loader from loading.io

33. The Power of Muscle: Strength Training for Real Life Health (Part 1)

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

Release Date: 05/09/2025

47. Statins vs. Lifestyle: Which Truly Reduces Heart Disease Risk? show art 47. Statins vs. Lifestyle: Which Truly Reduces Heart Disease Risk?

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

In this episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, we take a deep dive into statins, their true benefits, their real risks, and the massive role lifestyle plays in shaping heart disease outcomes. Rather than accepting oversimplified medical advice, this episode empowers you to think critically, understand uncertainty in medicine, and make fully informed decisions about your own health. You’ll learn how to interpret risk statistics (like relative vs absolute risk), why lifestyle may outperform medication for many people, and why statins are helpful for some—yet potentially unnecessary or...

info_outline 46. Preventing Fractures & Building Stronger Bones show art 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...

info_outline 45. Why Pills Aren't Saving You (But This Might): Link in Description show art 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,...

info_outline 44. Is Your Blood Pressure Medicine Making You Sicker? show art 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...

info_outline 43. How to Be Young at an Old Age with Mac Lake show art 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_outline 42. Are Red Dye, High Fructose Corn Syrup, and Fancy Tests Health Distractions? show art 42. Are Red Dye, High Fructose Corn Syrup, and Fancy Tests Health Distractions?

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 unpacks the common health “distractions” that steal attention, money, and energy from what really matters for your well-being. From the sugar wars (high fructose corn syrup vs. cane sugar), to food dyes, celebrity health fads, and fancy but questionable medical tests, we explore how to separate hype from evidence. Key Takeaways: High fructose corn syrup and cane sugar are equally harmful—what matters is cutting refined sugars overall. Food dyes aren’t the main problem—we shouldn't be eating the ultra-processed...

info_outline 41. Your letters: Listeners Avoiding Surgery show art 41. Your letters: Listeners Avoiding Surgery

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

In this episode, Miles Hassell, MD answers heartfelt listener letters about gallbladder disease and knee pain—sharing real-life stories of patients who successfully avoided major surgeries through lifestyle medicine. From tackling gallstones with diet and exercise to managing osteoarthritis without knee replacement, Dr. Hassell highlights how small, consistent changes—like removing sugar, eating a Mediterranean-style diet, incorporating probiotic foods, and staying active—can dramatically improve health outcomes. Key Takeaways: Gallbladder health: Slow weight loss, high-fiber foods...

info_outline 40. The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods and Your Child’s Health show art 40. The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods and Your Child’s Health

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

In this episode, Miles Hassell MD, an internal medicine physician from Portland, Oregon, dives deep into one of the most important responsibilities of parenthood—feeding your kids well. He tackles the real-life challenges families face in a world dominated by ultra-processed foods, marketing traps, and busy schedules. Learn how simple, home-cooked meals can drastically improve your child’s mental and physical health, prevent chronic diseases, and build lifelong habits. From breakfast hacks to family cooking tips, this episode is a practical and inspiring guide for every parent. Key...

info_outline 39. The Truth About Vegetable Oils show art 39. The Truth About Vegetable Oils

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

In this episode, Miles Hassell MD breaks down the often misunderstood world of cooking oils. From olive oil to avocado oil, he explains which fats support long-term health—and which ones belong in the trash. Key Takeaways: Extra virgin olive oil is the only widely available oil with strong evidence supporting real health benefits. Avocado, canola, and other industrial oils are ultra-processed, taste terrible without the help of BigFood processing techniques, and lack nutritional value.  Avocados are good food though...thinly sliced, they top any meal or snack nicely. Don’t be...

info_outline 38. Constipation: Fix It Naturally – No Pills, Just Real Solutions show art 38. Constipation: Fix It Naturally – No Pills, Just Real Solutions

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

Are you or someone you know struggling with constipation? In this episode, Dr. Miles Hassell MD of GreatMed.org explores the real impact of constipation on health and quality of life—and how to fix it without relying on Big Pharma. What You’ll Learn: The health risks and causes of chronic constipation  Lifestyle-based solutions that are safer and more effective than over-the-counter meds The role of fiber, fluids, probiotics, and movement in restoring colon health Practical tips: foods to eat, supplements to consider, and travel-friendly strategies Why addressing constipation is a...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Some experts insist we should ditch the dumbbells and pick up a barbell. Are they right? Welcome to Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD.

In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of strength training—not just for fitness, but for long-term health and independence. 

Whether it be dumbbells, barbells, a toddler, or heavy backpack, add any kind of weight-bearing exercise every day for muscle mass benefits.

Our guest, Jennifer Smith, owner of Starting Strength Beaverton, shares her personal journey into barbell training and how it became her calling to help others age with strength, dignity, and vitality.

 Key Takeaways:

  • Muscle mass is medicine: Strength training supports bone health, balance, posture, and even chronic disease reversal.

  • Prevent or reverse disease: Learn how building strength can combat type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and more.

  • Real-life inspiration: Hear about Marjorie, a 96-year-old client who embraced lifting to improve her quality of life.

  • Fitness is for everyone: Even busy parents and professionals can find ways to build strength safely and sustainably.

  • Mindset and community matter: Loneliness, aging, and motivation are tackled through group training and supportive coaching.

Whether you're new to lifting or looking for encouragement to keep going, this episode reminds you: it's never too late to get stronger.

#StrengthTraining #PreventativeHealth #MuscleMass #HealthyAging #StartingStrength #FitnessOver40 #ReverseChronicDisease #WalkDontRunPodcast

More references can be found at www.GreatMed.org

Would you like Dr. Hassell to answer your question on the air?  Contact us!

Phone/text: 503-773-0770

e-mail: info@GreatMed.org

Write us a letter.  We love to hear from you.  This podcast is sponsored by our generous listeners. 

Send questions, comments, and support to:

4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273
Portland OR 97229