WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.

How does <a href="https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-gum-care" data-testid="linkable-text">oral health</a> affect your entire body? What is the oral microbiome, and how can oral bacteria trigger inflammation beyond your mouth? In this episode, we spoke to <a href="https://www.drnammypatel.com/" data-testid="linkable-text">Nammy Patel, DDS</a>, holistic dentist and leader of Green Dentistry, to dive into how gum disease impacts chronic conditions and autoimmune health. We also explore myths about oral health, the effects of <a href="https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/smoking-oral-health" data-testid="linkable-text">smoking</a>, pregnancy-related dental changes, and warning signs that mean it’s time to see your dentist. Plus, we discuss dental care disparities and share resources to help you protect both your smile and overall wellness.See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

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The Mouth-Body Connection: How Oral Health Impacts Your Whole Body

What does it mean to <a href="https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/default.htm" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/default.htm&source=gmail&ust=1750774358282000&usg=AOvVaw1t4xmh7lgBCNpcFSY5hOfL">age</a> with dignity in today’s healthcare system? What will it take to truly transform how we care for older adults in America? In this episode, the first of a six-part series, we explored the documentary <a href="https://aginginamericasurviveorthrive.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://aginginamericasurviveorthrive.com/&source=gmail&ust=1750774358282000&usg=AOvVaw1uJFn1YUK_MUp8m0z5Eqyk">Aging in America: Survive or Thrive</a>, created by the <a href="https://www.johnahartford.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.johnahartford.org/&source=gmail&ust=1750774358282000&usg=AOvVaw0drVjuXBI40kMVd_HwORM7">John A. Hartford Foundation</a>. We spoke with <a href="https://www.johnahartford.org/about/staff/terry-fulmer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.johnahartford.org/about/staff/terry-fulmer&source=gmail&ust=1750774358282000&usg=AOvVaw2xvV3dg5SKcZ0kHVCDoYjw">Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN</a>, president of The John A. Hartford Foundation, to explore the legacy of Dr. Robert Butler and how hospitals are utilizing the “4 Ms” framework (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, Mobility) to enhance care for older adults. We dive into the stark disparities based on income, race, and geography, and highlight programs working to close those gaps. From dementia care models to creative workforce solutions and caregiver support, this conversation offers a hopeful, practical look at reimagining aging in America. Visit <a href="http://johnahartford.org/agefriendly" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://johnahartford.org/agefriendly&source=gmail&ust=1750774358282000&usg=AOvVaw3BbD1Zz1WI2td3L5HbbS01">johnahartford.org/agefriendly</a> for information about the 4Ms of age-friendly care. Helpful articles and videos can also be found <a href="https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/toc-aging-well">here</a>.  Additional resources:  <a href="https://hbr.org/2025/07/your-company-needs-an-eldercare-policy" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://hbr.org/2025/07/your-company-needs-an-eldercare-policy&source=gmail&ust=1750774358282000&usg=AOvVaw2Cj5gsud3kGGQwUGMYyiHE">Harvard Business Review article on how employers can support family caregivers of older adults</a>  <a href="https://aging.rush.edu/caringforcaregivers/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://aging.rush.edu/caringforcaregivers/&source=gmail&ust=1750774358282000&usg=AOvVaw1Dquceuw-HhXf86Hs-dOmk">The RUSH University Medical Center Caring for Caregivers program</a> <a href="https://www.ihi.org/my-health-checklist" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.ihi.org/my-health-checklist&source=gmail&ust=1750774358282000&usg=AOvVaw2x1-GRZrhri7XoiYr9hBdD">My Health Checklist</a> <a href="https://www.reframingaging.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.reframingaging.org/&source=gmail&ust=1750774358282000&usg=AOvVaw2Is73-jMBtQ67TiGLRuhsO">The Reframing Aging Initiative</a> <a href="https://www.adcprogram.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.adcprogram.org/&source=gmail&ust=1750774358282000&usg=AOvVaw1E-obHBFNRzwIUr15dt1wV">The UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care program</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Aging in America: Improving the Care of Older Adults with the John A. Hartford Foundation

<a href="https://www.webmd.com/obesity/what-obesity-is">Obesity</a> is far more complex than willpower. In this episode, we spoke with <a href="https://drrobertkushner.com/">Robert F. Kushner, MD</a>, renowned weight management expert, to explore how the medical community’s understanding of obesity has shifted – from a perceived lifestyle choice to a recognized chronic condition shaped by biology, genetics, and environment. Our guest expert breaks down modern diagnostic tools, new treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists, and how to create stigma-free care. We also spoke to patient guest, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coach_tedder/?hl=en">Michele Tedder, RN</a>, host of Dear Healthcare Provider, who shares her lifelong struggle with weight and related health issues, how GLP-1 medication helped her, and how obesity should be treated with the same compassion and seriousness as other chronic diseases. See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Rethinking Obesity: A Chronic Condition, Not a Choice

Over 100,000 Americans are waiting for life-saving <a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-expect-kidney-transplant-surgery" data-testid="linkable-text">kidney transplants</a>, with 17 dying each day. Why isn’t universal donation enough? Could xenotransplantation – transplanting gene-edited organs from other species into humans – be the answer? We sat down with <a href="https://www.cnn.com/profiles/sanjay-gupta-profile#about" data-testid="linkable-text">Sanjay Gupta, MD</a>, CNN’s chief medical correspondent, to unpack his documentary Animal Pharm and explore the promise and perils of this scientific frontier. We dive into his visits to biosecure pig facilities, ethical questions across faiths, and concerns around infection, cost, and organ rejection. Dr. Gupta also looks ahead to the potential use of pig hearts, lungs, and livers. Tune in for a rare blend of hope, controversy, and cutting-edge science.See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

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