Birth control is personal. Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or a seasoned expert looking to make a change, the array of options available can feel overwhelming. But no matter what your goal is, finding the option that best fits your needs can allow you to take control of your future and live the way you want.

Welcome to the Healthier You podcast. I’m Dr. Ashlee Williams and today I’m talking with Dr. Amy Banulis, an ob-gyn at Kaiser Permanente, about the pros and cons of various birth control methods, common myths, and how different contraceptives can align with your unique lifestyle and health goals.

Living with chronic pain is a complex experience that goes far beyond physical discomfort. Chronic pain can impact our emotional well-being, relationships and overall quality of life. So, how should we think about chronic pain and mental health? And what options are available to alleviate both the physical and emotional toll of chronic pain?

On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Greg Khan-Arthur, a pain management specialist at Kaiser Permanente, about the connection between chronic pain and mental health and strategies for managing both physical and emotional pain.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it’s important to keep it healthy. But how do you sort through the endless trends and products to find a routine that works for you?
On this episode of the Healthier You podcast (https://bit.ly/HealthierYouPod), Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Randa Khoury, a dermatologist at Kaiser Permanente about
the secrets of healthy skin. 

Learn about dermatology care at Kaiser Permanente. 

It’s no secret that fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet. But what about a mostly plant-based diet?  An increasing number of studies show a slew of health benefits from eating mostly plants.
On this episode of the Healthier You podcast (https://bit.ly/HealthierYouPod), Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Margaret Schwiesow, a gastroenterologist at Kaiser Permanente about the short and long-term benefits of a plant-based diet and how to get started.

Most people have heard of the pelvic floor, but many don’t know its purpose. Your pelvic floor works 24/7 to support your bladder, colon, rectum and sexual organs. This set of muscles performs many important functions for women and men and should be kept strong and active throughout your life, just like any other muscle. But how do you strengthen pelvic floor muscles? And why is it so important?

On this episode of the Healthier You podcast (https://bit.ly/HealthierYouPod), Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Carolyn Gorman, an ob-gyn at Kaiser Permanente, about how to build pelvic floor strength and why you should.

Wandering the aisles of the grocery store can be overwhelming. With endless options available — often wrapped in deceptive packaging — it can be hard to tell which foods are actually healthy and which ones are best to avoid. Dr. Arthurs is here to share her top tips to make the most out of a trip to the grocery store, so you end up with more nutritious food and less stress. Plus, she’ll share a few simple food swaps to improve your health and keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day.

Exercising is one of the best things you can do for your health. Physical activity can lower the risk of chronic medical problems, help with weight loss, improve sleep and boost your self-esteem. The right fitness plan and knowledge about how to structure an exercise routine can help you make it a regular part of your life.

On this episode of the Healthier You Podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Jennifer Gourdin, a sports medicine specialist at Kaiser Permanente, about how to build a healthy exercise routine — and stick to it.

Did you know nearly 40% of adults in the U.S. have high cholesterol? Having high cholesterol puts you at an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. But fortunately, there are lots of lifestyle changes you can make to get your cholesterol numbers back to healthy levels.

On this episode of the Healthier You Podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Ameya Kulkarni, a cardiologist at Kaiser Permanente, about simple ways that you can lower cholesterol without medication.

We've all had trouble falling asleep at night or been awake in the wee hours of the morning staring at the ceiling, hoping sleep will arrive. In fact, a third of adults in the U.S. aren’t getting enough sleep, according to the CDC. So, what do you do when you can’t sleep?

On this episode of the Healthier You Podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Keisha Sullivan, a sleep specialist at Kaiser Permanente, about simple steps you can take to improve your sleep--starting tonight.

At the start of a New Year--or following a milestone birthday or new medical diagnosis—many of us set goals for ourselves to make positive lifestyle changes. But creating new habits takes time and energy. So, what can you do to increase your likelihood of success?

On this episode of the Healthier You Podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Michele Arthurs, a primary care physician and leader in the lifestyle medicine program at Kaiser Permanente, about techniques and tactics you can use to set goals and make healthy, sustainable changes.