Vitals & Values: Concierge Medicine of West Michigan

Send us Fan Mail We’re back—and officially married! In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of our wedding and honeymoon, sharing the moments you'll never see in the photos, the surprises we didn't expect, and the lessons we'll carry into marriage. We talk about what went into planning our wedding, balancing budgets with priorities, the traditions that meant the most to us, a...

Send us Fan Mail Your doctor probably wishes they had more time to say this stuff out loud. In this episode, Dr. Lara Baatenburg joins David to break down ten things physicians wish their patients understood — from why more testing isn't always better, to why your symptoms don't always fit a clean diagnosis, to what a real doctor-patient partnership actually looks like. This is the hones...

Send us Fan Mail The health food industry is a multi-billion dollar marketing machine — and most of us have bought something off a shelf because a label said "superfood." In this episode, Dr. Lara and David rank the top 10 most overrated health foods and ask the question that actually matters: does the science hold up? From açaí bowls that are essentially dessert, to alkaline water that...

Send us Fan Mail Summary This episode explores the realities of slow versus rapid transformation in health, fitness, and life, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, realistic expectations, and identity shifts. Hosted by Lara and David, it debunks social media myths and highlights long-term strategies for lasting change. Keywords sustainable health, weight loss, social media myths, long-ter...

Send us Fan Mail Summary This episode explores the complex relationship between physicians and pharmaceutical reps, including the benefits, ethical considerations, and the impact on medical practice. Guests share insights on how pharma influences prescribing habits, the role of samples, and the transparency of financial relationships. This episode offers an inside look into the relationship betwee...

Send us Fan Mail   Summary In this episode, Dr. Lara and David explore the complexities and frustrations of the American healthcare system, including primary care compensation, insurance challenges, pharmaceutical industry practices, and the impact of lifestyle on health. They aim to shed light on systemic issues and potential solutions, offering a nuanced perspective on healthcare reform. Key Top...

Send us Fan Mail Summary This episode debunks common myths about inflammation, explores what inflammation really is, and discusses how social media distorts its understanding. David Roden and Dr. Lara clarify misconceptions, review relevant blood markers, and critique influencer claims about inflammation and health. Key  topics What is inflammation? Blood markers for inflammation Myths propagated...

Send us Fan Mail   Summary This episode explores the complex factors contributing to rising anxiety and depression rates, examining societal, environmental, and personal influences. Hosted by David Roden, the conversation features insights from Lara, a primary care doctor, and delves into the impact of social media, lifestyle, faith, and community on mental health. Key  Topics Societal and environ...

Send us Fan Mail   Summary This episode explores the complex science behind calories, how they are measured, and the factors influencing calorie intake and expenditure. It debunks common misconceptions, discusses the impact of food quality, microbiome, and food processing, and offers practical tips for effective weight management. Key  Topics Science of calories and measurement Impact of food qual...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this in-depth interview, Dr. Lisa Larkin discusses the complexities of women's health, menopause, and hormone therapy. She shares insights on the evolution of medical understanding, social media's impact, and the future of personalized care in women's health. Key Topics History and evolution of menopause treatment Impact of social media on women's he...

Send us Fan Mail Is Social Media Making You Miserable? The Research, the Risks, and How to Take Back Control Are your daily scrolling habits quietly affecting your happiness, mental health, and real-life relationships? In this episode, David and Dr. Lara dive deep into what the latest research actually says about social media and phone addiction — and what you can do about it. From the dopamine lo...

Send us Fan Mail   Summary Cara shares her inspiring journey with lipedema, the challenges of diagnosis, multiple surgeries, and the transformative impact of lifestyle changes including diet, exercise, and medical interventions. This episode highlights the importance of understanding lipedema, advocating for better medical awareness, and embracing personalized health strategies. Takeaways Lipedema...

Send us Fan Mail  summary This episode explores the evolving landscape of online medication access, focusing on hormones and weight loss drugs like GLP-1s. Dr. David Roden discusses the implications for patient care, the legality of compounded medications, and the importance of primary care relationships.  key  topics Online medication access and its evolution over the past decade The role of big...

Send us Fan Mail   summary Join David and Dr Lara as they explore a variety of quirky and serious health questions, from coffee's effect on digestion to the truth about detoxes and the differences between cardio and strength training. This episode offers insights into common myths, scientific explanations, and practical advice for health enthusiasts. key  topics Coffee and GI response Multivi...

Send us Fan Mail   summary In this episode, David Roden and Dr Lara's father, David Baatengurg, discuss the critical importance of routine medical check-ups, particularly for those who feel healthy. They share a personal story about how a routine appointment led to the discovery of atrial fibrillation and significant heart blockages, ultimately resulting in bypass surgery. The conversation em...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, David Roden interviews his father, Dr. Raymond Roden, a retired cardiologist with over 35 years of experience. They discuss Dr. Roden's journey into medicine, the evolution of cardiology, and the complexities of heart attacks. Dr. Roden shares insights on patient care, the importance of education in medicine, and the advancements in treatment over the years....

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, David Roden and Patrick Werksma discuss Patrick's revamped health journey, focusing on understanding macros, navigating food choices while traveling, and the impact of lifestyle on health. They explore personal motivations for change, including health scares, and the role of GLP-1 medications in weight loss. The conversation emphasizes practical strat...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, David Roden and Lara discuss the recently released dietary guidelines, exploring their history, evolution, and implications for public health. They analyze the new recommendations, focusing on protein intake, saturated fat, whole grains, and alcohol consumption, while emphasizing the importance of understanding these guidelines in the context of population...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of "Vitals and Values," David Roden and Dr. Lara delve into the complex relationship between patients, healthcare, and the pharmaceutical industry. David shares his personal experiences as a patient needing medication and discusses the common blame placed on Big Pharma for health issues. The conversation challenges the stigma surrounding pharmaceu...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, David and Lara discuss the evolving landscape of health and wellness, focusing on the distinction between building health and buying health. They explore trends such as the increasing emphasis on protein consumption, the rise of microdosing pharmaceuticals, and the popularity of peptide stacking. The conversation also touches on the implications of direct-...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, David Roden and Lara Baatenburg discuss the pervasive issues within diet culture, particularly the fixation on specific food components like artificial dyes and the misconceptions surrounding hyper-processed foods. They emphasize the importance of understanding overall dietary habits, focusing on whole foods, and the role of calories in achieving health go...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this conversation, Dr. Lara Baatenburg, David Roden, and Dr. Terry Simpson discuss the importance of the hepatitis B vaccine, particularly its administration at birth. They explore the historical context of hepatitis B in Alaska, the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine, and the challenges posed by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. Dr. Simpson shares his personal...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Vitals and Values, David Roden and Lara Baatenburg explore the intersection of faith and ambition, discussing how their beliefs anchor their relationships and guide their decisions in high-pressure situations. They share personal experiences of navigating change, managing anxiety, and the importance of trusting God's plan in their professional and p...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the growing trend of ordering lab tests online, particularly focusing on Function Health. They explore the pros and cons of such tests, the importance of understanding blood test results, and the context in which these tests are interpreted. The conversation also delves into hormone testing, cholesterol levels, and the significance of nut...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this engaging conversation, David Roden, Seth, and Lara Baatenburg explore the multifaceted world of chiropractic care. They discuss personal experiences, the importance of understanding the nervous system, and the impact of insurance models on treatment approaches. The conversation delves into the rigorous education and training required for chiropractors, the evolutio...