The conversation focused on the hidden epidemic of chronic stress and its profound effects on health, both physically and mentally. A key theme that emerged was the distinction between normal, short-lived stress and chronic stress that lingers for months or even years, often becoming an unnoticed "new normal" in people’s lives. The discussion explored the biological impacts of persistent elevated cortisol, including increased risk for anxiety, depression, metabolic disorders, heart disease, and even accelerated biological aging. Several points were raised, including practical strategies for managing chronic stress, the importance of community and faith-based support, the unique burden women face, and how systemic issues such as racism and workplace environment contribute to the problem. Listeners also submitted questions on recognizing and coping with stress, the role of healthcare systems, and the critical need for open conversations to break stigma around mental health. This episode is dedicated to empowering listeners with evidence-based knowledge and tools to recognize, address, and overcome chronic stress in their daily lives.

Timestamps:

00:00 Difference between normal and chronic stress

06:12 Understanding chronic stress adaptation

08:46 Managing stress and health strategies

12:15 Discussing chronic stress in church settings

15:26 Chronic stress and lifestyle factors

20:29 Importance of School-Based Mental Health

22:07 Integrating mental health in primary care

26:13 Discussing burnout and mental health

Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/

Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/

Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Welcome to "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V," where your host, Dr. Valda Crowder, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and passionate health advocate, dives deep into the vital issues impacting your well-being. In this episode, Dr. Valda Crowder explores a topic that touches every family: brain and cognitive health. From the everyday memory lapses we all experience to the serious early warning signs of cognitive decline and dementia, you’ll learn what’s normal, what’s not, and why recognizing the difference is so important.

With millions of Americans already affected by conditions like Alzheimer's disease and costs to families and society rising every year, Dr. Valda Crowder brings you the facts on risk factors, warning signs, new treatment options, and practical tips to help protect your brain. Whether you’re worried about your own memory or supporting a loved one, this episode offers life-saving knowledge, real answers to your most pressing questions, and guidance for living your healthiest, sharpest life.

Timestamps:

00:00 Types of Memory and Cognition

03:04 Types of memory decline

09:07 Early signs of cognitive decline

10:20 Recognizing and addressing warning signs

14:36 Discussing health risk factors

19:52 Understanding different types of dementia

21:47 Community resources for dementia care

24:19 Contacting and Following the Health Expert

Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/

Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/

Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

The conversation focused on the dangers of heat and how many people underestimate its impact, especially as temperatures rise in the summer. A key theme that emerged was that heat kills more people each year than any other weather event, often without dramatic warning signs. The discussion explored how heat affects the body on a cellular level, why certain groups like infants, the elderly, athletes, and outdoor workers are at greater risk, and how to recognize the critical difference between simple overheating and a true medical emergency. Several points were raised, including practical steps to take if someone is experiencing a heat emergency, the risks of leaving children or pets in cars, how hydration and alcohol consumption play a role, and what a smart heat safety plan looks like for families. This episode offers essential guidance for anyone wanting to stay safe and prepared during the hottest months of the year.

Timestamps:

00:00 Dangers of extreme heat

06:06 Heat risks for vulnerable groups

08:32 Helping someone who is lightheaded

13:19 Smart pacing for exercise

15:34 Discussing heat tolerance and acclimation

18:48 Staying cool in hot weather

23:09 Understanding fluid intake and health

25:14 Recognizing heat safety signs

Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/

Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/

Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Welcome to another episode of What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V, where board-certified emergency room physician Dr. Valda Crowder is dedicated to empowering you with life-saving health information. Today, we delve into a deeply important and sensitive topic: How Adverse Childhood Experiences Shape Your Brain, Body, and Future.

From childhood trauma and neglect to the ripple effects that last well into adulthood, this episode explores how experiences during your earliest years profoundly shape your brain, body, and even your DNA. Drawing from landmark studies and the latest science, Dr. V uncovers the hidden toll ACEs take on health and society, discusses expanded frameworks including community-level events like poverty and racism, and provides practical advice on healing, support resources, and positive childhood experiences that foster resilience.

Whether you’re a parent, a healthcare professional, or someone seeking to better understand the links between early adversity and lifelong wellness, this conversation will give you essential tools and hope for healing. Buckle up for a conversation where science, compassion, and real-world stories meet, and don’t forget: if you or someone you know needs help, vital resources are just a call away.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences

03:34 Discussing childhood abuse categories

06:41 Impact of adverse childhood experiences

11:45 Finding mental health care for kids

14:05 Impact of adverse childhood experiences

18:15 Foster care and immigration issues

21:45 How childhood affects gene expression

23:20 Healing through positive childhood experiences

Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/

Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/

Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Welcome to another episode of What The Health Is Happening?, hosted by board-certified emergency physician Dr. Valda Crowder aka Dr. V. Today’s episode shines a spotlight on Bell’s palsy, a sudden, frightening condition where part of your face stops cooperating, often leaving people worried they’re experiencing a stroke. Recently thrust into the headlines after NBA All-Star Joel Embiid’s diagnosis, Bell’s palsy sends thousands each year to emergency rooms in search of answers.

In this episode, Dr. V explains the signs, symptoms, and critical differences between Bell’s palsy and stroke and why it’s so important not to try to self-diagnose. We’ll also hear firsthand stories from listeners who have experienced Bell’s palsy, detailing their journeys from that first unexpected facial paralysis, through medical evaluation, to recovery and life after diagnosis. Whether you’re curious about what Bell’s palsy really is, or you just want to know what you should do if you ever encounter its symptoms, this episode aims to empower you with potentially life-saving medical insight.

Timestamps:

00:00 Understanding Bell's Palsy Symptoms

04:08 Facial nerve issues and recovery

07:26 Joel Embiid and Bell's Palsy

12:35 Medical diagnosis and payment decision

16:14 Dentist spots facial issue

17:53 Facial paralysis recovery journey

23:15 Diagnosed with Bell's palsy

25:02 Eye exercises and facial techniques

Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/

Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/

Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Welcome back to What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V. Today's conversation focused on the dangers of extreme summer heat, highlighting the record-breaking temperatures and widespread heat advisories affecting millions across the United States. One concept discussed was heat-related illness as a spectrum, from mild heat rash and cramps to the life-threatening emergency of heat stroke. A key theme that emerged was the seriousness of heat as the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S., surpassing hurricanes and tornadoes, with recent years seeing thousands of preventable fatalities.

The discussion explored how the body copes with excess heat, the importance of hydration, and practical steps for identifying and managing emergencies like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Several points were raised, including who is most at risk (the very young, elderly, and those with certain medical conditions or on specific medications), the limitations of fans without moisture, the importance of community resources such as cooling centers, and timely use of emergency services. The conversation also touched on related public health issues, like foodborne illness outbreaks linked to summer produce, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and prepared during peak heat months.

Timestamps:

00:00 Summer heat and health risks

03:47 Understanding heat-related illnesses

10:05 Heat-related risks and prevention

13:17 Monitoring fresh produce for infection

15:00 Medications and heat exhaustion risks

18:20 Recognizing heat-related dangers

24:11 Avoiding heat dangers in cars

25:27 Resources for Heat Safety Guidance

Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/

Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/

Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Are you worried about memory loss as you age, or are you caring for someone who's starting to show signs of cognitive decline? This episode of "What The Health Is Happening?" dives deep into what really happens to our brains as we grow older, from normal forgetfulness to more serious concerns like mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Dr. Valda Crowder breaks down the different types of memory, the signs that set normal aging apart from concerning symptoms, and the crucial early steps you can take to protect your cognitive health. We'll explore which conditions can mimic dementia but are actually reversible, the latest in Alzheimer's research and treatments, and concrete, evidence-based ways to keep your brain healthy at any age. If you've ever feared losing your sharpness or want real advice on supporting loved ones, this is an episode you can't miss.

Timestamps:

00:00 Discussing memory and cognitive decline

05:31 Understanding mild cognitive impairment

09:19 Reversible cognitive decline causes

12:38 Understanding Alzheimer's and Treatment Options

15:06 Discussing APOE gene and dementia risk

18:26 Importance of doctor visits together

20:57 Taking Control of Brain Health

Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/

Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/

Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Have you ever woken up after a medical procedure, feeling groggy and with no memory of what happened, wondering, "What exactly did they give me?" In this episode of "What the Health is Happening?" emergency physician Dr. Valda Crowder pull back the curtain on propofol, a sedative used every day in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and intensive care units across America. You might recognize its name from headlines surrounding the death of Michael Jackson, but behind the sensational stories lies a drug that, when used correctly, is one of the safest and most effective tools in modern medicine. Dr. V breaks down what propofol is, how it works in your body, why doctors prefer it, what the real risks are, and, most importantly, how you can ask the right questions before your next procedure. If you’ve ever wondered about anesthesia, patient safety, or being your own healthcare advocate, this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 Understanding Propofol's Importance and Risks

03:57 Using propofol for quick procedures

08:33 Monitoring patients during sedation

11:24 Concierge medicine and standards

15:01 Discussing anesthesia options for surgery

18:45 Understanding propofol and physician care

22:09 Importance of informed medical decisions

Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/

Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/

Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”