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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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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
  • #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
  • #31: A Conversation on Creatine
    Jul 3 2025

    In this solo episode, Dr. Chris Huff unpacks the science behind creatine: how it works, who it’s for, and why it’s earned its place as one of the top three most effective supplements on the market. Whether you're an athlete, aging adult, or sleep-deprived parent,

    You'll learn:

    • What creatine actually is, and how your body uses it to rapidly generate energy
    • How the phosphagen system works during short, explosive activity
    • The difference between creatine monohydrate and other trendy forms (spoiler: stick with monohydrate)
    • How creatine supports brain health, mental clarity, and sleep deprivation
    • Dosing, myths, safety, and how to choose a trusted, high-quality supplement

    Creatine isn’t magic, but if you’re putting in the work, it’s a smart ally to have in your corner.

    Top 3 Actionable Takeaways
    • Choose Quality Over Hype: Stick with creatine monohydrate, ideally Creapure, and make sure it’s NSF-certified.
    • Start Small, Stay Consistent: 5g daily is a solid dose. Skip the loading phase if your stomach says no thanks.
    • It’s Not Just for Muscles: Creatine has growing research supporting its cognitive and neuroprotective benefits.
    Resources & Mentions

    Kreider et al. (2022) – ISSN Position Stand on Creatine
    📄 DOI: 10.1186/1550-2783-4-6

    Avgerinos et al. (2018) – Creatine and Cognition Meta-analysis
    📄 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2018.04.013

    Rawson & Volek (2003) – Muscle Damage and Recovery
    📄 DOI: 10.1519/1533-4287(2003)017

    Poortmans & Francaux (1999) – Long-Term Renal Function
    📄 DOI: 10.1097/00005768-199908000-00005

    ✅ NSF Certified for Sport: https://www.nsfsport.com

    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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    15 mins
  • #30: Defining Greatness with Coach Rod Ray – On Resilience, Legacy, and Loving People Well
    Jun 20 2025

    What happens when a driven competitor is faced with something he can’t fix?

    Coach Rod Ray has coached at Wofford College for over two decades, leading Division I tennis players to success on and off the court. But what’s shaped him even more than competition is something far deeper— raising a son with autism, building resilience through difficulty, and learning to love people where they are.

    In this episode, Dr. Chris Huff sits down with Coach Rod to talk about:

    • How sports and mentorship paved his way from childhood to a 25-year coaching career
    • What it’s like raising a neurodiverse child—and how that changed his coaching and his heart
    • His definition of greatness (hint: it’s not the scoreboard)
    • The mindset shift from “fixing” to “growing through” challenges
    • How loss, failure, and letting go are the greatest tools for transformation
    • College sports in the NIL era and how coaches must now adapt to evolving values
    • Why love, consistency, and grit matter more than raw talent

    This is an episode for every parent, leader, coach, and dreamer who’s ever wondered if it’s worth staying in the hard.

    Spoiler: It is.

    Coach Rod Ray’s Bio

    Rod Ray is a bestselling author and active Division 1 college coach whose message is flipping the script on what it means to compete.

    With over 25 years on the frontlines of college athletics, Rod continues to shape athletes and leaders with a unique philosophy: that the strongest competitors are the ones who care the most.

    His work invites us to reimagine success, not as a solo grind, but as a purpose-driven path rooted in love, courage, and connection. Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or just someone trying to become more of who you were meant to be—Rod’s message will move you to lead differently.

    📘 Book: Hard Comes First

    🔗 Website: hardcomesfirst.com

    📸 Instagram: @rod_r_ray

    🐦 Twitter: @Rod_R_Ray

    📩 Blog: Join the Winning Team (sign up at hardcomesfirst.com)

    Top 3 Actionable Takeaways
    • Stop trying to fix the unfixable. True growth starts when we adapt rather than control.
    • Coach the person they can become—not the one in front of you. Vision is everything.
    • Resilience is built through losing well. Practice responding with grace. That’s the win.
    Resources & Mentions

    Books:

    • Hard Comes First by Rod Ray
    • Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller

    Past Show Mentioned:

    • Episode with Dr. Tommy Martin
    • Coach Mason’s interview on developing grit and long-game potential

    Stats Shared:

    • Over 80% of college graduates with autism are unemployed
    • Divorce rates for families with children on the spectrum are double the average

    Organizations Mentioned:

    • Wofford College
    • Duke University Medical (referenced during player cardiac arrest story)
    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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    58 mins

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