Y Health
Stay informed with Y Health–your reliable source for relevant public health information brought to you by the BYU Public Health Department. Learn how global and local issues apply to you, while considering aspects of faith. Discover new perspectives with the help of host Dr. Cougar Hall and expert guests. Join us for a new topic each episode as we navigate the world of public health together.
Episodes
25 episodes
Global Health Journeys: From Quito to BYU with Ricardo Noriega
Summary:In this episode, Dr. Ricardo Noriega, a physician turned public health professional, shares his journey from medical school in Ecuador to BYU’s Public Health program. He discusses how the realization of the disparit...
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Episode 24
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30:48
Community Health: Bridging Borders with Marco Verdeja
Summary:In this episode, Dr. Marco Verdeja, a physician turned public health advocate, shares his journey from working in rural Mexican communities to his current role in Utah with Intermountain Health. He discusses how witness...
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Season 3
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Episode 24
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35:24
Finding Purpose in Public Health with Emma Drybread
Summary: In this inspiring episode, we chat with Emma Drybread, a passionate Master of Public Health student, about her journey from volunteer trips to Baja California to her vision of empowering underserved communities. Emma share...
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Episode 23
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30:47
Nourishing Your Microbiome with Zach Aanderud
In this insightful episode of Y Health, Dr. Cougar Hall from BYU's Public Health Department is joined by Professor Zach Aanderud from BYU's Plant and Wildlife Science to explore the fascinating world of the human microbiome. They discuss ...
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Season 3
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Episode 22
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40:22
Looking Beyond the Surface with Gladys Lopez
Gladys Lopez, a recent graduate of BYU’s Master of Public Health program, is passionate about family health, women's health, and promoting public health within family systems. In this episode, she joins Cougar to share her experiences wor...
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Episode 21
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29:27
Healthy Sexuality with Dr. Chelom Leavitt
Bio: Chelom Leavitt teaches and researches healthy sexuality at BYU. She received her Ph.D. from Penn State. Her research specifically examines how being present, accepting, and non-judgmental is linked to improved sexual functioning and satisf...
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36:37
Celebrating One Year of Y Health!
In this special one-year anniversary episode of the Y Health Podcast, listeners are invited to get to know their esteemed host, Dr. Cougar Hall! He discusses mind-body health, offering valuable tips for maintaining balance in life. Join in t...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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35:18
Mapping a Path Through Public Health with Dr. Erik Nelson
If theres one thing you should know about Dr. Eik Nelson, it’s that he likes to get uncomfortable (all in the name of science). This has lead him to pursue research in areas that are a bit on the messier side. Listen as he and Dr. Cougar Hall d...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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40:05
Good Teachers Don’t Gatekeep Their Curriculum - with Byron Tanner
How far is too far when involving parents in the learning process? High school educator Byron Tanner takes the hot seat to share the best practices he implements in the classroom each year. Bio:With 20 years of experi...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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27:31
Let Fear Motivate, Not Paralyze - Pam Hansen
Pam Hansen–a BYU Master of Public Health (MPH) student–opens up about heartwrenching experiences that led her down the path she now walks. Returning to university after raising her children, Pam echoes CS Lewis: “You are never too old to ...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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35:34
When Workplace Safety Takes a Backseat with Dr. Steve Thygerson
Many of us take workplace safety for granted, but not Dr. Steve Thygerson. He and his students aid in “capacity building” in countries that lack the understanding of workplace safety and the resources to implement it. Bio...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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30:42
Belonging and Be The Match with Dr. Julianne Grose
Dr. Julianne Grose: Belonging and Be the MatchHonoring her brother-in-law’s dying wish, Dr. Grose advocates for Be The Match bone marrow transplant nonprofit. She guides listeners through the simple process of becoming a “match” a...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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33:37
What Happens When We Disagree? with Dr. Jeff Glenn
Clinging to research findings at the expense of understanding another’s perspective may hinder progress in the world of policy. Dr. Jeff Glenns shares with us best practices for health policymaking, emphasizing the importance of listening to ot...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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33:37
The Rewards of Being a Public Health Professional Today with Dr. Chantel Sloan-Aagard
Addressing misinformation and economic trade-offs only begins to detail the “complex wrestles” of a public health professional. Join Dr. Chantel Sloan-Aagard as she share...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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33:27
A Message on Mental Health with Dr. Carl Hanson
Carl Hanson dives into mental health, distinguishing between mental health and mental illness, and discussing what overall wellness means. He also identifies perfectionism as a hindrance to emotional well-being. He acknowledges that we are not ...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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35:37
Rethinking Physical Education with Dr. Keven Prusak
Most US adults struggle to fit exercise into their lifestyle, while children seem to do so naturally. Dr. Keven Prusak explains why the “Western lifestyle” alters our approach to physical activity and how we can reframe our thinking. He also st...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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28:52
The Road Abroad Can Lead to a Road to Change with Drs. Hall, Crookston and West
While traveling abroad undoubtedly creates cherished memories, the rich learning experience it provides should not be overlooked.Dr. Cougar Hall joins his study abroad co-directors of 5 years, Dr. Ben Crookston and Dr. Josh West, to remi...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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47:41
An Alumni Perspective on Public Health with Scott Herrod
Recent BYU alumnus Scott Herrod shares what inspired him to study public health at BYU and how he sought out research opportunities. He describes his global health research as an undergraduate student, including a recent trip to Ghana where he ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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24:57
The Healthy Choice is Not Always the Default: Here’s Why - with Dr. Lori Spruance
Ignoring the root causes of social disparities won’t solve the problem. Tune in as we analyze how these disparities affect public health. Dr. Lori Spruance joins Cougar to discuss inaccessibility to nutrition, the benefits of free school lunch,...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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30:20
Where Behavioral Change Meets Public Health with Dr. Josh West
Sometimes breaking old habits feels near impossible, especially when we’re hyperfocused on the outcome or our environment is working against us. On the other hand, community interventions, social support, and technology can be the catalys...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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19:34
Public Health and Covid-19: A Symbiotic Relationship with Mary Linehan
With over 15 years of international residency, Mary Linehan shares her experience building self-sustainable local communities. She and Cougar discuss this “capacity building” and highlight the importance of leaving people better than we found t...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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14:44
Spirituality’s Role in Nutrition with Dr. Ben Bikman
Ben Bikman returns to continue the conversation about nutrition, addressing a wide variety of subtopics from comorbidities of COVID-19 and obesity to effects of veganism. Bikman also spectualtes the word of wisdom’s role in influencing diets of...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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21:33
Insulin: The Culprit of Chronic Disease with Dr. Ben Bikman
Insulin resistance affects a vast majority of adults worldwide, and Dr. Ben Bikman frames it as the culprit behind a myriad of health problems, including infertility, Alzheimer's, and type 2 diabetes. After explaining the prevalence of insulin ...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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21:10
Culture's Impact on International Nutrition with Dr. Ben Crookston
Dr. Ben Crookston addresses the impact of nutrition, especially in developing countries. He emphasizes why we should invest in nutrition and outlines the actions we can take. Crookston also discusses the overlap between culture and nutrition an...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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31:04
What Are Counter-ACEs? with Dr. Ali Crandall
Episode SummaryInspired by a 'glass half full' perspective, Dr. Ali Crandall researched the long-term health benefits of positive childhood experiences. In this episode, Crandall explains the known detrimental effects of ACEs (ad...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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17:26