Between Two White Coats

Most people think physical therapy begins after an injury—but what if it could actually help prevent one?In this episode of Between Two White Coats, Dr. Shelly Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster are joined by Holly Atkinson, PT, the physical therapist at Our Family Health Wellness Center, to discuss a different approach to physical therapy: one focused on prevention, strength, longevity, and maintaining your independence for years to come.Together, they explore how physical therapy can help identify muscle imbalances, improve balance, increase strength, boost endurance, and create realistic exercise plans that actually fit into your daily life. They also discuss why movement is one of the most powerful forms of medicine and why waiting until something hurts may be waiting too long.In this episode you'll learn:Why physical therapy isn't just for injuries or surgery recoveryHow muscle loss affects your health as you ageWhat the S4 (Strength, Stability, Stamina & Stretch) Assessment measuresHow body composition and strength testing can personalize your fitness planSimple ways to improve balance and reduce your risk of fallsPractical strategies for building exercise into even the busiest scheduleWhether you're a student athlete, a busy parent, or looking to stay active well into retirement, this conversation will help you understand why movement matters—and how investing in your mobility today can help protect your independence tomorrow.👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Between Two White Coats.Have questions about physical therapy or movement? Leave them in the comments—we may answer them in a future episode!

Ever wish you could sit down with a doctor and nurse practitioner and ask anything? In this special Q&A episode of Between Two White Coats, that's exactly what happens!Dr. Michelle Plaster and Amber Foster, FNP-C, answer real questions submitted by patients and followers on social media, covering everything from weight loss medications and hormone health to autoimmune disease, mental health, blood pressure, and more. With no pre-planned answers, this candid conversation offers practical medical insight, compassionate guidance, and plenty of laughs along the way.In this episode, we discuss:GLP-1 medications, Zepbound®, and the best approaches to weight lossCushing's syndrome, insulin resistance, and berberinePerimenopause, menopause, hormones, and night sweatsNatural supplements for joint pain and healthy agingBirth control, mood changes, antidepressants, and mental healthHashimoto's disease, gut health, and why nutrition mattersBeetroot, blood pressure, and natural approaches to heart healthWhy "Doctor Google" isn't always wrong—but shouldn't replace your healthcare providerWhether you're looking for trustworthy answers or simply curious about today's hottest health topics, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you become the healthiest version of yourself.💙 Have a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Leave it in the comments!👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a conversation about living healthier in mind, body, and soul.*** The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personal medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs. ***

How much do you really know about your skin?In this episode of Between Two White Coats, Shelly and Amber sit down with Master Aesthetician Leigh Wolfe to discuss why skin health is about much more than appearance. As the body's largest organ, your skin plays a vital role in protection, healing, and overall wellness. Leigh shares practical advice on creating an effective skincare routine, choosing products that actually work, preventing premature aging, protecting your skin from sun damage, and understanding popular treatments like microneedling, hydrafacials, retinoids, and collagen stimulators.Whether you're dealing with acne, dryness, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, or simply want healthier skin, this conversation offers valuable insights for every stage of life.In This Episode:✔ Why sunscreen is non-negotiable✔ The basics of a healthy daily skincare routine✔ Cleansers, toners, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid explained✔ How collagen impacts aging skin✔ Retinols vs. tretinoin: what's the difference?✔ Professional treatments that can improve skin health✔ Common skincare mistakes people make✔ Why prevention is easier than correctionHealthy skin isn't about perfection, it's about caring for one of the most important organs in your body.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations about health, wellness, and living your healthiest life.#BetweenTwoWhiteCoats #SkinHealth #Skincare #HealthySkin #Wellness #Aesthetics #Collagen #Microneedling #Sunscreen #HealthcarePodcast #OurFamilyHealth #PreventiveHealth

What happens when you know something is wrong with your health, but nobody seems willing to listen? In Part 2 of our Wellness for Every Body series, Dr. Michelle Plaster and NP Amber Foster sit down with local business owner Ginny to discuss her powerful health journey, from frustration and dismissal to answers, healing, and renewed energy.Even after doing all the "right" things, Ginny was told that her symptoms were simply part of getting older. But when she continued to advocate for herself, deeper issues were uncovered, including hormone imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, inflammation, and other underlying health concerns that had been overlooked.Together, they discuss:• Why self-advocacy matters in healthcare• The dangers of dismissing symptoms as "normal aging"• What happens when healthcare providers truly listen• The difference a supportive healthcare team can make• How addressing root causes can transform overall wellness• Why feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unlike yourself shouldn't be accepted as normalWhether you're struggling to find answers, caring for a loved one, or simply trying to become the healthiest version of yourself, this conversation is an encouraging reminder that your concerns matter—and that you deserve a healthcare team willing to fight alongside you.🎙️ Between Two White Coats is dedicated to helping you overcome health obstacles, understand your body, and build lasting wellness through practical, patient-centered conversations.If this episode encourages you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it!

In this episode of Between Two White Coats, Dr. Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster tackle some of the most common medical myths they hear from patients every day.From “I’m just tired because I’m getting older” to “my insurance covers that” and everything in between, they break down what’s true, what’s not, and what you actually need to know about your health. With real-world insight and practical guidance, this conversation will challenge assumptions and help you make more informed decisions about your care.If you’ve ever wondered whether something you’ve heard about your health is fact or fiction, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Between Two White Coats, Dr. Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster tackle one of the most frustrating topics in modern healthcare—insurance.From rising costs and confusing systems to barriers that keep patients from getting the care they need, they pull back the curtain on what’s really happening behind the scenes. With real-life stories and honest insight, they explain why both patients and healthcare providers often feel stuck and what you can do about it.If you’ve ever wondered why healthcare feels so complicated, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

In today’s episode of Between Two White Coats, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster tackle a topic that affects just about everyone: social media and medical advice. From viral wellness trends to influencer “miracle cures,” it’s getting harder to tell what’s helpful… and what’s just marketing. They discuss:• How social media influences your health decisions• The difference between credible medical advice and paid promotion• Why emotional reactions can lead to poor health choices• The danger of “sample size of one” success stories• How to evaluate sources before trusting what you see onlineThey also share real-life examples—from trending fitness hacks to questionable health products—and give you practical tools to think critically, ask better questions, and make informed decisions about your health.👉 Bottom line: Not everything that looks healthy online actually is.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations that help you become the healthiest version of yourself.⭐ If you found this helpful, don’t forget to like, comment, and leave a review—it helps others find the show!

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.