In this episode of Between Two White Coats, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster tackle an important—but often overlooked—topic: the areas of healthcare your primary care provider doesn’t cover. As comprehensive as primary care is, one doctor can’t do it all. That’s why building your personal health team matters.

Today, they break down the importance of regularly seeing:

👁 Eye Doctors – How often should kids, adults, and seniors get vision exams? What changes after 40? Why are diabetic retinal exams critical? And what’s the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist? They also discuss screen time, blue light exposure, and how diet, exercise, and proper nutrients protect your long-term vision.

🦷 Dentists – Oral health isn’t just about your smile—it’s directly connected to heart health, gut health, chronic disease, and inflammation. Dr. Plaster and Amber explain why dental cleanings every six months matter, when children should establish care, how medications can impact oral health, and why prevention saves you far more than waiting for a problem.

☀️ Dermatologists – Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate. From tanning beds and childhood sunburns to genetic risk factors and changing moles, they discuss why annual skin checks are crucial—especially if you’ve had significant sun exposure. Early detection can be life-saving.

Throughout the conversation, they emphasize a common theme: prevention is always easier than treatment. Establishing relationships with trusted specialists before something goes wrong gives you an advantage in protecting your health long-term. At Our Family Health, we believe in complete wellness—mind, body, and soul. That means knowing when to lean into lifestyle, nutrition, and prevention… and when to partner with the right specialists to safeguard your future.

If you’ve ever wondered how often you really need to see an eye doctor, when to take your child to the dentist, or whether you should schedule a skin check—this episode is for you.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of our three-part Heart Health Series, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster are once again joined by cardiologist Dr. Sims to discuss what happens when heart concerns go beyond prevention — and into procedures, rhythm disorders, and advanced cardiac care.

When medications and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, what comes next?

In this episode, the team breaks down:

• What cardiac catheterization actually involves
• How and when stents are placed
• The difference between blocked arteries and electrical rhythm issues
• What atrial fibrillation (AFib) is and why it matters
• When a pacemaker or ablation procedure may be necessary
• How cardiologists determine the right level of intervention

Dr. Sims explains complex procedures in a way that’s clear and reassuring, helping listeners understand that advanced cardiac care isn’t something to fear, it’s often life-saving and highly effective.

Throughout the series, we’ve explored:

• Part 1: Preventing heart disease

• Part 2: Recognizing the signs of a heart attack

• Part 3: Understanding advanced treatment and cardiac procedures

At Our Family Health, we believe true wellness includes education, prevention, and access to expert care when it matters most. Whether you’re focused on lifestyle changes or navigating a cardiac diagnosis, this series equips you with knowledge to take control of your heart health.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heart Health Series | Part 2: Understanding Chest Pain

Chest pain is one of the most common and most confusing symptoms patients experience. In Part 2 of the Heart Health Series, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster are once again joined by cardiologist Dr. Marcus Sims to answer one critical question: How do you know when chest pain is a heart attack and when it’s something else?

This episode walks listeners through the real-world decision-making process doctors use when evaluating chest pain. Dr. Sims explains the different types of chest discomfort, how risk factors like diabetes, family history, and lifestyle influence concern, and why women often experience symptoms differently than men.

You’ll learn:

• What chest pain related to the heart typically feels like—and what it doesn’t
• Why symptoms in women are often missed or dismissed
• When chest pain requires emergency care versus further outpatient testing
• How stress tests, cardiac CT scans, and other diagnostics are used
• Why early evaluation can prevent major cardiac events

With relatable patient stories and clear explanations, this episode empowers listeners to trust their instincts, understand their risk, and know when to seek care—without panic or guesswork.

This is Part 2 of a 3-part Heart Health Series. In the final episode, Dr. Sims will help listeners understand what happens after a diagnosis and how heart disease is treated long-term.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.