Advertise on podcast: Midlife Refined with Dr. Traci DeSplinter

Episode Summary In this episode, Dr. Traci DeSplinter sits down with gastroenterologist Dr. Neelima Reddy to discuss colon cancer prevention, colonoscopy screening, and the importance of protecting digestive health during midlife. They explore when to begin screening, how lifestyle habits affect colon health, common misconceptions about diverticulosis, and the connection between metabolic health and liver disease. The conversation also covers stress management, the gut brain connection, and practical ways women can take a proactive approach to their long term health. Takeaways Colon Cancer Prevention: Understanding screening guidelines and recognizing risk factors can help detect colon cancer early. Dr. Reddy discusses why screening at age 45 is important. Colonoscopy & Screening Options: Dr. Reddy explains the differences between colonoscopy and blood or stool based screening tests, including why the right approach depends on individual risk factors. Everyday Colon Health: Fiber, hydration, regular bowel habits, and healthy lifestyle choices can support digestive health. Persistent constipation and rectal bleeding should not be ignored. Family History & Genetic Risk: A family history of colon cancer or certain genetic conditions may affect when screening should begin and how often it is needed. Diverticulosis Myths: Dr. Reddy addresses common misconceptions about nuts and seeds and explains why people with diverticulosis do not necessarily need to avoid them. Liver & Metabolic Health: The conversation explores metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), its risk factors, and the importance of identifying liver concerns early. Stress & the Gut Brain Connection: Stress can affect digestive health and overall well being. Breathing exercises, meditation, and other stress management practices can support a healthier routine. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Midlife Refined 01:14 – Meet Dr. Neelima Reddy 05:34 – How colon cancer develops 08:28 – Why screening at age 45 matters 10:23 – Colonoscopy vs. blood and stool tests 15:42 – Lifestyle habits for colon health 20:03 – Fiber, constipation, and regular bowel habits 23:36 – Why rectal bleeding should not be ignored 25:31 – Family history and genetic risk 30:34 – Warning signs that may require a colonoscopy 34:25 – Diverticulosis myths about nuts and seeds 36:28 – Colonoscopy prep tips 42:27 – Choosing a gastroenterologist 47:18 – Understanding MASLD and liver health 54:49 – Who may benefit from liver screening 59:22 – Preventing liver disease progression 01:01:25 – Breathing exercises, meditation, and stress 01:06:14 – Where to find Dr. Reddy 01:07:21 – Dr. Reddy’s advice for midlife women Learn More About Dr. Neelima Reddy Website: https://gastroassociatesla.com/neelima-reddy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BZ59jDMuL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neelimareddygimd?igsh=MXR3MnExZ3ZxZjA1MA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reddy4health?_r=1&_t=ZT-98DUhXVHFNt YouTube: https://youtube.com/@neelimareddygimd?si=1xsfvXiTgDzeMYFJ Breathing, Meditation & Wellness Resources SKY Breathing: Art of Living Course https://event.us.artofliving.org/us-en/artoflivingpart1/?utm_source=organic&utm_medium=home&utm_content=menu&course_id=811569 Yoga of Immortals Learn more about Yoga of Immortals through Shiv Yog and the Meditate and Manifest app. https://ishanshivanand.com/yoga_of_immortals/ Nonprofit Ekam USA Learn more about Dr. Reddy’s nonprofit organization. Website: http://www.ekamusa.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18u2YPjGFA/?mibextid=wwXIfr Resources & Community Refined Women’s Health Learn more about our practice and how we help women navigate midlife with a proactive, personalized approach to their health. https://www.refinedwomenshealth.com Follow Dr. Traci DeSplinter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracidesplintermd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TraciDeSplinterMD

Episode Summary In this episode, Dr. Traci DeSplinter sits down with Dr. Meghan Tierney to discuss weight gain and changes in body composition during midlife. They explore the role of hormones, sleep, stress, muscle mass, and metabolic health, along with individualized weight management, weight neutral care, and GLP 1 medications. The conversation focuses on moving beyond the number on the scale and prioritizing long term health, strength, and quality of life. Takeaways Midlife Weight Changes: Declining estrogen, aging, sleep, stress, and lifestyle changes can influence where the body stores fat. Metabolic Health: Abdominal fat can be associated with increased metabolic and cardiovascular risk, even when weight stays the same. Sleep & Stress: Quality sleep and stress management play important roles in metabolic health and maintaining healthy habits. Building Muscle: Resistance training, adequate protein, and sleep help support muscle mass, bone health, and long term strength. Weight Neutral Care: Health goals should focus on function, well being, and disease prevention rather than appearance alone. GLP 1 Medications: Weight management should be individualized, with treatment decisions made alongside a qualified healthcare professional. Dr. Tierney also explains the risks of unapproved research peptides and unverified medications. Timestamps 00:05 – Welcome to Midlife Refined 01:15 – Meet Dr. Meghan Tierney 02:50 – Why bodies change during midlife 05:20 – Abdominal fat and metabolic health 07:00 – Sleep, stress, and weight gain 12:21 – Sleep apnea in midlife women 15:55 – Body composition and metabolic risk 19:08 – Individualized weight management 20:51 – Strength training, protein, and GLP 1 medications 25:08 – Understanding weight neutral care 30:17 – Assessing cardiovascular and metabolic health 36:00 – Why building muscle matters 41:22 – How GLP 1 medications work 44:30 – Risks of unapproved weight loss peptides 48:43 – Dr. Tierney’s message for midlife women Learn More About Dr. Meghan Tierney Sorrel Health & Wellness: https://www.sorrelhealthandwellness.com Tri Woven: https://www.triwoven.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghantierneymd/ https://www.instagram.com/sorrelhealthandwellness/ https://www.instagram.com/triwoven/ Resources & Community Refined Women’s Health Learn more about our practice and how we help women navigate midlife with a proactive, personalized approach to their health. https://www.refinedwomenshealth.com Follow Dr. Traci DeSplinter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracidesplintermd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TraciDeSplinterMD TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tracidesplintermd Threads: https://www.threads.com/@tracidesplintermd Follow Midlife Refined Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlife_refined/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593608824815 Support Midlife Refined Enjoying Midlife Refined? Subscribe to the podcast, share this episode with a woman in your life, and leave us a review. New episodes every Wednesday. Medical Disclaimer Midlife Refined is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual health, symptoms, medications, and treatment decisions.

Episode Summary In this episode, Dr. Traci DeSplinter sits down with Dr. Rashmi Schramm to explore the connection between emotional and physical health. They discuss chronic stress, trauma, nervous system regulation, mindfulness, meditation, and why the coping strategies that worked earlier in life may not work the same way in midlife. Takeaways Emotional & Physical Health: Emotional well being can play an important role in overall health and healthspan. Trauma & Stress: Understanding how past experiences shape our responses can help us recognize patterns and create space for change. Connection & Safety: Feeling connected, seen, and heard can be an important part of emotional healing. Midlife Changes: Perimenopause and midlife can bring a shift in the coping strategies that once worked for us. Mindfulness & Meditation: Practices like meditation, breathwork, movement, and spending time in nature can help us reconnect with the present moment. Nervous System Regulation: Understanding our stress response can help us recognize when we are overwhelmed and find ways to return to a more regulated state. Self Trust: Healing starts with self compassion, awareness, and learning to trust yourself. Timestamps 00:05 – Welcome to Midlife Refined 01:10 – Meet Dr. Rashmi Schramm 04:30 – From stress to healing 10:00 – Understanding trauma 13:00 – The importance of connection 20:00 – Childhood experiences and adult coping patterns 31:00 – When old coping strategies stop working 37:00 – What is mindfulness? 41:00 – Meditation, nature, and movement 47:00 – Understanding the vagus nerve 54:00 – Breathwork and nervous system regulation 57:00 – Psychedelics and emerging research 1:01:00 – Emotional health and chronic disease prevention 1:03:00 – Dr. Schramm’s message for women in midlife Learn More About Dr. Rashmi Schramm Website: www.rashmischramm.com https://innerpeaceandpower.buzzsprout.com Podcast: Inner Peace and Power Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.rashmischramm Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/drrashmischrammoptimalwellness Resources & Community Refined Women’s Health www.refinedwomenshealth.com Follow Dr. Traci DeSplinter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracidesplintermd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TraciDeSplinterMD TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tracidesplintermd Threads: https://www.threads.com/@tracidesplintermd Follow Midlife Refined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593608824815 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlife_refined/ Support Midlife Refined Subscribe, share this episode with a woman in your life, and leave us a review. New episodes every Wednesday. Medical Disclaimer Midlife Refined is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual health and treatment decisions.

Episode Summary In this episode, Dr. Traci DeSplinter sits down with interventional cardiologist and longevity medicine physician Dr. Barry Tedder to discuss cardiovascular health and prevention in midlife women. They explore why atherosclerosis begins long before symptoms appear, how cardiovascular risk changes during menopause, and which labs, imaging, and lifestyle factors can help identify and reduce risk. They also discuss the connection between heart health, brain health, and longevity. Takeaways Heart Disease in Women: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in women and can develop silently over decades. LDL & ApoB: Lowering LDL and ApoB containing lipoproteins can help reduce the progression of atherosclerosis. Menopause & Heart Health: Cardiovascular risk increases during and after the menopause transition, making midlife an important time for prevention. Know Your Risk: Family history, cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, insulin resistance, smoking, pregnancy complications, and early menopause can all influence cardiovascular risk. Important Testing: Lipid panels, Lp(a), metabolic markers, and coronary artery calcium scoring can provide valuable information about cardiovascular risk. Heart & Brain Health: Exercise, sleep, nutrition, metabolic health, and cardiovascular risk reduction also play an important role in protecting long term brain health. Whole Person Care: Combining cardiovascular, metabolic, hormonal, and lifestyle care can help women take a more proactive approach to their health span. Timestamps 00:03 – Welcome to Midlife Refined 01:13 – Meet Dr. Barry Tedder 03:18 – What longevity medicine really means 05:32 – Visualizing your future health 07:50 – How atherosclerosis develops 11:12 – Cardiovascular disease in women 12:31 – Pregnancy and future heart health 14:58 – Statins, misinformation, and building trust 19:25 – The foundations of longevity 21:00 – Polygenic risk scoring 23:34 – Menopause and cardiovascular health 25:22 – Estradiol and the timing of menopause care 30:22 – Major cardiovascular risk factors 32:16 – Important labs for cardiovascular prevention 38:30 – Coronary artery calcium scoring 40:08 – Soft plaque and CT angiography 47:09 – Heart health and dementia prevention 47:49 – APOE4 and genetic risk 48:47 – Exercise, sleep, and brain health 53:53 – Dr. Tedder's message: Know your risk 54:41 – Closing Resources & Community Refined Women’s Health Learn more about our practice and our proactive approach to midlife women’s health. www.refinedwomenshealth.com Follow Dr. Traci DeSplinter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracidesplintermd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TraciDeSplinterMD TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tracidesplintermd Threads: https://www.threads.com/@tracidesplintermd Follow Dr. Barry Tedder St. Bernards Longevity Clinic Clopton Clinic, Jonesboro, Arkansas Phone: 870-932-1198 Website: https://www.stbernards.info/services/lipid-and-cardiometabolic-care/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StBernardsHealthcare Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stbernardshealthcare Follow Midlife Refined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593608824815 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlife_refined/ Support Midlife Refined Enjoying Midlife Refined? Subscribe, share this episode with a woman in your life, and leave us a review. New episodes every Wednesday. Medical Disclaimer Midlife Refined is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual health and treatment decisions.

Episode Summary In this episode, Dr. Traci DeSplinter sits down with sleep medicine physician Dr. Julia Whitaker to discuss why sleep is foundational to long-term health and healthspan. They explore sleep quality, insomnia, sleep apnea, menopause and hormones, medications, and restless legs syndrome, with a focus on why sleep problems can look different in midlife women. Takeaways Sleep & Healthspan: Sleep affects cardiovascular, brain, metabolic, and overall health. Sleep Quality: Restorative sleep requires enough sleep, minimal interruptions, and alignment with your circadian rhythm. Sleep Stages: REM and deep sleep play important roles in memory, emotional processing, recovery, metabolic health, and brain health. Alcohol & Medications: Alcohol and some sedating medications can disrupt sleep quality and sleep architecture. Menopause & Sleep: Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can contribute to insomnia and sleep disruption. Insomnia: Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can help address the thoughts and behaviors that perpetuate poor sleep. Sleep Apnea in Women: Sleep apnea can present as fatigue, brain fog, insomnia, and low energy rather than classic symptoms like loud snoring. Restless Legs: Restless legs can interfere with sleep and may be related to low iron levels or certain medications. Timestamps 01:14 – Meet Dr. Julia Whitaker and her journey into sleep medicine. 04:16 – Why sleep is foundational to healthspan. 06:30 – Alcohol and sleep quality. 09:41 – What does good quality sleep look like? 11:34 – Understanding REM and non-REM sleep. 13:23 – Deep sleep and recovery. 16:25 – Melatonin and when it may be helpful. 18:16 – Magnesium and sleep. 19:26 – Progesterone and sleep in midlife women. 21:11 – Common sleep problems in midlife women. 22:12 – Understanding insomnia and the three Ps. 24:21 – CBT-I and treating insomnia. 29:36 – Newer sleep medications and sleep architecture. 33:56 – What midlife women need to know about sleep apnea. 37:23 – When women should consider a sleep study. 40:15 – Menopause hormones and sleep apnea. 41:48 – How CPAP works. 43:08 – Sleep testing and women. 45:27 – Health consequences of untreated sleep apnea. 46:03 – Restless legs syndrome. 48:40 – Where to find Dr. Julia Whitaker. 49:24 – Dr. Whitaker's message for midlife women. Sleep Resources Stellar Sleep Insomnia App CBT-I program About $200 for an 8-week program Harvard Sleep Reset App CBT-I program $297 every 4 weeks Stanford Can be paid for with an HSA Offers insurance coverage, although coverage may vary CBT-I Coach Free Self-guided CBT-I without a guided process Resources & Community Refined Women’s Health Learn more about our practice and how we help women navigate midlife with a proactive, personalized approach to their health. www.refinedwomenshealth.com Follow Dr. Traci DeSplinter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracidesplintermd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TraciDeSplinterMD TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tracidesplintermd Threads: https://www.threads.com/@tracidesplintermd Follow Midlife Refined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593608824815 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlife_refined/ Learn More About Dr. Julia Whitaker Rise Precision Medicine: https://riseprecisionmedicine.com/sleep-services Support Midlife Refined Enjoying Midlife Refined? Subscribe to the podcast, share this episode with a woman in your life, and leave us a review. New episodes every Wednesday. Medical Disclaimer Midlife Refined is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information discussed on this podcast should not be used as a substitute for individualized care from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your personal health, symptoms & medications.

Episode Summary In this episode, host Dr. Traci DeSplinter sits down with neurologist and preventive brain health expert Dr. Ashanthi Gajaweera to explore what women can do in midlife to reduce their risk of dementia and protect long-term brain health. They discuss why dementia is not simply an inevitable part of aging, how changes in the brain can begin decades before symptoms appear, and why midlife may be a critical window for prevention. From sleep and movement to metabolic health, hormone changes, genetics, and medication use, this conversation offers practical ways to take a more proactive approach to brain health. Takeaways Dementia Prevention: Nearly half of dementia cases may be preventable by addressing modifiable risk factors early. The Midlife Brain: Brain changes associated with dementia can begin decades before symptoms appear. Menopause & Brain Health: Menopause brings significant physiologic and structural changes to the brain and may represent an important opportunity to optimize brain health. Sleep & Brain Clearance: Deep sleep supports the brain's glymphatic system, which clear waste products from the brain. APOE4 & Genetics: Having an APOE4 gene variant increases dementia risk but is not deterministic. Whole-Body Health: Factors affecting overall health also influence brain health. Timestamps 01:20 – Meet Dr. Ashanthi Gajaweera and preventive neurology. 03:13 – What exactly is dementia? 05:46 – Different types of dementia and overlapping causes. 06:34 – When do changes in the brain actually begin? 09:04 – Why dementia-related changes can begin decades before symptoms. 10:32 – How common is dementia? 12:00 – Why dementia disproportionately affects women. 12:42 – Menopause and the changing brain. 15:53 – Menopause as a window of neuroplasticity and opportunity. 17:42 – The 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia. 20:20 – Why dementia prevention requires more than checking boxes. 25:00 – Sleep and the brain's glymphatic system. 29:02 – How waste clearance may relate to dementia. 31:05 – Medications and potential dementia risk. 33:05 – Statins, cholesterol, and dementia risk. 38:51 – Understanding APOE4 and genetic dementia risk. 49:17 – The problem with healthcare silos and the need for whole-person prevention. 52:38 – Dr. Ashanthi's simple message for midlife women. 54:22 – Where to find Dr. Ashanthi and learn more about her work. Resources & Community Refined Women’s Health Learn more about our practice and how we help women navigate midlife with a proactive, personalized approach to their health. ⁠www.refinedwomenshealth.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/tracidesplintermd⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TraciDeSplinterMD⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@tracidesplintermd⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.com/@tracidesplintermd⁠ Follow Dr. Ashanthi Gajaweera Learn more about preventive neurology, brain health, dementia prevention, and strategies for protecting your health span. Website:⁠www.healthspanneurology.com⁠ Instagram: @drashanti ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drashanthi/⁠ YouTube: @dr.ashanti ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DrAshanthi⁠ Facebook: @dr.ashanti ⁠https://www.facebook.com/ashanthi.gajaweera⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/drashanthi/⁠ Follow Midlife Refined Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593608824815⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/midlife_refined/⁠ Support Midlife Refined Enjoying Midlife Refined? Subscribe to the podcast, share this episode with a woman in your life, and leave us a review. New episodes every Wednesday. Medical Disclaimer Midlife Refined is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information discussed on this podcast should not be used as a substitute for individualized care from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your personal health, symptoms, medications.

Episode Summary In this inaugural episode, host Dr. Traci DeSplinter, a physician certified in OBGYN, menopause, and obesity medicine, and Chief of Operations Savanah challenge the myth that midlife is an inevitable decline. They discuss why this transition is a critical window of opportunity to optimize your health span, prevent chronic disease, and protect long-term vitality. Takeaways Proactive Prevention: Moving past standard screening to intervene before chronic diseases develop. Menopause & Health: How hormonal shifts silently alter body composition, metabolic markers, and bone density. Cardiovascular Risk: Heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined, and risk surpasses men post-menopause. Weight Biology: Shifting the focus from willpower to biological factors like genetics, sleep, and metabolic health. Self-Assessment: Identifying your long-term risks, current functional habits, and symptoms you might be ignoring. Timestamps 00:08 – Redefining midlife and healthspan. 01:21 – Meet Dr. TracI DeSplinter and Savanah. 02:06 – Where Traditional Medicine Falls Short in Midlife 04:19 – The problem with siloed healthcare. 06:26 – Proactive prevention vs. reactive screening. 10:39 – The reality of cardiovascular disease in women. 13:44 – Insulin resistance and metabolic health. 15:57 – Modern weight management and GLP-1 medications. 19:08 – Personalizing hormonal and non-hormonal menopause care. 21:43 – Preventing osteoporosis and bone loss. 25:10 – Preventing dementia and the brain-heart link. 29:38 – Baseline tests and metrics to track today. 31:59 – Prioritizing your health before a crisis hits. 37:11 – Three critical questions to ask yourself. Resources & Community Refined Women’s Health Learn more about our practice and how we help women navigate midlife with a proactive, personalized approach to their health. www.refinedwomenshealth.com Follow Dr. Traci DeSplinter Stay connected for more education and insights on menopause, metabolic health, weight management, longevity, and women’s health. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracidesplintermd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TraciDeSplinterMD TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tracidesplintermd Threads: https://www.threads.com/@tracidesplintermd Support Midlife Refined Enjoying Midlife Refined? Subscribe to the podcast, share this episode with a woman in your life, and leave us a review. Your support helps us reach more women with the information they need to better understand their health, make informed decisions, and take a more proactive approach to midlife. New episodes every Wednesday. Medical Disclaimer Midlife Refined is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information discussed on this podcast should not be used as a substitute for individualized care from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your personal health, symptoms, medications, and treatment decisions.