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Houston Methodist
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With today’s advanced imaging technology, atherosclerosis can be spotted in its earliest stages. By understanding your personal risk factors and acting early with your doctor, you can protect your heart for years to come.
Atherosclerosis 101: Facts to Know About this Preventable, Treatable Disease
Atherosclerosis signs don’t appear until the disease gets worse. But it’s preventable and also very treatable. See how to spot it and reduce heart attack risk.
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February 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Following actor James Van Der Beek's death from colorectal cancer at just 48, Dr. Abdelrahim reinforces the importance of screenings and early detection in The National Desk.
Importance of colorectal cancer screenings hits home after James Van Der Beek's death
Early detection is key. Localized colon cancer has a 91% five-year relative survival rate, according to the American Cancer Society.
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February 17, 2026 at 6:00 PM
A heart and vascular screening can help you understand your risk, which is one of the first steps toward prevention.
Be Heart Smart: Get Screened for Heart Disease
Do you know your risk for heart disease? Here's why you should.
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February 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM
We unpack the most common “healthy” foods that miss the mark, how labels get misleading, and what to reach for instead, so you can make choices that actually support your wellness goals.
'Healthy' Foods That Aren’t Actually Healthy
Many foods carry a health halo but aren't actually as nutritious or healthy as they seem. A doctor explains what foods seem healthy but actually aren't.
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February 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM
In this episode, we explore the science of a broken heart — how it can physically affect the body and whether it can cause actual heart damage or even, in certain cases, death.
Heartbreak: Can You Die of a Broken Heart?
Few of us are strangers to having our hearts broken. Whether the cause is a breakup, crushed dream or death of a loved one, a broken heart inflicts a special kind of pain. It's considered an emotional state, but we allude to more than just our frame of mind when we describe it. We "feel it in our bones," say our chest hurts and call it heartbreak, after all. In today's episode, we explore the science of a broken heart — how it can physically affect the body and whether it can cause actual heart damage or even, in certain cases, death. Hosts: Zach Moore (interviewer), Katie McCallum Expert: Dr. Devang Parikh, Structural Interventional Cardiologist Notable topics covered: Whether heartbreak can have physical effects on the body Yes, broken heart syndrome is an actual medical condition Why the syndrome can be confused with a heart attack The emotional and physical triggers of broken heart syndrome Everyday heartbreak can affect the body, too How common is broken heart syndrome? Who's most at risk? What's the prognosis? How your doctors can help unravel heartbreak syndrome's root cause A reminder of why it's important to have great relationships with your doctors
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February 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM
If you’ve ever felt a tightness or tenderness in your neck, back or buttocks, then you may have very well experienced a muscle knot. What causes these knots to form and how can you get rid of them? We provide the answers.
Muscles in Knots? Here’s How to Get Rid of Them
Muscle knots are a common source of neck and back pain that can be released through massage, physical therapy and osteopathic manipulation, among others.
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February 13, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Dry, itchy skin? Blame the weather. As temperatures drop, so too does the humidity, which can leave our skin dry and flakey. Help protect your skin barrier with these helpful tips from one of our medical aestheticians. spr.ly/63329hJasL
8 Tips for Preventing Dry Skin in the Winter
How to adjust your skin care routine for winter's cooler, drier air.
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February 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM
When cold-like symptoms linger, it might be a sinus infection. Knowing when to wait out symptoms and when to get medical care can help you recover faster and reduce the risk of complications.
7 Signs to See a Doctor for Sinus Infection Symptoms
Could that "cold" that won't go away be a sinus infection?
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February 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Our gastroenterologist Dr. Kalakota chimes in on why apple cider vinegar is better for your gut health than lemon water in @the-independent.com.
Why apple cider vinegar is better than lemon water for your gut health
Consuming just a tablespoon a day can benefit the trillions of bacteria living in your intestines
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February 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM
It's time to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist if you have any of these key risk factors.
Signs It's Time to See a Cardiologist
Heart disease is the nation's No. 1 killer of adults. What are the symptoms and test results that suggest it's time to see a cardiologist?
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February 11, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Getting to the root of neck pain can be tricky, especially when so many everyday habits can trigger it like those hours you spend hunched over your phone scrolling, texting or streaming. Here's what you need to know about tech neck.
Is Your Stiff Neck Actually Tech Neck? Here’s How to Know
Getting to the root of neck pain can be tricky, especially when so many everyday habits can trigger it.
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February 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM
If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve seen people talking about fibermaxxing. Is this just another wellness fad, or does this trend truly live up to the hype?
Fibermaxxing: Should You Try a High-Fiber Diet?
Is this just another wellness fad, or does this trend truly live up to the hype?
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February 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM
How can you determine your personal risk of a heart attack? And what steps can you take to lower it? One of our cardiologists answers these questions and more.
Understanding Your Heart Attack Risk Profile
What's your personal heart attack risk profile? A cardiologist breaks down the factors that influence your unique risk of heart attack and heart disease.
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February 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM
In this episode, we explore the different ingredients, simple swaps and best cooking methods to help achieve our health goals without sacrificing one of life's great pleasures — enjoying delicious food.
Heart Healthy Diet: How to Make It Taste Better | Houston Methodist
If the phrase "heart-healthy diet" makes you think of poached chicken and steamed vegetables without salt or seasoning, you're not alone. But eating to improve heart health — whether to control blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels or slow coronary artery disease — doesn't mean signing up for a lifetime of bland food. In this episode, we explore the different ingredients, simple swaps and best cooking methods to help achieve our health goals without sacrificing one of life's great pleasures — enjoying delicious food. Expert: Amanda Beaver, Registered Dietitian Interviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-Weber Notable topics covered: Do you need to fear sugar in a heart-healthy diet? The salt shaker isn't your enemy — discover the true culprit for excess sodium intake Tips & tricks to shopping for (and cooking with) ingredients from the grocery store's middle aisles Sea salt, iodized, Kosher, Himalayan pink: Is one better than the other? Why you should revisit (or bulk up) your spice drawer or cabinet Can acid make smaller amounts of salt go farther in dishes? MSG, the controversial ingredient that can add savoriness with two-thirds less sodium Healthier choices when shopping for cooking oil Why not all fats are bad — and the swaps that can help improve our heart health Is there a healthier option to white table sugar? Why your mindset should be "what can I add" rather than "what I should take away" Why cooking method matters and why we should use our oven or air fryer more
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February 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM
As a somewhat rare defensive scoring play, we may not see a safety this Super Bowl Sunday, but hopefully there will be plenty of food safety. Here are five tips for serving food safely at your upcoming watch party.
5 Food Safety Tips to Consider This Super Bowl Sunday
What to consider if you're hosting a watch party.
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February 5, 2026 at 12:00 PM
In @the-independent.com, our dermatologist Dr. Maender weighs in on this hot but complicated topic – hairwashing.
How often should you wash your hair? Dermatologists weigh in
Shampooing removes sebum or oil that normally coats the hair shaft
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February 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Here's everything you need to know if you have a "kink in the hose."
What Does a Hernia Feel Like? (& 4 More Questions About Them, Answered)
Hernias are common and treatable. Learn symptoms to watch for, who’s at risk and when surgery may be needed.
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February 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Dr. Quigley shares his no. 1 tip to promote better digestion in The Healthy.
We Asked 5 Gut Health Experts the #1 Secret to Better Digestion—The Answers Were News to Us
You know you need fiber—but gastro MDs and nutritionists listed a few more gut-health best practices we're adopting immediately.
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February 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM
If your relationship with exercise is complicated, you’re not alone. The hardest part of exercising after a break can be simply starting again. Here's how to start.
How to Start Exercising After a Break (of Any Length)
It can be hard to start exercising after a break. Discover strategies and tips to help you get started again no matter how long it has been.
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February 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM
While most arrhythmias are harmless, some may be a sign of a more serious heart condition or require treatment. Here's when you should seek care.
When Should You Worry About Arrhythmia?
Learn when arrhythmias are harmless — and when they're not.
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February 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM
When it comes to treating cold symptoms, decongestants pose a threat to the heart that certain people should think twice about.
Did You Know Cold Medications Can Affect the Heart?
Which active ingredients to be on the lookout for and who's most at risk.
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January 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Heart rate zones help categorize exercise intensity based on your age and fitness level and indicate what energy source your body is using for fuel.

Learn more about the benefits of each zone: spr.ly/63324h85s6
How Heart Rate Zones Can Help Maximize Your Workouts
Heart rate zones represent different levels of exercise intensity, ranging from 1 to 5, and can help ensure your workouts meet your goals.
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January 29, 2026 at 6:00 PM
It seems to be a universal truth that we're all tired all the time, but are you just sleepy or fatigued?
Are You Tired or Are You Just Sleepy?
The difference between the two, as well as how to combat each.
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January 29, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Debra Roberts experienced migraines, fluid in her nose and ears, and short-term memory loss. After a brain sag was noticed on MRI, she began a treatment journey for a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
‘I Had Sparkle Back’: Woman Recovers Memory, Joy After Endovascular Repair of CSF Leak
Debra Roberts experienced migraines, fluid in her nose and ears, and short-term memory loss. After a brain sag was noticed on MRI, she began a treatment journey for a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Kurt Yaeger, MD, an endovascular neurosurgeon at Houston Methodist, treated Debra with a minimally invasive endovascular procedure to embolize the source of the leak.
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January 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Do you have nasal congestion that won't go away? It might be time to consider how you're treating it.
Stuffed Up? Some Nasal Decongestant Sprays Can Cause Congestion of Their Own
What to do if your nasal decongestant spray is causing rebound congestion that won't go away.
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January 28, 2026 at 12:00 PM