The Health Deli

What happens when you lose your job, lose your insurance, and can’t get an appointment with a primary care provider for months? In this episode of The Health Deli, we sit down with Deanna Durante, director of Hope House Free Medical Clinic in Big Rapids, Michigan, to explore the critical role free clinics play in helping people access healthcare. We discuss why primary care is the foundation of go...

IV hydration bars are popping up everywhere — promising faster recovery, boosted energy, glowing skin, and the ultimate hangover cure. But are they actually helping… or just an expensive shortcut with real risks? In this episode of The Health Deli , we break down what’s really happening when you skip your body’s natural systems and pump fluids, vitamins, and electrolytes straight into your bloodst...

If you grew up hearing things like “go outside with wet hair and you’ll catch a cold,” or “wait 30 minutes after eating before swimming,” or (somehow worse) “pee on a jellyfish sting”… this episode is for you. In this episode of The Health Deli , we take a deep dive into some of the most common health myths we’ve all heard — and separate fact from fiction. We break down cholesterol confusion (are...

When was the last time you read a book? Not an email, a news headline, or a social media post...but an actual book? In this episode of The Health Deli , the crew dives into the surprisingly powerful health benefits of reading. From lowering stress levels in as little as six minutes to improving sleep, boosting cognitive function, and even reducing mortality risk, books may be doing more for your b...

Compounding is where pharmacy began — mixing, customizing, and creating medications tailored to individual patients. But in today’s world of blockbuster weight-loss drugs and viral telehealth ads, compounding has stepped into a much messier spotlight. In this episode of The Health Deli, we break down what pharmacy compounding actually is, why it still matters, and how it’s regulated — from your lo...

Before insulin, a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes was essentially a death sentence. Treatment meant starvation diets, snake oil “cures,” and desperate families. In this episode of The Health Deli , we dig into the wild, dramatic, and sometimes messy history of insulin — from dog pancreas experiments and “brown goo” injections to Nobel Prize drama and 23,000 animals for a single pound of medication. W...

High blood pressure doesn’t usually make headlines in your daily life — because you don’t feel it. That’s exactly why it’s dangerous. In this episode of The Health Deli , Dr. Shelby Kelsh walks us through the newly updated hypertension guidelines and what they mean for real people who don’t necessarily want to meditate, run marathons, or give up nacho cheese combos. We talk about the 130/80 goal,...

In this episode of The Health Deli, we step behind the counter to unpack a complex and often misunderstood blood cancer: multiple myeloma. We break down what multiple myeloma actually is — a cancer of plasma cells that leads to the overproduction of abnormal antibodies (monoclonal immunoglobulins) — and explain how it affects the body, including bone damage, kidney injury, anemia, and elevated cal...

This week on The Health Deli , we pull back the covers on the science of sleep. From what actually happens during a sleep study to why quality rest is essential for your brain and body, we break down the stages, the tech, and the takeaways. Whether you’re a chronic night owl or a nap enthusiast, join us as we explore how to understand your sleep—and how to make it better.

This week on The Health Deli , we take a flavorful deep dive into the world of cured meats—from prosciutto and salami to bacon and beyond. We break down how curing actually works, what the latest research says about health impacts, and how to enjoy these savory favorites as part of a balanced diet. Grab a seat at the counter as we serve up the science behind the salt, smoke, and centuries-old craf...

This week on The Health Deli , we slice into the widely circulated claim that Tylenol (acetaminophen) causes autism. We break down where the idea came from, what the best scientific evidence actually says, and why misleading health headlines can stick around for so long. Join us as we separate fact from fear, clear up common misconceptions, and offer practical guidance on safe pain and fever manag...

In this episode, we explore why shorter days can dim our mood—and what to do about it. From the brain chemistry behind Seasonal Affective Disorder to practical, food-forward strategies you can use every day, we dive into the science, habits, and nutrition that help bring back the light. Join us for an uplifting conversation designed to support your whole-season wellbeing.

Think pharmacists just count pills and print labels? Think again! In this episode of The Health Deli , we pull back the curtain on the world of pharmacy to reveal the full range of services your pharmacist can offer. From managing chronic conditions and giving vaccinations to helping you understand your medications and save money, pharmacists are a key part of your healthcare team. Join us as we c...

In this episode, the Health Deli team dishes up the science behind your gut’s microscopic residents. Discover how what you eat shapes your microbiome, how antibiotics and stress affect it, and the latest research connecting gut health to overall well-being. It’s a feast of facts — no lab coat required!

In this episode of The Health Deli , we dive into the Mediterranean diet — is it really the gold standard for healthy eating, or just another fad with good PR? We explore what makes this way of eating so popular among doctors and dietitians, the science behind its health claims, and how you can realistically incorporate it into your lifestyle. Whether you're a foodie, health enthusiast, or just cu...

In this episode of The Health Deli , we’re diving into the world of metabolism. We’ll explore how it affects your body in ways you might not expect, share some surprising insights, and talk about how it all connects to your health. Tune in to learn more!

It’s the end of Season 4, and the deli crew is checking in on their health goals. Did we crush them, miss them, or just set the bar low enough to step over? Join us for some laughs, reflections, and maybe a few realistic tips on keeping health goals manageable?

Nearly 1 in 3 people will experience shingles in their lifetime, but what exactly is it, and how can you prevent it? In this episode of The Health Deli, Michelle, Mark, and Mike break down the science behind shingles, who’s at risk, and the best ways to protect yourself. From vaccines and treatments to common misconceptions (no, it’s not just a rash), we serve up everything you need to know about...

This is a great episode.

In this episode of The Health Deli , we dive into the not-so-appetizing world of foodborne illness—where the risks are real, and the vocabulary is, well… crapulent. Join Mike, Andrew, Mark, and Michelle as they serve up a smorgasbord of facts, fun, and a few questionable pronunciations. We break down the causes, symptoms, and surprising sources of common pathogens like Norovirus, Campylobacter, Sa...

Cannabis is more accessible and socially accepted than ever, but is it as harmless as it seems? In this episode of The Health Deli , Michelle is joined by Mike Klepser, guest Shelby Kelsh, and Producer Andrew to unpack the rising trend of cannabis use, especially among college students and young adults. They discuss what we know (and don’t know) about long-term risks, withdrawal symptoms, and stra...

Can your pharmacist really write you a birth control prescription now? Yep—and we’re unpacking what that means. In this episode, we slice into Michigan’s new legislation that allows pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives. We talk eligibility, regulations, practical steps, and what this shift means for patients and providers. Grab a seat at the counter—this one’s timely and packed with fr...

Caution: This Episode May Cause Soreness at the Injection Site. Pull up a chair at the Deli counter for a special live Continuing Education episode! Join Mike, Mark, and a room full of pharmacists as Poppa Ben dives into the past and present of vaccine hesitancy. From the eerie origins of public distrust to the modern challenges of misinformation, we unpack why people resist vaccines, whether thos...

Live from Ferris State University’s College of Pharmacy Spring Seminar, the Health Deli crew dives deep into the world of stem cells! Mike, Mark, and Ben, alongside producer Andrew and crew member Quinn, explore the science, ethics, and breakthroughs surrounding stem cell therapies. From early discoveries to cloning Dolly and the rise of iPSCs, this episode unpacks the past, present, and future of...

In this episode, Mark and Katie dive into the intoxicating world of poison. Join them as they discuss different types of poisoning, (including those not visible to the eye), the effects of poisons, resources for help, and more.