Bicycle helmets save lives, and Dr. David Sandberg has the experience to prove it.

As a pediatric neurosurgeon with more than 20 years in major trauma centers, he’s never seen a child suffer a fatal or devastating head injury while wearing one.

In this episode, Dr. Patton sits down with Dr. Sandberg to explore the life-saving importance of helmets, the dangers of head trauma, and what happens when helmets aren’t used—or aren’t worn correctly. They discuss how the Hard Hats for Little Heads program is making helmets accessible through free distributions and community partnerships.

From skull fractures and brain injuries to cultural attitudes that influence helmet use, this conversation tackles the hard truths and offers practical solutions. With education, proper fit, and community outreach, more families can help kids stay safe on wheels.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Key Takeaways

1. Wearing helmets significantly reduces the risk and severity of head injuries among children riding bicycles, scooters, skates, and similar vehicles. Dr. Sandberg emphasized that he has never seen a devastating head injury in a child who was wearing a helmet.

2. Even in educated communities, helmet use remains extremely low, such as at Stanford University where only about 1 in 50 students wore helmets. Awareness and behavioral change need to improve so the proven benefits of helmet use can save more lives.

3. Community initiatives like “Hard Hats for Little Heads” are essential because they distribute free helmets, educate families on proper helmet fit, and focus on underserved communities where cost can be a barrier. These programs actively bridge gaps in access and safety.

4. Falls from bikes or being struck while unprotected can lead to skull fractures, brain hemorrhages, long-term disabilities, or death. Many of these traumatic outcomes are entirely preventable with something as simple as a well-fitted, strapped helmet.

5. There is a persistent cultural belief among children and adolescents that helmets are “uncool” or unnecessary, and parents face challenges convincing kids to wear them. Counteracting these attitudes through education and normalization is crucial for prevention.

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What is it like to practice medicine on the Texas-Mexico border? Dr. Linda Villarreal started as a pharmacist, became a physician when her community needed more care, and then became the first Hispanic female president of the Texas Medical Association. On this episode, hear

• how Dr. Villarreal’s childhood shaped her path to medicine,

• why advocacy for healthcare access matters along the border,

• and her advice for the next generation of doctors.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Key Takeaways

1. Practicing medicine at the border presents unique challenges, including language barriers, cultural sensitivities, and limited healthcare access. Dr. Villarreal emphasizes how these factors necessitate more tailored healthcare solutions and the urgent need for bilingual, culturally competent physicians in the region.

2. There has historically been a shortage of physicians—especially female and bilingual doctors—along the border. Dr. Villarreal’s journey from pharmacist to becoming the only female internist in her region highlights the pressing need for diversity in medicine to better serve the population’s needs.

3. Advocacy is crucial for systemic change. Dr. Villarreal’s involvement in policy—most notably, helping drive tort reform and increased access to medical specialists—demonstrates how proactive advocacy can address long-standing issues like malpractice rates, recruitment of specialists, and disparities in healthcare delivery

4. Establishing medical schools and residency programs in the Valley is transformative. Training physicians locally increases the likelihood they will stay and practice in the area, thereby directly improving health access. The progression from limited training opportunities to more robust educational institutions in the region is already showing benefits.

5. Deep-rooted cultural values such as pride and reluctance to seek care due to financial barriers or lack of trust in the medical system contribute to poorer health outcomes. Dr. Villarreal describes how patients often delay care until emergencies arise, reinforcing the need for community-based advocacy and culturally sensitive healthcare leaders.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 From Edinburgh to Hospital Pharmacist

04:08 Journey to Medical Career

06:23 Medical Journey: Mexico to Ohio

11:36 Advocacy for South Texas Healthcare

15:34 AMA Delegate: Not a Vacation

16:31 Ongoing Challenges in Policy Reform

20:17 Healthcare Access Delays in Houston

23:04 Encouragement for Aspiring Physicians

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In this episode of Your Health, Your Wealth, Dr. Eddie Patton welcomes Dr. David Sandberg, recently retired pediatric neurosurgeon from the UT Department of Neurosciences in Houston. Dr. Sandberg opens up about his journey into pediatric neurosurgery, from early inspirations to impactful patient care experiences, including his mission work in Honduras and navigating the challenges of complex, high-risk cases.

The conversation explores a range of topics, such as the realities of defensive medicine, the emotional weight of delivering difficult news to families, and why compassion is fundamental to good medical practice. Dr. Sandberg also reflects on his own personal journey, including his diagnosis with early-onset Parkinson’s disease and how that influenced his decision to retire. He introduces his new book, Brain and Heart, which chronicles the intersection of life as a physician and the personal obstacles he has faced, offering an honest look at the human side of medicine.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Order Dr. Sandberg's book Brain and Heart on Amazon here.

Key Takeaways

1. The Emotional Impact of Medicine: Dr. Sandberg shares how physicians are profoundly affected by their patients’ outcomes—celebrating life-saving successes, but also carrying the sorrow of setbacks and loss. Empathy and genuine human connection are vital, with doctors often bearing emotional burdens beyond the hospital.
2. Challenges of Pediatric Neurosurgery: Treating young patients is both technically and emotionally demanding. The intricate nature of working with children’s brains and the high stakes of each case mean the field is marked by both exhilarating successes and heartbreaking lows, requiring a special kind of resilience and dedication.
3. Adversity and Perspective: Dr. Sandberg discusses the unpredictability of both medicine and life—facing lawsuits and his own Parkinson’s diagnosis. He stresses the value of humility, gratitude, and maintaining perspective, no matter the circumstances.
4. Compassionate Communication: Delivering hard news to families is an unavoidable part of the job. Dr. Sandberg advocates for honesty and emotional presence during these moments, believing that openness and compassion can help families feel supported and less isolated.
5. Demystifying the Medical Profession: Through his book and this conversation, Dr. Sandberg aims to provide clarity about what physicians truly experience—for patients, families, and future doctors alike. By sharing real stories, he hopes to foster understanding and help guide those considering a career in medicine.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Pediatric Neurosurgery and Hope's Role

06:17 Transformative Medical Aid in Honduras

07:14 Bringing Hope Amid Resource Limitations

12:07 Neurosurgery's Unpredictable Challenges

16:28 Reflections of a Neurosurgeon

18:05 Doctor Diagnosed with Parkinson's

21:02 Emotional Connection in Medicine

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when you look back on a year of asking hard questions about your health and your financial future? Your Health, Your Wealth set out to share stories about the link between wellness and wealth.

Over the past year, we’ve talked with experts about:

• Making healthcare and finances easier to understand
• Personal stories from patients, caregivers, and professionals
• How mental health, lifestyle, and financial resilience connect

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Key Takeaways

1. Your Health, Your Wealth is dedicated to making the complex realms of health and finance more accessible and understandable, emphasizing that taking charge of both your health and your wealth leads to a better quality of life. The show explores how these two areas are interconnected and why addressing them together empowers individuals to live their best lives.

2. Dr. Patton shares personal reflections on the journey of the podcast’s first year, highlighting the evolution in content and structure as a result of listener feedback. Openness to change and growth has been crucial to creating episodes that resonate with listeners and provide practical, actionable information.

3. A wide array of guests, including healthcare professionals, financial advisors, researchers, and patients, were brought onto the show, each sharing unique personal stories and perspectives. These diverse conversations have enriched the content, offering both professional insight and human experience to better understand health and financial issues.

4. Mental health has emerged as a significant focus, with episodes delving into the mental health crisis, especially among different age groups. There’s a commitment to explore this topic further in upcoming seasons, looking for practical tools and strategies by interviewing mental health specialists to help listeners navigate related challenges.

5. Listener feedback is regarded as essential in shaping the direction of the podcast. De. Patton encourages ongoing interaction, using input to select topics and guests that address real concerns and questions that might not typically be discussed with doctors or financial advisors. The show aims to be a community-driven resource for practical advice and support.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Exploring Health and Wealth

06:41 Exploring America's Mental Health Crisis

09:28 Podcast Path: Future Growth & Feedback

12:20 Invest in Health, Invest in Wealth

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would you do if you started to feel weaker as the day went on, or if your eyelids wouldn’t stay open? Myasthenia gravis is a condition that often gets overlooked or misunderstood.

Today, I’ll cover the following:

• How myasthenia gravis affects the body and who it touches
• Why early diagnosis and the right treatment can make a difference
• Which new therapies are changing the way we care for people with this disease

Schedule an appointment HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Key Takeaways

1. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the junction between nerves and muscles, causing muscle weakness. This is primarily due to antibodies that interfere with communication at the neuromuscular junction, most commonly targeting the acetylcholine receptor.

2. The initially subtle signs of MG, such as drooping eyelids (ptosis), double vision, and generalized fatiguable muscle weakness, can progress to serious symptoms like difficulty breathing and swallowing. Recognizing these patterns, especially worsening throughout the day, is crucial for early diagnosis.

3. MG can present in ocular or generalized forms. It often affects women in their 20s-30s and men in their 60s-70s, but can occur at any age. Diagnosing involves determining antibody status (antibody positive or negative), as this influences treatment choices.

4. Treatment has evolved from basic acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and steroids to more targeted and innovative therapies. New options such as complement inhibitors and FCRN inhibitors allow for better disease control and fewer side effects, drastically improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

5. Education about MG is vital to avoid triggers (like certain medications, infections, or heat) and to ensure proper management. Patients should work closely with specialists, be aware of resources, and stay vigilant about symptoms to prevent crises and maximize treatment benefits.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Understanding Myasthenia Gravis

06:28 Decline in Myasthenic Crisis Hospitalizations

08:37 Antibody Status and Muscle Weakness

10:55 Complement System and Muscle Junctions

16:59 Myasthenia Gravis Treatment Approaches

19:01 Complement Inhibitors: Myasthenia Gravis Treatment

22:14 Advancements in Myasthenia Gravis Treatment

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you talk with a teenager when it feels like you’re speaking different languages?

I started looking into brain development for my own kids—my oldest is seventeen—and what I learned changed how I see every decision they make.

Today, I’ll share:

• Why adolescent and teen brains work differently than adult brains
• What science tells us about impulse control, emotions, and risk
• How parents and teachers can better support young people’s development

Schedule an appointment HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Key Takeaways

1. The brain is not a static organ—it continues to grow, adapt, and change throughout a person’s life due to neuroplasticity. This means that choices, environment, and experiences have ongoing impacts on brain development, especially during adolescence.

2. Adolescents’ brains are fundamentally different from adults’. The emotional centers (like the amygdala) develop before the logical “check” systems in the prefrontal cortex, which don’t fully mature until the mid-20s. This underlies the common emotionality, impulsiveness, and risk-taking behaviors seen in teenagers.

3. Factors such as sleep, nutrition, social environment, stress, and exposure to substances (like drugs or alcohol) deeply affect the developing adolescent brain. Supportive, healthy environments and routines are critical to positive brain growth during these years.

4. Teenagers are more emotionally driven and seek social acceptance and peer connections, making them more sensitive to social dynamics, peer pressure, and emotional highs and lows. This can increase vulnerability to mental health issues, especially in stressful or isolated environments.

5. Understanding the science behind adolescent brain development can help parents, teachers, and others respond with patience and empathy, rather than frustration. Supporting healthy independence, encouraging open communication, and nurturing positive experiences can foster better decisions and well-being in teens.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Understanding Adolescent Brain Development

05:09 Why Teens React Emotionally

07:37 Memory Influenced by Emotion

10:08 Deciding When Kids Get Phones

13:54 Phineas Gage's Frontal Lobe Impact

20:01 Teen Phone Dependency and Mental Health

24:16 Adolescent Brain Development Insights

25:37 Protecting Brain Health from Substances

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does someone go from researching cancer and gene therapy to making chocolate for people with metabolic challenges?

Dr. Patton hosts Dr. Beata Lerman, Founder and CEO of Sinless Treats Chocolate, who details her transition from scientist to chocolatier. Dr. Lerman recounts her early career in biomedical research, her experience as a cancer survivor, and her decision to eliminate sugar from her diet. She discusses the creation of Sinless Treats, a chocolate line designed not to raise blood sugar, using natural sweeteners and whole ingredients.

Chocolate production starts from cacao beans sourced directly from farmers. The process includes grinding, sweetener infusion, and the addition of ingredients such as broccoli microgreens for added nutrients. Glucose monitor tests show the chocolate does not spike blood sugar, and Dr. Lerman invites listeners to participate in upcoming research.

Learn more about Sinless Treats Chocolate here, follow them on Instagram, and listen to Dr. Lerman's podcast Heal Me with Chocolate on your favorite podcast app.

Learn more about Dr. Eddie Patton HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do so many of us wait until we are sick to see a doctor, when prevention could change our lives and lower our costs?

In this episode, Dr. Patton explores:

1. The reasons we miss the mark on preventative care

2. The real impact of skipping screenings and checkups

3. What stands in the way, and how we can help fix it

Learn more about Dr. Eddie Patton HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Key Takeaways

1. Preventative care, such as vaccinations, screenings, and regular checkups, is crucial for improving quality of life and reducing healthcare costs. Addressing health issues early or preventing them altogether is far more effective and less expensive than treating advanced diseases.

2. Failing to prioritize preventative care leads to higher healthcare expenditures, the financial and emotional burden on families, and overcrowded emergency rooms. Treating chronic and late-stage illnesses is far more costly than preventive measures.

3. Multiple barriers, including inadequate reimbursement incentives for doctors, healthcare access issues in rural or underserved communities, cultural mindsets favoring reactive care, and logistical challenges (like transportation and food deserts), make it difficult for many people to prioritize prevention.

4. Shifting to a culture of health prevention requires early and ongoing education, embracing workplace wellness programs, using technology (like wearables), and policy changes to improve access and reimbursement for preventative care.

5. Individuals can contribute by scheduling regular health checkups, following screening guidelines, and engaging in community health programs. Communities, employers, and policymakers need to promote and support preventative care through incentives, improved access, and education.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Preventative Care's Impact on Costs

03:56 Preventive Care Savings vs. Costs

08:25 Preventive Care to Cut ER Costs

12:41 Shift to Preventative Healthcare Mindset

16:05 Promoting Workplace Wellness Initiatives

18:53 Promoting Preventative Healthcare Practices

22:11 Improving Preventative Care Access

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