The Educated Patient Podcast

15: New Cholesterol Guidelines Emphasize Personalized Cardiovascular Risk

For decades, cholesterol management has largely focused on identifying problems and treating patients after cardiovascular disease has already developed. But according to Michael D. Shapiro, D.O., the inaugural Fred M. Parrish professor of cardiology and molecular medicine at Wake Forest University and a contributor to the new American Heart Association’s 2026 cholesterol guidelines, that approach is changing. The latest recommendations reflect a growing shift toward prevention, with a stronger emphasis on identifying risk factors earlier in life and tailoring treatment plans to individual patients. Advances in genetics, imaging and blood testing have helped researchers better understand who may be at risk for heart disease long before symptoms appear.

14: How to Stay Healthy While Traveling

As spring break and travel season ramp up, it’s easy to focus on fun and forget about the small health habits that can make or break a trip. In this episode of The Educated Patient Podcast, Ladan Pourmasiha, D.O., known to patients as Dr. P, shares practical, real-world advice from the front lines of urgent care. Pourmasiha says travel often disrupts routines in ways that can impact health. From viral infections and foodborne illness to sunburn, dehydration and even injuries, urgent care visits tend to spike during busy travel periods. The common thread? People step outside their normal habits — sleeping less, eating differently and spending more time in the sun.

13: Spring Cleaning for Your Health

Nikolaus Pankow, M.D., breaks down how decluttering your home can reduce stress, improve sleep and support overall health.

12: Understanding Menopause, Brain Fog and Hormone Changes

Primary care expert Katie Horner, DMSC, MPAS, PA-C, explains how hormonal shifts during menopause can affect the brain, mood and overall health.

11: Why Stroke Prevention Starts Now

Shyam Prabhakaran, M.D., M.S., explains why managing blood pressure, AFib and lifestyle habits can dramatically reduce stroke risk.