On Health with Houston Methodist

Heartburn is one of the most common digestive disorders in the world. But is that post-eating burning sensation in the middle of your chest just an annoying fact of life or something more concerning? What are the risk factors? And should you be eliminating certain foods from your diet? In this episode, we discuss the causes of heartburn, when and when not to worry and the best ways to prevent and treat the condition.

Hosts: Zach Moo...

Fitness trackers collect an impressive amount of data these days. But with endless metrics to sift through, it’s not always clear whether you’re meeting your health and fitness goals. Do steps matter most? Or are exercise minutes more important? What’s the difference between activity and exercise anyway? In today’s episode, we learn how to effectively use our fitness trackers and how the payoffs can benefit our health. 

Hosts: Zach ...

Whether you’re on the fence about getting an air fryer or have one but aren’t quite sure how best to use it, you might have some questions about this trendy cooking appliance. Is food cooked in an air frier always healthier, even fries and wings? What else can you make in it? In today’s episode, we talk all things air fryer — including how they work and tips for cooking with one.

Hosts: Zach Moore (interviewer), Katie McCallum

Expe...

Forming good habits is tough. Breaking bad ones can be even harder. But why? There’s perhaps no better time to explore this question than at the start of the new year, when many of us are resolving to make healthy changes in our lives. In today’s episode, we discuss the psychology of habits and get tips for sticking to our New Year’s resolutions and other goals we set for ourselves. 

Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer) 

E...

We're all aging, so it's never too soon to think about how to enter your golden years as healthy as possible. In today's episode, self-proclaimed "resident old guy", Scott Jones, shares his journey toward healthier aging. As he takes us inside appointments with his health care team, we learn steps we can take today to avoid some of the worst pitfalls of getting older — no matter our age.

Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie ...

Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension. What's more, only about 1 in 4 of those have the condition under control. What can you do to control high blood pressure — or better yet, prevent it from developing in the first place? In today's episode, we get the lowdown on high blood pressure, the leading cause of stroke and major risk factor for other concerning health conditions.

Hosts: Zach Moore, T...

You may assume you’re getting enough vitamin D, but some 42% of American adults are deficient in the nutrient, according to the National Institutes of Health. Moreover, the problem is becoming more common, according to doctors. What are the consequences? And how treatable is a deficiency? In today’s episode, our expert talks about how worried we should be about the trend.

Hosts: Zach Moore, Todd Ackerman (interviewer)

Expert: Dr. Lol...

Germs are everywhere. Not all are bad, of course, but you may be wondering what it takes to protect yourself from the ones that can make you sick. Should we disinfect our phones every day? How long is too long to use a towel without washing it? In today’s episode, we get an answer to these and other questions about how best to live among germs. 

Hosts: Zach Moore (interviewer), Katie McCallum

Expert: Dr. Ashley Drews, Infectious Dis...

Hydration powders and products are flooding the wellness space these days — promising to maximize water uptake and prevent dehydration. The concept is nothing new, of course. Sports drinks have existed for decades. But is staying hydrated really more complicated than just drinking plain old water? In today’s episode, we discuss everything from hydration basics to when water may not be enough.

Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (inte...

Most American adults take some sort of nutritional supplements, according to recent surveys, often without looping in their doctor. But since the FDA stopped regulating the industry decades ago, consumers don't know whether the supplements they take are beneficial or dangerous — or worth the (often pricey) expenditure. In today's episode, we enlist a primary care physician well versed in the subject to help navigate the ter...

After two fairly quiet flu seasons (an unexpected blip of good news amid the COVID-19 pandemic), you may have been lulled into complacency about the influenza virus. But early signs suggest the flu is returning from its exile in a big way this year. In this episode, we discuss why experts are concerned we're in for a severe season, how the flu is different from COVID-19 and answers to common questions about getting your flu sho...

Many of us have a habit of sticking cotton swabs into our ears each day. We do it under the guise of personal hygiene, but do our ears even need to be cleaned in the first place? And given that the ear is a very delicate organ responsible for one of your five senses, should we really be sticking things inside of it? In today's episode, we hear some answers to these questions and discuss other important ear health topics. 

Hosts:...

Sure, healthy eating and brunch may not seem like they go together. But how about if you order avocado toast? It seems like a healthy choice, especially compared to other brunch options like chicken and waffles or biscuits and gravy. In today’s episode, we deconstruct avocado toast and put its ingredients through a wellness check.

Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer) 

Expert: Kylie Arrindell, MS, RD, LD, Wellness Dietitian...

You’re not alone if the planet’s health is what’s top-of-mind when thinking about air pollution. But have you ever considered how it affects your own? It’s invisible, but air pollution is all around us — containing particulate matter small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs. In today’s episode, we unpack what long-term air pollution exposure can mean for our health down the line.

Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer)

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From how to interpret SPF numbers to how much sunscreen is enough, studies show that most of us aren’t using sunscreen correctly. This is a problem given that unprotected sun exposure can increase your lifetime risk of skin cancer, not to mention skin aging (aka, wrinkles). In today’s episode, we cover everything you ever wanted (nay, needed) to know about sunscreen — one of the best preventive care products out there.

Hosts: Zach M...