Join Dr. Valda Crowder as she breaks down everything you need to know about your gallbladder, liver, and pancreas: what they do, what goes wrong, and how to protect them. From fatty liver disease and gallbladder attacks to pancreatitis and elevated enzymes, Dr. V answers real listener questions with the straight talk and practical advice you need to stay informed and empowered about your gut health.

Your gut does more than digest food—it plays a critical role in immunity, energy levels, mood, and overall wellness. In Part 1 of our Gastrointestinal Health series, we lay the foundation for understanding how your digestive system works and why gut health is essential to whole-body health.

In this episode, Dr. V explores:

• The basics of gastrointestinal anatomy and function
• Common signs and symptoms of gut imbalance
• How diet, stress, medications, and lifestyle impact digestion
• The gut–brain connection and its role in inflammation and disease

Whether you’re experiencing digestive concerns or simply want to optimize your health, this episode offers practical insights to help you better understand your body from the inside out.

Tune in and start your journey toward better gut health—this is just the beginning.

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In an era of relentless news cycles, political divisiveness, and constant digital overwhelm, how do we protect our mental health while staying informed and engaged? Join Dr. Valda Crowder (Dr. V), a board-certified emergency medicine physician with 30 years of experience, as she explores the critical topic of psychological safety in today's challenging climate.

This episode tackles the phenomenon psychologists call "chronic ambient stress"—the never-ending background noise of negativity that keeps our stress response systems constantly activated. Dr. V explains what happens to our brains and bodies when we're continuously exposed to troubling headlines, why doomscrolling feels so exhausting, and how "headline stress disorder" impacts our daily lives.

In this episode:

• Understanding the psychology behind our collective anxiety and overwhelm
• Practical strategies to stay informed without burning out
• How to use social media mindfully while protecting your peace
• Managing anxiety about real threats beyond our control (climate change, political instability, economic uncertainty)
• Recognizing and addressing compassion fatigue
• Creating psychological safety for children in uncertain times
• Navigating the suicide crisis and what to do when loved ones are in distress
• Building long-term resilience for sustainable engagement
• The surprising connection between mental and physical health

Dr. V explains sleep apnea, and how it impacts overall health, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues. These effects are primarily due to the lack of oxygen and the stress hormones released in response to these pauses.

Ever wonder why healthcare is so costly and if there is anything that you can do about it? Get the inside scoop about healthcare costs, and direct answers to listener questions from Dr. V, a 30-year emergency room doc.

In this episode you'll learn more about the business of health and how you can get financial assistance when you need it. Plus, enjoy a little laughter for your pain with Comedian Damon Williams.

This week's episode dives deep into the world of diabetes, a silent public health challenge affecting millions of people. With insights into the various types of diabetes, we explore the critical importance of getting your hemoglobin A1c checked to prevent serious complications. Our host, Dr. V, shares valuable tips on how dietary changes and lifestyle choices can significantly impact your health and help you manage or even reverse pre-diabetic conditions. Interactive discussions with callers reveal everyday struggles and practical solutions, including understanding the glycemic index and exploring new medical advancements. Whether you're living with diabetes or seeking to understand your risk, this episode offers essential knowledge and tools for a healthier future.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Dr. Valda Crowder examines Dr. King's unfinished work in healthcare equity. Drawing from his 1966 declaration that "injustice in health is the most shocking and inhumane," this episode explores how inequality, access, and systemic bias continue to shape American healthcare. Through listener calls, Dr. V addresses maternal mortality disparities, medical mistrust, geographic barriers to care, and the connection between economic and health justice in Black communities. The conversation asks: What would Dr. King challenge us to do today? Join the discussion about healthcare as a human right and the path toward true health equity.

How to Decrease Your Healthcare Costs in the Upcoming Year

Join Dr. Valda Crowder, a board-certified emergency medicine physician with 30 years of experience, as she tackles one of the most pressing issues facing Americans today: rising healthcare costs. In this episode, Dr. V answers listener questions about navigating emergency room visits, understanding hospital billing, avoiding surprise medical bills, and making smart decisions about when to seek urgent versus emergency care. She also discusses financial assistance programs for the uninsured and shares practical strategies to advocate for yourself in healthcare settings. Whether you're dealing with insurance challenges or trying to make sense of medical bills, this episode provides actionable advice to help you save money while getting the care you need.

Email your questions to info@askdrv.us

Produced by the nonprofit Channel of Health - informing, educating, and empowering communities about pressing health and healthcare issues.