Vaping, the act of inhaling an aerosol created by an electronic cigarette or vape, has been on the rise among youth. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, between 2020 and 2024, the share of current users who vaped every day increased from 15.4% to 28.8%. The vaping and nicotine products available to young people today are not the cigarettes we were warned about growing up. They can create a real compulsion in a young brain after just a handful of exposures. To break down the dangers of vaping, we spoke to Frank T. Leone, MD, MS, director of University of Pennsylvania’s Comprehensive Smoking Treatment Program, about the real health risks of vaping – how it’s not just water vapor – and the dangers of synthetic nicotine, how parents can meet their child with curiosity, not adversity, in talking to them about vaping, and real evidence-based tools available to help you or your child navigate this problem together. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Frank T. Leone, MD, MS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When someone you love is in the hospital, the experience can feel overwhelming – filled with unfamiliar faces, complex medical terms, and fast-moving decisions. In this episode, we speak with Ashley Williams, BSN, RN, registered nurse at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, about how patient advocates and clinical coordinators help guide patients through their care journey. From understanding treatment plans and coordinating second opinions to knowing who to call with questions, these professionals can make a difficult time feel more manageable. We also hear from Lauren LaTourette, LCSW, APHSW-C, clinical social worker at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, who shares insight into working with your healthcare team during complex medical situations. If you or a loved one is facing a serious diagnosis, this episode offers guidance on building support and navigating care with confidence. Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guests: Ashley Williams, BSN, RN; Lauren LaTourette, LCSW, APHSW-C See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of men – about half of those in their 50s, with prevalence increasing by decade. Yet sexual health is often left out of routine care, not for lack of importance, but because it can feel difficult to discuss. Speaking up matters: ED is frequently an early sign of underlying health conditions. In this episode, board-certified urologist Ashley Winter, MD, explains what’s happening in the body, how lifestyle factors influence ED, and the full range of treatment options. She also addresses the emotional and relational impact of ED – and how individuals and couples can navigate it together with openness and support. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Ashley Winter, MD See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and high cholesterol is a major contributor – yet it often has no symptoms. You can feel healthy and still be at risk for heart attack or stroke. So what should you really know? Is it just about diet, and when should you get tested? In this episode, preventive cardiologist Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD, breaks down what’s changed in how we understand cholesterol, why knowing your numbers matters, and how to take practical steps to protect your heart. We also address common concerns about statins and why they’re not something to fear. The key: partner with your doctor to build a plan that works for you long term. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GLP-1 medications are changing how we approach weight management – but they’re just one part of a bigger, more compassionate picture. In this episode, we explore why shame and blame have never worked in treating obesity and how shared decision-making can lead to better outcomes. Obesity is a chronic disease, not a personal failure, and effective care must be rooted in respect, science, and realistic expectations. We spoke with Robert Kushner, MD, renowned obesity medicine specialist, who breaks down how GLP-1s work, the different options available – from pills to injections – and how to partner with your doctor to find the approach that’s right for you. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Robert Kushner, MD See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr. 30, 2026 -- Nearly everyone will either become a caregiver or need one at some point, yet few are truly prepared for what that role involves. Caring for an aging loved one can be profoundly meaningful but also emotionally and logistically challenging, and our healthcare system doesn't always make it easier. In collaboration with The John A. Hartford Foundation, this six-part Aging in America series offers guidance for navigating this caregiving journey and what it means to age well. In our final episode, we spoke with Rani E. Snyder, MPA, president of The John A. Hartford Foundation, to reflect on key themes from this series – from aging with dignity and the 4Ms of age-friendly care, to scams, AI in healthcare, and advance care planning. The biggest takeaway: start these conversations early to ensure your loved ones receive the care they deserve. Caregiving may feel overwhelming, especially the first time – but you are not alone, and support is available. Check out The John A. Hartford Foundation at https://www.johnahartford.org/.  Additional resources:WebMD Healthy AgingEldercare Locator Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Rani E. Snyder, MPA See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stroke remains a leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the CDC – but many cases are preventable. What raises your risk, and how can you recognize the warning signs in time? We speak with Shyam Prabhakaran, MD, MS, FAHA, a leader in vascular neurology and stroke research, about the lifestyles that increase stroke risk, the BE FAST acronym for spotting symptoms and knowing when to call 911, and the changes that can help lower your risk. We also explore recovery after stroke – and why there is hope. Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Shyam Prabhakaran, MD, MS, FAHA See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and often develops without pain or early warning signs. So what is it, and how is it detected before vision is lost? We spoke with Sandra F. Sieminski, MD, Interim Chair and Director of Glaucoma Services at the University at Buffalo, about how glaucoma works, the latest advances in treatment, and why early detection is critical. We also explore the emotional impact of a diagnosis, practical tools for coping, and how staying engaged in your care – including regular eye exams – can help protect your vision over time. Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Sandra F. Sieminski  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, people with type 2 diabetes have heard the same message: manage it, slow it down, but expect it to progress. But what if the words "you have type 2 diabetes" didn't have to mean a lifetime of medications, worsening numbers, and a condition that only ever gets harder to manage? Why don't we talk more about the fact that remission is possible? We spoke with Mahima Gulati, MD, MSc, a triple board-certified physician in endocrinology, internal medicine, and lifestyle medicine, about what diabetes remission really means, what it takes to achieve it, and how to start that conversation with your care team. From the science to the lifestyle shifts – and the honest realities of the journey – we explore why type 2 diabetes does not have to be a lifelong sentence. Additional Resources:Project Remission - American College of Lifestyle Medicine Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Mahima Gulati, MD, MSc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allergy season is more than a few weeks of sneezing. It can be hard to tell what’s “just allergies,” what might be an infection, and when it’s time to seek more than over-the-counter relief. What’s actually happening in your immune system when symptoms flare? And why can they feel so intense? We spoke with Zachary E. Rubin, MD, author of All About Allergies, about how allergy evaluations work, how to identify your triggers, and how to use OTC treatments effectively. Plus, when it’s time to see an allergist. You don’t have to suffer – listen in to this episode for expert guidance on finding real, lasting relief. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Zachary E. Rubin, MD See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.