On Health with Houston Methodist

• Stress & Anxiety: How to Tell the Difference & Tips for Coping

  Stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same — and understanding the difference matters. While stress actually can be helpful in short bursts, anxiety can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health. With 42 million Americans living with anxiety — and nearly half of Gen Z reporting the feeling — it’s time to unpack what’s normal, what’s not and how to cope. In this episode, we explore why anxiety is on the rise and practical strategies to help you feel more in control. Expert: Dr. Olivia Tomasco, Primary Care Physician Notable topics covered: How to tell the difference between stress and anxiety When stress can be beneficial — and when it becomes harmful Fight, flight … freeze? What happens when you retreat inward Digital overload and social media: The new anxiety triggers Are some people naturally more anxious? Coping tricks everyone should know, including the truth about the sleepy girl mocktail Self-care, therapy, medications: Options for managing anxiety disorders The role of your primary care provider in supporting mental health OCD and anxiety: How they’re connected How to know when it’s time to ask for help — and where to start Common myths about stress and anxiety that need to go away If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

  --------  

  33:35

  --------

  33:35
• Staying Active: What Counts as Exercise & How Much Is Enough?

  Wondering whether your exercise routine is hitting the mark? You’re not alone. Most of us leave P.E. class behind without ever really learning how to work out as adults. In this episode, we break down what counts as exercise, how much you need and why intensity matters. From everyday activities to structured workouts, learn what truly moves the needle for your health and fitness. Plus, practical tips for tracking progress and staying consistent — without overcomplicating things. Expert: Dr. Jonathan Zalamea, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician Notable topics covered: Physical activity vs. exercise: What’s the difference? Walking the dog, cleaning the house, yardwork — do they count? How heart rate plays into exercise intensity and why that matters It’s not all cardio — the value of strength training Exercise isn’t the only wellness factor that impacts your fitness Tips for staying motivated for exercise New to the gym? What to try first Fitness tracking: The good, the bad, the fixation Tips for recovering between workouts What to do if pain or injury sets you back If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

  --------  

  37:26

  --------

  37:26
• Fiber: Should You Be ‘Fibermaxxing’?

  Move over, protein: Fiber is the newest macronutrient darling of the food world. Content creators promoting optimal digestion suggest we maximize fiber intake — “fibermaxxing” — by eating fiber-rich foods with every meal and snack as well as using fiber supplements as needed. The fibermaxxing crowd claims the approach can help with everything from gut health to improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels and may even aid in cancer prevention. Can increased fiber intake and other digestion-related trends, such as the dense bean salad and post-meal walks, really deliver better overall health? Expert: Dr. Michael Allen, primary care physician Notable topics: What is fiber, and what role does it play in our diet?How much fiber you need in a day (you’re probably not getting enough)Who needs more fiber, and who needs to moderate their intake?How the body reacts when you have too little or too much fiber in your diet Is fibermaxxing a safe trend?The role hydration plays when increasing fiber intakeDense bean salad: Is it a healthy option?Can taking a walk after eating really help with your digestion and blood sugar levels? How to safely start increasing your fiber intakeIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

  --------  

  38:27

  --------

  38:27
• Gut Microbiome Tests: What They Do (& Don't) Tell You

  What if there were tests that could determine which foods to add or subtract from your diet for optimal health? That’s just one of many overarching claims of the various gut microbiome tests now available and gaining popularity online. But can an over-the-counter test really tell you how healthy (or unhealthy) your gut microbiome is? A gastroenterologist breaks down what you should know about these expensive consumer health tests. Expert: Dr. Christopher Fan, gastroenterologist Notable topics: The differences between tests gastroenterologists use and at-home testsIs there a true definition of a healthy gut microbiome?Do we actually know which microbes are “good" or “bad?”Can you address constipation, bloating and other symptoms through these tests? Leaky gut: The truth about this term making the rounds onlineWho (if anyone) might benefit from gut microbiome testingActions you can take to promote a healthy, happy gut microbiomeIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

  --------  

  33:45

  --------

  33:45
• Burnout: How to Spot It & What to Do About It

  Burnout has become one of the hallmarks of modern life. Nearly half of workers worldwide report the feeling, a percentage that’s been rising steadily since the pandemic blurred the line between work and free time. But what exactly is burnout? How can you tell when stress becomes something more serious? And why does it seem to be spreading across so many professions and age groups? In this week’s episode, we explore the roots of burnout, its effects on mind and body and what it takes to restore energy, purpose, and balance.Expert: Dr. William Orme, PsychologistNotable topics covered:The three defining characteristics of burnoutThe professions, personality traits, age groups most at riskAre you burned out — or do you just not like your job?The art of knowing how to say “no” in the workplaceThe 42% rule: the time your body and brain need to spend restingIt’s not a medical condition, it’s an occupational phenomenon  The warning signs you may be experiencing burnoutWhat to do when you’re burning out, but quitting your job isn’t an optionWhen should you see a mental health professional about burnout?If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

  --------  

  39:13

  --------

  39:13

More Health & Wellness podcasts

Trending Health & Wellness podcasts

About On Health with Houston Methodist

On Health with Houston Methodist: Podcasts in Family