The Healthy Me Reset

Would you put your child or grandchild on weight loss shots? What if they were already struggling with obesity-related health problems? It's a complicated question, and one that deserves more than a simple yes or no. In this episode of The Healthy Me Reset, Dr. Emily takes a closer look at childhood obesity, weight loss medications, and the growing pressure on young people to change their bodies. She explores the difficult decisions families face when children are struggling with obesity-related health concerns, while questioning whether medical interventions are addressing the underlying problems or creating new challenges. Drawing on her experience in medical weight loss and her personal history with weight loss medications beginning at age 18, Dr. Emily shares why this conversation matters to her. She examines how access to nutritious food, family habits, social pressures, and unrealistic body expectations influence children's health and their relationships with their bodies. She also discusses the importance of looking beyond medications and surgery to consider the everyday habits that support long-term health, including nutrition, physical activity, and the example parents set for their children. For parents, grandparents, and anyone concerned about the next generation's health, this episode raises important questions about how to balance physical health, body confidence, and the choices families make along the way. In This Episode 00:01 Should children and teens take weight loss medications? 01:30 Understanding childhood obesity and its potential health risks 04:30 How food access, income, and environment influence family health 07:30 The growing pressure on young girls to change their bodies 09:00 Weight loss culture, social media, and unrealistic body expectations 11:00 What parents really want for their children: health and confidence 13:06 Dr. Emily's personal experience with weight loss medications and surgery 16:15 Why sustainable habits remain important alongside medical treatment 17:14 Small changes families can make to support healthier lifestyles Key Takeaways Childhood obesity is a complex health issue. Family circumstances, access to nutritious food, opportunities for physical activity, and underlying health conditions can all influence a child's health. Treatment decisions must consider the child's individual needs. Body image and confidence matter. Children and teenagers face growing pressure to look a certain way. Helping them develop a healthy relationship with food and their bodies is an important part of supporting their overall well-being. Medical interventions are only one part of the conversation. Weight-loss medications and surgery may be considered in certain clinical circumstances, but they do not negate the importance of nutrition, physical activity, emotional well-being, and ongoing medical care. Parents influence how children approach health. The habits families practice and the way adults talk about food, weight, and body image can shape children's attitudes toward their own health. Small changes can support the whole family. Eating meals together, including nutritious foods, spending time outdoors, and finding enjoyable ways to be active are practical steps families can take. Connect With Dr. Emily For more resources on improving physical, mental, and spiritual health, visit: https://www.emilyvinzantmd.com/ Enjoying the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews help more women discover The Healthy Me Reset and find practical, sustainable ways to improve their health. Listen and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healthy-me-reset/id1596288398 Disclaimer The Healthy Me Reset podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or the practice of medicine. The information shared on this podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health and medical needs.

What if one of the best things you could do for your mental health was to become a beginner at something? In this episode of The Healthy Me Reset, I'm joined by Alice O'Connell, founder of Learn to Knit Online, to explore how creative hobbies like knitting and cross-stitching can help us slow down, manage stress, and rediscover the joy of learning something new. Alice discovered knitting while working as an actress and eventually turned her passion into a way to help others. She shares how knitting became a source of comfort and connection during her breast cancer treatment, and why she believes the process of learning a new skill can be just as valuable as the finished product. We also talk about perfectionism, the pressure women put on themselves to be good at everything, and how embracing the messy beginner stage can help us develop greater confidence and self-compassion. Whether you've always wanted to learn to knit, have a creative hobby you've neglected, or simply need a healthier way to unwind, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to be good at something to benefit from doing it. In This Episode 0:02:03 A Knitting Journey That Started in Adulthood 0:05:13 Embrace the Messy Beginner 0:09:48 Knitting Through Breast Cancer 0:13:42 Crafting Through Life's Challenges 0:20:16 Swap Scrolling for Something Nourishing 0:23:35 Take Beginner Frustration One Stitch at a Time 0:27:00 Find Your Way to Learn to Knit   A Few Takeaways You don't have to be perfect to enjoy the process. Learning something new requires patience, and those early mistakes are part of building confidence and resilience. Creative hobbies can offer a welcome break from stress. Repetitive, hands-on activities like knitting and cross-stitching may help you feel more grounded and give you a chance to slow down. Small moments count. You don't need hours of free time or expensive supplies. Even 10 or 20 minutes spent learning or creating can become a meaningful part of your day. It's never too late to be a beginner. Trying something unfamiliar can open the door to new interests, connections, and a little more joy in everyday life. Connect With Alice O'Connell Learn more about Alice's beginner knitting classes, project tutorials, and free resources: Website: https://learntoknitonline.com/ Instagram: @learntoknitonline  Connect With Dr. Emily Visit https://www.emilyvinzantmd.com/ for more resources on improving your physical, mental, and spiritual health. Enjoying the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more women discover The Healthy Me Reset and find practical, sustainable ways to improve their health. Listen and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healthy-me-reset/id1596288398 Disclaimer The Healthy Me Reset podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or the practice of medicine. The information shared on this podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health and medical needs.

What if the way you think about healthy eating is actually making you feel hungrier? In this episode of The Healthy Me Reset, Dr. Emily explores the surprising connection between mindset, hunger, and weight loss. Inspired by research from Stanford psychologist Dr. Alia Crum, she shares a fascinating milkshake study suggesting our expectations about food may influence how our bodies respond. Dr. Emily also opens up about her own fear of feeling deprived, why traditional dieting can make healthy eating feel like punishment, and how changing your relationship with food can help you build more sustainable habits. If you've ever believed that losing weight means being hungry all the time, this episode will challenge you to think differently about what it means to nourish your body. Key Takeaways 00:00:01 | Why Does Healthy Eating Feel Like Starving? Dr. Emily shares how she discovered a lingering belief that being thin or eating healthier must mean feeling deprived. 00:02:00 | The Milkshake Study That Challenges Diet Thinking Research from Dr. Alia Crum examines how different expectations about identical milkshakes were associated with different responses in ghrelin, a hormone involved in hunger. 00:04:44 | How Diet Culture Shapes Our Expectations Years of restrictive dieting can create powerful associations between weight loss, hunger, and deprivation. 00:06:30 | Why Extreme Dieting Can Be Difficult to Sustain Dr. Emily discusses the challenges of restrictive eating, weight regain, and finding an approach that supports lasting change. 00:09:11 | The Mind-Body Connection and Healthy Eating How you think about food can influence your eating experience. Dr. Emily explains why choosing satisfying, nourishing foods matters. 00:10:15 | When Healthy Food Doesn't Feel Like Diet Food A memorable restaurant experience helps Dr. Emily show how labeling a meal as diet food can change how we think about eating it. 00:12:15 | Mindset Shift 1: I Refuse to Starve Myself Healthy eating doesn't have to mean constant hunger. Focus on choosing foods that leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. 00:13:39 | Mindset Shift 2: Recognize Emotional and Physical Hunger Learn to check whether you're responding to physical hunger or using food to cope with an emotional need. 00:15:00 | Mindset Shift 3: I Eat to Energize My Body Practice slowing down, checking in with your body, and noticing when you feel energized and satisfied. 00:16:15 | Building a Healthier Relationship With Food Dr. Emily encourages listeners to move beyond diet culture and develop sustainable eating habits that support both physical health and mindset. What You'll Learn Why your expectations about food may influence your body's hunger-related responses. What the milkshake study reveals about the relationship between mindset and ghrelin. How years of dieting can reinforce the belief that healthy eating requires deprivation. Why choosing foods you genuinely enjoy can help make healthier eating more sustainable. How to begin distinguishing emotional hunger from physical hunger. Three mindset shifts to help you approach meals with more confidence and less restriction. Why small, consistent changes matter more than chasing another extreme diet. Resources Mentioned Dr. Alia Crum's Research Learn more about the relationship between mindset, hunger, and the body's response to food through Dr. Alia Crum's research on food expectations and ghrelin. Dr. Emily's Energized Eating Approach Explore Dr. Emily's coaching philosophy and resources for developing a more sustainable relationship with food. Visit https://www.emilyvinzantmd.com/ Connect with Dr. Emily Learn more about Dr. Emily, her coaching, and The Healthy Me Reset: https://www.emilyvinzantmd.com/ Listen to The Healthy Me Reset on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healthy-me-reset/id1596288398 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more women discover The Healthy Me Reset and find practical, sustainable ways to improve their health. Medical Disclaimer The Healthy Me Reset podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or the practice of medicine. The information shared on this podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health and medical needs.

How healthy are you, really? And what if improving your health didn't require changing everything about your life? In this episode of The Healthy Me Reset, Dr. Emily invites you to take a closer look at your overall well-being by evaluating three essential areas: your body, your mind, and your soul. Using a simple 1–10 rating exercise, Dr. Emily walks you through questions to help you identify where you're thriving, where you may need more attention, and how to start making meaningful changes without feeling overwhelmed. She also introduces her newly updated website, featuring free resources to support your physical, mental, and spiritual health. Key Takeaways with Timestamps 00:00:25 | How Healthy Are You, Really? Rate your overall health on a scale of 1–10, then take a closer look at your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. 00:04:03 | Physical Health: Are You Taking an Active Role? Whether you're managing a short-term illness or a chronic condition, a plan and active participation in your healthcare can help you make meaningful progress. 00:07:58 | Mental Health: How Are You Managing Your Emotions? Dr. Emily explores the difference between experiencing normal human emotions and feeling overwhelmed by them, and why pausing before reacting matters. 00:09:30 | Building a Healthier Mind Over Time Managing your thoughts and emotions is a skill you can continue developing. Small improvements in how you respond to stress can make a difference over time. 00:11:51 | Spiritual Health: Is It Well With Your Soul? Inspired by a song from MercyMe, Dr. Emily asks listeners to consider whether they feel at peace spiritually and what practices help strengthen their faith. 00:13:15 | Developing a Personal Relationship With God Dr. Emily shares how her faith has grown through Scripture, unexpected circumstances, and learning to recognize God's presence in her life. 00:15:34 | Where Do You Turn for Strength and Peace? When life becomes difficult, where do you seek comfort? Dr. Emily encourages you to examine the habits and relationships you turn to for hope, strength, and peace. 00:16:30 | Your Next Step Toward Better Health Revisit your ratings, identify an area you'd like to improve, and choose one small, sustainable action to begin your Healthy Me Reset. What You'll Learn Why evaluating your physical, mental, and spiritual health separately can help you identify opportunities for growth. How taking an active role in your healthcare can support your long-term well-being. Why experiencing difficult emotions doesn't automatically mean something is wrong. How learning to manage your thoughts and responses can improve your mental well-being. Why spiritual practices and a growing relationship with God matter to Dr. Emily's approach to health. How small, consistent changes can help you move forward without overhauling your entire life. Resources Mentioned Explore Dr. Emily's Free Health Resources Dr. Emily's updated website includes tools and resources for all three areas of health: Physical health education and resources Mental health and mindset tools Spiritual health resources and encouragement Visit https://www.emilyvinzantmd.com/ to explore the resources and take your next step. Connect with Dr. Emily Learn more about Dr. Emily, her coaching, and The Healthy Me Reset: https://www.emilyvinzantmd.com/ Subscribe to The Healthy Me Reset on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healthy-me-reset/id1596288398 Enjoying the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more women discover The Healthy Me Reset and find practical, sustainable ways to improve their health. Medical Disclaimer The Healthy Me Reset podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or the practice of medicine. The information shared on this podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health and medical needs.  

Do you have a healthy relationship with control, or do you find yourself trying to manage everything and everyone around you? In this episode of The Healthy Me Reset, Dr. Emily explores what happens when life feels out of control and why trying to control other people or circumstances rarely creates the peace we're looking for. She also shares one of her favorite coaching tools, "passing through neutral," a simple way to separate what actually happened from the story you're telling yourself about it. Whether you're dealing with work, family, food, or an unexpected life change, this practice can help you slow down and choose how you respond instead of reacting emotionally. Key Takeaways 00:01:45 | What Can You Actually Control? A healthier relationship with control begins when you stop focusing on managing everyone and everything around you and start focusing on what is actually yours to manage. 00:03:25 | When Control Becomes Exhausting Dr. Emily shares how needing everything finished and everyone taken care of before she could feel peaceful eventually left her exhausted and overwhelmed. 00:05:35 | Control vs. Giving Up Completely Micromanaging everything and completely giving up control are two ends of the same spectrum. The healthier place is learning how to manage yourself even when circumstances around you are changing. 00:09:33 | Focus on What You Can Control When your attention stays focused on what everyone else should be doing differently, it's easy to lose sight of the person you actually have the most influence over: yourself. 00:10:45 | Passing Through Neutral Dr. Emily introduces one of her favorite coaching tools for separating the facts of a situation from the meaning, judgment, or story you're adding to it. 00:11:30 | Using Neutrality at Work Instead of immediately assuming you're being taken advantage of or treated unfairly, slow down and look at the facts before deciding how you want to respond. 00:13:44 | Passing Through Neutral in Relationships Dr. Emily explains how removing judgment from someone's behavior can change the emotion you bring into the interaction. 00:14:30 | The 12-Year-Old and the Dishes There's a difference between thinking, "My child is disrespectful and never listens," and observing, "There is a 12-year-old who didn't bring the dishes to the sink." That shift can completely change what happens next. 00:17:15 | Try the Passing Through Neutral Exercise Write down the circumstance, what you're thinking about it, and how you're feeling. Then look at the situation from a neutral observer's perspective before deciding what to do next. 00:18:20 | Faith and Letting Go of Control Dr. Emily shares how growing in her faith has helped her release the belief that she has to control every outcome and trust that everything doesn't rest on her shoulders. Connect with Dr. Emily Learn more about Dr. Emily, her coaching, and The Healthy Me Reset: https://www.emilyvinzantmd.com/ Listen to The Healthy Me Reset on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating or review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healthy-me-reset/id1596288398 Medical Disclaimer The Healthy Me Reset podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or the practice of medicine. The information shared on this podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health and medical needs.

Have you ever known you needed to say something, but stayed quiet because you were worried about upsetting someone, creating conflict, or saying it the wrong way? In this episode of The Healthy Me Reset, Dr. Emily shares a simple three-step process for approaching difficult conversations in a healthier, more intentional way. Whether the conversation is with your spouse, your child, a friend, or someone at work, the goal isn't to find the perfect words or control how the other person responds. It's to prepare yourself to show up calmly, communicate what matters, and let the other person own their response. Listen in to learn more:  00:00:50 | Why We Avoid Difficult Conversations Knowing you have something important to say doesn't necessarily make it easier to say it. Fear of upsetting someone or creating conflict can keep us quiet even when a conversation needs to happen. 0:04:12 |Steady Your Emotions Before starting a difficult conversation, check your emotional state. Going into a conversation already activated, nervous, angry, or defensive can change both how you communicate and how the other person responds. 0:06:09 | Give Yourself Time to Reset Taking a few minutes to breathe, pray, gather your thoughts, or simply calm your body can help you enter the conversation more intentionally. 0:06:41 | Start With a Shared Goal Before focusing on what you disagree about, identify what you both ultimately want. Starting with common ground can completely change the tone of a difficult conversation. 0:07:49 | Finding Common Ground in Family Conversations Dr. Emily shares how establishing a shared goal helped her blended family have a more honest conversation about what they wanted their family to become. 0:08:55 | Using Shared Goals at Work The same approach can work professionally. Dr. Emily shares how identifying a win for both sides helped her approach a contract conversation about expanding her work in obesity medicine. 00:09:38 | Let the Other Person Own Their Reaction You can be thoughtful about how you communicate, but you can't control another person's response. Your responsibility is how you show up and share what needs to be said. 00:12:38 | Know When to Give the Conversation Space Healthy communication doesn't mean every disagreement gets resolved immediately. Sometimes the best choice is to step away, allow emotions to settle, and return to the conversation later. 00:13:15 | The Three Steps to Remember Steady your emotions. Start with a shared goal. Let the other person own their reaction. Key Takeaways Difficult conversations usually go better when you prepare your emotional state before you begin. You don't need to eliminate nervousness before speaking. Your voice can shake and you can still say what needs to be said. Starting with a shared goal can create common ground before addressing an uncomfortable issue. You are responsible for how you communicate, but you cannot control another person's reaction. Giving someone space to process can be part of healthy communication. Sometimes the goal isn't immediate agreement. It's communicating honestly and intentionally while staying grounded in who you want to be. Connect with Dr. Emily Learn more about Dr. Emily, her coaching, and The Healthy Me Reset: https://www.emilyvinzantmd.com/ Listen to The Healthy Me Reset on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating or review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healthy-me-reset/id1596288398 Medical Disclaimer The Healthy Me Reset podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or the practice of medicine. The information shared on this podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health and medical needs.

What can spending time in Spain, France, and Italy teach us about eating healthier at home? After returning from a Mediterranean cruise, Dr. Emily shares three simple habits she noticed again and again: eating more vegetables, keeping meals simple, and moving naturally throughout the day. This isn't about perfectly recreating a Mediterranean diet or following another rigid food plan. It's about noticing the everyday habits that make healthier choices feel more natural and finding realistic ways to bring them into your own life. Dr. Emily also talks about one important adjustment she recommends for women who are focused on weight loss: making sure you're getting enough protein to help maintain muscle while still incorporating Mediterranean-style eating. In This Episode 00:03:26 | Veggies at Breakfast Why vegetables don't have to be reserved for lunch and dinner, and how Mediterranean breakfasts challenged the typical American idea of "breakfast food." 00:05:26 | Easy Mediterranean-Inspired Breakfast Ideas Grilled tomatoes, avocado, and other simple ways to add vegetables without completely changing what you eat. 00:07:00 | Simplifying the Plate Why Dr. Emily noticed fewer "everything mixed together" meals and what separating foods can teach us about portions and intentional eating. 00:07:47 | What Tapas Can Teach Us Smaller portions, simpler foods, and slowing down enough to actually enjoy the meal. 00:08:38 | Eating Differently in Italy Dr. Emily shares what she noticed about first and second courses in Italy and how the structure naturally creates a pause before deciding whether you need more food. 00:10:53 | Movement as Part of Everyday Life Walking, gathering outside, and moving throughout the day aren't necessarily considered "exercise." They're simply part of daily life. 00:13:08 | What Happened on the Scale After the Cruise Dr. Emily shares what happened when she returned home, including temporary swelling, eating differently while traveling, and just how much they moved throughout the trip. 00:13:57 | Three Mediterranean Habits to Bring Home More vegetables and whole foods, simpler portions, and more natural movement without needing to overhaul your entire life. 00:15:08 | Mindfulness Over Perfection Why Dr. Emily believes sustainable healthy changes aren't necessarily about finding the perfect diet plan, but becoming more mindful of everyday choices. 00:15:48 | Mediterranean Eating and Protein Why women focused on weight loss or maintaining muscle may want to be more intentional about protein while adopting Mediterranean-style eating. 00:16:55 | Combining Mediterranean Eating With Dr. Emily's Approach How Dr. Emily incorporates protein first while still embracing many of the principles she observed throughout the Mediterranean. Key Takeaways Healthy eating doesn't have to start with removing foods. Sometimes it can begin by simply adding more vegetables to meals, including breakfast. Mediterranean-style meals often emphasize vegetables, fish, beans, olive oil, and other less processed foods. Separating foods and slowing down a meal can give you more opportunity to notice when you're satisfied before automatically eating more. Movement doesn't have to happen only during a workout. Short walks and frequent movement throughout the day add up. You don't need to follow a Mediterranean diet perfectly to borrow some of its everyday habits. For women focused on weight loss and maintaining muscle, Dr. Emily recommends being intentional about including adequate protein alongside Mediterranean-style foods. Sustainable change is less about following a perfect diet and more about becoming mindful of what you're eating and how you're living. Mentioned in This Episode Dr. Emily's Energized Eating Plan Dr. Emily's approach with her coaching clients focuses on protein, vegetables, and then the rest of the meal. Mediterranean Diet A style of eating emphasizing foods such as vegetables, whole grains, beans, fish, olive oil, and other unsaturated fats. Barcelona, Spain One of the stops where Dr. Emily experienced Mediterranean-style breakfasts and meals firsthand. Lucca, Italy Where Dr. Emily noticed the traditional first-course/second-course approach to eating. Cinque Terre, Italy Dr. Emily's favorite destination from the trip and her recommendation if you need a few minutes of beautiful Mediterranean daydreaming. Connect with Dr. Emily Learn more about Dr. Emily, her coaching, and the Healthy Me Reset: https://www.emilyvinzantmd.com/ Enjoying the podcast? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more women discover The Healthy Me Reset and find practical, sustainable ways to improve their health. Medical Disclaimer The Healthy Me Reset podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or the practice of medicine. The information shared on this podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health and medical needs.

What does healthy eating really look like—and how can we make it simple enough to actually stick with? In this episode, Dr. Emily breaks down the latest dietary guidance and connects it to what we can learn from the Blue Zones. She talks about prioritizing whole foods, especially plant-based foods, limiting ultra-processed foods, and choosing a flexible eating pattern that fits your life and culture. She also shares her simple "energized eating plan" — protein, veggies, and then the rest—and explains why protein is especially important for weight loss, perimenopause, and menopause. She discusses the importance of fiber, beans, fruits and vegetables, sugary drinks, artificial sweeteners, and why highly processed foods can keep us coming back for more. Most importantly, Dr. Emily reminds us that healthy eating doesn't have to be perfect. Whether it's adding a vegetable to every meal, eating more beans, preparing food ahead of time, reducing sugary drinks, or simply finding easier ways to get groceries, one simple step forward can make a big difference. The goal isn't the perfect diet—the goal is a sustainable plan you can actually live with. If this episode speaks to you, share it with people who may need this—and don't forget to leave a review so more people can find the podcast.

Do you really need to see your doctor every year for a physical? It's a question many of us ask—especially as technology makes it easier to track our health from home. Watches, rings, telemedicine, urgent care, and at-home testing can give us more information than ever. But can technology really replace having a doctor who knows you and your health history? In this episode, Dr. Emily takes a closer look at what a yearly physical is actually for—and why the answer may be more personal than simply "yes, every year." She talks about: Why yearly physicals have become harder to access with the shortage of primary care providers What your doctor can notice during an exam that your watch or health device may miss Sensitivity vs. specificity and why "normal" readings from a device don't always tell the whole story How preventive screening recommendations change with age, family history, and personal risk Cervical cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer screening—and why the timing isn't necessarily yearly Why blood pressure deserves attention, even in younger adults The growing role of telemedicine, urgent care, and at-home health technology Why technology can be helpful but shouldn't replace the relationship with a trusted healthcare provider A powerful reminder from Dr. Emily's own patient experience about how having a physician who knows your history can make a difference And how this conversation connects to perimenopause, menopause, and the changing health needs that come with getting older Your health deserves more than a number on a watch or a test result sitting in your inbox. Sometimes, the most valuable part of a physical is having someone who knows you—your history, your risks, your changes, and what questions to ask next. So if your yearly physical is coming up—or it's been a while—this episode is for you. Listen to Episode 115 and ask yourself: Do I need a yearly physical, or do I need a better plan for my preventive care? If this episode speaks to you, share it with people who may need this—and don't forget to leave a review so more people can find the podcast. Ready for more guidance and support? Head to www.emilyvinzantmd.comhttps://www.emilyvinzantmd.com/ or follow Dr. Emily on Facebook and Instagram for more science-backed common-sense health.

Back-to-school season can bring excitement, but it can also bring a whole lot of worry. And sometimes, that worry feels bigger than we know how to handle. Dr. Emily gets real about back-to-school anxiety, parenting fears, safety concerns, social media, and the stories our minds create when we feel afraid. She shares honestly about her own worries as a mom and how this year has felt heavier. With everything we see in the news and on social media—from school safety concerns to heartbreaking stories involving children—it can be easy for our brains to move from "What happened?" to "What if this happens to my child?" And that distinction matters. In this episode, she talks about: Why anxiety around our children's safety can feel especially intense right now. How social media and constant news exposure can feed anxiety and worry loops. The difference between a real circumstance and the story our brain creates around it. Why we can't control every circumstance—but we can learn to manage our thoughts, feelings, and actions. How to separate the facts from the story our minds are telling us. What happens in our bodies when anxiety activates the nervous system. How prayer, meditation, breathing, and creating a sense of safety can help us interrupt the cycle. Why sometimes the healthiest action is to step away from the news or social media. How our anxiety can unintentionally become our children's anxiety. The importance of preparing our children without creating unnecessary fear. When anxiety may need more support, including counseling or professional guidance. How the Healthy Me Reset connects physical health, mental health, and spiritual strength. She also shares personal stories about her own daughter, flying anxiety, social media breaks, and the ways she has learned to recognize when her brain is creating a story that doesn't necessarily match the facts. One of the biggest reminders in this episode is simple: We don't have to control everything around us to create safety. Sometimes, we need to pause, ask "Is this the fact, or is this my story?" and permit our minds to move toward a safer place. And for those of us who live by faith, there is another important piece: we can prepare our children, take wise action, and then give what we cannot control to God. If back-to-school anxiety has been weighing on you—or if you find yourself caught in worrying, doom-scrolling, or imagining every possible "what if"—this episode is for you. Take a breath. Step back. Look at the facts. Notice what your thoughts are doing. And remember: you don't have to carry every fear your mind brings to you. If this episode speaks to you, share it with another parent who may need this reminder—and don't forget to leave a review so more people can find the podcast. Ready for more guidance and support? Head to www.emilyvinzantmd.comhttps://www.emilyvinzantmd.com/ or follow Dr. Emily on Facebook and Instagram for more science-backed common-sense health.