Friends of Franz

Vision is often described as our most dominant sense, but how often do we actually think about how it works? The sense of sight is a complex collaboration between the eyes, optic nerves, and brain, translating light into perception, depth, color, and meaning. It allows us to view the world around us and form images of our deepest memories. But what does it really mean to “see well,” and how can we protect one of our most powerful connections to the world? What does 20/20 vision mean? Do blue light glasses work, or are they just a marketing ploy? And the age-old question: Do carrots actually improve our eyesight?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jennifer Chinn, OD, a board-certified optometrist and Glaucoma Certified Optometric Physician, and the second-generation and co-owner of Dr. Chinn's Vision Care in San Diego, California.Dr. Chinn received her OD from the University of Missouri St. Louis College of Optometry. Currently, Dr. Chinn serves as a Professional Affairs Consultant at Johnson & Johnson Vision, serves on the Board of the San Diego County Optometric Society, and is the Leader of the San Diego Chapter of the Young Optometrists of America.Dr. Chinn has been featured on New York Post, Well+Good, Women in Optometry Magazine, and Vision Monday Magazine.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

The endocrine system consists of eight major organs that produce and regulate hormones, the chemical messengers that keep the body in balance. Hormones quietly orchestrate everything from our energy and metabolism to mood, sleep, and resilience, acting as an internal communication network that responds to stress, environment, and lifestyle. From cold plunges and saunas to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, even small daily inputs are said to shift this delicate signaling. How does stress really affect our bodies? Does “adrenal fatigue” exist? Is it actually possible to “biohack” our hormones?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Priya Jaisinghani, MD, ABIM, DABOM, a triple board-certified Endocrinology, Obesity Medicine, and Internal Medicine physician from New York City.Dr. Jaisinghani received her MD from Rutgers/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where she also completed her Internal Medicine Residency, Endocrinology and Obesity Medicine Fellowships at Weill Cornell Medicine. Currently, Dr. Jaisinghani is a Diabetes, Metabolism, and Obesity Medicine attending physician at NYU Langone Health, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and a Medical Unit Contributor at ABC News.Dr. Jaisinghani has been featured on CNN, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Men's Health, FOX 5 News, and Medscape,Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

Food is such an integral part of not just culture, but of life in itself. It is the fuel that allows our hearts to beat, our lungs to breathe, and our cells to metabolize—powering every physiological process that sustains us. But with so much conversation surrounding food, from restrictive diet culture to viral wellness trends, nourishment can become clouded by confusion, fear, and misinformation. How many meals should we actually eat per day? What are seed oils, and should we really avoid them? Are artificial sweeteners truly a better choice than sugar? Do green juice cleanses actually work?In this episode, we are joined by Stephanie Chen, MS, RDN, LDN, a Boston, MA-based registered dietitian and nutritionist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E) and the Family-Based Treatment (FBT).Stephanie earned her MS in Clinical Psychology (with research on novel body image) from Missouri State University and later earned a second MS in Nutrition Science from Boston University. Currently, Stephanie is a practicing dietitian and partner at Lori Lieberman and Associates, where she aligns with Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size® and specializes in kidney and heart disease, diabetes, GI issues, weight management, and eating disorders. Stephanie is also the founder of Boston Asian Food Network, which highlights Boston's AAPI food community and is the home of Boston Asian Restaurant Week.Outside of dietetics, Stephanie is a freelance editorial and runway fashion model, having been featured on WBZ News/CBS Boston, Harper's BAZAAR Vietnam, Tatler Philippines, and MEGA Magazine.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

The human heart is a tireless biomechanical marvel—an exquisitely engineered pump powered by both mechanical precision and an intrinsic electrical system, beating over 100,000 times a day to sustain life. But like any machine, despite having an electrical mind of its own, it is not infallible—when its rhythm drifts or its mechanics strain, the impact is felt far beyond the chest. From more complex cases like heart failure and detrimental arrhythmias to the more-known feared heart attack caused by high cholesterol, it leads to questions — What can we do to safeguard the health of our heart? What should one do when they experience chest pain? And how do we learn to listen to the heart’s warning signs before they become life-altering events?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Diala Steitieh, MD, a board-certified cardiologist and assistant professor of clinical medicine, focusing on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and sports cardiology, based in New York City.Dr. Steitieh received her MD from Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar and completed her Internal Medicine Residency and Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College. Currently, Dr. Steitieh serves as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine and Principal Investigator of clinical studies at Weill Cornell Medical College and the Director of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program in the Division of Cardiology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.Dr. Steitieh has been featured on Yahoo!, SELF Magazine, Qatar Tribune, MSN, TCTMD, and The Peninsula Qatar.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

From microplastics and “forever chemicals” in household items—from our kitchens to our bathrooms—to the charred bits of meat on a barbecue grill, to the smoke and fumes we inhale simply by walking through a city, and recently even kimchi (?!), concern about cancer risk seems to be everywhere. Like cancer metastasis itself, the conversation is rapidly spreading across social media and online forums. But how many of these so-called “carcinogens” are truly worth our time, apprehension, and caution?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Timothy Tiutan, MD (known online as Dr. Tim), a board-certified internal medicine physician, oncology/cancer hospitalist, author of 'The Mediterranean Diet,' and assistant medical professor based in New York City. With nearly two million followers on social media, Dr. Tiutan's unique "edutainment" style delivers pertinent general health and cancer-prevention education to his online audience.Dr. Tiutan received his BA/BS in Spanish and Physiology and MD from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and completed his Internal Medicine residency at Weill Cornell Medical College. Currently, he is an oncology specialist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Medical Contributor at CBS News, the official media spokesperson of the American Cancer Society, and a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Fides Network, a select group from around the world that combats misinformation in the media and supports health initiatives for communities globally.Dr. Tiutan has been featured on the New York Post, HuffPost, Yahoo!, Daily Record, UNILAD, LADBible, The Independent, Times of India, CBS News, and Daily Mail.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

“Paraben-free,” “non-comedogenic,” “medical-grade skincare,” "collagen-boosting," "benzene-free," “fragrance-free,” and “dermatologist-tested” are among the most commonly used terms in cosmetic and skincare marketing worldwide. These familiar labels are often treated as shortcuts for trust, quality, and clinical legitimacy—yet without consistent regulation, their meanings can be surprisingly fluid. Do they carry meaningful weight from a scientific and dermatologic standpoint, or are they simply marketing buzzwords that blur the line between evidence and persuasion?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Michelle Wong, PhD. Dr. Wong is a Chemistry PhD, beauty and cosmetic science communicator, and author based in Sydney, Australia. She is known online as Lab Muffin Beauty Science, having amassed over 1.5 million followers by educating the public about the science behind beauty products and ingredients.Dr. Wong received her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Sydney, with a dissertation focused on cyclic peptide-based structures for medicinal and supramolecular applications. She then received the Diploma of Personal Care Formulation from the Institute of Personal Care Science. Since then, Dr. Wong has written two books: ‘The Science of Beauty' and ‘The Lab Muffin Guide to Basic Skincare.' She also co-founded BeautySciComm, an online initiative to increase the quality, volume, and reach of accurate beauty science content.Dr. Wong has been featured on Vogue Singapore, The New York Times, The Atlantic, HuffPost, Daily Mail, ABC News, ELLE France/Canada, Well+Good, IFLScience, Wired, and The Cut.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

In today's skin-obsessed world, we are met with ever-emerging beauty trends, viral products, and buzzy cosmetic treatments that aim to do one thing: delay and reverse the dermal signs of aging, while preserving and nourishing the skin barrier. From beef tallow to NAD+ IV therapy to rosemary oil for hair loss and even what seems to be more benign marketing like "clean beauty" claims, how can we determine what truly keeps skin healthy versus what’s simply trending?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Connie Yang, MD, FAAD. Dr. Yang is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of medicine based in New York City. Dr. Yang received her MD from Boston University School of Medicine, spent a dedicated research year focused on pigmentary disorders at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School Department of Dermatology, and completed her Dermatology residency at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she served as Chief Resident of Cosmetics in her final year. Currently, Dr. Yang serves as a physician at PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank and an assistant clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine Department of Dermatology.Dr. Yang has been featured on Vogue, ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Popsugar, The New York Post, Allure, NBC News, Well+Good, and RealSelf.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

How far are people willing to go for glass skin and a clear face? For years, we have witnessed adventurous — and sometimes extreme — pursuits within skincare and cosmetic treatments in the quest for ageless beauty. We’ve heard it all: the Vampire Facial, human placenta for collagen, snail slime, and, in recent years, salmon sperm DNA. From celebrities like Jennifer Aniston to Kim Kardashian, salmon sperm facials have become the latest craze promising skin regeneration, brightening, and that coveted youthful glow. But what exactly is salmon sperm DNA therapy, and does it actually work — or is it just another viral beauty trend swimming through social media?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Lanna Cheuck, DO, FACS. Dr. Cheuck is a board-certified urologic surgeon specializing in aesthetics and sexual health and is the CEO and Medical Director of LC Medical Aesthetics, a medical spa empire with multiple locations specializing in cosmetic surgery, injectables, sexual health.Dr. Cheuck received her DO from the NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed her Urology Residency at Brown University, and pursued a Minimally Invasive Urologic Surgery Fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Currently, Dr. Cheuck is an Assistant Professor of Head and Neck Facial Anatomy at Montefiore Hospital, National Trainer for Galderma Aesthetics (a center of education for GAIN training), Owner and National Trainer for FACE Med-Spa Training, Co-Founder of FACE Med Store, and the Host and Co-Founder of Future of Aesthetics Global Summit (an inclusive network for virtual aesthetics)Dr. Cheuck has been featured on Forbes, Cosmopolitan, New York Post, Well+Good, RealSelf News, Global Woman Magazine, Asian Hustle Network, and NewBeauty.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

Korean skincare and cosmetics have truly become a global phenomenon, taking the beauty world by storm. Rooted in the preventive philosophies of Hanbang (한방), or Traditional Korean Medicine, Korean beauty has introduced a cultural mindset of proactive skincare, consistent routines, and understanding your skin’s needs before issues arise. Now, as it intersects with Western aesthetic methodologies and AI-powered formulations, one question remains: do these ancient theories of beauty still hold their value today?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Young Ho Park, L.Ac. Dr. Park is a board-certified acupuncturist and herbalist from the esteemed National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and the founder and owner of RAUM, a medical aesthetics and wellness spa in New York City.Receiving certification from the Korean Facial Rejuvenation Association in both Korea and Taiwan, Dr. Park is a renowned specialist in facial rejuvenation. Dr. Park is also well-versed in sports medicine, having completed his team doctor program and working alongside athletes on and off the court, including as part of the medical team at the U.S. Open.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

In many East Asian cultures, childbirth marks not just a beginning, but a sacred period of recovery known as Zuò Yuè Zi, or “sitting the month.” Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, this postnatal confinement practice emphasizes rest, warmth, and nourishment to restore balance and vitality after delivery, which is said to deplete the mother's qi, or vital life force. In the modern and busy world of working mothers with unpaid maternity leave, is it possible to incorporate facets of an ancient rejuvenating practice into the home?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Kristal Lau, MBBS, MPH, BMedSc. Dr. Lau is a board-certified physician with over a decade of experience, the leading postpartum wellness consultant, author of 'Postpartum 30' (double winner at the NYC Big Book Award), and the founder of Bridges in Health and Mama's Wing Woman, a consulting company that creates wellness experiences for individuals and families and provides postpartum planning, coaching, and wellness programs to new parents and their families.Dr. Lau received her MBBS from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, MPH in Health Care Organization and Policy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and General Medicine residency in Australia. Dr. Lau has then become an expert in postpartum practice, having served as an Advisor and the Co-Chair of the Women’s Health Lifestyle Medicine Initiative at European Lifestyle Medicine Organization, Postnatal Retreat Development Consultant at Sanu, Family Resiliency Expert at the United States Army, and Director of Education at the Military Birth Resource Network & Postpartum Coalition.Dr. Lau has been featured on Goop, Medium, CEO Weekly, KTLA, Exeleon Magazine, EIN Presswire, and ABNewswire.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

Originally developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s, ketamine has reemerged as one of modern psychiatry’s most promising tools for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Its superpower lies in working with your brain's glutamate receptors to create antidepressant effects. What does the future of psychedelic-assisted mental health care hold? Could this once-stigmatized molecule represent the future of mental health care and healing the mind from within?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Mai Shimada, M.D., MBA, FAAEM. Dr. Shimada is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with over a decade of experience and is the founder and CEO of Isha Health, an online at-home ketamine clinic dedicated to providing safe and effective treatments for depression and anxiety.Dr. Shimada received her MD from the University of Tokyo, Emergency Medicine residency in the United States, and later on, completed the Psychedelic Facilitation Certification Program at the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics in two areas and the Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Training Program at Polaris Insight Center. Currently, alongside Isha Health, Dr. Shimada is a study physician for psychedelic medicine clinical trials at Open Mind Collective, a Fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine (FAAEM), a member of The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM), and a visiting professor of Medicine at Tohoku University in Japan. Dr. Shimada has been featured on Forbes Japan.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

Ayurveda, often referred to as the “science of life,” is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, with origins dating back over 5,000 years to ancient India. From understanding the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that govern our physical and emotional states, to the powerful cleansing and rejuvenating process known as Panchakarma. Ayurveda is rooted in harmony between mind, body, and spirit, and it views health as a dynamic balance rather than the mere absence of disease. Can this ancient system continue to offer profound guidance for holistic wellness in the modern world?In this episode, we are joined by Nisha Saini, CHHP. Nisha is the Founder and Director of the award-winning New York Ayurveda & Panchakarma Center in 2006, and is a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Panchakarma Specialist, and licensed holistic esthetician. Nisha and New York Ayurveda have been featured on Vogue and NPR.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

For thousands of years, humans have sought healing from within — through breath, movement, and energy. Practices like Qigong, yoga, and, more contemporarily, Reiki have emerged from traditions as powerful ways to restore balance, vitality, and inner peace. Qigong uses slow, intentional movement and breath to cultivate life force energy, while yoga unites body and mind through postures and controlled breathing. Reiki, rooted in Japanese energy medicine, offers gentle, hands-on healing by channeling universal energy. In our current world of constant changes, stressors, and stimulations, are these ancient grounding practices for healing and harmony still viable?In this episode, we are joined by three expert guests within the tenets of Qigong, yoga, and Reiki. Firstly, Lisa Li is the founder of The Qi (a flowering tea wellness company) and a certified Qigong instructor, having trained in the traditional Chinese practice for 7 years. Lisa and The Qi have been featured on New York Magazine, Bon Appétit, Architectural Digest, Food & Wine, and Good Housekeeping.Melissa Jeng is a decade-long yoga and mindfulness teacher based in New York City. Trained through Yogamaya and with Jules Mitchell, Melissa pursued advanced training in biomechanics, meditation, trauma-informed yoga, and breath work.Margaret Wang is a Usui/Tibetan Reiki practitioner, having completed her training at The International Center for Reiki Training.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

For centuries, acupuncture has been a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering a powerful lens into the body’s natural healing intelligence using the precise placement of ultra-fine needles. Rooted in the concept of meridians—an intricate network of energy pathways—this ancient practice seeks to restore balance and harmony, thereby proposing relief from chronic pain, inflammation, and even stress. Can these invisible channels and their said connections to our organs really unlock profound pathways to healing and tangible pain relief?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Lauren Kuei, DACM, L.Ac, RYT. Dr. Kuei is a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist, registered yoga teacher, and clinical herbalist at Nava Wellness, an acupuncture and Eastern Asian Medicine Practice in New York City. She received her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) from the Pacific College of Health and Sciences in San Diego. Dr. Kuei has been featured on The Strategist by New York Magazine.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is often called the world’s oldest and longest continuously practiced medical system, with roots reaching back nearly 5,000 years. Born from the philosophies of Qi, yin and yang, and the Five Elements, it blends ancient wisdom with healing practices like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and qigong. For millennia, TCM has centered on restoring balance and harmony within the body and mind. But in an era defined by modern science and technology, can an ancient system still hold its power? In this episode, we are joined by Nina Cheng, BA. Nina is the founder of The Eastern Philosophy (homemade and curated TCM company), author of 'Chinese Medicine for the Mind,' and serves as the Council and Communications Officer of the International Association for the Study of Traditional Asian Medicine (IASTAM), the world’s leading academic organization for the study of traditional Asian medicine. Part-time, she is also a graduate student in the History of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. The Eastern Philosophy has been featured on the New York Post, Daily Mail, and Coveteur.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

The fourth installment of the Friends of Franz Podcast now journeys from ancient and Eastern healing traditions to cutting-edge conversations surrounding modern science and medicine, featuring expert clinicians, practitioners, and scientists from both domains and schools of thought.Thank you to Season 4's Asian-founded brand partners: Reprise, Uka Beauty, The Qi, Remsen Skincare, SHY Binu, Sanzo, DAYGUARD, EMME, JOYN, Dae Tea, and Wild Mannered.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer remains to be the most common cancer, excluding skin cancers, and accounts for the second leading cause of cancer death, following lung cancer, in women across the nation. Yet, despite these staggering statistics, a Current Oncology commentary from Harvard Medical School states that misinformation believed by the general population within the domain of breast health remains at large, especially when it comes to breast cancer screening. In this episode, we seek to tackle these questions that surround breast cancer screening and detection: What is the BRCA gene, and how does it relate to breast cancer? What are the risk factors for breast cancer? At what age should a woman start getting a mammogram? Can men also get breast cancer? What is the BI-RADS score? How does one perform a monthly breast self-examination? What are the next steps for the patient after a breast cancer diagnosis?We are joined today by Dr. Robyn Roth, a board-certified diagnostic radiologist and breast & abdominal imaging specialist based in Camden, NJ. She received her BS at the University of Florida, MD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Diagnostic Radiology residency and Women's Imaging fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. For the past decade, Dr. Roth has been an attending Breast Radiologist, Women's Imaging Fellowship Director, and Assistant Professor of Radiology in New Jersey. Dr. Roth is the founder of "The Boobie Docs," a renowned social media platform and podcast where she discusses breast cancer and breast health in an educational and fun way. Dr. Roth has been featured on The TODAY Show, USA Today, AOL.com, Health.com, Katie Couric Media, and Good Day Philadelphia.Livestream Air Date: August 22, 2023Follow Robyn Gartner Roth, MD: Instagram, YouTube, TikTokFollow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTubeThankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers

According to the World Health Organization, around 3.6 billion diagnostic radiologic medical examinations are performed worldwide yearly. Diagnostic imaging exams — including X-rays, MRIs, Ultrasounds, CT scans, and PET scans — can truly save lives and change the trajectory of a patient's care plan by potentially preventing the necessity of surgery and more invasive procedures. Yet, despite the integral work of diagnostic radiologists and radiologic technologists, they remain to be the unsung heroes of medicine. What does the medical education and training for radiology look like? When is an X-ray needed to rule out a medical condition versus an MRI or a CT scan? Is the radiation emitted from the imaging machines safe? What are the scaled effects of radiation exposure on the body?We are joined today by diagnostic radiology resident physician Dr. Sally Choi (also known online as Drsallymanderchoi). She received her MD from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and is currently completing her Diagnostic Radiology residency at UTHealth San Antonio Long School of Medicine, with an interest in furthering her training in Neuroradiology fellowship. Through social media, Dr. Choi has garnered over 300,000 followers, having shared her journey within medicine, the field of radiology, and mental health.Livestream Air Date: November 10, 2022Follow Sally Choi, MD: Instagram, TikTok, YouTubeFollow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz Bulacan (Host): Instagram, YouTubeThankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers

According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), nearly one-fourth of older adults aged 65 and older are at increased risk for loneliness and are considered to be socially isolated, with risk factors being attributed to hearing loss, losing family or friends, role changes such as retirement, living alone, and chronic disease. Geriatric syndromes — such as polypharmacy, falls, cognitive impairment like dementia and Alzheimer's disease, malnutrition, and incontinence — are clinical conditions and multifactorial impairments that are more commonly identified in older adults. Aging is definitely the normal trajectory of human life, but how can one age in a way that is considered healthy and with an optimal quality of life? How can an older adult look forward to the remaining years of life despite chronic illness? How can we help safeguard a geriatric's mental health despite feelings of abandonment, loneliness, and fear of being a burden to their caregiver/s?We are joined today by Dr. Christina Chen, a double board-certified geriatrician and internist at Mayo Clinic. She received her BS in Biology and Psychology from Michigan State University, MD from St George's University School Of Medicine, Internal Medicine residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, and Geriatric Medicine fellowship at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. She further achieved certificates in Acupuncture for Physicians from Helms Medical Institute and Executive Women in Leadership from Cornell University. Dr. Chen currently stands as an Attending Geriatrician and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic Rochester, the Host of the Aging Forward Podcast, the Course Director of the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine Senior Sages Curriculum. the Editor of the Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging book, and the Medical Advisory Board of GrandPad, a customizable platform that delivers virtual care to seniors at home while keeping seniors connected to reduce social isolation and improve the telehealth experience.Livestream Air Date: August 17, 2023Follow Ying Ying (Christina) Chen, MD: InstagramFollow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz Bulacan (Host): Instagram, YouTubeThankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers

Did you know that, according to the National Institute of Aging, if we stretched out our arteries, veins, and capillaries as adults, they would measure around 100,000 miles? This means that our blood vessels could circle the globe four times, given that the Earth's circumference is about 25,000 miles! The human vasculature is truly an intricate system that literally supplies us with blood (with veins circulating around 2,000 gallons to all body organs every day) - with life. It is no surprise that pathologies and disease processes that involve our vasculature can result in life-threatening effects, like heart attacks and strokes from coronary vascular and cerebrovascular disease, respectively. However, diseases of the vasculature can also result in effects that can alter one's quality of life, such as limb loss from critical limb ischemia due to peripheral arterial disease, varicose veins from peripheral venous insufficiency, lymphedema from lymphatic diseases, the need for hemodialysis due to chronic kidney disease secondary to renal artery stenosis, erectile dysfunction from genitourinary vascular diseases, and much more.We are joined today by Vascular Surgeon and Assistant Professor of Surgery, Dr. Yang Yang. She received her BS in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, & Molecular Biology from Drew University and MD from Drexel University College of Medicine. Dr. Yang completed her Integrated Vascular Surgery residency at MedStar Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University Hospital.Livestream Air Date: April 16, 2023Follow Yang Yang, MD: Instagram, YouTube, Twitter/XFollow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz Bulacan (Host): Instagram, YouTubeThankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers