What’s the beef with tallow? Depending on your skin type, beef tallow (cow fat) skin care can either leave you hydrated or clog your pores. 

If you want to hear which skin care trends you should try or skip, you’ll want to listen to the latest episode of The Healthiest You podcast. In Part Two of our podcast series, you’ll hear from medical esthetician Karissa Wolf, with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health.

What are the pros and cons of using beef tallow skin care? Does face tape work for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles? Which at-home face mask recipes work? Are at-home red-light therapy masks worth it? Should you use an ice roller to depuff your face? We answer these questions and more on The Healthiest You podcast this month.

Chapters:

• 0:01 - Intro
• 0:21 - Beef tallow skin care
• 0:53 - Face tape for anti-aging 
• 2:05 - DIY face masks 
• 3:22 - Red-light therapy masks 
• 4:41 - Ice baths and ice rollers
• 5:31 - Self-tanner or sunless tanning
• 6:21 - Building a strong skin barrier
• 7:08 - Skin care trends we’ve tried
• 8:14 - The secret to healthy skin 

In a sea of skin care options, knowing which products and treatments are worth it will save you time, money and breakouts. Now is the time to say goodbye to those half-used products collecting dust and find out what works best for you. 

If you need recommendations or want to learn more about getting a personalized skin care regimen, you’ll want to listen to the latest episode of The Healthiest You podcast. In Part One of our podcast series, you’ll hear from medical esthetician Karissa Wolf, with Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health.

What are the differences between professional dermaplaning and at-home dermaplaning? Which in-office procedures are most effective for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles? Which ingredients should you avoid in skin care products? When can you save money and get drugstore products? What custom facials are offered? We answer these questions and more on The Healthiest You podcast this month.

Chapters:

• 0:01 - Intro
• 0:53 - Skin care basics
• 1:16 - To wash your face or not
• 1:43 - Products you should avoid using at the same time
• 2:31 - UV sensitivity 
• 3:09 - Drugstore products vs. high-end options
• 4:12 - Ingredients to look for
• 5:36 - Ingredients to avoid
• 6:17 - Seeing a medical esthetician 
• 7:08 - Custom facials
• 7:44 - Dermaplaning 
• 8:50 - Anti-aging options
• 9:16 - Chemical peels
• 10:17 - The No. 1 skin care question Karissa gets asked

Life after welcoming a baby into the world looks different – it’s messy, beautiful and exhausting. As you nurture the newest addition to your family, remember yourself too. Hormones shift significantly after giving birth, which can leave you feeling sad, anxious or overwhelmed. 

If you’re looking for support in postpartum, you’ll want to listen to the latest episode of The Healthiest You podcast about postpartum depression. In Part Two of our podcast series, you’ll hear from psychiatrist Samantha Cerimele, MD, with Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health.

Is it “baby blues” or postpartum depression? What increases your risk for postpartum depression? Should you try placenta encapsulation? What treatment options are available for postpartum depression? How can the WAVES (Women Adjusting to Various Emotional States) program help? We answer these questions and more on The Healthiest You podcast this month.

 Chapters:

• 0:01 - Intro
• 0:11 - “Baby blues” vs. postpartum depression
• 1:27 - This may increase your risk for postpartum depression
• 2:15 - Ways to prevent postpartum depression
• 3:09 - Placenta encapsulation
• 5:17 - Reaching out for help
• 6:04 - Treatment options 
• 8:57 - Talk therapy
• 10:01 - Helpful things to include in your routine
• 11:45 - Advice for moms and our programs

On average, you have over 6,000 thoughts a day. That’s a lot – and about 80 percent of them are negative. Unsettling thoughts, lingering feelings of sadness or losing interest in activities you once enjoyed are all reasons to check in on your mental health with a trusted friend or your clinician. 

If you’re looking for options because something feels off or you know a loved one who is facing depression, you’ll want to listen to the latest episode of The Healthiest You podcast. In Part One of our podcast series on major depression, you’ll hear from psychiatrist Samantha Cerimele, MD, with Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health.

How can you break the cycle of negative thoughts? What causes depression? Which symptoms should not be ignored? Should you try transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy? Can St. John’s wort supplements help fight depression? We answer these questions and more on The Healthiest You podcast this month.

Chapters:

• 0:01 - Intro
• 1:06 - Why women have a higher risk
• 2:16 - What causes depression
• 2:31 - Most common types of depression
• 3:04 - Symptoms you should not ignore 
• 4:33 - Take these first steps if you have symptoms
• 5:35 - How depression is diagnosed
• 6:16 - Treatment options
• 7:15 - Nonmedication treatment options
• 7:33 - Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• 8:49 - Side effects of TMS
• 9:14 - Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or talk therapy
• 10:19 - Mental health toolkit
• 11:39 - What to do when your thoughts are spiraling
• 12:16 - Breathing exercise
• 14:29 - St. John’s wort supplement

Leaking after sneezing or exercising, rushing to the restroom and experiencing pelvic discomfort are health problems often tucked away on a to-do list of things to deal with later. These everyday disruptions though are signs that your pelvic floor needs some attention. 

Whether you’ve recently had a baby or you’re approaching your menopause era, there are treatment options that can fit into your routine and help you feel better.  

If you’re looking for ways to support your bladder naturally or wondering how pelvic floor physical therapy could benefit you, you’ll want to listen to the latest episode of The Healthiest You podcast. In Part Two of our pelvic floor podcast series, you’ll hear from urogynecologist Nabila Noor, MD, and rehabilitation clinical specialist Karen Snowden, PT, DPT, both with Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health.

Which supplements may support your bladder health? What is pelvic organ prolapse? What treatment options are available for pelvic floor disorders? How can you strengthen your pelvic floor at home? What can you expect at your first pelvic floor physical therapy appointment? We answer these questions and more on The Healthiest You podcast this month.

Chapters:
     • 0:01 - Intro
     • 0:04 - Toilet stools
     • 3:52 - Bladder supplements
     • 7:16 - Pelvic organ prolapse
     • 9:11 - Treatment options
     • 12:11 - Pelvic floor physical therapy
     • 20:42 - Exercises at your appointment
     • 26:20 - How to strengthen your pelvic floor at home
     • 35:18 - Advice for your bladder and pelvic floor

Your pelvic floor is ready and waiting for you to break up with these habits:

• Power-peeing – Going to the bathroom is not a race. Forcing urine out or relieving yourself as fast as you can causes more harm than good to your pelvic floor. 
• Hovering – This seems like a natural solution to avoid germs in public restrooms. But hovering over the toilet tenses your muscles which makes your bladder work harder than it needs to.
• Peeing “just in case” – Went 15 minutes ago? Maybe going once more is a good idea … or is it? Whether you’re heading out for an errand or a road trip, going again “just in case” is training your bladder to go more frequently. 

If you’re ready to take back control of your bladder, you’ll want to listen to the latest episode of The Healthiest You podcast. In Part One of our pelvic floor podcast series, you’ll hear from urogynecologist Nabila Noor, MD, and rehabilitation clinical specialist Karen Snowden, PT, DPT, with Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health.

How do you know if you have a pelvic floor disorder? What bathroom habits are harming your pelvic floor? How many times a day should you urinate? Can bladder training help? Which exercises can strengthen your pelvic floor? We answer these questions and more on The Healthiest You podcast this month.

Chapters:

     · 0:01 - Intro

     · 0:17 - About your pelvic floor

     · 3:31 - When your pelvic floor changes

     · 6:49 - Signs you may have a pelvic floor disorder 

     · 15:54 - Treatment options

     · 17:45 - Bladder leaks and overactive bladder 

     · 20:26 - How to address overactive bladder

     · 23:56 - When to stop drinking before bed

     · 29:06 - Bathroom no-nos

     · 34:07 - Bladder training

Does menopause ever end? When you’re on your third cup of coffee because of another sleepless night and dealing with your fifth hot flash of the day, you can’t help but wonder. The answer to that question may surprise you. 

If you are in your menopause era, you’ll want to listen to the latest episode of The Healthiest You podcast, where we talk about how to navigate each stage of menopause with OB-GYN and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner Susan Haas, MD, PhD, with Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health. 

What can you do about meno belly? How can you get better sleep? What can you do about hair shedding or hair loss? Which diet and exercises are best for menopausal women? Does menopause ever end? We answer these questions and more on The Healthiest You podcast this month.

Want more on the stages of menopause? Check out part one of our menopause podcast miniseries. 

Chapters:

     · 0:01 - Intro

     · 0:06 - Positives to menopause

     · 2:43 - Health screenings

     · 5:11 - Sleep disruptions

     · 8:38 - Finding emotional balance

     · 11:48 - Sexual health 

     · 21:30 - Hair shedding

     · 26:06 - How to know if you’re in menopause 

     · 30:07 - Meno belly

     · 33:35 - Recommended exercise 

     · 34:27 - Nutrition

     · 38:05 - Soothing dry skin

     · 39:36 - Caffeine and hot flashes 

     · 40:25 - Joint and muscle pain relief

     · 42:47 - Frozen shoulder and menopause

     · 43:38 - Surprising symptoms

     · 46:54 - Migraines

     · 48:17 - Does menopause ever end?

Like the life cycle of a butterfly, menopause is a transformative season that has its highs and lows. Saying goodbye to periods and embracing the beauty found in midlife are the positives. But dealing with frustrating symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, mood changes and more can feel overwhelming. 

If you are in your menopause era, you’ll want to listen to part one of the latest episode of The Healthiest You podcast, where we talk about how to navigate each stage of menopause with OB-GYN and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner Susan Haas, MD, PhD, with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health. 

What age does menopause start? How long does menopause last? What can help with hot flashes? Can all women take menopausal hormone therapy? How is bone health impacted during menopause? We answer these questions and more on The Healthiest You podcast this month.

Chapters:

     · 0:01 - Intro

     · 1:08 - Perimenopause and menopause

     · 4:40 - Menstrual cycle changes

     · 8:23 - Help with hot flashes

     · 12:27 - Hormone therapy

     · 13:16 - When to consider hormone therapy

     · 14:51 - Alternative treatment options

     · 22:23 - Risks of hormone therapy

     · 25:36 - If you’ve had a total hysterectomy 

     · 29:22 - Bone health and calcium supplements 

     · 33:19 - Estrogen and progesterone 

     · 36:47 - Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

     · 38:55 - Part two coming soon

It’s no surprise that the Mediterranean diet was ranked as the best overall diet by U.S. News & World Report for the eighth year in a row. This style of eating focuses more on fueling your body with the right foods and enjoying healthy meals with others rather than following a restrictive plan. 

Listen to the latest episode of The Healthiest You podcast, where we talk about the Mediterranean diet with dietitian Alexa Roseberry with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health. 

Can following the Mediterranean diet make you live longer? What if you don’t like fish and you aren’t a fan of vegetables? How can you make healthier choices going out to eat? Which one is better – the Mediterranean diet or the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet? Are there ways to stop the post-lunch slump? We answer these questions and more on The Healthiest You podcast this month.

Chapters:

     · 0:01 - Intro

     · 1:13 - About the Mediterranean diet

     · 3:54 - Mediterranean diet pyramid

     · 6:41 - Meals with others

     · 10:05 - If you don’t like fish or vegetables

     · 12:01 - Healthy fats

     · 17:14 - Meal ideas

     · 18:49 - Snack ideas

     · 21:12 - Dessert ideas

     · 24:41 - Budget and meal planning tips

     · 30:48 - Live longer on the Mediterranean diet

     · 34:54 - Daily fiber intake

     · 35:32 - Mediterranean diet and PCOS

     · 36:42 - DASH diet vs. Mediterranean diet

     · 38:52 - High-protein, low-carb diet

     · 41:26 - Nutrition tips if you’ve had a colectomy and have an ileostomy 

     · 44:03 - Gaining strength back after surgery

     · 47:45 - Signs you’re not eating enough protein

     · 49:44 - How to make healthier choices at restaurants 

     · 52:38 - Stop the post-lunch slump

     · 54:30 - Nutrition advice

Living with polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS can take a toll on your emotional and physical health. Common symptoms of this condition are irregular periods, infertility, weight gain and unwanted hair growth – all of which are difficult to cope with. 

Listen to the latest episode of The Healthiest You podcast, where we talk about how to manage PCOS with OB-GYN Emily Brophy, MD, with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health.  

What are the symptoms of PCOS? How does PCOS impact ovulation and fertility? What lifestyle changes may help manage PCOS symptoms? Which supplements may provide hormonal support? What diet changes may help women who have PCOS? We answer these questions and more on The Healthiest You podcast this month.

Chapters:

     · 0:01 - Intro

     · 1:00 - What is PCOS?

     · 2:05 - Is PCOS genetic?

     · 2:46 - Challenges with diagnosing PCOS

     · 3:41 - Irregular periods

     · 4:38 - Tracking your cycle

     · 5:58 - DUTCH test

     · 7:21 - PCOS treatment options

     · 8:53 - Sharing your diagnosis with your health care team

     · 10:08 - Lifestyle changes to help manage PCOS

     · 10:58 - Recommended diet changes

     · 11:54 - How to reduce the bloating

     · 12:37 - PCOS supplements

     · 14:57 - Evening primrose oil

     · 15:28 - Inositol and PCOS

     · 15:47 - Magnesium supplements

     · 17:24 - Chasteberry and black cohosh

     · 18:21 - Inflammation and PCOS

     · 19:11 - Importance of exercise

     · 20:30 - Unwanted hair growth

     · 22:11 - Spearmint tea

     · 22:43 - Ovulation and fertility

     · 23:45 - Tracking ovulation

     · 25:16 - Mental health and PCOS

     · 26:34 - Acupuncture and acupressure

     · 28:04 - If you’ve had your symptoms dismissed 

     · 29:57 - Advice