Understanding Panic Attacks and Anxiety Disorders: How Your Body Sounds the Alarm

Essential Advice on Heat Stroke and Summer Safety

Welcome back to What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V. Today's conversation focused on the dangers of extreme summer heat, highlighting the record-breaking temperatures and widespread heat advisories affecting millions across the United States. One concept discussed was heat-related illness as a spectrum, from mild heat rash and cramps to the life-threatening emergency of heat stroke. A key theme that emerged was the seriousness of heat as the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S., surpassing hurricanes and tornadoes, with recent years seeing thousands of preventable fatalities. The discussion explored how the body copes with excess heat, the importance of hydration, and practical steps for identifying and managing emergencies like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Several points were raised, including who is most at risk (the very young, elderly, and those with certain medical conditions or on specific medications), the limitations of fans without moisture, the importance of community resources such as cooling centers, and timely use of emergency services. The conversation also touched on related public health issues, like foodborne illness outbreaks linked to summer produce, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and prepared during peak heat months. Timestamps: 00:00 Summer heat and health risks 03:47 Understanding heat-related illnesses 10:05 Heat-related risks and prevention 13:17 Monitoring fresh produce for infection 15:00 Medications and heat exhaustion risks 18:20 Recognizing heat-related dangers 24:11 Avoiding heat dangers in cars 25:27 Resources for Heat Safety Guidance Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/ [https://www.askdrv.us/] Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/ [https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/] Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/ [https://tophealth.care/] “Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Memory, Aging, and Dementia: Separating Myths, Facts, and Steps You Can Take

Are you worried about memory loss as you age, or are you caring for someone who's starting to show signs of cognitive decline? This episode of "What The Health Is Happening?" dives deep into what really happens to our brains as we grow older, from normal forgetfulness to more serious concerns like mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Dr. Valda Crowder breaks down the different types of memory, the signs that set normal aging apart from concerning symptoms, and the crucial early steps you can take to protect your cognitive health. We'll explore which conditions can mimic dementia but are actually reversible, the latest in Alzheimer's research and treatments, and concrete, evidence-based ways to keep your brain healthy at any age. If you've ever feared losing your sharpness or want real advice on supporting loved ones, this is an episode you can't miss. Timestamps: 00:00 Discussing memory and cognitive decline 05:31 Understanding mild cognitive impairment 09:19 Reversible cognitive decline causes 12:38 Understanding Alzheimer's and Treatment Options 15:06 Discussing APOE gene and dementia risk 18:26 Importance of doctor visits together 20:57 Taking Control of Brain Health Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/ [https://www.askdrv.us/] Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/ [https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/] Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/ [https://tophealth.care/] “Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Michael Jackson: Fame, Fatigue and Fatal Suggestion

Have you ever woken up after a medical procedure, feeling groggy and with no memory of what happened, wondering, "What exactly did they give me?" In this episode of "What the Health is Happening?" emergency physician Dr. Valda Crowder pull back the curtain on propofol, a sedative used every day in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and intensive care units across America. You might recognize its name from headlines surrounding the death of Michael Jackson, but behind the sensational stories lies a drug that, when used correctly, is one of the safest and most effective tools in modern medicine. Dr. V breaks down what propofol is, how it works in your body, why doctors prefer it, what the real risks are, and, most importantly, how you can ask the right questions before your next procedure. If you’ve ever wondered about anesthesia, patient safety, or being your own healthcare advocate, this episode is for you. Timestamps: 00:00 Understanding Propofol's Importance and Risks 03:57 Using propofol for quick procedures 08:33 Monitoring patients during sedation 11:24 Concierge medicine and standards 15:01 Discussing anesthesia options for surgery 18:45 Understanding propofol and physician care 22:09 Importance of informed medical decisions Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/ [https://www.askdrv.us/] Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/ [https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/] Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/ [https://tophealth.care/] “Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

The Hidden Crisis of Gambling Addiction and Its Impact on Brain Health and Society

Welcome to "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V," hosted by board-certified emergency medicine physician Dr. Valda Crowder. In this powerful episode, she tackles the hidden but urgent crisis of gambling addiction. From startling national headlines involving insider trading and military operations to the devastating personal consequences faced by millions of Americans, gambling disorder is revealed not as a moral failing but as a serious brain disease. Dr. V breaks down the science behind gambling addiction, the warning signs to watch for, and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities, especially youth and minorities. Hear real listener stories, expert answers to pressing questions, and find out about the resources and treatments that can offer hope and healing. Whether you or someone you love is affected, this episode delivers the life-saving facts you need to know about gambling's grip on the brain and society. Timestamps: 00:00 Discussing gambling addiction crisis 03:21 Using the Lie Bet Questionnaire 06:53 Dopamine and gambling addiction 10:15 Insider trading on prediction markets 14:09 Childhood betting tendencies 17:53 Understanding addiction and denial 21:10 Signs of problem gambling in youth 25:02 Discussing gambling addiction support resources Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/ [https://www.askdrv.us/] Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/ [https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/] Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/ [https://tophealth.care/] “Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Understanding Panic Attacks and Anxiety Disorders: How Your Body Sounds the Alarm

Welcome to another episode of "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V," hosted by Dr. Valda Crowder, a board-certified emergency medicine physician passionate about empowering your health and wellness. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, today's episode dives deep into a topic that touches millions: panic attacks and anxiety disorders. Whether you're struggling in silence, supporting a loved one, or curious about the signs and solutions, Dr. V breaks down the science and misconceptions surrounding anxiety, explains the difference between normal worry and clinical disorders, and offers practical advice for immediate relief and long-term management. From real emergency room experiences to culturally competent mental health resources, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you or someone you care about take control of anxiety and panic. Timesamps: 00:00 Understanding anxiety vs. anxiety disorders 03:13 Assessing anxiety with a questionnaire 08:53 Identifying panic vs. heart attack 10:31 Understanding panic attacks and disorders 15:00 Exercise and therapy for panic attacks 17:51 Resources for Black Men’s Therapy 19:56 Understanding the HPA axis impact 24:23 Calming breathing techniques and resources Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/ [https://www.askdrv.us/] Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/ [https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/] Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/ [https://tophealth.care/] “Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”