Libsyn Directory

34. The Power of Muscle: Strength Training for Real Life Health (Part 2)

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

Release Date: 05/23/2025

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

More Episodes

Ep 34 – The Power of Muscle: Strength Training for Real Life Health Part 2
In this powerful follow-up episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, Dr. Miles Hassell and Jennifer Smith of Starting Strength Beaverton dig deeper into the mindset behind fitness—and how strength training can be a surprising antidote to loneliness, mental fatigue, and life’s hardest decisions.

Key Takeaways:

“Everything we do, we do twice—first in our mind, then in action.” Jen explores how mental preparation is just as vital as physical strength.
Decision fatigue is real—but strength training helps you build discipline and identity through repetition and intention.
Fitness as a cure for loneliness: How small-group strength training builds unexpected, life-giving community—especially for older adults.
Shared purpose connects generations: Stories of gym members aged 18 to 81 lifting side-by-side, building both muscle and friendships.
Why strength training is more than just physical—it’s a vehicle for mental resilience, connection, and even faith.

Whether you’re seeking better health, a support system, or a stronger mindset, this episode offers a hopeful roadmap.

Like, comment, and share to inspire someone today.

#WalkDontRunPodcast #StrengthTraining #MentalHealth #Loneliness #HealthyAging #BarbellTraining #StartingStrength #CommunityFitness #FaithAndFitness

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

TOPICS