What if insulin resistance is quietly driving inflammation, weight gain, and thyroid dysfunction years before blood sugar ever looks abnormal?

In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with endocrinologist Dr. Alessia Roehnelt for an in-depth discussion on insulin resistance and why it is one of the most important predictors of long-term health outcomes.

Dr. Roehnelt explains how insulin functions in the body, what happens when insulin resistance develops, and why chronically elevated insulin drives inflammation, weight gain, metabolic dysfunction, and disease progression. The conversation highlights the strong bidirectional relationship between insulin resistance and thyroid dysfunction, including how each can worsen the other when left unaddressed.

Together, they explore early warning signs of insulin resistance, optimal lab markers, lifestyle interventions, and when medications like metformin or GLP-1 agonists may be appropriate. This episode emphasizes early detection, individualized care, and the importance of addressing inflammation to restore metabolic health.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

1. What insulin resistance is and how it develops over time
2. How insulin drives inflammation and impacts every organ system
3. Why insulin resistance often precedes prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
4. Common physical signs of insulin resistance, including acanthosis nigricans
5. Rapid weight fluctuations and carb sensitivity as hallmark symptoms
6. The bidirectional relationship between insulin resistance and hypothyroidism
7. How insulin resistance affects thyroid hormone absorption and conversion
8. Why insulin is often a better early marker than hemoglobin A1c
9. Optimal vs. “normal” lab ranges for fasting glucose, insulin, and A1c
10. Why lab reference ranges shift with population health trends
11. The role of vitamin D as both a vitamin and hormone in metabolic health

🧪 Labs & Metrics Discussed

1. Fasting insulin (ideally low with normal glucose)
2. Fasting blood glucose (optimal range below the high 90s)
3. Hemoglobin A1c for long-term glucose trends
4. Liver enzymes (AST, ALT) and their link to fatty liver
5. Thyroid function tests and thyroid antibodies
6. Vitamin D levels and their systemic impact

🏃‍♀️ Lifestyle Strategies for Improving Insulin Sensitivity

1. Prioritizing adequate, consistent sleep to lower cortisol
2. Strength and resistance training to improve insulin sensitivity
3. Reducing refined carbohydrates and nutrient-poor starches
4. Pairing carbohydrates with protein and fat to blunt insulin spikes
5. Using continuous glucose monitors to identify personal triggers
6. Strategic use of intermittent fasting for appropriate candidates

💊 Medications Discussed

1. Metformin
2. Improves insulin sensitivity
3. Long-standing safety profile
4. Cost-effective option for early intervention
5. GLP-1 receptor agonists
6. Reduce appetite and gastric emptying rate
7. Lower liver glucose production
8. Improve inflammation and insulin signaling
9. Potential benefits for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions

🌿 Key Takeaways

1. Insulin resistance is reversible when caught early
2. “Normal” lab values are not always optimal
3. Weight gain is not simply calories in vs. calories out
4. Inflammation is the common thread linking insulin, thyroid disease, and autoimmunity
5. Personalized, whole-body evaluation leads to better long-term outcomes
6. Advocacy and early intervention can dramatically change health trajectories

📍 Where to Find the Guest

• Website & Practice

🔗 https://www.endohealthdoc.com — Dr. Roehnelt’s endocrinology and metabolic health practice

• Instagram

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/endohealthdoc/?hl=en — EndoHealthDoc on Instagram

• Facebook

🔗 https://www.facebook.com/alessia.roehnelt— Dr. Roehnelt’s Facebook reels and clips

📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness

💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com

🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert

🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com

📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel

📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC

📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

What if the future of weight care is not about losing pounds, but about supporting metabolic health, nourishment, and sustainability?

In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, host McCall McPherson sits down with Ashley Koff, registered dietitian, entrepreneur, and author of the upcoming book Your Best Shot. Together, they unpack the rapidly evolving conversation around GLP-1 hormones, GLP-1 agonist medications, and what true weight health really means.

Ashley brings a balanced, evidence-informed perspective to a topic often dominated by extremes. She explains the science behind GLP-1s, clarifies common misconceptions, and emphasizes why medications alone are never the full solution. This conversation centers on personalized nutrition, comprehensive assessment, and moving away from diet culture toward sustainable, root-cause care.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

1. What GLP-1 hormones are and how they function in the body
2. How GLP-1 agonist medications work and what they do and do not address
3. The difference between weight loss and weight health
4. Why metabolism, muscle, gut health, and nutrient status matter
5. Common pitfalls of relying solely on medication for weight management
6. The importance of comprehensive health assessments before and during GLP-1 use
7. How diet culture oversimplifies weight and wellbeing
8. Why personalized nutrition is essential for long-term success
9. Supporting metabolic health without shame, restriction, or extremes

💡 In This Episode, You Will Learn

1. Why GLP-1 medications are tools, not cures
2. How weight health differs from scale-based outcomes
3. What people often overlook when starting GLP-1 therapy
4. Why nutrition adequacy and protein intake are critical
5. How to protect muscle mass and metabolic function
6. The role of individualized care in sustainable weight outcomes
7. Why one-size-fits-all approaches fail most people

🎯 Episode Takeaways

1. Weight health is about function, not just numbers
2. GLP-1 medications can be helpful, but only within a comprehensive care plan
3. Nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress all shape metabolic outcomes
4. Sustainable health requires personalization, not diet rules
5. Long-term wellbeing comes from addressing root causes, not chasing quick fixes

📘 About the Guest

Ashley Koff, RD, is a nationally recognized nutrition expert, entrepreneur, and founder of The Better Nutrition Program. She specializes in personalized nutrition, weight health, and helping individuals move beyond diet culture toward sustainable wellbeing. Ashley is the author of the upcoming book Your Best Shot, which explores a smarter, more human approach to weight and health.

Connect with Ashley Koff:

🌐 Website: https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/about/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-koff/

📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness

💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com

🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert

🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com

📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel

📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC

📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

What if the key to feeling strong, energized, and confident during menopause is not doing more cardio but training smarter?

In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Debra Atkinson, a leading authority on fitness for women over 40 and the founder of the Flipping 50 movement. Together, they explore how women’s bodies change during menopause and why strength training, bone health, and individualized exercise strategies are essential for long-term health.

Debra shares practical, science-informed guidance on how women can safely build muscle, protect bone density, and maintain vitality during and after the menopausal transition. This conversation reframes exercise not as punishment or weight loss driven, but as a powerful tool for resilience, independence, and quality of life.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

1. How menopause changes muscle mass, metabolism, and bone density
2. Why strength training is essential for midlife and postmenopausal women
3. Common exercise mistakes women make during menopause
4. How to start resistance training safely at any age or fitness level
5. The role of bone-loading exercises in preventing osteoporosis
6. Yoga, vibration platforms, and complementary movement strategies
7. Why generic fitness advice often fails women in midlife
8. How to find trainers and programs that understand menopause physiology

💡 In This Episode, You Will Learn

1. Why maintaining muscle is critical for hormone balance, metabolism, and longevity
2. How strength training supports bone density and reduces fracture risk
3. What types of exercises are most effective during menopause
4. How to adapt workouts if you are new to resistance training
5. Why “more cardio” is often not the answer for midlife women
6. How the right exercise approach can improve confidence, energy, and daily function

🎯 Episode Takeaways

1. Menopause is not a decline, but a transition that requires smarter training
2. Strength training is foundational for women’s health after 40
3. Bone health depends on intentional, progressive loading
4. One-size-fits-all exercise plans do not work for menopausal women
5. With the right guidance, women can remain strong, capable, and vibrant well into later life

📚 Where to Learn More About Debra Atkinson

🌐 Website & Resources

https://www.flippingfifty.com

🎧 Podcast: Flipping 50

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flipping-50-show/id903871206

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ePqDm4ubC0ifWIMjzM39R

📱 Social Media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flipping50tv

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Flipping50TV

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Flipping50TV

📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness

💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com

🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert

🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com

📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel

📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC

📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

What if the reason you still feel exhausted, foggy, and unwell on thyroid medication is because the system treating you is using decades-old rules that no longer serve patients?

In this powerful episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Elle Russ, bestselling author of The Paleo Thyroid Solution, to unpack why so many people with hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid disease continue to suffer despite being “treated.”

Elle shares her deeply personal thyroid journey, including years of misdiagnosis, failed protocols, and the self-education that ultimately led to her recovery. Together, McCall and Elle explore where conventional thyroid care falls short, why outdated guidelines continue to harm patients, and how individualized thyroid hormone therapy can fully resolve symptoms when done correctly.

This episode is a candid, science-grounded conversation about self-advocacy, education, and reclaiming health in a system that often dismisses thyroid patients.

Key Topics Covered

1. Why patients are still symptomatic even while taking thyroid medication
2. How outdated protocols from the 1970s continue to shape modern thyroid care
3. The dangers of relying solely on TSH to assess thyroid health
4. Why suppressed TSH is often misunderstood and incorrectly treated
5. The difference between symptom management and true thyroid optimization
6. How thyroid dysfunction impacts cholesterol, blood pressure, mood, fertility, and weight
7. The role of T3, T4, reverse T3, and timing in thyroid hormone therapy
8. Why many patients are prescribed unnecessary medications instead of correcting thyroid function
9. Common misconceptions about natural desiccated thyroid versus synthetic hormones
10. The importance of education and self-advocacy in thyroid recovery

Key Takeaways

1. Persistent symptoms are not normal when hypothyroidism is properly treated
2. Thyroid dysfunction is often the root cause of secondary conditions like depression, PCOS, infertility, high cholesterol, and fatigue
3. “Normal” lab ranges do not equal optimal thyroid function
4. Thyroid hormone replacement, when individualized, is safe and often life-changing
5. Patients must often educate themselves to help clinicians provide better care
6. Thyroid issues are fixable at any age with the right knowledge and support

About the Guest

Elle Russ is a thyroid health educator, author, and advocate who has helped thousands of people reclaim their health after being dismissed by conventional medicine. She is the author of The Paleo Thyroid Solution and creator of The Ultimate Thyroid Course, a comprehensive educational program focused on restoring thyroid function through evidence-based strategies and patient empowerment.

Resources Mentioned

1. Elle Russ Website: https://elleruss.com
2. Free Thyroid Guide & Lab List: https://freethyroidguide.com
3. Book: The Paleo Thyroid Solution by Elle Russ

📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness

💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com

🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert

🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com

📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel

📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC

📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

What if true longevity isn’t about treating disease after it appears, but about tracking the right data early and becoming the CEO of your own health?

In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Dr. Darshan Shah, MD, board-certified surgeon, published author, and co-founder of NEXT|HEALTH, the fastest-growing health optimization and longevity clinic network. Together, they explore why the current medical system is built to manage illness rather than create health, and what it truly means to take a proactive, data-driven approach to longevity.

Dr. Shah shares his personal journey from burnout, autoimmune disease, and multiple medications to reclaiming his health through nutrition, movement, functional medicine, and biomarker tracking. This conversation is a powerful reminder that prevention, early intervention, and personal accountability are the foundations of long-term vitality.

In This Episode, You Will Learn

• Why traditional medicine excels at emergency care but falls short in creating long-term health

• How Dr. Shah reversed autoimmune disease and reduced his medications through lifestyle and data

• What it means to be the CEO of your own health

• Why most routine lab work misses early warning signs of chronic disease

• The difference between “normal” lab ranges and optimal health markers

• Which biomarkers matter most for preventing chronic illness

• Why hemoglobin A1C is one of the most important indicators of long-term health

• How metabolic dysfunction develops years before symptoms appear

• Why quarterly data tracking is more powerful than annual lab testing

• How wearables, grip strength, and body composition predict longevity

• When people should start monitoring biomarkers for healthspan and lifespan

• The three non-negotiable habits Dr. Shah credits for his health transformation

Key Topics Discussed

• Reactive medicine vs proactive health optimization

• Early detection of chronic disease through biomarkers

• Metabolic health and insulin resistance

• Inflammation as a root cause of disease

• Healthspan vs lifespan

• Patient empowerment and data literacy

• Strength training and muscle mass as longevity markers

• Sleep, stress, and nervous system regulation

• Building sustainable habits that compound over time

Dr. Shah’s Three Non-Negotiables for Longevity

• A protected morning routine that includes movement, mental wellness, and reflection

• Strength training as a priority over cardio when time is limited

• Creating distance from phones at night to reduce stress and improve sleep quality

About Dr. Darshan Shah, MD

Dr. Darshan Shah is a board-certified surgeon, health optimization expert, and co-founder of NEXT|HEALTH, a nationwide network of longevity and wellness clinics focused on prevention, performance, and personalized care. After experiencing severe health decline himself, Dr. Shah pursued advanced training in nutrition, exercise physiology, and functional medicine, leading to a complete transformation of his health and clinical approach.

Resources & Links

🌐 NEXT|HEALTH

https://www.next-health.com

📱 Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

💼 LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshanshahmd/

📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness

💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com

🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert

🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com

📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel

📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC

📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

What if the path to healing after deep loss begins with understanding exactly what your body needs to feel steady, supported, and whole again?

In this deeply personal first episode back, McCall opens up about the recent loss of her brother and how grief has affected her health, energy, sleep, and daily rhythms. She answers one of the most requested questions from her community by walking listeners through her full supplement and medication routine, sharing exactly what she takes, why she takes it, and how each product supports different aspects of her health.

From thyroid medication and mitochondrial support to hair repair, gut health, sleep aids, and antioxidants, McCall explains the purpose behind every item in her morning and evening stacks. She offers practical insight into how she is supporting her body through grief, fatigue, inflammation, and stress.

She closes the episode with gratitude for the immense support she has received and a reminder to cherish loved ones and prioritize self care during life’s hardest moments.

Key Topics Covered

• How grief impacts energy, sleep, cognition, and metabolic health

 • McCall’s complete morning supplement stack and medication routine

 • Thyroid medications and why she takes desiccated thyroid and micro dose lithium

 • The role of mitochondrial support in chronic fatigue and long term energy

 • Hair repair strategies including supplements, minoxidil, and nutrient support

 • Gut health tools including probiotics, digestive enzymes, and glutathione

 • Evening supplements for sleep, anxiety relief, and nervous system regulation

 • How and when she uses targeted supplements like stem cell support, NAD precursors, antioxidants, and focus gummies

 • Practical tips for choosing quality supplements and dosing wisely

 • Emotional reflections on loss, gratitude, and community support

In This Episode, You Will Learn

• What McCall takes daily for thyroid function and energy

 • How she layers mitochondrial support, from methylene blue to Timeline Nutrition

 • Her personal experience with hair loss, bleaching damage, and repair protocols

 • Why probiotic choice matters and which brands she trusts

 • How grief and stress shape supplement needs

 • Her full nighttime routine including progesterone, glutathione, sleep supports, and trazodone

 • Supplements she uses only as needed and why

 • How she sequences her routine to maximize absorption and function

📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness

💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com

🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert

🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com

📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel

📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC

📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

What if a few simple shifts in how you eat, move, and rest could completely change the way your body handles the holidays?

In this solo episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, host McCall McPherson shares ten science backed holiday hacks to help you enjoy the festive season without sacrificing your health or energy. From reducing inflammation and stabilizing blood sugar to improving sleep, alcohol choices, and recovery habits, these simple strategies are especially valuable for anyone navigating thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, or metabolic challenges. Instead of entering the new year feeling depleted, inflamed, and exhausted, McCall offers practical tools to help you stay vibrant, grounded, and well all season long.

Key Topics Covered

• How holidays trigger inflammation and antibody spikes

 • Antioxidants and glutathione support for immune balance

 • The Food Flow Formula for optimal blood sugar control

 • Post meal walking and metabolic impacts

 • Magnesium and glycine for improved sleep and insulin sensitivity

 • Strength training as a metabolic and inflammatory buffer

 • Using polyphenols to slow glucose absorption

 • How to choose clean alcohol sources that minimize inflammation

 • Meal timing and why stopping three hours before bed matters

 • The power of light management and circadian support

 • Why intentional rest is critical for thyroid and adrenal recovery

In This Episode, You Will Learn

• How to reduce post meal glucose spikes by up to 75 percent

 • Why hypothyroid bodies gain weight more easily during the holidays

 • The science behind sleep timing, growth hormone, and recovery

 • Why walking after meals functions like natural insulin

 • What alcohol choices are least inflammatory and why wine sourcing matters

 • How to prevent fatigue, brain fog, and metabolic crashes

Practical Hacks Shared in the Episode

• Eat protein and fiber first, save carbs for last

 • Walk 20 minutes within 30 minutes after meals

 • Take 200 mg magnesium and 3 g glycine before bed

 • Strength train 30 to 60 minutes before big meals

 • Pair meals with polyphenols like green tea or red wine

 • Avoid California wines and choose Italian Piedmont wines or Blanco tequila

 • Stop eating three hours before bed to improve insulin and sleep

 • Dim lights before bedtime and avoid screens

 • Plan downtime after busy events to reset inflammation and adrenal function

Episode Takeaways

• Small choices compounded over time radically change holiday health outcomes

 • Thyroid and metabolic health require proactive strategies

 • Enjoy the holidays and indulge intentionally without paying the price

 • Protecting your blood sugar protects your energy, mood, and immunity

Listen Now and Share

If this episode supports you, share it with a friend or loved one who wants to enjoy the holidays without inflammation, weight gain, or exhaustion. Subscribe and leave a review to help others discover life changing thyroid support.

📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness

💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com

🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert

🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com

📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel

📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC

📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

What if your “normal” thyroid labs are anything but normal—and the symptoms you’re told to ignore are actually warning signs to act now?

In this solo episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, host McCall McPherson delivers a passionate and research-backed message on the overlooked dangers of subclinical hypothyroidism. Often labeled as “mild” due to its definition—elevated TSH with normal T4—this condition is far from benign for many patients. McCall dives into the flaws in conventional guidelines that delay treatment until symptoms worsen or labs change, ignoring the lived experience of countless individuals.

Drawing on both clinical expertise and personal insights, McCall outlines the potential consequences of under-treatment, including mental health decline, metabolic issues, and autoimmune progression. She makes a compelling case for earlier, personalized intervention and combination therapies that include T3—not just the standard levothyroxine. This episode is a call to action for patients and providers alike to rethink what subclinical really means, and to prioritize outcomes over outdated lab thresholds.

• Why the term “subclinical” is misleading and often harmful
• How untreated or under-treated hypothyroidism can lead to serious long-term health problems
• The gap between lab values and symptom reality
• Problems with current treatment standards and TSH thresholds
• The limitations of levothyroxine as a standalone therapy
• The role of combination therapy including T3
• Why early intervention matters, even with “normal” labs
• How personalized treatment plans improve quality of life
• A call for a patient-centered, symptom-informed approach to thyroid care

• Subclinical doesn’t mean insignificant. It often is clinical for the person experiencing it.
• Waiting for TSH to rise or T4 to fall is a reactive, not proactive, medical strategy.
• Combination therapy with T3 can dramatically improve outcomes in the right patients.
• Treat the person, not just the paper.

If this episode resonated with you or someone you care about, please share it. Subscribe to Modern Thyroid and Wellness on your favorite podcast app and leave a review to help others discover this critical information.

💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com

🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert

🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com

📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel

📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC

📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

Could hidden toxins, stress, and gut imbalances be at the root of your thyroid issues—and the reason true healing still feels out of reach?

In this powerful episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, host McCall sits down with Taylor Dukes, a board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Taylor Dukes Wellness. Taylor shares her deeply personal and inspiring story—one that began with her own health collapse, transformed through functional medicine, and took a dramatic turn when she was unexpectedly diagnosed with a brain tumor. Her journey through healing, brain surgery, and recovery has led her to become a powerful advocate for integrative care, nervous system regulation, and detoxification.

They discuss the connections between thyroid health, gut function, toxin overload, and emotional regulation. Taylor also breaks down practical, sustainable detox strategies, the role of nervous system support in chronic illness, and how women can learn to advocate for themselves in a healthcare system that often overlooks them.

Whether you're navigating thyroid issues, burnout, or simply looking for holistic lifestyle upgrades, this episode is packed with hope, insight, and actionable advice.

Key Topics Covered:

• Taylor’s two-part health journey: from gut and thyroid issues to a brain tumor diagnosis and recovery
• The emotional toll of being dismissed by traditional medical systems—and how to self-advocate
• How environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors contribute to thyroid dysfunction
• The power of simple, daily detox habits: laundry swaps, clean water, clean air, and skincare
• What effective detox actually looks like (hint: it’s not a juice cleanse)
• How gut health directly impacts thyroid hormone conversion, nutrient absorption, and immunity
• Daily habits for supporting detox: castor oil packs, dry brushing, sweating, and movement
• Why nervous system regulation is the missing link in healing protocols
• Free medicine: grounding, breathwork, infrared light, and calming routines
• How Taylor built a new life and business that prioritizes peace, purpose, and service

Connect with Taylor Dukes:

• 💻 Website: TaylorDukesWellness.com
• 📷 Instagram: @taylordukeswellness

Follow the Show:

• 💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com
• 🐦 Twitter/X: @thyroidexpert
• 🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com
• 🎥 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel
• 📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC
• 📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

Could your daily screen time be quietly disrupting your hormones, vision, and emotional balance without you realizing it?

In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall sits down with Dr. Meenal Agarwal, a board-certified optometrist, to explore the powerful connection between eye health, brain function, hormonal balance, and digital wellness. Drawing on her personal story and clinical insights, Dr. Agarwal explains how our modern, screen-filled lives are impacting everything from sleep to stress to spatial awareness.

You'll learn how blue light exposure disrupts hormone cycles, why early presbyopia is on the rise, and how the eyes offer a window into systemic health—including thyroid disorders. Plus, Dr. Agarwal shares simple but transformative strategies like the 20-20-20 rule, visual breaks, and mindful movement to protect your eyes, brain, and emotional regulation.

Whether you're a chronic screen scroller or noticing subtle shifts in your vision, this conversation will empower you to take better care of your whole self—starting with your eyes.

👩‍⚕️ About Dr. Meenal Agarwal

Dr. Meenal Agarwal is a board-certified optometrist and the founder of Uncover Your Eye, a podcast and platform championing the role of vision in cognition, spatial awareness, and long-term health. Diagnosed with glaucoma at age 11, Dr. Agarwal brings both personal experience and deep clinical knowledge to her unique, holistic approach—blending optometry, mindfulness, and lifestyle medicine to improve lives in a screen-dominated world.

 🔑 Key Topics Covered

• How digital screens affect sleep, hormones, and the brain
• The 20-20-20 Rule: a simple yet powerful visual reset technique
• Blue light myths: what’s true and what’s overhyped
• The underestimated importance of visual breaks and morning sunlight
• Why early presbyopia and nearsightedness are spiking in younger generations
• How hormonal shifts during menopause and thyroid dysfunction impact the eyes
• Spatial awareness, balance, and the peripheral vision crisis
• How screen time affects cognitive health and emotional regulation
• Dr. Agarwal’s personal journey with eye strain, anxiety, and digital detoxing
• Actionable tools to restore eye-brain-body balance

 ✅ Practical Tools & Advice

• 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Digital Detox at Night: Avoid screens 1–2 hours before bed to protect melatonin and sleep quality
• Get Morning Sunlight: 10–20 minutes without sunglasses supports circadian rhythm
• Spatial Movement: Regular movement restores peripheral vision and balance
• Rethink Blue Light Glasses: Not all are created equal—look for 30–40% filtration with anti-reflective coating

 🧠 Eye-Opening Facts

• By 2050, 50% of the global population is projected to be nearsighted
• Dry eyes are a leading symptom of hormonal changes and menopause
• Vision loss and balance issues may stem from peripheral vision neglect
• The retina is the only place in the body where blood vessels can be seen non-invasively—making eye exams critical for early detection of systemic illness

🔗 Links & Resources

🌐 Dr. Minal Agarwal

• 💻 Website / Clinic: drmeenal.com – Pickering Town Centre Optometric Clinic
• 📸 Instagram: @dr.meenalagarwal
• 💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Meenal Agarwal
• 📘 Facebook: Dr. Meenal Agarwal & Associates

🎙️ Podcast Host – McCall McPherson

• 💻 Website: mccallmcpherson.com
• 🌐 Clinic Website: modernthyroidclinic.com
• 🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert
• 📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC
• 📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa
• 🎥 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel