Chat with Dr. Hairston

Healthy aging doesn’t suddenly begin when you turn 65; it starts with the choices, habits, and conversations you’re having right now.

In Episode 16 of Chat with Dr. Hairston, we’re changing the way we think about getting older. Healthy aging isn’t just about living longer; it’s about protecting your quality of life, independence, mobility, mental well-being, and ability to keep doing the things you love.

We’re talking about preventive care, movement and strength, nutrition, sleep, brain and mental health, social connection, family health history, medication awareness, and why it’s never too early or too late; to become more intentional about your health.

💡 Ask yourself: “Are the choices I’m making today supporting the life I want 10, 20, or 30 years from now?”

You don’t have to change everything at once. Start with one thing.

Because healthy aging starts now; not at 65!

🎙️ Making Health Make Sense™ One Conversation at a Time.

“I’m fine” can mean a lot of things, and sometimes, it doesn’t mean I’m okay.

In Episode 15 of Chat with Dr. Hairston, we’re talking about what may be hiding behind those two simple words. From stress and burnout to grief, anxiety, depression, or simply carrying too much, struggling doesn’t always look like falling apart.

We’ll discuss why people may hesitate to say they’re struggling, why even the “strong” person needs support, and the power of simply asking the second question: “How are you really doing?”

You don’t have to fix everything. Sometimes the most meaningful thing you can do is create a safe space for someone to tell the truth.

And if you’re the one always saying, “I’m fine,” this conversation is for you too. 💜

🎙️ Making Health Make Sense™ One Conversation at a Time.

Your body communicates with you every day; but are you paying attention?

In Episode 14 of Chat with Dr. Hairston, Dr. Shan’Tyia Hairston explores the importance of knowing your normal, recognizing changes in your body, and understanding when a symptom may deserve more attention.

We’ll discuss common signs people often brush off, the connection between physical and mental health, how to track symptoms, and how to communicate what you’re experiencing more clearly with your healthcare provider.

One important reminder: Knowing your body isn’t the same as diagnosing your body.

You don’t have to have all the answers to recognize when something has changed. Pay attention, ask questions, and become an active participant in your health.

🎧 Listen, learn, and share with someone who needs the reminder to stop ignoring what their body may be telling them.

Making Health Make Sense™ One Conversation at a Time.

Addiction is often surrounded by judgment, misunderstanding, and stigma; but recovery is possible.

In Episode 13 of Chat with Dr. Hairston, Dr. Shan’Tyia Hairston breaks down common misconceptions about addiction and explores why substance use disorders should be approached with education, compassion, accountability, and support.

We’ll talk about what recovery can really look like, why it isn’t always a straight line, the connection between mental health and substance use, and how our words can either create barriers or help people feel safe enough to seek help.

Because addiction does not erase someone’s worth and recovery deserves to be recognized, supported, and celebrated.

🎙️ Making Health Make Sense™ One Conversation at a Time.

Mental health isn’t separate from your overall health; it IS your health. 💜

In Episode 12 of Chat with Dr. Hairston, Dr. Shan’Tyia Hairston talks about why we need to stop waiting until we reach a breaking point to pay attention to our mental and emotional well-being.

We’re discussing recognizing when you don’t feel like yourself, becoming more comfortable asking for help, talking with your healthcare provider, understanding your mental health resources, and why mental health literacy matters.

💡 Remember: You don’t have to diagnose yourself but you shouldn’t ignore yourself either.

🎙️ Making Health Make Sense™ One Conversation at a Time.

Questions or future episode suggestions?
📧 [email protected]

You have Medicaid, but do you actually know how to use your benefits?

In this episode of Chat with Dr. Hairston, we break down Medicaid in plain language, including provider networks, primary care, prescriptions, mental health services, transportation, dental benefits, prior authorizations, and the difference between Medicaid and Medicare.

Your insurance card is more than something to keep in your wallet. Know your coverage. Ask questions. Use your benefits.

💜 Making Health Make Sense™ One Conversation at a Time.

Questions or future episode suggestions? [email protected]

You don’t have to be a healthcare expert, but you do deserve to understand your healthcare.

In this milestone 10th episode of Chat with Dr. Hairston, Dr. Shan’Tyia Hairston shares some of the most important things she wishes more people understood about navigating the healthcare system. From asking questions and understanding your insurance to preventive care, mental health, second opinions, and knowing when to advocate for yourself, this conversation is about becoming an informed and active participant in your own care.

Healthcare can be complicated, but you should never be afraid to say, “I don’t understand. Can you explain that another way?”

Your health. Your questions. Your voice. 💜

🎙️ Making Health Make Sense™ One Conversation at a Time.

Have a general healthcare question or future episode suggestion? Email [email protected].

You’ve heard numbers like 120 over 80, but do you know what they actually mean?

In Episode 9 of Chat with Dr. Hairston, Dr. Shan’Tyia Hairston breaks down blood pressure in simple, everyday language. Learn the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure, what your numbers may indicate, why high blood pressure can go unnoticed, and why tracking your readings matters.

We’ll also discuss proper blood pressure monitoring, factors that can affect your numbers, and important questions to ask your healthcare provider.

🩺 Don’t just get your blood pressure checked, know your numbers and understand what they mean.

🎙️ Making Health Make Sense™ One Conversation at a Time.

Questions or topic suggestions? [email protected]

Episode 8: Parenting Through Anxiety

Parenting a child through anxiety can be difficult especially when you’re not sure what to say or how to help. In this episode of Chat with Dr. Hairston, Dr. Shan’Tyia Hairston discusses how anxiety can show up in children and teens, why behavior is often communication, and how parents can respond without dismissing their child’s feelings.

Learn practical ways to encourage healthy coping skills, create a safe space for conversations, recognize when additional support may be needed, and manage your own emotions along the way.

Remember: you don’t have to have all the answers; you just have to keep the conversation open.

🎙️ Making Health Make Sense™ One Conversation at a Time.

Questions or topic suggestions? [email protected]

Burnout is more than feeling tired; it can affect your physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. In this episode of Chat with Dr. Hairston, Dr. Shan'Tyia Hairston explores the signs of burnout, why it happens, and practical ways to recognize it before it takes a greater toll. Learn how to set healthy boundaries, prioritize rest, and protect your well-being while continuing to show up for the people and responsibilities that matter most. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who may need the reminder that taking care of themselves is not selfish: it's necessary! Have a question or topic suggestion? Email [email protected].