No Appointment Necessary

Viral Tribe Entertainment

Struggling to see your GP? Left late-night Googling your symptoms? You're not alone – and we’re here to help! No Appointment Necessary is your weekly prescription of trusted, no-nonsense health advice from working GP Dr Amir Khan, who’s here to cut through the confusion, bust the myths, and help you take charge of your well-being. Alongside him is his close friend and co-host Cherry Healey – a passionate health advocate on hand to ask your questions and get the very best info to help you feel in control. Over 80% of women say they don’t feel heard at the doctor’s, and with appointments so hard to get, and when you do get one they’re over in a flash, that’s why we’ve opened our doors for you to join us each week for real, relatable health advice, helpful lifestyle tips, and a catch-up with Dr Amir and Cherry. No pressure, no rush – and no receptionist to get past! The content of No Appointment Necessary is for general information — it's not a substitute for a personalised medical assessment. Always consider your own medical history and personal circumstances before acting on any health information. Have a question, feedback, or want to suggest a topic? Get in touch: Email: noappointmentpodcast@gmail.com Viral Tribe Production

  1. 9 HR AGO

    Is Alcohol Actually Poison?

    We’re giving you a peak behind the curtain as we share our first ever pilot episode of No Appointment Necessary, and it’s very fitting if you're doing Dry January. Join Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan as they take a look at alcohol. What it actually does to your body, your brain, and your hormones. Find out why women get drunk faster than men (and how your menstrual cycle, perimenopause and menopause change everything), plus why alcohol is technically a poison, why there’s no truly “safe” level of drinking, and how “wine o’clock” culture has shaped our relationship with booze. You’ll also learn why some people never get hangovers, what alcohol dependency really looks like, how to spot warning signs early, and practical ways to cut back without missing out. We've partnered with ⁠Randox Health⁠. Take their Everyman and Everywoman health check at ⁠randoxhealth.com⁠ - just use the code NAN15 to save 15%. Results will arrive in just 2 hours from your sample arriving at the lab. Have a question, feedback, or want to suggest a topic? Email: noappointmentpodcast@gmail.com Watch & listen on YouTube, Apple and Spotify. If this helped, please like, subscribe, and share. The content of No Appointment Necessary is for general information, it's not a substitute for a personalised medical assessment. Always consider your own medical history and personal circumstances before acting on any health information. A Viral Tribe Production Developed and produced by James Carpenter & Jo Scarratt-Jones 00:00 – Introduction 01:40 – What Happens in Your Body When You Drink Alcohol 03:55 – Alcohol and the Brain: Dopamine, Blackouts & Coordination 06:30 – Why Alcohol Is Addictive & the Dopamine Chase 08:40 – Do Men and Women Process Alcohol Differently? 11:10 – Menstrual Cycles, Perimenopause & Getting Drunker 14:30 – Hangovers, Genetics & Alcohol Intolerance 17:30 – Social Drinking, Mum Wine Culture & UK Drinking Habits 21:00 – Is There a Safe Way to Drink? Units, Limits & Dependency 25:45 – Cutting Back, Sober Curious & Healthier Dopamine Hits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    32 min
  2. 30/12/2025

    Health Anxiety is Real! Here's How To Beat It

    Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey open the surgery doors once again and answer your real health questions. We answer your questions on migraines, health anxiety, joint pain, bunions, strength training in later life and the everyday symptoms many people worry about but don’t always ask their GP. We've partnered with ⁠Randox Health⁠. Take their Everyman and Everywoman health check at ⁠randoxhealth.com⁠ - just use the code NAN15 to save 15%. Results will arrive in just 2 hours from your sample arriving at the lab. Have a question, feedback, or want to suggest a topic? Email: noappointmentpodcast@gmail.com Watch & listen on YouTube, Apple and Spotify. If this helped, please like, subscribe, and share. The content of No Appointment Necessary is for general information, it's not a substitute for a personalised medical assessment. Always consider your own medical history and personal circumstances before acting on any health information. A Viral Tribe Production Developed and produced by James Carpenter & Jo Scarratt-Jones Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:45 – Migraines: Triggers, Hormones & Stroke Risk 05:55 – Vaginal Oestrogen & Sex: Is It Safe for Partners? 07:15 – Smelly Armpits Without Excess Sweating 09:05 – Health Anxiety, Menopause & Medication 11:05 – Clicking Knees: Normal or Osteoarthritis? 12:40 – PCOS, High Testosterone & Excess Hair Growth 14:20 – Bunions: Can You Stop Them Getting Worse? 15:55 – Strength Training in Your 70s & Beyond 17:10 – Dizziness, Hydration & How Much Water You Really Need Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    24 min
  3. 23/12/2025

    Why Stress Wakes You Up at Night — And How to Fix It

    What do early morning wake ups, cold painful hands, menopausal weight gain and cholesterol warnings all have in common? In this episode, Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey open the surgery doors and answer real questions sent in by listeners. From cortisol and poor sleep, Raynaud’s phenomenon, menopause and muscle loss, to sex drive mismatches, pregnancy discomfort and preparing for knee replacement surgery… this is practical, reassuring medical advice without the panic. Dr Amir says his wisdom on hormones, stress, blood tests, cholesterol numbers, lifestyle changes that actually work, and when medication really helps. We've partnered with ⁠Randox Health⁠. Take their Everyman and Everywoman health check at ⁠randoxhealth.com⁠ - just use the code NAN15 to save 15%. Results will arrive in just 2 hours from your sample arriving at the lab. Have a question, feedback, or want to suggest a topic? Email: noappointmentpodcast@gmail.com Watch & listen on YouTube, Apple and Spotify. If this helped, please like, subscribe, and share. The content of No Appointment Necessary is for general information, it's not a substitute for a personalised medical assessment. Always consider your own medical history and personal circumstances before acting on any health information. A Viral Tribe Production Developed and produced by James Carpenter & Jo Scarratt-Jones Chapters: 00:00 – Inside the Surgery: Listener Questions, No Prep 02:13 – Why Cortisol Wakes You Up at 3am 04:00 – Do Hormones Disrupt Sleep? 04:22 – Raynaud’s: When Cold Hands Become Painful 06:36 – Mismatched Sex Drives in Midlife 08:01 – Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery 09:59 – Menopausal Weight Gain Explained 11:22 – Vertical Nail Splits After Illness 12:48 – Painful Sex During Pregnancy 14:25 – Cognitive Shuffling vs ADHD Brains 15:19 – Should You Worry About ‘Amber’ Cholesterol? 18:08 – Why This Surgery Is Coming Back Next Week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    22 min
  4. 16/12/2025

    Why Does Grief Hurt So Much Physically?

    In this episode, Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey explore the real physical impact of grief and loss, from bereavement and miscarriage to heartbreak, job loss and losing a pet. Dr Amir explains why grief can cause symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, digestive problems, anxiety, low immunity and exhaustion, and he reveals the science behind Broken Heart Syndrome, a very real medical condition triggered by extreme emotional stress. Content warning: This episode discusses grief, bereavement, loss and emotional distress. Please make sure you’re in the right headspace before listening. If this episode brings up difficult feelings, you don’t have to deal with them alone. UK support: If you’re struggling or feel at risk, you can contact Samaritans free, 24/7 on 116 123, or visit samaritans.org. If you’re outside the UK, please seek local crisis support services in your country or speak to a trusted healthcare professional. We've partnered with ⁠Randox Health⁠. Take their Everyman and Everywoman health check at ⁠randoxhealth.com⁠ - just use the code NAN15 to save 15%. Results will arrive in just 2 hours from your sample arriving at the lab. Have a question, feedback, or want to suggest a topic? Email: noappointmentpodcast@gmail.com Watch & listen on YouTube, Apple and Spotify. If this helped, please like, subscribe, and share. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction – Understanding grief and loss00:37 – Welcome to No Appointment Necessary00:59 – Episode focus & sponsor message02:35 – What grief really is and why it hurts physically05:22 – Love, loss & broken heart syndrome08:30 – When to see your GP: grief vs depression10:55 – Healing over time & how the body adapts12:48 – How to support someone who is grieving27:16 – Miscarriage, pet loss & unseen grief34:53 – Health hack: showing up for others A Viral Tribe Production Developed and produced by James Carpenter & Jo Scarratt-Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    37 min
  5. 09/12/2025

    How To Cut Your Risk Of Dementia By 60%

    In this episode of No Appointment Necessary, Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey look into one of the most important topics in modern health... your brain! From brain fog and menopause to Alzheimer’s, dementia, memory loss, stress and sleep, they share practical advice you can start using today. And can you really cut your risk of dementia by 60%? Dr Amir breaks down the latest research, and the simple lifestyle changes that make the biggest difference. The content of No Appointment Necessary is for general information, it's not a substitute for a personalised medical assessment. Always consider your own medical history and personal circumstances before acting on any health information. We've partnered with ⁠Randox Health⁠. Take their Everyman and Everywoman health check at randoxhealth.com - just use the code NAN15 to save 15%. Results will arrive in just 2 hours from your sample arriving at the lab. Have a question, feedback, or want to suggest a topic? Email: noappointmentpodcast@gmail.com Watch & listen on YouTube, Apple and Spotify. If this helped, please like, subscribe, and share. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction - What is brain fog?01:08 – Brain health: this week’s focus01:29 – Sponsor: Randox Health & biomarker testing02:24 – Causes of brain fog: hormones, sleep & mood05:21 – When memory issues need a GP check08:56 – Dementia vs Alzheimer’s explained09:29 – Inside the Alzheimer’s brain: plaques, tangles & inflammation11:45 – How to reduce dementia risk: exercise, sleep & diet14:29 – Hearing, sight & oral health links to brain function21:20 – Stress, cortisol & daily habits for a healthier brain A Viral Tribe Production Developed and produced by James Carpenter & Jo Scarratt-Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    35 min
  6. 25/11/2025

    What Does Your Skin, Hair and Nails Really Say About Your Health?

    Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey talk about the latest trends in beauty with skin, hair and nails. What actually works, what’s a waste of money, and how your hormones, age, and lifestyle play a bigger role than any viral product. From hyaluronic acid vs ceramides, to SPF truths, gel nails safety, perimenopause acne, hair thinning, and the reality of the beauty industry targeting children, this is your medically-backed guide to healthy skin, strong nails, and thicker hair. The content of No Appointment Necessary is for general information — it's not a substitute for a personalised medical assessment. Always consider your own medical history and personal circumstances before acting on any health information. We've partnered with Randox Health. Take their Everyman and Everywoman health check at randoxhealth.com - just use the code NAN15 to save 15%. Results will arrive in just 2 hours from your sample arriving at the lab. An itchy, irritated scalp could be a sign of hard water rather than a “you” problem — and Polytar, trusted by doctors for over 60 years, can help treat dandruff, psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis at the source. See the full Hard Water Hair Report at polytar.co.uk and use code Appointment10 for 10% off Have a question, feedback, or want to suggest a topic? Email: noappointmentpodcast@gmail.com Watch & listen on YouTube, Apple and Spotify. If this helped, please like, subscribe, and share. 00:00 – Welcome & today’s topic: skin, hair and nails00:31 – Sponsor message: Randox Health & biomarker testing02:19 – Christmas beauty products & what’s medically worth it02:58 – The 3 essential pillars of skin health: cleanser, moisturiser, SPF04:19 – How to choose cleansers through the seasons (summer vs winter)05:11 – Moisturisers that actually work: hyaluronic acid & ceramides08:16 – SPF explained: numbers, UV protection & daily habits15:38 – Hormones, menopause & acne: why adult acne happens19:16 – Beauty industry & young teens: risks, chemicals & pressures25:37 – Nails & hair: gel nails, nail health, hormones & menopause hair loss A Viral Tribe Production Developed and produced by James Carpenter & Jo Scarratt-Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    38 min
  7. 18/11/2025

    Are Women Being Misdiagnosed With Anxiety Instead of Menopause?

    In this episode, Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan talk about anxiety, perimenopause and menopause, and how shifting hormones can completely hijack your mental health. Dr Amir explains the significant role of oestrogen, progesterone, serotonin, dopamine, GABA and cortisol in menopausal anxiety, why so many women are misdiagnosed with depression or generalised anxiety disorder, and what to do if you’re told “it’s just your hormones”. They unpack HRT, lifestyle changes, CBT, SSRIs, beta blockers, breathwork and practical tools for managing panic attacks… PLUS, when to push for a second opinion. CONTENT NOTE: This episode includes a brief reference to suicide in a medical context. If you’re experiencing difficult thoughts and in need of support, you can speak to Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. The content of No Appointment Necessary is for general information — it's not a substitute for a personalised medical assessment. Always consider your own medical history and personal circumstances before acting on any health information. We've partnered with Randox Health. Take their Everyman and Everywoman health check at randoxhealth.com - just use the code NAN15 to save 15%. Results will arrive in just 2 hours from your sample arriving at the lab. An itchy, irritated scalp could be a sign of hard water rather than a “you” problem — and Polytar, trusted by doctors for over 60 years, can help treat dandruff, psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis at the source. See the full Hard Water Hair Report at polytar.co.uk and use code Appointment10 for 10% off Have a question, feedback, or want to suggest a topic? Email: noappointmentpodcast@gmail.com Watch & listen on YouTube, Apple and Spotify. If this helped, please like, subscribe, and share. Chapters: 02:00 – Why today’s episode is all about anxiety 02:19 – Cherry’s perimenopause anxiety story & night-time panic attacks 04:23 – Hormones, brain chemicals & what actually causes menopausal anxiety 10:20 – Misdiagnosis, medical misogyny & asking for HRT 19:07 – What is generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)? 25:58 – Medication for anxiety: SSRIs, beta blockers & side effects 29:29 – Lifestyle changes, herbal remedies & breathwork explained 31:39 – Panic attacks: what they feel like & how to get out of one 40:48 – ChatGPT Q&A, white-coat blood pressure anxiety & winter daylight health hack A Viral Tribe Production Developed and produced by James Carpenter & Jo Scarratt-Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    47 min

About

Struggling to see your GP? Left late-night Googling your symptoms? You're not alone – and we’re here to help! No Appointment Necessary is your weekly prescription of trusted, no-nonsense health advice from working GP Dr Amir Khan, who’s here to cut through the confusion, bust the myths, and help you take charge of your well-being. Alongside him is his close friend and co-host Cherry Healey – a passionate health advocate on hand to ask your questions and get the very best info to help you feel in control. Over 80% of women say they don’t feel heard at the doctor’s, and with appointments so hard to get, and when you do get one they’re over in a flash, that’s why we’ve opened our doors for you to join us each week for real, relatable health advice, helpful lifestyle tips, and a catch-up with Dr Amir and Cherry. No pressure, no rush – and no receptionist to get past! The content of No Appointment Necessary is for general information — it's not a substitute for a personalised medical assessment. Always consider your own medical history and personal circumstances before acting on any health information. Have a question, feedback, or want to suggest a topic? Get in touch: Email: noappointmentpodcast@gmail.com Viral Tribe Production

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