette ban. Wikipedia article on "bronchiolitis obliterans". A December 2023 WHO news release about the urgent need to protect children and prevent uptake of e-cigarettes. A 2023 Cureus meta-analysis on risks of vaping on cardiovascular disease. An October 2023 Pediatrics journal article outlining vaping cessation methods used by US adolescent e-cigarette users. Thanks for tuning in, folks! Please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Another foray into the wide world of SUPPLEMENTS, friends! Let's talk COLLAGEN this time. What IS collagen? Well, in short, it's, uh... us. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It accounts for about 30% of your body’s total protein.  It is the primary building block of your body’s connective tissues: skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, etc. So.. does consuming it (as marketed by supplement companies) actually IMPROVE any of those parts of you?? Or is this just another trick by the "wellness" industry to freak us out (even more) about bodily changes that the majority of human beings will experience, to some degree, in the normal course of aging? This week Jeremy presents a detailed dissertation on collagen consumption! Your Doctor Friends aim to answer all your collagen questions! What does the research suggest? Can we even absorb collagen by eating it in supplement form? Can it improve your skin? What about your joints? Does it make arthritis better? Is there a particular TYPE of collagen that has potential positive impact on our health? Is it crazy expensive?? Am I eating BONES?? (listen in to find out ;) Resources for today's episode include: The Cleveland Clinic's informational page about collagen. An article/lit review/meta-analysis from the American Journal of Translational Research evaluating the efficacy of undenatured collagen in knee osteoarthritis. An International Journal of Dermatology systematic review/meta-analysis on the effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging. A systematic review/meta-analysis in Nutrients on the effects of oral collagen for skin anti-aging. A 2023 Cureus meta-analysis on hydrolyzed oral collagen supplementation on skin rejuvenation. A Nutrients study on type-2 chicken hydrolyzed collagen supplements to alleviate joint discomfort. A Washington Post article from 1/29/24 titled "Should I be taking collagen supplements? Here's what the science says." An Elle News article from Feb 2024 all about collagen drinks. Thanks for tuning in, folks! Please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Baseball is back! Spring training cactus (and grapefruit!) leagues are in full swing, and the sports community is all abuzz with prognostications for the upcoming season. Pop quiz, dear listener! Shohei Ohtani. Bryce Harper. Kerry Wood. Jose Canseco. Chris Sale. What do they have in common? They're all Major League Baseball players, and they all (in addition to over 1,000 other MLB players) underwent Tommy John ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery. Until the last 10 years or so, orthopedic surgeons performed Tommy John/UCL reconstruction surgery almost exclusively on professional baseball pitchers. However, with increased specialization of younger athletes, and increased demands on young athletes' throwing arms, the rate of UCL elbow injuries has skyrocketed. Young athletes aged 17-22 are the most common group receiving this surgery. Why?? Is blowing out your UCL "inevitable" in an overhead athlete? What factors come into play that increase risk of UCL tears? Can we prevent these injuries? How?? Thankfully we have brought our friend and colleague, and baseball injury specialist, Nikhil Verma, MD, to tease out everything "Tommy John"! Dr. Verma is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, specializing in sports medicine, and has worked at Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH since 2004. He is currently the head team physician for the Chicago White Sox (since 2017, taking over for one of our former guests, Dr. Chuck Bush Joseph), and is the director of the Sports Medicine division and is Program Director for the sports medicine surgical fellowship at RUSH.  He has robust research and academic presence, with tons of publications under his belt, and he is an associate editor for the Arthroscopy Journal, and on the editorial board for the Journal of Knee Surgery. He is a member of numerous academic societies in orthopedics, sports medicine, and Major League Baseball.  He also has been elected by his peers to “Best Doctors in America” every year since 2007, which is quite fitting as he is a wonderful human being and beloved colleague :) He also recorded this episode with Your Doctor Friends while driving in his car on the way to the airport to fly out to Spring Training in Arizona to help out his beloved White Sox, now that's dedication! Resources for today's episode include: Dr. Verma's MOR website, his professional website, and his Instagram page! A 2016 article in The Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine (featuring Dr. Verma as a collaborating author) titled "Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: The Rush Experience". MLB.com "Pitch Smart" program article titled "Tommy John FAQ" featuring legendary sports orthopedic surgeon, Dr. James Andrews. A "Yankee Blue" article titled "Tommy John Is Not Related to Tommy John Underwear" :) Thanks for tuning in, folks! Please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Daylight saving time. When it happens twice a year, do you find yourself forgetting which one is the “bad one”? We know “spring forward, fall back”, and the “spring forward” part sounds deceptively perky and positive, but really it’s the BAD ONE! Meaning, we lose an hour by shifting the clock forward. What a crock! Our circadian rhythms are so interesting, and drive so many facets of our physical and mental health. A recent article posted by Rush University Medical Center highlighted the detrimental effects that spring daylight saving time can wreak on our bodies and minds. The article features sleep medicine specialist, James Wyatt, PhD (who coincidentally taught Jeremy and Julie about sleep medicine in medical school!), who explains how the sleep science community recognizes the research-backed hypothesis that daylight saving time poses risks to our health. While the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, as well as more than a dozen other organizations, publicly recognize that public health and safety would benefit from the elimination of daylight saving time, there’s no way to know if the policy will ever change in the US. So, since we are forced to “spring forward” this Sunday, March 10th, we decided to devote an episode to how the time shift affects us, and if we can take steps to mitigate the disruption we feel during daylight saving time! Also, enjoy a little dessert story, brought to our attention by our friends from the Bananas podcast, Kurt Braunohler and Scotty Landes, where we discuss the "VIBES pill", an ingestible motorized vibrating pill currently under research, that, when ingested before a meal, mimics the feeling of fullness. What a strange world we live in, folks! So, friends, are you ready to spring into action?? Resources for today's episode include: A Rush Stories article titled "Dreading the Spring Forward? You're Not Alone." A Johns Hopkins article titled "7 Things to Know About Daylight Savings Time." The American Academy of Sleep Medicine 2019 Sleep Prioritization Study results. A Science Daily article highlighting a study by the American Academy of Neurology, titled "Does daylight saving time increase risk of stroke?" A PLOS article titled "Measurable health effects associated with the daylight saving time shift." A 2018 article from The Energy Journal, titled "Does Daylight Saving Save Electricity? A Meta-Analysis." A December 2023 article in Science Advances titled "A vibrating ingestible bioelectronic stimulator modulates gastric stretch receptors for illusory satiety." Link to the Bananas podcast (the Jan 30th, 2024 episode includes the VIBES pill story :) Thanks for tuning in, folks! Please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Belly up to the buffet, friends! This week, Your Doctor Friends serve a smattering of hot health headlines. Jeremy and Julie curated these stories for YOU, and they are also available via our monthly newsletter, the PULSE CHECK! This week's topics include: The Alabama Supreme Court IVF ruling. Jeremy gives us an overview of the state high court's ruling, and discusses what it may mean for reproductive healthcare delivery. The Florida measles outbreak, including the Florida surgeon general's baffling, science-defying recommendations re: unvaccinated children school attendance during the outbreak. Kim Kardashian is back, and she's got more less-than-sound medical advice for us! This time, its about tanning beds and treatment of psoriasis! Piggybacking a story highlighted by The Daily podcast - the national body that certifies lactation consultants is investigating whether a consultant in Boise, Idaho, has been inappropriately pushing an unproven procedure on new mothers struggling to breastfeed. The FDA released a statement urging people to avoid using smartwatches/rings to measure blood glucose. An NBC News article titled "Black people have the highest rates of death from heart disease. Could more Black cardiologists help?" - what can we do to increase representation in medicine? Thanks for tuning in, folks! Please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

What does it mean to “have your affairs in order”? Usually, this concept comes up after someone has died or diagnosed with a serious illness. “Did they/do they have their affairs in order?”  What "affairs" are they referring to? Financial allocations? Healthcare power of attorney? Living will? The “legacy contact” for your iPhone?? It’s human to want to put off these decisions/plans since it forces us to confront our own mortality. It's not uncommon to have the occasional existential crisis, and certainly those feelings are less than pleasant... How can we make these things less scary and daunting? What if you had a “doctor friend” to help explain end-of-life planning? Do you think you’d be willing to take action if you understood your options better? Well, in today’s episode, we did just that! We have a wonderful expert in the field of Palliative Care to help us understand how to navigate end-of-life care, both for ourselves and for the loved ones in our lives. Welcome, Matthew Tyler, MD! Dr. Tyler was a fellowship-trained in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at Northwestern University. He is the Section Chief of Hospice and Palliative care at Ascension Healthcare. He has been providing care for patients in their homes, in the clinic, and in the hospital for over a decade.  He also has a BIG social media presence, with the Instagram and YouTube handle of “How To Train Your Doctor”, where he provides meaningful, kind, information regarding palliative care, hospice, and general end-of-life questions for everyone. His website, howtotrainyourdoctor.com, provides support and resources for navigating serious illness, and is totally free, and so incredibly helpful! Topics covered in today's episode include: What is "hospice"? How is it different than "palliative care"? How does someone qualify for hospice care? Is it covered by insurance? Where is hospice care provided? In a hospital? Nursing home? At home? What is a "healthcare power of attorney"? What is a "living will"? How can you create one? Does "advance directive" mean the same thing? What does "DNR" mean? Are there other options other than "do everything" and "DNR"? What is "respite care"? Dr. Tyler recommends the following resources: PREPARE for your care- a free online resources to navigate end-of-life care. Five Wishes- tools to guide decision-making for end-of-life care options. The Medicare website "find hospice providers near me". Thanks for tuning in, folks! and please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

GREEN DRINKS! Let's dive in to the murky green waters of the "supergreens" beverages currently sweeping the market! Are they as "super" as they claim? Do our bodies need to supplement all of these substances in the "proprietary blends", presented on the back of the packaging, in barely-pronounceable, long lists? How do we know what's in these powders? Who regulates them? What's the nutritional science behind their main ingredients? Thankfully we have an expert with us today, Christine Blank, MS, RD! Christine is both a chef and registered dietician, and serves as the Team Dietician for the Chicago Bulls. She is a fantastic resource for today's episode, and presents the dietary science behind green superfood beverages, and supplements in general. Topics covered in today's episode include: Do we "need" supplements? What's the best way to meet our dietary needs? How are these supplements tested/verified? Does the FDA get involved? What does "third party tested" mean? What are "adptogens"? What is the science behind ashwagandha? What about rhodiola rosea? What are "phytonutrients"? Which vitamins and minerals are vital for our health? Do we need pills or powders to supplement them? What are pre- and probiotics? What do they do? Do we need to supplement "digestive enzymes"? Which ones? Resources for today's episode: Link to examine.com pages on ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea. A Chinese Medicine journal article re: adaptogens. An article from Nutrients titled "Clinical Evidence of the Benefits of Phytonutrients in Human Healthcare." A 2019 article published in Foods re: prebiotics. The NIH fact sheet on probiotics for health professionals. A 2020 Heliyon article titled "Global analysis of clinical trials with probiotics." A 2017 article in Gut Microbes reviewing meta-analyses re: using probiotics in clinical practice. A 2023 VeryWell article titled "What Are Digestive Enzymes?" A Johns Hopkins Medicine article reviewing digestive enzymes. The YouTube clip from Andrew Huberman re: Athletic Greens. The AG1 commercial Jeremy references in the cold open. Thanks for tuning in, folks! and please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Prebiotics! Probiotics! Symbiotics! Postbiotics! WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? Where are all of these "biotics" all living?? Well, the short answer is- they're living inside YOU! Talk about the human gut microbiome is everywhere. We thought it would be helpful to have our expert in gut health, Alessio Fasano, MD to give us insights on the microbiome, and how important it is to our health. You may remember Dr. Fasano from Episode 40- "Is Gluten Bad For Me?"! Dr. Alessio Fasano is a pediatric gastroenterologist, research scientist, and entrepreneur. He is the Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Mass General Hospital for Children. Learn more about Dr. Fasano and his research about celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and the microbiome here. Link to information on Dr. Fasano's book (with co-author Susie Flaherty) "Gut Feelings: The Microbiome and Our Health". Topics covered in this episode include: What is the gut microbiome? Why is it important? How does the gut microbiome work? What factors influence the composition of the gut microbiome? How can I improve my gut microbiome? What is the connection between the gut microbiome and digestion? Can the gut microbiome affect my mental health? Are there links between the gut microbiome and certain diseases? How can I measure or analyze my gut microbiome? Can I restore my gut microbiome after taking antibiotics? Is the gut microbiome different in individuals of different ages? Can I customize my diet for a healthier gut microbiome? What is the difference between prebiotics/probiotics/symbiotics and postbiotics? Thanks for tuning in, folks! and please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles, videos and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Do you feel like "hibernating" in the winter months? Does the loss of daylight affect your mood? Regardless of whether you tough it out in the northern US in cold winter conditions, or you escape to warmer temperatures down south, none of us are immune to seasonal changes in the amount of daylight hours. The winter solstice comes for us all, whether you’re in Fargo or Fort Lauderdale. Have you ever wondered if you had “seasonal affective disorder”? (As an aside, it's either genius, or a giant bummer that the acronym for this condition is “SAD”).  Today's episode talks all about seasonal affective disorder! Who gets it? Why? How can we treat and/or prevent it? Does staring into a light box actually work? Are medications helpful for SAD? What about behavioral therapy? What does the research show? Bonus topic at the end, Jeremy dives into the recent rise in measles cases in the US, and gives some context as to why that trend may be occurring. We give a brief overview of measles, and clarify the "controversy" over the MMR vaccine (Andrew Wakefield, cough, cough...) Resources for this episode include: The National Institute of Health website for Seasonal Affective Disorder. A 2007 article from Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience titled "The phase shift hypothesis for the circadian component of winter depression". The American Family Physician article from 2012 titled "Seasonal Affective Disorder". The Mayo Clinic website re: choosing a lightbox for SAD. A link to the Rohan et al study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry comparing light therapy to cognitive behavioral therapy for treatment of SAD. AND YOU CAN'T MISS this clip of the wonderful Meteorologist (Chicago's Very Own) Tom Skilling feeling overcome with emotion watching a total solar eclipse in 2017 :) Tom Skilling is so pure, we do not deserve him! Thanks for tuning in, folks! and please sign up for our "PULSE CHECK" monthly newsletter! Signup is easy, right on our website page, and we PROMISE we will not spam you! We just want to send you cool articles and thoughts :) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Discussion about Ozempic (semaglutide and other GLP-1 agonist medications) is EVERYWHERE. So many opinions! Your Doctor Friends know that sifting through mountains of information on a subject is HARD. Sometimes it helps to "ask a friendly expert", so that's exactly what we did for this episode. Quick plug/required pre-listening for this episode- Your Doctor Friends HIGHLY recommend you listen to the episode of Maintenance Phase on Ozempic- link to the podcast here! We welcome back our friend, and former guest of YDF, Naomi Parrella, MD. Dr. Parrella is a double board-certified physician in family medicine and obesity medicine. She is the Chief of Lifestyle Medicine at Rush University, the Medical Director for Rush University's Center for Weight Loss and Lifestyle Medicine, the Director of Strategic Planning and Implementation within the Department of Surgery and Associate Professor in both the Department of Family Medicine and the Department of Surgery. She was also our esteemed guest on EPISODE 3! (Back when we were still called "What The Health?!?" podcast! In this episode, Dr. Parrella helps us navigate the tough questions when it comes to new medications like Ozempic/Wegovy. We discuss some hot topics, including: What is insulin resistance? Can you be fat and metabolically healthy? Does having a "normal BMI"/being thin automatically make you metabolically healthy? What do the STEP trials and the SELECT trial really show us? What does that data mean? Can you take a medication like Ozempic for a short time "just to lose a little weight" and then stop? Should you expect to maintain that weight loss? What are the potential side effects/downsides of medications like Ozempic (GLP-1 agonists)? Why are these meds so damn expensive? Is it like that all over the world? Dr. Parrella recommends the following resources: "Why We Get Sick" by Benjamin Bikman, PhD. "Metabolical" by Robert Lustig, MD. "Brain Energy" by Christopher Palmer, MD. For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Are you a late-night snacker? Do you sometimes get home late and push dinner back to 8 or 9 PM? Perhaps you've heard somewhere that eating right before bed is "bad for you"? Is this true? Does the timing of our eating have any impact on our health? How can we know?? RELAX! Your Doctor Friends have got you covered. To start off the new year (and following our trend of starting January episodes with "resolution-adjacent" topics), Jeremy did a deep dive into the data behind "chrono-nutrition". CHRONO= time, and NUTRITION= well... nutrition. Put them together and you've got the concept of following your body's circadian rhythm to time out your eating habits! What happens when we eat late? Does it affect our sleep? What about our metabolism? Is there benefit to changing up our eating times? Your Doctor Friends have scoured the evidence and would love to present you with a little "book report" to help you decide what works best for YOU. Listen to the end for our "dessert" topic, where Julie discusses the new FDA-approved home testing for sexually-transmitted infections! HAPPY NEW YEAR, FRIENDS! It's great to be back :) - J&J Resources for this episode include: An October 2023 article from Clinical Nutrition about chrononutrition using NHANES data. A NYT article titled "Is It Bad to Eat Late at Night?". The CDC website for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A January 2023 article from Verywell Health about chrononutrition. A May 2023 article from Verywell Health titled "Is Eating Before Bed Bad For You?". The NIH webpage discussing circadian rhythms. An NBC News article from November 2023 titled "Will first FDA-approved at-home test for gonorrhea, chlamydia ease the epidemic?". The FDA news release regarding its approval of the "Simple 2" gonorrhea and chlamydia home test. Link to the "Let's Get Checked" website for the "Simple 2" at-home gonorrhea and chlamydia home test. For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Should I try Dry January? How about Damp January?? Many folks who choose to imbibe alcohol may have considered curbing consumption on occasion, and a fair amount of people choose January to give it a go. On the theme of "New Year's Resolutions", in this episode we tackle some hard truths about hard drinks, and we have a wonderful expert guest to guide us. Dr. Gail Basch is a Psychiatrist and Addiction Medicine specialist and director of the Outpatient Addiction Clinic at Rush University Medical Center and fellowship director for the Addiction Medicine fellowship at Rush. Dr. Basch helps us tackle our tough alcohol-related questions and aids us in being introspective in our relationship with drinking. Topics covered include: What amount of drinking is "healthy" according to the WHO? Is "abstinence only" the only treatment for alcohol use disorder? What is "California Dry"? Are low/no alcohol beers and spirits a good alternative? Dr. Basch recommends these resources for folks seeking more information about alcohol use, cutting down, and quitting: Rethinking Drinking NIAAA site SAMHSA Dr. Basch's professional profile For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Have you ever TAKEN THE PLUNGE?? Cold water immersion is one of hottest trends in the health and wellness world.  A number of theories exist re: the benefits of cold water immersion. Generally we think of recovery from exercise, muscle soreness, injuries, etc. But the recent “craze” has been due to the potential to improve depression and anxiety, boost immunity, and perhaps even extend our longevity. But does it work? Is there data to support it?? LET'S ASK AN EXPERT! Our expert today is Mike Tipton, PhD, FTPS! Dr. Tipton is a Professor of Human & Applied Physiology, Extreme Environments Laboratory, School of Sport Health & Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, UK. He has published over 750 scientific papers, reports, chapters, abstracts and books in his research areas of drowning, thermoregulation, environmental and occupational physiology, and survival in the sea.  He has been a consultant in survival and thermal medicine to the Royal Air Force, UKSport and the English Institute of Sport (EIS).  Prof Tipton is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and The Physiological Society.  He was awarded his MBE for services to physiological research in extreme environments; the Ireland Medal for saving lives from drowning worldwide; and the H&L Swiftwater rescue lifetime achievement award from the USA. LET'S DIVE IN, SHALL WE?? Key highlights in this episode include: What's the basic physiology behind cold water immersion? What happens to our bodies when we make ourselves cold? Does it differ in full submersion vs a shower? Does it change if we put our faces in the cold water as opposed to just our bodies? What temperature is most appropriate for a cold plunge? How long should we stay submerged? What are the potential short and long term benefits? What does the research suggest? What are the risks/potential downsides? Who should NOT be doing this? What about cryochambers? Do they work? Who is Wim Hof? Should we do as the Iceman does?? Dr. Tipton recommends the following resources to learn about cold water immersion: The University of Portsmouth webpage- including Dr. Tipton's profile. 2022 British Medical Journal article "Cold Water Therapies: Minimising Risks". Beth Francis' video "100 Days of Vitamin Sea", chronicling her journey treating her intractable migraines with open water swimming. Check out Prof Tipton on Twitter, @ProfMikeTipton! For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Have you ever been 5 days into a cold, and you're just SICK OF FEELING SICK? Did you think "hmmm, maybe I should call my doctor, or hit up the local urgent care and see if they'll prescribe me a Z-Pak"? What IS a Z-Pak? What does it do? Does it actually do anything? Is it something my healthcare provider gives me just to "do something"? What does the evidence show? Friends, we know that it may feel like if the patient doesn’t “get something” after coming in for an appointment, that we have cheated them out of “real treatment”, or if we don’t order something that they can’t just get at home or at the drug store, that our role as physician doesn’t have value? Or that we have blown them off, or don’t care about their symptoms? We want our patients to feel heard, and to feel better! Sometimes setting boundaries, and explaining that the treatment plan is JUST reassurance and expectant management is HARD. So let's talk all about the most-prescribed outpatient antibiotic, AZITHROMYCIN! What is it good for (and what is it NOT)? ... and BONUS dessert topic at the end answers the question "does choosing reduced-fat dairy as opposed to full-fat have any value?" Resources for this episode include: An NBC News story about the recent mycoplasma pneumonia (walking pneumonia) outbreak. An article by the American Academy of Pediatrics titled "CDC highlights concerns over inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for COVID patients". A study by Washington University in St. Louis and the Pew Charitable Trusts titled "Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescribing for Adults Comes With Increased Risks". A NEJM article titled "Azithromycin and the Risk of Cardiovascular Death". The research page via Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute for Rita Mangione- Smith, MD, MPH (which includes links to the DART- Dialogue Around Respiratory Illness Treatment). A NYT article titled "Are Low-Fat Dairy Products Really Healthier?" The WHO webpage about "healthy diet". The 2020-2025 "Dietary Guidelines for Americans" The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations. A study/meta-analysis from Advances In Nutrition regarding Effects of Dietary Intake on Markers of Metabolic Health in Adults. For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Have you ever felt "over-caffeinated"? Did you feel jittery, shaky, and sense your heart was going a mild a minute? Perhaps that feeling sneaked up on you? Keeping track of the exact milligram amount of caffeine we consume is tricky, especially when coffee caffeine strengths vary wildly, and many prepared beverages don't disclose the exact caffeine content. Recently two separate wrongful death lawsuits were filed against Panera, citing that the high caffeine content of its "charged lemonade" contributed to sudden cardiac death. Scary stuff. How can we know if we've consumed too much caffeine? What are caffeine's effects on our bodies? Should we be wary about consuming caffeine right before we exercise? Thankfully, Your Doctor Friends are here to sift through the data, and present to you meaningful information so you can understand your risks and make informed decisions about your personal caffeine consumption. And in our additional "dessert" topic, we talk about the progress (or lack thereof) of the FDA to ban menthol and other flavoring in tobacco products, in hopes of making cigarettes and flavored cigars less appealing to young people, and potentially save lives. Don't forget, Your Doctor Friends are ALWAYS here to give you a boost ;) Resources from this episode include: A New York Times article titled "Energy Drinks Are Surging. So Are Their Caffeine Levels." Another NYT article titled "Are Energy Drinks Safe? New Lawsuits Raise Questions." An FDA article titled "Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?" A PubMed link to a review by the Food and Nutrition Board and the Institute of Medicine titled "Caffeine in Food and Dietary Supplements: Examining Safety: Workshop Summary." A Neuroscience and Behavioral review article titled "A review of caffeine's effects on cognitive, physical, and occupational performance." ACOG's committee opinion titled "Moderate Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy." An FDA press release regarding prohibiting menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars to prevent youth initiation, significantly reduce tobacco-related disease and death. An AMA position statement from president Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld regarding the delay in the FDA ban of menthol and other flavored tobacco products. For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Crank up the Salt-N-Pepa, friends, cuz Your Doctor Friends are TALKIN SEX, BABY! In all seriousness, Your Doctor Friends think that healthcare providers can do a better job making sexual health education and treatment more accessible and less stigmatized. Sexual health concerns, and sexual dysfunction are so prevalent, and deserve meaningful, evidence-based treatment strategies within reach. So let's break down some stigma, and have a candid conversation about all things SEX! We are so happy to welcome our guest, and expert in all things sexual health, Lyndsey Harper, MD, FACOG! Dr. Harper completed her OB-GYN residency in 2011 at Baylor Scott & White Health in Dallas, Texas, saw patients in private practice for seven years, and is now an OB-GYN hospitalist. Dr. Harper is Associate Professor of OB-GYN for Texas A&M College of Medicine, a Fellow of The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. She is also the Founder and CEO of Rosy, which is a resource to connect the 84 million women in the US with sexual problems with hope, community, and research-backed solutions to improve their lives. She has been named Forbes Top 53 Women Disrupting Healthcare, People Newspapers’ 20 Under 40, a Top Innovator in North Texas for 2020 and a DBJ Top Woman in Tech. And hey! Here's a special promotion just for our listeners! Get Rosy's Silver Membership (which includes all of Rosy's educational content, full access to the erotica library, and a personalized daily Wellness Plan) FREE FOR ONE MONTH by clicking this ROSY LINK or by going to meetrosy.com and using the promo code 'DOCTORFRIENDS'. Resources in this episode include: Dr. Harper's Texas A&M University bio page. The International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health webpage. "A Tired Woman's Guide to Passionate Sex" by Laurie Mintz, PhD. "Becoming Cliterate" also by Laurie Mintz, PhD. "Come As You Are" by Emily Nagoski, PhD. A recent New York Times article titled "8 Sex Myths That Experts Wish Would Go Away". For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

What do you think about psychedelics? Does your mind wander to late-60’s Beatles tunes? What colors do you see? Have you heard about their therapeutic uses in medicine? Seems like hippy-dippy fringe medicine stuff, right? We're talking magic mushrooms, LSD, and ketamine (among other substances) here! Can you guess which academic research institution has the most robust psychedelic research department in the US? It’s the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research! A recent (11/16/23) Johns Hopkins Congressional Briefing, titled “What’s Next for Psychedelics” featured a panel of experts discussing psychedelics in medicine, and Your Doctor Friends think the future looks PROMISING! Their discussion centered on the potential cost-saving benefits of utilization of psychedelics in treatment of a variety of conditions, including addiction, anxiety, depression (including that associated with Alzheimer’s disease), eating disorders, OCD, and post-treatment Lyme disease. Are you ready to break on through to the other side and talk medicinal psychedelics with us?? Also, we end with a little dessert from Jeremy highlighting recent data recommending the benefits of routing iron level screening, given new data on the high prevalence of iron deficiency, and why you might want to bring it up to your healthcare provider! Resources for today's episode include: The Johns Hopkins Congressional Briefing Series page, with link to the 43-minute panel presentation titled "What's Next For Psychedelics". A New York Times article about Johns Hopkins psychiatrist Dr. Roland Griffiths, titled "A Psychedelics Pioneer Takes the Ultimate Trip". The FDA Draft Guidance document titled "Psychedelic Drugs: Considerations for Clinical Investigations. Guidance for Industry." A Johns Hopkins Magazine article titled "Preparing for a new era of psychedelic treatment". A New York Times article titled "More Than a Third of Women Under 50 are Iron-Deficient". For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Have y'all heard of CRISPR?? This revolutionary gene-editing technology has the potential to treat and possibly CURE genetic diseases. Recently an FDA advisory committee has recommended the use of this technology in efforts to cure symptoms of sickle cell disease in people! THIS IS HUGE NEWS! In today's episode, Jeremy presents the context and backstory of sickle cell disease, and the ripple effects of using gene-editing therapy to treat it effectively. This could be a real game-changer for folks living with sickle cell disease, who only have access to supportive care measures to treat the devastating, and frequently deadly effects of this debilitating genetic disorder. Your Doctor Friends are excited, and you should be too! WE ARE LIVING IN THE FUTURE, FRIENDS! The FDA's final decision on its approval of "exa-cel", the groundbreaking gene-editing technique to treat sickle cell disease is scheduled for December 8, 2023, right around the corner! Stay tuned folks, you can bet that Your Doctor Friends will cover more stories about this amazing leap in treatment for genetic disorders! Finally, stay tuned til the end for a little "dessert" health headline story from Julie about using leftover antibiotics; the reason why people do it, and what the ramifications could be. Resources for today's episode include: A New York Times article "Panel Says That Innovative Sickle Cell Cure Is Safe Enough for Patients". A Doc Wire News article "FDA Advisory Committee Endorses Safety of Exa-Cel in SCD". The NIH website's page on "What Is Sickle Cell Disease?" An article by the Infectious Disease Society of America outlining how antibiotics are "like gold" to some patients, discussing how personal beliefs and health care barriers drive inappropriate antibiotic use. For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

POSTPRANDIAL SOMNOLENCE STRIKES AGAIN! In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, Jeremy unpacks the science behind why we feel so sleepy after a big meal. What's the reason? Is it the tryptophan? Is it the sugar? Is it the time of day? Listen and find out :) We are so thankful for you, our dear listeners! Enjoy restful time with your loved ones! For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

According to a recent article by Christina Frangou in the Guardian, "doctors are dying by suicide at higher rates than the general population. Somewhere between 300 to 400 physicians a year in the US take their own lives, the equivalent of one medical school graduating class annually." This sobering statistic from the eye-opening Guardian article (aptly titled "US surgeons are killing themselves at an alarming rate. One decided to speak out") resonated with Your Doctor Friends, and we are fortunate enough to have the inspiration of that article, Dr. Carrie Cunningham HERE WITH US! Dr. Cunningham is an endocrine surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital and holds a professorship at Harvard. She was recently elected President of the Association of Academic Surgery. Her Presidential Address at the AAS 2023 National Meeting, titled “Removing the Mask” created quite a stir, as she shared her personal struggles with depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and her connection to a friend and colleague (Dr. Christina "Tina" Barkley) who died by suicide. Imagine getting up in front of thousands of your colleagues and baring the most vulnerable parts of yourself. It took tons of courage, and the YouTube video of her address went viral. This week we try a bit of a “hybrid” format for Health Headlines. We just had to capitalize on this fantastic opportunity to speak directly with the subject of the article, and get her take straight from the source! Thanks for listening to this one, friends, it means a lot :) Resources from the episode include: The Guardian article, "US surgeons are killing themselves at an alarming rate. One decided to speak out." YouTube link to Dr. Carrie Cunningham's Presidential Address at the 2023 Academic Surgical Congress, titled "Removing the Mask." The 1973 JAMA article, "The Sick Physician. Impairment by Psychiatric Disorders, Including Alcoholism and Drug Dependence." The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation website. The Association of Academic Surgery's website. Dr. Cunningham's professional MassGen profile. For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Many of the questions we answer here on Your Doctor Friends focus on a specific problem. What should I do if I am nauseous? Did I tear my meniscus? Do I have a kidney stone?  However, the "holy grail" in healthcare lies in the question, can I prevent a problem? Individually, we go to our annual physicals. We click on the headlines that suggest there is a "secret" or "one weird trick" we didn’t know that could make us feel better or live longer or perform better. We read nutrition labels, take vitamins and supplements, consult with nutritionists and personal trainers. Universally, we all want to live long, healthy lives.  Alas, healthcare does not often encourage prevention. Insurance generally doesn’t cover preventative services. Healthcare companies, by and large, don’t invest in preventative care. Similarly, diagnostic testing, the backbone of identifying risks, remains underfunded and under-researched.  Again, this all begs the question, can we actually prevent disease? Today Your Doctor Friends are tagging in their friends, Max Fitzgerald, MD and Dr. Danny Luger, MD! Drs. Max Fitzgerald and Danny Luger are physicians at Rush University Medical Center and direct the Center for Prevention of Cardiac Disease. Max is a Physiatrist (a specialist in musculoskeletal medicine and rehabilitation) and Danny is a Cardiologist. They are both exceptional clinicians, incredibly accomplished individually, and together they saw a hole in our medical system and Your Doctor Friends are super jacked to have them here on the show! This episode underscores the necessity of habitual changes, like movement/exercise adjustment and sleep regulation, for preventing diseases and their efforts in setting up a care model focusing on prevention at Rush. Drs. Fitzgerald and Luger also share the community collaborations they have initiated to enhance community wellbeing. Points of Interest in the episode: 00:13 The Importance of, and Challenges Regarding Prevention in Healthcare 01:15 The Role of Annual Physicals and Lifestyle Choices 01:41 The Current State of Healthcare and Prevention 02:07 The Potential of Disease Prevention 04:35 The Origin and Goals of the Preventative Clinic 09:48 The Role of Mental Health in Preventive Care 39:53 The Importance of Sleep and Diet in Preventive Care 42:28 The Role of Community and Policy in Preventive Care To learn more about the Rush Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, check out their website here! For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]  Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) Send/DM us a voice memo/question and we might play it on the show! @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Happy HalloWEEK, FRIENDS! This week Your Doctor Friends are doling out TWO episodes of spoooooky stories and hair-raising health headlines! Each episode contains a "sharing size" story with a little "fun-sized" article at the end! Today's main topic involves the TERRIFYING California "Skittles Ban"! Spoiler alert, it really doesn't have anything to do with Skittles (thank goodness!), but does involve four different food additives now being banned in California with Gov. Gavin Newsom's "California Food Safety Act". What are these substances? Are they actually harmful to us to ingest? What does the data show? At the end Julie does a deep dive into a certain parasitic fungus that can control the minds of insects to propagate itself! It's the source material for the hit video game and HBO/Max series The Last of Us and the closest thing to zombies we will probably cover on this show :) We hope you enjoyed your Halloween and have a lovely Dia de los Muertos, friends! Resources for this episode include: The New York Times article titled "What to know about the 4 food additives banned by California". A study from Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology about the effects of oral erythrosine on men's thyroid function, as well as pituitary-thyroid function in rats A study from the Egyptian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology about toxicity of parabens in adult male rats. A review article from Environmental Health on potential impacts of synthetic food dyes on activity and attention in children. An article from Food Chemistry on potassium bromate. A National Geographic article on how Cordyceps fungus species take over ants' brains. Another awesome National Geographic article entitled "Could a parasitic fungus evolve to control humans?" An Annals of Internal Medicine study on the worsening spread of Candida auris in the US from 2019-2021. The CDC webpage about Candida auris. For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]    Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!   (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)   Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, FRIENDS! This week Your Doctor Friends are doling out TWO episodes of spoooooky stories and hair-raising health headlines! Each episode contains a "sharing size" story with a little "fun-sized" article at the end! Today we start with the (maybe not-so-scientific) connection between the full moon and erratic behavior (if there really is one...). We dive into the origins of this widely-held belief that the full moon triggers weird demeanor, and what the studies suggest may be closer to the truth. At the end Jeremy explains the health benefits of eating actual pumpkin! Stay tuned for another eerie episode this Thursday, November 2nd (the end of the Dia de los Muertos!) for another bag of treats! Happy Healthy Haunting, y'all! Resources for this episode include: A Canadian Medical Association Journal article titled "Bad Moon Rising: the persistent belief in lunar connections to madness." A 1985 Psychological Bulletin journal article by Rotton and Kelly titled "Much ado about the full moon: a meta-analysis of lunar-lunacy research." A study published in the World Journal of Surgery investigating full moons, zodiac signs, and Fridays the 13th and their relationships (or lack thereof) to emergency operations and intraoperative blood loss. A Scientific American article titled "Lunacy and the Full Moon. Does a full moon really trigger strange behavior?" A New York Times article on the health benefits of eating pumpkin! For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]    Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!   (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)   Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Food allergies are super common. According to the American College of Asthma and Immunology and the CDC, about 5% of kids and about 4% of adults are affected by food allergies. The allergic reactions can range from mild to severe and life threatening. Food allergy symptoms are most common in babies and children, but they can appear at any age. You can even develop an allergy to foods you have eaten for years with no problem (bummer). As we learned in our previous episode about Celiac Disease with Dr. Alessio Fasano, when we restrict people’s diets, it can create a really stressful and isolating situation for them. How can we support people with food allergies? Can we treat the allergies? Are food allergies actually more prevalent now than they have been historically? Thankfully, we have our friend and renowned expert in the field of Allergy and Immunology to help us understand more!   Welcome, Dave Stukus, MD! Dr. Stukus (DR. DAVE!!) is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy/Immunology Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He’s also the director of the Food Allergy Treatment Center. He’s very active on social media with @AllergyKidsDoc on Twitter and Instagram. We remember Dr. Stukus from his AWESOME episode about seasonal allergies! Hold on to your EpiPens, folks, let’s learn about food allergies! Key moments in this episode include: 00:06:32 - What Are Food Allergies? 00:09:47 - Major Culprits and Unknowns 00:13:57 - Different Methods of Testing 00:14:50 - Over-the-Counter Allergy Tests 00:15:29 - High IgE Levels and Allergies 00:24:35 - Diagnosing Food Allergies 00:27:10 - Reactivity to Cow's Milk Allergy 00:28:58 - Prevention of Food Allergies 00:30:26 - Treatment Options for Food Allergies 00:37:57 - What to Do in an Allergic Reaction 00:39:08 - Role of Antihistamines 00:48:36 - Food Allergy Labels 00:49:01 - EpiPen Availability in Schools 00:50:11 - Number of EpiPens to Have, Expiration Dates 00:52:35 - Evolving Understanding of Food Allergies, Future Research Dr. Stukus recommends the following trusted resources if you want to learn more: The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. The Support Groups page of FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education org). Dr. Dave's professional page via Nationwide Children's. For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]    Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!   (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)   Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Have you ever used a weighted blanket? What was your experience? Did you feel like a human in a “thundershirt”? In today's SECOND COURSE, we delve into the data behind weighted blankets, and how they may help improve anxiety and sleep. We cover studies related weighted blankets during cancer treatment, inpatient psychiatric care, and for improving sleep in people with co-occurring mental health issues (like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD). Weighted blankets already have been studied extensively as a sensory tool for folks with autism spectrum disorder, and perhaps they can work for you too! Plus, in the DESSERT CART Jeremy explains a recent study explaining that 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit might not be the accurate "normal temperature" for humans. Do you run HOT or COLD? Listen to find out! Resources for today's episode include: Oncology Nursing News article "Weighted Blankets Effectively Reduce Anxiety for Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment". Poster presented at the 48th Annual Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Congress by Oncology Nurses at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Article in the American Journal of Occupational Medicine- "Weighted Blanket Use: A Systematic Review". Article from the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine- "A randomized controlled trial of weighted chain blankets for insomnia in psychiatric disorders." Article in the Journal of Integrative Medicine- "Using weighted blankets in an inpatient mental health hospital to decrease anxiety." A Harvard Health article about benefits of weighted blanket use. New York Times article- "The Average Human Body Temperature is Not 98.6 Degrees". For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt :) Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network   Find us at: Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com  Email: [email protected]    Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!   (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)   Connect with us: @your_doctor_friends (IG) @yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube) @JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter) @JuliaBrueneMD (IG) @HealthPodNet (IG)

Let's STRETCH this brain meal out, shall we? This week we are separating the entrees into courses with a little trip to the dessert cart! Jeremy serves up the FIRST COURSE today! Keep an eye out for Julie's course this THURSDAY!Let's gobble up the "brain nutrition" that helps YOU feel more empowered to appraise health stories in the news. Today's HEALTH HEADLINES include:Which is safer for athletes, artificial turf, or REAL GRASS playing surfaces?With the recent Achilles injury suffered by Aaron Rodgers on the turf field at the Jets home stadium, the debate between turf vs. grass was reignited, to say the least. What are the pros and cons of turf versus grass fields. What does the data suggest regarding injuries in athletes. Is there any increased risk of cancer to athletes playing on turf fields?Let YOUR DOCTOR FRIENDS give you the digestible chunks of info! PLUS our "Dessert Cart" contains quick bites about a new intra-uterine device (Jada) that can stop postpartum hemorrhage and save lives, as well as "sound colors" and picking what kind of "white noise" can help you! Resources for today's topics include:An ESPN article discussing the turf debate.The NFL Players Association's take on turf.American Journal of Sports Medicine article on injury rates on turf fields. AJSM systematic review on lower extremity injury rates on turf vs grass fields. AJSM article on padded vs non-padded turf fields. British Medical Journal article on concussions and artificial turf.OJSM article on ACL injuries on turf.Safe Healthy Playing Fields Inc website on costs of grass vs turf.Washington State Department of Health investigation of cancer and turf/crumb rubber. Healio article on the RUBY study about the Jada system for treating acute postpartum hemorrhage. Jen Hamilton (labor and delivery RN) viral TikTok about the Jada system. Washington Post article about "sound colors."For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network Find us at:Website:

What comes to mind when you think of “metabolic disease”? It seems as though terms like “metabolic disease” and “metabolic health” are everywhere in social media. Are we talking diabetes? Thyroid dysfunction? Is this just a new way to package and market the diet/weight loss industry? Is it all about the number on the scale??Today we will dive into a few facets of metabolic health, and we will focus specifically on “prediabetes”. According to the CDC:Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Approximately 96 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Of those with prediabetes, more than 80% don’t know they have it. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.How can we know if we are at risk for prediabetes? Is it all genetic? Are there things we can control to reduce our risk? Are there system-based changes that can be made in the American healthcare system that can help folks improve their risk of developing metabolic disease on a large, population-based scale?Thankfully, we have our friend and renowned expert in the field of Endocrinology to help us understand more!  Welcome, Greg Dodell, MD, FACE!Dr. Dodell is a board-certified Endocrinologist. He received his medical degree from Albany Medical College. He completed his internal medicine and endocrinology Fellowship at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, affiliated with Columbia University. He is in private practice at Central Park Endocrinology, PC. He also is active on social media ( Everything_Endocrine on IG), where he posts wonderfully helpful information about metabolic health. He supports weight-neutral healthcare, combats toxic diet culture, and is active in campaigning for legislation to end size discrimination. His testimony in February of this year at NYC City Hall helped pass a bill banning body size discrimination in the workplace, and added weight and height as protected classes under NYCs Human Rights Law!Dr. Dodell and Your Doctor Friends recommend the following resources to learn more about prediabetes and metabolic disease:The American Academy of Clinical Endocrinology website. Dr. Dodell's practice, Central Park Endocrinology website. NAAFA: National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance's research on fat bias in the news.FLARE: Fat Legal Advocacy, Rights, and Education website. DOVE'S website on supporting the movement to end body size discrimination. NYC official website covering the signage of legislation to prohibit height/weight in employment, housing, and public accommodations.For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!...

This week you get TWO entrees with a little trip to the dessert cart! Julie and Jeremy picked some juicy stories from health headlines, strained out the inedible parts, and left you the sweet nectar. Let's gobble up the "brain nutrition" that helps YOU feel more empowered to appraise health stories in the news. This week's HEALTH HEADLINES include:Why do women pay more out-of-pocket for healthcare in the US? Julie breaks down a Deloitte analysis, and teaches Jeremy about the PINK TAX, and how it's EVERYWHERE (including in our insurance healthcare costs).Do LED light masks actually work? Do they result in younger-looking skin, less wrinkles, and fewer acne breakouts? Or are they just a scary cross-between-Jason-and-Ironman looking facial accessory??Our "Dessert Cart" contains quick bites about blood tests for long COVID, expiration dates for COVID tests, and cannabis-related car crashes and ER visits. Resources for today's topics include:Deloitte's analysis- "Hiding in plain sight: The health care gender toll." The CDC's Summary Health Statistics: National Health Interview Survey 2018.A 2019 Harvard Health Article- "Mars vs Venus: The gender gap in health."The Hysteria Podcast on Crooked Media (Sept 28 Episode features the Deloitte Analysis)(lol not scientific, but funny) A HuffPo Listicle about THE PINK TAX.American Society of Plastic Surgeons website on "What is LED light therapy and what are the benefits?"Harvard Health Article- "LED lights: Are they a cure for your skin woes?"Annals of Family Medicine article- "Blue-Light Therapy for Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis".Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews- "Light therapies for acne."An article from Photomedicine and Laser Surgery on red-light therapy for facial skin. A Healthline article- "LED Light Therapy for Skin: What to Know."Healio article- "Traffic injury ED visits involving cannabis grow over recent years."For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow

New format, who dis? :)Your Doctor Friends want to help YOU feel more empowered to appraise health stories in the news. We picked 4 topics (that we came across either in our inboxes, in the news, or on social media) and digested them and are spitting that out to YOU, dear listener! Honing your BS detector when it comes to health topics is HARD, and we are here to help!This week's HEALTH HEADLINES include:The Red Cross announces a CRITICAL BLOOD DONATION SHORTAGE.Kim Kardashian wants YOU to get a FULL BODY MRI scan!Narcan (naloxone) is now over-the-counter. The power stop an opioid overdose is in your hands!FDA panel declares that common OTC decongestant PHENYLEPHRINE DOESN'T HELP your cold symptoms!Resources for today's topics include:Washington Post article: "Red Cross declares blood shortage, blaming weather, busy travel season."America's Blood Centers and ADRP's US Blood Donation Statistics and Public Messaging Guide. Consider donating blood through the Red Cross!You can check the blood donation eligibility guide to see if you can donate safely!Kim Kardshian's (lol who we wouldn't consider a reputable scientific, evidence-based source, for the record) recent Instagram post about Prenuvo full body MRI scans.New York Times article: "The New Status Symbol Is a Full-Body MRI."New York Times article: "Treating Overdoses Over the Counter".NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse - Naloxone DrugFacts.SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) - Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit.FDA Drug Advisory Committee press release on the effectiveness of phenylephrine, a common oral decongestant.American Pharmacists Association article - "FDA advisers say oral phenylephrine is not effective as a nasal decongestant".For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on

Discussion of ADHD is EVERYWHERE in the news and social media. Often we hear patients, friends, and family members stating “I saw a post on FB/Instagram/Twitter/TikTok about ADHD that resonated with me, should I get tested?” While many people experience periods of inattention, unfocused motor activity, and impulsivity, those with ADHD experience these symptoms to a much greater degree, and these behaviors can often interfere with their social lives, working lives, and general mental health. Depending on your age and many other social factors, screening and evaluation for ADHD may have passed you over during your young, formative years. Thankfully, meaningful research exists to provide helpful data on how to diagnose and manage this condition!So let’s learn more, shall we? Thankfully we have a wonderful expert guest in the field of Neuropsychology to educate us today. Welcome, Leslie Guidotti Breting, Ph.D., ABPPDr. Leslie Guidotti Breting is a board-certified, clinical neuropsychologist and director of Neuropsychology at NorthShore University Health System where she has practiced since 2010. She serves at a national level on the Board of Directors for the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology and is the Chair of the Student Affairs Committee for the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology. She has been engaged in clinical research, publishing extensively on the topics of ADHD, epilepsy, mTBI, and concussion. She conducts neuropsychological evaluations for adults, including those concerned about ADHD. She has also evaluated professional and collegiate athletes for therapeutic use exemption for stimulants related to treatment for ADHD.The key moments in this episode include:00:01:15 - Prevalence of ADHD, 00:02:39 - Increase in ADHD Diagnosis Rates? 00:05:07 - What is a Neuropsychologist? 00:16:20 - Genetics and Heritability of ADHD 00:17:22 - Screening for ADHD 00:19:08 - Overdiagnosis of ADHD? 00:21:45 - Diagnosing ADHD in Young Children 00:23:17 - Challenges in Diagnosing ADHD 00:31:26 - ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder Co-Occurrence 00:32:10 - Symptoms of ADHD in Adults00:35:23 - Pathophysiology of ADHD 00:36:50 - Executive Functioning and ADHD00:49:19 - Medication and Treatment Options00:58:16 - "Growing out" of ADHD 01:02:29 - Algorithm of Probability for ADHD Diagnosis - new research01:03:03 - No Blood TestsRESOURCES FOR TODAY'S EPISODE:CHADD- Children and Adults with ADHD website.American Academy of Child and Adult Psychiatry ADHD Resource Center. Find a board-certified Clinical Neuropsychologist through the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology website.Dr. Leslie Guidotti-Breting's professional NorthShore University page. For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt that Julie wears in this episode :)Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on

Let’s take a little walk down Vaccine Memory Lane.  Do you remember how it felt when you got access to the first Covid vaccine in late 2020/early 2021? Julie remembers DRESSING UP to go and get her vaccine. (She wore a turkey hat with little Santa hats on its feet since it was close to the holidays).Now, do you remember last winter’s TRIPLEDEMIC??How can we avoid the same situation this year? What are the options and recommendations for folks for prevention of flu, COVID, and RSV?Today we have invited our doctor friend and expert in Infectious Diseases to explain the viral landscape in the US in the autumn of 2023. After today’s episode you will feel empowered to make your personal vaccine choices based on your risk factors, epidemiologic evidence, and straight-from-the-source data-backed recommendations from CHICAGO’S FAUCI HIMSELF!!Welcome, Dr. Rob Citronberg!You may remember Dr. Citronberg from our previous episode about Monkeypox, Covid and Polio posted almost exactly a year ago! Dr. Citronberg is the Executive Medical Director of Infectious Disease and Prevention at Advocate Aurora HealthMD from University of Connecticut, IM Residency and ID Fellowship at RUSHTrusted news source as Infectious Disease expert (catch him regularly on ABC Chicago!)Julie was afraid of him when she was a resident (til she did an ID rotation then they were besties)"Get your COVID vaccine when you can, don't worry too much about timing it perfectly. It's a step towards getting back to a normal life, protecting ourselves and our loved ones." - Rob Citronberg, MDIn this episode, you will be able to:Find out how vaccinations stand as the frontline defense against COVID-19, Flu, and RSV.Understand the significance of safeguarding pregnant people and infants through planned vaccinations.Find out how to create memorable and safe holiday gatherings during pandemic times.Learn to access the most credible and valuable health and public information from respected medical experts. Decide which vaccines this fall/winter are most important for you based on your individual risk factors. Determine whether masking in public makes sense for you.Key moments in this episode include:00:00:00 - Introduction, 00:02:16 - Vaccine Landscape, 00:07:43 - Variants and Vaccines, 00:10:10 - Impact of Prior Pandemic Restrictions, 00:11:48 - RSV Overview, 00:12:42 - Vaccine Recommendations, 00:14:22 - The Importance of COVID-19 Vaccines, 00:16:01 - Transition to Annual COVID Shots vs "Boosters", 00:17:46 - Targeting High-Risk Populations, 00:22:52 - RSV Vaccines for Infants and Pregnant People, 00:28:07 - Challenges with Vaccination Uptake, 00:29:17 - Monoclonal Antibodies as a Game Changer, 00:32:14 - Preventing Serious Illnesses in Newborns, 00:34:13 - Continued Interest in Vaccine Research, 00:37:06 - School Safety and Recommendations, 00:42:52 - "Work Culture and Changing Attitudes", 00:43:48 - "Changing Attitudes in the Medical Field", 00:45:20 - "Shift towards Work-Life Balance", 00:46:08 - "Handling Holiday Plans during the Pandemic", 00:51:17 - "Effects of Masks and Mask Mandates", 00:56:50 - Importance of Listening to Credentialed Experts, 00:57:29 - Recommended Source: Your Local Epidemiologist, 00:58:15 - Keeping a Low Profile, 00:59:18 - Call to Action: Share the Podcast, 01:00:15 - Importance of Vaccination, Dr. Citronberg recommends the following resources if you want to learn more about vaccines this fall:The CDC website, specifically...

Have you FELT THE BURN?? Heartburn, that is. It's THE WORST.“Heartburn” typically refers to an uncomfortable burning sensation in the stomach and chest, which can occur after eating. The medical terms for heartburn are “GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)”, “pyrosis” and “dyspepsia”. Heartburn is super common, can be terribly uncomfortable, and can sometimes be a sign of more serious issues. Thankfully in most cases, heartburn symptoms can be relatively easily addressed, and their root cause treated effectively.We continue our "Series on Symptoms"- where we take a deep dive into common symptoms that we experience, why they exist, and what to do about them. In this episode we cover:What causes heartburn? What is acid reflux?What is actually happening in our bodies when we experience these symptoms?What are evidence-based treatments for heartburn?What are risk factors for heartburn?When should I seek urgent medical care (i.e. call my healthcare provider, go to the ER)?Can chronic heartburn lead to other problems?Our bodies are often trying to tell us things, but our symptoms are often spoken in code, so we may need a little “decoding” from time to time to understand them and respond to them effectively!For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)

Have you ever been unable to breathe through your nose?Isn’t it THE WORST?? We’ve talked on this podcast with other experts (including Dr. Dave Stukus, pediatric allergist about seasonal allergies and our beloved pharmacist Greg Castelli about OTC meds to try for cold symptoms)- but what do you do when you’ve tried the “regular” stuff to unclog your nose, and IT’S NOT WORKING???According to University of Michigan Medicine, nasal and sinus disease affects 31 million Americans, and accounts for 16 million outpatient visits annually in the US. The obstruction of airflow can come from a variety of sources, and the common factor is usually inflammation and swelling of the mucosal lining of the nasal and sinus passages. Sometimes other things can physically obstruct the flow of air, like polyps, or a deviated septum, or sometimes, (if you’re Julie's big sister and its the mid-1980s) a Mike and Ike. So what should we do if we find ourselves mouth-breathing?? What if the neti-pot is a NETI-NOT? (and you’re full of NETI-SNOT??)Welcome to our esteemed guest, Otolaryngologist, Dr. Michelle Fisher!Dr. Fisher is a board certified Adult and Pediatric Otolaryngologist who practices near Tampa, FL at Florida ENT and Allergy. She studied at Emory for UG, Rush for med school (with Julie!) and did residency at Medical College of Georgia. She has authored several publications in the field of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and has lectured at conferences and national meetings. She is also an all-around badass and lovely human being :)Key topics in this episode include:What are the main root causes of nasal passage obstruction?What kinds of physical obstructions get in the way of keeping the nasal passages open?What are nasal polyps? Why do they occur?How much does inflammation come into play? How can we treat it/prevent it?What is chronic sinusitis? Who gets it? What are the risk factors?What causes it? Bacteria? Viruses? Fungi?Does sinusitis always need antibiotics?How can we treat it? When is surgery indicated?What is a deviated septum? Why does this happen? How can it be treated?What are some of the simple, in-the-office treatments/procedures that ENTs (Otolaryngologists) can do to treat these issues?Learn more about Dr. Fisher on her profile, HERE. Dr Fisher recommends checking out the American Academy of Otoloaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery website for great resources. For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected] Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (

Medical emergencies are common and the vast majority happen outside of hospitals. On the street. In the airport. In line at Starbucks. In the movie theater.That means that the true “first responder” is often someone without any medical training at all. Many people don't feel prepared for these situations. Certainly, it's unfair to blame the everyday layperson for not being immediately ready to give someone CPR, however it's well-established that delaying lifesaving care often leads to worse outcomes. So what do we do? We thought we should call up one of our friends (who is an absolute EXPERT in saving lives) and bring them on to teach you all the ways YOU can save a life. We will cover the obvious (like cardiac arrest and choking), but also some lesser-discussed emergencies such as stroke. How do you recognize these emergencies? What should you do first? What should you not do? When to call the ambulance? And that's just the surface! Today, Your Doctor Friends present the every person’s guide to What Should I Do In a Medical Emergency?Welcome to our esteemed guest, THE RAPID RESPONSE RN herself, Sarah Lorenzini, RN!She is an expert in emergency medical care as a Rapid Response nurse. Even better, she is an expert in teaching others on how to recognize and respond to emergencies. You may know her as TheRapidResponseRN on social media and the host of the Rapid Response RN podcast where she teaches other nurses the ins and outs of rapid response/critical care. FOLLOW SARAH on social media (@therapidresponsern) and listen to The Rapid Response RN podcast!Key topics in this episode include:How do we recognize someone having a cardiac emergency?What's the first thing we should do when we suspect someone is in cardiac arrest?When should we call 911?What is "hands-free CPR"? Is it effective?How do we use an AED? Where/how can we find them?What are the consequences if bystanders don’t help before EMS arrives?What are the signs of choking?How can we immediately help a choking victim? Is the Heimlich still recommended?What are the signs of stroke?How do we know if it is a stroke or something else?What should we do if we are concerned that someone is having a stroke?I’ve been told if I help and it doesn’t go well, I can be sued. Is that true? How do I know if I should help or not?What are "Good Samaritan Laws"? Do they apply to everyone who is rendering first aid?What if I feel like I can drive the person faster to the hospital, rather than waiting for an ambulance?Check out Sarah's own Rapid Response and Rescue courses online to learn more about how to save lives!For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected] Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the...

Does you feel like you've been seeing more and more stories about young athletes collapsing from sudden cardiac arrest?Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills collapsed after a collision in sudden cardiac arrest last year during Monday Night Football. A few weeks ago, Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, suffered cardiac arrest at a USC basketball practice. Is there a trend we should be aware of? Is this new? What's the deal? Is cardiac arrest common? Can it be prevented? What better way to find answers than to grab OUR DOCTOR FRIEND, maybe one that happens to be nationally recognized in the area of Sports Cardiology and screening for cardiac conditions in athletes, and ask him these great questions! Welcome, Jon Drezner, MD!Dr. Jon Drezner is a Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Director of the UW Medicine Center for Sports Cardiology at the University of Washington. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the British Journal of Sports Medicine He is Team Physician for the Seattle Seahawks (NFL), OL Reign (NWSL), and the University of Washington. Dr. Drezner is past-President of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM, 2012-13) and has dedicated his career to the prevention of sudden cardiac arrest and death (SCA/D) in young athletes and the development of effective models for prevention.This is a great episode, friends! Give it a listen and perhaps we can figure out how to STOP THE HEART-STOPPING!Key highlights in this episode include:Why do these elite athletes, the picture of peak performance, experience cardiac arrest?How common is sudden cardiac arrest in athletes? Does the prevalence change when looking at different types of athletes/sports?Who is at risk? How do we know?Are there warning signs for sudden cardiac arrest? What are they?Why do some people (like Bronny and Damar) have better outcomes than other people who suffer cardiac arrest?How can we screen for conditions that can cause sudden cardiac arrest?What about people out of high school and college age who are athletic, what are their risks of sudden cardiac arrest? Dr. Drezner recommends the following resources to learn more about sudden cardiac arrest in athletes:Parent Heart Watch website. The American Heart Association website. Take a lifesaving CPR class through the American Red Cross!The University of Washington Center for Sports Cardiology E-Academy, learn about ECG interpretation in athletes!You can find Dr. Drezner via his UWashington profile HERE, and on Twitter at @DreznerJon.DID WE MENTION HE HAS HIS OWN WIKIPEDIA PAGE??? :)For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information,...

Have we soured on artificial sweeteners??Recently the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) released statements about artificial sweeteners and potential risks to our health. The IARC went as far as to list aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”So, what’s all the hubbub about? Are artificial sweeteners actually bad for us? Does data exist to support a link between artificial sweeteners and cancer? Metabolic disease? Any other health concerns?Do we have to stop drinking "sugar-free" beverages? Should we panic??NO!Listen to Your Doctor Friends! Let us help you understand the relevant data, and provide some context. We're your friends. Its what we're here for :)Major points-of-interest (i.e. SWEET SPOTS) in this episode include:Where do artificial sweeteners come from? Are they all "chemicals"?What does the WHO's statement on non-nutritive sweeteners mean? What's the context? What are the data origins which spurred this recommendation?Is there evidence that links artificial sweeteners to cancer? What kind of evidence?How does the IARC classify carcinogenicity of substances? What are examples of substances that are "Group 1- Carcinogenic to Humans" vs "Group 2A and 2B- Probably and Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans, respectively"?What is JECFA? How do they classify substances and determine "safe levels" to consume on a daily basis?What are stevia and monk fruit extract? Are they "better" for us since they're "natural"?What is lycasin and why are the reviews of "Sugarfree Haribo Gummi Bears" so hilarious??For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)

IT'S HOT! This July sets record as the hottest in recorded history. Headlines are coming fast and furious recently regarding the heat waves throughout the world, including the southern United States. Temperatures have been hitting triple digits for multiple weeks in a row in places like Phoenix and Florida. These dangerous levels of heat have led to increased rates of heat illness and even death. It’s another story of the climate affecting our health. What is heat illness? Why does it happen? Who is at risk? And ultimately what you should do if you find yourself in a place with a dangerous heat warning?LET'S ASK AN EXPERT! Our expert today is Josh Blomgren, DO!Dr. Blomgren is our friend and colleague, a Sports Medicine Physician at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush for close to 15 years.He is the Chief Medical Officer for the Chicago Red Stars as well as team physician for Willowbrook High School. Perintent to today’s topic, Josh has volunteered annually since 2007 at the Chicago Marathon overseeing the medical tents that are responsible for over 40,000 runners each year, a percentage of which will experience heat illness, our topic today!LET'S DIVE IN, SHALL WE??Key highlights in this episode include:What's the basic physiology behind heat illness?What are the most common symptoms people develop with heat illness?How can you tell if someone may be suffering from heat illness?How hot is too hot? At what temperature should we be cancelling events?Do different activities have different risks in the heat?What goes into calculating the "heat index"?What is a wet bulb globe temperature?Who is the most at risk for heat illness?How can you cool someone down most effectively?Dr. Blomgren recommends the following resources to learn about heat illness: Resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics, including: "Climatic Heat Stress and Exercising Children and Adolescents" "Top Safety Tips for Preventing Heat, Sun-Related Illnesses in Children this Summer""Extreme Heat: Keeping Kids Safe When Temperatures Soar".The Korey Stringer Institute- information on "heat illnesses". Cooling Centers by State- by the National Center for Healthy Housing.Chicago Cooling Centers.For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The...

Size matters, right? In our formative years, we likely heard (directly and indirectly) from the media, in advertising, from teachers and leaders, from doctors, and likely our parents and our peers that the size and shape of our body matters. It matters socially, and it matters for our health. That’s the truth, right??So how can I know if my body is the “correct” size? The American medical industry began to use BMI, or body mass index, more consistently in the 1980s, and curiously changed the cutoffs of what was considered “normal” abruptly in 1998.  Overnight, this action changed about 25 million Americans from a category of “normal” to overweight. So what’s the science behind it? Where did this measurement come from? Why should we care about it? Is it helpful to put our bodies in “categories”? Do these categorizations actually help us understand and ultimately prevent disease? Are there other ways of assessing our health that could be more reliable and beneficial?Thankfully, meaningful research exists to provide helpful data on how to navigate these questions. AND BOY, DO WE HAVE THE EXPERT FOR IT!  Ragen Chastain is a speaker, writer, researcher, Board Certified Patient Advocate, multi-certified health and fitness professional, and thought leader in weight science, weight stigma, and healthcare. Utilizing her background in research methods and statistics, Ragen has brought her signature mix of humor and hard facts to healthcare, corporate, conference, and college audiences.WE ARE SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE HER WITH US!Topics in this episode include:Where did the BMI calculation come from?What about kids? How are kids BMIs measured?Why did BMI cutoffs abruptly change in 1998?How can the BMI cutoffs create situations where people can be vulnerable to discrimination?What is the "success rate" (according to research) for attempting intentional weight loss?What is "weight cycling"? How is it harmful?Other than body shape/size/fat percentage - what other measures of health have been studied that are good (maybe better) predictors of disease risk?What is the new “clarifying” policy the AMA adopted recently to address the role of BMI in medicine?Ragen has a Substack titled "Weight and Healthcare". Check it out!Ragen recommends the HAES (Health At Every Size) Health Sheets for a great comprehensive, evidence-based resource. Her Instagram handle is @ragenchastain, and her Twitter handle is @danceswithfatRagen also recommends the following resources:NAAFA- The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (@naafaofficial on IG)FLARE- Fat Legal Advocacy, Rights, and Education (@flareforjustice on IG)Dove's work to end body size discrimination. Matheson, et al research- "

Have you ever TAKEN THE PLUNGE?? Cold water immersion is one of hottest trends in the health and wellness world. A number of theories exist re: the benefits of cold water immersion. Generally we think of recovery from exercise, muscle soreness, injuries, etc. But the recent “craze” has been due to the potential to improve depression and anxiety, boost immunity, and perhaps even extend our longevity.But does it work? Is there data to support it??LET'S ASK AN EXPERT! Our expert today is Mike Tipton, PhD, FTPS!Dr. Tipton is a Professor of Human & Applied Physiology, Extreme Environments Laboratory, School of Sport Health & Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, UK.He has published over 750 scientific papers, reports, chapters, abstracts and books in his research areas of drowning, thermoregulation, environmental and occupational physiology, and survival in the sea. He has been a consultant in survival and thermal medicine to the Royal Air Force, UKSport and the English Institute of Sport (EIS). Prof Tipton is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and The Physiological Society. He was awarded his MBE for services to physiological research in extreme environments; the Ireland Medal for saving lives from drowning worldwide; and the H&L Swiftwater rescue lifetime achievement award from the USA.LET'S DIVE IN, SHALL WE??Key highlights in this episode include:What's the basic physiology behind cold water immersion?What happens to our bodies when we make ourselves cold? Does it differ in full submersion vs a shower? Does it change if we put our faces in the cold water as opposed to just our bodies?What temperature is most appropriate for a cold plunge?How long should we stay submerged?What are the potential short and long term benefits? What does the research suggest?What are the risks/potential downsides?Who should NOT be doing this?What about cryochambers? Do they work?Who is Wim Hof? Should we do as the Iceman does??Dr. Tipton recommends the following resources to learn about cold water immersion:The University of Portsmouth webpage- including Dr. Tipton's profile. 2022 British Medical Journal article "Cold Water Therapies: Minimising Risks".Beth Francis' video "100 Days of Vitamin Sea", chronicling her journey treating her intractable migraines with open water swimming.Check out Prof Tipton on Twitter, @ProfMikeTipton!For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe...

What are you allergic to? Do you know? Do you get all itchy and snotty in the spring and summer? Does it seem worse this year than in the past?? Do we have to just stop going outside?? (Spoiler alert, the answer is no to this last one.. :)Let's answer all these questions and more! Our expert today is Dave Stukus MD!Dr. Stukus (or “Dr. Dave, as his patients call him” ;) is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy/Immunology Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He’s also the director of the Food Allergy Treatment Center. He’s very active on social media with @AllergyKidsDoc on Twitter and Instagram.Key highlights in this episode include:What actually ARE allergies?Why do seasonal allergies seem so much worse lately?ARE they actually worse? Why?Does lactose intolerance count as an allergy?How often are people "really" allergic to penicillin?What medicines help with seasonal allergies? Is Benadryl good?How do you know if your kid has allergies, as opposed to something else causing their symptoms?Does allergy testing work? Who should do it?What about allergy shots? Do they help?Follow Dr. Stukus via his handle "allergykidsdoc" on Instagram and Twitter!Dr. Stukus recommends the following resources to learn about allergies:The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, particularly their page on Choosing Wisely Videos, as well as the Choosing Wisely website.(BONUS- Check out Dr. Dave's Choosing Wisely video HERE explaining IgG testing and allergies!)The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology website. For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB,

Today's episode marks exactly one year since since the mass shooting at the July 4th parade in Jeremy's hometown of Highland Park, Illinois that killed seven people, injured many more. Your Doctor Friends felt pretty strongly that we wanted to honor the day with an episode that would both help us, and hopefully help you learn more about gun violence and how to be part of the solution.Thankfully, meaningful research exists to help us understand the unique gun violence situation in the US, and potentially what we can do to change its course. Our expert today is THE INCOMPARABLE Garen Wintemute MD, MPH!Dr. Wintemute is Distinguished Professor of Emergency Medicine and Baker–Teret Chair in Violence Prevention at the University of California, Davis. He is the founding director of the Violence Prevention Research Program there and of the California Firearm Violence Research Center, the nation’s first publicly-funded center for research in this field. Trained initially as a biologist at Yale University, Dr. Wintemute attended medical school and residency at UC Davis and studied epidemiology and injury prevention at The Johns Hopkins University. He practices and teaches emergency medicine at UC Davis Medical Center, a Level I trauma center, and is a public health leader in the world of violence preventionKey highlights in this episode include:Background in the history of gun violence in the US. Where are we now?What makes the US unique in its struggle with gun violence?What's the history of legislation re: gun violence (including assault-type weapons) prevention?Are there actually more mass shootings now than in previous years?Does Chicago have more gun violence than other major cities? Why is Chicago so often highlighted?What is the mental health toll that gun violence takes? How is this being addressed?What can people do to make a difference in gun violence prevention?Dr. Wintemute recommends the following resources to learn about gun violence prevention:The "What Can You Do" Initiative via UC Davis Health. The Violence Prevention Research Program at UC Davis (Dr. Wintemute is the founding director :)Clinical tools for preventing firearm injuries at The BulletPoints Project.For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (

Breathing. You’re doing it right now. You’re gonna do it about 22,000 times today. We sometimes take it for granted. Certainly when our breathing is labored, it’s all we can think about. The health effects of air pollution remain a public health concern worldwide. Exposure to air pollution has many substantial adverse effects on human health. Globally, according to the WHO, 7 million deaths annually are attributable to the joint effects of household and ambient air pollution.How do we know if the air we are breathing will harm us? With the recent wildfires in Canada, and the dramatic, even shocking images of the NYC skyline looking blood red from smog and wildfire smoke, our respiratory health has been even more present in the media. How do our lungs defend themselves? How can we help them? Can we practice preventive habits to give our lungs the best chance possible? Thankfully, meaningful research exists to provide helpful data on how to protect our lungs from environmental insults, whether they’re inside our homes or floating on the breeze. Our expert today is Brady Scott, PhD, RT!Dr. Scott is the program director for the respiratory care program and associate professor in the Department of Cardiopulmonary Sciences in the College of Health Sciences at Rush University. He has been a respiratory therapist for more than 20 years, with clinical practice experience in adult emergency/critical respiratory care.Key highlights in this episode include:A concise explanation of how our lungs work, and how exposure to chronic irritants/pollutants effects those vital functions.What are different kinds of indoor and outdoor air pollutants?How can we measure those pollutant levels?Do air purifiers help?Is vaping as bad as smoking?How can we protect our lungs from indoor and outdoor inhaled pollutants and irritants?Who is at highest risk?Dr. Scott recommends the following resources to learn about respiratory health:Airnow.gov gives you a quick Air Quality Index in your area!The American Lung Association website, lung.org.Harvard's Indoor Air Quaility Study. The EPA's site on Air Quality Data. For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (

Pee problems. We mean urinary frequency, urgency, and pain/burning with urination. These symptoms can be super uncomfortable, and a simple bodily function which we perform many times a day can be a dreadful experience. We continue our "Series on Symptoms"- where we take a deep dive into common symptoms that we experience, why they exist, and what to do about them. In this episode we cover:What causes painful urination (dysuria)? What about frequency and urgency?What is actually happening in our bodies when we experience these symptoms?What are evidence-based treatments for urinary tract infections?Does cranberry juice actually work? Why or why not?What are risk factors for UTI?When should I seek urgent medical care (i.e. go to the ER)?Our bodies are weird, wild wonderlands, and our symptoms are little clues or puzzles that require some introspection and education to understand and respond to effectively!For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)

***TAKE THE LISTENER SURVEY HERE***Why do people get surgery? One could argue that surgical interventions aim to "right a wrong". Maybe that "wrong" is that your appendix is acutely inflamed and infected and needs to come out. Maybe that "wrong" is that you were born with a cleft palate and your folks wanted it corrected for you so you could eat and breathe easy. Maybe your assigned gender at birth doesn't fit your gender identity. Maybe that is the "wrong" that surgery can attempt to make "right". Sometimes we respond to concepts we don't fully understand with fear. That fear can beget big emotional reactions. Your Doctor Friends get it. That's why we brought on our friend, Dr. Loren Schechter, a wonderfully accomplished, experienced, and kind plastic surgeon who has been performing gender affirming surgery for the past 20+ years. Dr. Schechter is currently the director of the Gender Affirming Surgery program at Rush University Medical Center, and the President-elect of the American Society of Gender Surgeons.In this episode, Dr. Schechter will educate us, and we will leave with a better understanding of gender affirming care. Key highlights in this episode include:What exactly is gender affirming surgery? What procedures are typically peformed?How long has gender affirming surgery been around?What is the indication for this kind of surgery?Other than the surgeon, who is on the healthcare team for someone undergoing gender affirming surgery?Does insurance cover these procedures?Do people ever regret their decision to have surgery?What cool innovations are on the horizon in the field of gender affirming surgery?Come on this awesome journey with us, friends! Let's all understand each other better. And HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)Mentioned in this episode:WHOOP 1 Month Trial OfferWHOOPTake the Listener...

10,000 steps. It's canon at this point. That nice, round number should be our goal for the day. But WHY?? Where did this recommendation come from? Is there something magical about 10,000? What does research actually support?Breaking down the origins of the 10,000 daily step goal has been a hot topic in media lately, in part due to a recent study published by Kosuke Inoue, MD et al in the JAMA Open Network titled “Association of Daily Step Patterns With Mortality in US Adults”. In this episode we will WALK THROUGH this study and highlight key points and takeaways. Other points-of-interest in this episode include:The likely origins of the 10k-per-day step recommendationHow far is 10,000 steps?Are there actual measurable health benefits to reaching this daily goal?Can we achieve health outcomes with less than 10k steps daily?How can I track my steps? What if I don't want to buy a fancy health wearable tracker?Can other forms of exercise be just as good?For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)Mentioned in this episode:SURVEY LINKPlease take our quick survey! It is super helpful for us and you can get $50 to Amazon for less 5 minutes of your time :)Google Form - Audience Survey - 5/2023WHOOP 1 Month Trial OfferWHOOP

WE'RE BACK FROM VACATION! And we're here to talk about VOMIT!Barf, spew, upchuck, puke... whatever you call it, it's gross and unpleasant to experience. Why do our bodies do this to us?? We are starting our "Series on Symptoms"- where we take a deep dive into common symptoms that we experience, why they exist, and what to do about them. In this episode we cover:What causes nausea and vomiting?What is actually happening in our bodies when we experience these symptoms?How do these symptoms protect us?How can we tell if we are dehydrated?What's the best way to maintain hydration?What are evidence-based treatments for nausea and vomiting?When should I seek urgent medical care (i.e. go to the ER)?Our bodies are weird, wild wonderlands, and our symptoms are little clues or puzzles that require some introspection and education to understand and respond to effectively!For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)Mentioned in this episode:WHOOP 1 Month Trial OfferWHOOPYour Doctor Friends Listener SurveyGoogle Form - Audience Survey - 5/2023

It's our last week of SPRING BREAK! What better way to wrap it up than to feature an AWESOME crossover episode with Lucas Rockwood??Lucas is the founder of YOGABODY (a yoga teacher owned and operated yoga props and education company) and the host of the top-rated podcast, The Lucas Rockwood Show. He graciously had Jeremy on as a guest, talking about how to manage musculoskeletal injuries via a non-surgical approach. This super-engaging episode hits on some salient points:Why patience might be the top necessity for healingThe value of cross training for injury preventionHow to use muscle strength to combat joint laxityWhy being “under recovered” is a bigger problem than being overtrainedListen to Lucas' podcast, The Lucas Rockwood Show, it is wonderfully high-yield!Learn more about YOGABODY! Follow Lucas on Instagram at @lucasrockwoodFor more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)

COLLAB EPISODE! Our BFF Laura Danger of the Time To Lean podcast (and former YDF guest!) graciously had Julie on her pod recently, and we want to share the episode with YOU!In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the importance of maintaining friendship connections (and how it positively affects our health). Platonic relationships can be intimate too! They also talk about the oft-mentioned BitchyWalks, which is when they go on long walks in the neighborhood together and vent frustrations and celebrate wins :) They break down attachment styles, and the human need to maintain safe spaces to unload thoughts and feelings. Laura has a GREAT book recommendation! Check out Platonic by Marisa G. Franco, PhD.Check out Time To Lean podcast, with co-hosts Laura Danger (@thatdarnchat on IG) and Crystal Britt (@itscrystalbritt on IG).Check out Laura Danger's website, thatdarnchat.com :)For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)

IT'S NURSES WEEEEEEK! What better way to celebrate than to CROSS-POST an episode from one of our FAVORITE NURSES? Sarah Lorenzini, host of the Rapid Response RN podcast, graciously had Jeremy as a guest after NFL player Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest and collapse on the field in January of 2023 during Monday Night Football.In this amazing episode of Rapid Response RN, Sarah and Jeremy discuss what it takes to be prepared for a catastrophic cardiac event OUTSIDE of the hospital. How can we feel empowered to step in and step up in a critical time of need to increase someone's chances of survival? Let's learn from the PROS (our critical care nurses and team docs) to help our fellow humans.Check out this fantastic, high-yield episode, friends!And be sure to explore more of Sarah's amazing podcast episodes! Link to the Rapid Response RN Podcast on Apple Podcasts, and her website here! Follow Sarah and the Rapid Response RN podcast on Instagram, @rapidresponsern :)ENJOY more fun cross-posting for the next few weeks as Julie and Jeremy take SPRING BREEEAAAAAKKKKK!!!LOVE Y'ALL!For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)

Do you wear a fitness tracker? Is it a wristwatch, a ring, a belt? Do these devices actually help improve our health? How can we know?Wearable health tracking technology has grown immensely over the past decade. Yahoo Finance reports that the global consumer healthcare sensor market revenues reached US$ 49.1 billion in 2022 and by the end of 2032, the worldwide Consumer Healthcare Sensor Market size is likely to reach a valuation of US$ 94 billion.While sales are clearly good and Your Doctor Friends have personally bought in, do we know if these are actually helping?Ultimately, we want to ask “Will more data make us healthier?” which also happens to be the title of a NYTimes article from 2020 in the On Tech section by Shira Ovide. Thankfully in this episode, we have an expert in performance science and wearable technology here to tell us about how accurate this data is, what data we should care about and probably most importantly, how we interpret and use this data to make us healthier.Welcome Kristin Holmes, VP of Performance Science at WHOOP!Kristen has an MIT Sloan Artificial Intelligence Certificate, a Masters in Psychology and Sports Performance and is a Ph.D. Candidate, University of Queensland for PsychologyKristen works with hundreds of the best tactical, professional, surgical teams, corporate, and NCAA Athlete Teams in the world, helping them interpret WHOOP data to optimize training, recovery, and sleep behavior.  Her research focuses on the temporal organization of circadian influences and their effect on physiological and psychological resilience.Kristen was a 3x All American, 2x Big 10 Athlete of the year at the University of Iowa, competing in both Field Hockey and Basketball.She also went on to be one of the most successful field hockey coaches in Ivy League history, having won 12 league titles in 13 seasons and a National Championship at Princeton University. Topics in this episode include:What are the basic concepts behind wearable fitness tech? (Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin Watch, WHOOP?)Is the information accurate? How do we know?Is there a location on the body (wrist, hand, forearm, waist, etc) where data collection is most accurate?What are the most important metrics evaluated? (for example, WHOOP uses categories/scores such as "strain, recovery, and sleep")What goes into these scores?How should users interpret these scores?What are common ways that users might misinterpret this data?(and the million dollar question...) Does this data actually make us healthier??A DEAL FOR OUR DEAR LISTENERS!Just click HERE to access one FREE MONTH of any WHOOP membership, exclusively for our listeners! (we love you :)Check out the WHOOP Podcast for more helpful information!The Locker is WHOOP's informational center, including helpful blog-style posts about fitness data. Check out Kristen's LinkedIn and

ACUPUNCTURE. Maybe you've tried it. Maybe you've thought about trying it. It's hard to know exactly where to go to get it. Lots of other questions arise too, like does it hurt? Does it work? What can it treat? The practice of acupuncture has existed for close to 2,500 years, so there's gotta be good reasons for its use. Thankfully, we have Angela Lorbeck, DACM, MSTOM with us to teach all about acupuncture and integrative medicine! Dr. Lorbeck is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and an assistant professor at RUSH University Medical CenterShe’s been in the field of Integrative Medicine at Rush for over 20 years. Her passion is educating people about the evidence-based role of integrative medicine in patient-centered careShe is an accomplished educator/speaker and has contributed GREATLY to academic writing in the field of integrative medicine and acupuncture! Topics in this episode include:What are the origins of acupuncture?How does it work?How does someone become a licensed acupuncturist?What research exists to support acupuncture? What conditions can it treat?Does it hurt?How long do you have to do it to see an effect?Does insurance cover it?How can you find a reputable acupuncturist?Check out Dr. Lorbeck's professional profile at RUSH here!The National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) website has tons of resources about acupuncture and integrative medicine too :)For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)

Xanax. Valium. Ativan. Chances are, you've heard of these medications, and you may have even been prescribed them before. The opioid crisis has dominated headlines for the past few years, but over that same time, another drug crisis has been hiding in plain sight. Benzodiazepines (the drug class of the brands mentioned above) are an underrecognized and important contributor to the public health crisis of drug morbidity and mortality. Benzodiazepines first came on the scene in the late 50s/early 60s to treat a variety of mental health conditions, as they are quite effective in providing calming and sedative effects. Representation in current culture, such as in the Netflix documentary “Take Your Pills: Xanax” , and the popular memoir by Melissa Bond, “Blood Orange Night,” shed light on the use and misuse of these meds.Needless to say, with long term use comes increased risk for addiction and physiologic dependence and we are currently seeing serious harms to people from these drugs. Thankfully, we have our lovely friend and expert, Gail Basch, MD, FASAM here to educate!Dr. Gail Basch is a Psychiatrist and Addiction Medicine specialist and director of the Outpatient Addiction Clinic at Rush University Medical Center and fellowship director for the Addiction Medicine fellowship at Rush. Dr. Basch helps us understand the history and future of benzodiazepine use (and abuse), and offers wonderful educational insights into this "overlooked drug epidemic".Topics covered in this episode include:The origin of benzos and their mechanism of action.How did they get so popular?Why/how are they prescribed?Are they effective? For what indications? Are there "better" medications out there to treat these same indications?When should you stop taking them? What are the concerns for long-term use?What are the side effects?What is meant by "addiction" vs "psychological dependence'?How can someone wean off of these medications?What are some resources for patients and providers who want more information about benzo use and withdrawal?Dr. Basch recommends the Ashton Manual, a wonderful resources pioneered by the incomparable Dr. Heather Ashton. A British physician and psychopharmacologist, Dr. Ashton literally "wrote the book" about benzodiazepines and our complicated relationships with this class of drugs. Check it out!Dr. Basch's professional profileFor more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (

Most of us have taken a blow to the head at some point in our lives. Maybe we got elbowed during a pickup basketball game, or smacked our heads on the tailgate when taking groceries out of the back of the car. We see stars. We have a headache. We feel a little out of it for awhile.Is this a concussion? How do I know? Is that bad? What should I do? Who should I call?Thankfully we have Beth Pieroth, PsyD,ABPP, MPH! Dr. Pieroth is the Director of the Concussion Program at Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH, she has assessed concussion in the National Hockey League since 1997. She is the Head Injury/Concussion specialist for the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, White Sox, Fire, and the National Women’s Soccer League, many colleges and high schools across Illinois. Co-Director of the NFL Neuropsychology Consulting Program. On the Board of Directors of the Brain Injury Association of Illinois Long story short, Dr. Pieroth has been in the concussion game for a MINUTE and is here to set the record straight when things feel a little wobbly...Topics in this episode include:What actually IS a concussion?What are typical signs and symptoms of a concussion?Who should people seek care from and what time frame after they suspect they might have a concussion? (ER, PCP, Neuropsychologist like Dr. Pieroth??)Do all people with suspected concussion need imaging like a CT scan?Do you need to lay in a dark room for days after you have a concussion?Do helmets prevent concussions?What is "second impact syndrome"? How prevalent is this phenomenon?What are some cool things on the horizon that can aid in diagnosis and management of concussions?Check out Dr. Pieroth's TedX Chicago Talk!You can find more info about Dr. Pieroth here as well :)For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)

It's important to be aware of our choices when it comes to healthcare. Certainly when it comes to pregnancy and delivery options, finding a provider who will listen to your needs and adjust to your comfort level is fantastically important. So let's talk about the option of midwives!Who are they? What do they do? Who should use them? Do they have good outcomes? Can I deliver in a hospital with a midwife? Do I still see a medical doctor?Thankfully, we have Robin Lommori, CPM with us to teach all about midwifery! Robin is an experienced and passionate childbirth educator, doula, lactation consultant, fertility coach and midwife. She is a strong believer in the power of knowledge and education to empower people during preconception, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.Topics in this episode include:What's the history of widwifery?What's the difference between a CPM/CNM/CM?What kind of training goes into becoming a midwife? What's the certification process?What kind of prenatal/delivery/postnatal care do midwives provide?Do midwives generally collaborate with other healthcare providers who deliver babies (for example, OB-GYNs, FM physicians, etc)?What's the data on midwife delivery outcomes in the US?How does the US rank in maternal/fetal outcomes?Are there examples of other countries who have had success with midwifery?How can someone know if they are a good fit to work with a midwife before/during/after their pregnancy?In addition to her professional work, Robin is also the founder of Making Mommies, an online fertility coaching program. Follow Robin on Instagram at @making_mommiesFor more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)

So may headlines reference obesity as an "epidemic". For generations, it has been dogma that larger bodies are bad for your health. It has also widely been assumed that if you have a higher weight, it is because you have made bad health decisions and therefore you are to blame. For many folks, (doctors included) we were taught these ideas as simple, undeniable facts: Obesity will kill you. You only become obese by eating too much and not exercising. So, if someone is obese, it is because they aren’t doing the "right things". We just need to counsel them to do the right things and they will “choose” to be healthy. And make sure to bring it up at every appointment so they don’t forget!But what if all of this was wrong?Is it possible that having a higher weight does not actually mean you are unhealthy? Thankfully we have Ragen Chastain to educate us. She has over 20 years of experience researching weight and healthcare. Ragen Chastain is a speaker, writer, researcher, Board Certified Patient Advocate, multi-certified health and fitness professional, and thought leader in weight science, weight stigma, and healthcare. Utilizing her background in research methods and statistics, Ragen has brought her signature mix of humor and hard facts to healthcare, corporate, conference, and college audiences.WE ARE SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE HER WITH US!Topics in this episode include:Is "obesity" really a disease?Where did the BMI calculation come from?Where do the terms "obesity" and "overweight" come from?What is the "success rate" (according to research) for attempting intentional weight loss?What is "weight cycling"? How is it harmful?What is meant by "enjoyable movement"?How can we foster a weight-neutral health culture???Ragen has a Substack titled "Weight and Healthcare". Check it out!Ragen recommends the HAES (Health At Every Size) Health Sheets for a great comprehensive, evidence-based resource. Her Instagram handle is @ragenchastain, and her Twitter handle is @danceswithfatRagen also recommends the following resources:Da'Shaun Harrison's "Belly of the Beast"Sabrina Strings' "Fearing the Black Body"Shelby Gordon on Instagram at @fit.flexible.fluidFor more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email:...

RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES! Semaglutide is sweeping the news cycle right now. From influencers and celebrities touting its weight loss effects, to the American Academy of Pediatrics' new (controversial) recommendations on children's weight, talk about this medication is hard to miss.With all that talk, there is ripe opportunity for MISINFORMATION. That's precisely why we brought back OUR FAVORITE PHARMACIST, Greg Castelli, PharmD, to give us the facts on semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)Topics in this episode include:What is semaglutide? How does it work?Why/how was it approved for weight loss?Is it safe? What do the studies/research show?What are the side effects?For whom is Ozempic/Wegovy prescribed? Who is the target audience?Why are there shortages of this medication?Is it covered by insurance? How expensive is it?What happens when you stop taking it?Is there long-term data on risks/benefits of use (more than 5-6 years)?Is there research/data on its use in kids?Greg our Pharmacist recommends checking out Michael Pollan's book "In Defense of Food".For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)

GLUTEN. It's everywhere. Millions of people each year remove gluten from their diets, for various reasons. Some people try a gluten-free diet because they have GI symptoms. Some try it to lose weight. Some people are just looking to potentially increase their health and longevity. Is it legit? Who should really go gluten-free??Thankfully we have a WORLD-RENOWNED EXPERT in all things gluten, celiac, and gut microbiome to guide us today! Dr. Alessio Fasano is a pediatric gastroenterologist, research scientist, and entrepreneur. He is the Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Mass General Hospital for Children. He authored the groundbreaking study in 2003 that established the US rate of celiac disease in 1 in 133 Americans. He is a HUGE DEAL, and we are SO HONORED to have him as our guest! Be sure to DIGEST this episode! It's DELICIOUS!Topics in this episode include:What's the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity?How many people have celiac disease?How do we test for celiac disease? How can we make a true diagnosis?Who should be screened for celiac disease?Do we actually need gluten in our diets?Are there downsides to removing gluten from our diet?Can someone with celiac disease have a little bit of gluten in their diet?Learn more about Dr. Fasano and his research about celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and the microbiome here. Link to information on Dr. Fasano's book "Gluten Freedom".Link to information on Dr. Fasano's NEWEST book (with co-author Susie Flaherty) "Gut Feelings: The Microbiome and Our Health".For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)

Oh no. I twisted my knee and felt a pop- did I tear my meniscus? Ugh, do I have to have SURGERY?? It seems like everyone knows somebody who has injured their meniscus. These injuries are quite common, and sports news media outlets cover meniscus tear stories in athletes voraciously. It seems like the athlete has a momentary injury where their knee buckles, they limp off to the sideline, and then we find out they will be out for the rest of the season for meniscus surgery and recovery.Is this the fate for everyone with a meniscus injury?Guess what?? We brought one of our FAVORITE PEOPLE and our mentor, Dr. Charles Bush Joseph to help demystify the meniscus! Chuck has been a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine for 25+ years. He is the former head team physician/surgeon for the Chicago White Sox (a position he held for close to 15 years), and is the past president of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine. Chuck is a kind, humble, wise (and often hilarious) physician who loves to teach, so let's soak up that knowledge! Topics in this episode include:What is the meniscus? Why do I need it?What kinds of ways can people injure their meniscus?How can I tell if a meniscus injury is acute or chronic?Does a meniscus tear need surgery?Why do I know so many people who have had meniscus tears/surgery?Can we prevent these injuries?Learn more about our good friend and mentor Dr. Charles Bush Joseph (aka Chuck, aka CBJ) HERE :)For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)Mentioned in this episode:DrFriends30 Code

YOGA. If you've never done it, the concept can be intimidating. All those crazy poses with difficult-to-pronounce names. Is it gonna be HOT in the room? Are there mirrors everywhere? What if I fall down? OMG what if my body makes a weird noise and EVERYONE HEARS IT??Never fear! Today we have an AMAZING yoga instructor here to quell our yoga fears and help us break down the barriers to the wonderful benefits yoga can bring. DuShaun has been practicing yoga for 13 years and is a certified yoga instructor by the Yoga Alliance. As a yoga student, she noticed that she was the only black and plus-sized person in the room, which inspired her to bring yoga to more people who looked like her.She previously worked in higher education and community activism in the North Lawndale neighborhood on Chicago’s west side. She often teaches yoga in “non-traditional” settings. “She intends on taking down as many barriers as possible to bring yoga to those who are looking for calm and relaxed minds.” (direct quote from her site for her amazing brand, SAGE GAWD COLLECTIVE).So get centered, friends! This one is an ABSOLUTE CAN'T-MISS EPISODE!Topics in this episode include:Is yoga right for my body?Is there special preparation I should do before yoga? Do I need fancy equipment?What if I'm just not flexible? Can I still do yoga?How does practicing yoga impact our minds and bodies?How can we practice inclusivity and cultural competence in yoga?How can we make yoga more accessible for everyone?Follow DuShaun on Instagram with her handle, @dushaun_nicole, and visit sagegawdcollective.com to learn more about how we break down barriers in yoga :)Catch a virtual class with DuShaun the 4th Saturday morning of the month at the Garfield Park Conservatory!For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)Mentioned in this episode:DrFriends30 Code

Are you feeling stuck in a rut? Does it seem like there is an unending pile of busywork that keeps growing despite your best efforts? Are you feeling irritable and irritated during your daily routines?Maybe you're experiencing burnout! Not to worry, Your Doctor Friends are here to help you recognize the symptoms, take inventory of the issues, and find resources and practices to help restore balance. Today we have Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque, an Internal Medicine physician with a special interest in physician burnout to help us learn more. Dr. Shah-Haque has experienced burnout firsthand, and has co-authored a book, "Thriving After Burnout: A Compliation of Real Stories by Female Physicians" and hosts the podcast "The Worthy Physician". Topics in this episode include:How can we recognize when we are experiencing burnout? At work? At home?What are the "symptoms" of burnout?How can we reach out to our coworkers, friends, and partners, to encourage connection?What resources are out there to help us identify and combat/mitigate burnout?Follow Dr. Shah-Haque on Instagram with her handle, @theworthyphysician and link to her Podcast website here at theworthyphysician.comYouTube video of Dr Christina Maslach outlining the 6 factors contributing to burnout, here. Website for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a wonderful resource for anyone experiencing burnout or related symptoms. NAMI.org.For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)Mentioned in this episode:DrFriends30 Code

LAURA DANGER IS BACK! And she's here to help us repair, reinforce, and reimagine our relationships :) You may remember Laura from Episode 4: Domestic Labor is Still Labor, and this time she's talking about the LABOR OF LOVE.We have all been through the collective trauma of a global pandemic together. Except, we haven't really been "together", have we? How can we reach out to the people we care about to reconnect, strengthen our bonds, and enjoy our relationships? Spoiler alert: it may include a BitchyWalk or two ;)Topics in this episode include:What does it mean to "see the bird"?How can we recognize when we are isolating from our relationships?What are the "symptoms" of discord in our relationships?What if I'm an introvert? How many friends does someone really NEED?How can we make hanging out with friends seem not overwhelming/draining?How can we reach out to our friends and partners, to encourage connection?What resources are out there to help us cultivate connection?Follow Laura on Instagram and TikTok with her handle, @thatdarnchat, and visit thatdarnchat.com to learn more about Fair Play and Laura's workshops, resources, and advocacy!Link to Fair Play, Eve Rodsky's books/documentary/and more!Link to "How We Show Up"- book by Mia Birdsong.Link to the "We're Not Really Strangers" card game. For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)

It's February. Are you still hitting your New Year's resolution goal of 10,000 steps a day? Has your new gym membership card started to collect dust yet? Do you just want to feel a little stronger and have a bit more endurance, in case, you know, a pack of wild angry raccoons starts chasing you??We feel you. (It's a daily fear for us too ;)Thankfully we have brought in an exercise, rehab, and PREHAB specialist, Arash Maghsoodi, DPT! As a doctor of physical therapy, and one of the founders of [P]REHAB (an online resource for physical therapy and using exercise for preventive rehab), Arash serves as a wellspring of helpful, valid, evidence based information regarding exercise and fitness. EXERCISE IS MEDICINE! Arash is here to explain how we can be better at taking our daily/weekly doses!Topics in this episode include:Why is "exercising more" such a common New Year's resolution?Why do many people "drop off" in this resolution in the third or fourth week of January?How can we set ourselves up to maintain our fitness/exercise goals?How can "putting your shoes by the front door" help?How can we exercise "SMART-ly" and not get injured??Check out HIGH-YIELD, easy-to-understand exercise and fitness content by Arash and partners at [P]REHAB!For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)

Picture this common resolution- "I will put my phone down in the new year!" -immediately followed by turning your attention to your computer screen. Let's face it, our devices are here to stay. How can we make them work FOR US, instead of distracting us from the personal connections we need?Cue our expert in human-computer interaction (HCI), Gloria Mark, PhD! WE ARE SO FORTUNATE to be able to pick her brain about how to make OUR BRAINS better at prioritizing our precious mental currency: OUR ATTENTION.Dr. Mark is the author of Attention Span and Multitasking in the Digital Age, the Chancellor's Professor of Informatics at UC Irvine, and has published over 200 papers in top academic journals, and appeared in scores of platforms, including the New York Times, BBC, NPR, the Atlantic, and recently on Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard (check it out, the episode is GREAT!)We are aware that we likely outkicked our coverage, and are SO HAPPY to share Dr. Mark's expertise with y'all. Strap in, pay attention, this is a can't-miss episode, friends! :)Topics in this episode include:The MYTH of multitasking. What is "distraction cost'?How attempting to "multitask" affects our brains and bodies (hint: stress!)Is it really the "notifications" on our phones that are distracting us, or is it something else?Are we really "victims of the algorithm" when it comes to social media?How can being "information rich" make us "attention poor"?How can we be aware of our "urges" to check our phones/email/computer and become more intentional in our use of devices?Learn more about Dr. Mark's work at her website. Her latest book, Attention Span, is available nationwide wherever books are sold! Learn more about her book here. For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)

Ahhhh, TikTok. The cause of, and solution to, much of the the world's problems :) For real though, the traction that fad diets can gain on TT is mind-blowing- we're talking like BILLIONS of views. Never fear, Jeremy and Julie are here to break down the top trending diets on social media, sift through the trash, and give you the helpful, digestible bits that matter.Topics in this episode include:What's keto? How is it different than South Beach or Atkins?Why many "keto" packaged foods have sweeteners added.How to use examine.com- for evidence-based info about nutrition and supplement information.What is the carnivore diet? What about the "lion diet"?What is a "juice cleanse"?How do "fad diets" promote weight cycling?How carbs can be good for you!In summation, the risks, benefits, and evidence of these diets! For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network- our new benevolent overlords! ;) (For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!) Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@your_doctor_friends (IG)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@HealthPodNet (IG)

Should I try Dry January? How about Damp January?? Many folks who choose to imbibe alcohol may have considered curbing consumption on occasion, and a fair amount of people choose January to give it a go. Continuing our theme of "New Year's Resolutions", in this episode we tackle some hard truths about hard drinks, and we have a wonderful expert guest to guide us. Dr. Gail Basch is a Psychiatrist and Addiction Medicine specialist and director of the Outpatient Addiction Clinic at Rush University Medical Center and fellowship director for the Addiction Medicine fellowship at Rush. Dr. Basch helps us tackle our tough alcohol-related questions and aids us in being introspective in our relationship with drinking.Topics covered include:What amount of drinking is "healthy" according to the WHO?Is "abstinence only" the only treatment for alcohol use disorder?What is "California Dry"?Are low/no alcohol beers and spirits a good alternative?Dr. Basch recommends these resources for folks seeking more information about alcohol use, cutting down, and quitting:Rethinking Drinking NIAAA siteSAMHSA Dr. Basch's professional profileFor more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Also, if you want to try some kick ass non alcoholic brews from Athletic Brewing, head over to athletic brewing.com and use the code JEREMY20 for 20% off your first order. #GiveDryATry Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We're back from our holiday break and ready to start 2023 strong with a fresh episode :)Why do we make resolutions? What are we really trying to change? Why? And why pick January 1st??What's the history and psychology behind New Year's resolutions, and how can we be mindful in setting a goal or intention for the year?In this episode, we break down the history behind the tradition of setting resolutions at New Year's, and suggest some ways to choose goals that are meaningful, attainable, and fulfilling. We touch on the SMART method of goal setting, delve into the cue/routine/reward technique, and discuss ways to bake in accountability to your goal to increase the chances of success.LISTEN TO THE END to hear a compilation of short clips from many of our guests from 2022 sharing their goals/resolutions/intentions for the year as well :)For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Who doesn't love a clip show for the end of the year?? We are back with another crop of voicemails from our friends (Friends of YDF) asking us weird, wild questions. What better way to round out 2022 than by by listening to Jeremy and Julie provide their best educated guesses for questions that mainly center around odd bodily functions?So gather round, dear listeners, grab a fresh cup of coffee and some tender asparagus (and any other food you can think of that makes your pee smell weird) as we bid adieu to 2022.See you all in 2023! We hope you have happy and healthy holidays :)For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Oh no! I twisted my knee in a funky way and felt a pop and now it hurts! What do I do? Is this bad?? Do I need surgery?? HELP!As Sports Medicine physicians, Jeremy and Julie have fielded this concern too many times to count. Its scary! One minute your knee is fine, and the next its all swollen and painful and you're limping around. Your mind immediately goes to your buddy who had to have major reconstructive surgery and was hobbling around on crutches for seemingly forever. DON'T PANIC. Chances are you can weather this storm without undergoing a major invasive intervention. Knee injuries are incredibly common, and the majority of folks just need some good old fashioned time, rest, ice and TLC for their injury to heal. In this episode, Jeremy and Julie walk you through the immediate checklist to go through once you've tweaked your knee, red flag signs to look for, and tips on how to make it better. No KNEE-d to fear!! ;) For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

CBD seems to be everywhere. You can buy CBD or "hemp-infused" drinks, you can use creams on your skin, or take oral capsules. Advertisements for CBD products tout myriad benefits, from controlling anxiety, to reducing pain and promoting restful sleep. How does it actually work? How did it get so popular? Does it really work? How is it regulated?We brought on our doctor friend and cannabinoid expert, Dr. Scott Palmer to help answer these questions, and provide more insight on CBD. Dr. Palmer is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician in Chicago who has provided medical care for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls since 2005. He also has special research interests in the use of cannabinoids (including CBD) to help treat chronic pain, anxiety, and neurodegenerative disorders, among other health concerns. Dr. Palmer is the medical director of Synthonics, Inc. - a small pharmaceutical research organization involved in cannabinoid research and manufacturing. Come learn about all things CBD!Learn more about Dr Palmer here and his novel CBD products here.For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

SHE'S BACK! Linda Flanagan has so much to teach us, we had to make it a two-parter!Join us for the second installment of our epic two-part series highlighting accomplished author, freelance journalist, researcher, and former cross country and track coach Linda Flanagan. Her most recent book, "Take Back the Game: How Money and Mania Are Ruining Kids' Sports--and Why it Matters" has captivated Jeremy and Julie, and sheds light on how money and high stakes have transformed youth sports into something that might just not be that fun for kids anymore. Learn more about Linda's book here. For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

POSTPRANDIAL SOMNOLENCE! Have you experienced this?? If you've ever experienced that "ooh I ate too much and now I'm groggy and want a nap" feeling, then you certainly have!In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, Jeremy unpacks the science behind why we feel so sleepy after a big meal. What's the reason? Is it the tryptophan? Is it the sugar? Is it the time of day? Listen and find out :)Gobble gobble, dear listeners! We are so thankful for you! For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Youth sports today typically involve more than just a pickup game of basketball at the park district. Often kids are part of multiple travel leagues, practicing and playing most days of the week. On top of that, it's not uncommon for kids to play consecutive sports (or the same sport on different teams) season after season without any breaks.How did it get this way? Is this healthy??Join us for an epic two-part series highlighting accomplished author, freelance journalist, researcher, and former cross country and track coach Linda Flanagan. Her most recent book, "Take Back the Game: How Money and Mania Are Ruining Kids' Sports--and Why it Matters" has captivated Jeremy and Julie, and sheds light on how money and high stakes have transformed youth sports into something that might just not be that fun for kids anymore. Learn more about Linda's book here. For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Oh dear. Another virus?? And this time it’s affecting the kids?? Chances are you have heard news stories about RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, and how cases of RSV infections in kids and babies have been spiking much earlier than usual in the US. This puts strain on an already stretched-thin healthcare and hospital system, and strikes fear into parents and healthcare professionals, with media outlets warning of a potential “tripledemic”. Jeremy and Julie are here, with a little aid and input from Dr. Bridget Voigt, Pediatrician at Rush University Medical Center. Dr. Voigt paints a picture of the healthcare response to this surge in viral respiratory illness in the pediatric population, and provides guidance on how we can best manage it.Tune in for an important, topical episode! It’s not all gloom and doom, we promise. Let’s arm ourselves with some clear, evidence based information to help keep all of us safe and healthy.For more RSV information, check out these sources:CDC website on RSVMayo Clinic RSV WebsiteScientific American Article on RSVNPR/WBEZ Article on RSV Surge For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link! Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected]  Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show! (Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.) Connect with us:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

ROSE IS AT IT AGAIN! For the SECOND bonus episode this week, our favorite therapist and mental health expert, Rose Metivier, LCPC teaches us a fun lesson about how to conceptualize our emotions.Think of it like an adult version of the movie "Inside Out"- where you are the CEO of your emotions, and each major emotion (joy, sadness, anger, anxiety, etc) report to YOU to make the business run.Rose recommends these sources to learn more about mental health:NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)NAMI ChicagoChicago mental health resources for kids via WBEZNo Going Back to Normal- Harvard MagazineTackling the Mental Health Crisis in Young People- NatureFor more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected] Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Connect with us:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

BONUS EPISODE! Our favorite mental health expert, Rose Metivier, LCPC gives us quick-bite strategies for reaching out to young people regarding their mental and emotional well-being.Rose outlines digestible, actionable strategies that we can employ to create a safe environment for the young folks in our lives. The kids can be all right. They just need our help :)Rose recommends these sources to learn more about mental health:NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)NAMI ChicagoChicago mental health resources for kids via WBEZNo Going Back to Normal- Harvard MagazineTackling the Mental Health Crisis in Young People- NatureFor more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected] Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Connect with us:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Depression. Anxiety. Self-harm. Perfectionism. Escapism. Young people today are bombarded with internal and external forces which can wreak havoc on their developing minds. In today's episode, Julie and Jeremy reflect on questions they hear from friends, family, and patients alike. Are the kids okay? Are we in the midst of an adolescent mental health crisis? How did things get like this? How can we help make it better?At the helm of today's episode is our favorite therapist, Rose Metivier, LCPC. Rose provides valuable insight on the developing adolescent brain and the threats to the emotional well-being of young people. Rose reflects on the inadequacy of the American mental health care system, and suggests meaningful changes we can make as adults to perhaps make things a little easier for kids. Topics covered in today's episode include:Internalizing vs externalizing behaviors in mental healthThe role of social media in adolescent mental healthBarriers to mental health access for young peopleHow parents can support kids' mental health Why CONSISTENCY matters so much to kidsThe failures of today's mental health care systemMental health provider shortagesHow the pandemic/remote learning/isolation has impacted kids' mental healthThe benefits of emotional learning in schools starting at a young ageWhy "Inside Out" is such a rad movie :)Rose recommends these sources to learn more about mental health:NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)NAMI ChicagoChicago mental health resources for kids via WBEZNo Going Back to Normal- Harvard MagazineTackling the Mental Health Crisis in Young People- NatureFor more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected] Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Connect with us:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Sharp pain in your side. A burning sensation while urinating. Nausea or vomiting. If you’re suffering from symptoms like these, you might be asking yourself: do I have a kidney stone?As you’ll discover in this episode, it can be a bit more complicated than that. Kidney stones are sometimes referred to as ‘the great mimicker’, since their signs and symptoms are remarkably similar to those of urinary tract infections, appendicitis, ovarian or testicular conditions, gastritis, and more.Today, we bring in Urologist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Urology at the University of Iowa Health Care, Dr. Ryan Steinberg to help us understand what the heck kidney stones are, how to identify them, and when to seek treatment.Ryan sheds some light on whether or not you can keep your pet stones after they are removed, what it actually looks like to obliterate kidney stones with lasers, and some of the surprisingly simple measures you can take to prevent kidney stones from forming in the first place. You’ll even get a behind-the-scenes account of what it was like to be Jeremy’s roommate in his med school days, which you won't want to miss!To learn more about how to know for sure if it’s a kidney stone that ails you, tune in today!Topics discussed in this episode:First and foremost, what is a kidney stone?How common kidney stones actually areAn understanding of when kidney stones cause symptomsWhat causes kidney stones (and why you should drink more water!)Common signs that you might have a kidney stoneThe mechanics behind why kidney stones are so painfulWhy an accompanying fever can be bad newsPassing the stone naturally vs. medical interventionDemystifying laser kidney stone surgeryDietary recommendations for kidney stone preventionPopular herbal remedies to cop or dropWhy and how to do a 24-hour urine collection sampleWhy Ryan suggests being proactive about your healthOR playlists, stories from Ryan and Jeremy’s days as roommates, and more! Connect with Ryan by visiting his webpage at the University of Iowa Health Care here, or follow him on Twitter for more bad puns and dad jokes!For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected] Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Connect with us:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

It’s fall! This means a few things. Not only are the leaves changing color and nearly everything is flavored with pumpkin spice, but cold and flu season is also officially in full swing.If you find that you’ve got an aching head, a runny nose, or a scratchy throat, you’re not alone. You’re going to need something to make you feel better, but the cold and flu aisle can be so intimidating. What are all these pills, syrups, and herbal elixirs? Which one will effectively alleviate your symptoms?Before you grab the first thing you recognize from a TV commercial and end up feeling dissatisfied with the results or suffering from some undesirable side effects, it might be useful to draw on the expertise of a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist like Greg Castelli.Today, we ask Greg, a real-life clinical pharmacist, which cold medicine is best. He shares his take on intranasal sprays, cough syrups, home remedies, and more. We also discuss whether or not brand-name drugs are better, what contraindications to look out for, and how to go about caring for your kids when they’ve got a case of the sniffles.Hopefully, by the end of this episode, you’ll have a much better idea of which remedy to reach for the next time you’re feeling under the weather!Topics discussed in this episode:Letting your symptoms (and your pharmacist) lead youNasal sprays and how to use themBrand names vs. generic drugsWhen you should and shouldn’t take SudafedAntihistamines for nasal congestionWhy you should only take the products that you needYour guide to cough medicationsThe importance of managing your expectations of recoverySymptoms of cough medicine and DXM (dextromethorphan) abuseCommon antipyretics used to treat fever and inflammationRecommendations for treating your kids when they are sickHome remedies: from honey to humidifiersTips for topical treatments like Vicks VapoRubA look at the pros and cons of herbal remedies and vitaminsHow pregnant women can feel better without harming the babyGreg’s Halloween plans, weird questions he gets as a pharmacist, and more!Connect with Greg Castelli, learn more about the Family Medicine Residency Program at St. Margaret’s, or watch the St. Margaret Files on YouTube.For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected] Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Connect with us:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

While it’s obviously hugely beneficial to hear from the experts when it comes to specific medical problems, looking to the patient files for anecdotes and poignant stories is often equally powerful.That’s why this episode of Your Doctor Friends is something a little different! Today, we welcome our first-ever patient guest, Jerry Cropsey, who originally visited Dr. Jeremy over five years ago with pain in his right shoulder blade.As an ultramarathon runner who had suffered several orthopedic injuries over the years, Jerry was sure the source of his pain was musculoskeletal. However, despite several visits to his physical therapist and after undergoing various other treatments, nothing helped.Today, Jerry shares his unexpected journey from ultramarathon to triple bypass surgery and back, thanks to the timely advice he received from his physicians and the information and support he received from organizations like the Ironheart Foundation, an online community for endurance athletes dealing with heart disease.This remarkable case study highlights the importance of trusting your instincts, heeding your doctor’s advice (even if it seems strange at the time), and leaning on the support of a like-minded community.To hear what Dr. Jeremy calls one of the most interesting patient stories he has heard as a physician, you won't want to miss today’s episode!Topics discussed in this episode:The BACKstory behind Jerry’s shoulder blade pain (excuse the pun!)An unexpected journey from chiropractor to cardiologistThe fear and uncertainty that accompanies a triple bypass surgery Support groups and resources for athletes affected by heart diseaseSteps Jerry took to transition safely from heart surgery to 50KHow Jerry influenced his family members to get testedOur key takeaways from Jerry’s storyThe importance of trusting your gut and seeking a second opinionRapid fire: that first shower after surgery, Colorado weather, and more!For heart disease education, support, and athletic inspiration, visit the Ironheart Foundation.Looking to connect with individuals impacted by cardiac disease? Join the Ironheart Connect Facebook Group.Watch HEART: Flatline to Finish Line for an unvarnished look at some of the struggles that athletes with heart conditions go through daily.Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected] Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Connect with us:Join our Facebook group – Friends of Your Doctor Friends@your_doctor_friends (IG, TikTok)Your Doctor Friends Podcast (

Newspaper headlines can be terrifying. Sometimes, although rarely, young runners die suddenly during marathons, despite seemingly good health. If athletes at their peak physical performance are dropping dead from cardiac events, you might ask yourself; how do I know if my heart is okay for exercise?Helping us navigate these concerns is Dr. Anu Rao, an Associate Professor of Cardiology in the department of Internal Medicine at Rush Medical College, a board-certified cardiologist at St. Luke’s Hospital, and an expert in matters of the heart.Dr. Rao’s goal is to educate and empower, working collaboratively with her patients to create a care plan, reduce future risks, and help them reach their full health potential.With this in mind, we take a look at Dr. Rao’s weekly exercise recommendations to reduce your risk of heart disease, how likely it is that you’ll suffer from a cardiac event during exercise, and some of the unusual symptoms you shouldn't ignore.As Dr. Rao reminds us, nothing in life is risk-free! Don’t break up with your favorite physical activity just because you’re worried about a cardiac event. Instead, consider moderate exercise on alternating days, get adequate rest, and if you’re really savvy, get your heart checked. Oh, and listen to Your Doctor Friends, of course!Topics discussed in this episode:Why runners die at marathons, dating back to Ancient GreeceUnpacking the term ‘cardiac arrest’Risk factors that warrant being screened for heart diseaseThe controversy surrounding widespread EKG screening for athletesCommon feelings of anxiety that come with abnormal test resultsA cardiologist's recommendations for weekly exerciseUnusual symptoms that should raise red flagsWhy we don’t recommend going from couch to marathonInsight into why cardiologists treat professional athletes differentlyGenetic commonalities among different populationsWhy you might want to consider genetic testingA reminder that nothing in life is risk-freeImportant advice regarding your cardiac healthStage fright, St. Louis-style pizza, and more in the rapid-fire segment!Request an appointment with Dr. Rao by visiting the Rush University Medical Group website here or the St. Luke’s Hospital website here.CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected] Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Connect with us:Join our Facebook group – Friends of Your Doctor Friends@your_doctor_friends (IG, TikTok)Your Doctor Friends Podcast (

Let’s say you sprained your ankle a couple of months ago. Nothing major, but you’ve followed all the protocols in your recovery regimen and it still just doesn't feel quite right. What should you do?To help us answer this question, we are joined by Erin Schreiber, a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist and the Lead Physical Therapist at the Movement Guild in Chicago.Embracing a holistic biomechanical approach to rehabilitation is a key facet of Erin’s philosophy. She helps her clients achieve their goals and imparts a better understanding of the factors contributing to the root cause of their issues, not just offering them a "quick fix"!In today’s episode, Erin shares her expertise with us as we address the important role that proprioception plays in restoring optimal ankle function. You have to essentially "retrain your brain" in order to fully heal your ankle.We also touch on video call consults with your physical therapist, exercises you can do at home to strengthen your ankles, and some of the surprising ways that you can prevent future injuries, plus so much more!Armed with these tips and preventative measures, you’re well on your way to stronger ankles and faster healing. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this episode of Your Doctor Friends with movement expert, Erin Schreiber.Topics discussed in this episode:Common issues that Erin encounters at this stage of recoveryThe normal biomechanical function of your foot and ankleAn understanding of functional instability versus structural instabilityPotential consequences of being ‘over-immobilized’Tips for preventing additional injuries in the futureGetting back to your prior level of functioning A look at proprioception and why it’s relevantConsulting with Erin about your ankle sprain via video call!How you can test your ankle function at homeExercises you can do to strengthen your ankleErin’s take on braces, taping, and other external supportsPreventing ankle injuries with cardiovascular fitnessSummer fun, toe dynamometers, singing in the car, and more!Connect with Erin Schreiber on Instagram, or learn more about the Movement Guild by visiting their website.Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected] Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Connect with us:Join our Facebook group – Friends of Your Doctor Friends@your_doctor_friends (IG, TikTok)Your Doctor Friends Podcast (YouTube)@JeremyAllandMD (IG,

“I rolled my ankle. What should I do?” Unfortunately we hear this often at Your Doctor Friends. Today, we take a look at this common injury, how to know if it is serious, how long it should take to heal, and more!We are joined by Dr. Kamran Hamid, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in ankle injuries, particularly for athletes. He has served as a team doctor for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Joffrey Ballet, and Duke University Athletics.He treats a wide array of foot/ankle injuries in his capacity as Head of Orthopedic Surgery at Loyola Medicine, including ankle fractures, Achilles tendon repair, and ankle replacements, but in this episode, he shares his insights into one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in the world: ankle sprains!Tuning in, you’ll also learn some fun facts about Dr. Hamid, including how he became the ‘Weird Al’ of Orthopedics! Ultimately, what we’ve learned is that ankle sprains are ugly. They're swollen, they're bruised, but guess what? It'll be okay. Just ask Your Doctor Friends.Topics discussed in this episode:What “I rolled my ankle” actually means to Dr. HamidHow to judge the severity of your sprained ankleWhy you generally want to avoid getting an MRI early onSome recommendations, including ice, elevation, and x-raysUnderstanding why not all x-rays are created equalThe difference between urgency and emergencyHow to let your pain be your guideCommon injuries that can result from rolling your ankleA break versus a fracture versus a hairline fractureThe nuances of high ankle sprainsInstances when you might need surgeryRecovering from an ankle sprain (and the risks of reinjury)How ankle injuries can impact the mental health of athletesThe immense value of physical therapyRapid fire: Dr. Hamid’s rap career, audiobooks of choice, and more!Take a look at Dr. Hamid’s impressive CV here, or follow him on Instagram @thisiskomron and @theathletesankle.Find us at:Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com Email: [email protected] Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Connect with us:Join our Facebook group – Friends of Your Doctor Friends@your_doctor_friends (IG, TikTok)Your Doctor Friends Podcast (YouTube)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB,

So much misinformation around birth control exists that we felt compelled to answer one of your questions about contraception, to dispel the myths and educate our listeners!“Can my contraception affect my future fertility?” is a question we here at Your Doctor Friends have heard from our friends, families, and patients. Many of us are taught certain information about women's health and contraception that are no longer true, or were never true to begin with. So we invited an expert in women’s health to help educate us! Dr. Laura Laursen is an obstetrician/gynecologist at Rush University Medical Center, as well as an advocate with Physicians for Reproductive Health, and a very dedicated teacher and professor. Who better to empower us in all things women's health!We comb through most types of contraception methods out there (there are a lot!) and the best practices for each. Answering queries like, which IUD would best suit your needs, what birth control brands are out there and how they work, how to access these services, and much more!Tune in for an information packed episode!Topics discussed in this episode:Listener question about contraception and pregnancyDoes birth control cause changes in fertility?Myths around birth controlThe different contraceptive methodsHow Dr. Laursen gauges her patient’s interest in contraception choicesYoungest age you can start using contraceptionWhat should you expect to feel during an IUD insertionPain management for in-office proceduresHow Dr. Laursen breaks down the different brands of birth control to her patientsDo you need to have your period when taking birth control?The link between the depo shot and bone densityCan you feel your IUD after its insertion?Are there barriers for young girls to getting contraception?How accessible is Plan B?Will birth control pills be available over the counter in the future?Find us atWebsite: https://www.yourdoctorfriendspodcast.comEmail: [email protected] the DOCLINE at 312-380-5005. Leave us a message, we will listen and maybe answer/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Social:Join our Facebook group- Friends of Your Doctor Friends@your_doctor_friends(IG, TikTok)Your Doctor Friends Podcast (YouTube)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Back in 2019, an internet challenge struck a particular chord with people thanks to its fascinating gender dynamic: the chair challenge. You learn forward, put your head against a wall, slide a chair in front of you and then, raising the chair up to your chest, stand up while continuing to hold it. Simple, right? If only! After Stephen "tWitch" Boss and his wife, Allison Holker went viral demonstrating how easily she could complete the challenge while he got stuck, Jeremy and his wife just had to try it out. Like tWitch and Allison, she managed to do it no problem, but no matter how hard he tried, Jeremy just couldn’t stand up. Immediately his thoughts turned to failure and the need for more physical therapy. In today’s snack episode, physiotherapist Erin Schreiber explains why many men struggle with the challenge while women generally don’t. In short, the balance of the levers varies between different body types. Tune in for a short, snack episode to learn why athleticism has nothing to do with one of the internet’s most bizarre viral trends!Topics discussed in this episode:The viral fitness trend that many men can’t seem to doJeremy’s feelings of a fulcrum failure Why men often struggle but women frequently don’tSize—and volume—does matterIt’s all about your center of massFind us at:Website: https://www.yourdoctorfriendspodcast.comEmail: [email protected] the DOCLINE at 312-380-5005. Leave us a message, we will listen and maybe answer/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Social:Join our Facebook group- Friends of Your Doctor Friends!https://urlgeni.us/facebook/ydfpod@your_doctor_friends (IG, TikTok)Your Doctor Friends Podcast (YouTube)https://youtu.be/i-0jD3A07zE (link to TRAILER VIDEO! :)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Baby got back pain? Well, you’re not alone. 1 in 4 adult Americans have experienced acute low back pain in the last three months. So chances are, if you’re reading this, you’ve experienced back pain and you know how debilitating it can be. It can also be difficult to find the words to describe what happened or what you’re feeling if you don’t understand how back pain behaves.“I slept funny, now I’m stuck”, is the usual phrase we get from our friends when they’re experiencing back pain, so you can imagine the curiosity arising from that statement. The workup necessary to pinpoint the true culprit(s) of low back pain is tricky and nuanced.  So before you go texting a trusted doctor friend, or run off to the emergency room, we want you to listen to this episode so you can understand back pain a bit better.In today’s episode we invited Dr. Tom Lotus to talk to us about back pain as he answers some commonly asked questions and walks us through how an appointment would go.  Dr. Lotus  is a chiropractic physician at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush and he holds a fellowship status as a board certified chiropractic orthopedist, publishes prolifically, and loves to teach. Needless to say, this guy is highly qualified to be teaching about back pain; he’s who we reach out to when we need a trusted doctor friend’s advice.Tune in to hear how to identify your back pain and ways you can treat it without having to take a trip to the doctors office!Topics discussed in this episode:[4:07] What it actually means to throw your back out?[7:27] Dr. Lotus’ interpretation of sciatica[8:35] When should someone seek professional help for lower back pain?[11:54] What questions Dr. Lotus asks lower back pain patients to determine treatment[13:30] What kind of answers do patients give Dr. Lotus?[18:18] How to know if or when to prescribe medication?[23:35] What does ‘it’s all in your head’ really mean?[29:00] When doing extension movements make things worse for a patient[35:02] Is it a waste of time to get an ultrasound or try and manipulate the pain in the early stages of lower back pain?[38:53] Advice for people who are recovering from lower back painConnect with Dr. Lotus by heading to rushortho.com or follow him on Instagram and Facebook!Find us at:Website: https://www.yourdoctorfriendspodcast.comEmail: [email protected] the DOCLINE at 312-380-5005. Leave us a message, we will listen and maybe answer/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Social:Join our Facebook group- Friends of Your Doctor Friends!https://urlgeni.us/facebook/ydfpod@your_doctor_friends (IG, TikTok)Your Doctor Friends Podcast (YouTube)https://youtu.be/i-0jD3A07zE (link to TRAILER VIDEO! :)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Another outbreak?!? What fresh hell is this?? Can't we all just get a break?Before we sink into the depths of despair, let's consult with our friendly neighborhood infectious disease expert, Dr. Rob Citronberg. As Advocate Aurora Health’s executive medical director of infectious disease, Dr. Citronberg has been providing evidence based, valid, helpful information about disease spread and prevention for decades. Julie calls him "Chicago's Fauci"- although we all think he could do a MUCH better job throwing out a first pitch :)Listen in as he talks Jeremy and Julie out of complete virus burnout. We discuss who may be at highest risk for contracting monkeypox, and who is eligible for vaccination. We also reflect on what we have (and haven't) learned from the COVID-19 pandemic as a society, and Dr. Citronberg explains some failures and potential opportunities for improvement for the CDC. Come join us in the conversation, just don't forget to wash your hands ;)Vaccines save lives. Ask Your Doctor Friends.Helpful monkeypox article featuring Dr. Citronberg HERE:https://www.ahchealthenews.com/2022/08/01/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-monkeypox/Find us at:Website: https://www.yourdoctorfriendspodcast.comEmail: [email protected] the DOCLINE at 312-380-5005. Leave us a message, we will listen and maybe answer/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Social:Join our Facebook group- Friends of Your Doctor Friends!https://urlgeni.us/facebook/ydfpod@your_doctor_friends (IG, TikTok)Your Doctor Friends Podcast (YouTube)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

You may be thinking, “what the health is going on here?!”. We've made some changes, and we are SO excited to tell you all about them! Behold our rebrand as, “Your Doctor Friends”. Why the rebrand? We want to make it clear that we can sub-in as your doctor friends that you would text a burning question to if you only had our numbers…It’s so great to have friends in different fields of expertise that we can depend on for instant trusted advice. A doctor friend is no different!. It’s hard to know where to turn for valid, unbiased, evidence-based medical information. That’s where we come in! And when we don't know, WE ASK OUR FRIENDS (and make them record a pod episode with us :)We want you to submit your medical questions so we can address them here on this podcast to give you informed advice you would get if you were talking to your doctor friend.So don’t be shy, all questions are welcome. Even if they are about pee pee/poo poo things, which is what a lot of our family and friends submitted for us to cover on today’s episode, among other hilarious, yet common, questions.Tune in to today’s episode for tips on how not to tan your taint and a plethora of pee/poo questions and answers. Also, don’t forget to submit your questions by heading to our Facebook page provided below!Topics discussed in this episode:The new premise of our showWhy do you pee when you sneeze?Why do buttcheeks clench when you’re stressed?When is a child’s fever serious?Do beards harbor parasites and fungus?Can you get ADHD from having multiple children?Should you be tanning your taint?Is vibration therapy helpful for bone density for older women?The danger of recommending anything that isn't peer reviewedOnline resources you can trust for accurate medical informationSuper glue vs. stitchesWhy do we have nervous poops?Are there health benefits to cold showers?How much caffeine is too much caffeine?Find us at:Website: https://www.yourdoctorfriendspodcast.comEmail: [email protected] the DOCLINE at 312-380-5005. Leave us a message, we will listen and maybe answer/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Social:Join our Facebook group- Friends of Your Doctor Friends!https://urlgeni.us/facebook/ydfpod@your_doctor_friends (IG, TikTok)Your Doctor Friends Podcast (YouTube)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Welcome to TRAILER 2.0, dear listener! New name, same rad folks here! We want to teach you how to sniff out the garbage and answer all the questions you wish you could text your doctor friend. Don't get caught in endless web search spirals or social group chats, listen to Your Doctor Friends!Website: https://www.yourdoctorfriendspodcast.comEmail: [email protected] the DOCLINE at 312-380-5005. Leave us a message, we will listen and maybe answer/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)NEW SOCIALS (again, different name, but same content :)Join our Facebook group- Friends of Your Doctor Friends!https://urlgeni.us/facebook/ydfpod@your_doctor_friends (IG, TikTok)Your Doctor Friends Podcast (YouTube)https://youtu.be/i-0jD3A07zE (link to TRAILER VIDEO! :)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Trying to dunk like LeBron but falling short? Striving to pace like Pre but lagging behind? Are you just attempting to do a decent downward-facing dog and your hamstrings WON'T STOP SCREAMING?Maybe you'd benefit from a Sports Performance specialist! Good thing we've got two of the best in the biz. Dave Heidloff, ATC and Patrick Pauley, ATC of the Sports Performance Center at Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH are here to fix what ails ya. They work with athletes of all shapes, sizes, and ages, and help folks understand how to optimize their athleticism. Whether you're training for the Chicago Marathon, or simply trying to prevent your 5th ankle sprain, Dave and Patrick can provide insight on performance enhancement and injury prevention.  Check it out and move easier :)Find more info at:https://www.rushortho.com/specialties/sports-performance-servicesAnd check them out on social:@morsportsperformance on Instagram/FB@MOR_SPC on TwitterALSO, we tease our new NAME CHANGE/REBRANDING to "Your Doctor Friends" and give you a heads up for TRAILER 2.0 which drops later this week! Keep an eye out and make sure to SUBSCRIBE so you don't have to go looking for us next week with our new name! No need to worry, LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR FRIENDS! ;)For now, find us at:Website: http://www.whatthehealthpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] (DON'T FORGET THE 1!)Call the DOCLINE at 312-380-5005. Leave us a message, we will listen and maybe answer/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Social:Join our Facebook group- The Health Nuts!https://urlgeni.us/facebook/wthpod@what_the_health_pod (IG, TikTok)What the Health?!? Podcast (YouTube)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

What happens after you die? Don’t worry, not getting philosophical here, we're wondering what literally happens to your body after you flatline. Who takes care of it, where does it go, how much does it cost? Unless one has been through this process, it remains a bit of a mystery. Many of our preconceived notions regarding the next steps after death arise from what we've seen in the movies. The person is pronounced dead, and in the next scene, they’re in a casket. So much happens between those two points! Consider Julie and Jeremy’s curiosity piqued! Naturally, we called in our lovely funeral director/embalmer friend to enlighten us on today’s episode!Chicago funeral director/embalmer, Eileen Baldeshwiler joins us to teach about her profession and educate on the different modes of disposition. She delves into the process of embalming, different types of religious needs, and some really weird and interesting things people put in their loved ones' caskets. Eileen is a highly empathic and knowledgeable mortician who has helped many families in some of the toughest moments of their lives. She explains that funeral directing is an emotionally taxing, but incredibly rewarding profession.  Not only are you a frontline worker, but also an endline worker. What better honor than to take care of your fellow humans after death with dignity and kindness?Tune in to hear a lighthearted look at what happens after you die, and to hear how Julie and Eileen hypothetically killed Jeremy eight times.  Don’t be scared, we’re all gonna die someday. Listen to your doctor friends :)Topics discussed in this episode:How Eileen became a morticianDifference between a mortician and a medical examinerWhat is the funeral home process after a person dies?What is the process at the hospital after someone dies?The main modes of dispositionWhere deceased are stored in funeral homesThe least expensive mode of disposition and the most commonWhat is aquamation and green burial?Finances behind funeralsBenefits of pre-arranging funeralsWhat is the process of embalming?Eileen's experience as an embalmer during the pandemicThe oddest things Eilieen has been asked to put in a casketTo connect with Eileen head to Nelson Funeral Home’s website here!Find us at:Website: http://www.whatthehealthpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] (DON'T FORGET THE 1!)Call the DOCLINE at 312-380-5005. Leave us a message, we will listen and maybe answer/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Social:Join our Facebook group- The Health Nuts!https://urlgeni.us/facebook/wthpod@what_the_health_pod (IG, TikTok)What the Health?!? Podcast (YouTube)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

We’ve all heard the saying “what goes up must come down”, but what happens if it can’t get up, and it just stays down? Well, the same laws of physics apply in erectile dysfunction, or ED. The prevalence of ED is high, especially in America, but why aren’t there more men getting help from their health care provider? Asking for help is tough, especially about a sensitive topic like this. However, getting the right advice from the right place can make a huge difference. It can promote a fulfilling sex life and aid in family planning.Dr. Marah Hehemann sheds some light on these issues in today’s episode. She is a fellowship trained surgeon and researcher, assistant professor of urology at University of Washington, patient advocate specializing in male reproductive and sexual health, and a leader in men's health. Dr. Hehemann shares reputable sources to turn to if you are experiencing ED and the different treatments available to the public. She explains other men’s health issues including vasectomy and testosterone replacement/supplementation. We tried our best to hold the D jokes to a minimum for the sake of our listeners ;) Tune in to get the inside scoop from a true leader in the field. Topics discussed in this episode:The true definition of erectile dysfunctionCommon causes of EDSteps doctors will take to help someone with EDIs direct to consumer ED treatment harmful?Predatory ED treatment to watch out forThe current hottest ED treatment trendsA physician's role in educating patients with EDTypes and side effects of medication to treat EDWhat is considered low testosteroneDifferent treatments for someone who has low testosteroneRisks of testosterone treatmentAre non-pharmacological options safe?What are penis implants? (aka penis pumps)Technologies used for penis implantsCan you have children after having a vasectomy?The scarcity of women in urology and men's healthConnect with Dr. Hehemann through Instagram, or you can head to her website here!Find us at:Website: http://www.whatthehealthpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] (DON'T FORGET THE 1!)Call the DOCLINE at 312-380-5005. Leave us a message, we will listen and maybe answer/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Social:Join our Facebook group- The Health Nuts!https://urlgeni.us/facebook/wthpod@what_the_health_pod (IG, TikTok)What the Health?!? Podcast (YouTube)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

In this special Friday BONUS episode, Dr. Adam Bruene talks us through how to re-activate our "baby brain" to create true core stability. It's as easy as laying on your back and breathing with your belly. Utilizing evidence-based techniques from Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, we can quickly and easily stimulate our brain to revert to "autopilot", which in turn can relieve back pain, prevent injury, and make us sit up straighter. Cool techniques piloted by our friends in the Czech Republic :)BONUS BONUS- watch the accompanying video where Doctors Bruene demonstrate these easy breathing and bracing techniques on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tv/CgTUDcZj8K8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linkand YouTube!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7FnnwYjd04Dr. Adam Bruene practices at Aligned Modern Health in Chicago, IL. Find out more about him at https://alignedmodernhealth.com/people/chiropractic-physicians/dr-adam-bruene-dc-certmdt/Find us at:Website: http://www.whatthehealthpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] (DON'T FORGET THE 1!)Call the DOCLINE at 312-380-5005. Leave us a message, we will listen and maybe answer/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Social:Join our Facebook group- The Health Nuts!https://urlgeni.us/facebook/wthpod@what_the_health_pod (IG, TikTok)What the Health?!? Podcast (YouTube)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

What's the deal with Chiropractors? Is it all about the pop/crack/adjustment? Do they only treat back issues? What's their training like? What's the science behind it? How can I find a good one??Cue Adam Bruene, DC, CertMDT, DNSP! He is a Doctor of Chiropractic medicine with special training/certification in McKenzie Diagnosis and Treatment, as well as Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization. In this episode, Dr. Bruene de-mystifies Chiropractic medicine by explaining its roots, current practice, and hopeful future (HINT: it involves collaboration with other physical medicine folks- like MDs, DOs, PTs and more!)OF COURSE we are gonna talk about the marriage of Chiropractic and MD/Allopathic medicine- because, as you may have guessed, Adam Bruene and Julie Bruene partnered to become the Doctors Bruene!Kick back, relax, and come with us on this journey into ChiroWorld! And, no, you don't have to marry a Chiropractor to find a great one ;)Dr. Adam Bruene practices at Aligned Modern Health in Chicago, IL. Find out more about him at https://alignedmodernhealth.com/people/chiropractic-physicians/dr-adam-bruene-dc-certmdt/Find us at:Website: http://www.whatthehealthpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] (DON'T FORGET THE 1!)Call the DOCLINE at 312-380-5005. Leave us a message, we will listen and maybe answer/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Social:Join our Facebook group- The Health Nuts!https://urlgeni.us/facebook/wthpod@what_the_health_pod (IG, TikTok)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

A special bonus episode! One of the best ways to help process trauma is to practice mindfulness. To help with you start the process, Rose takes Julie and Jeremy through two short mindfulness techniques that you can use throughout the day. Try these exercises while in traffic! Waiting for the elevator! When stuck in that mundane yet stressful work meeting! Zone out and tune in, lovely listener :)Rose Metivier, LCPC is a licensed therapist with Midwest Counseling and Diagnostics LLC, who has years of experience in, among other things, trauma and grief counseling.She can be reached at [email protected] us at:Website: http://www.whatthehealthpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] (DON'T FORGET THE 1!)Call the DOCLINE at 312-380-5005. Leave us a message, we will listen and maybe answer/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Social:@what_the_health_pod (IG, TikTok)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

We don’t typically expect large-scale public violence, like a mass shooting, to happen in our hometown. Those terrible things happen far away. We hear about them on the news and are shocked, disgusted, and heartbroken. But what the f*%k do you do when it happens to you, in your community? How are you supposed to feel? How are you supposed to heal?In this special episode, marking one week since the appalling Highland Park parade shooting, Jeremy chronicles his and his family’s harrowing personal experience at the event. We then consult with the wonderful Rose Metivier, LCPC, a licensed therapist at Midwest Counseling and Diagnostics LLC, who has years of experience in, among other things, trauma and grief counseling. She walks us through what others are feelings and what comes next after experiencing this trauma.Let’s all listen, connect, grieve, and heal together.Love y’all.AWESOME resources that Rose suggests: (you can also contact her at [email protected])A TON of resources for Highland Park Community specifically, and other resources here. Easy searches for therapists on TherapyDen.com, InclusiveTherapists.com, or PsychologyToday.com. Allows you to filter by preferences, location, specialty, and insurances accepted. People may want to search for specific trauma specialties or interventions mentioned here.National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Illinois: Coping With Community Violence Support Groups (English & Spanish resources forthcoming)National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)Beyond Trauma Podcast: Podcast made by three trauma therapists in Springfield, MO that they designed specifically for people who have been through trauma.PLEASE spend all your money at Bright Bowls in Highland Park. They sheltered Jeremy and family, as well as others, on the 4th and are just wonderful people. www.brightbowls.comFind us at:Website: http://www.whatthehealthpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] (DON'T FORGET THE 1!)Call the DOCLINE at 312-380-5005. Leave us a message, we will listen and maybe answer/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Social:@what_the_health_pod (IG, TikTok)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

You've just got one little burning question. Now where's that doctor's phone number? Wait, who is gonna pick up on the other end of the line? Will it even be a human? Why is this so FRUSTRATING??In this Intrusive Waiting Room Thoughts episode, Jeremy and Julie explain why it's so damn hard to get the doctor on the horn. They also give you some insider information on potentially more efficient, and certainly less anxiety-inducing, methods to get your question answered by your healthcare team. PLUS, at one point, Jeremy tells us that he would prefer his patients to text him. Let's hope his GIF game is strong ;)As a heads up to our listeners, this episode was recorded before the awful, tragic events that occurred on 7/4/22 in Highland Park, Illinois. Jeremy addresses this at the beginning of the episode, explaining that he is a proud resident of Highland Park and was present at the parade that day. We may address this further in the future on the podcast, keep tuned.Find us at:Website: http://www.whatthehealthpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] (DON'T FORGET THE 1!)Call the DOCLINE at 312-380-5005. Leave us a message, we will listen and maybe answer/play it on the show!(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)Social:@what_the_health_pod (IG, TikTok)@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

The pelvic floor. We all have one. We all need one that turns on and off efficiently. When the pelvic floor isn't cooperating, we can experience things like pain, incontinence, constipation, as well as back and hip pain. It can LITERALLY cause a PAIN IN YOUR ASS.No one wants that. It doesn't matter what shape your genitals are, we can all benefit from maintaining a healthy, well-functioning pelvic floor. Good thing we have Lance Frank, PT, DPT, MPH, a pelvic floor physical therapist to teach us how to keep ours healthy. SPOILER ALERT- its not just Kegel exercises :)Find us at:Website: http://www.whatthehealthpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] (DON'T FORGET THE 1!)Social:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@lance_frank  or @lanceinyourpants (IG) @lance_in_your_pants (TikTok)Find a great pelvic floor physical therapist near you using these resources:pelvicrehab.compelvicguru.com APTA.org

Have you ever had a coworker who drops the ball with work tasks? They can't be trusted to complete work to the minimum standard, and you end up picking up all the slack. It's awfully frustrating, isn't it? Now imagine that YOU LIVE WITH THAT PERSON.So many domestic partnerships fall into these unfair, unsustainable traps. One person is the "default", and is in charge of the majority of the tasks that keep the home and family running smoothly. And the other person doesn't seem to appreciate all the labor that their partner contributes. The end product is resentment and domestic discord. It sucks.Don't believe everything that you see with beautifully curated, Insta-filtered social media posts about relationships. This is the dirty little secret no one wants to talk about.Laura Danger to the rescue! She's a domestic equity advocate/educator and certified Fair Play facilitator. She is here to teach Julie and Jeremy how to communicate our needs, divvy up the work, and build our relationships stronger, healthier, and happier. Find Laura Danger at http://www.thatdarnchat.com, as well as on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube with the handle @ThatDarnChat :)Please rate, review, and subscribe- IT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE!Find us at:Website: http://www.whatthehealthpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] (DON'T FORGET THE 1!)Call us and leave us a message on the What the Health DocLine! 312-380-5005Social:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Fat. We've all got it. How do we know when we have too much? Does it seem like your doctor feels super uncomfortable talking to you about your weight? That's probably because they usually are...In this episode, Julie and Jeremy consult with Dr. Naomi Parrella, who is the expert in adipose, the queen of staying lean.  She is the medical director of the RUSH Center for Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery, and she is here to give us the skinny on all things FAT.  Dr Parrella explains how we process and store energy, and how creating small habits can make BIG changes with respect to our weight. Can you be healthy and fat? Do low-carb, high protein diets really work? How can we maintain weight loss after we have achieved it? Listen in to find out! And don't forget to rate, review and subscribe! It means the world to us :)Find us at:Website: http://www.whatthehealthpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] (DON'T FORGET THE 1!)Social:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)@NParrellaMD (Twitter)

Why can't my doctor run on time? How long am I stuck in this waiting room? Why did that person get to go ahead of me even though I WAS HERE FIRST?? Are they going to forget about me if I go to pee? Can I at least change the channel on the waiting room TV?Julie and Jeremy have (hopefully somewhat satisfying) answers to these questions in this maiden voyage of the recurring segment we call "Intrusive Waiting Room Thoughts". We come clean as to why doctors suck so much at keeping a tight schedule. Don't worry, we will hold your place in line while you go to pee :)Please rate, review, and subscribe. It matters a TON, especially as we begin this podcasting journey!Find us at:Website: http://www.whatthehealthpodcast.comEmail: [email protected] (DON'T FORGET THE 1!)Social:@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

Does it feel like every other billboard or advertisement is telling you it can cure your pain with stem cells? We agree. But what is the real story? We talk with a world-expert in biologic cell therapy, Dr. Jorge Chahla, about what is actually going on with these treatments.Dr. Jorge Chahla is an orthopedic surgeon based in Chicago who specializes in the treatment of complex knee, hip, shoulder issues and all sports related injuries. He is a team physician for multiple professional organizations and serves as the Director of Biomechanical Research and Director of the International Fellowship Program that attracts surgeons from all over the world to train and study at Rush. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to the field of orthopedic sports medicine through minimally invasive techniques, and as a pioneer in novel biologic treatments. Learn more about Dr. Chahla at www.jorgechahlamd.com or social media: @chicagosportsdoc (instagram) and @jachahla (twitter).  Please rate, review and subscribe!  (It helps a ton as we try to get off the ground.)Find us at:Website: http://www.whatthehealthpodcast.comEmail: [email protected]: @JeremyAllandMD (instagram, twitter, facebook)@JuliaBrueneMD (instagram)

This is it! The trailer. The preview. The introduction. Forget stuffy and unapproachable health information, join us every Tuesday for great interviews, fun conversation and maybe even some peaks behind the curtain in healthcare.. Send us feedback or something that makes you say: What the Health?!?whatthehealthpodcast1@gmail.comwww.whatthehealthpodcast.comJeremy: @jeremyallandmd  (instagram, twitter, facebook)Julie: @juliabruenemd (instagram)