My Health Focus

Dr Max Draper, author of Testosterone Decoded, joins Catriona Williams to discuss the dramatic decline in testosterone levels since the 1980s and its implications for men's health. After experiencing low testosterone following testicular cancer, Dr Draper changed his career focus to specialise in this overlooked area of men's health. In this episode, he explains how testosterone affects far more than muscles and sex drive, influencing energy, mental clarity, mood, and fertility.Key takeaways:1. Testosterone levels have been declining across generations since the 1980s, with each decade showing lower average levels than the previous one2. Low testosterone symptoms include low energy, brain fog, reduced motivation, mood changes, and reduced resilience to stress3. Proper testing requires checking both total and free testosterone levels, not just total testosterone alone4. Lifestyle factors including sleep, exercise, diet, stress management, and body composition should be optimised before considering testosterone replacement therapy5. Testosterone replacement therapy can complicate fertility and requires careful consideration, particularly for younger men who haven't completed their familiesDr Max Draper is a medical doctor, author, and specialist in testosterone and men's health, bringing both professional expertise and personal experience to this crucial health topic.Follow My Health Focus for more expert health interviews and evidence-based patient education.

Living with GallstonesWhen Juliet Sullivan collapsed in agony on a pavement in England, she had no idea what was happening to her.The diagnosis was gallstones, and along with it came instructions to follow a low-fat diet for several months until her gallbladder could be removed. What she could not find anywhere was a practical, accessible book to help her through it. So she wrote one.In this episode, Juliet joins Catriona Williams to talk through her experience from first attack to full recovery, and shares the dietary wisdom she gathered along the way.5 Key Takeaways1. Gallstone attacks are frequently misdiagnosed at first because the pain, though felt in the upper abdomen, can mimic other conditions including appendicitis or cardiac events.2. A low-fat or very low-fat diet is typically recommended to reduce the risk of triggering further attacks while awaiting surgery, but it is not a long-term solution and healthy fats remain important for overall wellbeing.3. Keeping a food diary after diagnosis can help identify personal trigger foods, which vary between individuals. Common culprits include oils, butter, avocado, and rich restaurant or ready-made meals.4. Gallbladder removal is a common procedure, but recovery is a genuine physical experience that deserves honest preparation rather than being minimised by healthcare teams.5. After surgery, most people can gradually reintroduce a full and healthy diet, though many find their eating habits and awareness of fat content change permanently for the better.Juliet Sullivan is the author of The Gallstone Friendly Diet, a practical and warmly written guide for anyone navigating life with gallstones before and after surgery.Find the book online and follow My Health Focus for more conversations on everyday health.

In this episode, we are joined by Oliver Rolfe, author of The Addiction Blueprint, to explore a form of addiction that often goes unnoticed — high-functioning addiction.From the outside, it can look like success: long hours, professional drive, financial achievement, responsibility.But beneath the surface can sit exhaustion, trauma, stress and emotional disconnection.Oliver shares his own experience of burnout, the moment he realised something had to change, and what recovery actually involves. We discuss:• The link between trauma and addictive behaviours• Why overworking can become socially acceptable avoidance• The difference between stress and true burnout• The stigma around the word “addiction”• The importance of awareness and early intervention• Why relapse is part of the journey — not failureThis is not a conversation about extremes.It’s about recognising the quieter patterns many high achievers live with — and understanding that support is available long before crisis point.If you’ve ever felt you were running on empty, this episode may resonate.

In this Medmin episode, Catriona Williams is joined by Javeria Iqbal, Consultant Breast Surgeon, to discuss common breast symptoms and what to expect when attending a breast clinic.The conversation focuses on reassurance, early assessment and helping people understand which changes should be checked and how clinics work.Discussion includes:• Common breast symptoms and changes• What is considered normal and what needs checking• Breast self-examination and when to seek help• The triple assessment process• NHS breast screening and self-referralThis episode is for information and education only and does not replace medical advice.Sign up to the My Health Focus newsletter here:https://bit.ly/3NA40IQWebsite:https://myhealthfocus.com

In this episode, Catriona Williams speaks with personal trainer Becky Lever about protecting mental and physical health when using GLP-1 medications.They explore the importance of support, self-awareness and monitoring both emotional and physical changes throughout the process.Discussion includes: • Mental wellbeing during weight loss • Physical health and muscle maintenance • Side effects and seeking professional support • Social changes and food relationships • The value of journalling and reflectionThis episode is educational and does not provide medical advice.Sign up to our newsletter here:https://bit.ly/3NA40IQWebsite:https://myhealthfocus.com

In this episode, Catriona Williams is joined by Karen Lee, nutritionist and former intensive care nurse, to discuss autoimmune conditions and the role of whole food plant-based nutrition.Karen shares both professional insight and lived experience following her MS diagnosis.Discussion includes: • Understanding autoimmune conditions • Gut health and inflammation • Fibre, microbiome and immune balance • Practical food changes and sustainability • Enjoying food while supporting healthThis episode is educational and not intended as medical advice.Sign up to our newsletter here:https://bit.ly/3NA40IQWebsite:https://myhealthfocus.com