It's estimated that almost half of Americans now use wearable technology to monitor their health. Whether using a smartwatch, ring or fitness tracker, we have access to a steady stream of data that tech companies say can tell us about everything from our sleep to our metabolic and heart health. But is that sleep score or biological age your wearable suggests real? In this episode, we examine wearables, the data they offer and what they can and can’t tell us about our health.

Expert: Dr. Eleonora Avenatti, cardiologist and obesity specialist

Notable topics covered:

• Why we’re drawn to hyper-personalized health data
• The differences between wearables and medical-grade devices
• How reliable are wearables at detecting hypertension, AFib and other heart conditions?
• Which metrics produced by your wearable you can trust
• Can AI help us make sense of our health data? Is it safe?
• How your doctor may feel about using wearable technology
• Tips for using this tech responsibly
• What’s next for how we use wearables to manage our health

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

With protein being added to everything from chips to water these days, you may be questioning whether you’re getting enough of it. In this episode, we break down how much protein your body really needs, who may benefit from more, when “extra protein” is just clever marketing and practical ways to improve your diet with often-overlooked and affordable sources.

Expert: Knubian Gatlin, Registered Dietitian

Notable topics covered:

• How much protein the average adult actually needs (and how to calculate it)
• The difference between adequate vs. optimal protein intake
• Who truly benefits from higher-protein diets
• What happens when you eat too much protein — from mild symptoms to more serious risks
• Signs you may not be getting enough protein
• Protein bars, chips, shakes and water: Helpful tools or marketing hype?
• Affordable and often-overlooked sources of high-quality protein
• Plant-based vs. animal protein: What really matters
• How protein needs change across life stages
• Practical tips for improving protein intake without overdoing it

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

Stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same — and understanding the difference matters. While stress actually can be helpful in short bursts, anxiety can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health. With 42 million Americans living with anxiety — and nearly half of Gen Z reporting the feeling — it’s time to unpack what’s normal, what’s not and how to cope. In this episode, we explore why anxiety is on the rise and practical strategies to help you feel more in control.

Expert: Dr. Olivia Tomasco, Primary Care Physician

Notable topics covered:

• How to tell the difference between stress and anxiety
• When stress can be beneficial — and when it becomes harmful
• Fight, flight … freeze? What happens when you retreat inward
• Digital overload and social media: The new anxiety triggers
• Are some people naturally more anxious?
• Coping tricks everyone should know, including the truth about the sleepy girl mocktail
• Self-care, therapy, medications: Options for managing anxiety disorders
• The role of your primary care provider in supporting mental health
• OCD and anxiety: How they’re connected
• How to know when it’s time to ask for help — and where to start
• Common myths about stress and anxiety that need to go away

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