Shows
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast97: The Motivation Checkup: Episode 6: From Motivation to Momentum, How to Turn Insight Into ActionThis is the final episode of our Motivation Checkup mini-series, and it’s all about turning everything you’ve learned into real, sustainable change. Over the last five episodes, we explored why motivation fades, why willpower isn’t enough, how small habits create lasting progress, what to do when motivation disappears, and how stress, sleep, and burnout sabotage behavior change.In this episode, we bring it all together. You’ll learn how to stop waiting for motivation and start building momentum with small, flexible systems that actually work in real life. We introduce a simple framework for choosing...
2026-02-0934 minYour Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast96: The Motivation Checkup: Episode 5: Motivation vs Habits vs Discipline, What Creates Change In this episode, we break down the difference between motivation, habits, and discipline — three tools people often confuse when trying to change their health. You’ll learn why motivation is great for starting but unreliable for consistency, why habits are the real engine of long-term change, and why discipline is best used as a short-term support, not a lifestyle. We show how relying too much on willpower leads to burnout, how “minimum viable habits” protect progress on low-energy days, and how to build systems that make healthy choices easier instead of harder. This episode helps you stop pushing yourself and start...
2026-02-0224 minYour Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast95: The Motivation Checkup: Episode 4: How to Continue When Motivation Fades In this episode, we talk about what really happens when motivation fades — and why it’s not a sign that you’ve failed. Life stress, poor sleep, illness, and emotional overload all pull on the same limited energy system in your brain, making even good intentions feel hard to act on. You’ll learn why pushing harder usually backfires, how to use “minimum viable habits” to protect your progress on low-energy days, and how self-compassion and flexibility are the real keys to consistency. This episode will help you stop blaming yourself and start showing up in a way that actually last...
2026-01-2631 minYour Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast94: The Motivation Checkup Episode 3: Small Steps, Lasting Change In this episode, we explore why starting small is actually the most effective way to build lasting habits. Big goals can feel overwhelming, and relying on motivation alone often sets us up for failure. By focusing on tiny, repeatable actions — what we call minimum viable habits — you can protect your confidence, maintain consistency, and slowly train your brain to see yourself as someone who shows up. We break down the psychology behind small wins, explain why doing less can actually lead to more, and give practical examples you can start today to make real, sustainable progress. Send us a m...
2026-01-1924 minYour Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast93: The Motivation Checkup: Episode 2: Why Willpower Fails In this episode of Your Checkup, we unpack why relying on willpower alone so often fails — and why that failure isn’t a personal flaw. Willpower is a limited resource that gets drained by stress, decision fatigue, and daily demands, making it unreliable for sustained health change. Instead of asking ourselves to try harder, real progress comes from designing systems that work with our brains: reducing friction for healthy behaviors, increasing friction for unhelpful ones, and anchoring habits to existing routines. By shifting the focus from discipline to supportive environments, we can build changes that last — even on hard days.
2026-01-1227 minYour Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast92: The Motivation Checkup: Episode 1 Understanding MotivationNew year energy fades fast, and that’s exactly when most health plans fall apart. We’ve been there—patients telling us “I can’t stay motivated,” and our own early alarms that sometimes lose the argument. So we take a fresh, practical look at motivation: not as a trait you’re born with, but as a state you can design by meeting three basic needs—choice, capability, and support.We start by ditching the willpower myth. Fear and guilt can get you moving once, but they rarely carry you through February. Instead, we walk through how to create autono...
2026-01-0538 min
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast91: GLP1 Pill for Weight Loss? Understanding Oral Wegovy Oral Wegovy is officially FDA approved — but what does that actually mean for patients? In this episode of Your Checkup, we break down the December 2025 approval of oral semaglutide 25 mg for chronic weight management, who qualifies, how it works, and how effective it really is. We review the clinical trial data behind the approval, including expected weight loss, common side effects, and long-term expectations, and explain how oral Wegovy compares to injectable GLP-1 medications. We also tackle common misconceptions, dosing and lifestyle considerations, and the very real challenges of cost and insurance coverage. If you’ve heard the h...
2025-12-2941 min
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast90: The First 5 Questions I Ask Every New PatientWe trade holiday laughs and a Michelin-level dinner recap for a clear look at how five simple questions can transform a medical visit into a relationship. We show how home, routine, joy, and self-perception reveal risks and shape plans that fit real life.You can reach out to us by email, yourcheckuppod@gmail.comYou can find us on Instagram, you can follow us thereAlso active on threads where we share, you know, themes of our episodes and different collections that we think connect to each otherAnd most importantly, stay healthy, my...
2025-12-2233 min
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast89: Why Your Cholesterol Can Look Normal — and Still Be Risky Lipoprotein a In this episode of Your Checkup, we break down lipoprotein(a) — a largely inherited form of cholesterol that can significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, even when standard cholesterol numbers look normal. We talk about what Lp(a) is, why it matters, who should be tested, and how it helps explain “unexpected” heart events in otherwise healthy people. While Lp(a) can’t currently be lowered with diet or exercise, knowing your level allows you and your care team to be more intentional about prevention by aggressively managing other risk factors like LDL cholesterol, blood pre...
2025-12-1535 min
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast88: GLP-1 Starter Guide for PatientsWe share a quick life update, welcome our first guest Mike Rozanski, and clear up the Michelin Guide origin story before shifting to a focused guide on starting GLP-1 medications. Practical strategies cover injections, nausea, constipation, muscle protection, and adjusting other meds safely.• board certification in obesity medicine and motivation to destigmatise care• guest segment on Michelin guide history and Philly’s recent stars• what GLP-1 meds are and how auto-injectors work• portion sizing to prevent nausea and early side effects• fiber with fluids to prevent constipation• protein targets and simple strength training to pr...
2025-12-0833 min
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast87: GLP-1 Price Cuts: Will It Improve Access?We unpack new GLP-1 pricing, coverage hurdles, and whether cash-pay programs make these meds more reachable for diabetes, obesity, and sleep apnea care. Along the way we share candid pros and cons of injections, tease future oral options, and weigh real tradeoffs.• current cash-pay pricing from major manufacturers• differences between Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound• tighter insurance coverage and prior authorization burden• fears about injections and route-of-administration bias• potential oral GLP-1 timelines and cost impact• framing obesity as a chronic, treatable disease• practical tips to explore HSA or FSA options• how to decide if the...
2025-12-0129 min
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast86: Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained for PatientsClear guidance on benefits, risks, and how the FDA’s label changes shift conversations in the exam room about HRTNikki's Corner• Philly’s first Michelin stars and what the tiers mean• Flying taxis in Dubai • A cold case solved by college criminology studentsLearning • What HRT is, routes of therapy, and who benefits• Reframing WHI-era fears with age and timing data• FDA label changes and clinical implications• Contraindications and safer use considerations• Women’s health bias and the cost of not listening• Practical steps for shared decisions with clinicians
2025-11-2441 min
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast85: Menopause: Symptoms, Timing, And What HelpsWe discuss a clear, practical guide to menopause, explaining what it is, why it happens, and how to manage the most common symptoms with everyday steps and evidence-based options. We set up next week’s deep dive on hormone therap. • Defining menopause and typical timing• Why estrogen declines and bodywide effects• Common symptoms across sleep, mood, and metabolism• Hot flashes and night sweats frequency and duration• Vaginal and urinary symptoms that mimic UTIs• Bone density loss and changing heart risk• Lifestyle tactics that actually help• When to ask about hormonal and non-hormonal tr...
2025-11-1729 min
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast84: Osteoporosis Explained: How to Keep Your Bones StrongWe break down osteopenia and osteoporosis with clear steps to protect independence: how bones weaken, how DEXA scoring works, and which daily habits reduce fracture risk. We share nutrition, exercise, lifestyle changes, and home safety that make a measurable difference.• key stats on fracture risk in women and men over 50• definitions of osteopenia and osteoporosis using T-scores• hip, spine and wrist as common fracture sites• why bone loss accelerates after menopause• risk factors including family history, smoking and low weight• DEXA scan basics and when to ask for screening• calcium and vitamin D targ...
2025-11-1040 min
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast83: Seasonal Affective Disorder: How to Recognize and What to DoWe share a joyful wedding recap and travel bits, then pivot to a clear guide on Seasonal Affective Disorder: what it is, who it affects, why it happens, and the tools that help. Practical and compassionate advice to steady mood, sleep, and energy through winter.• defining Seasonal Affective Disorder and its seasonal pattern• key symptoms including oversleeping and carb cravings• distinguishing normal winter dips from functional impairment• who is at higher risk and why geography matters• biology of light, circadian rhythm, melatonin and serotonin• evidence-based treatments including light therapy, CBT and medication• practi...
2025-11-0339 min
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast82: Jet Lag and Travel FatigueWe share newlywed joy, wild plane moments, and a clear plan for beating jet lag using light timing, hydration, naps, and simple habits that work. Direction matters, and we explain how to prep differently for eastward and westward travel so your body clock adjusts faster.• wedding highlights and travel• plane etiquette and seat recline awareness• jet lag basics and circadian rhythm cues• symptoms that signal body clock mismatch• westward strategies: evening light and short naps• eastward strategies: morning light and earlier sleep• hydration, caffeine timing, and melatonin• DVT prevention: movement and compression...
2025-10-2735 minYour Checkup: Patient Education Health PodcastReboot: Hypertension Lifestyle ChangesSend us a message with this link, we would love to hear from you. Standard message rates may apply.We continue our hypertension journey with two pillars—lifestyle and medication—and show how small, honest changes shift blood pressure in meaningful ways. From sodium awareness and exercise to sleep apnea, tobacco, alcohol, and med side effects, we focus on what actually works.• two pillars of treatment: lifestyle and medication• non‑modifiable risks: age, sex, race, family history• sodium literacy and the DASH eating pattern• track intake and aim for 1,500–2,300 mg sodium• clinically meaning...
2025-10-2024 minYour Checkup: Patient Education Health PodcastReboot: Hypertension ExplainedSend us a message with this link, we would love to hear from you. Standard message rates may apply.Since we are away we wanted to give you an oldie but a goodie! We demystify blood pressure with clear examples, practical thresholds, and simple steps for accurate home readings, then connect the numbers to real risks for the brain, heart, and kidneys. We end with a preview of lifestyle changes and meds to manage hypertension well.• what systolic and diastolic numbers represent • how to think about normal vs elevated readin...
2025-10-1321 min
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast81: Concussions: Raising Awareness for Student Athletes and Parents We unpack myths, the new stepwise approach, and why return to school should come before return to play.• what a concussion is• common and delayed symptoms including mood and sleep changes• immediate sideline steps• why “cocooning” is outdated and how light activity helps• individualized recovery timelines and risk of returning too soon• return-to-learn before return-to-play with simple accommodations• a staircase model for activity and symptom thresholds• helmets vs brain movement and the role of honest reporting• practical tips for coaches, parents, and student athletesCheck out our website, send us an ema...
2025-10-0630 min
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast80: Screen time, Social Media & Mental HealthScreen time impacts our mental health in significant ways, with research suggesting particular risks for teens who spend more than three hours daily on social media.• Higher social media usage linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and stress• Teens more vulnerable to negative mental health effects than adults• Using social media to escape negative feelings raises mental health risks• Limiting social media to 30 minutes per day can lower depression and anxiety• Open conversations about online experiences help teens develop healthy digital habits• Unrealistic images and constant comparisons on social media harm self-worth
2025-09-2924 min
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast79: Colon Cancer Screening: Why It Is Important & Your OptionsColon cancer screening saves lives by catching cancer early and even preventing it, yet only 69% of eligible adults are up to date with their screenings. We explore who needs screening, what tests are available, and how to choose the right one for you.• Most adults should start colon cancer screening at age 45, even if healthy• Family history may mean you need to start screening earlier• Stool-based tests like FIT and Cologuard are convenient home options• Colonoscopy remains the gold standard, allowing doctors to remove polyps• One in 23 men and one in 25 women will develop co...
2025-09-2230 min
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast78: Diet Changes for Hypertension: DASHThe DASH diet offers a powerful, evidence-based approach to lowering blood pressure through nutritional changes rather than medication.• Stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension• Focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy• Limits sodium, saturated fat, added sugars, and processed meats• Can lower systolic blood pressure by 5-6 points and diastolic by 3 points• Recommends 4-5 servings each of fruits and vegetables daily• Suggests 6-8 servings of whole grains per day• Advises limiting sodium to 1,500mg daily for those with hypertension• Provides numerous meal ideas including oatmeal with berries, tu...
2025-09-1533 min
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast77: The Flu Shot: Why This Vaccine Matters More Than You ThinkThe flu vaccine is our best defense against influenza, a contagious respiratory virus that causes millions of illnesses and thousands of deaths in the US each year. Despite being only 40-60% effective, the vaccine significantly reduces hospitalizations, outpatient visits, and deaths while protecting vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated.• Influenza causes 9-41 million illnesses, 140,000-960,000 hospitalizations, and 12,000-80,000 deaths annually in the US• Everyone aged six months and older should receive the flu vaccine yearly• The vaccine must be updated annually because the flu virus changes each year• Getting vaccinated helps protect vulnerable populations like inf...
2025-09-0833 min
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast76: Four Habits of People Who Maintain Weight LossWe explore the four key habits of people who have successfully maintained significant weight loss, based on findings from the National Weight Control Registry's long-term observational study.• 62% of successful weight maintainers watch less than 10 hours of TV weekly (under 90 minutes daily)• 75% weigh themselves at least once weekly as a data point, not as a measure of self-worth• 78% eat breakfast every day, potentially helping regulate hunger cues throughout the day• 90% maintain high levels of physical activity, averaging over an hour daily (420 minutes weekly)• The study shows no increased psychological symptoms like depression or disordered eating in...
2025-09-0121 min
Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast75: Understanding Your Liver: From Function to Fatty DiseaseThe liver performs vital functions including filtering toxins, producing proteins, storing energy, aiding digestion, and regulating cholesterol and hormones. Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease globally, affecting up to 38% of the population worldwide.• The liver filters blood, breaks down alcohol and medications, produces proteins like albumin and clotting factors• It stores energy as glycogen, vitamins, and minerals including iron• The liver makes bile for digesting fats and helps regulate cholesterol and support immune function• Common liver problems include fatty liver disease, alcohol use, viral infections, and medicati...
2025-08-2521 min