Health Recoded

Alex Carter
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  • Health & Fitness
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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. 2d ago

    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

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Aug 18

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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.

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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
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Health Recoded
  • Show Website
    Health Recoded

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