Health Recoded

Alex Carter
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Weekly

Your body - your health - the bigger picture. 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. 1d ago

    Homeopathy vs. Conventional Medicine: What's the Difference? w/ Ronald Whitmont, MD

    What is homeopathy, and how does it differ from conventional medicine? Why would a medical doctor choose to practice homeopathy? Can homeopathic remedies help with healing, and what are their limitations? In this episode of Health Recoded, I speak with Ronald Whitmont, MD, about homeopathy, alternative medicine, and how different approaches to healthcare view illness, treatment, and healing. Dr. Whitmont is a New York-based physician and homeopathic practitioner who has practiced classical homeopathy for approximately 30 years. Drawing on his medical training and personal experiences with conventional healthcare, he shares what led him to pursue homeopathy and how his approach to patient care has evolved. We discuss what homeopathic medicines are, how remedies are selected, what patients may experience during treatment, and how practitioners evaluate whether an approach is helping. We also explore the differences between homeopathy and conventional medicine, the limitations of each approach, and Dr. Whitmont's perspectives on areas where the healthcare system could improve. Whether you're curious about homeopathy, exploring complementary and alternative medicine, or trying to understand why some physicians practice outside conventional medical frameworks, this conversation offers an opportunity to learn about the approach and the questions surrounding its use. Find Ronald Whitmont, MD at: https://www.homeopathicmd.com/about-us/ Find a Homeopathic practitioner at the following sites: https://homeopathycenter.org/find-a-homeopath/ https://homeopathyusa.org/directory-physicians/ https://naturopathic.org/search/custom.asp?id=5613 Subscribe to Health Recoded for conversations that help you better understand your body, your health, and the science behind how it works. New episodes weekly. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:20 Is Homeopathy the Same as Holistic Medicine? 04:58 What Is Homeopathy? 08:44 Homeopathy vs. Conventional Medicine: What's the Difference? 22:27 What Are Homeopathic Medicines? 28:13 How Are Homeopathic Remedies Selected? 32:28 What Happens After Taking a Homeopathic Remedy? 35:18 Can Homeopathic Remedies Make Symptoms Worse? 39:44 How Do Practitioners Know If Homeopathy Is Working? 46:21 When Is Homeopathy Not Appropriate? 51:10 What Needs to Change in Conventional Healthcare? 59:26 When Is Conventional Medicine Necessary? 1:01:23 How to Find a Homeopathic Practitioner This content is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects the perspectives discussed by the host and guest. This conversation is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Support the show

  2. Oct 27

    You Don’t Have to Suffer: Why Choosing Palliative Care Isn’t Giving Up w/ Christina McDaniels, DNP

    What is palliative care? Is it only for people who are dying? What's the difference between palliative care and hospice, and when should families consider it? In this episode of Health Recoded, I speak with Christina McDaniel, DNP, MSN, RN, about palliative care, end-of-life conversations, and how this approach to care can affect quality of life and patient outcomes. Christina McDaniel is a nurse practitioner and system executive director of the palliative care team at the Medical University of South Carolina. We discuss what palliative care actually involves, why it's often misunderstood, and how it can support patients and families navigating serious illness. We also explore how to talk about end-of-life care with loved ones, the emotional toll on caregivers and healthcare workers, and why our discomfort with death can make these conversations harder than they need to be. Christina shares perspectives on caregiver support, moral distress, and what it means to have a “good” death. Whether you're trying to understand palliative care for yourself or a family member, preparing for difficult conversations, or simply learning how palliative care differs from hospice, this episode offers a starting point. Find Cristina McDaniel, DNP, MSN, RN at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-mcdaniel-dnp-rn-8a6a8094/ 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 10:24 What Is Often Misunderstood About Palliative Care and Death? 14:16 What Is a “Death-Denying” Society? 18:51 How to Take Care of the Caregiver 25:07 How to Talk About End-of-Life Care as a Caregiver 28:18 How to Talk About End-of-Life Care With Family 36:03 Moral Distress in Healthcare Workers and Caregivers 44:49 How Palliative Care Affects Health Outcomes 49:29 Palliative Care vs. Hospice: What's the Difference? 55:54 What to Expect From Palliative Care 58:48 What Is a “Good” Death? 1:01:42 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

  3. Oct 20

    How ADHD and Autism Affect the Way You Think and How to Work With It w/ Eric Tivers

    Why is it so hard to focus? How do you know if you have ADHD or autism? What does it mean to be neurodivergent, and how can you work with your brain instead of against it? In this episode of Health Recoded, I speak with Eric Tivers, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP, about ADHD, autism, and neurodivergence, including how they can affect everyday life, how people make sense of their own experiences, and why understanding your brain can change how you approach challenges. We discuss self-diagnosis, the process of receiving a formal diagnosis, and why neurodivergence may be misunderstood or overlooked. Eric also shares perspectives on the strengths of neurodivergent thinking and why adapting your environment to your needs can be more helpful than constantly trying to fit into expectations that don't work for you. We also explore burnout, self-awareness, acceptance, and how to navigate life when your brain works differently. Whether you're questioning your own experiences, supporting someone who may be neurodivergent, or simply trying to understand ADHD and autism better, this conversation offers a starting point for thinking about neurodivergence in a more informed way. Find Eric Tivers at: https://www.adhdrewired.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 01:20 Why Can ADHD or Autism Go Unrecognized? 03:35 Eric’s Journey With Neurodivergence 24:55 When Can Self-Diagnosis Be Helpful? 28:10 How a Diagnosis Can Help 38:41 How Politics Shapes Conversations About ADHD and Autism 40:43 Can Neurodivergence Be an Advantage? 45:45 Is Everyone on the Spectrum? 49:29 Is Neurodivergence Really That Atypical? 51:34 How to Navigate Life With Neurodivergence 58:04 How Self-Awareness and Acceptance Can Help 1:01:02 How to Navigate Burnout 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. Oct 13

    Fall Asleep Faster: Insomnia, Jet Lag & Sleep Health w/ Jessica Fink, LCSW

    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

  5. 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

  6. Sep 29

    Why Health Insurance Doesn't Pay: What Your Plan Actually Covers w/ William Hammett

    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

  7. Sep 22

    Your Sex Drive Isn't Broken: Sexual Function and Desire w/ Dr. Callard-Moore

    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

  8. 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

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About

Your body - your health - the bigger picture. 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
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Health Recoded
  • Show Website
    Health Recoded