Family Health with Dr. Lex

Every once in a while I come across a physician who is so inspirational and does the most meaningful work in medicine.  So, I always jump at the chance to interview them.   Dr. Elda Fisher is one of those doctors.  Now, this episode is not going to resonate with everyone in my usual audience.  But this is FAMILY HEALTH.   For those people looking to pursue gender affirmation surgery, it can be hard to find information and resources.   So if you know someone who might benefit from this information, PLEASE share.    Dr. FIsher and I talked about the logistics of her work in gender affirming surgery and answered the following questions:***************- What is gender affirmation surgery?- How did Dr. Fisher get into this unique field?- What types of procedures does Dr. Fisher do?- What options does the patient have in determining how they want to look?- How long does a typical operation take to complete?- What is the difference between a Plastic Surgeon and an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon?- What type of evaluation and preparation does a patient go through prior to  surgery?- Is there a multidisciplinary team approach to preparing for the procedure?- How many people are pursuing this procedure?- Are all parts of the surgeries done at the same time or separately?- Do some people do just face or just lower body?- What is gender dysphoria?- What resources are available for the uninsured who desire gender affirmation surgery?***************Dr. Elda Fisher completed medical school and residency at the University of North Carolina.  She then completed a fellowship in aesthetic surgery in Columbus, Ohio. Dr Fisher is an expert in Facial Gender Affirmation Surgery and has spoken nationally and internationally on this topic. She is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons and is a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. Dr Fisher is currently an Associate Professor of Surgery at UNC - Chapel Hill and is the Director of Facial Gender Affirmation Surgery in the Division of Craniofacial and Surgical Care. She is also the residency program director for the Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program and enjoys training residents in gender affirming care.***************You can find more from Dr. Fisher at:Web: https://findadoc.unchealthcare.org/nc/chapel-hill/elda-l-fisher-md-120-dental-circlehttps://www.eldafisheraesthetics.com/IG: @facialfemsurgeonEmail:  elda.fisher@unc.edu***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Elda Fisher,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.***************#genderaffirming #genderaffirmingcare #genderaffirmationsurgery #transgender #transgenderpride #transgendered #transgenderboy #transgenderwoman #transgenderrights #transgendermale #transgendermodel #transgenderteen #transgenderfemale #transgenderequality #transgenderawareness # #transgenderdayofvisibility; #transgenderpeopleofcolour #transgenderlife #transgenderproud #transgenderyouth #unctransgendercareprogram 

Like so many others, I used to cringe when my parents or others would talk about sex. And it wasn't really until I was in my professional life helping others find solutions to difficulties or dissatisfaction in their own sex lives that I developed the language and confidence to discuss it openly.  Today's guest Ob/Gyn Dr. Sadaf Lodhi and I share common goals of empowering our patients to explore their bodies, become confident expressing their needs and feel comfortable having conversations about their intimate lives. In the episode we tackled the taboo and answered the following questions:***************- Why is sex such a taboo topic?- How does one identify the need to seek out sex therapy?- How can couples adjust to changes in a relationship over time - like changes in stress levels, body image, hormones, physical changes or difficulties due to medical conditions?- How does emotional intimacy affect a couple's physical connection?- How can someone with a traumatic past heal and move toward a healthy intimate life?- How are sex therapy and sex coaching different?- How can someone become comfortable discussing intimacy when they were raised in a household where it wasn't talked about?- How can we talk to our children about sex positivity and ensure that they have a healthy approach to their future intimate lives?- How does your upbringing affect your attitudes and beliefs around sex and intimacy?- What happens when you realize that you are dissatisfied with your sex / intimate life?- How do you figure out what you like sexually?- How do you develop the confidence to express what you want?***************Dr.  Lodhi is a Board Certified Ob/Gyn and Certified Life Coach from Rutgers University.  She is currently undergoing AASECT training at the University of Michigan.   She offers courses and one-on-one coaching services. ***************You can find more from Dr. Lodhi at:Website: www.drsadaf.comIG/TIKTOK: @drsadafobgynYoutube/Podcast: Muslim Sex Podcast***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Sadaf Lodhi,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.***************#sexpositive #sexpositiveeducation #sexpositiveart #sexpositiveculture #sexpositiveevents #sexpositiveworld #sexuality #sexualityeducation  #sexualityacceptance  #sexualitycoach #sextherapy #sexcoach #intimacy #intimacycoach

I was so pleasantly surprised by the conversation I had with Dr. Keira Barr.  I thought this would be a discussion about which products to use and how to wash and things to avoid and when to seek a dermatologist.  Ya know, the standard stuff.   But this is not your mama's skincare routine y'all.   Dr. Barr's philosophy and approach to helping women reveal their best image and live fully in their own skin is unlike anything you have heard before.  Listen in to this raw, honest, feel-good conversation that will have you glowing!   Spoiler alert:hang in there until the end for her thoughts on a simple regimen of products.   ***************Dr. Keira Barr is a Board Certified Dermatologist who blends science with soul as an embodiment coach, mind-body medicine practitioner and dual board certified integrative dermatologist empowering women around the world with the tools to help them feel more comfortable and confident in their skin. Through no B.S. conversations, straight-up truths and tangible, actionable advice, Dr. Keira teaches you how to heal your relationship with yourself by reclaiming a sense of safety, trust, and pleasure through your body and create sustainable habits that align with the fullest expression of you. Her work has been featured in MindBodyGreen, Better Homes and Gardens’, Reader’s Digest, Glamour, SELF, Oprah Magazine, and more.***************You can find more from Dr. Barr at:Website: www.drkeirabarr.comIG: @drkeirabarrFB: @drkeirabarrLinkedin: @keirabarr***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Keira Barr,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.***************#skincare #beautyfromwithin #skincareroutine #skincareaddict  #skincarejunkie #skincaretips #skincareblogger #skincarecommunity #skincarelover  #skincarethread t #skincareregimen 

If you have chronic pain or know someone who has, chances are you have heard of Fibromyalgia.  But not many people know exactly what it is or where it comes from.  In fact, many patients and doctors alike have doubted whether or not Fibromyalgia is even a real disease!   Well, indeed it is.  In this episode, Board Certified Rheumatologist Dr. Martina Ziegenbein and I are demystifying the diagnosis by answering to the following questions:***************What is fibromyalgia?How do we diagnose it?Why has FM been known as a “wastebasket” diagnosis?What causes FM?  Is it autoimmune? Inflammatory? Neurologic?Aside from pain, are sleep and mood disturbances part of the diagnosis?What are the types of pain? Which category does FM pain fall into?Why was FM previously considered psychosomatic?How has the stigma associated with FM affected how patients are treated?Why are rheumatologists the specialists with FM expertise?Why does it take so long to come to a diagnosis of FM?How do personality, intrinsic characteristics and past trauma contribute to the development of FM?How does an overactive nervous system contribute to hypersensitivity?What are the treatment options for pain?How does nervous system training help in the overall management?What is somatic tracking and how can it help?***************Dr. Ziegenbein is a board certified rheumatologist practicing on Cape Cod.  She graduated from PJ Safarik University School of Medicine in Slovakia and completed Internal Medicine at the Marshfield Clinic Medical Center.  For her Rheumatology Fellowship she attended Boston Medical Center and subsequently completed a Lupus Fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital.***************You can find more from Dr. Ziegenbein at:Website:www.winningatfibromyalgia.com***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Martina Ziegenbein,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.***************#fibromyalgia #fibromyalgiaawareness #fibromyalgiawarrior #fibromyalgiasucks #fibromyalgiapaintreatment #fibromyalgiatherapy #fibromyalgiafighter #fibromyalgiasupport  #fibromyalgiaproblems  #fibromyalgiaarmy #fibromyalgiaisreal #fibromyalgiadiet #fibromyalgiacommunity #fibromyalgiapain

FOOD IS MEDICINE!   It's about as ancient a remedy as we have.  But since pharmacology became a mainstream treatment, it seems that using our diet to help ourselves has fallen by the wayside.  Luckily we have friends like Dr. Basma Faris, an Ob/Gyn who started her career as a Registered Dietician and now uses Culinary Medicine to teach patients how to regain control of their health with food as part of their treatment plan.   Lifestyle and Culinary Medicine are two fields that are making a grand comeback.  We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it. ***************- How did Dr. Faris become a Culinary Medicine Specialist?- WHAT IS Culinary Medicine? - How did Nutrition get excluded from medical education?- What is the difference between a nutritionist, dietician and Culinary Medicine Specialist?- How can Culinary Medicine help a patient determine which way of eating is best for them?- How do accessibility, budget and preferences factor into choosing a way of eating?- What does a Culinary Medicine visit look like?- Is Culinary Medicine individualized?- How can we overcome the barriers to achieving our food goals?- Can Culinary Medicine help patients figure out which diet is best?- Will a Culinary Medicine specialist help identify food sensitivities?- How can Culinary Medicine help women as we go through various metabolic changes (puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding and peri / post menopause)?- Why is sleep such an important factor in regulating metabolism?- Why are protein, Ca, Vit D and gut halth so important in menopause?***************Dr. Basma Faris is a Board Certified Ob/Gyn and Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist. Dr. Faris attended the University of California at Berkeley where she received a B.S. in Nutrition Sciences. She went on to complete a an Registered Dietetics Internship and M.S.  in Nutrition at Brooklyn College.  She received her medical degree from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University at Buffalo in 2009. She completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Dr. Faris began her career in healthcare as a Registered Dietitian. She worked with adults and children to manage chronic health conditions and obesity. She developed curricula for group nutrition interventions for children, pregnant women and adults. She is the founder of PollyPrep, a company aimed at educating and treating people with PCOS using an evidence-based mix of Culinary Medicine and Gynecology.She recently joined The Mount Sinai Health System in New York where she holds the position of Assistant Professor in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science. Previously she practiced at Weill Cornell Medicine, and NYU Langone Brooklyn where she served as the medical student Clerkship Director, as well as Associate Residency Program Director and she led the peer review committee for the department.Dr. Faris practices General Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She became a Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist in 2020. She was named a New York Superdoctor Rising Star in 2022. ***************You can find more from Dr. Faris at:IG: @basmafaris Web: www.basmafaris.com***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music

Have you ever felt stuck?  Like you should feel grateful for what you have in your life but there's something tugging at you saying "there's more?"    Have you felt like you want to improve, change, grow, feel better / happier / more?   Well, this episode is for you.... Dr. Rebecca Lauderdale is an expert in Flourishing, not just surviving, but Thriving.  And she has so much juicy goodness to share with us.    In this episode we talked about the many ways we can evaluate and change our lives for the better,  including the following:***************- What is the definition of flourishing?- How did Dr. Lauderdale go become an expert in flourishing?- Why is there so much shame around struggle and burnout?- How do we become aware of the capacity to change?- What can we do to make space for change?- What are the factors that we can evaluate / what is PERMA (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Mastery, Achievement)?- What are the three different types of lives?- What is the VIA character strength survey?- How does someone begin to feel unstuck?- What are some resources to go from surviving to thriving?***************Dr. Rebecca Lauderdale is a board-certified internist practicing Primary Care Internal Medicine in the Deep South. She is passionate about helping people learn the science and practices of flourishing. She can be heard regularly on her podcast, Women Physicians Flourish, where she talks about subjects ranging from grief and vulnerability to gender bias and joy in the practice of medicine.***************You can find more from Dr. Lauderdale at:Website:www.rebeccalauderdalemd.comInstagram: @dr.lauderdalePodcast:Women Physicians Flourish***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Rebecca Lauderdale,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.

Time Management is not usually considered a health topic.   But like so many episodes on this podcast, we are talking about making lifestyle changes in order to optimize our health, wellness and happiness.  Time freedom is an invaluable asset but can be hard to find.   Fortunately, Dr. Kirthi Lilley is an expert and has joined me to talk about all things Time Management!***************Dr. Kirthi Lilley is a Board Certified Gastroenterologist working in the VA Health System and is the Associate Program Director for the GI fellowship at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center.   After one of her own transitions, she became a Certified Life and Weight Loss Coach through the Life Coach School.   In her practice, she helps healthcare professionals with time management and burnout so they can create extraordinary and fulfilling lives. S he is also a supermom to three young daughters. ***************You can find more from Dr. Lilley at:Website: https://www.revealyou.coachInstagram: @revealyoulifecoachingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirthi-lilley-md-36068b220***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Kirthi Lilley,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.

We don't often think of money as a health topic, but being savvy with our finances can not only impact our quality of life, but can be really important in case of a medical emergency.  In this episode Dr. Elisa Chiang and I had such a great conversation about Growing a Wealthy Mindset in which we answered the following questions:***************- As an ophthalmologist, how did Dr. Chiang become an expert in money management?- What are the advantages of investing early in life even if you can't invest much?- Why do women wait until later on in life to start thinking about money management / investing?- How does mindset affect performance when it comes to money management?- How can women like us start learning about money management?- How does coaching help advance our understanding of and strategy for investing?- What about credit cards?  How can they be used to improve your finances?- Which type of investing is the easiest to get started?- Is it wise to have a financial advisor? If so, what should we be looking for?- What are Dr. Chiang's money mindset words of wisdom?***************Elisa Chiang is an board certified Ophthalmologist, fellowship trained Oculoplastic surgeon and certified Life Coach. Elisa earned her M.D. and Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Case Western Reserve University. She trained at Northwestern for Ophthalmology and Medical College of Wisconsin for Oculoplastics. She started investing, first in individual stocks as well mutual funds, during medical school and then expanded to real estate during graduate school. Elisa is a certified Life Coach through the Life Coach School. As a Life Coach, Elisa primarily works with health care professionals to work through issues of burnout as well as master their money mindset so they can build wealth and practice medicine on their own terms. She works part time as a physician at Ice Ophthalmology in Painesville, Ohio.***************You can find more from Dr. Chiang at:Websites: www.GrowYourWealthyMindset.comwww.DrEyelid.comhttps://www.youtube.com/c/WealthyMindsetMDFB & IG: @growyourwealthymindset@eyeliddrchiang***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Elisa Chiang,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.

I am such a fangirl in this episode.  Seriously, Dr. Hala Sabry is one of the most prominent names in medicine, and for good reason!  Not only has she created a network of over 116K women physicians but she has used her leadership position to educate, empower and inspire patients and physicians worldwide.  Today she is telling her very personal story from a different perspective:  as a patient who underwent bilateral prophylactic mastectomy.   We had such a great conversation in which we answered the following questions:***************- Who is Noha and what kind of legacy has she left behind?- Why did Dr. Sabry decide to share her story at this time?- Why was a prophylactic mastectomy indicated for Dr. Sabry?- Is it indicated for anyone with a breast cancer family history?- Can anyone get genetic testing?- What does it mean to have a positive breast cancer gene?- How does lifestyle play a factor in breast cancer risk? - Who did Dr. Sabry discuss her results with?- What kind of decisions did she have to make with the results?- What role did anxiety play in this decision?- How did Dr. Sabry prepare for this process and how her body would change?- How does such a massive change affect your capacity for self-love?What does it mean to Dr. Sabry to have made this decision?- What advice does Dr. Sabry have for anyone facing a major medical decision?- What other steps can someone take to get more information about genetic testing and options for treatment? ***************Dr. Hala Sabry is a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine Physician, a feminist leadership coach, the founder of Physician Moms Group (PMG), and a super mom of five- with two sets of twins!Balancing her career in medicine with her roles as a mother and entrepreneur was initially challenging.  Dr. Sabry frequently fought through fear, negative self-talk, and a recurring desire to quit, and she knew other busy professional working mothers must have experienced the same struggles.She created PMG seven years ago to offer emotional availability and support to women like her which now supported over 116,000 members.  Dr. Sabry expanded her outreach to coaching individuals and consulting businesses. She offers high performance coaching to professional women in male dominated professions who feel unseen and unheard in quest to develop their personal brand and become a confident thought leader.Dr. Sabry is a tenacious advocate for ending sexism and promoting gender and racial equality in the medical field. She believes that as a community leader, she has a responsibility to forge a path for other women and to elevate her fellow physician mothers. She has collaborated with leading Fortune 500 companies and international organizations to further her work advocating for women physicians, patients, and children. ***************You can find more from Dr. Sabry at:Website: halasabry.comTik tok and IG: @drhalasabryFacebook: @halahsabry***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guest: Dr.  Hala Sabry and her loving mother Noha,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.

This is a good one that I know lots of people need to hear, myself included.   So many of us lack the skills or the confidence to establish boundaries which can make or keep us unhealthy, unhappy and unfulfilled.  Luckily, the friends of our show are experts who are excited to help us learn.  In this episode, Psychiatrist Dr. Maryna Mammoliti and I discuss Setting Healthy Boundaries.   She offers insightful examples to help us understand why setting boundaries is so important to maintaining our personal peace and accomplishing our goals.  We had such a great conversation in which we answered the following questions:***************- As a psychiatrist, how did Dr. Mammoliti become interested in coaching around boundaries?- What is the difference between therapy and coaching?- How does systemic gender bias interfere with our ability to set boundaries?- What are boundaries and what do they define?- Why is the word 'no' an affront?- How do we gain the confidence to start saying no?- Why is knowing who we are so important to boundary setting?- Do people need to be informed of our boundaries? If so, who?- How do we deal with barriers to maintaining boundaries?- What is the potential cost of setting boundaries versus the cost of not setting boundaries?- How can we evaluate if the cost is worth it?- How do we prepare to announce boundaries and for the reactions of others?- What happens when our boundary reveals an inherent conflict in a relationship?- What if that conflict cannot be overcome?- How can we support our children asserting boundaries, especially if we are not yet comfortable?- Why is important to manage our own reactions to the boundaries of others?***************Dr. Maryna Mammoliti is a practicing Canadian-trained psychiatrist, professional coach, and  mother of four. In her psychiatric practice she has worked on promoting physician health, focusing on ADHD, trauma and eating disorders.  She has completed her coaching training through the College of Executive Coaching. She co-founded Triumph Excellence and Coaching Centre Ltd with her colleague Adam Ly through which they collaborate on providing leadership, career and professional coaching services, educational webinars and workshops. Dr. Mammoliti focuses on boundaries, career transitions and emotional intelligence in her coaching and is the co-author of upcoming book for physicians: Saving Lives Without Destroying Yours: Boundaries for the Modern Physician. She enjoys working with medical students and residents in her clinic and has been involved in various initiatives to support physicians during COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from clinical experience and coaching, she has been involved in advocating for the systemic issues as the outgoing OMA psychiatry section chair. Dr. Mammoliti is the mother of four children and spends her time between Canada and the US. She enjoys writing about issues relevant to physicians not usually found in our classrooms (including violence faced by physicians).Website: https://www.triumphleader.comIG: @triumphleadercoach @ drmomlifeincanada Twitter: DRMMCanada***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Maryna Mammolitimy inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & P.S., my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.

We've spoken extensively about the harmful effects of chronic stress, but in this episode Board Certified  Radiologist Dr. Robyn Tiger and I discuss how learning complete self-care can reverse symptoms, improve functional capacity, quality of life and longevity.   This is a game-changing episode called The Self-Care Formula Everyone Needs to Know.  In it we offer answers to the following questions:***************- How did Dr. Tiger safe her own life?- Did modern medicine fail her?- What does it mean to regulate the nervous system?- Why were all of her tests negative?- Can chronic stress really cause all of those symptoms?- Can stress management really reverse all of those symptoms?- What are some triggers of the stress response?- Do major stressors cause a different response from minor stressors?- What happens physically when the stress response is activated?- What are telomeres and how are they affected by chronic stress?- How do stress management techniques help tone the nervous system?- How does breathwork affect our mind and body?- What is somatic movement?- What happens to your brain during meditation?- What is neuroplasticity?- How do these techniques help our bodies change permanently?- How does awareness create space for improvement in the way you feel?- What is the cost of this self-care formula?***************Robyn Tiger, MD is on a mission to empower others with self-care tools backed by science and research. With burnout on the rise, Robyn knows first hand what it’s like to love your job while also coping with stress, anxiety, overwhelm, imbalance and even illness.She uniquely combines her 15 years in diagnostic radiology with a certification in yoga therapy, meditation and life coaching in her innovative courses, private coaching, and podcast that focus on complete physical, mental, and emotional well-being and resilience. She is deeply passionate about helping others relieve stress, elevate calm and live their best lives!When she’s not busy supporting her clients, Robyn can be found enjoying her own self-care through hiking, paddle boarding, meditating, yoga, playing with her dog, husband and kids in the mountains of Asheville, NC.  https://www.stressfreemd.net/https://www.podpage.com/the-stressfreemd-podcast/IG: @stressfreemdFB & LinkedIn: @robyntigermdFree Stress Relief Strategy Callhttps://go.oncehub.com/StressReliefStrategyCallFree Stress Relief Videos:https://www.stressfreemd.net/free-self-care-videosFacebook Group (Physicians):https://www.facebook.com/groups/thephysiciansselfcarecommunity***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Robyn Tigermy inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue, my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.

Most people have heard of the most common tick-borne illnesses like Lyme & Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.  Many have heard of Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis & Tularemia.  But most doctors aren't even familiar with one of the most recently discovered tick-related illnesses called Alpha Gal Syndrome.   I know I hadn't learned of it until I moved to the South.  I feel fortunate to have done this interview with Board Certified Internist/Pediatrician Dr. Laura Diefendorf.   In this podcast episode you'll learn all about Alpha Gal including the answers to the following questions:***************- What is alpha gal?- Why hadn’t I heard of it until I moved to the South?- How does one get alpha gal?- What actually is alpha-galactosidase?- What is the physical reaction that occurs?- Is it similar to an immediate allergic or anaphylactic reaction?- What are some symptoms of alpha gal allergy?- Why is alpha gal so difficult to diagnose?- How long does it usually take to come to a diagnosis?- How long ago was alpha gal discovered?- How long after ingesting mammalian meat does it take for the reaction to occur?- What kinds of food products can elicit the alpha gal reaction?- What type of test can help diagnose alpha gal syndrome?- Are there other diagnostic criteria?- What other factors can exacerbate a reaction?- What are the risks associated with repeat tick exposures?- What types of ticks carry the alpha gal carbohydrate complex?- What are some primary prevention strategies?- Is there treatment?- Does the reaction improve over time if there is no repeat exposure?- Can alpha gal patients ever eat mammalian meat again? - What about dairy?- Can this condition be life threatening?- What other precautions need to be taken to prevent reaction?- Are children affected differently than adults?- Where can I find reliable information about such a new and rare disease?***************Dr. Laura Diefendorf is double board certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics.  Her practice is Duke Primary Care in Henderson, NChttps://www.dukehealth.org/find-doctors-physicians/laura-p-diefendorf-md***************Thanks so much for listening!There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Laura Diefendorf,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue, my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael.⁣.⁣.⁣.⁣.⁣.⁣#alphagal #alphagala #alphagalactose #alphagalactoseallergy #alphagalactosidase #alphagalallergy #alphagalates #alphagalaxy #alphagaldiet #alphagaleats #alphagalencouragersnwa #alphagaljourney #alphagallergy #alphagallery  #alphagalley #alphagalliving  #alphagalrecipes #alphagalsafe #alphagalsucks #alphagalsupport #alphagalsyndrome

You know that little voice in your head saying you can do better or more?  That you're not good enough, successful enough?  That you aren't worthy of what you have or that you should feel guilty for wanting more? Women have an inherent inner critic thats been cultivated by society for decades.  That voice contributes to the heaviness we feel emotionally and physically… learning to listen and heal this inner critic is really the most joyous way to lose weight (on the scale and for our minds)I had a life-changing conversation with Dr. Priyanka Venugopal about Healing Your Inner Critic and here are some of the questions we answered:***************- What does it mean to have an inner critic?- How do you identify her?- Where does she come from?- Is it ok to want more?- What is inner brilliance?- How do we turn the critic into a cheerleader?- Is it really just me criticizing myself?- Why do we tend to deflect praise or compliments?- How do I begin to believe that I'm capable of handling it all?- How do I begin to believe that I feel safe and am ok?- How do I do this without having to convince myself?- How does the inner critic contribute to body image issues?- How do I reconcile my appearance with my self-worth?- How do I stop comparing myself to others?***************Hi, I'm Priyanka. I'm a board certified Ob/Gyn now turned life and weight loss coach for ambitious working moms. I help women create lightness for their bodies and their life.For more information from Dr. Venugopal you can find her at:www.theunstoppablemombrain.comIG: @theunstoppablemombrain***************Thanks so much for listening! There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Priyanka Venugopal,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue, my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael. 

You've made it! You have the career, the partner, the family you envisioned. But you're heavy, exhausted & you keep hearing that voice in your head & your heart. It's quiet at first, but  grows as time passes.  It's saying:  "What if there's more? What if I want to change, do something different? These are the questions Dr. Radhika Sharma asked herself.  She was stuck in the proverbial quick sand. Walking through the door of her garage after a long day of work, with one arm full of groceries, the other of tasks that needed to be completed, a back pack slung over her shoulder full of work, she admitted, "I'm ready for a change, I'm ready to look for more."What if you could organize your thoughts & feelings? What if you could recognize what the voice inside of you was trying to tell you? What if you could live the way you wanted to live? Would you take the chance?I had the great pleasure of talking with Dr. Sharma about her transition & how she helps other people navigate theirs, both intentional & unexpected.   Here are some of the questions we answered:***************- How did Dr. Sharma come to a career in Life Transitions Coach after being an OB/GYN?- Why do many women feel guilt or shame around wanting something more or different?- What is the social self vs. the essential self?- Why is there such huge emotional distance between fulfilled basic needs & the peak of self-actualization?- What does it look like to assess our needs & wants?- What if the transition is unexpected or unintentional?- Why do we tend to avoid change?- What if I make a change & it doesn't work?- How did COVID spark a pandemic of self-reflection?- How do we define success & why is the definition so personal?- Should our vision for success change in different seasons of life?- How does our approach to our priorities affect our loved ones?- How does income factor into making major life transitions?- What is thought work & how does it affect this process?- How does the body compass work?- Why do we have to get to ourselves before we can make change?- Can my transition occur in steps? - Will this be easy?***************As a mother, wife & physician, Dr. Sharma was stuck & did not see any way out. She found life coaching, which allowed her to recognize her authentic & essential self. While maintaining a career as an Ob/GYN, Dr. Sharma collaborates with clients to help them challenge the obstacles in their lives, follow their essential self & make it through some of their most challenging times. Whether it is new parenthood, starting a new career, changing careers, finding wellness & peace, Dr. Sharma helps tp find clarity & focus, uncover & achieve goals. Through her Martha Beck training & years of medical practice, she helps clients challenge their thoughts, feelings & doubts, in order to uncover the life they really want to live.For more information from Dr. Sharma you can find her at:https://busyobees.comIG & TikTok: @busyobmama***************Thanks so much for listening!  There's lots more on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, check out:www.therealmichaelvm.com/musicAll my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Radhika Sharma,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue, my creative director: Emily,my love, Michael. 

I know, I know… no one wants to talk about death and dying.  But in this episode, Board Certified Hospitalist Dr. Ciri Press and I tackle this tough topic - End of Life Planning & Advance Directives. We are breaking down your options and why it’s so important to start having conversations about your end-of-life care. Whether you’re young and healthy, living with chronic medical problems, are in the later season of life, OR if you are involved in the care of a loved one, this episode is a great one to flag for reference.  We're all going to need this information at some point (hopefully later rather than sooner)!  ***************What is an advance directive?Why is it important to have your wishes for end-of-life care documented?What is a next of kin?What are the issues with NOT having an advance directive and leaving the decision up to your family?Why is it important to have end of life care discussions prior to being hospitalized?How does age affect these decisions?Who is the best person to select as a healthcare Power of Attorney?Can medicine fix everything? Ha.Why is our society so uncomfortable with death?Is TV resuscitation realistic?Is the advance directive reversible?What is palliative care?How successful is CPR?What do the terms Full Code, DNR & DNI mean?Are ventilators used for anything other than end of life care?What’s a good way to start the conversation with your family?When is National Black Women Physician's Day & how can we lend our support? (Feb 8th)***************Dr. Ciri Press, MD was born and raised on the Westside of the City of Chicago. Not wanting to leave her home town, she chose to complete her Pre-Med studies at Northwestern University. She went on to earn her Medical Doctorate from Loyola University Chicago - Stritch School of Medicine at the age of 27 years old. Once she earned her doctorate, she decided to expand her network and leave the city that she loves so much. Dr. Ciri completed her residency training in Internal Medicine at a university hospital in Richmond, Virginia. During her third and final year of residency, she discovered Instagram! She saw that it could be a great platform to inspire more minority women to become physicians. With this mission in mind, Sistas In Medicine®️ was born. In 2018, after completing her residency training, Dr. Ciri obtained her Board Certification in Internal Medicine.  She recently helped to found and recognize National Black Women Physician's Day!  Dr. Press is currently practicing as a Hospitalist in the Atlanta area, and outside of work, she is a dedicated wife and mother.  ***************For more information from Dr. Press, you can find her on Instagram at:@ciripmd@sistasinmedicine@nbwpd.official***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Ciri Press,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.#endoflifecare #dyingwithdignity #advancedirective #dnr #dni #lifeplanning

Have you ever tried to become a runner?  How many times have you started and stopped and started again only to find that it doesn't stick?  The answer for me is countless. ***************In this episode, Pediatrician and Certified Run Coach Dr. Michelle Quirk and I tackle the question, So, You Want to Become a Runner?   For those out there who would like to try running, maybe for the 2nd or 50th time, and make it stick, we have got you covered with answers to all your questions including:-Is it possible to enjoy running?-Can anyone be a runner?-How do you shift to the mindset of a runner?-What is the run-walk method?-Is running hard on your body?-Is running the preferred method of cardio?-What about my injuries?-What are the benefits of running?-How does running change your body?-How do I get started on the road to becoming a runner?-How far in advance should I sign up for a race?-What is plateauing?-What about footwear?-What is the best type of surface to run on?-How mindful do you need to be when running?-What about working out with a partner who is a different skill level?-Any tips or tricks in terms of form?***************Dr. Michelle Quirk is a Board-Certified Pediatrician practicing in Philadelphia and a certified run coach with the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). She completed her medical training at Penn State College of Medicine and completed her residency in Pediatrics at Georgetown University Hospital. She founded Mindful Marathon to help make running easy and fun for busy professionals. For anyone thinking that running is too hard or that they can’t be runners, she is ready to help you fall in love with running! It comes as no surprise that she loves running races - especially RunDisney races, and traveling and hiking with her husband.***************For more information from Dr. Quirk, you can find her at:www.mindful-marathon.comIG: @mindful.marathonFB: @mindfulmarathonYouTube: @mindfulmarathonIn person coaching in the Philadelphia area is available!***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Michelle Quirk,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.#running #runner #runlife #runcommunity #becomearunner #runmotivation #runclub #runcoach

In this episode, Dr. Judith Borger and I discuss Botox & Fillers including answers to the following questions:- What procedures does Dr. Borger do in her practice?- How did Dr. Borger transition from a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician to an Aesthetic Physician?- How do your interests in your appearance change as you get older?- How does someone begin to learn about the aesthetic procedures that are available and where to go to get them done?- What are some red flags for injectors that you want to avoid?- Why is the aesthetics consult so individualized?- How does budget factor in?- How do you manage expectations?- What are some safety considerations?- What kind of habits can help skin age well?- Once and for all, is Botox preventive?- How does Botox work and how long does it last?- What is the typical age you will treat and what is the youngest?- Do you use Botox for medical reasons like Bell's Palsy or hyperhydrosis?- What can patients do to prepare for their aethetics visit?- How do you manage complications?- What are fillers and how are they used?- What is vascular occlusion? - Can fever sores be prevented when injecting filler, especially ?- What are the aftercare instructions for Botox & fillers?- How long do fillers last and are they reversible?- How do lipid dissolvers like Kybella work?- How do other treatments like chemical peels, ultrasound and lasers / hair removal help with the whole picture?- How far in advance of a big event should someone seek out treatment?- Is Botox safe during breastfeeding?***************Dr. Judith Borger is a multi-passionate physician-leader who is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine and practices Pediatric Emergency Medicine.  In addition she is a researcher, national lecturer and core faculty at an EM residency. She is the owner of Concierge Medical Arts in Fayetteville NC, offers business and life coaching and hosts The Aesthetic Doctor Podcast.***************For more information from Dr. Borger, you can find her at:www.theaestheticdoctor.com www.conciergemedicalarts.comand IG: @doctorborgerThe Aesthetic Doctor Podcast. On all major platformsAesthetic medicine practice in Fayetteville NC: Concierge Medical Arts***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Judith Borger,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.#aestheticmedicine #aesthetics #nonsurgicalfacelift #botox #botoxday #botoxface #botoxfiller #botoxserum  #botoxfacial #botoxinjections #botoxcosmetic #botoxlifting #botoxlips #Juvederm #juvedermlips #juvedermultra #juvedermsmile #juvedermVoluma #juvedermvolift #JuvedermVollure  #JuvedermUltraPlus #JuvedermUltra3 #JuvedermInjector #juvederm3 #JuvedermVolite #juvedermvolumaxc #juvedermvolbella #juvedermxc #juvedermxcplus #juvedermultrasmile #lipfiller 

In this episode, Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown and I discuss How to Get the High Quality Sleep You Dream Of, including answers to the following questions:- As a Pediatric Pulmonologist, how did Dr. Brown become interested in Sleep Medicine as a means of helping families improve their health?- How does sleep deprivation affect other parts of our life - such as work, relationships, parenting?- What is "sleep hygiene?"- What does a proper sleep environment look like?- What is social jet lag?- How do devices and blue light affect sleep?- How do sleep crutches develop, why are they harmful and how can we break them?- What is CREATE?- How does the caffeine - alcohol cycle impair sleep?- How can we accommodate for changes in our routine?- What's the story with naps?- Are biphasic / segmented sleep patterns (sleeping in blocks instead of one stretch) helpful or harmful?- How can night-shift workers improve their sleep routine?- How does light affect sleep quality?- What do circadian rhythm, sleep pressure, sleep inertia and sleep debt mean?- What should we do if we can't fall asleep?- Is there a role for sleep aids like melatonin, antihistamines (Benadryl), sedatives (Ambien, Lunesta) or benzos (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin)?- What is the optimal time to exercise to get a good night's sleep?- What are some warning signs of medical sleep disorders as opposed to just difficulty sleeping?***************Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown is a Board-Certified Pediatric Pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine Physician, speaker, educator and writer. As the founder of Restful Sleep MD she helps busy professional women and their families prioritize sleep to not only achieve their optimal health but also thrive and live to their fullest potential. She emphasizes sleep as a critical pillar of health and aims to educate and empower women through coaching, courses and programs. Dr. Brown also works with organizations and businesses to improve employee health by incorporating healthy sleep as part of their wellness journey. Dr. Brown is here to help families learn how to create the best versions of themselves without sacrificing their health and losing sleep!***************For more from Dr. Brown check out:https://www.restfulsleepmd.com/IG/FB  @restfulsleepmd***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Funke Afolabi-Brown,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascots: Jules & Penny Sue, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.#insomnia #insomniac #insomniacs #sleephealth #sleepdisorders #fatigue #tired #sleephygiene #goodnightssleep #insomniaproblems #insomniarelief #sleephacks#sleepmedicine #gotosleep

In this episode, Dr. Sheila Carroll and I discuss Approaching Weight Issues in Children including answers to the following questions:- How did Dr. Carroll get into coaching children and their families improve their weight?- How does Dr. Carroll direct the conversation around a child's weight?- Can the parent's concern about weight affect the child negatively?- How did Dr. Carroll's experience at a young age affect her weight mindset?- What is the general approach to discussing weight in a pediatric office - both overweight and underweight?- How important are BMI and growth curves?- What is the general approach to recommending weight loss?- How can you manage thoughts and mindset around weight?- What is the thoughts-feelings-actions cycle?- Why is it more effective for the family to make healthy changes than just the affected child?- What is the 5-2-1-0 approach?***************Dr. Sheila Carroll is a Board Certified Pediatrician with almost two decades of experience in both inpatient and outpatient pediatrics experience. She completed medical school at the University of Vermont, Internship at Case Western Reserve Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital, and Residency at Brown University / Hasbro Children's Hospital. Dr. Carroll is also became a Certified Life/Weight Loss Coach from The Life Coach School, and received an Advanced Coaching Certification from Corinne Crabtree / No BS Weight Loss. She was born and raised and loves living in Maine with her family.***************For more from Dr. Carroll check out:www.sheilcarrollmd.com***************Thanks so much for listening!  If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more, please leave a review, subscribe and share!You can always find more information on my website:www.drlexlifestylemedicine.comand....If you love the music, you can find more at:www.therealmichaelvm.com/music*****************All my love & gratitude to:my guests: Dr.  Sheila Carroll,my inspiration: my patients,my idea guy: Edward,my intro crew: Izzy, Lance & Lucia,my tech & equipment guy: Pop,my angel: Susie,my music & sound guy: Mike VM,my mascot: Jules, my creative director & cheerleader: Emily,my love, Michael.

In this very special episode, my own doctor Dr.  Alexander Kofinas & I discuss Unexplained Infertility & Recurrent Pregnancy Loss including answers to the following questions:- How did Dr. Kofinas identify my condition & save the lives of my two babies?- Why should specialists practice with the mindset of a general practitioner?- What is Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM)?- How does someone desiring pregnancy know which type of doctor to see?- Why does Dr. Kofinas consider an "IVF failure" of a normal baby a pregnancy loss? - What is the true rate of pregnancy loss?- Most doctors define infertility as the inability to get pregnant after one year, but why does Dr. Kofinas argue that women with even one pregnancy loss should have a basic workup?- When does ovarian function & egg quality begin to decline?- Why is the term "unexplained" infertility inaccurate?- Which environmental factors contribute to infertility & pregnancy loss?- What basic workup should be done for a woman desiring children PRIOR to seeking infertility treatment?- At what age should the fertility evaluation begin?- How do diet/nutrition, exercise & insulin resistance affect a couple's fertility?- What does a fertility workup involve?- What tests should be done on the male partner?- What is the difference between IVF, IUI & ICSI?- What is a HSG?- What are endocrine disruptors & why are they dangerous?- What are the effects of polyphenols?- What does research say about the Mediterranean Diet?- What are telomeres & why are they important?- How does placental health correlate with life expectancy?- What systemic medical conditions can affect fertility?- Why is it so important to identify & treat endometriosis early on?- What are MTHFR, PAI & ACE gene deletions?- What guidance does Dr. Kofinas give for women who do not have insurance, benefits or finances to cover the cost of fertility workup & treatment?- How does Vitamin D correlate with autism?- Where can you find Dr. Kofinas's book The Working Womb?***************Alexander D. Kofinas, MD is the Director & Founder of KOFINAS PERINATAL. He is board certified in Ob/GYN & Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Dr. Kofinas trained in MFM at Wake Forest, where he kept a full-time position for 5 years. He has taught medical students, residents, & conducted research in the physiology of the myometrium & the mechanism of labor, as well as pioneering research on fetal cardio and uteroplacental vascular systems. Since his return to NY in 1994, Dr. Kofinas has been involved in ongoing research & is regularly invited to speak at perinatal forums in the US & abroad. His research has been published in the most authoritative American and international medical journals & textbooks.  Dr. Kofinas’ exceptionalism, however, comes from his unparalleled understanding of the fetal placenta, the most neglected human organ according to an official NIH statement. His  experience with infertility patients has imparted him with an inestimable view of the placenta from its absolute earliest stages at five weeks gestation, allowing him to identify & resolve prenatal complications earlier & more effectively than anyone else in his field.Dr. Kofinas has been selected by the New York magazine as one of the very few "Best Doctors" in the major tristate area eight times & has been one of the "Top Doctors" in New York metro area according to the New York Magazine. In addition, Dr. Kofinas has earned numerous awards as the most compassionate & of the highest quality by other regional and online rating agencies.***************For more from Dr. Kofinas check out:https://www.kofinasperinatal.org/