Health Her Way

The holidays are approaching – and while they can be the most wonderful time of the year, they can also come with a load of stress. In this episode, we’re getting real about what makes this season so overwhelming for women and how to protect your peace without losing the joy.  

Hosts Meredith Cunningham and Brooklyn Elbert welcome back Covenant Children’s Senior Mental Health Counselor Kara Pepper for a conversation about emotional labor, family dynamics, financial pressure, grief, and the invisible weight women carry during the holidays. Kara shares practical tips for setting boundaries, recognizing burnout, and navigating the season with more intention.  

Kara Pepper Bio:   

Kara Pepper is a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a BA in Psychology from Texas Tech University (2019) and a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University (2021). Specializing in supporting women and families with babies in the NICU, Kara works to provide essential emotional support and therapy regarding a variety of issues and concerns.   

Kara prioritizes balance in her professional life by spending time with her spouse and their goldendoodle, Rudder, as well as through spending time with her church community and attending TTU sporting events. With a blend of professional expertise and heartfelt empathy, Kara is dedicated to fostering healthy relationships and making a positive impact in the lives of her clients.   

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It’s that time of year. Everyone’s sniffling, coughing, and trying not to catch whatever’s going around. We’re talking all things sick season – how to stay well, when it’s time to visit your doctor, and how to care for yourself and others when the germs hit. 

In this episode, hosts Meredith Cunningham and Brooklyn Elbert welcome Aubrey Rodriguez, a family nurse practitioner at Covenant Health’s HealthPlus Clinic, to share practical advice for navigating cold and flu season, protecting yourself and your household, and debunking common wives’ tales about staying healthy.  

Dr. Aubrey Rodriguez, FNP, Bio: 

Aubrey Rodriguez is a nurse practitioner certified in family and emergency medicine. Aubrey completed both her Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing degrees at West Texas A&M University. Early in her career, she worked for eight years as a registered nurse at Covenant Medical Center. She has been working as a nurse practitioner for five years, first on the East Coast and now at Covenant Medical Group. She is passionate about making sure her patients feel heard and taken care of. When Aubrey isn't in the clinic, you can find her spending time with her family and pets and staying active by running, playing soccer and working in her yard.  

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Your hormones are running the show when it comes to your mood, metabolism, and more. Join us as we break down how your endocrine system works, what throws it off, and how you can help keep these chemical messengers in balance through every stage of life. 

In this episode, hosts Meredith Cunningham and Brooklyn Elbert welcome back Dr. Ramya Undamatla, endocrinologist at Covenant Health for a deep dive into the endocrine system and its vital role in women’s health. From stress and cortisol to thyroid function, exercise and exercise, and endocrine disruptors, Dr. Undamatla shares practical ways to keep your hormones in balance. 

Dr. Ramya Undamatla Bio: 

Ramya Undamatla, board certified in Endocrinology and currently at Covenant Health’s Grace Clinic. She attended Manipal University, one of the top ten medical schools in India. She then completed her Internal medicine residency at Rutgers University/New Jersey medical school. To pursue her lifelong passion in Endocrinology, she relocated to the neighboring state of Pennsylvania where she completed her Endocrinology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical center. Dr. Undamatla finds joy in her long-term physician-patient relationships. 

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Weight loss can feel like an uphill battle for women, especially as hormones shift with age. Join us as we dive into the buzz around GLP-1 medications—their risks, rewards, and the truth about rapid weight loss. 

In this episode, hosts Meredith Cunningham and Brooklyn Elbert welcome Dr. Ramya Undamatla, endocrinologist at Covenant Health, to break down what GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy were originally designed for—managing type 2 diabetes—and how they’ve evolved into a popular option for weight management. Dr. Undamatla shares insights on how these medications work, who they’re appropriate for, and what women should consider before starting them. 

Dr. Ramya Undamatla Bio: 

Ramya Undamatla, board certified in Endocrinology and currently at Covenant Health’s Grace Clinic. She attended Manipal University, one of the top ten medical schools in India. She then completed her Internal medicine residency at Rutgers University/New Jersey medical school. To pursue her lifelong passion in Endocrinology, she relocated to the neighboring state of Pennsylvania where she completed her Endocrinology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical center. Dr. Undamatla finds joy in her long-term physician-patient relationships. 

Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. Join us as we talk about what really works, from everyday routines to advanced treatments that go beneath the surface.  

In this episode, hosts Meredith Cunningham and Brooklyn Elbert welcome Chasidy Marquis, certified family nurse practitioner at Lubbock Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, to talk about all things skin health. We explore everything from foundational skincare routines to advanced treatments like Botox, fillers, and microneedling. Chasidy breaks down the difference between aesthetic and medical uses of injectables, explains how facial treatments can rejuvenate your skin, and offers practical advice for women on their skin health journey.  

Chasidy Ann Marquis, FNP-C Bio: 

Chasidy Ann Marquis, FNP-C is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Lubbock Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, where she has worked since 2017. Chasidy’s journey in health care began as a paramedic right after high school, eventually leading her to earn her master's degree in nursing from West Texas A&M University. With experience across several fields, including internal medicine, she brings a well-rounded perspective to patient care.  

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How does your mental well-being shape your physical intimacy? The connection between our minds and bodies goes deeper than you might think.  

In this episode, hosts Meredith Cunningham and Brooklyn Elbert welcome back Covenant Children’s Senior Mental Health Counselor, Kara Pepper, for a conversation about how mental health influences physical relationships and intimacy. From anxiety and depression to trauma and self-esteem, Kara shares insights into how emotional wellness can either strengthen or strain our closest connections and offers guidance and tools to foster healthier, more fulfilling intimate relationships.  

One of those tools? A simple but powerful communication formula: “I feel, because, so I need.” Kara explains how this approach can help partners express emotions clearly and build a deeper understanding.  

Kara Pepper Bio:  

Kara Pepper is a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a BA in Psychology from Texas Tech University (2019) and a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University (2021). Specializing in supporting women and families with babies in the NICU, Kara works to provide essential emotional support and therapy regarding a variety of issues and concerns.  

Kara prioritizes balance in her professional life by spending time with her spouse and their goldendoodle, Rudder, as well as through spending time with her church community and attending TTU sporting events. With a blend of professional expertise and heartfelt empathy, Kara is dedicated to fostering healthy relationships and making a positive impact in the lives of her clients.  

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Migraines aren’t just a bad headache. They’re a full body experience that can derail your day and disrupt your life.  Join us as we discuss this neurological condition affecting nearly one in five women.  

In this episode, Hosts Meredith Cunningham and Brooklyn Elbert welcome back Covenant Health Neurologist Dr. Katie Hendley to discuss migraines, a neurological condition that affects nearly one in five women.  

As both a physician and someone who experiences migraines herself, Dr. Hendley offers a personal and professional perspective on what defines a migraine, how it differs from a typical headache, and symptoms like aura. She also shares expert insights on the role hormones in migraine patterns and the connection between migraines and stroke risk.  

Dr. Katie Hendley Bio: 

Dr. Hendley began her academic journey at Texas Tech University, where she graduated with an honors degree in biology. She then earned her medical degree from the University of Texas at Houston Medical School. Upon graduation, she stayed at UT-Houston to complete her residency and fellowship training in neurology, specifically in movement disorders, where she served as Chief Resident. She has practiced with Covenant Medical Group here in Lubbock, TX since 2011. She currently serves at the state level as president of the Texas Neurological Society and locally as the chair of the Continuing Medical Education Committee.   

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Your gut might be controlling more than just digestion. It could be affecting your mood and energy levels. Tune in to discover tips for nourishing your gut and learn why it just might be the key to unlocking a healthier, happier you.  

In this episode, hosts Meredith Cunningham and Brooklyn Elbert welcome Jordyn Dalby, nurse practitioner at Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates, to explore the essential role gut health plays in women’s overall health. From common digestive issues to the latest trends in gut health, Jordyn breaks down what you need to know to support your system naturally and effectively.   

Jordyn Dalby, NP Bio:  

Jordyn Dalby is a nurse practitioner specializing in gastroenterology at Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates. She sees patient both in clinic and in the hospital at Covenant Medical Center.  Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children.  

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In this special recap episode of Health Her Way, we’re looking back at the incredible conversations we’ve had with our expert guests so far. From overarching lessons to eye-opening statistics, we’re highlighting the key takeaways we’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re new to the podcast or have been with us from the start, this episode is a great way to revisit the most impactful moments from each of our guests. 

If you’re interested in diving deeper into a specific episode, be sure to check out the full episode for the complete conversation.  

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Painful periods, trouble getting pregnant, and hormonal chaos might not just be bad luck. PCOS or endometriosis could be the culprit.  

In Part 2 of this two-part series, we’re joined again by OBGYN and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist Dr. Jennifer Phy to unpack the truth about endometriosis, a condition that impacts many but is often misunderstood and difficult to diagnose. She dives into the signs, treatment options, and how endometriosis can impact fertility and everyday life.  

Dr. Phy Bio: 

Dr. Jennifer Phy is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and subspecialty board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. After completing her OB-GYN residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Dr. Phy completed her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She has practiced in Lubbock since 2004. 

Dr. Phy believes in taking care of patients as she would a friend or family member. She focuses on explaining the often-intricate details of each patient's diagnosis and treatment options and believes it's very important to include the patient in the decision-making process of their treatment plan. Dr. Phy hopes to make a positive impact by helping women who have difficulties conceiving. 

In her free time, Dr. Phy loves to spend time outdoors with her family, cheering on her favorite sports teams, traveling, and learning about different cultures. 

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Email: [email protected]