Health Recoded

Alex Carter

Understand your body. Understand your health.Health can feel overwhelming. Health Recoded breaks down complex health topics into clear, human explanations that actually make sense.Hosted by a nurse, each episode explores what’s happening inside the body — from hormones, metabolism, and the brain to stress, emotions, sexual health, exercise, and the healthcare system — and connects the science to how it actually shows up in real life.This isn’t about quick fixes or medical fear-mongering. It’s about building health literacy, connecting the dots, and helping you feel more confident understanding your own health.*This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for guidance provided directly by your own medical practitioner.*

  1. 7h ago

    Sleep & Circadian Rhythms Explained: Insomnia, Jet Lag & Better Sleep

    How can you fall asleep faster? What causes insomnia? Why does jet lag disrupt your sleep? And how do you know when difficulty sleeping is something to be concerned about? In this episode of Health Recoded, I speak with Jessica Fink, LCSW, about sleep health, insomnia, circadian rhythms, and sleep disruptions. Jessica Fink is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in helping adults understand insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and other sleep issues using evidence-based Behavioral Sleep Medicine. If you’ve been struggling to fall asleep, waking up during the night, dealing with an inconsistent sleep schedule, or adjusting to jet lag, this episode explains how sleep drive and circadian rhythm work together and what you can do to support better sleep. We also discuss melatonin, how many hours of sleep you actually need, why being a night owl isn't necessarily unhealthy, the difference between feeling tired and feeling sleepy, and when insomnia or other sleep disruptions may need professional support. Find Jessica Fink at: https://www.youtube.com/@JessicaFinkSleep Find a behavioral sleep practitioner: SBSM Directory - https://www.behavioralsleep.org/ Subscribe to Health Recoded for evidence-based conversations that help you better understand your body, your health, and the science behind how it works. New episodes weekly. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:10 What Does Healthy Sleep Look Like? 08:19 What Helps With Insomnia and Difficulty Sleeping? 12:55 How Sleep Drive Affects Your Circadian Rhythm 17:30 Is Jet Lag More Than Just Being Tired? 29:46 How Does Melatonin Affect Sleep? 33:07 How Much Melatonin Is Actually Helpful? 34:30 What Does Melatonin Help With? 37:43 Is Insomnia Just Difficulty Falling Asleep? 39:49 Is It Unhealthy to Be a Night Owl? 41:38 Does Neurodivergence Affect Sleep Timing? 44:03 When to Get Help for Sleep Disruptions 45:57 How Do Hormones Affect the Sleep Cycle? 47:24 Do Women Need More Sleep Than Men? 50:25 How Many Hours of Sleep Do You Actually Need? 51:39 What Is the Difference Between Tired and Sleepy? 54:11 Is Insomnia a Diagnosis or a Response to Stress? 55:40 Is Insomnia Treatable? 57:55 How Long Does It Take to Treat Insomnia? 1:01:01 Who Is Most Affected by Insomnia? 1:02:05 Key Takeaways This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for guidance provided by your own medical professional. Support the show

  2. Oct 6

    What Changes With Age — And What Shouldn't

    What is “normal” aging? Which changes are a normal part of getting older, and when should you be more concerned? In this episode of Health Recoded, we break down healthy aging and what happens to the body as we get older. Aging affects nearly every system in the body, but not every change should simply be dismissed as “getting old.” We discuss how aging affects the brain, muscles, bones, skin, energy, and recovery, as well as when fatigue, aches, and other changes may be worth paying attention to. We also discuss how strength training and physical activity can support healthy aging, whether vitamins and supplements can prevent aging, and the difference between lifespan and healthspan. If you're noticing changes in your energy, recovery, strength, memory, or physical health as you get older, this episode gives you a place to start understanding what may be part of normal aging and what may deserve further attention. Subscribe to Health Recoded for evidence-based conversations that help you better understand your body, your health, and the science behind how it works. New episodes weekly. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 05:21 What Happens to the Body When You Age? 14:14 How Does Aging Affect the Brain? 16:01 Can Strength Training Improve Healthy Aging? 19:03 How Do Bones Change With Age? 20:45 Skin Changes to Watch for as You Age 27:34 When Is Fatigue Concerning? 34:07 When Are Aches and Pains Not Normal Aging? 40:34 Nursing Tips for Healthy Aging 48:37 Can Vitamins and Supplements Prevent Aging? 58:20 How Physical Activity and Recovery Support Healthy Aging 1:02:22 Key Takeaways This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for guidance provided by your own medical professional. Resources: López-Otín, C., Blasco, M. A., Partridge, L., Serrano, M., & Kroemer, G. (2023). Hallmarks of aging: An expanding universe. Cell, 186(2), 243–278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2022.11.001 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Older adult activity: An overview. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/older-adults.html National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Healthy aging. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Fatigue in older adults. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/fatigue-older-adults Kreider, R. B., et al. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14, 18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2022). Vitamin, mineral, and multivitamin supplementation to prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer: Preventive medication. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/vitamin-supplementation-to-prevent-cvd-and-cancer-preventive-medication Support the show

  3. Sep 29

    Health Insurance Explained: What Your Plan Actually Covers

    Why is health insurance so expensive? What does your health insurance plan actually cover? And what do terms like premiums, deductibles, copays, and MEC really mean? In this episode of Health Recoded, I speak with William Hammett, Senior Consultant at Hammett Consulting LLC, about health insurance, healthcare costs, and what your insurance coverage actually means. William's background includes helping brokers, HR leaders, and business owners navigate healthcare costs while maintaining compliance and employee access. He has also written books on the subject, including a plain-language guide to MEC and ACA penalties. Health insurance can be complicated and overwhelming to understand. In this conversation, William breaks down how health insurance works, how insurance plans are structured, what employers and employees need to consider, and what to look for when evaluating your health insurance coverage. We also discuss how different types of coverage work, including catastrophic insurance and Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC), and how the Affordable Care Act has affected health insurance. In this episode, we cover: - How health insurance works - What premiums, deductibles, copays, and other insurance terms mean - How health insurance affects employees and employers - How health insurance plans are structured - What catastrophic health insurance is - What Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) means - How the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affects health insurance - What to consider when evaluating your health insurance coverage - How healthcare costs affect employers and employees If you've ever wondered: - Why is health insurance so expensive? - What is a health insurance premium? - What is a deductible? - What is a copay? - What does my health insurance actually cover? - Is my health insurance plan good? - How does employer-sponsored health insurance work? - What is catastrophic health insurance? - What is an MEC plan? - Do I need health insurance? ...this episode is for you. Find William Hammett at: www.hammett.consulting Find his book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FCDKR2Q4?lv=shuf&channelId=520&plpRedirect=mhFallback Subscribe to Health Recoded for evidence-based conversations that help you better understand your body, your health, and the systems that affect your healthcare. New episodes weekly. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 05:57 What Is Direct-to-Consumer Health Insurance? 07:02 How Does the Health Insurance Industry Work? 11:20 Health Insurance Terms Explained: Premiums, Deductibles & Copays 18:48 What Makes a Health Insurance Plan More Beneficial? 27:40 How Are Health Insurance Plans Structured? 34:58 How Do Healthy People Affect Health Insurance Costs? 39:40 Who Chooses Your Health Insurance Plan? 48:11 What Are MEC Plans? 55:08 Why Is Health Insurance So Complicated? 1:03:30 How Did the Affordable Care Act Change Health Insurance? 1:07:08 Why Is Health Insurance So Expensive? 1:14:12 Is the Lowest Premium Really the Best Health Insurance Plan? 1:16:48 How Does Private Health Insurance Affect Coverage? 1:22:37 How to Choose a Health Insurance Plan 1:28:44 Key Takeaways This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for guidance provided by your own medical professional. Support the show

  4. Sep 22

    Sexual Health Explained: Libido, Desire, Sexual Function & Connection

    What is sexual health? What is a “normal” libido? And how do stress, mental health, desire, and relationships affect sexual function? In this episode of Health Recoded, I speak with Teresa Callard-Moore, Ph.D., LISW, CST-S, about sexual health, libido, sexual function, communication, and the differences between men’s and women’s experiences of sexual health. Dr. Callard-Moore is a Certified Sex Therapist/Supervisor and Sexual Addiction Therapist. Together, we break down common misconceptions about sexual health and discuss what healthy sexual function can actually look like. Sexual health is still a topic that many people are uncomfortable talking about. We discuss how libido and desire can vary from person to person, how stress and mental health can affect sexual function, how men and women may experience sexual health differently, and how communication and connection can influence sexual wellbeing. We also discuss responsive desire, the pleasure gap, female anatomy and orgasm, libido, and when it may be helpful to seek support from a qualified sex therapist. In this episode, we cover: - What sexual health actually means - What healthy sexual function looks like - What libido and sexual desire actually mean - Why libido varies from person to person - What responsive desire is - How stress and mental health can affect sexual function - When changes in sexual function may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional - How to communicate sexual preferences with a partner - Differences in men’s and women’s sexual health - What the pleasure gap is - How anatomy can affect sexual response and orgasm - When to consider working with a sex therapist If you've ever wondered: - What is sexual health? - What is a normal libido? - Why does my libido change? - How does stress affect sexual function? - Why does sex hurt? - Do men and women experience libido differently? - How do I communicate my sexual preferences? - When should I see a sex therapist? - Who can I talk to about sexual health? ...this episode is for you. Find a sexual health therapist at: https://www.aasect.org Find a sex addiction therapist at: https://www.iitap.com Subscribe to Health Recoded for evidence-based conversations that help you better understand your body, your health, and the science behind how it works. New episodes weekly. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:28 How Has the Conversation Around Sexual Health Changed? 04:18 What Is Sexual Health? 06:38 How Stress Affects Sexual Health 08:34 Is Libido a Myth? 13:38 What Is Responsive Desire? 23:25 Does Libido Decline With Age? 24:25 How Much Does Libido Vary From Person to Person? 26:02 When Should You Be Concerned About Sexual Health? 29:50 Why Are People So Uncomfortable Talking About Sex? 34:09 How to Communicate Sexual Preferences 37:27 What Is the Pleasure Gap? 40:05 Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Sexual Health 44:06 What Is Foreplay? 51:55 How Female Anatomy Affects Orgasm 56:26 How to Safely Explore Sexual Health and Anatomy 58:55 How Sexual Trauma Can Affect the Body 1:03:14 When to Ask for Help With Sexual Health 1:05:23 How to Find a Sex Therapist 1:06:42 What to Prepare for a Sex Therapy Session 1:08:12 When to Seek Help From a Sex Therapist This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for guidance provided by your own medical professional. Support the show

  5. Sep 15

    Why Your Doctor Ordered That Scan

    What's the difference between an MRI, CT scan, X-ray, ultrasound, EKG, and EEG? And why did your doctor order one instead of another? In this episode of Health Recoded, we explain the science behind medical imaging and diagnostic testing so you can better understand why different tests are used and what they're looking for. Many people are surprised to learn that each imaging test has a specific purpose. An MRI can't always replace a CT scan, an X-ray won't show everything, and an ultrasound is often the best option depending on what's happening inside the body. Whether you're preparing for an upcoming test, trying to understand your diagnosis, or simply curious about how these technologies work, this episode breaks down the differences in a simple, evidence-based way. You'll learn: The difference between X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, EKGs, and EEGsWhat each test is designed to detectWhy doctors choose one imaging test over anotherWhy some scans require contrastWhy imaging results can take timeHow to prepare for common medical imaging testsWhat to expect during your appointmentIf you've ever searched: What's the difference between an MRI and CT scan?Why did my doctor order an MRI?What does a CT scan show?What is an ultrasound used for?Do I need contrast for my scan?What does an EKG or EEG measure?...this episode is for you. Subscribe to Health Recoded for evidence-based health education that helps you better understand your body, prevent disease, and make informed health decisions. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:43 How Does an X-Ray Work? 03:58 When Do You Need a CT Scan? 06:40 What to Know Before an MRI 10:53 What Is an Ultrasound Used For? 12:40 How Does an EKG Work? 15:40 What Does an EEG Measure? 17:48 Why Does Medical Imaging Take So Long? 19:03 How to Prepare for a Medical Scan 22:10 Key Takeaways This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for guidance provided by your own medical professional. Resources: American College of Radiology. (2024). RadiologyInfo.org. https://www.radiologyinfo.org American Heart Association. (2024). Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). https://www.heart.org Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri Mayo Clinic. (2024). CT scan. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ct-scan/about/pac-20393675 Mayo Clinic. (2024). MRI. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mri/about/pac-20384768 Mayo Clinic. (2024). Ultrasound. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ultrasound/about/pac-20395177 National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. (2023). Medical imaging.https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/medical-imaging Radiological Society of North America & American College of Radiology. (2024). RadiologyInfo.org: X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. https://www.radiologyinfo.org Support the show

  6. Sep 8

    Strength, Mobility & Flexibility Explained: How They Each Impact Training

    What is the difference between strength, mobility, flexibility, and stability? Does soreness actually mean your workout was effective? And is there really such a thing as perfect form? In this episode of Health Recoded, I speak with Dr. Sam Spinelli, PT, DPT, CSCS, about movement, strength training, mobility, stability, recovery, and the science behind how we train. Dr. Spinelli is the co-founder of Citizen Athletics and an evidence-based educator specializing in rehabilitation, strength training, and exercise science. Together, we break down some of the most common misconceptions about movement and explore how to train in a way that works with your individual body and goals. Strength training and movement are often made more complicated than they need to be. We discuss the difference between strength, stability, mobility, and flexibility, how to think about training capacity, whether there is such a thing as “bad” movement or “perfect” form, and what muscle soreness can actually tell you about your training. In this episode, we cover: The difference between strength, mobility, flexibility, and stabilityHow to understand your body's training capacityHow training may change after an injuryStrength training vs. physical therapyWhether certain movements are actually “bad”What perfect form really meansHow to adjust your technique for your bodyWhether foam rolling actually helpsWhen flexibility can become a problemWhen stretching may be helpfulWhether muscle soreness means you're building muscleHow to train for strength, recovery, and long-term healthIf you've ever wondered: What is the difference between mobility and flexibility?What is stability in exercise?Does soreness mean muscle growth?Is foam rolling actually helpful?Is there such a thing as bad form?What is perfect form when lifting?How do you know your training capacity?How can you avoid injury while strength training?...this episode is for you. Find Dr. Sam Spinelli at: Instagram: @thestrengthdpt Website: https://citizenathletics.com Youtube: @CitizenAthletics Subscribe to Health Recoded for evidence-based conversations that help you better understand your body, your health, and the science behind how it works. New episodes weekly. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:13 Is Strength Training Really That Complicated? 05:47 How Training Changes After an Injury 07:00 How to Find Your Training Capacity 14:09 Strength Training vs. Physical Therapy 18:04 Strength Training vs. Dynamic Movement 19:25 Is There Such Thing as Bad Movement? 21:24 Is There Really Such Thing as Perfect Form? 22:46 How to Adjust Your Exercise Technique 28:00 Does Foam Rolling Actually Help? 30:35 What Is Stability in Training? 45:46 How Flexibility Affects Training 54:03 When Is Stretching Helpful? 57:53 Does Muscle Soreness Mean Muscle Growth? 1:00:34 Movement and Strength Before Hospitalization 1:10:10 Key Takeaways This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for guidance provided by your own medical professional. Support the show

  7. Sep 1

    How to Take Care of Your Mental Health: Stress, Resilience & Asking for Help

    How does mental health affect physical health? Can stress, anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma actually change your physical health and health outcomes? In this episode of Health Recoded, I speak with Dr. Elizabeth Willers, MD, a critical care pulmonologist and founder of The Goldfinch Foundation, about the connection between mental health and physical health. Working in critical care, Dr. Willers saw firsthand how a patient's psychological well-being could affect their recovery and overall health. We discuss what happens to the mind and body during and after critical illness, why mental health deserves the same attention as physical health, and how resilience, stress, anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma can influence health outcomes. We also explore why mental health can look different across men and women, how to recognize when someone may need additional support, and what it can actually look like to take care of your mental health. In this episode, you'll learn: - How critical illness and intensive care can affect mental health - How mental health and physical health are connected - How stress and chronic stress can affect the body - How anxiety and depression can affect physical health - What resilience means and whether it can influence health outcomes - Why mental health has historically been treated differently from physical health - How mental health challenges may present differently in men and women - Signs that someone may need more mental health support - Why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness If you've ever searched: - How does mental health affect physical health? - Can stress make you physically sick? - How does anxiety affect your body? - How does depression affect physical health? - How does stress affect health? - What is resilience? - How does critical illness affect mental health? - How do you know when you need mental health support? ...this episode is for you. Find Dr. Elizabeth Willers, MD: Instagram: @thegff24 Website: https://www.thegff.org Substack: https://substack.com/@drlizwillers  Subscribe to Health Recoded for evidence-based conversations that help you better understand your body, your health, and the science connecting the two. New episodes weekly. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:31 How Critical Care Affects Mental Health 07:25 How Mental Health Affects Physical Health 09:48 Does Resilience Improve Health Outcomes? 13:15 Why Mental Health Is Treated Differently From Physical Health 20:30 How Stress, Anxiety, Depression & Trauma Affect Physical Health 26:57 The Goldfinch Foundation 36:32 Are Men More Susceptible to Mental Health Risks? 42:57 Do Women Respond to Mental Health Differently? 49:17 Steps to Improve Mental Health 51:56 Signs Someone May Need More Support 54:30 What to Know When Asking for Help 58:40 Life Lessons From the ICU 1:03:20 Key Takeaways 1:04:25 From Victim to Hero in Your Own Story This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider. Support the show

  8. Aug 25

    Erectile Function Explained: What It Says About Your Cardiovascular Health

    What can erectile function tell you about your cardiovascular health? Can changes in erections be an early warning sign of vascular problems? And what actually causes erectile dysfunction? In this episode of Health Recoded, we explore the science behind erectile function, erectile dysfunction, and cardiovascular health with Elliot Justin, MD, FACEP, emergency medicine physician and CEO of FirmTech. Want to learn more about the FirmTech TechRing? TechRing:  https://myfirmtech.com Use the code HealthRecoded for 15% off at checkout. (I earn a commission on purchases made using this code.) Erectile function isn't just about sexual health. Blood flow, vascular health, neurological function, hormones, sleep, recovery, and psychological factors can all influence erectile function. Because the blood vessels involved in erections are relatively small, changes in erectile function may sometimes provide an important window into broader vascular health. We also discuss nocturnal erections, what they can tell us about men's health, and how wearable technology can measure erectile health that would otherwise be difficult to track. In this episode, we cover: How erections work and the physiology behind erectile functionThe neurological and vascular systems involved in erectionsWhat nocturnal erections can tell us about healthThe connection between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular diseaseWhat erectile dysfunction actually meansHow much erectile function is influenced by psychological vs. physiological factorsWhy erectile health may provide insight into vascular healthHow wearable technology can measure nocturnal erectionsWhat men should know about changes in erectile functionIf you've ever searched: What causes erectile dysfunction?What does erectile dysfunction have to do with heart health?Can erectile dysfunction be a sign of heart disease?What do nocturnal erections mean?Why do erections become less reliable with age?How does erectile function work?Can erectile dysfunction be caused by vascular problems?...this episode is for you. Find Dr. Elliot Justin, MD & FirmTech: Instagram: @myfirmtech Subscribe to Health Recoded for more conversations that help you better understand your body. New episodes weekly. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Meet Elliot Justin, MD 03:50 The Neurology of Sexual Arousal 06:26 Why Are Nocturnal Erections Important? 10:47 How Does an Erection Ring Work? 15:08 What Health Information Can Nocturnal Erections Provide? 16:39 What Healthcare Gets Wrong About Men's Erectile Health 18:39 What Is Erectile Dysfunction? 21:44 What Are the Benefits of an Erection Ring? 23:45 How Men's Erectile Health Affects Women 25:46 Why Is Nocturnal Erection Data Important? 27:43 Do Most Men Actually Have Erectile Dysfunction? 30:10 At What Age Does Erectile Dysfunction Occur? 31:40 Why Don't Erections Last as Long With ED? 36:17 How Has Sexual Optimization Changed? 39:41 What Does Erectile Health Tell Us About Vascular Health? 41:44 How Much Is Erectile Dysfunction Related to Vascular Health? 44:48 Key Takeaways This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for guidance provided by your own medical professional. Support the show

See All (44)

About

Understand your body. Understand your health.Health can feel overwhelming. Health Recoded breaks down complex health topics into clear, human explanations that actually make sense.Hosted by a nurse, each episode explores what’s happening inside the body — from hormones, metabolism, and the brain to stress, emotions, sexual health, exercise, and the healthcare system — and connects the science to how it actually shows up in real life.This isn’t about quick fixes or medical fear-mongering. It’s about building health literacy, connecting the dots, and helping you feel more confident understanding your own health.*This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for guidance provided directly by your own medical practitioner.*

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Carter
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Health Recoded
  • Show Website
    Health Recoded