Live Long and Well with Dr. Bobby

Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Bobby tackles the often perplexing world of health headlines. From bold claims about intermittent fasting to the benefits of wearing socks to bed, he breaks down how to evaluate these headlines critically. With nine key questions to ask about a headline, insights into the hierarchy of evidence, and two practical examples, Dr. Bobby provides listeners with tools to discern fact from fiction in health journalism.And, your Health Type influences how you might use information.  Take the Health QuizJoin the Mastermind Workshop Waitlist here:  the Live Long and Well JumpstartKey Topics Covered:Understanding Health Headlines:Should you believe a health headline?  How do you decide whether it is likely to be true, or not adequately based upon evidence?Common examples of sensational headlines and their flaws.Nine Essential Questions to Evaluate Headlines:Is the article published in a reputable outlet by a science writer?Was the headline based on actual scientific studies or just an expert's opinion?Is the study published in a peer-reviewed journal, or was it just presented at a meeting?What journal was it published in, and what is its impact factor?Who conducted the study, and where?How large was the study population?What type of study was it? (Randomized controlled trial vs. observational vs. model-based.)Was there an editorial discussing the study’s limitations?Does the headline sound "too good to be true"?Hierarchy of Evidence:From most likely credible to least likelycredible:Meta-analyses.Randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Observational studies.Case series.Expert guidelines.Individual expert opinions.Explanation of each and when to trust them.Examples of Health Studies:Intermittent Fasting and Heart Risk: Why the headline about a 91% increased risk of death was flawed.Meal Replacement Shakes: Insights from a Chinese randomized trial and its limitations.The Problem of Data Manipulation (P-Hacking):How over-analysis of databases can lead to misleading conclusions.The importance of recognizing correlation vs. causation in studies.Takeaways for Listeners:Use the 9 Questions Framework to critically evaluate health headlines and articles.Understand that the type of study (e.g., RCT vs. observational) significantly impacts its credibility.Remember that sensational headlines often oversimplify or distort study findings.Stay skeptical of small studies or ones with vague methodologies.Engage with Dr. Bobby:Have a confusing health headline you’d like Dr. Bobby to analyze? Send it in!Take the health type quiz at DrBobbyLiveLongAndWell.com to better understand how your approach to wellness influences your perception of health information.Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!

Send us a textIn this episode, I dive into a new way to think about wellness—your unique Health Type. Unlike traditional advice that tells us what to do to stay healthy, I explore how we approach our health, which is just as crucial for long-term well-being. By understanding your personal Health Type, you can make lifestyle choices that align with who you are, making it easier to stick to routines and prioritize what truly benefits you.Take the Health Type Quiz here:Join the Mastermind Workshop Waitlist here:  the Live Long and Well JumpstartKey Points:The Concept of Health Types: Just as each person has unique health goals, we also have unique ways of approaching health. Understanding your Health Type helps tailor your wellness plan to suit your personality, motivations, and lifestyle.Why Health Type Matters: Whether you’re driven by evidence, need simplicity, or seek balance between life and wellness, knowing your type allows you to set realistic and sustainable health goals. It's not one-size-fits-all; it’s about finding what works for you.Introducing the Five Health Types:Holistic Health Hacker - Comprehensive, curious, and often data-driven, these individuals optimize every area of health.Single-Minded Achiever - Focused on specific areas (e.g., fitness or nutrition) but may overlook other health aspects.Purposeful Path Planner - Knowledge-seekers who can feel overwhelmed by too many health options and may struggle with decision paralysis.Contentment Creator - Health needs to fit around their lifestyle, valuing balance and ease.Hopeful Health Seeker - Persistent, often dealing with chronic issues or setbacks, and needing encouragement and support.Health Types Are Fluid: Your Health Type isn’t static; it can change with life events, new health challenges, or aging. Recognizing this flexibility can help you adapt when your approach to health needs to shift.Take the Quiz: To identify your Health Type, try the quiz at DrBobbyLiveLongAndWell.com. This quick quiz provides personalized insights and recommendations based on your unique approach to health.Key Takeaways:Discovering your Health Type can make wellness more attainable and enjoyable, helping you make informed choices that fit your life.Embrace flexibility in your wellness journey—health needs can evolve, and understanding this can help you support yourself and others.Start by taking the quiz to gain clarity on your Health Type and apply its insights to live long and well.For more personalized guidance, resources, and episode recommendations based on your Health Type, make sure to visit the website and let me know your thoughts. Let’s take this journey together toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.Join the Mastermind Workshop Waitlist here:  the Live Long and Well Jumpstart

Send us a text Managing your health is a team effort, and partnering with a good doctor is essential.  We’ll explore what defines a productive visit and a meaningful doctor-patient relationship.  Today, it is typical to wait weeks to see your primary care doctor and months to get a specialist visit. 1. Why You Visit Your Doctor: Different Types of VisitsNew Symptoms: When you’re feeling unwell and need answers.Ongoing Care: Managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure.Annual Check-ups: Routine screenings and vaccinations.Referrals: Accessing specialized care when necessary.Building a Relationship: Establishing trust with your doctor, which is crucial for long-term care. 2. What Makes a “Good” Doctor?Qualities to consider: clinical expertise, communication skills (ability to explain, to listen, to focus on you), empathy, and whether they take a holistic view.The role of the doctor as a “quarterback” who coordinates all aspects of your care. 3. Considering the Doctor’s Office and SystemFactors like insurance networks, appointment scheduling, and the ability to connect with your doctor’s office between visits.Importance of a patient portal for streamlined communication and easy access to test results.4. How to Find a New Doctor if Neededasking for recommendations from other doctors or trusted medical professionals.Utilizing reviews, training history, and online directories to narrow your search.5. Preparing for a Doctor’s VisitHow to make the most of your visit by sending questions in advance and understanding the doctor’s time constraints.Practical tips on handling additional questions and arranging follow-up visits to maximize care without overwhelming the appointment time.Consider telehealth  visits for ongoing care or to have time to ask additional questions7. Should You Consider a Concierge Doctor?Explanation of concierge practices and the benefits they offer, such as longer appointment times, same-day availability, and personalized care.Pros and cons of concierge medicine, especially for patients seeking more accessible and comprehensive care.Key TakeawaysEnhancing Your Doctor Visits: By preparing ahead and understanding your doctor’s time constraints, you can improve the quality of your visits and be able to answer the question that you are happy with your doctor.

Send us a textAre seed oils the dietary villain social media makes them out to be, or is this just another food fear fad? Join me, Dr. Bobby Dubois, as I unravel the truths and myths surrounding seed oils like canola and safflower. There are NO randomized clinical trials comparing people who eat a diet with seed oils vs a diet consisting of non-seed oils like avocado, coconut, or olive.  Since we lack the key studies that we desire, I explore the topic based upon the following questions:Are corn, peanuts, and the vegetables that produce these seed oils bad for you? (no evidence to support this concern)Is the problem getting the oils out of these good vegetables (the extraction and denaturing process)?  Likely not.Is it the contents of the seed oils themselves harmful (e.g., the omega 6 polyunsaturated fats)?  Our bodies need omega 6s and the studies that switch folks from saturated fats to seed oils show no risk of heart disease (and maybe the opposite). No evidence they they raise markers of body inflammation, and don't increase the risk of diabetes.Is the harm related to the heating of the seed oils? Heating seed oils can produce potentially harmful compounds, but so does grilling a steak or salmon.How much seed oil do we consume as we cook food?  Not a lot. 70% of the fat we eat comes from meat (fish, beef, chicken) and not added oils.Are we blaming the wrong food?  Likely this is the key issue as cheap seed oils led to the production of yummy, highly processed, calorie dense foods.  And the problem lies there....Avocado or olive oil costs 5 times what canola/corn oil costs.  Is it worth the cost to switch from seed oils to these non-seed oils? ATake-home messages:i don't fear seed oilswhere they can be a concern is reusing oils over and over in a deep fat fryer where potentially worrisome compounds can accumulateIf you have symptoms that bother you, perhaps do an N-of-1 trial of removing them from your diet.