22. Can alcohol consumption be beneficial?
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
Release Date: 12/13/2024
52. When to Question Your Doctor (and Why It Matters)
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
In this episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, Dr. Miles Hassell challenges a deeply ingrained assumption: that you should fully trust your doctor without question. While physicians often care deeply about their patients, they are also human—limited by time, bias, systems, and expertise. This conversation is about reclaiming agency in your healthcare, learning how to ask better questions, and becoming an active participant in decisions that affect your long-term health and healthspan. Dr. Hassell explores common pitfalls in modern medicine—like “anchoring” on one diagnosis,...
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51. Go Outside and Play: How Movement, Purpose, and Faith Can Heal the Body
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
What does health, purpose, faith, and play all have in common? In this episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, we dive into why movement, community, and purpose are essential to lifelong health—especially for kids and families. Miles Hassell MD sits down with Tyler LaRoche, pastor and founder of Legacy Sports, to talk about reclaiming play as a tool for discipleship, physical health, and community building. From the dangers of sedentary lifestyles and overreliance on pain medications to the role of purpose in disease prevention, this conversation challenges modern assumptions about...
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50. 8 Longevity Secrets (That Won't Cost a Dime)
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
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49. Holiday Eating Without Sabotaging Your Health
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
The holidays don’t have to mean weight gain, regret, or a health reset in January. In this Christmas special, Miles Hassell MD breaks down how to fully enjoy the season while protecting your long-term health. Learn why ultra-processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol hit harder than you think—and how simple planning can help you celebrate without self-sabotage. You can enjoy treats, stay active, and feel great heading into the new year. Key Takeaways: You can enjoy the holidays without gaining weight or wrecking your health Ultra-processed foods, sugar, and excess alcohol have real...
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48. Vitamin D Supplements: Do They Work?
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
Most people take vitamin D pills because their doctor, a commercial, or a supplement aisle told them to. But do vitamin D supplements actually improve your health? In this episode, Miles Hassell MD breaks down what the evidence really shows — and why vitamin D sources found in nature may be far more powerful. We dive into the massive gap between blood levels of vitamin D and whether supplements actually work, the risks of “false confidence” in pills, and the often-overlooked benefits of sunlight, food, weight management, and real lifestyle habits. Key Takeaways Supplements rarely...
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47. Do You Need A Statin?
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
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46. Preventing Fractures & Building Stronger Bones
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
In this special Walk Don’t Run to the Doctor episode, Miles Hassell MD tackles one of the most important, yet misunderstood health topics: osteoporosis and fracture prevention. Rather than focusing on numbers from a Dexa scan or quick prescriptions, this episode empowers you with real, actionable steps to build stronger bones and improve your long-term health with evidence-based lifestyle tools. You’ll learn why lifestyle choices—good food you make at home, sunlight, and movement—often outperform medications in maintaining bone health. The discussion blends current research, humor, and...
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45. Why Pills Aren't Saving You (But This Might): Link in Description
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
This week we are featuring a recent podcast recorded at George Fox University, called George Fox Talks. Erika Barber, MD talks with Miles Hassell MD about taking ownership of your own health. Through thoughtful eating and by giving your palate a chance to develop an appreciation for the richness of available food, you can have a transformative impact on the quality of your life and your body’s ability to resist disease. Watch the full episode through the links provided. YouTube: Apple Pocasts: Spotify: Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine,...
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44. Is Your Blood Pressure Medicine Making You Sicker?
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
Are blood pressure medications saving lives—or quietly making things worse? In this episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD takes a hard look at the role of blood pressure drugs. While medications can protect against stroke and heart damage, they also carry serious side effects—from fatigue and dizziness to diabetes and falls in older adults. The bigger issue? Medications can distract from the most powerful treatment of all: lifestyle change. Eating better, moving more, trimming excess weight, and cutting harmful habits often work better than pills—and without the...
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43. How to Be Young at an Old Age with Mac Lake
Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD
In this episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD sits down with author Mac Lake to explore the connection between faith, health, and personal responsibility. Mac Lake is a highly respected leader, author, and founder of Multiply Group, where he helps leaders and organizations develop strategies to multiply their leadership impact. An inspirational trainer and leadership coach, Mac is gifted at simplifying complex ideas into actionable strategies that anyone can implement to achieve transformative results in their personal life, team, and organization. He has written seven...
info_outlineIn this episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD explores the complex and often controversial topic of alcohol consumption and its impact on health. From historical context to modern studies, he provides a balanced look at the potential benefits and risks of alcohol, encouraging viewers to make informed decisions based on evidence rather than emotion.
Summary:
Dr. Hassell discusses the nuanced role of alcohol in health and lifestyle. While heavy drinking poses clear dangers—such as liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and societal harm—low to moderate consumption might have benefits in certain contexts. Evidence from large studies suggests reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of dementia for moderate drinkers, particularly when paired with a healthy lifestyle.
Key Takeaways:
- Moderation is Key: Up to 7 drinks per week for women and 10-14 for men may provide benefits, but heavy drinking is harmful.
- Context Matters: Alcohol's benefits are most evident in a healthy lifestyle, alongside good nutrition and regular exercise.
- Potential Benefits: Includes improved heart health, reduced type 2 diabetes risk, and enhanced cognitive function.
- Risks to Consider: Alcohol can still pose risks, including cancer, dependence, and societal harm, even at low levels.
- Preferred Choice: Red wine may offer additional health benefits due to its antioxidants.
For more insights and advice on reducing dependence on medications through lifestyle changes, make sure to subscribe to Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor.
More references can be found at www.GreatMed.org
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References:
Buljeta, I., et al. (2023). Beneficial effects of red wine polyphenols on human health: comprehensive review. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 45(2), 782–798. https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45020052
Yoo, J. E., et al. (2022). Association between changes in alcohol consumption and cancer risk. JAMA Network Open, 5(8), e2228544. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.28544
Yoo JE, et al. Association between changes in alcohol consumption and cancer risk (supplemental data, tables e1 and e2). JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(8):e2228544. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.28544
CDC.gov. (2024). About moderate alcohol use. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/moderate-alcohol-use.html#:~:text=to%20not%20drinking.-,Moderate%20drinking,or%20less%20in%20a%20day
Pierre-Louis, T., et al. (2020). Effects of alcohol consumption in general, and wine in particular, on the risk of cancer development: a review. Oeno One, 54(4). https://doi.org/10.20870/oeno-one.2020.54.4.3569
Hong, S., et al. (2020). Alcohol consumption and the risk of prostate cancer: a dose-response meta-analysis. Nutrients, 12(8), 2188. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082188
Zhang, X., et al. (2021). Alcohol consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and mortality: a prospective cohort study. Nutrition Journal, 20(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-021-00671-y
Ortola, R., et al. (2024). Alcohol consumption patterns and mortality among older adults with health-related or socioeconomic risk factors. JAMA Network Open, 7(8), e2424495. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.24495
Lofterod, T., et al. (2020). Exploring the effects of lifestyle on breast cancer risk, age at diagnosis, and survival: the EBBA-Life study. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 182(1), 215–227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-020-05679-2
Tamimi, R. M., et al. (2016). Population attributable risk of modifiable and nonmodifiable breast cancer risk factors in postmenopausal breast cancer. American Journal of Epidemiology, 184(12), 884–893. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kww145
Cancer.gov. (2021, July 14). Alcohol and Cancer Risk. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol/alcohol-fact-sheet#how-does-alcohol-affect-the-risk-of-cancer
Colditz, G. (2024). Overview of Cancer Prevention. UpToDate.com https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-cancer-prevention
AICR.org. (2024, July 5). New study finds AICR/WCRF’s cancer prevention recommendations are associated with reduced mortality risk from all causes, cancer and heart disease. American institute for Cancer Research. https:// www.aicr.org/news/new-study-finds-aicr-wcrfs-cancer-prevention-recommendations-are-associated-with-reduced-mortality-risk-from-all-causes-cancer-and-heart-disease/