Listen Well

Explore a new kind of health podcast – a knowledge quest into important and pertinent health topics to empower you, the listener, to make informed, medically sound choices about your health. This is a place where you can get more than what’s possible in a 15-minute doctor’s visit.Your host – Dr. Mo – will be speaking with experts in the fields of sleep science, psychology, pain, and women’s health, as well as bringing you first-hand patient and caregiver experiences, some of which may be familiar to your own.Stay tuned and be sure to download and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individuals recorded and not the opinions of Viatris. 

Ever notice that after a bad night’s sleep, your body seems to yearn for comfort food? In our inaugural episode we’ll pull back the covers on the science of sleep, exploring its effects on our health and how it plays a role in keeping our waistlines and our hearts healthy.We talk with sleep experts Dr. Natalie Dautovich and Dr. Neil Stanley about the rise of sleep disturbances and disorders, the risks involved in getting too little sleep, and how you can recognize whether or not you may need some help. When we've exhausted our time together, you'll be ready to assess your own sleep habits and begin leading a more slumber sufficient life.Just remember, no nodding off!The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individuals recorded and not the opinions of Viatris. National Sleep Foundation (USA): thensf.orgDr. Stanley’s book: “How To Sleep Well” 

What is the purpose of pain? And what if the pain we feel doesn’t have a purpose anymore?In this episode, we’ll be getting a bit uncomfortable as we try to comprehend what it’s like living with chronic pain. Join us as we explore the commonalities and linkages between chronic pain and depression to help understand why these two conditions commonly coexist.We’re joined by Dr. Ernest Choy – Professor of Rheumatology at Cardiff University – as well as Rebecca Gillett and Julie Eller, hosts of the Arthritis Foundation’s “Live Yes with Arthritis” podcast, to hear about their personal experiences with chronic pain and mental health.The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individuals recorded and not the opinions of Viatris.Arthritis Foundation (USA): https://www.arthritis.org/Live Yes! with Arthritis Podcast: https://liveyeswitharthritis.fireside.fm/

As much as 60–80% of doctor visits are related to stress. No pressure, but in this episode, we’ll learn about how chronic stress can lead to long-term illness, how we can recognize the important symptoms, and what we can do to let off some steam. We’re exploring the impact of stress – not just on our mental health, but on our physical health, too.  Joining us to provide their expertise and insights are Dr. Roger McIntyre, mood disorders expert and Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the University of Toronto, and Theresa Nguyen, Chief Program Officer and Vice President of Research and Innovation with Mental Health America.The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individuals recorded and not the opinions of Viatris.Mental Health America: mhanational.orgIn the Open Podcast: https://www.mhanational.org/podcast

Half of the population spends 1/3 to 1/2 of their lives after menopause, so why is it so rarely discussed in the open? That’s about to change. In this episode, we’re breaking through the stigma and bringing menopause and mid-life to the forefront. We’ll be talking in detail about this important stage of life and why many women find the transition so challenging. Get educated on the menopause experience, including symptoms, myths and health tips for mid-life, as well as steps that women can take to ensure their health keeps pace with their aspirations.We chat with Dr. Mary Jane Minkin – host of the Menopause: Unmuted Podcast – to help us navigate this important topic.The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individuals recorded and not the opinions of Viatris. Menopause: Unmuted Podcast: https://www.pfizer.com/news/features/podcasts/menopause-unmuted

Did you know the human heart beats approximately 2.5 billion times over the course of your life?  It’s a powerhouse! And one that needs to be taken care of. We’re getting to the heart of the matter in the first episode of our 2-part series on dyslipidemia– talking about heart health, heart disease, high blood pressure, and more.  Our  LISTEN WELL  host  Dr. Mo Alsuwaidan chats  about all things cardiovascular with  Dutch  lipidologist  Dr. Peter  Lansberg  and Katherine  Wilemon, CEO of the FH (Familial Hypercholesterolemia) Foundation.The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individuals recorded and not the opinions of Viatris.  https://thefhfoundation.org/

We’re picking up right where we left off in Part 1 of this 2-part series on dyslipidemia. Our experts on heart health, Dr. Peter Lansberg and Katherine Wilemon, discuss preventing cardiovascular disease, the demographics who are most at risk, treatment options, and supportive lifestyles. We learn it’s never too early to start implementing heart-healthy measures and preventative behaviours – particularly with hereditary diseases. The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individuals recorded and not the opinions of Viatris. https://thefhfoundation.org/

Erectile dysfunction is often a conversation that gets swept under the rug – in part due to potential feelings of shame and embarrassment. We are taking the subject on to help dispel the stigma!Our LISTEN WELL host Dr. Mo Alsuwaidan talks all things ED with Dr. Annamaria Girladi, the president elect of the International Society for Sexual Medicine. Together they look at how many people are affected, what it can mean physically, for relationships, mental health, and self-esteem, and how erectile issues can be an indicator of more serious health problems. Most importantly, they cover how to tackle the stress and frustration of ED and how to seek help. Tune in today! The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individuals recorded and not the opinions of Viatris. The International Society for Sexual Medicine: https://www.issm.info/ 

The COVID-19 pandemic has done more than affect the physical health of people around the globe. It’s also taken a massive toll on our mental health; collectively and as individuals. Our LISTEN WELL host Dr. Mo Alsuwaidan takes a deep dive into mental wellbeing and the pandemic, examining select groups that may have been disproportionately affected like women, students, and frontline workers. Our discussion focuses on resilience and how we can build up strategies to combat the negative impact, and includes input from General Practitioner Dr. Garth Manning, and guest advocate, Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah, a previous deputy Youth minister and a member of the Ruling Family in Kuwait.  US national hotlinesDomestic Abuse: National Domestic Violence Hotline Call 1-800-799-7233 Text “START” to 88788 Visit www.thehotline.org Substance Abuse: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Call 1-800-662-4357 Visit www.samhsa.gov  Canada national hotlines Domestic Abuse: Call 911Visit to find the resources applicable to your province, https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/services.html Substance abuse: Visit to find the resources applicable to your province, https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/get-help-problematic-substance-use.html  United Arab Emirates national hotlinesDomestic Abuse: Call 800111Visit https://www.dfwac.ae/Substance Abuse: Call 055 118 8532Visit https://www.al-anonuae.com/

Stigma. It can be the difference between getting well and avoiding the help you need, especially when we’re talking about mental health. Even though the awareness of mental health needs are increasingly common, we still see people delay seeking treatment due to stigma: feelings of shame and disgrace that lead to concerns about being treated differently. In this episode, our LISTEN WELL host Dr. Mo Alsuwaidan is tackling stigma with renowned psychiatrist and president of the WPA, Dr. Afzal Javed, and Ms. Anita Abu Bakar, president of MIASA – the Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association in Malaysia.  Mental Illness Awareness & Support Association:  https://miasa.org.my/Virtual Event: The pandemic’s toll on mental health - https://www.statnews.com/2021/02/25/virtual-event-the-pandemics-toll-on-mental-health/Article: Reducing the stigma of mental health disorders with a focus on low-and middle-income countries- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876201821000575

How important are social connections to our overall health? Our host, Dr. Mo Alsuwaidan, is digging into loneliness and isolation, and what they could mean for us long-term. He chats with experts Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University, and Cathy Comber, CEO of Loneliness New Zealand, about how our social lives can help determine our health. They discuss how loneliness is associated with negative health outcomes – even the risk of earlier death. While that may sound scary, the conversation shows how much stronger the impact of social connection is on the positive side of the scale, and how critical it is to prioritize your friends and family. 

Multiple Sclerosis is a complex disease that can take a long time to diagnose and may present with a multitude of symptoms - explaining why it is sometimes referred to as "The disease with a thousand faces." In this Listen Well episode, hostDr. Mo Alsuwaidan delves into the patient experience from the onset of symptoms, when anxiety can often set in prior to accurate identification, to reaching diagnosis and beyond. To shed further light on the subject, he speaks with Piet Eelen, a clinical nurse specialist in Multiple Sclerosis working at the National Multiple Sclerosis Center in Belgium, and with advocate Federica Balzani, who lives herself with the condition while serving as VP of the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP).

Diabetes and depression are some of the most disabling and widespread illnesses today. Yet how much do we really know about the complexity of these two conditions, how they interact with one another, and how they’re treated when they co-exist? In this Listen Well episode, hostDr. Mo Alsuwaidan explores the biological, psychological, and social impact on the individual, with input from two expert guests in the area — Professor of Medicine and Therapeutics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Juliana Chan, and guest advocate Sairekha Sureshkumar, co-founder of communities and platforms for persons living with diabetes.

How can patients access mental health support following a cancer diagnosis? What are the barriers to mental healthcare, and how are they experienced in practice? These are just some of the questions explored in our latest episode, with host Dr. Mo Alsuwaidan and guests Dr. Jennifer Leong, oncologist, and Dr. Choo Mei, PhD in psychology and cancer survivor. Listen in as these they delve together into the important topic of the role that mental health can play in cancer management – an aspect that’s often overlooked following diagnosis due to treatment options taking center stage. Learn more by tuning in at listenwellpodcast.com or watch the full episode here.Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for educational purposes and is not intended to replace discussions with your healthcare provider. All decisions regarding your care must be made with a healthcare professional, considering the unique characteristics of your personal situation. The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individuals recorded and not the opinions of Viatris. Individuals featured in this podcast may have participated in the past as or may be current members of an advisory group for Viatris.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common illness, affecting nearly one in 10 adults around the world over the age of 40. As disabling as COPD is to the body, it can also have a substantial emotional impact on those affected. Listen in as Dr. Mo Alsuwaidan discusses the link between mental health and COPD with special guests Dr. Marc Miravitlles and patient advocate Alfons Vinuela, offering their insights from both a medical perspective and lived experience. Learn more by tuning in at listenwellpodcast.com  or watch the full episode here.Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for educational purposes and is not intended to replace discussions with your healthcare provider. All decisions regarding your care must be made with a healthcare professional, considering the unique characteristics of your personal situation. The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individuals recorded and not the opinions of Viatris. Individuals featured in this podcast may have participated in the past as or may be current members of an advisory group for Viatris.

 Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness, that typically begins when the person is young (in their late teens or early adulthood). It disrupts the person’s ability to think clearly, with one of the more frequent symptoms being auditory hallucinations (hearing noises). Listen in as Dr. Mo Alsuwaidan discusses this disabling disorder and a potential digital treatment for schizophrenia with special guests Dr. Louise Birkedal Glenthøj and patient advocate, Ms. Vibeke Andersen. The guests offer their insights from both a medical perspective and lived experience. Learn more by tuning in at listenwellpodcast.com or watch the full video episode here.Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for educational purposes and is not intended to replace discussions with your healthcare provider. All decisions regarding your care must be made with a healthcare professional, considering the unique characteristics of your personal situation. The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individuals recorded and not the opinions of Viatris. Individuals featured in this podcast may have participated in the past as or may be current members of an advisory group for Viatris.

Most of our lives are spent either asleep or awake and working. With both workplace burnout and sleep insufficiency on the rise, for some it can become an exhausting cycle of sacrificing sleep for work, then working more to make up for lost productivity. It is essential to address the major impacts these topics have on one’s health. Listen in as Dr. Mo Alsuwaidan discusses these disorders and how they affect mental wellness with special guests from Unmind, a workplace wellbeing platform, Dr. Nick Taylor, CEO and Co-Founder of Unmind, and Steve Peralta, Chief Wellbeing Officer and Co-Founder. The guests offer their insights from both a medical perspective and lived experience. Learn more by tuning in at listenwellpodcast.com or watch the full video episode here.Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for educational purposes and is not intended to replace discussions with your healthcare provider. All decisions regarding your care must be made with a healthcare professional, considering the unique characteristics of your personal situation. The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individuals recorded and not the opinions of Viatris. Individuals featured in this podcast may have participated in the past as or may be current members of an advisory group for Viatris.