The Starting Gate

Send us a textBreast cancer rates are rising, especially among younger women—but why is this happening, and what can you do to protect your health? In this episode, breast cancer surgeon Dr. Veronica Jones answers the most common questions women have about breast cancer. We talk through risk factors, genetic testing, and what dense breast tissue really means. Dr. Jones also explains what happens when a mammogram comes back abnormal, how breast cancer is diagnosed, and what treatment looks like today. If you’ve ever felt confused or anxious about breast cancer screening, this episode will give you clarity and confidence.Find Dr. Veronica Jones at the UK Markey Cancer CenterEstimate your Breast Cancer Risk with the Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment modelLearn more with these Breast Cancer Resources:National Comprehensive Cancer NetworkMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterSusan G. Komenthestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textPerimenopause is often the most confusing stage of the menopause transition, with shifting hormones, irregular cycles, and a mix of symptoms that can feel unpredictable. In this episode, board-certified OBGYN and Menopause Society–certified physician Dr. Elizabeth Elkinson breaks down what really happens during perimenopause. We discuss the most common symptoms, how oral contraceptives and IUDs can change your experience, and who may benefit from starting hormone therapy early.This episode really goes into the details of what’s happening with your hormones—and why those changes cause the symptoms so many women experience. Dr. Elkinson also explains the different routes of hormone administration, the role of testosterone, and clears up common hormone misconceptions.If you want to truly understand what’s happening in your body and feel more confident advocating for yourself with your healthcare providers, this is a must-listen episode.Find Dr. Elkinson:Bluegrass Gynecology and WellnessFor more information on Menopause:The Menopause Society and MenoNotesthestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textIn this episode, psychologist Dr. Jennifer Degler helps us unravel the complicated relationship between hormones, mood, and life stress during perimenopause and menopause. Many women wonder: is my anxiety or irritability a result of overscheduling and constant demands, or is it a hormonal shift? Dr. Degler explains how to recognize the difference, and we discuss the role of hormone therapy and antidepressants in managing these symptoms. Together, we explore how to build strong support systems, lean on humor, and shift your mindset to see menopause not as an ending, but as a new chapter full of possibilities.Find Dr. Degler:JenniferDegler.comResources from Dr. Degler:Take the MENO-D questionnaire to screen for perimenopausal depression.Link to the FEMM app for tracking symptoms.CBT and Mindfulness-Based Interventions for the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression in Perimenopausal Women3 Free Mindfulness ToolsArticles:Perimenopausal depression – an under-recognised entity - PMCDevelopment and validation of a new rating scale for perimenopausal depression—the Meno-D  SSRIs vs HT in treating perimenopausal depression JOIN Dr. Degler at Empower Your 'Pause:-Live in-person event at Tates Creek Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Nov 1, 2025 -Also available as live webinar on Nov 1, 2025 with option to watch replay video at your convenience. -Also available as online video course on Thinkific.com thestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with registered dietitian Amanda Nighbert to unpack the connection between hormones, metabolism, and nutrition in perimenopause and menopause. We explore why your body can feel so stubborn during this stage of life—why the same diet and exercise you’ve always done may suddenly stop working, or even lead to weight gain. Amanda explains how hormonal changes drive insulin resistance and increase risk for metabolic syndrome, what nutrients are most important to support bone and muscle health, and why overcomplicating nutrition is the biggest trap midlife women fall into. We also tackle common social media myths and the key mindset shift: stop collecting information and start putting change into action.Find Amanda Nighbert:Learn more about Amanda and her LEAN programFollow on Instagram: @amandanighbertrdAmanda's You Tube Channelthestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textDementia can be a devastating diagnosis for patients and families, and treatment options remain limited. But there is good news—prevention is possible. In this episode of The Starting Gate, we explore how lifestyle choices in midlife can significantly reduce the risk of dementia and delay cognitive decline. From nutrition and exercise to sleep and social connection, the evidence is clear: these habits are far more powerful than any supplement on the market.  Dementia may not show symptoms until later life, but the groundwork is laid decades earlier. Join us as we uncover why lifestyle medicine offers the strongest defense against cognitive decline, and how the steps you take today can help you enjoy a sharper, healthier mind for years to come.    Midlife habits lay the foundation for lifelong brain health !Alzheimer's Association- Brain Healththestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a text In this episode, stroke neurologist Dr. Theresa Sevilis joins us to break down what really happens in the brain during a stroke, who is at risk, and how recovery can unfold.  Dr. Sevilis also emphasizes the importance of addressing chronic conditions like hypertension that raise stroke risk, and how everyday choices—like choosing vegetables over fast food or staying active—can lower your chances of having a stroke.  We explore the crucial role lifestyle plays in healing—why sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management matter as much as medications for creating the environment the brain needs to rewire and form new connections.  We also discuss the importance of family and social support, the effects of alcohol and marijuana on stroke risk, and why strokes are increasingly being seen in younger patients. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand stroke prevention and recovery more deeply. Find Dr. Sevilis at TeleSpecialistsResourcesAmerican Stroke AssociationCanadian Stroke Best Practicesthestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textMigraines aren’t “just bad headaches” — they’re a disease that can be life-altering.  In this episode, we sit down with headache neurologist Dr. Jaclyn Duvall to explore the world of tension headaches and migraines.  We discuss what causes them, common triggers like food, sleep, and posture, and how to know when over-the-counter medications are enough — and when it’s time to see a doctor.  We also cover social media myths, supplements that may help, and the importance of getting proper treatment.  We also clear up common misconceptions — like why so-called “sinus headaches” often turn out to be migraines.  Don’t miss this episode — understanding your headaches is the first step to taking back control.Find Dr. Jacyln Duvall:Headache Specialists of OklahomaLink to Dr. Duvall's book: The Basics of MigraineGuided meditation/ Relaxation resources recommended by Dr. Duvallthestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textEver feel bloated, itchy, or just “off” after eating certain foods—and wonder if it’s an allergy? In this episode, allergist Dr. Shaunah Ritter helps us sort fact from confusion when it comes to food reactions. We dig into the difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance (they’re not the same!), why food diaries matter, and how to use them to figure out what’s really bothering you.We also talk about the pros and cons of at-home allergy tests, how skin testing works in the office, and why cutting out too many foods can actually hurt your gut health. Plus, Dr. Ritter explains celiac disease, wheat allergy, gluten sensitivity, and what you need to know about peanut exposure in kids. If you’ve ever wondered whether your symptoms are from an allergy, intolerance, or something else entirely—this episode will give you clarity and practical steps forward.For more information on food allergies:FARE: Food Allergy Research and Educationthestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textIn this episode, gastroenterologist Dr. Sunana Sohi takes us on a deep dive into the gut microbiome—what it is, how it forms, and why it matters for your health. We explore the gut–brain axis, dysbiosis vs. eubiosis, and the role of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Dr. Sohi also shares practical strategies for common digestive issues like IBS, constipation, and acid reflux, plus her expert tips for preparing for a colonoscopy.  Dr. Sohi reminds us that even small shifts toward eating more plants can make a big difference.  Small choices for your gut can mean big changes for your health!Find Dr. Sunana Sohi at Gastroenterology Health Partners.thestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textFatty liver disease is one of the fastest-growing liver conditions worldwide, often linked with obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic health issues. Many people don’t realize they have it until it progresses to more serious complications like cirrhosis. In this episode, we sit down with gastroenterology nurse practitioner Kyle Bloomfield to uncover the risks, warning signs, and connections between fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome. We also dive into lifestyle strategies, supplements, and treatment options that can help prevent progression and even reverse fatty liver disease—empowering you to take control of your liver and overall health.Your liver health matters: we cover the steps you can take to reverse this hidden epidemic.For More Resources:American Liver FoundationAmerican Gastroenterology Association - GI Patient Centerthestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.