Should Doctors Talk Politics With Their Patients

So, let’s talk about having healthy eating habits without sacrificing fun during the holidays… With 2025 just around the corner, many of us are now gearing up for travel and reconnecting with family and friends. For many, this time of the year is filled with joy and celebration. But more often than not, people experience a sense of "holiday blues"–they feel down and out–as the holiday season comes to a close. But why do we typically “feel the blues”? One major reason is that we tend to neglect healthy eating habits as we approach the festive season. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not telling you not to eat and have fun. I want you to fully enjoy the holidays with your loved ones. What I want to make sure is that we’re not “feeling the blues” come post-holiday season. That’s why in this episode, I will be giving you important tips on how to enjoy the holidays while maintaining healthy eating habits throughout. So by the time January comes, you won’t have to worry about dealing with health issues brought on by the holidays. Why you need to check this episode: - Get tips on how to prioritize healthy eating, especially during the holidays; - Learn how to stay active and manage stress during the holiday season; and - Find out how to enjoy the holiday celebrations while maintaining a healthy eating habit. “I wish I could tell you that eating healthy is a passive process, but I can be a first-hand witness; it is not. We have to be very active in our approach to eating healthy, avoiding obstacles left and right.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Notable Quotes: Quotes: "I want to make sure that [by] post-holiday season, we're not feeling the blues. Why do we typically feel the blues? Because we don't practice any healthy habits of eating right leading up to the holiday season." – Dr. Berry Pierre “If you don’t want to end up in the hospital during the holidays, maybe you should probably avoid those foods that you know you shouldn’t be eating.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “The holidays will be here, and then the holidays will be gone. The question you need to know is when these holidays leave, where do you want to see yourself come January?” – Dr. Berry Pierre Mentions: Surviving the Festive Season: Tips for a Balanced and Healthy Holiday Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify

So, let’s talk about sleep apnea—its seriousness and why we must stop overlooking it like it’s not a health issue that deserves our attention… Ever wondered how something as common as snoring could be a sign of a serious health concern? Contrary to what many people think, snoring—even when someone’s makes it so hard for you to sleep—is not merely a harmless annoyance. In some cases, it indicates sleep apnea—a condition that often gets brushed off but can have severe health implications if left untreated. It can get as serious to the point that you’ll need a pacemaker, as the risk of sudden death is through the roof each time you go for some sleep. However, unfortunately, many people still don’t recognize the gravity sleep apnea brings with it. That’s why in this episode, we’ll discuss sleep apnea, some symptoms to watch for, and the profound impact it can have both on your life and health. I’ll share personal experiences and a patient’s story to highlight the importance of diagnosis and treatment. We’ll also talk about the types of sleep apnea and possible treatment options, such as the one I’m using—the CPAP machine. So, whether you’re just curious about sleep apnea or you suspect it might be affecting you or a loved one, check out this episode, and together, let’s raise awareness about this often misunderstood disease. Why you need to check this episode: - Get an overview of what sleep apnea is and how serious it can get; - Understand how sleep apnea can silently wreak havoc on your health and affect numerous systems of your body if left untreated; - Recognize the importance of seeing sleep apnea as a serious health concern, way beyond just snoring; and - Hear personal anecdotes and a patient’s story that could help convince you to take action for better health “That's just an overview of what sleep apnea [is] and the importance of understanding [that] this is a serious disease. When we think about sleep apnea, you should be just as concerned if you're thinking about heart disease…[and] diabetes. I want us to kind of elevate the status of sleep apnea, because I think a lot of times it gets brushed to the side and felt as not as significant, especially clinically. And I want to tell you—that is 100% not the case. You need to get this taken care of, especially if you're concerned about it.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Notable Quotes: “It's been a conversation that needs to be talked about because it is one of these diseases that really gets overlooked because we're always thinking about high blood pressure…about diabetes…about obesity…[and] about all these other things here. But a lot of times, if you don't treat the central reason why you're having these problems, you can't deal with anything else.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “Untreated sleep apnea will make it more difficult for you and your doctor to take care of your blood pressure…of your weight…of your diabetes, and a slew of other disease process that really can't get fixed if [we] don't deal with the sleep apnea. It’s not just [a] disease that's make you snore a lot; it's not a disease that makes it so that people can't sleep next to you, no. This disease has significant effects, especially when left untreated.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Mentions: Blog post about sleep apnea Understanding Sleep Apnea: Health Risks of this Common Sleep Disorder Some of our previous episodes about sleep apnea Lunch and Learn with Dr. Berry Episode 15 Sleep Apnea How many ways to spot sleep apnea with Dr. Berry Pierre Questionnaires STOP-BANG Berlin Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify

So, let’s talk about the high-in-demand vitamins and supplements people are actively looking for nowadays… At my recent doctor’s visit, I discovered that my vitamin D levels were low despite living in sunny Florida. So naturally, I was prescribed vitamin D supplements—which made me think about the lack of nutrition education we, healthcare professionals, receive during training. This made me want to learn about the wide range of vitamins and supplements out there—and now, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with you. So to start things with, in today’s episode, we’ll talk about the most sought-after vitamins and supplements people are turning to these days. We’ll cover a bit of what they do, why they’re important and in demand, and how they can benefit your health. So, if you’ve ever wondered about the supplements you hear everyone talking about, join us, because this episode—and the upcoming blogs about this—is for you. Why you need to check this episode: -Have a peek at Dr. Pierre’s health journey as he shares what happened on his recent doctor’s visit; - Discover what vitamins and supplements are high in demand among the public nowadays; and - Gain valuable knowledge on the use and benefits of various vitamins and supplements, such as Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and melatonin among many else. “As a health care professional, especially as a physician, we don't get a lot of nutrition talk or supplement talk. They don't really do it [at medical school]. So, a lot of times, your primary care providers and just your physicians aren't usually the best people to talk to when it comes to nutrition and supplements, unless we go a little bit extra.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Notable Quotes: “Yes, doctors go to doctors to get appointments as well, like I got to get my checkup. Because imagine if I'm sitting here behind this camera telling you [to] go get your annual physical, go get this screening done, [but] I myself am not doing it. Now, I know doctors can be very hypocritical; you do not have to tell me how hypocritical doctors can be. [But] I try not to be one of them, at least on purpose. I try to practice what I preach.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “Help me help you, and that’s why we’re here in the Lunch and Learn Community.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Mentions: Dr. Berry Pierre’s website Sign Up to Our Weekly Newsletter Dr. Pierre’s Recommended Supplements Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify

So, let’s talk about connecting breast cancer awareness efforts to the real people impacted by this disease… More than just wearing pink, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about the lives that can be saved through education, early detection, and compassionate care. Because behind every pink ribbon is a story—a story of someone fighting for, advocating for, or in the most heartbreaking cases, grieving for those lost to the disease. It’s about real people, real experiences, and real stories—with real struggles that continue even as the month ends. However, unfortunately, this doesn’t get highlighted enough each time we hop into this month of the year. That’s why in this episode, we’ll cover why those people should be the focus, as we connect the pinks to them—whether they are the patients, the family members, or the friends. So, whether you know someone affected by breast cancer or simply want to understand it better, this episode will remind you why it’s important to act—every month of the year, and why we should highlight real-life experiences more than the marketing side of things. Why you need to check this episode: - Learn about breast cancer this Breast Cancer Awareness Month; - Understand the importance of regular screenings and mammograms along with the consequences of late diagnosis and care; - Recognize the need to connect awareness efforts to the people affected by the disease and not just the marketing side of things. “We got to enjoy life at all the stages. [We] want to enjoy [our] life as a young adult, as an adult, and as a senior citizen. And to do that, [we] have to build upon the foundation of good preventative care.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Notable Quotes: “We're not taking away from the onus of wearing pink and marketing…but I want us to connect that aspect of someone wearing pink to someone that they may be walking for, [to] someone that they may be raising money for.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “I just want to make sure that we are bringing it back home and making it personable, so that we just don't see a person wearing pink. We see: this person is wearing pink because they have to look out for someone; this person is wearing pink because they may have lost someone.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “Maybe you're one of the lucky people who don't know anyone who's been affected by breast cancer in one-way shape or form, [but] we at least want to be empathetic to those who do.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Mentions: Breast Cancer (Blog post) Danielle Fishel's Breast Cancer Diagnosis: What We Can Learn Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify

So, let’s talk about what preventative care means for you based on your age… Have you ever wondered how preventative care should change as you age? Preventative care isn't a one-size-fits-all; it changes as we age. From routine exams for young adults to cancer screenings for adults, and chronic condition management for seniors, it’s a lifelong journey interconnected in many ways. Unfortunately, many people either forget to adjust their care as they age or overlook its value when they’re younger—and this can significantly impact their health later in life. But I don’t want you to suffer in your senior years. I don't want you to be unable to live life because you didn’t take care of your body the way you should have when you were in your younger years. So, if your goal is not just to grow old, but to enjoy doing it, join me for another episode of Medicine Mondays as we discuss how preventative care varies and why it’s crucial to take it seriously from an early age. Why you need to check this episode: - Discover age-specific preventative health care tips, whether you’re a young adult, an adult, or a senior citizen; - Understand how your lifestyle habits in your 20s and 30s can set the stage for a healthier life in your senior years; and - Recognize the importance of preventative health care and the need for tailored ones based on age “We got to enjoy life at all the stages. [We] want to enjoy [our] life as a young adult, as an adult, and as a senior citizen. And to do that, [we] have to build upon the foundation of good preventative care.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Notable Quotes: “A confused soul [or] a confused person doesn't make a decision. So, if you're confused at what you should do, guess what? You don't even make the decision to go to the doctor, [and] you don't make the decision to ask for the test, because you're not even sure what you're supposed to be asking for.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “If we take care of this age group here, it saves us a lot more money down the long run…When we don't take care of this age group here, when we start talking about our other age groups, we're having to play catch up, it’s more expensive because we’re playing catch up, and more people die because we're playing catch up.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “Once you understand what that means for you, all of a sudden, you’re not a confused person anymore. You’ll have so much clarity when it comes to your health.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify

So, let’s talk about the FREE virtual summit happening on October 19th as organized by Autism in Black Inc… Are you a Black autistic girl, woman, or female-presenting? Are you a parent or a caregiver who is raising or has raised a Black autistic girl? Are you a professional working with any of the said populations to help break the stigma and make their life better? If your answer is yes to any of those three, then this episode—and summit—is for you. Because in this episode, we’ll talk about The Black Girls and Women's Autism Summit, a FREE virtual event dedicated to addressing the unique needs and experiences of Black autistic girls and women. A first to many more summits to be held annually, we’re doing this to educate, empower, and support the Black disability community—to drive home to the fact that our community needs to be observed, looked at, recognized, and more importantly, taken care of, because unfortunately, that's not happening. So, together with my wife, Maria Davis-Pierre, join us as we take a step towards building a more inclusive and supportive future for our Black autistic girls and women. Guest’s Bio: Maria Davis-Pierre, the wife of Dr. Berry Pierre, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the Co-Founder of Autism in Black Inc. Through Autism in Black Inc., she helps educate, empower, and support Black parents who are raising autistic children, while also working with organizations, hospitals, and schools—among many others—that are helping lessen the harm to the Black disability community. As part of the spectrum herself, and being a mother to an autistic child, Maria is dedicated to bringing awareness to autism and reducing the stigma in the Black community. Why you need to check this episode: - Learn about the details of the upcoming Black Girls and Women's Autism Summit; - Discover how you can avail a ticket for free, and/or upgrade to other options with additional inclusions; and - Recognize the importance of having such summits and amplifying the voices of the Black community “We’d rather have our children be prepared than unprepared, especially when we’re talking about children who have disabilities, who are neurodivergent. Because those conversations are different for them, and it just doesn't happen in the manner of ‘Now we're talking about it, [and] now you understand’. These are conversations that have to continue and continue and continue…And that’s why we’re having summits like these—to prepare you as a parent to be able to have these conversations.” – Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC Notable Quotes: “Let's make sure that we are satisfying the needs of our community and giving them the opportunity, like even if they can't pay for a conference ticket, to maybe still enjoy the community that Autism in Black has really grown and empowered over these years, while also getting some learning and some education.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “When you're looking at research that specifically talks about Black autistic girls and women, we are considered ‘intersectionally invisible’, and that means we are not in the research. And it actually really does matter because we're out here, we need specialized supports, [and] we need people to understand that our voices matter. So yes, we do need a summit that focuses on what it means to be a black autistic girl and woman. Intersectionality matters when we're talking about being black, being disabled, and being female…It matters because oftentimes, we are talking to the most oppressed communities in that aspect.” – Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC “This is something that we will do every single year, to keep driving home the fact that our community needs to be observed, looked at, recognized, and more importantly, taken care of. Because unfortunately, that's not happening.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Mentions: Autism in Black Inc. Register here to get your FREE ticket for the 2024 Black Autistic Girls and Women’s Summit Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify

So, let’s talk about my experience at the ClickFunnels conference and the upcoming changes to keep an eye on in our content… I’m very excited about this week’s podcast because I’m just coming back from a conference that I look forward to every single year. And if you've been following me long enough, you’ll know that I’m not talking about a medical conference here. Not that I hate medical conferences, but the ones that get me really hyped and energized are just so far from medicine. And today, I’m going to share with you my experiences at that virtual ClickFunnels conference, along with my plans to provide more and more content. This won’t be a technical discussion but more of an introduction—to where I'm going, to educate more people and expand our reach. So, if you want to learn how we plan to grow and get bigger and better for you, guys, join us in this week’s episode as we discuss the role of marketing in empowering you to take control of your health one disease at a time. Why you need to check this episode: - Recognize the importance of marketing in education, especially in the field of health and medicine; - Discover how the act of treating patients as customers can revolutionize healthcare and patient experience; - Learn about Dr. Berry Pierre’s plans for future content—plans aimed at helping grow, better, and empower the community “I understood that as a physician, just being smart medically wasn't going to be enough if I wanted to educate the community I needed to educate at a bigger level. Like, yes, I can educate the person who comes into my office or the person who I see in a hospital. But then, there are hundreds and thousands or millions of people who won't get the education needed because of access reasons, trust reasons, [or] the fact that there's so much bad information that they have to sift through. So, I understood that I needed to not only put my medical thinking hat on but put a different hat on, which was the marketing and everything else kind of under the sun.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Notable Quotes: “I tell doctors all the time: If instead of calling patients ‘patients’, you call them ‘customers’, you would probably treat them a little better.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “Like I said, we've been doing this for going on 15 years now, and I'm always excited that even in year 15 [or] 14—whatever time frame it is, we still have ways to grow and get bigger and better for you guys.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “I think all of these things here are going to continue to be great drivers for us that again empower ourselves for better health.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Mentions: ClickFunnels Lamar Tyler Autism in Black Inc. Dr. Berry Pierre’s Website Dr. Berry Pierre’s YouTube channel Marketing with Dr. Berry (Dr. Berry Pierre’s upcoming YouTube channel) Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify

So, let’s talk about the reasons why your doctor struggles to sell you the promise of better health… Have you ever wondered why no matter what your doctor says, it doesn’t seem to stick and just goes in one ear and out the other? It’s not that they lack knowledge or expertise. For some reason, though, they really can’t seem to persuade you to do what they’re saying. Truth is, while doctors are trained to diagnose and treat, we’re not taught how to motivate patients to take charge of their health—a concern that’s been overlooked for far too long; a problem that the system has yet to fix. But if we don’t do something, it could lead to a growing disconnect, resulting in poorer health outcomes among many others. That’s why in this episode, we’ll uncover the reasons for this struggle and discuss how salesmanship and coaching enhance doctor-patient relationships and pave the way for better outcomes in health. Whether you’re a healthcare professional or a patient, join us in yet another episode of Medicine Mondays and learn how we can make a difference. After all, transforming healthcare starts with changing how we communicate and connect. Why you need to check this episode: - Learn how training gaps affect a doctor’s skills in persuading patients to make healthy choices; - Understand why a patient needs a coach in their physician, hence the need for doctors to be great coaches as well; and - Discover tips you can use (if you’re a physician) to sell your patients on being healthy. “Patients need a coach in their physician.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Notable Quotes: “After about a decade of experience, I’ve realized that the reason why some doctors are able to get results where others just aren’t is that some doctors are much better at selling the aspect of being healthy than you are at the need to buy being healthy.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “You need to understand that your patients need a coach in their physician…because they need someone who will walk them down the path, explain [to] them what needs to be explained, [and] not necessarily be constrained by any time-related issues of why I can’t go into detail the way I need to go into detail.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “Doctors could be great doctors, but if they’re not great coaches, guess what? They’re going to have a hard time selling you their service, they’re going to have a hard time selling you your health, [and] they’re going to have a hard time selling you your health outcomes.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “Majority of doctors, especially the good ones, don’t really need 15 minutes to diagnose and treat. What they need is about 15 minutes to diagnose, treat, and then educate.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “If they have zero questions and they have zero objections, then they’re going to follow what they need to follow.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Mentions: Should You Fire Your Doctor Why Your Doctor Needs to be Your Health Coach Dr. Berry Pierre’s website Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify

So, let's talk about the truth of penile enlargement—what men need to know and accept before considering it… Does a penile enlargement procedure add inches to a man’s penis, making it longer? — This is among many other questions that we’ll answer in this episode as we discuss sexual health awareness with a focus on penile enlargement procedures. From being an anesthesiologist to becoming a founder of a clinic specializing in penile enlargement, this week’s guest will shed light on the often-taboo topic of men’s sexual health. Here, we’ll talk about his transition, how penile enlargements work, and the importance of patient education in this practice. Also, we’ll discuss the risks, the benefits, and the post-procedure rules, among many other things. So, whether you’re just curious how a traditional anesthesiologist transitioned to running a specialized clinic for penile fillers or you want to learn about the nitty-gritty of penile enhancement, join us in this week’s episode of Medicine Mondays as we yet again discuss the importance of awareness and our sexual health. Guest’s bio: Dr. Joel Pash is an anesthesiologist by training who explored new fields outside traditional medicine when he founded The Upsize Clinic almost three years ago. Upsize is a series of clinics located across the United States and Europe dedicated to safe and effective male enhancement medical procedures. Dr. Pash is the medical director of their San Francisco location. Outside of work, Dr. Pash loves playing music and tennis while taking care of his child who is currently five years old. Why you need to check this episode: - Learn the hard truth about penile enlargement and discover how it works; - Understand the penile enlargement procedure’s risks, benefits, and longevity of results; and - Recognize the importance of patient education, especially in the practice of penile enlargement procedures. “You should definitely go to the emergency room if you have an erection that doesn’t go away. Otherwise, you can lose your penis, [and] losing penis is bad; I think we can all agree on that.” – Dr. Joel Pash Notable Quotes: “A lot of doctors, because they still work in the hospital and the operating room, are kind of set on the fact that they’re a doctor—that that’s what they’re trained how to do and that’s what they have to do. So, the thought of moving out of that never even crosses their mind, or if does cross their mind, it’s like, ‘Well, that’s impossible. I’m a surgeon; that’s what I have to do.’ It’s like they’re seeing a very narrow view of what is possible to do as a doctor.” – Dr. Joel Pash “I don’t think you need any degree to run a business. You don’t need a business degree to run a business. It’s a skill.” – Dr. Joel Pash “As long as people understand what it is that they’re going to get, they’re almost 100% happy.” – Dr. Joel Pash “Sometimes, the textbook is not exact, and everyone’s anatomy is a little different.” – Dr. Joel Pash Mentions: Upsize Urosculpt Connect with Dr. Joel Pash: Website (Upsize) Website (Urosculpt) Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify

So, let’s talk about sexual health awareness and its importance in our overall well-being… How comfortable are you talking about sexual health with your family or friends? September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, and we’re back with yet another episode to encourage ongoing and inclusive discussions about this health concern. In today’s podcast, we will discuss why this month is important, and when this month goes away, what do we do, moving forward. We’re going to highlight the importance of education, open conversations, and reducing stigma surrounding sexual health, and also cover why men often hesitate to discuss sexual health issues, and how sexual health isn’t just about avoiding diseases, but more about the physical and emotional well-being of oneself. Although widely considered a taboo subject, join me as we foster healthy discussions, reduce stigma, and empower each other toward better sexual health. Together, let's break the silence, embrace the conversation, and prioritize our sexual health. Why you need to check this episode: Discover why sexual health awareness is important, as well as the Sexual Health Awareness Month; Recognize the need for open conversations about sexual health, be that with children or adults; Learn why men often hesitate to discuss sexual health issues; and Understand the importance of advocating for accessible sexual health education for all demographics and utilizing Sexual Health Awareness Month for education and awareness beyond just September “It’s so extremely important that we understand that the access to this information be available to as many people, and it doesn’t matter their age, their gender, and their orientation. Good sexual health education is important for everyone because everyone benefits from it. There’s no point to be gatekeeping this type of information.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Notable Quotes: “If you can’t have them [sexual health conversations] with the kids, you’re definitely not having them with the adults.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “It does sound comical, and I say it, but I’m very serious on the amounts of relationships that suffer because just having the conversation doesn’t occur.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Mentions: American Sexual Health Association Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify