What the Health is Happening? with Dr. V

Welcome back to "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V." This episode, hosted by Dr. Valda Crowder, dives deep into the realities of breast cancer — one of the most common and deadly cancers affecting American women today. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Valda Crowder is joined by Noelle, a former ballerina, engineer, and author who, despite having no typical risk factors for breast cancer, faced a shocking diagnosis. Together, they walk through Noelle’s journey from initial...

Welcome back to What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V. In today’s episode, we dive deep into the world of narcissism - what it really means, how it’s often misunderstood, and why the clinical definition matters so much more than the internet’s version. We explore how narcissistic personality disorder is diagnosed, where it comes from, and the profound impact it can have on relationships, families, and workplaces. If you’ve ever wondered how to tell the difference between a simply self-cent...

Welcome to another episode of What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V. In today’s show, the conversation focused on the vital role vaccines play in protecting our health at every stage of life, not just in childhood. A key theme that emerged was the ongoing development of new immunizations and the importance of staying up to date with current recommendations, especially in a time filled with confusion and conspiracy theories about vaccines. The discussion explored practical questions around ...

Welcome back to "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V." In this episode, host Dr. Valda Crowder, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, dives into part two of our series on narcissism. Building on last week’s foundation, Dr. V breaks down the practical side of dealing with narcissists, from spotting the red flags and understanding common manipulation tactics like love bombing and triangulation, to learning how to set boundaries, navigate tricky family dynamics, and survive narcis...

Welcome to "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V." In today's episode, Dr. Valda Crowder dives into a topic that's everywhere these days: narcissism. The term gets thrown around in pop culture and everyday life, but what does it really mean from a clinical perspective? Dr. V breaks down the difference between narcissistic traits and the actual diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder, explores its characteristics, and discusses how these behaviors present in relationships, families,...

Welcome back to "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V." In today’s episode, Dr. Valda Crowder dives into the world of asthma, an often misunderstood but potentially deadly chronic disease that affects millions of Americans. Despite its prevalence, asthma still sends hundreds of thousands to the ER every year and claims lives, with many patients struggling to manage it correctly. This episode covers what actually happens inside the lungs during an asthma attack, the difference between a m...

Welcome to "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V." In this episode, board-certified emergency medicine physician Dr. Valda Crowder dives into a crisis that's often hidden in plain sight: gambling addiction. With alarming stories in the news about insider trading, betting on confidential information, and the rise of sports betting and online gambling, Dr. V reframes what many see as a criminal justice issue as a serious public health concern. She explains the science behind gambling disord...

The conversation focused on the hidden epidemic of chronic stress and its profound effects on health, both physically and mentally. A key theme that emerged was the distinction between normal, short-lived stress and chronic stress that lingers for months or even years, often becoming an unnoticed "new normal" in people’s lives. The discussion explored the biological impacts of persistent elevated cortisol, including increased risk for anxiety, depression, metabolic disorders, heart disease, a...

Welcome to "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V," where your host, Dr. Valda Crowder, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and passionate health advocate, dives deep into the vital issues impacting your well-being. In this episode, Dr. Valda Crowder explores a topic that touches every family: brain and cognitive health. From the everyday memory lapses we all experience to the serious early warning signs of cognitive decline and dementia, you’ll learn what’s normal, what’s not, ...

The conversation focused on the dangers of heat and how many people underestimate its impact, especially as temperatures rise in the summer. A key theme that emerged was that heat kills more people each year than any other weather event, often without dramatic warning signs. The discussion explored how heat affects the body on a cellular level, why certain groups like infants, the elderly, athletes, and outdoor workers are at greater risk, and how to recognize the critical difference between ...

Welcome to another episode of What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V, where board-certified emergency room physician Dr. Valda Crowder is dedicated to empowering you with life-saving health information. Today, we delve into a deeply important and sensitive topic: How Adverse Childhood Experiences Shape Your Brain, Body, and Future. From childhood trauma and neglect to the ripple effects that last well into adulthood, this episode explores how experiences during your earliest years profoundl...

Welcome to another episode of What The Health Is Happening?, hosted by board-certified emergency physician Dr. Valda Crowder aka Dr. V. Today’s episode shines a spotlight on Bell’s palsy, a sudden, frightening condition where part of your face stops cooperating, often leaving people worried they’re experiencing a stroke. Recently thrust into the headlines after NBA All-Star Joel Embiid’s diagnosis, Bell’s palsy sends thousands each year to emergency rooms in search of answers. In this episode...

Welcome back to What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V. Today's conversation focused on the dangers of extreme summer heat, highlighting the record-breaking temperatures and widespread heat advisories affecting millions across the United States. One concept discussed was heat-related illness as a spectrum, from mild heat rash and cramps to the life-threatening emergency of heat stroke. A key theme that emerged was the seriousness of heat as the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S., ...

Are you worried about memory loss as you age, or are you caring for someone who's starting to show signs of cognitive decline? This episode of "What The Health Is Happening?" dives deep into what really happens to our brains as we grow older, from normal forgetfulness to more serious concerns like mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Dr. Valda Crowder breaks down the different types of memory, the signs that set normal aging apart from concerning symptoms, and the crucial early steps you c...

Have you ever woken up after a medical procedure, feeling groggy and with no memory of what happened, wondering, "What exactly did they give me?" In this episode of "What the Health is Happening?" emergency physician Dr. Valda Crowder pull back the curtain on propofol, a sedative used every day in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and intensive care units across America. You might recognize its name from headlines surrounding the death of Michael Jackson, but behind the sensational stories li...

Welcome to "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V," hosted by board-certified emergency medicine physician Dr. Valda Crowder. In this powerful episode, she tackles the hidden but urgent crisis of gambling addiction. From startling national headlines involving insider trading and military operations to the devastating personal consequences faced by millions of Americans, gambling disorder is revealed not as a moral failing but as a serious brain disease. Dr. V breaks down the science behind...

Welcome to another episode of "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V," hosted by Dr. Valda Crowder, a board-certified emergency medicine physician passionate about empowering your health and wellness. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, today's episode dives deep into a topic that touches millions: panic attacks and anxiety disorders. Whether you're struggling in silence, supporting a loved one, or curious about the signs and solutions, Dr. V breaks down the science and miscon...

Welcome to What The Health Is Happening With Dr. V podcast, where your host - board-certified emergency medicine physician Dr. Valda Crowder - empowers listeners with life-saving information for you and your family. In today’s episode, Dr. V dives deep into brain health, exploring the crucial topics of memory, cognition, and the difference between normal aging and early signs of dementia. With personal stories, the latest facts about Alzheimer's and dementia, risk factors, and clear advice on...

Welcome to Ehat The Health Is Happening with Dr. V, hosted by board-certified emergency room physician Dr. Valda Crowder, also known as Dr. V. In this powerful episode, we confront a topic that impacts millions but is often hidden in plain sight: childhood wounds that last a lifetime. Today, we’re diving into Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), traumatic events ranging from abuse and neglect to household dysfunction and community-level stressors like poverty and racism. Dr. V explores ...

Welcome to "What the Health is Happening?" with your host, Dr. Valda Crowder, a board-certified emergency medicine physician dedicated to sharing life-saving health information. In today’s episode, Dr. Valda Crowder confronts the difficult but crucial topics of domestic violence, suicide, and the growing mental health crisis challenges that impact families, neighborhoods, and communities, and appear all too frequently in the emergency department. Prompted by recent tragedies, including high-p...

In this episode of "What the Health is Happening with Dr. V," Dr. V dives deep into the world of GLP1, one of today's most talked-about topics in health and weight management. Whether you've been bombarded by headlines about Ozempic, Wegovy, and other injectables, or you're simply curious about the science behind these drugs, this episode separates fact from hype. Dr. V explores what GLP1 actually is (spoiler: your body already produces it), the crucial difference between natural production a...

Welcome to the podcast, hosted by Dr. Valda Crowder , board-certified emergency medicine physician dedicated to empowering you with life-saving health information. In this episode, Dr. Valda Crowder tackles the urgent and often hidden issue of sex trafficking in plain sight. From high-profile media cases like Jeffrey Epstein and R. Kelly, to the tragic reality affecting millions, especially children and vulnerable communities, Dr. Valda Crowder breaks down what sex trafficking is, how victims...

Marijuana and CBD are everywhere these days, from dispensaries on every corner to gummies, drinks, and oils marketed for everything from sleep to stress relief. But as these products become increasingly normalized, what’s really happening behind the scenes in healthcare? In this episode of "What The Health Is Happening" with Dr. V, we’re joined by Dr. Valda Crowder, an emergency room physician, to break down the crucial differences between marijuana and CBD, the impact of different formats an...

Welcome to "What the Health is Happening?" where Dr. Valda Crowder , a board-certified emergency medicine physician, brings you life-saving health information every week. In this episode, Dr. Valda Crowder shines a light on Broken Heart Syndrome, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or Takotsubu cardiomyopathy. This real and sometimes dangerous condition can occur in response to intense emotional or physical stress and is often mistaken for a heart attack. Dr. Valda Crowder explains th...

Welcome to "What the Health Is Happening?", the podcast where Dr. Valda Crowder, also known as Dr. V, is committed to empowering you with life-saving information. Dr. V is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with decades of frontline experience. In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into a silent epidemic quietly eroding the health of millions: chronic stress. We’ll explore how chronic stress is fundamentally different from the everyday pressures we all face, unpack its widespread ...

Welcome to another episode of "What the Health is Happening?" with your host, Dr. V, board-certified emergency room physician. In today’s show, she dives deep into the science behind GLP-1 medications, the revolutionary treatments that have transformed the world of weight loss, but not without controversy and complications. Dr. V breaks down what GLP-1 actually is, who should consider these options, and why some people experience side effects or regain weight when stopping the medications. Yo...

Welcome to "What the Health is Happening?" with Dr. V! In this episode, everyday emergency physician, Dr. Valda Crowder, helps you make sense of the health questions that matter most in real life: when symptoms arise, diagnoses get confusing, and medical advice feels overwhelming. Drawing on years of experience from the front lines of emergency medicine, Dr. V shares insights on what inspired the show, how listeners can benefit, and what to look out for across all ages. Dr. V dives deep into ...

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. Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/ Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthis...

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 functionCommon signs and symptoms of gut imbalanceHow diet, stress, medications, and lifestyle impact digestionThe gut–brain conn...

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 ...

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. Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/ Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/ Podcast Producer - https://tophealth.care/ “Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consul...

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. Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/ Podcast Website - ...

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...

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 com...

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 di...

During a high time of job loss, and economic downturn, career opportunities in healthcare are still thriving. There is such a vast world in healthcare careers beyond being a doctor! Dr. Valda Crowder (Dr. V) is back with part two of guiding listeners through the diverse opportunities in healthcare—from medical billing and nursing to phlebotomy, mental health therapy, and pharmaceutical sales. Discover training requirements, salary expectations, and career paths that offer meaningful work, job...

Your mouth reveals more about your health than you think. Join Dr. Valda Crowder (Dr. V) and her dental expert guests as they explore the critical links between dental health and major health conditions like sleep apnea and more. Discover why bleeding gums aren't just a dental issue—they're a warning sign your whole body needs attention. Dr. V and guests answer listener questions about everything from oral health to warning signs you should never ignore. Whether you haven't seen a dentist in ...

As the days grow shorter and sunlight becomes scarce, many people experience more than just the winter blues. In this episode, we explore Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern and can significantly impact mood, energy levels, sleep, and overall well-being. Join Dr. Valda Crowder aka Dr. V as she discuss: What Seasonal Affective Disorder is and how it differs from typical seasonal mood changesCommon signs and symptoms to watch forWhy redu...

Explore the vast world of healthcare careers beyond being a doctor! Dr. Valda Crowder (Dr. V) guides listeners through the diverse opportunities in healthcare—from medical billing and nursing to phlebotomy, mental health therapy, and pharmaceutical sales. Discover training requirements, salary expectations, and career paths that offer meaningful work, job security, and the chance to make a real difference. Whether you're a student, career changer, or simply curious about healthcare profession...

In this episode, Dr. V tackles Holiday Health Etiquette, discussing how to keep seasonal gatherings safe while navigating respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus. She covers the latest health news, answers listener questions about managing sick guests, food safety at holiday potlucks, vaccination timing, and setting healthy boundaries during the festive season. The show provides practical advice for protecting vulnerable family members while maintaining the joy of holiday...

Dr. Valda Crowder (Dr. V) explores the serious issue of head trauma and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in this essential episode. Learn about the causes of head injuries—from sports and falls to vehicle accidents—and understand the symptoms that range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering injuries. Dr. V answers listener questions about concussions in children, recovery signs to watch for in elderly patients, CTE in athletes, helmet safety, and long-term effects of childhood head inj...

Join Dr. Valda Crowder (Dr. V) for an in-depth discussion on peripheral neuropathy—a condition affecting over 35 million American adults. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and types of nerve damage that disrupt communication between your brain and body. Dr. V answers listener questions about pain management, lifestyle changes, diabetes connections, treatment options, and emerging therapies. Whether you're dealing with tingling, numbness, or burning sensations, this episode provides practical ...

Join Dr. Valda Crowder, a board-certified emergency medicine physician with 30 years of experience, as she tackles one of healthcare's most pervasive yet overlooked issues: medical discrimination. In this episode of The Ask Dr. V Show, she interviews guests about their first-hand accounts of medical discrimination and how they advocated for themselves, literally saving their lives. Dr. V explores the real-world impacts of medical discrimination—from undertreated pain in Black patients to dism...

Medical Discrimination: Understanding Bias in Healthcare Join Dr. Valda Crowder, a board-certified emergency medicine physician with 30 years of experience, as she tackles one of healthcare's most pervasive yet overlooked issues: medical discrimination. In this episode of The Ask Dr. V Show, discover how patients face bias and unequal care based on race, gender, weight, age, disability, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Through listener calls and questions, Dr. V explores the real...

Right now, as we speak, millions of Americans are facing a healthcare crisis that could hit your family next. Open enrollment is happening this month, but with the government shutdown and the so-called 'Big Beautiful Bill' making its way through Congress, the rules are changing faster than most people can keep up. If you have health insurance through Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or the ACA marketplace—your coverage could be at serious risk. Premiums are skyrocketing, subsidies are ...

Join Dr. Valda Crowder, a 30-year board-certified emergency medicine physician, as she cuts through misinformation and delivers the facts about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In this essential episode, Dr. V explains what autism really is, how it's detected and diagnosed, and what evidence-based treatments and therapies actually work. Dr. V tackles your most pressing questions: Does maternal age cause autism? Is acetaminophen during pregnancy safe? Can autism be hereditary? What's the truth ...

In a world where chronic stress has become the norm, Dr. Valda Crowder delivers a powerful wake-up call: self-care isn't selfish—it's strategic survival. Join board-certified emergency medicine physician Dr. V as she breaks down the science behind "headline stress disorder" and reveals how constant exposure to polarized news, global conflicts, and digital overwhelm is literally rewiring our brains for fear and reactivity. In this essential episode, Dr. V explains how chronic stress shrinks yo...

Dr. V tackles the burning question on every patient's mind: Has technology made healthcare better or just more impersonal? From AI diagnostics to robotic surgery, listeners share their real concerns about rising costs, rushed appointments, and the disappearing human touch in medicine. Discover whether doctors are worried about being replaced by robots, why patients are doing more work themselves, and how to navigate medical portals without losing the personal connection. A frank discussion ab...

Dr. V tackles one of America's most pressing issues: inner city violence and community safety. In "Soldiers vs Solutions," she explores why militarized policing and federal interventions fail to address the root causes of violence—poverty, trauma, lack of opportunity, and systemic neglect. Joined by Dr. Stephanie Myers (President of Positive Change Foundation) and Sal Corbin (Board Chair of DC Peace Team), Dr. V examines the current situation in Washington D.C., where federal forces have been...

Join Dr. V for an essential deep dive into one of parenting's most crucial topics—how children's brains develop from birth through adolescence. This episode tackles the complex interplay between biological maturation and environmental influences that shape our children's cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth. What You'll Learn:The fundamentals of healthy brain development in childrenHow technology exposure impacts developing mindsThe real risks and considerations around youth spor...