Health Discovered

Apr. 30, 2026 -- Nearly everyone will either become a caregiver or need one at some point, yet few are truly prepared for what that role involves. Caring for an aging loved one can be profoundly meaningful but also emotionally and logistically challenging, and our healthcare system doesn't always make it easier. In collaboration with The John A. Hartford Foundation, this six-part Aging in America series offers guidance for navigating this caregiving journey and what it means to age well. In our final episode, we spoke with Rani E. Snyder, MPA, president of The John A. Hartford Foundation, to reflect on key themes from this series – from aging with dignity and the 4Ms of age-friendly care, to scams, AI in healthcare, and advance care planning. The biggest takeaway: start these conversations early to ensure your loved ones receive the care they deserve. Caregiving may feel overwhelming, especially the first time – but you are not alone, and support is available. Check out The John A. Hartford Foundation at https://www.johnahartford.org/.  Additional resources:WebMD Healthy AgingEldercare Locator Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Rani E. Snyder, MPA See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and often develops without pain or early warning signs. So what is it, and how is it detected before vision is lost? We spoke with Sandra F. Sieminski, MD, Interim Chair and Director of Glaucoma Services at the University at Buffalo, about how glaucoma works, the latest advances in treatment, and why early detection is critical. We also explore the emotional impact of a diagnosis, practical tools for coping, and how staying engaged in your care – including regular eye exams – can help protect your vision over time. Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Sandra F. Sieminski  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allergy season is more than a few weeks of sneezing. It can be hard to tell what’s “just allergies,” what might be an infection, and when it’s time to seek more than over-the-counter relief. What’s actually happening in your immune system when symptoms flare? And why can they feel so intense? We spoke with Zachary E. Rubin, MD, author of All About Allergies, about how allergy evaluations work, how to identify your triggers, and how to use OTC treatments effectively. Plus, when it’s time to see an allergist. You don’t have to suffer – listen in to this episode for expert guidance on finding real, lasting relief. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Zachary E. Rubin, MD See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When someone you love is dealing with serious health issues or repeated hospital visits, it can feel like you’re constantly bracing for the next crisis. In those moments, it’s hard to step back and think about what your loved one truly wants, needs, and what would support their quality of life. Yet for many families, conversations about palliative care and advance care planning happen too late – or are misunderstood as “the end,” rather than tools that help people live as fully and comfortably as possible for as long as possible. We spoke with Anthony L. Back, MD, a national leader in patient-oncologist communication, about what palliative care really means versus hospice, common myths about palliative care, how culture and lived experiences shape these conversations, and how families can begin important discussions about advance care planning. Check out The John A. Hartford Foundation at https://www.johnahartford.org/.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of us have heard about “high cortisol” in the context of stress. But Cushing’s syndrome, which has recently been in the news, is something very different. It’s pathologic cortisol excess that can quietly drive certain health problems. We spoke with Lewis Blevins, MD, a neuroendocrinologist specializing in pituitary, hypothalamic, and adrenal disorders, about what cortisol is meant to do, what Cushing’s syndrome really is, why diagnosis is often delayed, and what practical steps to take if you suspect something more than everyday stress. We also discuss the path to an accurate diagnosis and shared decision-making grounded in patient education. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Lewis Blevins, MD See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joint pain is often brushed off as a normal part of aging – but pain that interferes with your daily life doesn’t have to be something you simply live with. In this episode, we talk with Una Makris, MD, MSc, a clinical rheumatologist, about the common joint conditions affecting older adults and what actually helps. From movement and weight management to nutrition and physical therapy, she shares practical, evidence-based strategies to reduce pain and protect your joints. Learn how small, sustainable lifestyle changes can support mobility, independence, and quality of life at every age. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Una Makris, MD, MSc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2025, the U.S. FDA removed the “black box” warnings from menopausal hormone therapy products – but what does that actually mean for patients? For decades, many women have navigated perimenopause and menopause with limited information, few effective options, and little validation of their symptoms. In part one of this two-part series, we speak with Sharon Malone, MD, board-certified OB-GYN and chief medical advisor for Alloy Women’s Health, about what happens during the menopausal transition, why symptoms can feel chaotic and unpredictable, and how misinterpretations of past research have shaped – and often restricted – women’s care. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Sharon Malone, MD Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perimenopause is the natural transition leading into menopause, marked by erratic fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone. These unpredictable shifts can trigger emotional, cognitive, and physical changes – often years before menopause officially begins. We spoke with Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C, a licensed clinical psychologist, about the whole-body experience of perimenopause, including mood and memory changes, the structural and social factors that place some groups at higher risk, available hormonal and non-hormonal treatments, lifestyle strategies that may help, and when – and how – to ask for support. Your symptoms matter, and you deserve informed, compassionate care. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss and can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other areas of the body, causing patchy, partial, or complete hair loss. What are the different types of alopecia, and how are they diagnosed? We spoke with Carolyn Goh, MD, a dermatologist specializing in hair loss and scalp disorders, about common forms of alopecia, signs of pattern hair loss, what to expect after a diagnosis, available treatment options, and how to find support – because you’re not alone, and help is available. Additional resources: Scarring Alopecia Foundation (SAF)National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Carolyn Goh, MD Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of WebMD Health Discovered podcast, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our Top 5 episodes of 2025 -- and how these powerful conversations came to life. We reflect on the moments that shaped the stories you heard and the questions that guided them. You’ll hear clips from some of our most groundbreaking episodes, spanning stillbirth and maternal care, cancer screenings, anorexia and recovery, evolving parenting dynamics, and the emerging science of xenotransplantation. This year, we released 52 high-value episodes of the podcast, each inspired by your feedback and the real challenges people face while navigating health care. While the podcast has been recognized with top industry honors, these episodes earned their place in our Top 5 for one reason above all others: their impact on you. Full episodes featured:Stillbirth and Maternal Care Gaps: Risks, Support, and AdvocacyThe Risks of Delaying Routine Cancer ScreeningsUnderstanding Anorexia: Signs, Support, and the Role of Hope in RecoveryRedefining Parenting Dynamics: Moving From Resentment to CollaborationExploring Xenotransplantation with Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Inside the Future of Organ Transplants Credits Guests: Heather Florescue, MD, FACOG, OBGYN; Samantha Banerjee; Christopher Scuderi, DO; Kamryn Eddy, PhD; Lia Love Avellino, LCSW; Sanjay Gupta MD Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 805,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack each year – and the experience doesn’t end in the ER. Recovery is a long-term process. We spoke to Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, director of both the Center for Women’s Cardiovascular Health and the Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center at NYU Langone Health, about the signs and symptoms to watch for, what healthy recovery can look like, how to support yourself or a loved one after a heart attack, and the key lifestyle changes that make a lasting difference. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Harmony R. Reynolds, MD Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 10% of U.S. children ages 5 to 15 experience migraine. For parents, figuring out what’s normal, what’s serious, and how to help can be overwhelming. We spoke with Sara Pavitt, MD, chief of the Headache Program at UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s, to break it down. She explains how to recognize the signs and symptoms of migraine in kids, when to call a doctor, and how to manage them day to day – from improving sleep and hydration to using supplements and cognitive behavioral therapy. Your child doesn’t have to suffer. Learn how to navigate migraine with confidence. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Sara Pavitt, MD Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to 1 in 5 new mothers in the U.S. – and it can impact anyone, regardless of age, background, or how many children you’ve had. In this episode, we speak with Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C, licensed clinical psychologist, about how PPD is diagnosed, the signs to look for, and what effective treatment and recovery truly involve. We also explore why open communication and early support are key to healing and reclaiming emotional well-being after birth. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Guest: Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.