Living Well with Alison Starling

Popular weight loss medications are playing a role in the fight against obesity, but are they a help or hinderance in the long term? “The number on your scale is not your only measure of health,” says WebMD’s chief medical officer, Dr. John Whyte. 

In this episode of Living Well with Alison Starling, a podcast brought to you by VHC Health and WBJ, Whyte and Dr. Arshad Ali from VHC Health Bariatric & Metabolic Health Center delve into medical weight management, discuss whether obesity is worsening or decreasing, and simplify the information surrounding GLP-1 prescription drugs.  

“This (obesity) is a disease, not a moral failing or lack of self-control,” explains Ali. “This is a medical problem that needs to be treated correctly.” 

Listen to this episode to learn about:

• How GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy work in relation to obesity management
• The most common potential side effects 
• The average percentage of weight patients usually gain back when they stop taking their medication
• Micro-dosing for people who just want to lose 10 to 20 pounds
• How long you really have to exercise each day to make a difference (it’s less than you might think) 
• Which single lifestyle change impacts 90% to 95% of the weight loss formula 

Learn more about VHC Health’s Medical Weight Management program. Our bariatrician works with patients to create personalized treatment plans that incorporate nutrition, physical activity and behavioral changes, with medication options when appropriate. With support from a clinical psychologist and dietitian, and seamless integration with our bariatric surgery team, VHC Health offers a comprehensive approach to achieving your weight and health goals, whether through in-person or telehealth visits.

VHC Health is becoming the region’s preferred community health system. With a teaching hospital and multiple primary and specialty care locations, we offer exceptional patient-centered care close to where our patients live and work. Consistently recognized for excellence, VHC Health is dedicated to meeting the needs of our diverse community.

Disclaimer
This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it are provided for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and does not create a patient-provider relationship.  Seek the advice of your personal healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding the information presented and before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Unless specifically stated in the podcast, the views expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views of VHC Health. Participation in this podcast should not be implied as an endorsement of VHC Health or any particular organization, product or service.

Once the nation’s fastest swimmer in her age group, Hilary Phelps’ life took an unexpected path at the age of 14 when she tried alcohol for the first time. That one seemingly small decision opened the door to a 15-year battle with addiction. 

After college, she “just became a wine drinker,” — which is a common rationale in today’s wine culture. Her journey toward recovery began at 29 when she courageously took a significant step toward healing.

In this episode of Living Well with Alison Starling, a podcast brought to you by VHC Health and WBJ, Phelps and Dr. Linda Lang, VHC Health’s medical director for the behavioral health service line, discuss the hard truths about alcohol. 

“What if there’s one woman who hears my story — one woman who’s drinking, maybe too much wine … who decides not to drink today?” Phelps asked. “What that does for her family, her children, her community, her profession — that ripple effect of one woman getting sober is so powerful.” 

Listen to this episode to learn about:

• How Phelps confronted the underlying issues that led to alcoholism and discovered she wasn’t alone 
• What kept her quiet for 15 years 
• How women and men struggle with alcohol and recover differently 
• Being in a family of athletes (yes, Michael Phelps is her brother) 
• Determining how much alcohol is too much 
• The lesser-known dangers of alcohol, such as increasing the risk of six cancers 
• Signs that point to alcoholism and how to approach the topic with a loved one
• Practical strategies for simply cutting back or not drinking at all, including GLP-1 medications

Learn more about addiction treatment at VHC Health, where you can explore our comprehensive services. Treatment often begins with a medically controlled detox process, followed by personalized care, including options such as our inpatient treatment program, residential treatment at trusted facilities or intensive outpatient care. Reach out today to take the first step toward healing.

VHC Health is becoming the region’s preferred community health system. With a teaching hospital and multiple primary and specialty care locations, we offer exceptional patient-centered care close to where our patients live and work. Consistently recognized for excellence, VHC Health is dedicated to meeting the needs of our diverse community.

Disclaimer
This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it are provided for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and does not create a patient-provider relationship.  Seek the advice of your personal healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding the information presented and before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Unless specifically stated in the podcast, the views expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views of VHC Health. Participation in this podcast should not be implied as an endorsement of VHC Health or any particular organization, product or service.

Although there have been advancements in treatments for dementia-related diseases, a cure remains elusive. This cause is personal for the D.C.’s very own Food Network and Top Chef star Carla Hall who carries the gene for late onset Alzheimer’s. Her grandmother battled Alzheimer’s before she passed away at the age of 96 and her 84-year-old mother has dementia.  

In this episode of Living Well with Alison Starling, a podcast brought to you by VHC Health and WBJ, Hall and Dr. Usman Akhtar, internal medicine physician and chief medical informatics officer at VHC Health, explore Alzheimer’s, including their family histories and the importance of nutrition, hydration, exercise and self-advocacy. 

When Hall visits the doctor, she’s armed with information, ready to actively participate in her health journey. She works alongside her doctor as a “co-pilot.” Akhtar encourages families to get involved. “Have a family member either join a call or be part of the visit. Your family member is one of the strongest advocates for you — that's a superpower.”

Listen to this episode to learn about:

• Reaching the age of 60 (or “sexty” as Hall likes to say) and what she’s doing to stay healthy 
• How Hall preps her body before she consumes a lot of sugar on baking shows like Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking on the Food Network
• A possible link between Alzheimer's and menopause
• Practical tips for diet and exercise to boost cognitive and physical health  
• Understanding Alzheimer's risk factors and the connection between gut, brain and heart health
• Advice and resources for caregivers

Learn about VHC Health’s support groups for Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers, which provide a safe space for patients and caregivers to share experiences, learn coping strategies, discover helpful resources and find a sense of community.

VHC Health also offers a Healthy Aging program, creating opportunities for individuals to thrive in their later years. Visit the VHC Health Senior Health Department for outstanding services and programs designed to help you age safely and independently while staying informed and engaged.

VHC Health is becoming the region’s preferred community health system. With a teaching hospital and multiple primary and specialty care locations, we offer exceptional patient-centered care close to where our patients live and work. Consistently recognized for excellence, VHC Health is dedicated to meeting the needs of our diverse community.

Disclaimer
This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it are provided for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and does not create a patient-provider relationship.  Seek the advice of your personal healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding the information presented and before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Unless specifically stated in the podcast, the views expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views of VHC Health. Participation in this podcast should not be implied as an endorsement of VHC Health or any particular organization, product or service.

Two fierce champions for the early detection of breast cancer join this episode of Living Well with Alison Starling, a podcast brought to you by VHC Health and WBJ. You won’t want to miss Starling’s interview with these trailblazing women:

• Dr. Molly Sebastian, a distinguished breast surgeon with VHC Health Physicians — Charlotte S. Benjamin Center for Women's Health
• Katie Couric, iconic journalist, best-selling author, co-founder of Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) and founder of Katie Couric Media (KCM)

“I am really on a tear,” Couric says in the episode. “Ladies, find out if your breasts are dense. Then find out if there’s additional screening available ..."  

“Breast cancer is sneaky. We think of it as kind of being a silent killer,” Sebastian says. “That’s why mammograms are so important.”

Listen to this episode to learn about:

• Couric’s personal breast cancer journey and advice for women with dense breasts
• How breast cancer changed Couric’s menopause journey and what she’s up to these days
• Sebastian’s passion for providing comprehensive, personalized breast health care and improving access to genetic testing
• Common symptoms of breast cancer (and if tenderness is one of them)
• Different types of breast cancer and the latest advancements in treatment 
• How far back to look into family history
• The survivability rate of early detected breast cancer in stage I

At VHC Health, you'll find the support and expertise you need for every step of your breast health journey. Learn more.

VHC Health is becoming the region’s preferred community health system. With a teaching hospital and multiple primary and specialty care locations, we offer exceptional patient-centered care close to where our patients live and work. Consistently recognized for excellence, VHC Health is dedicated to meeting the needs of our diverse community.

Disclaimer
This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it are provided for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and does not create a patient-provider relationship.  Seek the advice of your personal healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding the information presented and before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Unless specifically stated in the podcast, the views expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views of VHC Health. Participation in this podcast should not be implied as an endorsement of VHC Health or any particular organization, product or service.

There was a time when women whispered about “the change” and fear of hormone replacement therapy swept across the mid-life women’s community. Today, the culture has shifted, and menopause is having a moment. 

In this premiere podcast episode of Living Well with Alison Starling, brought to you by VHC Health and WBJ, three experts come together to discuss what has become a hot topic, including two certified menopause practitioners who are leading this care at the new VHC Health Outpatient Pavilion and a national household name: 

• Dr. Jen Ashton, former ABC chief medical correspondent and co-host on Good Morning America, bestselling author and founder and CEO of Ajenda, a women’s wellness company addressing the challenges of menopause health and weight management
• Dr. Amanda Rohn, FACOG, MSCP, obstetrician and gynecologist, VHC Health Physicians — Charlotte S. Benjamin Center for Women's Health
• Dr. Terri Remy, FACP, MSCP, primary care and internal medicine, VHC Health Physicians 

Listen to this episode to learn about:

• Hormone replacement therapy — the misinterpreted data, the real risks, who makes a good candidate and what it can prevent and treat 
• Holistic, evidence-based care at VHC Health’s Charlotte S. Benjamin Center for Women’s Health
• Common and uncommon symptoms, from hot flashes to frozen shoulder 
• Misinformation online about menopause  
• The importance of treating the body with grace and kindness
• “Nutritional gynecology” 
• Menopause, Ozempic and other GLP-1 weight loss medications

You can count on the women's services at VHC Health to connect you with everything you need to manage your health throughout every stage of life. You’ll build a trusting, long-lasting relationship with our women's health experts, who prioritize your health and wellness. 

VHC Health is becoming the region’s preferred community health system. With a teaching hospital and multiple primary and specialty care locations, we offer exceptional patient-centered care close to where our patients live and work. Consistently recognized for excellence, VHC Health is dedicated to meeting the needs of our diverse community.

Disclaimer
This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it are provided for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and does not create a patient-provider relationship.  Seek the advice of your personal healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding the information presented and before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Unless specifically stated in the podcast, the views expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views of VHC Health. Participation in this podcast should not be implied as an endorsement of VHC Health or any particular organization, product or service.

Coming soon, VHC Health and the Washington Business Journal will launch a new podcast called Living Well with Alison Starling. Join the former ABC 7News anchor and Emmy Award winner for exclusive conversations with health care advocates and experts on today’s most timely health topics.

You’ll discover what you need to know when making decisions about your well-being and how to empower yourself with knowledge to live well.
 
Episodes will drop every month. Subscribe now! 

To learn about VHC Health’s community-centered, top-quality health care, visit vhchealth.org.

VHC Health is becoming the region’s preferred community health system. With a teaching hospital and multiple primary and specialty care locations, we offer exceptional patient-centered care close to where our patients live and work. Consistently recognized for excellence, VHC Health is dedicated to meeting the needs of our diverse community.

Disclaimer
This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it are provided for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and does not create a patient-provider relationship.  Seek the advice of your personal healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding the information presented and before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Unless specifically stated in the podcast, the views expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views of VHC Health. Participation in this podcast should not be implied as an endorsement of VHC Health or any particular organization, product or service.