Navigating a Complex Healthcare System

As Nir Barzilai & I discussed in podcast episode #204, one of the foundational lessons we can take away from studying centenarians — those who have lived to the age of 100+ — is that if you want to live longer, you have to live longer without chronic disease, not live longer with chronic disease.

Unfortunately, this is not how our current healthcare system is structured. Our current healthcare system is primarily geared toward helping you live longer once you develop chronic disease. As Allan Sniderman and I discussed, even the tactics geared toward prevention — such as the 10-year risk assessment for cardiovascular disease — are simply implemented much too late.

This, of course, is the opposite of the approach I take with my patients. Below is a collection of content discussing why early disease prevention is critical and how to be your own advocate in a complex healthcare system.

Longevity

QPS

Peter’s takeaways on aerobic exercise and VO2 max, insulin resistance, rising healthcare costs, treating children with autism and ADHD, and strength training | Quarterly Podcast Summary #4

Ep. #338

Longevity

Guest Episode

Longevity roundtable — the science of aging, geroprotective molecules, lifestyle interventions, challenges in research, and more

Ep. #333 with Steven Austad, Ph.D., Matt Kaeberlein, Ph.D., Richard Miller, M.D., Ph.D.

Understanding science

Guest Episode

Reforming medicine: uncovering blind spots, challenging the norm, and embracing innovation

Ep. #317 with Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H.

Understanding science

Free Article

When it comes to medical advice, is less always more?

Sleep

Why sleep is the best insurance policy for lifespan and healthspan

Ep. #58 with Matthew Walker, Ph.D.

Longevity

Guest Episode

Medical mistakes, patient safety, and the RaDonda Vaught case

Ep. #209 with Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H.

Longevity

Guest Episode

Lessons from centenarians: why prevention of chronic disease is critical

with Nir Barzilai, M.D.

Risks

How to engage with your doctor

Risks

Peter on the four horsemen of chronic disease

Risks

Guest Episode

Preventing Atherosclerosis: 2 Fatal Flaws with the "10 Year Risk" Approach

with Allan Sniderman, M.D.

Nutrition

Guest Episode

The science of obesity & how to improve nutritional epidemiology

Ep. #197 with David Allison, Ph.D

Medications & supplements

Guest Episode

A modern Renaissance man's journey through science, politics, and business

Ep. #150 with Bill Frist, M.D.

Exercise

AMA

Zone 2 training, magnesium supplementation, and how to engage with your doctor

Ep. #145 (AMA #19)

Mental & Emotional Health

Guest Episode

How understanding death leads to a better life

Ep. #135 with BJ Miller, M.D.

Risks

Guest Episode

Hallmarks of successful cancer policy

Ep. #133 with Vinay Prasad, M.D., M.P.H

Mental models

Guest Episode

The most prolific philanthropist you may not have heard of

Ep. #125 with John Arnold

Longevity

Free Article

How to find a good doctor

Risks

Guest Episode

Insights from a coronavirus expert on COVID-19

Ep. #117 with Stanley Perlman, M.D., Ph.D.

Risks

Free Article

COVID framework: How does this thing end?

Risks

AMA

What lab tests can (and cannot) inform us about our overall objective of longevity

Ep. #111 (AMA #14)

Risks

Guest Episode

Comparing COVID-19 to past pandemics, preparing for the future, and reasons for optimism

Ep. #106 with Amesh Adalja, M.D.

Nutrition

Guest Episode

The impact of the food system on our health and the environment

Ep. #94 with Mark Hyman, M.D.

Exercise

AMA

Strategies for longevity (which don't require a doctor)

Ep. #92 (AMA #12)

Nutrition

Qualy #73 - How can we change the food system when 10 companies control almost 90 percent of the calories we consume in the US?