Health Talk - Your Partner In Health

Ep. 65 - Staying Healthy While Traveling: Strategies for Resilient Wellness on the Go

Whether you're heading out on a business trip or a long-awaited vacation, travel can take a toll on your body—but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, Dr. Caitlin Prickett shares science-backed strategies to help you stay healthy, energized, and resilient while on the go. Learn how air travel impacts your immune system, the best supplements to start before your trip, how to protect your gut abroad, and what to pack in your wellness toolkit. You’ll also hear tips for beating jet lag, maintaining circulation, and optimizing sleep—even when changing time zones. Topics Covered: Immune support before and during travel Nutritional supplements with clinical evidence Gut health and preventing travel-related GI issues In-flight circulation and DVT prevention Jet lag recovery and circadian rhythm resets Must-have travel health essentials Referenced Studies Include: Hemilä & Chalker (2015), De Flora et al. (1997), Ganesan et al. (2012), Kuipers et al. (2007), Irwin et al. (1996), McFarland (2007), CDC Yellow Book, and more. ✈️ Don’t let your health take a vacation—listen now to travel smarter and recover faster.

Ep. 64 - Digital Detox: Managing Technology Overload for Better Health

Is your screen time stealing your energy, sleep, or mental clarity? In this episode of Health Talk: Your Partner in Health, Dr. Caitlin Prickett and Jeffery Runyon dive into the growing health crisis of digital overload. Learn how excessive technology use affects your brain, posture, and emotional well-being — and discover science-backed strategies to take control and reconnect with what matters most. 🧠 Topics Covered * What is digital overload and why does it matter? * The neurological and physical impact of constant screen use * Effects of blue light on melatonin and sleep quality * Real-life stories and practical boundaries from both physician and patient * Family-focused tech boundaries and digital wellness at work * Tools and resources for a healthier relationship with tech 🩺 Key Clinical Insights & Stats * The average adult spends 7+ hours/day on screens (Statista, 2022) * Blue light delays melatonin production and disrupts circadian rhythm (Harvard Medical School) * Over 50% of adults report digital eye strain (American Optometric Association) * Kids with >2 hrs/day of screen time perform worse on cognitive tests (JAMA Pediatrics, PMID: 30865272) * Family tech boundaries improve child behavior and sleep (BMC Public Health, PMID: 32054427) 🛠️ Tools & Takeaways Top Tips to Start Your Digital Detox: * Set screen-free zones (e.g., bedroom, dinner table) * Use “Downtime” or “Focus” modes on your phone * Replace tech with analog habits: walks, books, conversation * Try a “Digital Sabbath” – one screen-free day each week * Wind down without screens 60 minutes before bed 📚 Featured Research * Front Psychiatry (2021): Screen Time & Mental Health – [PMID: 34306192] * JAMA Pediatrics (2019): Child Cognitive Development – [PMID: 30865272] * BMC Public Health (2020): Family Tech Boundaries – [PMID: 32054427] * Harvard Health: Blue Light & Sleep * American Optometric Association: Digital Eye Strain * RescueTime Report (2022): Workplace Distraction Data * PNAS Nexus (2024): Digital Detox & Mental Health 🎯 Listener Challenge This week, try one of the following: * 24-hour digital detox * Set 1 screen-free habit * Tag us with your success at #HealthTalkDetox 🔗 Connect With Us Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen.

Ep. 63 - The Hidden Impact of Seed Oils on American Health

In this episode of Health Talk: Your Partner in Health, Dr. Caitlin Prickett and Jeffery Runyon dive into a controversial topic: seed oils and their hidden impact on our health. Once hailed as healthy alternatives to saturated fats, seed oils have quietly taken over much of the American diet, and studies now suggest they may be linked to a rise in chronic health conditions. Dr. Prickett discusses the science behind omega-6 fatty acids, the inflammatory effects of common oils like canola and soybean, and how the shift to low-fat diets high in seed oils may correlate with increases in diseases like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Jeffery shares his journey of going seed oil-free, and together, they explore practical tips for cutting seed oils out and choosing healthier options. Tune in to uncover the truth about seed oils and what it could mean for your health.

Ep. 62 - Cold Plunges and Saunas: Worth the Sweat?

In this solo episode, Dr. Caitlin Prickett dives into the science and hype behind two of the hottest (and coldest) wellness trends—cold plunges and saunas. Are they just Instagram-worthy rituals, or do they actually deliver health benefits? From improving circulation and reducing inflammation to boosting mood and recovery, Dr. Prickett explores the clinical research, shares her own experiences, and offers practical tips for incorporating these therapies safely and effectively. Whether you’re curious about cryotherapy or love a good sweat session, this episode will help you decide if the plunge is really worth it.

Ep. 61 - Sleep Optimization: The Missing Key to Long-Term Health

In this powerful follow-up to Episode 8, “The Power of Sleep: Transform Your Health Overnight,” Dr. Caitlin Prickett and Jeffery Runyon dive deeper into the science and strategy behind optimizing your sleep for long-term health and longevity. They explore the vital role quality sleep plays in immune function, metabolism, hormone regulation, and brain health—while uncovering how modern life often sabotages our rest. Backed by clinical studies and insights from experts like Dr. Peter Attia and Dr. Andrew Huberman, this episode provides actionable tips to improve your sleep starting tonight. From circadian rhythm hacks and evidence-based supplements to the best wearables and environmental tweaks, this episode is your guide to unlocking better rest and better health. You’ll learn: ✅ Why sleep is a longevity superpower ✅ How light exposure, temperature, and routine affect your sleep ✅ When to use melatonin (and when not to) ✅ Tools and supplements that actually help ✅ When to seek professional help for chronic sleep issues Whether you struggle to fall asleep or want to take your recovery to the next level, this episode is packed with tools to help you thrive. 🔗 Ready to take sleep seriously? Listen now and start transforming your nights—and your health.