Your Checkup: Patient Education Health Podcast

Ed Delesky, MD and Nicole Aruffo, RN
  • 4.8 (18)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

Ever leave the doctor’s office more confused than when you walked in? Your Checkup: Health Conversations for Motivated Patients is your health ally in a world full of fast appointments and even faster Google searches. Each week, a board certified family medicine physician and a pediatric nurse sit down to answer the questions your doctor didn’t have time to. From understanding diabetes and depression to navigating obesity, high blood pressure, and everyday wellness—we make complex health topics simple, human, and actually useful. Whether you’re managing a condition, supporting a loved one, or just curious about your body, this podcast helps you get smart about your health without needing a medical degree. Because better understanding leads to better care—and you deserve both.

  1. 6d ago

    114: COPD Explained Clearly for Patients

    Breathing out shouldn’t feel like pushing air through a straw, but for millions of people that’s the daily reality of COPD. We sit down and translate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease into plain English, starting with what the name really means and why the main problem is often getting air out, not just getting air in. If you’ve ever heard someone say they “can’t catch their breath,” we give you a clear picture of what may be happening inside the lungs. We walk through a simple model of breathing using an upside-down tree and tiny balloon-like air sacs, then explain what changes in COPD: inflamed, narrowed airways and air sacs that lose their stretch. That combination can trap air, making each new breath feel harder than the last. We also talk about the slow burn of how COPD develops over time, why smoking is the most common cause, and how pollution, occupational dust or chemicals, secondhand smoke, and rare genetic factors can also play a role. From there, we get practical. We cover common COPD symptoms (shortness of breath with activity, chronic cough, mucus, wheezing, fatigue), how spirometry helps diagnose airflow limitation, and what treatment can actually do. We discuss inhalers, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy for advanced cases, and why staying up to date on flu, RSV, and COVID vaccines matters for people at higher risk. We also break down COPD exacerbations, the flare-ups often triggered by infections that can cause a step down in lung function, and why early prevention and timely care are so important. Stick around for our post-medicine banter too. If this helped you understand your body a little better, subscribe, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find straightforward health education. Send us a (voice ) message with this link, we would love to hear from you. Standard message rates may apply. Support the show Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD, DABOM & Nicole Aruffo, RN Artwork Rebrand and Avatars: Vantage Design Works (Vanessa Jones)  Website: https://www.vantagedesignworks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantagedesignworks?igsh=aHRuOW93dmxuOG9m&utm_source=qr Original Artwork Concept: Olivia Pawlowski

    20 min

  2. May 18

    113: Health Trends Everywhere Right Now: Hype vs Reality

    Cortisol is getting blamed for basically everything online, and we get why it’s tempting: it gives a neat explanation for feeling tired, stressed, bloated, or “off.” But as a family medicine doctor and a nurse, we want to bring the conversation back to what cortisol actually does, what real testing looks like, and why most people don’t need to treat normal life stress like a hormonal crisis. From there, we zoom out to other trendy health topics we keep seeing everywhere: gut health and the microbiome, pricey supplement stacks, and the promise that one test will finally explain your symptoms. We talk about the evidence and the limits, plus the unglamorous basics that move the needle for most people: fiber, plants, sleep, exercise, and cutting back on ultra-processed foods. We also dig into CGMs and “glucose spikes,” including what’s normal (yes, exercise can raise glucose) and what actually signals risk, like blood sugar staying elevated after meals. Then we hit high-protein culture, why protein helps, why more isn’t always better, and how longevity trends can distract from what matters most. Our bottom line: wellness marketing moves faster than science, so we aim for practical, evidence-based choices you can stick with. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a friend who’s stuck in health-trend overwhelm, and leave a review so more people can find the show. Send us a (voice ) message with this link, we would love to hear from you. Standard message rates may apply. Support the show Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD, DABOM & Nicole Aruffo, RN Artwork Rebrand and Avatars: Vantage Design Works (Vanessa Jones)  Website: https://www.vantagedesignworks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantagedesignworks?igsh=aHRuOW93dmxuOG9m&utm_source=qr Original Artwork Concept: Olivia Pawlowski

    42 min

  3. May 11

    112: Hantavirus Explained: Why Experts Are Watching This Rare Virus

    “Rare, deadly virus” is a phrase that can hijack your nervous system, especially after the last few years. We slow the whole story down and walk through what hantavirus is, why it’s trending again, and how to tell the difference between a serious public health investigation and a true pandemic threat. We start with the headline that pulled hantavirus back into the spotlight: an unusual outbreak tied to a cruise ship traveling through parts of South America, with multiple passengers becoming seriously ill and reported deaths. From there, we explain why experts are paying close attention to the Andes virus strain, the one hantavirus with evidence of possible person-to-person spread, and what that actually means in real life. The key nuance: even when human transmission happens, it appears to require close, prolonged contact, not the kind of casual exposure that drives rapid global spread. Then we zoom into the practical, everyday risks that matter most for listeners. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) can begin with flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and nausea, and in some cases it can progress quickly to severe lung problems. We cover the most common route of infection: rodent exposure, especially when cleaning dusty enclosed spaces like sheds, cabins, garages, barns, and attics. You’ll leave with clear prevention steps inspired by public health guidance, like ventilating first, using disinfectant, wearing gloves, and avoiding dry sweeping or vacuuming droppings. If you want facts, context, and a calmer way to process outbreak news, hit play, share this with someone who’s anxious about the headlines, and subscribe so you don’t miss the next checkup. If our show helps, leave a review and tell us what health topic you want us to unpack next. Send us a (voice ) message with this link, we would love to hear from you. Standard message rates may apply. Support the show Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD, DABOM & Nicole Aruffo, RN Artwork Rebrand and Avatars: Vantage Design Works (Vanessa Jones)  Website: https://www.vantagedesignworks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantagedesignworks?igsh=aHRuOW93dmxuOG9m&utm_source=qr Original Artwork Concept: Olivia Pawlowski

    24 min

  4. May 4

    111: What To Expect When You Begin a GLP-1

    GLP-1 medications can feel like a Rorschach test online: one person calls Ozempic or Wegovy a miracle, another calls it miserable, and almost nobody explains what the “normal middle” looks like. We wanted to fix that with a practical walkthrough of what tends to happen after you start a GLP-1 receptor agonist, especially in those first weeks when you’re on a low dose and you’re wondering if anything is happening at all.  We talk through the early ramp-up, realistic weight loss expectations, and the biggest lived experience change we hear from patients: food noise getting quieter. We break down the difference between normal hunger cues and constant appetite chatter, why cravings often drop, and how that creates a real window of opportunity to build routines that used to be hard. We also get honest about common side effects like nausea, constipation, and feeling overly full, plus simple strategies that can make them more manageable and safer.  Then we zoom out to the long game: what it means to treat obesity as a chronic condition, why plateaus don’t automatically mean the medication “stopped working,” and how to define success beyond a single scale number using cardiometabolic health wins. After the clinical talk, we lighten things up with some banter about Ollie’s pet store obsession and the strange things strangers say on a walk.  If this helped you, subscribe, share it with a loved one, and leave a review so more people can find practical, judgment-free education on GLP-1s and healthy weight loss. Send us a (voice ) message with this link, we would love to hear from you. Standard message rates may apply. Support the show Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD, DABOM & Nicole Aruffo, RN Artwork Rebrand and Avatars: Vantage Design Works (Vanessa Jones)  Website: https://www.vantagedesignworks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantagedesignworks?igsh=aHRuOW93dmxuOG9m&utm_source=qr Original Artwork Concept: Olivia Pawlowski

    32 min

  5. Apr 27

    110: When To Consider Starting a GLP-1 (Wegovy, Zepbound): Honest Guide for Patients

    A medication that can support weight loss, lower diabetes risk, and protect your heart sounds almost too good to be true. So we get practical about the real decision: not “Do I want a GLP-1?” but “What problem am I trying to solve?” If the goal is better metabolic health, less sleep apnea burden, improved blood pressure, or a long-term plan for obesity as a chronic disease, the conversation changes fast. We break down who should seriously consider GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, including the common BMI thresholds and the “BMI plus comorbidity” situations. We also talk about the people who have truly done the nutrition and exercise work, lost weight, and watched their body push back with hunger and regain. That’s where appetite dysregulation and biology matter, and where GLP-1s can become a powerful tool instead of a moral debate. We also cover who should pause before starting: anyone chasing a quick fix, anyone who hasn’t built foundational habits, or anyone who isn’t ready for the trade-offs like nausea, fatigue, or constipation. We dig into safety and long-term expectations, why stopping often brings symptoms back, and why easy access through med spas and low-oversight online clinics can be risky, especially with disordered eating history. If you want a calmer, more responsible way to decide, we’ll help you map the choice to your story. Subscribe for more practical health conversations, share this with a friend who’s on the fence, and leave a review if it helped. What’s the biggest question you still have about starting a GLP-1? Send us a (voice ) message with this link, we would love to hear from you. Standard message rates may apply. Support the show Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD, DABOM & Nicole Aruffo, RN Artwork Rebrand and Avatars: Vantage Design Works (Vanessa Jones)  Website: https://www.vantagedesignworks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantagedesignworks?igsh=aHRuOW93dmxuOG9m&utm_source=qr Original Artwork Concept: Olivia Pawlowski

    33 min

  6. Apr 20

    109: Why Your Weight Is Creeping Up (And What To Do About It)

    Ten extra calories a day. That’s it. That’s the kind of razor-thin margin that can quietly add a pound a year and it’s why so many people swear they “didn’t change anything” while the scale slowly drifted upward. We unpack the simple math behind the one pound rule, what the research shows across decades, and why the real story is rarely one dramatic habit. It’s a stack of tiny shifts: a little less walking, a little more convenience food, a little less sleep, a few more liquid calories.  From there, we get practical. We talk through an easy “build your plate” framework that makes balanced eating feel doable in real life, not like a list of rules. We also dig into movement in a more honest way: exercise is incredible for your heart, brain, and mood, but it really shines for weight maintenance and preventing weight regain. We cover strength training to protect lean muscle and basal metabolic rate, plus NEAT, the everyday movement that adds up when the daily margin is so small.  We also hit the sneaky stuff that sabotages progress: silent calories from sweet drinks, alcohol, oils, and butter, and the way processed foods can make it harder to notice fullness. Then we tie it together with two under-rated drivers of weight management: sleep and environment. Willpower comes and goes, but your environment is what you live in, so we share simple setups that make the healthier choice easier and help you avoid the all-or-nothing trap.  If you take one thing from this conversation, let it be this: you don’t need a perfect plan, you need one sustainable change you can repeat. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review, then tell us what small tweak you’re starting with this week. Send us a (voice ) message with this link, we would love to hear from you. Standard message rates may apply. Support the show Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD, DABOM & Nicole Aruffo, RN Artwork Rebrand and Avatars: Vantage Design Works (Vanessa Jones)  Website: https://www.vantagedesignworks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantagedesignworks?igsh=aHRuOW93dmxuOG9m&utm_source=qr Original Artwork Concept: Olivia Pawlowski

    46 min

  7. Apr 13

    108: What Actually Happens During a Heart Attack

    Your heart doesn’t “randomly” decide to have a heart attack, and that one idea can change how you react to symptoms. We sit down and explain, in plain language, what’s happening inside the body when a coronary artery suddenly gets blocked and why the phrase time is muscle is not just a slogan, it’s the whole game. We start with the basics: the heart is a muscle that needs its own oxygen supply, delivered through the coronary arteries. Then we connect the dots on how atherosclerosis develops over years, driven by risks like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and cholesterol that’s especially atherogenic such as LDL, apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and lipoprotein(a). The real turning point is plaque rupture. When an inflamed plaque breaks open, the body treats it like an injury and forms a clot that can partially or completely block blood flow, setting off a myocardial infarction and, if not reversed, heart muscle death. Next we translate that physiology into the symptoms people actually feel: chest pressure or heaviness, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and the confusing pain that can show up in the left arm, jaw, neck, or shoulder because of shared nerve pathways. We also talk about the hard truth and the hopeful part: not everything that looks like a heart attack is one, but it takes testing to know, and acting quickly can save heart tissue and improve outcomes. If this helped you, share it with someone you care about, subscribe for more practical patient education, and leave a review so more people can find the show. And please leave us a voicemail so we can feature your question in a future mailbag episode. Send us a (voice ) message with this link, we would love to hear from you. Standard message rates may apply. Support the show Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD, DABOM & Nicole Aruffo, RN Artwork Rebrand and Avatars: Vantage Design Works (Vanessa Jones)  Website: https://www.vantagedesignworks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantagedesignworks?igsh=aHRuOW93dmxuOG9m&utm_source=qr Original Artwork Concept: Olivia Pawlowski

    12 min

  8. Apr 6

    107: A New GLP1 Weight Loss Pill? What You Need to Know About Orforglipron (Foundayo)

    A GLP-1 that comes as a simple daily pill and can be taken with or without food sounds like a small change, until you think about real life. We’re celebrating two years of Your Checkup and sharing what’s surprised us most, from listeners across the country and around the world to the messages that stick with us, like families changing habits after a heart attack or patients bringing notes back after our diabetes episodes. Then we get practical about a timely healthcare headline: orforglipron, the newly approved oral GLP-1 receptor agonist from the same broader medication family as Ozempic and Wegovy. We talk through how GLP-1 medications work on appetite and fullness, what the 72-week clinical trial data actually shows for weight loss, and why “10% of body weight” isn’t a cosmetic metric but a medically meaningful shift for cardiometabolic health. We also dig into type 2 diabetes results, including A1C drops and how many people reached key treatment goals, plus the side effects you should expect with dose starts and increases. Finally, we compare the pill’s outcomes with injectable options like Wegovy and Zepbound, and we name the real problem many patients face now: access. Cost, insurance coverage, and convenience often decide more than the science does. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a loved one or neighbor, and leave a quick review so more patients can find clear, balanced health education. Send us a (voice ) message with this link, we would love to hear from you. Standard message rates may apply. Support the show Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD, DABOM & Nicole Aruffo, RN Artwork Rebrand and Avatars: Vantage Design Works (Vanessa Jones)  Website: https://www.vantagedesignworks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantagedesignworks?igsh=aHRuOW93dmxuOG9m&utm_source=qr Original Artwork Concept: Olivia Pawlowski

    27 min
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4.8
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Ever leave the doctor’s office more confused than when you walked in? Your Checkup: Health Conversations for Motivated Patients is your health ally in a world full of fast appointments and even faster Google searches. Each week, a board certified family medicine physician and a pediatric nurse sit down to answer the questions your doctor didn’t have time to. From understanding diabetes and depression to navigating obesity, high blood pressure, and everyday wellness—we make complex health topics simple, human, and actually useful. Whether you’re managing a condition, supporting a loved one, or just curious about your body, this podcast helps you get smart about your health without needing a medical degree. Because better understanding leads to better care—and you deserve both.

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