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Premier Cardiovascular Health and Performance Podcast

Premier Cardiovascular Health and Performance Podcast

By: Chris Huff MD Doctor Podcast Network
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About this listen

 Dr. Chris Huff, an interventional cardiologist, is here to help you master heart health. With a focus on prevention, this podcast offers real advice on how to eat better, exercise smarter, and understand your medical check-ups. Dr. Huff breaks down complex topics into clear, actionable steps, helping you live a healthier, longer life with a strong heart. Perfect for anyone looking to improve their well-being.2024 Premier Cardiovascular Health & Performance Podcast Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • #34: Saunas – More Than Just a Good Sweat

    #34: Saunas – More Than Just a Good Sweat
    Aug 28 2025

    When most of us think of saunas, we picture a spa or maybe a gym—somewhere to unwind after a workout. But what if those sweaty minutes could lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and even dementia?

    In this episode, I break down what happens when you step into the heat and why the research has convinced me that saunas aren’t just a luxury—they’re a science-backed way to build resilience:

    • Ancient roots to modern wellness — from Finnish dry saunas to Native American sweat lodges to today’s infrared models.
    • Inside the body — core temp rises, heart rate climbs, and your body releases endorphins, growth hormone, and brain-protecting proteins.
    • The Finnish evidence — regular sauna users saw a 63% lower risk of sudden cardiac death, a 65% lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s, and a 60% lower risk of stroke.
    • Performance boost — athletes who used saunas after training increased their endurance by 32% and reported less soreness.
    • Other benefits — from easing depression symptoms to helping with sleep and chronic pain.
    • The safety rules — why dose matters (15–30 minutes, 4–7 times per week) and why alcohol and saunas should never mix.

    The bottom line? Saunas aren’t hype. They’re one of the most accessible, low-risk, high-upside tools we have for living longer, stronger, and healthier.

    Top 3 Takeaways
    • Consistency counts. The benefits come from regular sessions, not the occasional sweat.
    • Heart and brain love the heat. Saunas are linked with big reductions in cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia.
    • Recovery edge. Used after workouts, saunas help athletes recover faster and perform better.
    Resources & Mentions
    • Laukkanen, T., et al. (2015). Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Events. JAMA Internal Medicine. PMID: 25705824
    • Laukkanen, T., et al. (2017). Sauna bathing is inversely associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease in middle-aged Finnish men. Age and Ageing. PMID: 27932366
    • Kunutsor, S.K., et al. (2018). Sauna bathing reduces the risk of stroke in Finnish men and women: A prospective cohort study. Neurology. PMID: 29720543
    • Scoon, G.S., et al. (2007). Effect of post-exercise sauna bathing on the endurance performance of competitive male runners. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. PMID: 16877041
    • Buro, A., et al. (2020). Hyperthermic baths for depression: A randomized controlled pilot trial. BMC Psychiatry. PMID: 33176757
    • Kauppinen, K. (1997). Facts and fables about sauna. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. PMID: 9100952
    Let’s Connect:

    Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

    Instagram: @hufcm

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.
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    14 mins
  • #33: Conquering Mountains – Lessons from Mt Rainier

    #33: Conquering Mountains – Lessons from Mt Rainier
    Aug 7 2025

    Mount Rainier is a 14,411-foot challenge of steep slopes, heavy packs, and unpredictable weather. But the real test? Pushing through the moments when your mind says “quit” and your body screams “enough.”

    In this episode, Dr. Chris Huff shares:

    • What it really feels like to climb Rainier (spoiler: there’s hail, exhaustion, and moments of doubt).
    • The training regimen that made the difference between stopping halfway and reaching the summit.
    • How physical fitness and mental resilience intertwine when you’re fighting altitude, fatigue, and the elements..
    • Lessons from the mountain that apply to everyday life—whether your “mountain” is a climb, race, health goal, or just keeping up with your kids/grandkids.

    Life is short, and our functional years are even shorter. This episode is about seizing those years, building the fitness to say yes to adventure, and proving to yourself that you can do hard things.

    Top 3 Insights
    • Fitness is freedom. A high VO₂ max and a strong posterior chain aren’t just numbers—they’re your ticket to saying yes to life’s adventures.
    • Pain is temporary, but regret can last forever. Never quit in your lowest moment—rest, refuel, and push through.
    • Everyone has a mountain. Whether it’s a peak, a race, or keeping up with your kids, the preparation—and the reward—are the same.
    Resources & Mentions
    1. Alpine Ascents International: The guiding service Chris recommends for first-time climbers.
    Let’s Connect:

    Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

    Instagram: @hufcm

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.
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    44 mins
  • #32: Run Smart: Preventing and Treating Common Foot and Ankle Injuries with Dr. Jacqueline Donovan

    #32: Run Smart: Preventing and Treating Common Foot and Ankle Injuries with Dr. Jacqueline Donovan
    Jul 19 2025
    For those who live an active lifestyle, foot and ankle discomfort can be extremely frustrating. Dr. Jaqueline Donovan helps athletes stay in the game by teaching techniques for avoiding and treating the most common foot and ankle injuries.She has cared for thousands of patients, educated hundreds of residents and fellows, and personally endured many of the same injuries she treats. This perspective, rooted in humility and informed by evidence-based practice, gives her insights a compelling balance of credibility and real-world practicality.In this conversation, we explore:Why most running injuries start with tight calf muscles (not your feetHow to tell the difference between plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinopathy, and stress fracturesThe role of biomechanics, improper footwear, and under-stretching in chronic painConservative interventions that work—like night splints, CBD, and simple shoe modificationsThe importance of early treatment, especially in active patientsA nuanced look at the rise in tendon injuries post-COVIDDr. Jacqueline Donavan’s BioDr. Jacqueline Donovan, DPM, FACFAS, is a double board-certified foot and ankle surgeon with a deep passion for helping people stay in motion—especially runners. From ankle sprains and stress fractures to plantar fasciitis and chronic overuse injuries, Dr. Donovan brings unmatched expertise to diagnosing and treating the conditions that sideline so many athletes. Her training spans co-chief residency at Grant Medical Center/OhioHealth and a rigorous orthopedic trauma fellowship, and she spent years mentoring surgical residents before returning home to the Cleveland area.Now serving patients across University Hospitals Ahuja, Cleveland Clinic Fairview, and Erie Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Donovan blends cutting-edge techniques like PRP injections and reconstructive surgery with a whole-person approach to care. She’s also a dedicated mother, outdoor enthusiast, and sports fan who understands firsthand the physical and emotional toll of being injured when movement is part of your identity.In today’s episode, Dr. Donovan joins Dr. Chris Huff to break down the most common foot and ankle injuries in runners, how to prevent them, and what recovery really looks like—from both a clinical and human perspective.Learn more about Dr. Donovan →📍 Cleveland, OH📸 Instagram: @ohiofootdocsTop 3 InsightsDon’t ignore tight calves, a strong and well stretched posterior chain is key to preventing most foot and ankle injuries.Conservative treatment often works, but only if applied early. Delaying care often leads to more complex problems.Footwear matters more than most people realize. Shoes should support your structure, not just your style.Resources & MentionsRecommended footwear: Brooks, Saucony, New Balance, HokaNight splints and heel lifts for plantar fasciitis and Achilles reliefMLS laser therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for chronic tendon inflammationLacing techniques for various shoe related foot complaints: 👉https://youtu.be/3qyS8j4WUbA?si=rl9_fvUP2trz2UBf 👉https://youtu.be/wmOFig9MIFs?si=gpvUvcQI_lIPLUgz&t=100Related EpisodesEp 29: The Grit and Grace of Dr. Tommy Martin - A discussion on family, faith, health, and trainingEp 26: This One’s For The Kids - Coach Marcus Mason Discusses How To Help Your Young Athlete SucceedLet’s Connect:Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular HealthFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480Instagram: @hufcm Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.
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    53 mins
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