Advertise on podcast: Intentional Living with Emlah

In this episode of Intentional Living with Emlah, I sit down with my former pharmacy preceptor and dear friend, Dr. Laura Duvall, a pharmacist, wife, mother of three, and breast cancer survivor. Laura shares her experience navigating a breast cancer diagnosis at 42, from screening and treatment decisions to the physical and emotional challenges of recovery. We talk about helping children navigate a parent's cancer diagnosis, the importance of accepting support, and the small acts of kindness that can make a lasting difference.   Key Takeaways: Staying current with recommended screenings and speaking up about changes in your body are important parts of caring for your health. A cancer diagnosis affects more than the body; protecting your mental and emotional well-being matters throughout the journey. Children process difficult news differently, and honest conversations, reassurance, and a sense of normalcy can help. Accepting help with everyday tasks can support both the person receiving care and the people offering it. Small, consistent acts of kindness, from bringing a meal to sending a handwritten note, can make someone feel less alone. You may never understand why something happened, but you can choose your next step and find ways to support others along the way. Resources & Links:  Dr. Laura Duvall Journeys  Emlah's Naturals Supplement Shop Follow Emlah on Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  Instagram  TikTok  Connect with Emlah: Book Emlah to Speak  Dr. Emlah's Newsletter   Dr. Emlah Tubuo's Website

In this episode of Intentional Living with Emlah, I sit down with my dear friend Jennifer S. Miller, an expert in child and adolescent development, emotional intelligence coach, and founder of Confident Parents, Confident Kids. For more than 30 years, Jennifer has worked with educators and families, and she has also been a transformational coach in my own life. Together, we talk about her new book, Humanaissance, and how parents can raise teens with heart-led courage in a world shaped by technology and AI, while also learning to parent ourselves.   Key Takeaways: Parenting takes a village, and these tools apply to anyone with a child in their life. In an AI-driven world, teens need help building the uniquely human skills machines can't replicate. Parents need courage to let teens walk through hard things while holding them capable. Instead of shutting down anger or fear, pause, cool off, and come back to listen with empathy. We can't give what we don't have, so caring for ourselves is part of parenting well. When fear shows up, pause and ask: What is the courageous choice here? Resources & Links:  Humanaissance: Igniting Heart-led Courage in Our Teens and Ourselves Confident Parents, Confident Kids | Book Confident Parents, Confident Kids | Website  Journeys  Emlah's Naturals Supplement Shop Follow Emlah on Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  Instagram  TikTok  Connect with Emlah: Book Emlah to Speak  Dr. Emlah's Newsletter   Dr. Emlah Tubuo's Website

In this episode of Intentional Living with Emlah, I sit down with Amy Durtschi and Jodi Gibbs, co-founders of Vibe Women's Health Collective. Amy is a licensed professional clinical counselor and psychotherapist specializing in health-related anxiety, and Jodi is a board-certified physician assistant with a background in social work and medical care. Their partnership started as a patient–provider relationship during Amy's breast cancer journey and grew into a practice built on seeing women as whole people. Key Takeaways: Women deserve care that sees them as whole people, not just a diagnosis. Connection between patients and providers works both ways and can help protect providers from burnout. Physical and mental health need to be addressed together; lifestyle changes rarely stick when mental health is struggling. Routine screenings like mammograms and Pap smears catch problems early, and early detection gives you time and options. If it's been a few years since your last screening, there's no judgment; just schedule it. September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month and October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Better sleep often takes more than one tool and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). Compounded sustained-release progesterone allows more personalized dosing than the standard 100 mg and 200 mg options. Resources & Links: Vibe Women's Health Collective Pink Ribbon Good Journeys  Emlah's Naturals Supplement Shop Follow Emlah on Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  Instagram  TikTok  Connect with Emlah: Book Emlah to Speak  Dr. Emlah's Newsletter   Dr. Emlah Tubuo's Website

In this episode of Intentional Living with Emlah, I sit down with Dr. Ade Olawaiye, the founding physician of Whole Point Health PLLC and a board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Integrative Medicine. Together, we explore the difference between genetic testing and genomics, how small variations in our DNA may influence areas such as vitamin D, B12, cognition, and medication response, and how genomic information can be used to make more intentional decisions about health, prevention, and longevity. Key Takeaways: Genomics looks at individual variations in DNA that may influence health, nutrition, and how the body responds to certain medications and nutrients. Genomic testing is different from traditional genetic testing and can provide information that may help personalize healthcare. Working with a trained physician is important for interpreting genomic results and turning complex data into actionable health decisions. Genetic variations can influence pathways involving vitamin D, B12, methylation, and other areas of health. Genomics may provide insights into medication response, cognition and memory, cardiovascular health, women's health, and other areas. Direct-to-consumer DNA testing can provide a lot of information without the clinical guidance needed to understand what is actually meaningful. Genomic testing may be especially helpful for people with persistent health concerns or a family history of disease. Understanding your individual genetic variations earlier may help support more intentional decisions around prevention, health optimization, and longevity. Resources & Links: Whole Point Health - Dr. Ade Olawaiye Journeys  CoQ10 Follow Emlah on Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  Instagram  TikTok  Connect with Emlah: Book Emlah to Speak  Dr. Emlah's Newsletter   Dr. Emlah Tubuo's Website

In this episode of Intentional Living with Emlah, I sit down with my longtime friend, Dr. Rupa Shah, a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery. Together, we explore how eye health connects to overall wellness, when to seek care for changes in your vision, and the modern options available for vision correction. Key Takeaways: Regular eye exams can provide important clues about overall health and support preventive care. Changes in vision, including blurry vision, floaters, or flashing lights, should be evaluated by an eye doctor. Cataracts can develop earlier than many people expect and may cause cloudy or blurry vision. Corneal health plays an important role in clear, comfortable vision, including dry eye symptoms. Screen time can reduce blinking and contribute to eye dryness and discomfort. Nutrition, antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, and UV protection can help support long-term eye health. Modern vision correction goes beyond LASIK, with options including PRK, implantable lenses, and refractive lens exchange. The best vision correction option depends on each person's eyes, lifestyle, and individual goals.   Resources & Links: Columbus Laser and Cataract Center - Dr. Shah ProVision | Emlah Naturals Mega Omega | Emlah Naturals Journeys  CoQ10 Follow Emlah on Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  Instagram  TikTok  Connect with Emlah: Book Emlah to Speak  Dr. Emlah's Newsletter   Dr. Emlah Tubuo's Website

In this episode of Intentional Living with Emlah, I sit down with board-certified OBGYN and Menopause Society certified practitioner Dr. Pragna Patel Dadhania to talk about hot flashes, why they happen, and what women can do to manage them. We discuss how hot flashes can show up during perimenopause and menopause, what estrogen and the hypothalamus have to do with temperature regulation, and why tracking symptoms and identifying triggers can be an important first step. Key Takeaways: Hot flashes are sudden episodes of heat that typically affect the face, neck, and chest and can be accompanied by sweating, flushing, an increased heartbeat, and anxiety. Hot flashes are common during perimenopause, but they can vary significantly in frequency and duration from woman to woman. Hot flashes can begin earlier than many women expect, and Dr. Dadhania shares that she has seen patients as young as 35 experiencing them. Estrogen plays an important role in temperature regulation through its connection with the hypothalamus. As estrogen levels fluctuate and decline during perimenopause and menopause, the body's thermal regulation can be affected. Tracking the frequency of hot flashes and identifying possible triggers can help women better understand their symptoms and determine what steps to take next. Estrogen therapy is considered the gold standard treatment for hot flashes for many women and can provide noticeable improvement relatively quickly. Non-hormonal prescription options discussed include Veozah and Lynkuet, as well as certain antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications, gabapentin, and oxybutynin. Midlife health is about more than hormones. Women should also pay attention to cardiovascular health, bone health, brain health, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other risk factors. Preventive healthcare means looking at the whole picture and taking action to support health and longevity rather than focusing only on one symptom. Resources & Links: Dr. Pragna Patel Dadhania – Modern Menopause Care Powell Pharmacy Journeys  CoQ10 Follow Emlah on Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  Instagram  TikTok  Connect with Emlah: Book Emlah to Speak  Dr. Emlah's Newsletter   Dr. Emlah Tubuo's Website

In this episode of Intentional Living with Emlah, I sit down with board-certified internist Dr. Bhavesh Patel to talk about intentional health, men's midlife health, and one of the biggest threats to longevity: cardiovascular disease. We discuss why men often put their own health last, what changes can happen during midlife, including lower testosterone, fatigue, low energy, and changes in libido, and why staying ahead of your health is more effective than waiting for a crisis. Key Takeaways: Men often put their own health last, but regular checkups and paying attention to symptoms can help prevent health problems from becoming serious. Midlife changes in men can include lower testosterone, fatigue, low energy, reduced exercise performance, difficulty with executive function, and changes in libido. Cardiovascular health is built on four foundations: fitness, balanced nutrition, sleep, and mental health. A standard LDL cholesterol result does not always tell the full story of cardiovascular risk, which is why markers like lipoprotein(a), ApoA-I, and ApoB can provide additional information. Lipoprotein(a) is largely inherited and is recommended to be measured at least once in adulthood. Knowing your level can help inform your overall cardiovascular risk. ApoB can provide a different perspective on cholesterol-related risk because it reflects the number of particles capable of contributing to plaque buildup. A coronary calcium score can help identify calcified plaque and provide information about cardiovascular risk, but a score of zero does not mean there is absolutely no cardiovascular risk. Preventive healthcare is about staying ahead of disease, understanding your numbers, and working with your doctor before a major cardiovascular event occurs. Resources & Links: Dr. Patel | My HealthWorx GameDay Men's Health – Hilliard Powell Pharmacy Journeys  CoQ10 Follow Emlah on Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  Instagram  TikTok  Connect with Emlah: Book Emlah to Speak  Dr. Emlah's Newsletter   Dr. Emlah Tubuo's Website

In this episode of Intentional Living with Emlah, I am talking about an often-overlooked biomarker that can have a major impact on your long-term health: homocysteine. Most people know their cholesterol numbers, but homocysteine is another important lab to understand when it comes to preventing cardiovascular disease, brain fog, fatigue, and cognitive decline. This episode explains what homocysteine is, why it matters, who may be at higher risk for elevated levels, and how B vitamins—especially methylated B vitamins—can help support healthy levels.You'll also hear why testing matters more than guessing, and why prevention is always better than waiting for symptoms to become serious. Key Takeaways: Homocysteine is an amino acid that can accumulate in the body High levels may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, brain fog, fatigue, and early cognitive decline Normal levels are generally considered to be below 15 Methylated B vitamins may help support healthy homocysteine metabolism Podcast Episode: "The Hidden Genetic Risk for Heart Attacks That No One Is Talking About" Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hidden-genetic-risk-for-heart-attacks-that-no-one/id1838533266?i=1000780032543 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4wJUX15PrMNG9jy4TlrajR?si=ibth2mj7R4mHwDHMD73TfA YouTube: https://youtu.be/dgsVGWv1Ex0 Resources & Links: Powell Pharmacy Journeys  Methyl B Complex Follow Emlah on Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  Instagram  TikTok  Connect with Emlah: Book Emlah to Speak  Dr. Emlah's Newsletter   Dr. Emlah Tubuo's Website

In this episode, I unpack the often-overlooked genetic factor of LPa-Lipoprotein little a, and its critical role in cardiovascular disease. Discover why knowing your LPa level can be a game-changer in preventing heart attacks and strokes, even if your cholesterol levels are normal. Takeaways: The prevalence of genetic predispositions to heart disease: one in five people have a genetic risk. Why cholesterol levels alone do not tell the whole story in cardiovascular risk assessment. Practical steps to reduce cardiovascular risk, even with a genetic predisposition. Resources & Links: Powell Pharmacy Journeys  CoQ10 Follow Emlah on Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  Instagram  TikTok  Connect with Emlah: Book Emlah to Speak  Dr. Emlah's Newsletter   Dr. Emlah Tubuo's Website

In this episode of Intentional Living with Emlah, we're diving into the science of collagen—beyond the social media hype and beauty trends. Emlah breaks down why collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, why natural production declines after age 25, and how that impacts your joints, skin, recovery, and overall mobility. You'll learn why collagen doesn't replace your protein powder, what makes a high-quality supplement (including hydrolyzed peptides, type I and II collagen, vitamin C, magnesium, and hyaluronic acid), and why hydration is essential for real results. If you've been dealing with joint discomfort, slower workout recovery, or changes in your skin, this episode will help you understand how to support your body from the inside out and age with strength and intention. Takeaways: Collagen is the body's most abundant protein, but natural production declines after age 25, impacting joints, skin, and recovery. Not all collagen supplements are created equal—look for hydrolyzed peptides, types I and II, and essential cofactors like vitamin C and magnesium. Hydration and supportive nutrients like hyaluronic acid are critical for collagen absorption and optimal joint and skin health. Resources & Links: Tri-Blend Magnesium Magnesium Threonate CollaGEN Collagen Boost Powell Pharmacy Journeys  Follow Emlah on Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn   Instagram   TikTok  Connect with Emlah: Book Emlah to Speak  Dr. Emlah's Newsletter  Dr. Emlah Tubuo's Website

In this episode of Intentional Living with Emlah, Dr.Stephanie Gorka and I explore how nature can support mental health, physical health, and resilience in practical, science-backed ways. Dr.Stephanie Gorka shares groundbreaking research from Ohio's statewide study, showing how green spaces lower stress, improve immune function, and even promote faster healing in hospitals—just by looking at trees. Plus, discover how real change is within reach, from prescribing nature as medicine to rethinking urban parks, school programs, and community habits. Take one small step today: go outside for 15 minutes, call a friend for a walk, or make your next family routine an outdoor one. Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that health is about more than prescriptions. Takeaways: Why nature should be seen as a health tool, not just recreation How time outdoors can support stress regulation, blood pressure, mood, and resilience The impact of screen time, indoor living, and "nature deficiency" Connect with Dr.Stephanie Gorka: The Gorka Lab  Dr. Gorka's work at Ohio State University LinkedIn Resources & Links: Powell Pharmacy  Journeys  Follow Emlah on Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  Instagram  TikTok  Connect with Emlah: Book Emlah to Speak  Dr. Emlah's Newsletter  Dr. Emlah Tubuo's Website

In this podcast episode of Intentional Living with Emlah, discover why VO2 max is a critical, modifiable biomarker for health, longevity, and performance. In this episode, I chat with Andrew Fawcett about how measuring and improving VO2 max can help you live longer, healthier, and more fulfilled lives. Remember, knowing your VO2 max is a powerful step towards living better for longer. Get tested, understand your numbers, and train with purpose to maximize your health and longevity! Takeaways: What is VO2 max and why it matters for health and longevity The relationship between VO2 max, exercise zones, and optimal training strategies Practical steps to increase VO2 max and maintain it, including the importance of zone 2 training Resources & Links: Columbus Fitness Consultant Powell Pharmacy  Journeys  Follow Emlah on Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  Instagram TikTok   Connect with Emlah: Book Emlah to Speak  Dr. Emlah's Newsletter Dr. Emlah Tubuo's Website

Discover the importance of testosterone in women's health, its benefits, myths, and safe ways to optimize levels.In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Pragna Patel Dadhania, who breaks down complex topics into understandable insights, empowering women with knowledge for better hormonal health. Takeaways: The misunderstood role of testosterone in women How to test and measure testosterone levels accurately Safe and personalized options for testosterone replacement Connect with Pragna Patel Dadhania: Email: [email protected] Instagram Resources & Links: Powell Pharmacy  Journeys  Follow Emlah on Social Media: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram  TikTok  Connect with Emlah: Book Emlah to Speak  Dr. Emlah's Newsletter  Dr. Emlah Tubuo's Website

Discover how relational patterns influence mental health and relationships in this insightful conversation with Quanishia Gibson, a licensed therapist and founder of With Therapy. Learn practical tips on boundary setting, vulnerability, and increasing self-awareness to improve your emotional well-being. Takeaways: The significance of relational patterns in mental health The role of self-awareness in personal growth How to effectively set boundaries and manage vulnerability Connect with Quanishia Gibson: WithTherapy Website Instagram Resources & Links: Powell Pharmacy Journeys  Follow Emlah on Social Media: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram  TikTok  Connect with Emlah: Book Emlah to Speak  Dr. Emlah's Newsletter  Dr. Emlah Tubuo's Website

In this episode of Intentional Living with Emlah, Dr. Sumit Shah, a board-certified allergist and founder of Premier Allergy and Asthma, shares invaluable insights on how allergies impact overall health and how proactive care can transform lives. Discover practical steps to improve quality of life and dispel common myths about allergies. Takeaways: Innovative allergy therapies, including intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) Practical tips on allergy prevention and over-the-counter medication use The role of nutrition and natural supplements in allergy management Premiere Allergy Ohio Links & resources: Website Premiere LILT Resources & Links: Powell Pharmacy   Journeys  Follow Emlah on Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn Instagram  TikTok Connect with Emlah: Book Emlah to Speak  Dr. Emlah's Newsletter  Dr. Emlah Tubuo's Website