Health Discovered

Vaping, the act of inhaling an aerosol created by an electronic cigarette or vape, has been on the rise among youth. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, between 2020 and 2024, the share of current users who vaped every day increased from 15.4% to 28.8%. The vaping and nicotine products available to young people today are not the cigarettes we were warned about growing up. They can create a real compulsion in a young brain after just a handful of exposures. To break down the dangers of vaping, we spoke to Frank T. Leone, MD, MS, director of University of Pennsylvania’s Comprehensive Smoking Treatment Program, about the real health risks of vaping – how it’s not just water vapor – and the dangers of synthetic nicotine, how parents can meet their child with curiosity, not adversity, in talking to them about vaping, and real evidence-based tools available to help you or your child navigate this problem together.
Credits
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Frank T. Leone, MD, MS
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When someone you love is in the hospital, the experience can feel overwhelming – filled with unfamiliar faces, complex medical terms, and fast-moving decisions. In this episode, we speak with Ashley Williams, BSN, RN, registered nurse at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, about how patient advocates and clinical coordinators help guide patients through their care journey. From understanding treatment plans and coordinating second opinions to knowing who to call with questions, these professionals can make a difficult time feel more manageable. We also hear from Lauren LaTourette, LCSW, APHSW-C, clinical social worker at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, who shares insight into working with your healthcare team during complex medical situations. If you or a loved one is facing a serious diagnosis, this episode offers guidance on building support and navigating care with confidence.
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guests: Ashley Williams, BSN, RN; Lauren LaTourette, LCSW, APHSW-C
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of men – about half of those in their 50s, with prevalence increasing by decade. Yet sexual health is often left out of routine care, not for lack of importance, but because it can feel difficult to discuss. Speaking up matters: ED is frequently an early sign of underlying health conditions. In this episode, board-certified urologist Ashley Winter, MD, explains what’s happening in the body, how lifestyle factors influence ED, and the full range of treatment options. She also addresses the emotional and relational impact of ED – and how individuals and couples can navigate it together with openness and support.
Credits
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Ashley Winter, MD
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and high cholesterol is a major contributor – yet it often has no symptoms. You can feel healthy and still be at risk for heart attack or stroke. So what should you really know? Is it just about diet, and when should you get tested? In this episode, preventive cardiologist Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD, breaks down what’s changed in how we understand cholesterol, why knowing your numbers matters, and how to take practical steps to protect your heart. We also address common concerns about statins and why they’re not something to fear. The key: partner with your doctor to build a plan that works for you long term.
Credits
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GLP-1 medications are changing how we approach weight management – but they’re just one part of a bigger, more compassionate picture. In this episode, we explore why shame and blame have never worked in treating obesity and how shared decision-making can lead to better outcomes. Obesity is a chronic disease, not a personal failure, and effective care must be rooted in respect, science, and realistic expectations. We spoke with Robert Kushner, MD, renowned obesity medicine specialist, who breaks down how GLP-1s work, the different options available – from pills to injections – and how to partner with your doctor to find the approach that’s right for you.
Credits
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Robert Kushner, MD
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.