Healthier You

Low libido is more common than you might think—and it can affect your emotional, physical, and relational well-being. From hormonal shifts and certain medications to mental health and relationship dynamics, many factors can influence your sex drive. On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Carolyn Gorman, a board-certified ob-gyn and sexual health specialis...

Are your joints feeling stiff or achy after everyday activities? You’re not alone—joint pain is a common issue that can affect people of all ages, whether from arthritis, injuries, or inflammation. But the good news is, there are proven ways to manage pain, improve mobility, and protect your joints over time. In this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams sits down with Dr. Nora...

Did you know that the trillions of bacteria living in your gut play a crucial role in how you feel, think, and function? The foods you eat can either support or disrupt this delicate ecosystem. So, what should you be eating to keep your gut thriving?   On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Margaret Schwiesow, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Kaise...

If you’re one of the millions of people who struggle with seasonal allergies, you know just how miserable they can be. What exactly is happening in your body when you experience allergy symptoms? And most importantly, what can you do to keep them under control?  On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams talks with Dr. Troy Baker, a board-certified allergist with Kaiser Perm...

We all experience stress, but what happens inside our bodies when we’re under pressure? At the center of it all is cortisol, often called the “stress hormone.” From regulating metabolism and blood pressure to influencing our sleep and even digestion, cortisol plays a critical role in our health. So, what can we do to keep cortisol levels in check? And what does the latest research say about managi...

If you’re under age 50, there’s no need to worry about colorectal cancer, right? Not quite. In recent years we’ve seen a dramatic rise in colorectal cancer cases in young adults. But why? What role do diet, lifestyle, and genetics play? And most importantly, what can you do to reduce your risk? On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams talks with Dr. Alex Jow, a board-certi...

Do you often wake up exhausted, no matter how much sleep you get? Or maybe you struggle with snoring or daytime fatigue? You’re not alone—millions of people suffer from sleep apnea, often without even knowing it. On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams talks with Dr. Keisha Sullivan, a double board-certified sleep and family medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente, for ex...

For years, we’ve heard mixed messages about alcohol—everything from “A glass of red wine is good for your heart,” or “Everything is fine in moderation,” to “Any amount of alcohol is risky.” But what does science actually say? How does alcohol affect our bodies, and is there such a thing as a healthy amount? On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams talks with Dr. Joseph Lod...

From social media scrolling and online gaming to remote work and virtual learning, we're spending more time on screens than ever before. But what does all this mean for our mental health? On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Asha Patton-Smith, a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente, to explore how screens impact our bra...

On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Darren Young, an internal medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente, about tips for mindful eating and how being more present at mealtime can improve digestion, reduce stress, and even help with weight management.

On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Christie Youssef, a family medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente, about how carbohydrates work in your body, the difference between good carbs and bad carbs, and how much you need depending on your goals and lifestyle.

If you’ve ever tried to tweak your diet—whether to lose weight, build muscle, or just feel healthier—you’ve probably heard lots of opinions on protein. Some people say you need a lot, others say a little goes a long way, and then there’s all the conflicting advice about plant-based vs. animal-based protein. So, how do you know how much protein you really need to fuel your body properly? On this ep...

When we think of slowing the aging process, strength training might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But did you know that building muscle is one of the most effective ways to keep your body—and mind—feeling younger? From improving bone density and balance to enhancing mental clarity and metabolic health, strength training is the best antidote to physical and cognitive decline. On this e...

For many women, getting a mammogram can seem daunting and uncomfortable. When should you start? How often should you go? What can you expect? And what if you get an abnormal result? On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Ainsley MacLean, associate medical director for diagnostic and interventional radiology at Kaiser Permanente, to about when and why mamm...

Whether it’s from years of wear and tear, arthritis, or just the natural aging process, knee pain can get in the way of doing the things you enjoy most. But pain doesn’t have to sideline you. On this episode of the Healthier You podcast , Dr. Ashlee Williams  speaks with Dr. Lysa Charles , a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente, about ways to help y...

Intermittent fasting has become a popular way to manage weight, and it has numerous other health benefits—from reducing inflammation to improving blood sugar and blood pressure levels. So, what’s the best way to get started? On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Amardeep Athwal, a board-certified family medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente, about why...

As we get older, it’s normal to experience some forgetfulness. Drawing a blank on someone’s name or misplacing your keys can happen to anyone. But memory loss affects different people to different degrees. So, how can we tell the difference between normal aging and more serious memory problems? On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Angela Hsu, a board-ce...

Heel pain can turn your daily routine into a struggle, transforming simple tasks like walking, exercising, or even standing into painful challenges. Thankfully, there are many ways to ease the discomfort of plantar fasciitis, the sneaky culprit behind that stubborn heel pain. On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Kristy Golden , a board-certified podiatr...

Ultra-processed foods: We’ve all heard the term, seen the headlines, and probably consumed more of these foods than we’d like to admit. But what really are ultra-processed foods? And more importantly, how can we identify them and find healthier alternatives? On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams talks with Dr. Lakshmi Lattimer, a gastroenterologist at Kaiser Permanente,...

Today’s sunscreens help prevent sunburns, skin cancer, and early skin aging, like wrinkles and age spots — but not all sunscreens are equal. Between choosing the right SPF, spray vs lotion, chemical vs mineral, the options can feel overwhelming. So how do you know which one is right for you? On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Tola Oyesanya, a board-ce...

A first visit to a new doctor can be worrisome for anyone, and even more so for LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse patients. From navigating questions about gender identity to finding an inclusive healthcare team, accessing quality healthcare can be daunting.   On this episode of the Healthier You podcast , Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Keith Egan, a primary care physician and assistant medical direc...

Birth control is personal. Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or a seasoned expert looking to make a change, the array of options available can feel overwhelming. But no matter what your goal is, finding the option that best fits your needs can allow you to take control of your future and live the way you want. Welcome to the Healthier You podcast. I’m Dr. Ashlee Williams and to...

Living with chronic pain is a complex experience that goes far beyond physical discomfort. Chronic pain can impact our emotional well-being, relationships and overall quality of life. So, how should we think about chronic pain and mental health? And what options are available to alleviate both the physical and emotional toll of chronic pain? On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee...

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it’s important to keep it healthy. But how do you sort through the endless trends and products to find a routine that works for you? On this episode of the Healthier You podcast ( https://bit.ly/HealthierYouPod ), Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Randa Khoury, a dermatologist at Kaiser Permanente about the secrets of healthy skin.  Learn about de...

It’s no secret that fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet. But what about a mostly plant-based diet?  An increasing number of studies show a slew of health benefits from eating mostly plants. On this episode of the Healthier You podcast ( https://bit.ly/HealthierYouPod ), Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Margaret Schwiesow, a gastroenterologist at Kaiser Permanente about the sh...