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It Takes A Village
22:44|In this episode of Between Two White Coats, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster tackle an important—but often overlooked—topic: the areas of healthcare your primary care provider doesn’t cover. As comprehensive as primary care is, one doctor can’t do it all. That’s why building your personal health team matters.Today, they break down the importance of regularly seeing:👁 Eye Doctors – How often should kids, adults, and seniors get vision exams? What changes after 40? Why are diabetic retinal exams critical? And what’s the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist? They also discuss screen time, blue light exposure, and how diet, exercise, and proper nutrients protect your long-term vision.🦷 Dentists – Oral health isn’t just about your smile—it’s directly connected to heart health, gut health, chronic disease, and inflammation. Dr. Plaster and Amber explain why dental cleanings every six months matter, when children should establish care, how medications can impact oral health, and why prevention saves you far more than waiting for a problem.☀️ Dermatologists – Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate. From tanning beds and childhood sunburns to genetic risk factors and changing moles, they discuss why annual skin checks are crucial—especially if you’ve had significant sun exposure. Early detection can be life-saving.Throughout the conversation, they emphasize a common theme: prevention is always easier than treatment. Establishing relationships with trusted specialists before something goes wrong gives you an advantage in protecting your health long-term. At Our Family Health, we believe in complete wellness—mind, body, and soul. That means knowing when to lean into lifestyle, nutrition, and prevention… and when to partner with the right specialists to safeguard your future.If you’ve ever wondered how often you really need to see an eye doctor, when to take your child to the dentist, or whether you should schedule a skin check—this episode is for you.
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When the Heart Needs Intervention
33:26|In the final episode of our three-part Heart Health Series, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster are once again joined by cardiologist Dr. Sims to discuss what happens when heart concerns go beyond prevention — and into procedures, rhythm disorders, and advanced cardiac care.When medications and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, what comes next?In this episode, the team breaks down:What cardiac catheterization actually involvesHow and when stents are placedThe difference between blocked arteries and electrical rhythm issuesWhat atrial fibrillation (AFib) is and why it mattersWhen a pacemaker or ablation procedure may be necessaryHow cardiologists determine the right level of interventionDr. Sims explains complex procedures in a way that’s clear and reassuring, helping listeners understand that advanced cardiac care isn’t something to fear, it’s often life-saving and highly effective.Throughout the series, we’ve explored: • Part 1: Preventing heart disease • Part 2: Recognizing the signs of a heart attack • Part 3: Understanding advanced treatment and cardiac proceduresAt Our Family Health, we believe true wellness includes education, prevention, and access to expert care when it matters most. Whether you’re focused on lifestyle changes or navigating a cardiac diagnosis, this series equips you with knowledge to take control of your heart health.Is This a Heart Attack?
29:45|Heart Health Series | Part 2: Understanding Chest PainChest pain is one of the most common and most confusing symptoms patients experience. In Part 2 of the Heart Health Series, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster are once again joined by cardiologist Dr. Marcus Sims to answer one critical question: How do you know when chest pain is a heart attack and when it’s something else?This episode walks listeners through the real-world decision-making process doctors use when evaluating chest pain. Dr. Sims explains the different types of chest discomfort, how risk factors like diabetes, family history, and lifestyle influence concern, and why women often experience symptoms differently than men.You’ll learn:What chest pain related to the heart typically feels like—and what it doesn’tWhy symptoms in women are often missed or dismissedWhen chest pain requires emergency care versus further outpatient testingHow stress tests, cardiac CT scans, and other diagnostics are usedWhy early evaluation can prevent major cardiac eventsWith relatable patient stories and clear explanations, this episode empowers listeners to trust their instincts, understand their risk, and know when to seek care—without panic or guesswork.This is Part 2 of a 3-part Heart Health Series. In the final episode, Dr. Sims will help listeners understand what happens after a diagnosis and how heart disease is treated long-term.How To Prevent Heart Disease
29:30|Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States—but much of it is preventable. In this first episode of a three-part heart health series, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster are joined by cardiologist Dr. Marcus Sims for an in-depth, practical conversation on coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and prevention.This episode focuses on what everyday people can do to protect their heart long before symptoms appear. Dr. Sims breaks down evidence-based screening tools like cholesterol testing and cardiac calcium scoring, explaining who should be screened, when to start, and how to interpret the results. The discussion also explores the role of genetics, lifestyle choices, and risk factors such as diabetes and family history.Listeners will gain clarity on:How diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes directly impact heart healthWhat cholesterol numbers actually matter—and why LDL is the primary focusWhen medications like statins are beneficial, and how they fit alongside lifestyle medicineWhy women’s heart health is often overlooked—and how to recognize subtle warning signsHow preventive care today can help avoid invasive procedures laterWith real-world stories, clear explanations, and a balanced approach that blends natural lifestyle strategies with modern medical care, this episode empowers listeners to take ownership of their heart health.Running on Empty: Sleepy or Fatigued?
19:40|Fatigue is one of the most common — and most frustrating — reasons people seek medical care. In this episode of Between Two White Coats, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster take a deep dive into what it really means when you’re “always tired.”They break down the important difference between sleepiness and true fatigue, and walk through the many possible causes — from poor sleep, stress, nutrition, blood sugar issues, vitamin and iron deficiencies, thyroid and hormone imbalances, medications, and mental health concerns, to more serious conditions that should never be ignored.With a practical, patient-centered approach, this episode helps listeners understand when fatigue may be lifestyle-related, when it’s a signal to dig deeper, and why feeling exhausted all the time is not something you should accept as normal.If you’ve been feeling run down, burned out, or low on energy, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and guidance on next steps toward better health!Holiday Wellness
16:10|The holidays can be magical… and overwhelming. In this episode of Between Two White Coats, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster unpack practical, meaningful ways to stay well—mind, body, and soul—throughout the holiday season.From the pressure of busy schedules to financial strain, emotional highs and lows, and endless festive obligations, the holidays can take a toll on your overall health. Dr. Plaster and Amber break down simple, realistic strategies to help you slow down, stay grounded, and protect your wellbeing in the midst of the holiday chaos.You’ll learn how to: ✨ Create a “calm and cozy” holiday by reducing the frantic pace, embracing simplicity, and being intentional with your time. ✨ Set healthy boundaries—because every “yes” is a “no” to something else. ✨ Use digital detox moments to reconnect with your family (and yourself!). ✨ Build meaningful traditions through festive activities, family time, and shared experiences. ✨ Choose experiences over stuff and rethink gift-giving in a healthier, more memorable way. ✨ Stay financially well and avoid the January “spending hangover.” ✨ Support your physical health with balanced eating, movement, and seasonal activities. ✨ Practice gratitude to reshape your mindset and lift your emotional health. ✨ Serve others through volunteering—giving your time, not just your money.The holidays don’t have to control you. With a little intentionality, you can shape the season into one that restores you, strengthens your relationships, and supports complete wellness.Stay grateful, stay grounded, and take care of yourself this holiday season.Health Coaching with Jenny
24:44|In today’s episode of Between Two White Coats, we sit down with certified nutritionist and health coach Jenny Fisher to talk about NEAT — Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis — and why it might be the most overlooked key to better health.If you think staying healthy requires long workouts or hours at the gym, this conversation will be a breath of fresh air. NEAT is all about the small, everyday movements that add up: taking the stairs, standing instead of sitting, folding laundry while standing, stretching during your kid’s practice, walking during phone calls — and so much more.Jenny breaks down:What NEAT actually isWhy daily movement matters more than you thinkHow perimenopause and aging affect our natural activity levelsReal-life examples of how your normal day can burn more caloriesWays to reduce sedentary habits without adding “one more thing” to your plateHow parents and kids alike can build healthier routinesYou’ll walk away with practical, doable ways to increase movement, boost metabolism, and improve strength — all without stepping foot in a gym.✨ Hashtag challenge: #IllTakeTheStairs Join us in choosing the stairs and creating more opportunities to move throughout the day!