The Better Living PA: GLP-1s, Metabolic Health & Midlife Hormones

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots in both lungs after what first looked like a routine calf injury and a superficial clot. As a board-certified physician assistant, I walk through the publicly reported timeline and explain, in plain language, how a clot in the leg can travel to the lungs, who is at higher risk, and the warning signs you should never brush off.In this episode:Superficial clot vs. DVT: what "superficial" and "deep" really meanHow a pulmonary embolism (PE) forms, and why clots often reach both lungsCommon risk factors: injury, long travel, surgery, pregnancy, cancer, and oral vs. transdermal hormonesWarning signs of a DVT or PEWhat blood thinners actually do, and why contact sports are off the tableTips for lowering clot risk on long flights and road tripsNote: I'm discussing only what has been publicly released by the Eagles and reported in the news. I don't have access to his medical records. One-sided leg swelling, new shortness of breath or chest pain deserve prompt medical attention.Chapters00:00 Jalen Hurts' blood clots: what we'll cover01:22 The timeline: calf injury, London flight and ultrasound03:22 Superficial clot vs. deep vein thrombosis04:48 What a DVT is and how it feels05:55 How a leg clot reaches the lungs07:03 What causes blood clots08:40 Who's at higher risk, including hormones10:23 Warning signs of a DVT or PE11:38 What blood thinner treatment really means12:37 Lowering clot risk on long trips13:41 Key takeawaysInterested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here:link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15)You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps.Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging.Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPAAll my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPAInstagram: @betterliving_paTikTok: @betterlivingforeveryoneMedical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

Are GLP-1 medications cheating? Will you regain the weight if you stop? Are compounded GLP-1s safe? Can you get addicted to semaglutide or tirzepatide?In this episode, I break down the most frequently asked questions about GLP-1 medications in a simple, science-based way. If you're considering a GLP-1 for weight loss, insulin resistance, perimenopause weight gain or metabolic health, this will help you understand what's real and what's hype.In this episode:How GLP-1 medications work in the bodyWill you have to take it forever, and what maintenance looks likeHow much protein you needAre compounded GLP-1s safe and legal, and how the grey market is differentHow to find a vetted providerIs this addiction? Obesity as a chronic diseaseHair shedding, and why shampoos and supplements often aren't worth the moneyThe other benefits, from kidney disease and beyondChapters00:00 Why there's so much GLP-1 misinformation02:00 Where to find nutrition guides and community03:00 Q1: How GLP-1s actually work in your body05:00 Q2: Will I have to take this forever?06:00 What maintenance actually looks like07:00 How much protein you need08:00 Why you can't compare your results to anyone else's09:00 Q3: Are compounded GLP-1s safe and legal?10:00 The grey market and why it's different11:00 How to find a vetted provider12:00 Q4: Is this addiction? Obesity as a chronic disease13:00 Q5: Hair shedding - why it happens15:00 Shampoos and supplements: don't waste your money16:00 You are not broken17:00 The other benefits: kidney disease and beyondInterested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here:link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15)You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps.Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging.Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPAAll my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPAInstagram: @betterliving_paTikTok: @betterlivingforeveryoneMedical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

Not sure how to talk to your daughter about her period, or when to start? I'm Tiffany Bailey, a board certified physician assistant, and in this episode I sit down with educator Janet Throgmorton (Mrs. Janet), who spent 31 years in schools as a teacher, elementary principal and high school principal. We talk about why girls are starting their periods earlier, the right age to begin the conversation, how to frame periods and puberty as a normal, healthy part of growing up, and why boys need to hear it too.We also talk about period poverty: how many students rely on their school for pads and tampons, why the right-size products matter for young girls, and how educators and communities are stepping in.In this episode:Why girls are starting their periods earlier (some as young as 8 or 9)Why so many of us grew up with no "period talk" at homeWhat age to start talking to your daughter about periodsHow to start the conversation at home without shameWhy boys should learn about periods and puberty tooPeriod poverty and why girls miss school without period productsChoosing the right period products for a young girlChapters:0:00 Meet Mrs. Janet: 31 years in education1:51 Girls are starting their periods earlier3:32 When schools teach about periods4:35 Our own first period talks growing up7:03 What age to start talking about periods8:31 Why how you talk about periods matters9:48 Should we talk to boys about periods too?12:31 How many kids get no guidance at home13:32 How to start the conversation at home16:02 Period poverty: girls missing school17:31 Why the right period products matter18:27 How schools and communities help20:24 Period poverty and lack of education21:32 Final thoughts: we can't ignore women's healthInterested in learning more about GLP-1s, peptides, hormones, and metabolic health? START HERE:https://link.joinbelle.com/betterlivingCoupon code: BELLE15Join our FREE community for GLP-1 support and nutrition tips: https://the-belle-community.circle.soWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_MnkZX_hy0Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterliving_paTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@betterlivingforeveryoneFollow the show so you don't miss new episodes on women's health, GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging.Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Listening does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult your own qualified healthcare provider with questions about your or your child's health.

Your weight has stopped moving on your GLP-1. Are you in maintenance, or are you in a plateau? I'm Tiffany Bailey, a board certified physician assistant, and in this episode I break down the difference between a weight loss plateau and planned GLP-1 maintenance, what the research shows about stopping semaglutide or tirzepatide cold turkey, and 4 maintenance strategies to discuss with your provider so you can keep the weight off long term.In this episode:Plateau vs. maintenance, and why the real difference is your intentionWhy a maintenance weight range works better than one number on the scaleWhat the STEP 1 extension and SURMOUNT-4 trials showed about stopping GLP-1sWhy "60% of people regain all their weight" is misleadingObesity as a chronic disease, and why food noise can come back4 maintenance strategies: staying on your dose, carefully adjusting it, extending time between doses, and stopping with a planIs microdosing a maintenance strategy?How your care team personalizes maintenance, plus nutrition, strength training, cost and accessThe emotional side of maintenance, and why needing ongoing treatment is not a failureDMR (duodenal mucosal resurfacing), an investigational procedure being studied for weight maintenanceChapters:0:00 Plateau or maintenance?0:22 Intro: what we'll cover0:54 Plateau vs. maintenance: what's the difference2:54 Why you need a maintenance weight range3:40 When the scale stalls before your goal4:04 What happens if you stop a GLP-1 cold turkey4:20 STEP 1 extension trial (semaglutide)5:15 SURMOUNT-4 trial (tirzepatide)5:44 The "60% regain all their weight" myth6:29 Obesity is a chronic disease7:28 Strategy 1: Stay on the dose that worked8:40 Strategy 2: Carefully adjust your dose10:44 Strategy 3: Extend the time between doses11:43 Strategy 4: Stop with a plan and close monitoring13:13 Is microdosing a maintenance strategy?13:53 Your dose is not a willpower test14:36 How your care team personalizes maintenance15:54 Health conditions that favor staying on your dose16:46 Nutrition and strength training18:03 Cost, access and insurance18:35 The emotional side of maintenance19:45 DMR: an investigational procedure for maintenance21:12 Key takeawaysInterested in learning more about GLP-1s, peptides, hormones, and metabolic health? START HERE:https://link.joinbelle.com/betterlivingCoupon code: BELLE15Join our FREE community for GLP-1 support and nutrition tips: https://the-belle-community.circle.soWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYGqXvP9578Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterliving_paTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@betterlivingforeveryoneFollow the show so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging.Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Listening does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, or treatment plan.

Carolina struggled with obesity from childhood and spent years searching for a sustainable way to manage her health and weight. Eventually she traveled to Mexico for gastric bypass surgery, and went from 320 to 165 pounds. But she discovered surgery wasn't a permanent fix for the biological and emotional challenges she'd faced her whole life, and when maintaining her results became difficult, she started looking for another option.In this conversation, Carolina shares her experience with weight-loss surgery, weight regain and discovering GLP-1 therapy, and how it helped her better understand her body and finally build an approach that feels sustainable.In this conversation:Growing up with obesityTraveling to Mexico for gastric bypass surgeryWhy weight regain can happen after bariatric surgeryPregnancy, a new baby and no family nearbyWhat she can and can't eat after bypassWhy surgery doesn't change obesity hormonallyDiscovering GLP-1 therapy and building a sustainable approachCarolina's story is an important reminder that obesity is a complex, chronic condition. Needing additional support after bariatric surgery does not mean someone failed.Chapters00:00 Meet Carolina02:30 Starting a new job, and starting a GLP-105:00 Being loved for who she was07:30 Moving away and grieving10:00 Getting back into the swing of things12:30 Flying out for gastric bypass surgery15:00 Throwing away the old X-rays17:30 Getting down to 165 from 32020:00 How desperate people get, and a broken system22:30 Pregnancy and gaining weight25:00 A new baby with no family nearby27:30 Her son starting kindergarten30:00 A torn foot and what the X-ray showed32:30 Getting back on the bike for herself35:00 What she can and can't eat after bypass37:30 Why surgery doesn't change obesity hormonally40:00 Why compounded lets you inch your dose upThis episode shares one patient's personal experience. Individual results vary.Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here:link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15)You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps.Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging.Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPAAll my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPAInstagram: @betterliving_paTikTok: @betterlivingforeveryoneMedical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.