Family nurse practitioner Karen re-airs a timely episode on “holiday heart syndrome,” the spike in alcohol-triggered arrhythmias (often AFib) that can strike otherwise healthy people during festive gatherings. She explains what binge drinking looks like, key symptoms to watch for (from palpitations and chest pressure to shortness of breath), why it raises stroke risk, and simple prevention steps.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.

After listening to an episode of Itchy and Bitchy, a woman pushed for further testing and caught grade 1A ovarian cancer early—requiring only surgery. Karen revisits why self-advocacy saves lives, translating expert definitions into everyday guidance and offering practical steps: build a true partnership with your provider, keep detailed symptom and medication notes, ask clear questions about tests, risks, and costs, use reliable resources (not “Dr. Google”), consult your pharmacist, and keep your advance care planning up to date.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.

Karen tackles a common menopause question: oral vs. topical estradiol. She explains first-pass metabolism and why transdermal options can lower clot, gallstone, and side-effect risks for many, then compares real-world choices.

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Karen tackles a listener question about low-dose lithium. She reviews micro- vs. low-dose ranges, discusses forms like lithium orotate/aspartate and third-party-tested supplement options, and flags safety essentials such as toxicity symptoms, thyroid/kidney considerations, and when to loop in your clinician.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.

In this update to the August 2024 episode, Karen explains the surge of direct-to-consumer “whole-body” MRI/CT screenings and how to decide with your provider whether they’re a good fit. In the re-aired episode, Karen explores the Galleri test, a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood test that can identify over 50 types of cancer. She explains how the test works, its potential benefits, and the risks associated with its use. She also shares personal stories from individuals who benefited from the test, while discussing ongoing research to determine its effectiveness in improving cancer outcomes.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.

Karen takes a look at BPC-157, the buzzy peptide touted for faster healing and joint relief, explaining what animal studies actually show, the lack of human clinical trials, and its regulatory reality.

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Karen demystifies the popular skincare treatment known as microneedling. She explores how this minimally invasive procedure stimulates collagen and elastin production to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and help with scars and stretch marks. She compares professional treatments with at-home devices, explains the pros and cons of each, and provides detailed guidance on safe at-home use.

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Karen tackles the puffy eye predicament that's turning well-rested people into walking advertisements for concealer. From the cruel reality of aging to your body's dramatic reaction to that late-night pizza binge, Karen breaks down the reasons your under-eyes are staging their own little rebellion.

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Karen tackles the surprising link between GLP-1 medication (like Ozempic and Wegovy) and hair loss. As more people turn to these drugs for diabetes and weight management, some are left wondering: is the price of shedding pounds also shedding your hair? Karen explores possible causes behind this side effect, including rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal changes, and shares science-backed strategies to help prevent or reduce hair thinning while on these medications.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.

Karen shares potentially life-saving advice for staying safe in extreme heat as record-breaking temperatures sweep across the country. She explains how heat exhaustion and heat stroke develop, how to recognize early warning signs, and what to do if you or someone else is affected.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.