Welcome to "What the Health Is Happening?", the podcast where Dr. Valda Crowder, also known as Dr. V, is committed to empowering you with life-saving information. Dr. V is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with decades of frontline experience. In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into a silent epidemic quietly eroding the health of millions: chronic stress.

We’ll explore how chronic stress is fundamentally different from the everyday pressures we all face, unpack its widespread impact on our bodies, from raised cortisol levels and immune suppression to heart disease and mental health struggles, and discuss why it so often goes unnoticed in our daily lives. Dr. V will tackle tough listener questions about stress in our communities, culturally grounded coping mechanisms, the unique burdens faced by women and minorities, and even what policymakers can do at the national level.

If you or someone you know has ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or simply accustomed to "just getting by," this episode is for you. Get ready to learn, reflect, and discover strategies to reclaim your health right here on "What the Health Is Happening?".

Timestamps:

00:00 Understanding chronic stress

04:21 Chronic stress impacts on health

08:57 Managing stress and physical health

12:07 Chronic stress and faith communities

15:13 Impact of stress on aging

19:23 Workplace stress and support systems

20:29 Improving youth mental health programs

26:06 Navigating burnout and chronic stress

27:07 Supporting future medical scholars

Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/

Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/

Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Welcome to another episode of "What the Health is Happening?" with your host, Dr. V, board-certified emergency room physician. In today’s show, she dives deep into the science behind GLP-1 medications, the revolutionary treatments that have transformed the world of weight loss, but not without controversy and complications. Dr. V breaks down what GLP-1 actually is, who should consider these options, and why some people experience side effects or regain weight when stopping the medications.

You’ll also hear about the pitfalls of compounded weight loss drugs and the real-life risks some have faced. But it’s not all pharmaceuticals today, Dr. V introduces Calocurb, a natural, plant-based supplement shown to activate GLP-1 in your own body, and invites a special guest, Renee, to share her honest experience with this alternative approach to weight management.

If you’ve been struggling with cravings, searching for science-backed solutions that don’t require a prescription, or just want to learn how to take control of your health without the pitfalls of fad diets and risky shortcuts, this episode is for you. Dr. V provides her expert advice, answers listener questions, and empowers you to make informed decisions on your journey to better health.

Timestamps:

00:00 Understanding GLP-1s and weight science

05:26 GLP-1 medications for obesity

08:33 How Calocurb works and benefits

12:04 Struggling with weight and nutrition

16:20 Post-surgery recovery update

19:20 Natural alternative to GLP-1 meds

21:30 Taking action on health

24:03 Closing and contact information

Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/

Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/

Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Welcome to "What the Health is Happening?" with Dr. V! In this episode, everyday emergency physician, Dr. Valda Crowder, helps you make sense of the health questions that matter most in real life: when symptoms arise, diagnoses get confusing, and medical advice feels overwhelming.

Drawing on years of experience from the front lines of emergency medicine, Dr. V shares insights on what inspired the show, how listeners can benefit, and what to look out for across all ages. Dr. V dives deep into topics from diabetes and hypertension to the difference between urgent care, primary care, and emergency departments. This episode sets the stage to break down medical jargon, share stories from the ER, and answer common (and surprising) patient questions for listeners at any stage of life.

If you've ever wondered "What the Health is Happening?" with your body, the healthcare system, or your family, you're in the right place!

Timestamps:

00:00 Why the show is named

04:24 Recognizing stroke and heart attack signs

09:55 Understanding urgent care options

10:39 When to choose urgent care

16:55 Podcast intro and health goals

17:42 Closing thank you and goodbye

Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/

Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/

Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Join Dr. Valda Crowder as she breaks down everything you need to know about your gallbladder, liver, and pancreas: what they do, what goes wrong, and how to protect them. From fatty liver disease and gallbladder attacks to pancreatitis and elevated enzymes, Dr. V answers real listener questions with the straight talk and practical advice you need to stay informed and empowered about your gut health.

Your gut does more than digest food—it plays a critical role in immunity, energy levels, mood, and overall wellness. In Part 1 of our Gastrointestinal Health series, we lay the foundation for understanding how your digestive system works and why gut health is essential to whole-body health.

In this episode, Dr. V explores:

• The basics of gastrointestinal anatomy and function
• Common signs and symptoms of gut imbalance
• How diet, stress, medications, and lifestyle impact digestion
• The gut–brain connection and its role in inflammation and disease

Whether you’re experiencing digestive concerns or simply want to optimize your health, this episode offers practical insights to help you better understand your body from the inside out.

Tune in and start your journey toward better gut health—this is just the beginning.

Hit like, share with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe for more health and wellness wisdom. 💛

Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/

Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/

Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

In an era of relentless news cycles, political divisiveness, and constant digital overwhelm, how do we protect our mental health while staying informed and engaged? Join Dr. Valda Crowder (Dr. V), a board-certified emergency medicine physician with 30 years of experience, as she explores the critical topic of psychological safety in today's challenging climate.

This episode tackles the phenomenon psychologists call "chronic ambient stress"—the never-ending background noise of negativity that keeps our stress response systems constantly activated. Dr. V explains what happens to our brains and bodies when we're continuously exposed to troubling headlines, why doomscrolling feels so exhausting, and how "headline stress disorder" impacts our daily lives.

In this episode:

• Understanding the psychology behind our collective anxiety and overwhelm
• Practical strategies to stay informed without burning out
• How to use social media mindfully while protecting your peace
• Managing anxiety about real threats beyond our control (climate change, political instability, economic uncertainty)
• Recognizing and addressing compassion fatigue
• Creating psychological safety for children in uncertain times
• Navigating the suicide crisis and what to do when loved ones are in distress
• Building long-term resilience for sustainable engagement
• The surprising connection between mental and physical health

Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/

Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/

Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Dr. V explains sleep apnea, and how it impacts overall health, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues. These effects are primarily due to the lack of oxygen and the stress hormones released in response to these pauses.

Ever wonder why healthcare is so costly and if there is anything that you can do about it? Get the inside scoop about healthcare costs, and direct answers to listener questions from Dr. V, a 30-year emergency room doc.

In this episode you'll learn more about the business of health and how you can get financial assistance when you need it. Plus, enjoy a little laughter for your pain with Comedian Damon Williams.

Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/

Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/

Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”