In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, we take a deep dive into statins, their true benefits, their real risks, and the massive role lifestyle plays in shaping heart disease outcomes. Rather than accepting oversimplified medical advice, this episode empowers you to think critically, understand uncertainty in medicine, and make fully informed decisions about your own health. You'll learn how to interpret risk statistics (like relative vs absolute risk), why lifestyle may outperform medication for many people, and why statins are helpful for some—yet potentially unnecessary or harmful for others. If you've ever been told "your cholesterol is high, you need a statin," this episode will give you the tools to ask better questions and understand whether that advice truly applies to someone like you. Key Takeaways: -Medical uncertainty is real — many "facts" are actually opinions without solid or applicable evidence. -Statins help some people more than others: -Strong evidence for people who already had a heart attack. -Much smaller benefit (sometimes minimal) for healthy, active people without prior heart disease. -Absolute vs. relative risk matters: -A "25% reduction in risk" may really mean only 1 fewer event per 100 people. -Lifestyle changes can reduce risk by 50–80%, often outperforming statin benefits—especially for people who exercise, eat whole foods, avoid smoking, keep weight down, and drink moderately. -Statin risks are real: Muscle pain: up to 1 in 10 Diabetes risk increased: about 1 in 200 Possible cognitive impairment (enough for an FDA warning) Polypharmacy (multiple medications) increases uncertainty and side-effect risks. Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM More references can be found at www.GreatMed.org Would you like Dr. Hassell to answer your question on the air? Contact us! Phone/text: 503-773-0770 e-mail: [email protected] EIN: 88-326-7056 Write us a letter. We love to hear from you. This podcast is sponsored by our generous listeners. Send questions, comments, and support to: GreatMed.org 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273 Portland OR 97229

In this special Walk Don't Run to the Doctor episode, Miles Hassell MD tackles one of the most important, yet misunderstood health topics: osteoporosis and fracture prevention. Rather than focusing on numbers from a Dexa scan or quick prescriptions, this episode empowers you with real, actionable steps to build stronger bones and improve your long-term health with evidence-based lifestyle tools.

You'll learn why lifestyle choices—good food you make at home, sunlight, and movement—often outperform medications in maintaining bone health. The discussion blends current research, humor, and critical thinking to help you take control of your health journey.

1. Focus on Fracture Prevention, Not Numbers Osteoporosis is less about bone density scores and more about preventing fractures through lifestyle and strength.

2. Exercise Builds Resilience Weight-bearing activity, balance training, and even ping pong can significantly reduce fall and fracture risk.

3. The Power of Diet A Mediterranean-style diet—rich in vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, and moderate animal protein—reduces hip fracture risk by nearly 30% with no side effects.

4. Supplements ≠ Food Calcium and vitamin D supplements rarely prevent fractures and can have risks; real food sources work better.

5. Sunlight Matters Safe, regular sun exposure helps maintain healthy vitamin D levels—key for bones, mood, and longevity.

6. Ultra-Processed Foods Harm Bone Health Cooking real food at home supports your microbiome, muscle mass, and bone strength—while saving money and improving quality of life.

7. Small Habits, Big Gains Moderate alcohol intake, protein with every meal, and lifelong movement can transform bone and overall health.

Are blood pressure medications saving lives—or quietly making things worse? In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD takes a hard look at the role of blood pressure drugs. While medications can protect against stroke and heart damage, they also carry serious side effects—from fatigue and dizziness to diabetes and falls in older adults.

The bigger issue? Medications can distract from the most powerful treatment of all: lifestyle change. Eating better, moving more, trimming excess weight, and cutting harmful habits often work better than pills—and without the toxic tradeoffs.

Dr. Hassell breaks down: ✅ Why "all drugs are poisons with potentially useful side effects." ✅ How lifestyle medicine outperforms prescriptions in long-term health. ✅ The hidden dangers of relying on medications instead of making changes. ✅ The four key steps to lowering blood pressure naturally. ✅ Questions to ask your doctor before staying on meds.

Whether you're already on blood pressure drugs or just want to prevent chronic disease, this episode will help you make informed, empowered choices for better health.

Take control of your health. Small changes can rewrite your future.

#BloodPressure #Hypertension #LifestyleMedicine #HealthPodcast

In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD sits down with author Mac Lake to explore the connection between faith, health, and personal responsibility.

Mac Lake is a highly respected leader, author, and founder of Multiply Group, where he helps leaders and organizations develop strategies to multiply their leadership impact. An inspirational trainer and leadership coach, Mac is gifted at simplifying complex ideas into actionable strategies that anyone can implement to achieve transformative results in their personal life, team, and organization. He has written seven books, including The Multiplication Effect, Leading Yourself (forward written by John Maxwell), and The Discipling Leaders Series, offering practical tools for leadership development. Mac and his wife, Cindy, live in Charleston, SC.

Together, Mac and Dr. Hassell discuss how everyday choices about food, exercise, and discipline have a far greater impact on long-term well-being than prescriptions or quick fixes. From processed foods to self-discipline, the conversation highlights how living with purpose and stewardship over our health can transform not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us.

Key Takeaways:

Personal responsibility matters: Good decisions about diet and lifestyle often outweigh a doctor's prescription.

Whole foods over processed foods: Industrial oils, refined carbs, and protein powders are linked to disease, while traditional, whole foods support health.

Discipline turns into habit: Self-control in health choices eventually becomes automatic, shaping long-term well-being.

Exercise with purpose: Frequent, simple activity—even just a few minutes a day—improves health and prevents decline.

Faith and stewardship: Caring for your body honors God, sets an example for family, and reduces avoidable burdens on yourself and others.

Purpose protects the brain: Living with intention and meaning reduces risks of cognitive decline and promotes a healthier, more productive, more enjoyable life.

Follow Mac Lake here:

Instagram - @multiply_group

YouTube - youtube.com/maclake

Facebook - facebook.com/maclake24

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/maclake

Blog - maclakeonline.com

Website - multiplygroup.org

In this episode of Walk Don't Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD unpacks the common health "distractions" that steal attention, money, and energy from what really matters for your well-being. From the sugar wars (high fructose corn syrup vs. cane sugar), to food dyes, celebrity health fads, and fancy but questionable medical tests, we explore how to separate hype from evidence.

Key Takeaways:

• High fructose corn syrup and cane sugar are equally harmful—what matters is cutting refined sugars overall.

• Food dyes aren't the main problem—we shouldn't be eating the ultra-processed foods they come in.

• Many "advanced" blood or imaging tests do more harm than good, often creating anxiety without improving health.

• Be skeptical of celebrity-driven health advice and "secret" cures.

• Good health outcomes are the fruit of basic healthy lifestyle habits: whole foods meals made in your kitchen, daily exercise, maintaining a healthy waistline, and purposeful living.

If you're ready to stop chasing distractions and start focusing on the proven fundamentals of health, this episode is for you.

👉 Share with someone who might be caught up in the latest "health craze."

Link to our waist loss guide: https://greatmed.org/lifestyle-tools/waist-loss/

#HealthPodcast #NutritionTips #SugarMyths #FoodDyes #HighFructoseCornSyrup #HealthyLiving #LifestyleMedicine #HealthAdvice #Fructose #MedicalTests #WalkDontRunToTheDoctor

In this episode, Miles Hassell, MD answers heartfelt listener letters about gallbladder disease and knee pain—sharing real-life stories of patients who successfully avoided major surgeries through lifestyle medicine.

From tackling gallstones with diet and exercise to managing osteoarthritis without knee replacement, Dr. Hassell highlights how small, consistent changes—like removing sugar, eating a Mediterranean-style diet, incorporating probiotic foods, and staying active—can dramatically improve health outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

• Gallbladder health: Slow weight loss, high-fiber foods (like beans, whole intact grains, and celery), healthy fats (like olive oil & egg yolks), and eliminating ultra-processed foods can reduce the need for surgery.

• Joint health: Motion is medicine—combined with diet, probiotics, and targeted supplements (gelatin, glucosamine, MSM, niacinamide), some people improve without joint replacement. Check with a doctor before starting a supplement.

• Lifestyle first: Whether preventing or recovering from disease, nutrition, fitness, and weight management are powerful tools.

• Coffee lovers rejoice: Coffee itself is protective against gallbladder disease!

#LifestyleMedicine #GallbladderHealth #JointHealth #PreventiveCare #WalkDontRunPodcast

In this episode, Miles Hassell MD, an internal medicine physician from Portland, Oregon, dives deep into one of the most important responsibilities of parenthood—feeding your kids well. He tackles the real-life challenges families face in a world dominated by ultra-processed foods, marketing traps, and busy schedules. Learn how simple, home-cooked meals can drastically improve your child's mental and physical health, prevent chronic diseases, and build lifelong habits. From breakfast hacks to family cooking tips, this episode is a practical and inspiring guide for every parent.

Key Takeaways:

• Feeding kids well is a moral imperative, not just a preference—it's as crucial as seatbelts and helmets.
• Ultra-processed foods are linked to obesity, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, poor academic performance, and chronic disease.
• Kids should eat the same real food as adults—there's no need for special "kid food."
• Cooking at home is key: it saves money, teaches life skills, and builds family bonds.
• Start early and be strategic: gradual changes, fun family cooking, and healthy treats can transform habits.
• Avoid food "traps" like sugary drinks, protein bars, commercial bread, and snacks marketed as healthy.
• Practical meal ideas include homemade overnight whole intact grain cereals, veggie-packed frittatas, home-baked bread, and simple snacks like fruit and cheese.
• Build a home culture of movement, socializing, reading, and resilience alongside nutrition.
  Let's raise healthy, capable kids—one homemade meal at a time. Order your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th edition by Miles Hassell MD and Mea Hassell. https://a.co/d/blI93TT References -Ferreira, R., et al. (2024). Early ultra-processed foods consumption and hyperactivity/inattention in adolescence. https://doi.org/10.11606/s1518-8787.2024058005636 -Lane, M., et al. (2022). Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Nutrients, 14(13), 2568. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14132568 -López-Gil, J, et al. (2025). Investigating the Relationship Between Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Academic Performance in the Adolescent Population: The EHDLA Study. Nutrients, 17(3), 524. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030524 More references can be found at www.GreatMed.org
  Would you like Dr. Hassell to answer your question on the air? Contact us! Phone/text: 503-773-0770 e-mail: [email protected] Write us a letter. We love to hear from you. This podcast is sponsored by our generous listeners. Send questions, comments, and support to: 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273 Portland OR 97229

In this episode, Miles Hassell MD breaks down the often misunderstood world of cooking oils. From olive oil to avocado oil, he explains which fats support long-term health—and which ones belong in the trash.

Key Takeaways:

• Extra virgin olive oil is the only widely available oil with strong evidence supporting real health benefits.

• Avocado, canola, and other industrial oils are ultra-processed, taste terrible without the help of BigFood processing techniques, and lack nutritional value. Avocados are good food though...thinly sliced, they top any meal or snack nicely.

• Don't be fooled by labels like "cold-pressed"—many oils still undergo high-heat processing (up to 500°F). Call the manufacturer to find out how their oil is processed.

• Traditional fats like butter, coconut oil, and sesame oil—used historically and minimally processed—may be better choices.

• Smoke point isn't a valid reason to choose industrial oils; smart cooking techniques can protect food quality without sacrificing health.

This episode helps you rethink what you're using in your kitchen—and why less processed, evidence-based choices matter.

🎧 Subscribe for more insights on healthy living through simple, proven lifestyle shifts.

#HealthyFats #OliveOil #VegetableOils #WholeFoods #WalkDontRunPodcast #EvidenceBasedLiving

Are you or someone you know struggling with constipation? In this episode, Dr. Miles Hassell MD of GreatMed.org explores the real impact of constipation on health and quality of life—and how to fix it without relying on Big Pharma.

What You'll Learn:

The health risks and causes of chronic constipation

Lifestyle-based solutions that are safer and more effective than over-the-counter meds

The role of fiber, fluids, probiotics, and movement in restoring colon health

Practical tips: foods to eat, supplements to consider, and travel-friendly strategies

Why addressing constipation is a gateway to better overall health

Based on the evidence-backed guidance in Good Food, Great Medicine, this episode empowers you to take control of your digestive health the natural way. Like, comment, and subscribe for more honest, practical health advice.

Order your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th edition by Miles Hassell MD and Mea Hassell. https://a.co/d/blI93TT

More references can be found at www.GreatMed.org

Would you like Dr. Hassell to answer your question on the air? Contact us!

Phone/text: 503-773-0770 e-mail: [email protected] Write us a letter. We love to hear from you.

This podcast is sponsored by our generous listeners. Send questions, comments, and support to: 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273 Portland OR 97229

#ConstipationRelief #WholeFoodHealth #LifestyleMedicine #WalkDontRunPodcast #DigestiveHealth