Few health topics get more oversimplified than weight gain and weight loss. Poor diet and lack of exercise take the brunt of the blame — and while these can of course contribute to weight gain or sabotage weight loss, the reality is far more complex. In this episode, we unpack the assortment of factors that influence weight — from metabolism and genetics to mood and sleep. We also challenge conventional wisdom around weight loss goals and discuss why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for most people.

Expert: Kimberly Gallien, Licensed Social Worker, Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery

Notable topics covered:

• Think weight loss is just about losing weight? Think again.
• The myth of “just get off the couch” — why it’s not that simple
• How focusing on an end-goal weight can actually derail weight loss
• Why “planning power” is for more effective than willpower
• The importance of consistent micro-adjustments to your routine
• Movement vs. exercise — and why both matter
• When BMI is helpful and when it’s not
• Why a healthy weight range is more realistic than a single number
• Weight management strategies should evolve over time
• Taking action: Making the shift from knowing to doing
• Embracing the idea that health is a journey, not a destination

If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Wireless headphones and earbuds have become a part of everyday life: commuting, gym workouts, video calls, even sleep aids. But while they’ve made listening more personal and portable, that convenience comes with a risk. Audiologists are reporting a rise in noise-induced hearing loss linked to unsafe listening practices, particularly among younger people. So how much sound can your ears really handle? Is noise-induced hearing damage ever reversible? And what habits will protect your hearing so you don’t have to stop using your headphones? In this episode, we break down the dangers and share expert advice on listening safely.

Expert: Dr. Kelsey Roy, Audiologist

Notable topics covered:

• A primer on the different types of personal listening devices
• Statistics on noise-induced hearing loss in the wireless headphone era
• Are earbuds more dangerous because they go directly in the ear canal?
• How loud, how long: The lowdown on boundaries for listening to headphones safely
• Podcasts and audio books can’t cause as much damage as music, can they?
• Why noise-cancelling headphones are a good way to go
• Is falling asleep listening to earbuds dangerous?
• The cumulative effect of decades of listening to headphones
• The early warning signs your headphones are hurting your hearing
• Does headphone overuse exhaust and put pressure on the brain?

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“Eat in moderation.” It’s a phrase that’s often tossed around but rarely defined — leaving each of us to interpret this vague guideline on our own. In this episode, we dig into the meaning behind the mantra. From portion sizing and balancing macronutrients to figuring out how many “cheat meals” per week is too many, we explore how moderation should play out in real life.

Expert: Kristen Wright, Registered Dietitian

Notable topics covered:

• Why moderation isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach
• The power of balancing fun foods with fuel foods
• Where do calories fit in the moderation equation?
• How to tackle today’s enormous portion sizes
• Tips for analyzing food noise and becoming an intuitive eater
• How to build a balanced plate at mealtime and snack time
• The consequences of restricting (or overemphasizing) certain macronutrients
• The truth about cheat meals
• Food psychology: The problem with restricting foods we’re craving
• Why a healthy diet is just consistency over time

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Head throbbing? Back aching? Arthritis flaring up? People in such plights ― and countless others ― almost universally respond the same way: pop a painkiller. Indeed, recent surveys show 1 in 3 Americans take over-the-counter pain medication daily and as many as 8 in 10 report reaching for it routinely. But how much do people really know about these seeming wonder drugs found in practically every home or office first-aid kid? In this episode, we explore the different types of painkillers, how to know which to take for your condition and when they do more harm than good.

Expert: Dr. William McGee, Internal Medicine

Interviewer: Todd Ackerman

Notable topics covered:

• The history of painkillers
• Acetaminophen, NSAIDs — which is right for your pain
• Interaction issues involving painkillers and prescription drugs
• Do some people just respond better to a certain type of painkiller?
• Side effects: The dangers of over-the-counter painkillers
• Are generics just as effective?
• Topical painkillers: All the benefits without the potential harms
• When are prescription painkillers appropriate?

If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

If you've ever Googled "How to start working out" and quickly abandoned the page, this episode is for you. Starting — or restarting — exercise can be as challenging mentally as it is physically. Our body and fitness levels may be different from what they were the last time we worked out regularly, and our goals may have changed, too. Instead of chasing the current trends in toned physiques, we may want to focus on working out for our overall health and longevity. Whether you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned pro who's been inactive for some time (who's counting?), we're sharing how to start a new workout routine and overcome the barriers to exercise that can help you make fitness a lasting habit.

Expert: Dr. Dominisha Felder, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber

Notable topics covered:

• The absolute first step to make if you want to start (or restart) exercise
• Should your exercise goals be outcome- or process-driven?
• How to get started without overdoing it and causing injury
• Things to consider before starting an exercise plan if you’re living with a health condition or coming back from an injury or pregnancy
• What we can expect our bodies to feel like as we start moving regularly
• The importance of rest in a consistent routine
• Tips for addressing obstacles to exercise
• How to be mentally disciplined to exercise during every era of your life

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We’ve all had that moment of regret — maybe it was the medium rare burger at a backyard barbecue or that salad bar that was just too convenient to pass up. But the unfortunate result — food poisoning — is no walk in the park for the estimated 48 million Americans a year who suffer the ensuing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness. What are the first signs you ate something contaminated? How long do most bouts last? And what can you do to help recover? In this episode, we break down how these nasty bugs make their way into our meals and the steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting sick.

Expert: Dr. Neeharika Kalakota, Gastroenterologist

Interviewer: Todd Ackerman

Notable topics covered:

• What is foodborne illness exactly?
• The hallmark sign that it’s likely food poisoning
• Symptoms, onset and duration — all can vary from bug to bug
• The food sources most linked to food poisoning
• Is an “iron stomach” real? Or are we all equally at risk?
• The vulnerability of some individuals to foodborne illness
• When to ride it out at home and when to seek treatment
• Self-care steps to take in the initial hours and days of illness
• Why recovering from food poisoning may take a long time
• Ways to reduce your risk of food poisoning

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The blue light emitting from your screen as you read this has become a bit of a bogeyman, allegedly responsible for eye strain, headaches, poor sleep and much more. Enter blue light-blocking glasses, also called blue light glasses or blue light-filtering glasses. Advocates of blue light glasses claim these lenses can absorb or filter the short wavelengths of blue light produced by our devices, which in turn improves sleep, vision and even focus and productivity. In this episode, we explore blue light and whether specialized eyewear is the answer to its possible harms.

Expert: Dr. Amina Malik, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Interviewer: Zach Moore

Notable topics covered:

• What exactly is blue light, and is it a problem?
• The biggest source of blue light (it’s not your phone or TV)
• Does blue light affect your circadian rhythm?
• Who is more at-risk for blue light exposure
• Rose-tinted glasses are real — what are they used for?
• The 20-20-20 rule and other tried-and-true tips to help eye strain
• It’s not just the light: Why you should limit screens before bed
• How to choose the right sunglasses to protect your eyes
• What eye color has to do with light sensitivity, skin cancer

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Feeling as if your body needs a reset after a stretch of questionable food and drink decisions? A body cleanse might sound like a practical answer, but do detox diets and supplements really help? In this episode, we explore whether your body needs help detoxifying itself and how to support optimal health.

Expert: Dr. Kyle Mueller, Primary Care Physician

Interviewer: Katie McCallum

Notable topics covered:

• Are greasy foods, sugary snacks and alcohol truly “toxic” to the body?
• Your body is naturally detoxifying itself all the time
• What does a detox diet do for the body?
• The hidden harms of juice cleanses
• Should you try a detox supplement instead?
• Why “cheat days” don’t work for everyone
• The principles of keeping a healthy body

If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.