Healthier You: A Vanderbilt Health & Wellness Podcast

In this episode of the Healthier You podcast, host Brad Awalt, Manager of Health Plus , tackles a modern problem many of us know too well - endless scrolling that leaves us feeling more drained and disconnected than refreshed. If you've ever felt like your phone is glued to your hand, this conversation is for you. Brad is joined by Dr. JB Ward, Assistant Professor of Clinical Physical Medicine and...

Tick season started early this year and doesn't show any signs of slowing down. But don't let those creepy crawlies keep you from enjoying the outdoors. Join us for the latest episode of the Healthier You Podcast as Syra York, DNP, AGNP, and infectious disease expert C. Buddy Creech, MD, MPH, Professor of Pediatrics, Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, discuss common tickborne illnesses, smart prevent...

As a healthcare worker, you may see patients from all walks of life with all kinds of health issues, and you may find yourself taking on their stress, experiences, and trauma. Join us as Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW, talks with Janet McCutchen, LPC-MHSP, CEAP, to shed some light on something that comes up often with caregivers, vicarious trauma. We'll discuss what it means, how it might show up in...

What is ultra-processed food, and should we avoid it? There is a powerful connection between the foods we eat and how our bodies function. Join us as Noelle McIntyre, MS, CHES, talks with Fran Blackman, MS, RD, CDES, Registered Dietician, about how the foods we eat impact our health, and practical ways to add more nutrient-rich foods into our daily lives.   Connect with Our Experts:              ...

A stroke can happen suddenly and without any warning. A leading cause of disability in the United States, stroke can change lives in a matter of minutes. Understanding the symptoms and acting quickly in an emergency can make a big difference in treatment and recovery. More importantly, the risk of stroke can be greatly reduced through healthy lifestyle choices. Join us as Syra York, DNP, AGNP talk...

Have you ever worked really hard to achieve something only to feel completely unprepared and unqualified once you get there? Join us as Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW, talks with Adriana Kipper-Smith, PhD, HSP, about the surprisingly common experience known as imposter phenomenon and some effective ways to help remedy the cycle of self-doubt.   Connect with Our Experts                              ...

One of the most powerful and often overlooked pillars of wellness is sleep. In our fast-paced world, sleep is often sacrificed in the name of productivity. Join us as DeOnna Clark, MOT, OTR/L, talks with Raghu Upender, MD, MBA, medical director of the Vanderbilt Sleep Disorder Center, about the science of sleep and the impact that it has on our mental and physical health.                          ...

Quitting a nicotine habit is no easy feat. Join us as Syra York, DNP, AGNP-C, chats with Ashley Cleveland, DNP, to explore the challenges and triumphs of overcoming nicotine addiction, offering practical advice and support for those ready to take the first step towards a healthier life. Discover the health benefits of quitting, learn about effective cessation strategies, and explore the array of r...

In Part 2 of Episode 8, DeOnna Clark, MOT, OTR/L continues the discussion with Madeline Morrison, PharmD, BCTXP, who shares her personal journey to a healthier lifestyle. Madeline gives candid insights into her struggles with stress, sleep, and sustainable habits, and explores how lifestyle coaching helped her redefine wellness on her own terms.   Connect with Our Experts                          ...

Have you ever struggled to meet your health goals or to make changes in your own lifestyle? In this Healthier You episode, DeOnna Clark, MOT, OTR/L chats with Madeline Morrison, PharmD, BCTXP, who shares her personal journey to a healthier lifestyle. Madeline gives candid insights into her struggles with stress, sleep, and sustainable habits, and explores how lifestyle coaching helped her redefine...

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, many of us face a familiar internal battle: the dread of summer and its accompanying body image woes. Join us as Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW chats with Lisa Jackson, LCSW about how to not dread the summer months. We'll explore practical tips for embracing your unique self, from mindful social media consumption to self-compassion and body neutra...

As we enter peak season for respiratory illnesses, join us to learn the latest information on COVID and flu. Julie Hurst, MSN, FNP, MPH shares with us everything to know about symptoms for either illness, how to care for yourself if you do get sick, and where to obtain your vaccinations via Occupational Health Clinic. Connect With Our Experts Syra York, DNP, AGNP-C Milner Staub, MD Episode Resourc...

Have you ever felt overwhelmed, turning to food for comfort? Tune into the latest Healthier You podcast episode as DeOnna Clark, MOT, OTR/L chats with Lisa Jackson, LCSW, about identifying triggers in the cycle of stress, developing healthier coping mechanisms, and finding balance in your eating habits. Connect With Our Experts DeOnna Clark, MOT, OTR/L Lisa Jackson, LCSW Episode Resources Transcri...

  We've all heard about "red flags" to watch out for in a relationship, but what about "green flags"? What characteristics should we be looking for in a relationship (or friendship!) that are healthy and positive? Join Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW and Mackenzie Parks, LCSW, both from Work/Life Connections-EAP to learn more about "green flags" you can look for in your relationships with a partner o...

Join us for the latest episode of the Healthier You Podcast, where Lydia Gardner chats with Wilma Traughber, MSN, RN-BC, CEAS II, about the world of ergonomics at VUMC. We explore how working smarter, not harder, can help transform productivity, well-being, and job satisfaction in various roles across the enterprise. Connect With Our Experts Lydia Gardner Wilma Traughber, MSN, RN-BC, CEAS II Episo...

Join us for the latest episode of the Healthier You Podcast with DeOnna Clark, MOT, OTR/L and Adriana Kipper-Smith, PhD, HSP, where we dive into effective strategies to help you stay serene and centered amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Connect With Our Experts DeOnna Clark, MOT, OTR/L Adriana Kipper-Smith, PhD, HSP Episode Resources Transcript Adriana Kipper-Smith, PhD, HSP DeOn...

Join us for the fourth episode in our four-part miniseries on navigating parenthood as Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW chats with Julie Burton, LCSW, MHCC on becoming an empty-nester. Connect With Our Experts Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW Julie Burton, LCSW, MHCC Episode Resources Transcript Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW Julie Burton, LCSW, MHCC

Join us for the third episode in our four-part miniseries on parenting as Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW chats with Lydia Gardner about parenting through divorce. Connect With Our Experts Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW Lydia Gardner Episode Resources Transcript Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW Lydia Gardner Parents Under Pressure

Join us for the second episode in our four-part miniseries on parenting as Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW chats with Natalie Dodd, LCSW of Work/Life Connections-EAP about returning to work from parental leave with self-compassion. Connect With Our Experts Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW Natalie Dodd, LCSW Episode Resources Transcript Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW Natalie Dodd, LCSW Self-Compassion by Kr...

Join us for the first episode in our four-part miniseries on navigating parenthood as Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW chats with Emily Cox, NBC-HWC, CHES on the many paths to parenthood. Connect With Our Experts Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW Emily Cox, NBC-HWC, CHES Episode Resources Transcript Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW Emily Cox, NBC-HWC, CHES

As we enter peak season for respiratory illnesses, join us to learn the latest information on COVID and flu. Julie Hurst, MSN, FNP, MPH shares with us everything to know about symptoms for either illness, how to care for yourself if you do get sick, and where to obtain your vaccinations via Occupational Health Clinic. Connect With Our Experts Julie Hurst, MSN, FNP, MPH Lydia Gardner Episode Resour...

It's easy to assume aging begins later in life, but the truth is the actions we take in our twenties, thirties, and forties greatly contribute to our quality of life as we get older. DeOnna Clark, MOT, OTR/L chats with Parul M. Goyal, MD, Director of Medicine of Seniors at One Hundred Oaks about how we can maintain health as we age, with actionable steps to improve our well-being. Connect With Our...

Although summer is quickly coming to a close, it doesn't have to be the last call for leisure. Join us as Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW of Work/Life Connections-EAP chats with Jessica Turnbull, MD, MA about the art of slowing down, and how we can take the slower aspects of the summer into the fall months with us. Connect With Our Experts Megan Bergfeld, LCSW, ACM-SW Jessica Turnbull, MD, MA Episode...

Do you ever wonder what resources are available to help keep you safe as your walk to and from work? Join our host Julie Hurst, MSN, FNP, MPH, as she chats with Patrick Conwell from Vanderbilt University Police Department about how to stay safe on campus. Connect With Our Experts Julie Hurst, MSN, FNP, MPH Patrick Conwell Episode Resources Transcript Record Your Go for the Gold Participation Occup...

Do you struggle to stay organized and manage your time between work and home? You're not alone! It can be challenging to juggle competing priorities, especially as healthcare workers who give so much of ourselves to our patients and teams every day. Join our host, DeOnna Clark, MOT, OTR/L, as she chats with Gretchen K.D. McCullough, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer of Monroe Carell Jr. Child...