Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes inflammation in the digestive tract and can raise important questions for those who are pregnant or planning to be. Is your pregnancy “high risk” because of IBD? Can you safely stay on your medication? We spoke with Uma Mahadevan, MD, director of the UCSF Colitis and Crohn’s Disease Center, about how to prepare for a healthy pregnancy with IBD. She explains why keeping your condition under control is the safest choice for your baby, which modern IBD medications are considered low-risk in pregnancy, and how a coordinated care team can make all the difference.

Additional resources: https://pianostudy.org/

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Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to 1 in 5 new mothers in the U.S. – and it can impact anyone, regardless of age, background, or how many children you’ve had. In this episode, we speak with Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C, licensed clinical psychologist, about how PPD is diagnosed, the signs to look for, and what effective treatment and recovery truly involve. We also explore why open communication and early support are key to healing and reclaiming emotional well-being after birth.

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Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million U.S. adults. Though its cause remains unclear, it can be effectively diagnosed, treated, and managed. But what exactly is fibromyalgia, and why is it sometimes dismissed as “made up”? We spoke with Kevin Hackshaw, MD, a board-certified rheumatologist, to discuss how fibromyalgia is diagnosed, common pain patterns, ongoing research, and practical strategies for living well with the condition. Learn why realistic management – like exercise and self-care – can make a difference and help prevent flare-ups.

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Living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can mean navigating a long and often complicated treatment journey, but finding the right care and support can make all the difference. What happens when your regimen stops working or new symptoms appear? We spoke with Christopher Sayed, MD, professor of dermatology at the UNC Department of Dermatology, to discuss when it’s time to talk to your doctor about escalating treatment, why switching therapies or care teams isn’t a setback, and how HS support groups can provide vital expertise and advocacy. We also hear from Katie, a patient advocate with Hope for HS, who shares her story of diagnosis, experiences with flare-ups and stigma, and how she ultimately found the right care.

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When we think of AI, we don’t often connect it to the needs of older adults. But how can technology support age-friendly care in the digital age? We spoke with Kedar Mate, MD, co-founder and chief medical officer of Qualified Health AI, about how simple AI tools can empower older adults to take control of their health and wellness. From managing medications and detecting fall risks early to improving memory and mood, we explore how AI can enhance care and independence. Discover how the right tools, used the right way, can help us age safely, confidently, and in line with what matters most.
Check out The John A. Hartford Foundation at https://www.johnahartford.org/.

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Recurring painful bumps in your underarms, groin, or under the breasts may seem like acne – but they could be hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic, often misunderstood skin condition. HS affects up to four percent of people in the U.S., yet it’s frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed. What can those impacted do to heal and prevent these bumps? What are the misconceptions about HS? And how can patients advocate for themselves? We spoke with Vivian Shi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, about the early warning signs of HS, treatment options ranging from topical therapies to biologics and surgery, and debunked myths linking HS to poor hygiene. We also hear from Ebone Colbert, who shares her 15-year journey with HS, from symptoms to diagnosis, and why support and the right care team matter.

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In the U.S., about 10% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people under 50 – and rates are rising one to two percent each year. What’s behind this trend: lifestyle, genetics, or environment? We spoke with Andrea Cercek, MD, physician-scientist and medical oncologist, about her groundbreaking clinical trial that revolutionized treatment for early-stage rectal cancers. She discusses the multifactorial causes behind these rising diagnoses, from diet and lifestyle to environmental exposures and medications, and why screening, symptom awareness, and healthy habits like exercise and stress management are critical.

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Each week in the U.S., about 200 people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), and women are four times more likely than men to develop it. What are the warning signs? What challenges do patients face? And how can they advocate for themselves? We spoke with Mitzi Joi Williams, MD, a board-certified neurologist, to discuss health disparities that delay diagnosis in underserved communities, stigmas that prevent women from seeking care, and why early detection is crucial for long-term health. We also hear from Angelina Cubero, diagnosed in 2020, who shares her story and how self-advocacy shaped her journey. Tune in to learn how preparing for medical visits, recognizing symptoms, and finding peer support can empower those living with MS.

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Half of Americans skipped important cancer screenings in the past year. How does fear play a major factor? Or the amount of time we have? We spoke with Christopher Scuderi, DO, a primary-care physician and cancer survivor, about which screenings are most often missed, the risks of delaying them, screening guidelines to be aware of, and how to prioritize our health despite fear of knowing or busy schedules. He also highlights how talking with your doctor can help identify personal risk factors and the role healthy habits – like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management – play in lowering cancer risk and supporting overall well-being.

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About 1 in 8 men will face a prostate cancer diagnosis. Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms—so how should men approach screening and advocacy? What disparities do Black men experience that would negatively impact their outcomes? And what can we do about it? We spoke with Otis Brawley, MD, professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins, about the types of prostate cancer, key symptoms, when and how often to screen, and why access to equal treatment is essential for equal outcomes for Black men. He also explains metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and why advanced imaging like PSMA PET scans matters. Survivor David Diaz Sr., executive director of The Reluctant Brotherhood, also shares his story of diagnosis, treatment, and the power of support groups for men navigating prostate cancer. 

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