Health Recoded

Alex Carter
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  • Health & Fitness
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Hosted by a nurse, Health Recoded breaks down complex health topics into clear, human explanations that actually make sense. Each episode explores what’s happening inside the body — from hormones and metabolism, to stress and emotions — and explains how those systems show up in real life.This podcast isn’t about quick fixes or medical fear-mongering. It’s about understanding your body, building health literacy, and creating a calmer, more confident relationship with your health. Whether you’re navigating symptoms, trying to make sense of medical information, or just want to understand your body better, Health Recoded is here to help you connect the dots.Here is where we start making healthcare, human care.*This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for guidance provided directly by your own medical practitioner.*

  1. 1d ago

    What Actually Happens During a Stroke?

    What happens to your brain during a stroke? What is the difference between an ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke? And what are the warning signs you need to know? In this episode of Health Recoded, we explain what happens during a stroke, how strokes affect the brain, and why getting treatment quickly can make a major difference in recovery. There are several different types of stroke, and understanding the difference between an ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and TIA (transient ischemic attack) can help you better understand what happens when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. We break down the science of stroke in a simple, evidence-based way, including how the brain is affected, the warning signs of a stroke, why recovery varies between people, and what you can do to reduce your risk. You'll learn: How the brain is structured and how it receives blood flowWhat causes an ischemic strokeWhat causes a hemorrhagic strokeThe difference between a stroke and a TIAThe signs and symptoms of a strokeWhy BE FAST can help you recognize a strokeWhy "time is brain" during a strokeHow stroke can affect the brain and bodyWhy stroke recovery varies between peopleWhat you can do to reduce your risk of strokeIf you've ever searched: What happens during a stroke?What is an ischemic stroke?What is a hemorrhagic stroke?What are the signs of a stroke?What is a TIA?How can I prevent a stroke?Why does stroke recovery vary?What does a stroke do to the brain?...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 Introduction 01:09 How Is the Brain Structured? 04:58 What Are the Different Types of Stroke? 11:40 Stroke Signs and Symptoms 15:27 Can You Prevent a Stroke? 17:34 Why Does Stroke Recovery Vary? 25:20 Nursing Tips for Stroke Prevention 28:21 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 Stroke Association. (2024). About stroke. https://www.stroke.org Campbell, B. C. V., & Khatri, P. (2020). Stroke. The Lancet, 396(10244), 129–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31179-X Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Stroke facts. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/about/index.html Powers, W. J., Rabinstein, A. A., Ackerson, T., et al. (2019). Guidelines for the early management of acute ischemic stroke. Stroke, 50(12), e344-e418. https://doi.org/10.1161/STR.0000000000000211 Saver, J. L. (2006). Time is brain—Quantified. Stroke, 37(1), 263-266. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.STR.0000196957.55928.ab American Stroke Association. (2024). Transient ischemic attack (TIA). https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/tia-transient-ischemic-attack National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2024). Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/stroke

  2. Aug 11

    High blood pressure (Hypertension) Explained: What Your Heart Is Telling You

    What causes high blood pressure? Can you feel it? And what can you do to lower it naturally? In this episode of Health Recoded, we explain the science behind high blood pressure (hypertension) and why it matters for your heart and long-term health. High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because most people have no ****symptoms until serious complications develop. Understanding what blood pressure numbers mean, why blood pressure increases, and how lifestyle changes can help is the first step toward protecting your health. Whether you've recently been diagnosed with hypertension, have a family history of heart disease, or simply want to understand how your cardiovascular system works, this episode breaks down the science in a clear, evidence-based way. You'll learn: What blood pressure actually measuresHow the heart and blood vessels work togetherCommon causes of high blood pressureWhy hypertension often has no symptomsHow high blood pressure affects the brain, kidneys, eyes, and heartLifestyle strategies that can help lower blood pressureSimple habits to support long-term heart healthIf you've ever searched: What causes high blood pressure?What is hypertension?Can you feel high blood pressure?What do blood pressure numbers mean?How can I lower my blood pressure naturally?Why is high blood pressure dangerous?...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 01:25 What Is Blood Pressure? 02:15 How the Heart Works 06:46 Understanding Blood Pressure Numbers 12:50 What Causes High Blood Pressure? 17:20 How High Blood Pressure Damages the Body 20:50 Can You Feel High Blood Pressure? 23:11 How to Lower Your Blood Pressure 27:20 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 Cardiology & American Heart Association. (2017). 2017 ACC/AHA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults. Hypertension, 71(6), e13-e115. https://doi.org/10.1161/HYP.0000000000000065 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Facts about hypertension. https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/about/index.html Flack, J. M., & Adekola, B. (2020). Blood pressure and the new ACC/AHA hypertension guidelines. Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine, 30(3), 160-164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcm.2019.05.003 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). High blood pressure. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure Whelton, P. K., Carey, R. M., Aronow, W. S., et al. (2018). 2017 ACC/AHA guideline for high blood pressure in adults. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 71(19), e127-e248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2017.11.006 Williams, B., Mancia, G., Spiering, W., et al. (2018). 2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. European Heart Journal, 39(33), 3021-3104. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehy339 American Heart Association. (2024). Understanding blood pressure readings. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About high blood pressure. https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/about/index.html Muntner, P., Carey, R. M., Gidding, S., et al. (2020). Potential U.S. population impact of the 2017 ACC/AHA high blood pressure guideline. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 71(2), 109–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2017.10.073

  3. Aug 4

    Nutrition Explained: How to Build a Diet You Can Actually Stick To

    What makes a healthy diet? How many calories should you eat? And do carbs actually make you gain weight? In this episode of Health Recoded, we explain the science of nutrition in a simple, evidence-based way so you can build healthy eating habits that actually last. Whether your goal is weight loss, building muscle, improving your health, or simply understanding how nutrition works, this episode breaks down the fundamentals without fad diets or confusing advice. You'll learn: How your body uses calories for energyThe difference between BMR, RMR, TDEE, and NEATProtein, carbohydrates, and fats explainedHow much protein, carbs, and fat most people needWhy fiber is important for healthThe difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionistHow to create a balanced, sustainable diet you can actually stick withIf you've ever searched: How many calories should I eat?What is TDEE?What are macronutrients?How much protein do I need?What makes a healthy diet?How do I lose weight without dieting?...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 Introduction 00:50 Obesity statistics in America 03:41 What is a diet? 05:21 Registered dietitian vs nutritionist 06:27 How your body uses calories for energy 11:50 What happens if you don't eat enough? 12:21 Macronutrients explained 18:40 How many macros should you eat? 22:56 What makes a healthy diet? 27:06 Key takeaways Resources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (2022). Find a registered dietitian nutritionist. https://www.eatright.org Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Adult obesity facts. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Only 1 in 10 adults get enough fruits or vegetables.https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition Institute of Medicine. (2005). Dietary reference intakes for energy, carbohydrate, fiber, fat, fatty acids, cholesterol, protein, and amino acids. National Academies Press. Jäger, R., Kerksick, C. M., Campbell, B. I., et al. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Protein and exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14(20). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8 Phillips, S. M., & Van Loon, L. J. C. (2011). Dietary protein for athletes. Journal of Sports Sciences, 29(Suppl. 1), S29-S38. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2011.619204 U.S. Department of Agriculture & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025 (9th ed.). https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov

  4. Jul 28

    What Is Reiki? Benefits, Myths & What to Expect

    What is Reiki, and how does it work? In this episode of Health Recoded, I sit down with Reiki Master Jacquie Lupro of SoulJoy Reiki to explore Reiki, energy work, and why millions of people seek it for relaxation, stress reduction, and overall well-being. Reiki is often misunderstood. Some people view it as a spiritual practice, while others are simply curious about what happens during a session and why people report feeling calmer afterward. In this conversation, we discuss what Reiki is, what a Reiki session looks like, common misconceptions, and how energy work fits alongside physical and psychological health. We cover: What Reiki is and where it originatedWhat happens during a Reiki sessionChakras and energy centers explainedHow Reiki practitioners describe sensing energyCommon myths and misconceptions about ReikiReiki and stress, anxiety, and emotional well-beingCord cutting, soul retrieval, and other spiritual conceptsWhat to look for in a Reiki practitionerMy personal experience receiving ReikiWhether you're skeptical, curious, or already familiar with Reiki, this conversation provides an open discussion about one of the most widely practiced forms of complementary energy work. Subscribe for more conversations that help you better understand your health. New episodes every week. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:00 What is Reiki? 02:10 Why do people seek Reiki? 03:28 What does a usual Reiki session consist of? 05:12 What does Reiki feel like to the practitioner? 06:00 What do the different Chakras symbolize? 07:11 How does a Reiki master feel energy? 08:22 How to become a Reiki Master 10:12 What to look for in a Reiki practitioner 13:24 What happens in a Reiki session? 18:31 What does Reiki feel like once it is completed? 24:27 How to balance the physical with the metaphysical 27:10 Is Reiki draining to the practitioner? 29:05 Who should not receive Reiki? 31:30 How to prepare for a Reiki session 33:14 How to notice energy that is not yours 34:47 Can Reiki been done on inanimate objects? 38:00 How does Reiki affect homes and spirits? 44:58 Are women more naturally intuitive? 47:43 How important is post-mortem care in healthcare? 51:07 What are some common myths about Reiki? 54:14 What is Cord Cutting? 57:12 What is a Soul Retrieval? 59:44 Ethics of Reiki 01:01:53 Can Reiki help with PTSD? 01:04:54 Who typically seeks Reiki? 01:05:38 Does Reiki help with anxiety? 01:06:56 Closing messages 01:07:32 Alex’s experience with Reiki 1:11:18 Where to find Jacquie Lupro, SoulJoy Reiki This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Reiki is considered a complementary practice and should not replace evaluation or treatment by qualified healthcare professionals.

  5. Jul 21

    What Happens When Your Body Doesn't Recover?

    What happens to your body when it doesn't recover? In this episode of Health Recoded, we break down the science of recovery and explain why recovery is one of the most important—but often overlooked—parts of your health. If you've been dealing with fatigue, brain fog, irritability, poor recovery from exercise, chronic stress, or you simply never feel well-rested, this episode will help you understand what's happening inside your body. Many people think recovery simply means getting more sleep or taking a day off. In reality, recovery is an active biological process that affects your brain, nervous system, hormones, muscles, immune system, and long-term health. In this episode, we explain the physiology of recovery, what happens when the body doesn't fully recover, and practical ways to improve recovery in everyday life. We cover: What recovery actually isPhysical recovery vs mental recoveryWhy you can feel exhausted even after restingWhat happens in the body with inadequate recoveryPractical nursing tips to improve recovery and overall healthIf you're looking to improve your energy, sleep, exercise recovery, stress resilience, and long-term health, this episode provides a science-based place to start. Subscribe for more conversations that help you better understand your body. New episodes weekly. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:33 What Is Recovery? 01:12 Why Recovery Is More Than Just Sleep 03:54 What Happens in the Body During Recovery? 05:32 Physical Recovery vs Mental Recovery 09:01 What Happens When the Body Doesn't Recover? 13:48 Cortisol, Stress & Hormones 16:28 Recovery & Muscle Growth 17:50 Nursing Tips for Better Recovery 21:36 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 Academy of Sleep Medicine & Sleep Research Society. (2015). Recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult: A joint consensus statement. Sleep, 38(6), 843–844. https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.4716 Brosschot, J. F., Gerin, W., & Thayer, J. F. (2006). The perseverative cognition hypothesis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 60(2), 113–124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2005.06.074 Halson, S. L. (2014). Monitoring training load to understand fatigue in athletes. Sports Medicine, 44(Suppl 2), S139-S147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0253-z Irwin, M. R. (2015). Why sleep is important for health: A psychoneuroimmunology perspective. Annual Review of Psychology, 66, 143–172. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115205 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2005). Dietary reference intakes for water, potassium, sodium, chloride, and sulfate. National Academies Press. Pontzer, H. (2021). Burn: New research blows the lid off how we really burn calories, stay healthy, and lose weight. Avery. Walker, M. P. (2017). Why we sleep: Unlocking the power of sleep and dreams. Scribner. World Health Organization. (2023). Physical activity and mental health. https://www.who.int

  6. Jul 14

    Travel Nursing Explained: Pay, Stipends & Everything You Need to Know

    Considering becoming a travel nurse? In this episode of Health Recoded, I break down everything you need to know before taking your first travel nursing assignment—from pay and tax-free stipends to housing, contracts, and what travel nursing is really like. After four years as a travel nurse working across the United States, I share the lessons I wish someone had told me before I accepted my first assignment. Travel nursing can be an incredible way to increase your income, explore new cities, and grow professionally—but it also comes with unique challenges that many new travelers don't expect. In this episode, we cover how travel nursing works, how travel nurse pay is structured, common mistakes to avoid, and practical tips to help you start your first assignment with confidence. We cover: What travel nursing is and how it worksTravel nurse pay, tax-free stipends, and GSA guidelinesCommon challenges new travel nurses faceWhat to prepare before your first assignmentTips from a veteran travel nurse for a successful assignmentIf you're thinking about becoming a travel nurse or preparing for your first contract, this episode will give you a practical, realistic guide to getting started. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:36 What Is Travel Nursing? 01:58 How to start Travel Nursing 04:15 How Travel Nurse Pay & Stipends Work 09:16 IRS Tax Home Rules Explained 11:20 How Travel Nurse Stipends are Structured 12:56 Common Travel Nurse IRS audit risks 14:29 The Reality of Travel Nursing - What Makes it Difficult? 26:08 What to Prepare Before Your First Assignment 29:00 How to Set Up Travel Nurse Housing 31:13 What to Pack to Bring on Your First Assignment 32:57 How to Prepare for Your First Assignment (before you get there) 35:37 Veteran Travel Nurse Tips 43:07 Was Travel Nursing Worth It? 46:42 Key Takeaways Subscribe for more conversations that help you better understand your health, healthcare careers, and the science behind the human body. New episodes every week. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Tax laws can vary by individual circumstance, so consult a qualified tax professional regarding your own situation. Resources: https://www.andersgroup.org/blog/understanding-stipends-and-maximizing-your-experience https://travelnursecalc.com/blog/am-i-duplicating-expenses-correctly-travel-nurse/ American Nurses Association. (2024). Travel nursing: Opportunities and considerations. https://www.nursingworld.org Internal Revenue Service. (2024). Publication 463: Travel, gift, and car expenses. https://www.irs.gov/publications/p463 U.S. General Services Administration. (2024). Per diem rates. https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2024). Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). https://www.nursecompact.com Travel Nurse Tax. (2024). Tax home rules for travel healthcare professionals. https://traveltax.com Travel Nurse Calc. (2024). Travel nurse stipend and duplicated expense guidelines. https://travelnursecalc.com

  7. Jul 7

    Menopause Explained: Hormones, HRT & What Happens to the Body

    What happens to the female body during menopause? In this episode of Health Recoded, I sit down with @SharonLemoine-ARNP to discuss menopause, perimenopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and some of the most common misconceptions surrounding hormone health. Sharon is the founder of Gig Harbor Medical Spa and Concierge Medicine in Washington State, where she specializes in hormone optimization, menopause care, perimenopause, weight management, functional medicine, peptide therapy, and gut health. Many women are told that symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, poor sleep, reduced libido, mood changes, and loss of muscle mass are simply a normal part of aging. However, hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can have significant effects on multiple systems throughout the body. In this episode, Sharon explains the physiology of menopause, how hormone levels change during the transition, and what the current evidence says about hormone replacement therapy. We cover: - What happens hormonally during perimenopause and menopause - Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) explained - Common myths and misconceptions about HRT - Practical ways to support health during menopause If you're looking to better understand menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and women's health, this episode provides a science-based and approachable place to start. Subscribe for more conversations that help you better understand your body and health. New episodes weekly. Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:39 The differences with faith based healthcare 05:23 How has healthcare failed women in menopause? 07:35 What actually happens during menopause? 10:45 Why Testosterone Matters for Women's Health 13:00 How does HRT help with menopause? 17:19 When to seek care for hormone changes and menopause 29:09 Where to seek support for hormone changes 21:20 Common Myths About Hormone Therapy 25:32 How long should HRT last? 26:42 Supportive care for Menopause without HRT 29:01 Benefits and Risks of HRT 30:51 The difference between perimenopause vs menopause 32:52 Testosterone in Women 42:00 How to Support Your Body During Menopause 48:08 Key Takeaways

  8. Jun 30

    The Hidden Side of Healthcare

    What really happens behind the scenes in a hospital—and how does it affect your care? In this episode of Health Recoded, I talk with Ben Goldberg at UGA about his experience in healthcare administration and how decisions made in hospital systems can directly influence patient care, nursing workflows, and health outcomes. Most people think of healthcare as just doctors and nurses at the bedside, but a large part of patient experience is shaped by healthcare management, hospital operations, and administrative systems working in the background. We explore how these systems interact—and where gaps in communication or structure can ultimately impact patients. We cover: What healthcare administration actually involves in hospitalsHow healthcare administration affects nursing care and patient outcomesThe relationship between healthcare administrators and clinical staffWhy communication breakdowns can impact patient safety and care qualityThe importance of preventative care and system-level thinking in healthcareIf you’re looking to understand healthcare more and how it affects your long-term health, this episode gives you a place to start. Subscribe for more conversations that help you better understand your body. New episodes weekly. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 04:19 Behind the scenes of hospital systems 06:37 Healthcare administration vs nursing: how roles interact 09:33 How administrative decisions affect patient care 10:40 System gaps, communication, and real-world impact on outcomes 16:58 What was most unexpected from working in healthcare administration? 20:00 What does success look like for health admin and patient outcomes? 24:18 Where can improvements be made for better patient outcomes? 29:27 How has working in healthcare changed personal approach to health? 31:27 What do people most misunderstand about healthcare? 34:00 Is virtual mental health affecting younger generations? 37:30 What is most important to understand about health systems? This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for guidance provided by your own medical professional.

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About

Hosted by a nurse, Health Recoded breaks down complex health topics into clear, human explanations that actually make sense. Each episode explores what’s happening inside the body — from hormones and metabolism, to stress and emotions — and explains how those systems show up in real life.This podcast isn’t about quick fixes or medical fear-mongering. It’s about understanding your body, building health literacy, and creating a calmer, more confident relationship with your health. Whether you’re navigating symptoms, trying to make sense of medical information, or just want to understand your body better, Health Recoded is here to help you connect the dots.Here is where we start making healthcare, human care.*This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for guidance provided directly by your own medical practitioner.*

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Carter
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Health Recoded
  • Show Website
    Health Recoded