Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

Miles Hassell, MD
  • 4.9 (31)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Semimonthly

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD is an evidence-based lifestyle tool for clinicians and the general public. In this podcast, we will discuss questions and topics related to: Is type 2 diabetes reversible? What lifestyle choices result in better health outcomes? Amidst the numerous health claims available, which approaches actually work? How can I live a long, healthy life and prevent disease and disability? I am a doctor/clinician and need a reliable resource to share with my patients. Practicing internal medicine physician, Miles Hassell MD, discusses evidence-based lifestyle tools for disease prevention, reversal, and remission. In 2024, Miles Hassell MD launched Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, the first crowd-funded podcast dedicated to sharing the current evidence on lifestyle. This podcast is an outreach effort of GreatMed.org, a non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation that provides evidence-based lifestyle disease prevention and treatment tools within the medical community and for the general public. We aim to release new content every Friday. GreatMed.org is an educational foundation made of doctors, nurses, and other practicing clinicians who aim to provide the tools and resources clinicians need to more effectively help patients take control of their health, minimize medications, and reduce their risk factors. We offer educational material on lifestyle choices and a whole food Mediterranean diet model based on the best evidence from current medical literature. For more information, visit www.GreatMed.org To support this podcast, visit https://GreatMed.org/donate/

  1. 2d ago

    70. Beyond Calcium: The Overlooked Nutrient for Strong Bones

    In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD discusses osteoporosis and the importance of taking a broader approach to maintaining strong, healthy bones. The conversation focuses on the role of protein in bone health, including a Swiss study that found protein intake was strongly associated with measures of bone strength and density. The discussion also explores why calcium and vitamin D from dietary sources remain important, while emphasizing that bone health is much more complex than calcium supplementation alone. Dr. Hassell shares a real-world example of a woman with significant osteoporosis risk who increased her protein intake, resistance exercise, vitamin D, and dietary calcium. After a little more than two years, her hip bone density had increased by 11%. The episode also explains why bones are living, dynamic tissue and why they need both proper nutrition and regular physical stress to remain strong. Key Takeaways Protein is an important and sometimes overlooked component of bone health. Bone health involves much more than calcium supplementation alone. Dietary sources of calcium and vitamin D are important. Resistance exercise and weight-bearing activities help stimulate bone strength. Bones are living, metabolically active tissue—not simply rigid structures. A real-world example discussed in the episode saw an 11% increase in hip bone density after increasing protein, resistance exercise, vitamin D, and dietary calcium. Activities such as hiking, weightlifting, gardening, and shoveling can provide useful stress to the bones. Taking care of your bones requires both "feeding" them properly and giving them appropriate resistance. Chapters 00:32 Why Osteoporosis Is So Devastating 01:04 Protein and Bone Strength 01:42 Calcium, Vitamin D and Bone Health 02:17 A Real-World Osteoporosis Success Story 03:05 An 11% Increase in Hip Bone Density 03:27 Why Bones Are Living Tissue 04:14 Exercise and Resistance for Strong Bones 04:36 Feed Your Bones, Stress Your Bones Do you have a health or nutrition question for Dr. Hassell? Reach out to us: Web: GreatMed.org Call/Text: 503-773-0770 Email: info@GreatMed.org Mail: 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273 Portland, OR 97229 This podcast is fully funded by our generous listeners. Support the mission at GreatMed.org/donate (EIN: 88-326-7056) Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM

  2. 2d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing Why Is America Different Than Every Other Country When It Comes to Guns? from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast BUY THE BOOK!  The American Way of Killing by Malcolm Gladwell ⁠https://amzn.to/4jvQMuE⁠  Malcolm Gladwell - one of America’s foremost thought leaders - examines our country’s obsession with guns and the devastating toll gun violence has taken on our communities. In his new book, The American Way of Killing: The Invention of an Epidemic, Malcolm challenges some of our most deeply held beliefs about American gun violence: what we’re missing about the root cause of most violence, how modern medicine is obscuring the reality of the problem, why the answer might be more police—not less—and how we’ve lost sight of the historical context surrounding the Second Amendment. Oprah and Malcolm speak with a Chicago based E.R. doctor who lost 15 close friends and family members to gun violence. He teaches students as young as fourth grade how to treat a gunshot wound. This episode also offers some common sense solutions to a seemingly intractable problem. 00:00:00 - Welcome Malcolm Gladwell, author of “The American Way of Killing” 00:04:20 - European vs. American police 00:08:50 - Stats around more police 00:09:50 - Malcolm’s experience with guns 00:13:30 - Welcome Dr. Pratt 00:16:33 - Talking to kids about gun violence 00:19:15 - Changing gun violence 00:21:00 - Treating gun shot wounds 00:25:13 - The 2nd amendment 00:29:00 - Crime vs. violence 00:33:45 - Instrumental vs. expressive violence 00:40:00 - Are we learning from our mistakes? 00:43:00 - The gun problem is not unsolvable Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

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  3. Sep 30

    69. Refined Sugars

    In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, Dr. Miles Hassell discusses the potential health effects of refined sugars, with a particular focus on cognitive function, dementia, heart disease, and stroke. The conversation explores how refined sugars and refined carbohydrates—including sugar-sweetened beverages, white flour, white rice, baked goods, and processed foods—may affect the body through processes such as glycation, oxidation, inflammation, and changes in cholesterol metabolism. The episode also explains why naturally occurring sugars in whole fruits are different from refined sugars, discusses the uncertain evidence surrounding artificial sweeteners, and offers practical strategies for reducing your sweet tooth without feeling deprived. Key Takeaways Sugar-sweetened beverages are a major source of refined sugar and may contribute to cardiovascular and cognitive health risks. Refined carbohydrates such as white flour, white rice, and many processed foods can behave similarly to sugar in the body. Excess refined sugar may contribute to inflammation, glycation, oxidation, and changes in cholesterol metabolism. Whole fruits are different from refined sugar products because they contain fiber and other nutrients that affect how the body processes their naturally occurring sugars. Artificial sweeteners are discussed, with the hosts noting that observational evidence about their long-term health effects remains conflicted. Reducing sweets, making food at home, and gradually changing your taste preferences can help reduce refined sugar consumption. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 06:09 Refined Sugar and Your Health 10:10 Sugar, Cognitive Function and Dementia 14:01 Refined Sugar and Heart Disease 19:15 Sugar vs. Naturally Occurring Sugar 22:10 Fruit Juice and Refined Sugar 25:06 Artificial Sweeteners and Practical Strategies Do you have a health or nutrition question for Dr. Hassell? Reach out to us: Web: GreatMed.org Call/Text: 503-773-0770 Email: info@GreatMed.org Mail: 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273, Portland, OR 97229 This podcast is fully funded by our generous listeners. Support our mission at GreatMed.org/donate (EIN: 88-326-7056) Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM

  4. Sep 11

    68. Should you take this drug?

    In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD explores one of the most important questions patients can ask: Is this drug, supplement, or treatment actually helping me — and is it worth the potential risks? Rather than automatically accepting a prescription or supplement recommendation, Dr. Hassell encourages patients to become active participants in their healthcare. That means understanding the potential benefits, looking at the evidence for people like you, considering whether lifestyle changes could be more effective, and recognizing how much uncertainty still exists in modern medicine. The conversation covers everything from cholesterol medications and blood pressure drugs to nutritional supplements, weight-loss medications, long-term prescriptions, and even experimental peptides purchased overseas. The goal isn't to avoid medication altogether. It's to make sure medications are being used thoughtfully, for a clear reason, when the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Key Takeaways: • Don't assume that a prescription is automatically the right solution just because a doctor recommends it. • Ask what meaningful benefit a medication is expected to provide, particularly when it comes to reducing death or disability. • Find out whether there is research showing that the treatment actually benefits people like you. • Consider whether lifestyle changes could address the underlying problem more effectively than medication. • Be especially thoughtful about medications that may be taken for decades when clinical trials only studied them for a few years. • Nutritional supplements aren't automatically "natural" or risk-free; many are synthesized chemicals that should be evaluated like pharmaceuticals. • Be cautious with products of uncertain origin, including supplements and experimental peptides purchased online or overseas. • Medicine involves significant uncertainty. A good doctor should be comfortable acknowledging what is known, what isn't known, and what still needs to be evaluated. • Use your doctor as an advisor and consultant, while taking responsibility for understanding and participating in your own healthcare decisions. CHAPTERS 00:00 The problem with questionable medications and supplements 00:23 Welcome to Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor 01:09 Take responsibility for your healthcare 02:42 When impatience leads to unnecessary treatment 03:19 Why you shouldn't assume a drug is safe 04:20 Does the number on your lab test really matter? 06:13 How long should you take a medication? 07:33 Three questions to ask before taking a drug 08:44 Can lifestyle changes work better than medication? 11:19 Are nutritional supplements really "natural"? 13:22 The danger of experimental peptides 14:10 Why doctors need humility 15:28 How to research your own medical decisions Do you have a health or nutrition question for Dr. Hassell? Reach out to us: Web: GreatMed.org Call/Text: 503-773-0770 Email: info@GreatMed.org Mail: 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273, Portland, OR 97229 This podcast is fully funded by our generous listeners. Support our mission at GreatMed.org/donate (EIN: 88-326-7056) Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM

  5. Aug 28

    67. Food vs. Supplements: Why Your Body Knows the Difference

    Are you getting real nutrition, or just expensive synthetic substitutes? In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD breaks down the critical differences between the complex nutrients found in whole, unprocessed foods and the isolated, laboratory-made chemicals found in popular vitamins. Discover why standard lab test markers can be highly misleading, when targeted supplementation is actually medically necessary, and how to protect your health and budget from aggressive wellness industry marketing. Dr. Hassell also explores why improving a number on a lab test isn't necessarily the same as improving your health, and why fundamentals such as eating whole foods, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting outside may matter far more than expensive supplements and testing. Key Takeaways: Most nutritional supplements are synthetic rather than truly "natural." Nutrients consumed as part of whole foods come with a complex combination of other compounds that can affect how the body uses them. Supplements aren't automatically safe simply because they're labeled as nutritional or natural. There are specific situations where supplements can be useful, such as vitamin B12 supplementation for people who cannot absorb B12 properly. The evidence supporting many common supplements, including calcium, vitamin D, and antioxidant supplements, is not as strong as supplement marketing may suggest. Recommended daily allowances are based on limited nutritional knowledge and don't account for important differences between individuals. Be cautious about lab tests that recommend supplements based on a single measurement or biomarker. Improving a lab value isn't necessarily the same thing as reducing your risk of dementia, heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Whole, unprocessed foods, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and spending time outside remain the foundation of good health. Consider who profits from the supplements or testing being recommended and whether there is evidence that the intervention actually improves health outcomes. Chapters: 00:00 Why nutritional knowledge is limited 00:13 Welcome to Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor 00:43 Do you need nutritional supplements? 01:00 Are supplements really natural? 01:32 Where vitamins and minerals come from 01:58 How "natural" vitamin C can be misleading 02:26 Are synthetic supplements effective? 03:09 Why nutrients from food are different 03:48 Why whole foods may be better than supplements 04:31 What does the research say about supplements? 05:20 When supplements may actually be useful 05:45 Vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D and antioxidants 06:10 Look closely at the evidence 06:26 The "depleted soil" argument 07:00 Do you need supplements based on nutrition labels? 07:47 The limitations of recommended daily allowances 08:23 Why nutrient absorption varies 09:25 Focus on whole foods and healthy habits 09:35 Follow the money in the supplement industry 10:09 Be skeptical of supplement-related lab testing 10:38 Microbiome testing and supplements 11:03 Whole foods and a healthier microbiome 11:43 Are we keeping the main thing the main thing? 12:02 What actually improves health outcomes? 12:26 Final thoughts Do you have a health or nutrition question for Dr. Hassell? Reach out to us: Web: GreatMed.org Call/Text: 503-773-0770 Email: info@GreatMed.org Mail: 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273, Portland, OR 97229 This podcast is fully funded by our generous listeners. Support our mission at GreatMed.org/donate (EIN: 88-326-7056) Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM  #Nutrition #Supplements #WholeFoods #Health #PreventiveMedicine #WholeFoods #NutritionScience #SupplementTruths

  6. Aug 15

    66. Depression & Anxiety: Lifestyle Changes That Can Work Better Than Medication

    Can depression and anxiety be improved without relying solely on medication? In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Traci Rieckmann to explore the growing evidence behind lifestyle medicine for mental health. Together they discuss why nutrition, exercise, purpose, social connection, sunlight, and reducing screen time may be just as important—if not more effective—for many people than medication alone. Drawing from clinical experience and scientific research, they explain practical steps anyone can begin today to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and build long-term resilience. Whether you're personally struggling with depression or anxiety, supporting someone who is, or simply looking to improve your overall mental health, this conversation offers practical, evidence-based strategies you can start using immediately. Key Takeaways • Diet and exercise have been shown in multiple clinical studies to significantly improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. • A Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole foods, fish, vegetables, healthy fats, and fermented foods supports brain health through the gut-brain connection. • Regular exercise—even just 20–30 minutes per day—can be as effective as antidepressant medications for many people. • Sunlight, outdoor activity, and social connection play powerful roles in improving mood. • Small, consistent lifestyle changes are often more sustainable than trying to change everything at once. • Cooking at home and sharing meals with others improves both physical and mental health. • Excessive screen time and social isolation can worsen depression and anxiety. • Finding purpose, helping others, and taking initiative can help break the cycle of low mood. • Certain medications and underlying medical conditions can contribute to depression and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:13 Depression vs. Anxiety: Why Lifestyle Matters 07:45 The Mediterranean Diet & the Gut-Brain Connection 14:11 Processed Foods, Cooking at Home & Enjoying Food 20:20 Exercise: A Powerful Treatment for Depression 25:10 Taking Initiative When You're Feeling Stuck 30:09 Purpose, Social Connection & Screen Time 32:55 Medications, Expectations & Hidden Causes of Depression 40:02 Helping Others, Family Habits & Digital Detox 44:34 Games, Purpose & Final Takeaways Do you have a health or nutrition question for Dr. Hassell? Reach out to us: Web: GreatMed.org Call/Text: 503-773-0770 Email: info@GreatMed.org Mail: 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273, Portland, OR 97229 This podcast is fully funded by our generous listeners. Support our mission at GreatMed.org/donate (EIN: 88-326-7056) Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM

  7. Jul 31

    65. The Science of Living Longer: Healthspan, Longevity & Dementia Prevention with Miles Hassell MD & Filmmaker David Donnelly

    Can the choices you make today help you live a longer, healthier life? In this episode of Walk Don't Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD sits down with filmmaker David Donnelly, director of the documentary Forever Young, to explore the science of healthy aging, longevity, and healthspan. Together they separate evidence-based research from hype, discussing why lifestyle habits still matter more than the latest supplement trends. They examine the growing evidence behind exercise, nutrition, sleep, purpose, social connection, and the surprising impact of excessive screen time on brain health. The conversation also explores exciting advances in longevity research while emphasizing the importance of critical thinking when evaluating new health claims. Whether you're interested in preventing chronic disease, reducing your dementia risk, or simply improving your quality of life as you age, this episode offers practical insights grounded in science. Key Takeaways Why healthspan matters just as much as lifespan How lifestyle choices influence aging more than most people realize The importance of social connection for brain and overall health Why critical thinking is essential when evaluating longevity supplements and trends How excessive screen time may affect cognitive health and purpose What current longevity research is revealing about the future of medicine Practical habits you can start today to improve your long-term health Chapters 00:00 Why Healthspan Matters More Than Lifespan 01:54 The Science Behind the Forever Young Documentary 06:14 Longevity Myths, Supplements & Critical Thinking 09:33 Lifestyle vs. Genetics: What Really Determines Healthy Aging? 12:20 Screen Time, Social Connection & Dementia Risk 22:28 Processed Foods, Exercise & Everyday Habits for Longevity 30:23 Blue Zones, Purpose & Living Well as You Age 37:17 Digital Detox, Meaning & Building a Healthier Future 41:25 Where to Watch Forever Young & Final Takeaways Do you have a health or nutrition question for Dr. Hassell? Reach out to us: Web: GreatMed.org Call/Text: 503-773-0770 Email: info@GreatMed.org Mail: 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273, Portland, OR 97229 This podcast is fully funded by our generous listeners. Support our mission at GreatMed.org/donate (EIN: 88-326-7056) Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM  More on the Forever Young Film: Apple — https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/forever-young/umc.cmc.4t1561uviumw4ofcri0ufql7v Website — https://www.foreveryoung.film/ Substack — https://foreveryoungfilm.substack.com/ Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/foreveryoungdoc X — https://x.com/theagingdoc FB — https://www.facebook.com/people/Forever-Young-Film/61572955294447/ YT — https://www.youtube.com/@ForeverYoung-Film Film Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT2V-USKm6g #Sunlight #Longevity #HealthPodcast #LifestyleMedicine #DrMilesHassell #HeartHealth #MentalHealth #Foreveryoung #SunExposure #Wellness #SleepHealth #BoneHealth #PreventiveHealth #HealthyLiving #WalkDontRunToTheDoctor

  8. Jul 17

    64. Marijuana Explained: Benefits, Risks, Harms & Brain Health

    Is marijuana as safe as many people believe? In this episode of Walk Don't Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD takes a detailed look at the evidence surrounding marijuana use. The discussion explores the limited medical benefits, the growing body of research on potential health risks, and why lifestyle-based approaches may offer safer, more effective alternatives for many common conditions. The conversation covers marijuana's effects on mental health, addiction, brain function, driving safety, heart disease, pregnancy, human development, and long-term health outcomes. Whether you're considering marijuana for medical reasons or recreational use, this episode encourages you to look beyond marketing claims and make decisions based on evidence. Key Takeaways: The proven medical benefits of marijuana are limited and apply to relatively few conditions. Chronic marijuana use is associated with increased risks of anxiety, depression, addictive patterns, relationship disfunction, and impaired cognition. Marijuana use may increase the risk of car accidents, heart attacks, strokes, and psychiatric disorders in susceptible individuals. Today's marijuana products are significantly more potent than those available decades ago. Lifestyle changes, including nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management, may provide safer alternatives for many of the reasons people use marijuana. Understanding both the potential benefits and risks is essential before deciding to use marijuana and its associated products. Chapters 00:00 Why Talk About Marijuana? 01:06 What Are the Real Medical Benefits? 04:43 Marijuana Risks: Driving, Accidents & Public Safety 05:56 Addiction, Anxiety & Mental Health 09:23 Brain Function, Motivation & Physical Health Risks 12:13 Real Patient Stories & Final Takeaways Do you have a health or nutrition question for Dr. Hassell? Reach out to us: Web: GreatMed.org Call/Text: 503-773-0770 Email: info@GreatMed.org Mail: 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273, Portland, OR 97229 This podcast is fully funded by our generous listeners. Support our mission at GreatMed.org/donate (EIN: 88-326-7056) Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM  #CBD #HealthPodcast #LifestyleMedicine #DrMilesHassell #Marijuana #HeartHealth #MentalHealth #Wellness #SleepHealth  #PreventiveHealth #HealthyLiving #WalkDontRunToTheDoctor

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Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD is an evidence-based lifestyle tool for clinicians and the general public. In this podcast, we will discuss questions and topics related to: Is type 2 diabetes reversible? What lifestyle choices result in better health outcomes? Amidst the numerous health claims available, which approaches actually work? How can I live a long, healthy life and prevent disease and disability? I am a doctor/clinician and need a reliable resource to share with my patients. Practicing internal medicine physician, Miles Hassell MD, discusses evidence-based lifestyle tools for disease prevention, reversal, and remission. In 2024, Miles Hassell MD launched Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, the first crowd-funded podcast dedicated to sharing the current evidence on lifestyle. This podcast is an outreach effort of GreatMed.org, a non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation that provides evidence-based lifestyle disease prevention and treatment tools within the medical community and for the general public. We aim to release new content every Friday. GreatMed.org is an educational foundation made of doctors, nurses, and other practicing clinicians who aim to provide the tools and resources clinicians need to more effectively help patients take control of their health, minimize medications, and reduce their risk factors. We offer educational material on lifestyle choices and a whole food Mediterranean diet model based on the best evidence from current medical literature. For more information, visit www.GreatMed.org To support this podcast, visit https://GreatMed.org/donate/

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