Health Elevated

AI, Healthcare Misinformation, and How to Discern Truth | Health Elevated Podcast

Dr. Rylan Fowers hosts a conversation with co-host Dr. David Hedges and guest Dr. Tim Fowles about AI, misinformation, and how to discern truth in modern healthcare. They compare low-stakes misinformation (like DIY tutorials) to the potentially dangerous consequences of bad health advice, and discuss how the information age and generative AI amplify both useful synthesis and misleading content. Dr. Hedges shares a practical framework: question a source’s incentives, verify claims across reputable sources, and trace assertions back to primary research when possible, noting how sensational media can distort findings. Dr. Fowles emphasizes intellectual humility, awareness of human cognitive biases, consulting qualified experts like primary care physicians, and using AI only within one’s ability to evaluate and verify its output.

00:00 Welcome and Setup

00:57 Misinformation Stakes

02:20 AI and Information Flood

05:41 Proof and History

07:57 David’s Vetting Checklist

13:06 Biases and Shortcuts

17:38 Everyday Tools

19:50 AI Limits and Risks

23:17 Cardiologist LDL Example

26:07 Experts Still Matter

28:24 Final Takeaways

29:35 Outro and Subscribe

🌱 Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs): Rewriting the Story of Trauma, Resilience, and Lifelong Health👇 Check out the Health Elevated Podcast
🔗 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/healthelevated
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-elevated/id1772925469
📖 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6b2e7b37-a9d9-4d13-a9c3-ff95f6e71533
📻 Castbox: https://castbox.fm/ch/6313329
🎙️ GoodPods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/health-elevated-594643
🎙️ Overcast: https://overcast.fm/+ABLMxrH7TmY
🎙️ Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/xhiyyp5u
🎶 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fBBDvrOOgMeR1H7bv1t5m
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlEr9TSG-T_21vS7fDWsKUB-mw2XZ06H0What if resilience isn’t something you’re born with—but something intentionally built around you? In this powerful episode of the Health Elevated Podcast, we explore how Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) can fundamentally reshape lifelong mental, behavioral, and physical health outcomes—even in the presence of significant childhood adversity.Drawing on cutting‑edge research across pediatrics, psychology, and public health, this conversation unpacks why nurturing relationships, trusted adults, school connectedness, and community belonging are not just “nice to have,” but protective forces that can counterbalance Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Large‑scale studies show a striking dose‑response relationship: the more positive experiences a child has, the lower their risk of depression, substance use, and poor mental health as an adult—regardless of trauma history. One landmark study found up to a 72% reduction in adult mental health challenges among individuals with high PCE exposure.The discussion dives deep into why a single consistently supportive adult can dramatically alter life trajectories, how schools and communities function as distributed systems of resilience, and why the worst long‑term outcomes emerge when adversity is paired with social isolation. From biological stress regulation to emotional coping and behavioral health, PCEs emerge as a measurable, actionable lever for prevention—not reaction.Joining the conversation is Dr. Angelo Giardino, a nationally recognized pediatrician, MD‑PhD, and leader in child maltreatment prevention and trauma‑informed care. With decades of experience spanning clinical practice, research, and policy, Dr. Giardino brings a systems‑level perspective on how early environments shape developmental pathways—and how healthcare, education, and communities can intervene upstream to build resilience at scale. Co‑hosting the episode is Dr. David Hedges, Data Science and Engineering Manager at Select Health, whose background in biochemistry and biomedical informatics bridges rigorous analytics with real‑world healthcare innovation. His work focuses on using data to inform preventive strategies and expand precision‑based approaches to population health.

👉 https://www.selecthealth.org#HealthElevated

#PositiveChildhoodExperiences #PCEs #ACEs #ChildhoodResilience #TraumaInformedCare #PublicHealth #MentalHealthPrevention #PopulationHealth #PrecisionMedicine #EarlyLifeHealth

Why do clear clinical “best practices” still struggle to show up at the bedside?In this episode of Health Elevated, we unpack the powerful intersection of behavioral health, evidence quality, and real-world clinical decision-making. From the rise of mental wellness coaches and “gurus” to the quiet crisis of burnout and chronic disease, we explore what actually helps people change—and what just sounds good on social media.We’ll start with the basics: What is behavioral health, really? Why is it so central to both prevention and chronic disease management? And if we know this, why is it still treated like an “add-on” instead of core medicine?Then we zoom in on the exam room:
How do clinicians decide what to do today with this patient, in this context? We’ll talk about why “evidence-based” isn’t always what it seems, why not all studies are created equal, and how a simple idea—“1 minute for 1 percent”—can help move practice just a little closer to the evidence each day.Finally, we dive into the crowded world of health coaching, mental wellness coaches, trauma counselors, and online gurus:
Who’s actually helpful? How do we think about credentials, scope, and ethics? And how can clinicians and patients navigate this space without getting lost in hype, stigma, or misinformation?

*What's wrong with health insurance? Is this legit?

*What would happen without health insurance? Is Health insurance necessary? Does it save money?

* How does health insurance help regulate the healthcare industry?

*Can health insurance actually help me live longer? How can I best use my insurance?

1 minute for 1 percent: Andy. how can I get the most out of my health coverage?

https://www.health.com/can-omega-3s-improve-mood-11893828What if one simple shift in your daily routine could quietly shape the way you feel, think, and cope with stress? In this episode of the Health Elevated Podcast, we explore the fascinating relationship between omega‑3s, mood, and mental well‑being—and why these powerful fats keep showing up in conversations about depression, anxiety, and brain health.Instead of quick fixes or miracle claims, we step back and ask bigger questions:
Are we overlooking something foundational when it comes to mental health? Could what we eat (or don’t eat) be playing a bigger role in how we feel than we realize? And why are omega‑3s suddenly at the center of so many wellness, neuroscience, and psychiatry discussions?If you’ve ever wondered whether there might be more to mental health than medication and mindset alone, this conversation is for you. Tune in and decide for yourself: are omega‑3s just another wellness trend—or are we missing a surprisingly simple piece of the puzzle?This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

👇Check out the Health Elevated Podcast
🔗 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/healthelevated
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-elevated/id1772925469
📖 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6b2e7b37-a9d9-4d13-a9c3-ff95f6e71533
📻 Castbox: https://castbox.fm/ch/6313329
🎙️ GoodPods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/health-elevated-594643
🎙️ Overcast: https://overcast.fm/+ABLMxrH7TmY
🎙️ PocketCasts: https://pca.st/xhiyyp5u
🎶 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fBBDvrOOgMeR1H7bv1t5m
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlEr9TSG-T_21vS7fDWsKUB-mw2XZ06H0What if the key to preventing heart failure has been hiding in plain sight? 🫀✨
In this powerful episode, Dr. Kurt Knowlton, a leading expert in cardiovascular medicine and heart failure research, joins the Health Elevated Podcast to break down the real science behind one of the most misunderstood chronic conditions in America.Dr. David Hedges kicks off the conversation with a fundamental yet crucial question: What exactly is heart failure—and how does someone know if they’re at risk? Drawing on his background as a Data Science and Engineering Manager at Select Health and his deep work in biomedical research, Dr. Hedges brings clarity to the complex mechanisms behind heart disease and helps frame the discussion for anyone wanting to take control of their long-term health.Dr. Knowlton shares insights from years of clinical experience and research, including some of his most fascinating findings to date—discoveries that are reshaping how clinicians think about early detection and prevention. From biomarkers to lifestyle patterns, he reveals the surprising indicators that often show up long before symptoms begin.Host Dr. Rylan Fowers, Senior Machine Learning Engineer at Select Health and long-time researcher of long-term health behavior formation, pushes the conversation deeper:
Who is actually at risk for heart failure? Is it genetic? Lifestyle-driven? Does it affect all of us?
His expertise in predictive modeling and health behavior science helps translate cutting-edge research into real-world strategies anyone can implement.And then—one of the most actionable moments of the episode:
🔥 “1 minute for 1 percent.”
Dr. Fowers sets the stage for a simple, science-backed approach to dramatically improving heart health with tiny, consistent habits. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by health advice, this part of the conversation is a game changer.Finally, Dr. Hedges presses the question on everyone’s mind:
What can be done to prevent heart failure—starting today?
Dr. Knowlton lays out clear, evidence-based steps that empower listeners to act now, long before disease develops.This episode is filled with actionable insights, cutting-edge cardiology, and eye-opening science that can literally change the trajectory of your health. ❤️‍🩹Check out Select Health for comprehensive, affordable, and personalized health insurance solutions that put your well‑being first: https://www.selecthealth.org#SelectHealth #HealthElevated #HeartHealth #HeartFailure #Cardiology #Prevention #HealthyHabits #MedicalScience #HealthcareInnovation #WellnessPodcast #HealthEducation

Rehash last time: Let's get clear on what the semiglutides are and pros and cons for weight loss. Semaglutdies are agonists that mimic the function of GLP-1? And GLP-1 Is a hormone?

"BMI over 30 means epidemiologically you are already sick"

how has the culture changed when it comes to obesity?

Latest on research in this area. Will people have to stay on semaglutides until they die? Research suggest rebounds but I remain optimistic. Adipogenesis

What are the headlines about Flu and Measles?

What are vaccines? how do they work can they be trusted?

Vaccination rates? Why?

How to increase rates?

👇Check out the Health Elevated Podcast🔗 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/healthelevated🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-elevated/id1772925469📖Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6b2e7b37-a9d9-4d13-a9c3-ff95f6e71533📻Castbox: https://castbox.fm/ch/6313329🎙️GoodPods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/health-elevated-594643🎙️Overcast: https://overcast.fm/+ABLMxrH7TmY🎙️PocketCasts: https://pca.st/xhiyyp5u🎶Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fBBDvrOOgMeR1H7bv1t5m▶️YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlEr9TSG-T_21vS7fDWsKUB-mw2XZ06H0Check out Select Health for comprehensive, affordable, and personalized health insurance solutions that put your well-being first!🌐 https://www.selecthealth.org#HealthElevated #SelectHealth #NutritionMatters #IntuitiveEating #DietitianTips #FoodFreedom #MentalHealth #HealthyHabits #DavidHedges #RylanFowers #HealthPodcast #WellnessJourney #PeaceWithFood

👇Check out the Health Elevated Podcast🔗 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/healthelevated🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-elevated/id1772925469📖Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6b2e7b37-a9d9-4d13-a9c3-ff95f6e71533📻Castbox: https://castbox.fm/ch/6313329🎙️GoodPods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/health-elevated-594643🎙️Overcast: https://overcast.fm/+ABLMxrH7TmY🎙️PocketCasts: https://pca.st/xhiyyp5u🎶Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fBBDvrOOgMeR1H7bv1t5m▶️YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlEr9TSG-T_21vS7fDWsKUB-mw2XZ06H0Check out Select Health for comprehensive, affordable, and personalized health insurance solutions that put your well-being first!🌐 https://www.selecthealth.org#HealthElevated #SelectHealth #NutritionMatters #IntuitiveEating #DietitianTips #FoodFreedom #MentalHealth #HealthyHabits #DavidHedges #RylanFowers #HealthPodcast #WellnessJourney #PeaceWithFood