Your Doctor Friends Dr. Jeremy Alland and Dr. Julie Bruene

So many headlines reference obesity as an "epidemic". For generations, it has been dogma that larger bodies are bad for your health. It has also widely been assumed that if you have a higher weight, it is because you have made bad health decisions and therefore you are to blame.
For many folks, (doctors included) we were taught these ideas as simple, undeniable facts: Obesity will kill you. You only become obese by eating too much and not exercising.
So, if someone is obese, it is because they aren’t doing the "right things". We just need to counsel them to do the right things and they will “choose” to be healthy. And make sure to bring it up at every appointment so they don’t forget!
But what if all of this was wrong?
Is it possible that having a higher weight does not actually mean you are unhealthy? 
Thankfully we have Ragen Chastain to educate us. She has over 20 years of experience researching weight and healthcare.
Ragen Chastain is a speaker, writer, researcher, Board Certified Patient Advocate, multi-certified health and fitness professional, and thought leader in weight science, weight stigma, and healthcare. Utilizing her background in research methods and statistics, Ragen has brought her signature mix of humor and hard facts to healthcare, corporate, conference, and college audiences.
WE ARE SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE HER WITH US!
Topics in this episode include:
Is "obesity" really a disease?
Where did the BMI calculation come from?
Where do the terms "obesity" and "overweight" come from?
What is the "success rate" (according to research) for attempting intentional weight loss?
What is "weight cycling"? How is it harmful?
What is meant by "enjoyable movement"?
How can we foster a weight-neutral health culture???
Ragen has a Substack titled "Weight and Healthcare". Check it out!
Ragen recommends the HAES (Health At Every Size) Health Sheets for a great comprehensive, evidence-based resource.
Her Instagram handle is @ragenchastain, and her Twitter handle is @danceswithfat
Ragen also recommends the following resources:
Da'Shaun Harrison's "Belly of the Beast"
Sabrina Strings' "Fearing the Black Body"
Shelby Gordon on Instagram at @fit.flexible.fluid

For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!
Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network
(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!)
 
Find us at:
Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 
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RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES! Semaglutide is sweeping the news cycle right now. From influencers and celebrities touting its weight loss effects, to the American Academy of Pediatrics' new (controversial) recommendations on children's weight, talk about this medication is hard to miss.
With all that talk, there is ripe opportunity for MISINFORMATION. That's precisely why we brought back OUR FAVORITE PHARMACIST, Greg Castelli, PharmD, to give us the facts on semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
Topics in this episode include:
What is semaglutide? How does it work?
Why/how was it approved for weight loss?
Is it safe? What do the studies/research show?
What are the side effects?
For whom is Ozempic/Wegovy prescribed? Who is the target audience?
Why are there shortages of this medication?
Is it covered by insurance? How expensive is it?
What happens when you stop taking it?
Is there long-term data on risks/benefits of use (more than 5-6 years)?
Is there research/data on its use in kids?
Greg our Pharmacist recommends checking out Michael Pollan's book "In Defense of Food".

For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!
Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network
(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!)
 
Find us at:
Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 
Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 
 
Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!
 
(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)
 
Connect with us:
@your_doctor_friends (IG)
@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)
@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)
@HealthPodNet (IG)

GLUTEN. It's everywhere. Millions of people each year remove gluten from their diets, for various reasons. Some people try a gluten-free diet because they have GI symptoms. Some try it to lose weight. Some people are just looking to potentially increase their health and longevity. Is it legit? Who should really go gluten-free??
Thankfully we have a WORLD-RENOWNED EXPERT in all things gluten, celiac, and gut microbiome to guide us today! Dr. Alessio Fasano is a pediatric gastroenterologist, research scientist, and entrepreneur. He is the Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Mass General Hospital for Children. He authored the groundbreaking study in 2003 that established the US rate of celiac disease in 1 in 133 Americans.
He is a HUGE DEAL, and we are SO HONORED to have him as our guest! Be sure to DIGEST this episode! It's DELICIOUS!
Topics in this episode include:
What's the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity?
How many people have celiac disease?
How do we test for celiac disease? How can we make a true diagnosis?
Who should be screened for celiac disease?
Do we actually need gluten in our diets?
Are there downsides to removing gluten from our diet?
Can someone with celiac disease have a little bit of gluten in their diet?
Learn more about Dr. Fasano and his research about celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and the microbiome here.
Link to information on Dr. Fasano's book "Gluten Freedom".
Link to information on Dr. Fasano's NEWEST book (with co-author Susie Flaherty) "Gut Feelings: The Microbiome and Our Health".
For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!
Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network
(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!)
 
Find us at:
Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 
Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 
 
Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!
 
(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)
 
Connect with us:
@your_doctor_friends (IG)
@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)
@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)
@HealthPodNet (IG)

Oh no. I twisted my knee and felt a pop- did I tear my meniscus? Ugh, do I have to have SURGERY??
It seems like everyone knows somebody who has injured their meniscus. These injuries are quite common, and sports news media outlets cover meniscus tear stories in athletes voraciously. It seems like the athlete has a momentary injury where their knee buckles, they limp off to the sideline, and then we find out they will be out for the rest of the season for meniscus surgery and recovery.
Is this the fate for everyone with a meniscus injury?
Guess what?? We brought one of our FAVORITE PEOPLE and our mentor, Dr. Charles Bush Joseph to help demystify the meniscus!
Chuck has been a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine for 25+ years. He is the former head team physician/surgeon for the Chicago White Sox (a position he held for close to 15 years), and is the past president of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine.
Chuck is a kind, humble, wise (and often hilarious) physician who loves to teach, so let's soak up that knowledge!
Topics in this episode include:
What is the meniscus? Why do I need it?
What kinds of ways can people injure their meniscus?
How can I tell if a meniscus injury is acute or chronic?
Does a meniscus tear need surgery?
Why do I know so many people who have had meniscus tears/surgery?
Can we prevent these injuries?

Learn more about our good friend and mentor Dr. Charles Bush Joseph (aka Chuck, aka CBJ) HERE :)

For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!
Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network
(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!)
 
Find us at:
Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 
Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 
 
Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!
 
(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)
 
Connect with us:
@your_doctor_friends (IG)
@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)
@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)
@HealthPodNet (IG)
Mentioned in this episode:
DrFriends30 Code

YOGA. If you've never done it, the concept can be intimidating. All those crazy poses with difficult-to-pronounce names. Is it gonna be HOT in the room? Are there mirrors everywhere? What if I fall down? OMG what if my body makes a weird noise and EVERYONE HEARS IT??
Never fear! Today we have an AMAZING yoga instructor here to quell our yoga fears and help us break down the barriers to the wonderful benefits yoga can bring.
DuShaun has been practicing yoga for 13 years and is a certified yoga instructor by the Yoga Alliance. As a yoga student, she noticed that she was the only black and plus-sized person in the room, which inspired her to bring yoga to more people who looked like her.
She previously worked in higher education and community activism in the North Lawndale neighborhood on Chicago’s west side. She often teaches yoga in “non-traditional” settings. 
“She intends on taking down as many barriers as possible to bring yoga to those who are looking for calm and relaxed minds.” (direct quote from her site for her amazing brand, SAGE GAWD COLLECTIVE).
So get centered, friends! This one is an ABSOLUTE CAN'T-MISS EPISODE!
Topics in this episode include:
Is yoga right for my body?
Is there special preparation I should do before yoga? Do I need fancy equipment?
What if I'm just not flexible? Can I still do yoga?
How does practicing yoga impact our minds and bodies?
How can we practice inclusivity and cultural competence in yoga?
How can we make yoga more accessible for everyone?
Follow DuShaun on Instagram with her handle, @dushaun_nicole, and visit sagegawdcollective.com to learn more about how we break down barriers in yoga :)
Catch a virtual class with DuShaun the 4th Saturday morning of the month at the Garfield Park Conservatory!

For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!
Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network
(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!)
 
Find us at:
Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 
Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 
 
Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!
 
(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)
 
Connect with us:
@your_doctor_friends (IG)
@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)
@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)
@HealthPodNet (IG)
Mentioned in this episode:
DrFriends30 Code

Are you feeling stuck in a rut? Does it seem like there is an unending pile of busywork that keeps growing despite your best efforts? Are you feeling irritable and irritated during your daily routines?
Maybe you're experiencing burnout! Not to worry, Your Doctor Friends are here to help you recognize the symptoms, take inventory of the issues, and find resources and practices to help restore balance.
Today we have Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque, an Internal Medicine physician with a special interest in physician burnout to help us learn more. Dr. Shah-Haque has experienced burnout firsthand, and has co-authored a book, "Thriving After Burnout: A Compliation of Real Stories by Female Physicians" and hosts the podcast "The Worthy Physician".
Topics in this episode include:
How can we recognize when we are experiencing burnout? At work? At home?
What are the "symptoms" of burnout?
How can we reach out to our coworkers, friends, and partners, to encourage connection?
What resources are out there to help us identify and combat/mitigate burnout?
Follow Dr. Shah-Haque on Instagram with her handle, @theworthyphysician and link to her Podcast website here at theworthyphysician.com
YouTube video of Dr Christina Maslach outlining the 6 factors contributing to burnout, here.
Website for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a wonderful resource for anyone experiencing burnout or related symptoms. NAMI.org.
For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!
Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network
(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!)
 
Find us at:
Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 
Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 
 
Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!
 
(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)
 
Connect with us:
@your_doctor_friends (IG)
@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)
@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)
@HealthPodNet (IG)
Mentioned in this episode:
DrFriends30 Code