Health Discovered

Every 3 minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with a blood cancer. About half of the blood cancers that occur each year are lymphomas. Unlike some cancers, there is no widely recommended screening test for lymphoma, and as a result, people typically don't know something is wrong until they experience symptoms. In honor of Blood Cancer Awareness Month, we spoke with Peter Martin, MD, Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Lymphoma Program at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, to learn more about lymphoma, including risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options. Dr. Martin also shares an empowering perspective on cancer survivorship that everyone navigating a cancer diagnosis should listen to.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding the right therapist can be challenging. Before we ever attend our first session, we must navigate health insurance, research available therapists who can meet our needs, and address our blocks to seeking therapy in the first place. So when should we seek help? How do we start looking for a therapist? What happens if we find a therapist and are unsure if they are the right fit? How can we practice self-care while waiting for an appointment? We spoke with Sue Varma, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and author of a forthcoming book, Practical Optimism: The Art, Science and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being, about the four M's of mental health, the benefits of different therapeutic modalities, and key tips for creating an impactful therapeutic experience.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American mothers are spread thin and feeling the strain of unrealistic parenting expectations. The lack of parental leave, rising healthcare costs, and constant messaging from both media and social media about how to be a "good mother" can leave us confused and depleted. Add a pandemic on top of that, and you have a recipe for disaster. We spoke to Jessica Grose, an opinion writer at The New York Times and author of Screaming on the Inside: The Unsustainability of American Motherhood, about the dynamics of motherhood in the U.S., why so many of us feel unsupported and under-resourced, how this impacts our physical and emotional health, and most importantly, what changes we can implement in our personal lives and at the policy level to empower ourselves, our children and our communities.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While many of us are familiar with well-known menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, libido changes, and mood swings, there is another symptom that deserves attention: brain fog. How exactly is brain fog linked to menopause, and what solutions and tools are available for individuals experiencing brain fog? We spoke with Gayatri Devi, MD, Director at Park Avenue Neurology and Clinical Professor of Neurology & Psychiatry at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, to explore the timing and symptoms of brain fog during menopause and available treatment options such as hormone replacement therapy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've all heard about what happens during menopause, but what exactly occurs during perimenopause, why is it so important, and why is no one talking about it? We spoke with Sharon Malone, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist and chief medical officer at Alloy Women's Health, about hormonal changes linked to perimenopause, lifestyle adjustments, treatment options, and how to talk about these things with your doctor for an empowered and collaborative experience in personal health. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June is Migraine Awareness Month, shedding light on the over 1 billion people globally experiencing migraine. In this episode, Dr. John Whyte sits down with two migraine experts, Dr. Cynthia E Armand, clinical director of Montefiore Headache Center and fellowship director of the Montefiore Headache Program, and Dr. Addie Peretz, board-certified neurologist and clinical assistant professor at Stanford Medicine, to discuss diagnostic criteria, cardiovascular risks, the impact of social determinants of health, support during reproductive years, and new treatment options to empower long-term migraine sufferers.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perimenopause, the time in our lives leading up to menopause, can be isolating and confusing for many of us. A lot of medical literature surrounding perimenopause is often outdated, with language oriented toward the end of our sexuality and vitality, and symptom control often focused mainly around hot flashes. Where does that leave those of us experiencing a wide variety of changes? We sit down with Falguni Lakhani Adams and Kruti Majmudar of the “Getting Hotter” platform to discuss why it is so crucial to openly talk about various aspects and experiences of perimenopause, the importance of seeking resources, and the significance of community.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Invisible illnesses – illnesses with no outwardly visible signs or symptoms – can be a frustrating and discouraging experience when it comes to navigating healthcare as a patient. Between short appointments, appearing outwardly healthy, and ever-changing health insurance for those in the job market, many people have difficulty managing chronic illnesses. What are some ways we can better manage a chronic or invisible illness? We talk with Meghan O'Rourke, author of The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness, about the complexities of dealing with a chronic illness, the importance of morals in healthcare, how those of us with illnesses can better advocate for ourselves in the doctor's office, and how doctors can make space for diverse patient experiences with invisible illnesses. For more information on O'Rourke's book, visit https://meghanorourke.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to climate change, anxiety is a common feeling among many of today’s youth. From fires to air quality, to hurricanes and floods, exposure to diseases, and more, the rising concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere profoundly impacts children’s health today. So, what can we do to support our kids? We talk with Aaron Bernstein, MD, MPH, Interim Director of The Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, a pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital, and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Bernstein shares with us what makes children uniquely vulnerable to climate change, identifies action steps communities should take to better the environment for our children, and, most importantly, how the solution to despair – is action.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Few people know the importance of finding your voice when you have heart failure better than Rhonda Monroe, who held a press conference from her hospital bed when she knew she needed better treatment - then went on to found her own advocacy organization. Joining her is Massachusetts General Hospital's James L. Januzzi, MD, who will touch on the challenges that come with heart failure, how to build strong relationships with your care team and the many ways that advocacy can lead to better care.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.