Health Discovered

What is lifestyle medicine, and how can it apply to cancer care? In this empowering episode, we explore the transformative role of lifestyle medicine in cancer survivorship. We spoke to Amy Comander, MD, medical director of the Mass General Cancer Center-Waltham and the Breast Oncology Program at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, who explains how intentional choices around nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mental health can play a powerful role in cancer care. From diagnosis through recovery, we explore how these interventions can complement treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, helping patients regain a sense of control and improve their quality of life.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Amy Comander, MD
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more common than you think – but stigma and silence often stand in the way of testing, treatment, and honest conversations. So what happens after a diagnosis? How do we navigate disclosure, dating, and self-worth? We spoke with Emily L. Depasse, MSW, MEd, a leading sex educator, to break down what sexually transmitted infections really are – how they’re spread, the difference between bacterial and viral types, and why many often go undiagnosed. We debunk myths, highlight the importance of early detection, and explore how stigma impacts both public health and personal relationships. We also dive into the emotional side – how to talk about status with partners, tips for dating with an STI, and ways to support friends and loved ones.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Emily L. Depasse, MSW, MEd
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Microplastics – tiny plastic particles found in water, food, soil, and even dust – are an emerging health concern. These particles, along with the chemical additives in plastics, can enter our bodies through inhalation and ingestion. Research now links microplastics not only to inflammation and hormone disruption but also to specific risks in women’s health. What can we do about this growing concern? How can we minimize the presence of microplastics in our bodies? We spoke to Jane Van Dis, MD, founding member of Physician and Scientist Network Addressing Plastics and Health and founder of OBGYNs for Sustainable Future, about where microplastics are showing up in the environment, the unique health risks they pose to women, common myths about plastics and health, and what practical steps we can take to reduce our exposure.

Further reading:
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2025/05/what-are-the-health-impacts-of-plastic/
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2025/05/how-to-reduce-microplastic-exposure-and-protect-your-health/ 

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Jan Van Dis, MD
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hearing loss is one of the most common changes that comes with aging. But what exactly does it mean to lose your hearing? And how does simply perceiving sound differ from truly understanding it? In this episode, we speak with Douglas L. Beck, Au.D., F-AAA, CCC-A, Senior Director of Audiology at EssilorLuxottica Inc, to break it all down. He walks us through the most common causes of hearing loss, early warning signs and symptoms, how hearing is assessed and diagnosed, and the latest in screening tools and intervention devices. Whether you're noticing changes in your own hearing or want to better understand how it affects someone you love, this conversation offers essential insights into how we hear – and what happens when that ability begins to change.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Douglas L. Beck, Au.D., F-AAA, CCC-A,
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much alcohol is actually safe – and are there any true health benefits? We speak with David Nutt, MD, author of Drink? The New Science of Alcohol and Your Health, to explore what alcohol really does to your brain and body. From fertility to gut health, mental health to emotional health, we break down the risks, debunk common myths, and discuss how to better understand and counsel others around alcohol use.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: David Nutt, MD
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ayurveda goes beyond herbs—it's a 5,000-year-old medical system that means “science of life.” How can it support chronic conditions and enhance daily wellness? We spoke with Siva Mohan, MD, MPH, an Ayurvedic practitioner, about the roots and philosophy of Ayurveda, how she integrates it into clinical care, and its potential to complement Western medicine. She also clears up common myths and shares how newcomers can begin exploring this holistic approach.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Siva Mohan, MD, MPH
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affects an estimated 31 million people worldwide, yet remains widely misunderstood. How is it different from premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? Why can it magnify symptoms like irritability, brain fog, and emotional distress—and how does that ripple into work, relationships, and identity? In this episode, we talk to Heather Hirsch, MD, MS, NCMP, author of Unlock Your Menopause Type, about what defines PMDD, how it's diagnosed, how to tell it apart from other mood disorders, and the latest in treatment options, risk factors, and lifestyle changes that can help.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Heather Hirsch, MD, MS, NCMP
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stillbirth affects thousands of families each year, yet misinformation persists. What are the risk factors, and how do disparities in care contribute? Heather Florescue, MD, FACOG, OBGYN at the University of Rochester Medical Center, sheds light on the psychological toll of stillbirth, the often-overlooked postpartum period, and steps to reduce risk during pregnancy and conception. We then spoke to Samantha Banerjee, Executive Director of PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy, shares her personal journey and the advocacy efforts supporting families and driving change. Join us as we explore how to navigate pregnancy concerns, advocate for better care, and break the silence surrounding stillbirth.

Credits

• Host: John Whyte, MD, MPH
• Guest: Heather Florescue, MD, FACOG, OBGYN; Samantha Banerjee
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feeling down from time to time is normal, but how can you tell when sadness is something more – like major depressive disorder? We spoke with Jessi Gold, MD, MS, the first chief wellness officer of the University of Tennessee system and bestselling author of How Do You Feel?, to unpack the complexities of depression. She breaks down the differences between temporary low mood and clinical depression, the role of genetics and medical conditions, and how daily stressors can contribute. We also dive into treatment options -- from therapy to medication -- and the importance of recognizing when it’s time to seek help.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Jessi Gold, MD, MS
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stress often gets a bad rap, but did you know some stress is not just helpful—it’s essential for a longer, healthier life? We spoke with Sharon Bergquist, MD, physician, research scientist, and author of The Stress Paradox: Why You Need Stress to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier, about the science behind beneficial stress. She explains how short bursts of the right kind of stress can strengthen the body, sharpen the mind, and even boost longevity. Tune in to discover how to harness stress as a powerful tool for better health.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Sharon Bergquist, MD
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.