Essentials of Healthy Living

Latest Episodes:

Hypothyroidism, Nutrition, and Weight Loss Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Host Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Mary Shomon will be discussing hypothyroidism, nutrition, and weight loss. Patient advocate and author Mary Shomon transformed her 1995 thyroid diagnosis into a mission to educate and empower others struggling with thyroid and hormonal conditions. Mary has written a number of best-selling books on thyroid disease, hormones and weight loss, and is a nationally-known patient activist. In addition to her work with About.com, Mary founded Thyroid-Info.com and publishes the popular “Sticking Out Our Necks” thyroid newsletter.

Nutritional complications and deficiencies associated with common food sensitivities Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Host Dana Laake and her special guest Tom Malterre will be discussing nutritional complications and deficiencies associated with common food sensitivities. Tom Malterre, MS, CN, received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Nutrition from Bastyr University and is licensed by the state of Washington as a certified nutritionist. Tom travels throughout the United States and Canada lecturing at conferences on topics such as vitamin D, gluten intolerance, and digestive health. He empowers people through classes, seminars, and private counseling with his insight and depth of knowledge on the biochemical interactions within our bodies, and their relationships to our diet.

Personalized nutrition and eating for your blood type Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Host Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Dr. Ginger Nash will be discussing personalized nutrition and eating for your blood type. Dr. Nash graduated from The National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998. Her interest in supporting the body's natural ability to heal led her to extensive studies in European homeopathic methods that focus on restoring proper physiologic function to cells, tissues and organ systems. This approach has proved invaluable to help patients overcome all sorts of imbalances and chronic disease. She is a sought-after speaker and is currently working on a book about hormonal balance for women in all life stages.

The role of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment and prevention of brain injuries Jul 29, 2012

Show notes

Host Dana Laake and her special guest Dr. Michael D. Lewis will be discussing the role of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment and prevention of brain injuries. Dr. Michael D. Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, is the founder and president of the Brain Health Education and Research Foundation, LLC. His postgraduate training was completed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, and he is board-certified and a Fellow in the American College of Preventive Medicine. Dr. Lewis has been a pioneer in the clinical use of omega-3 fatty acids for the prevention, acute treatment, and rehabilitation of brain injuries including traumatic brain injury and concussions, stroke, PTSD, and other conditions. Over his career, his insights and revolutionary work have impacted thousands of lives and he is passionate about continuing to find improved solutions to the age old problem of brain injury.

Use of Brain SPECT Imaging in the Evaluation and Treatment of Lyme Disease Jul 22, 2012

Show notes

Host Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Dr. Joseph Annibali will be discussing the use of brain SPECT imaging in the evaluation and treatment of Lyme disease. Dr. Annibali, chief psychiatrist at the Amen Clinics in Reston, VA, is board certified in general and geriatric psychiatry and is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Annibali’s professional interests include Lyme disease, ADHD, developmental difficulties, the integration of psychotherapy and neuroscience, and complementary and alternative treatment approaches, including functional medicine.

Benefits and risks of exercise, and how to know if your body is ready for different levels of physical activity Jul 15, 2012

Show notes

Host Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Mark Shafer will be discussing the benefits and risks of exercise, and how to know if your body is ready for different levels of physical activity. Mark Shafer has over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry. He is a Muscle Activation Techniques Certified Specialist and a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Mark works with individuals to identify and treat muscular imbalances that contribute to poor performance and repetitive stress injuries. He coaches top athletes as well as beginners on exercises for heart rate training.

How the Food Industry Undermines our Health and How to Fight Back Jun 24, 2012

Show notes

Host Dana Laake and her special guest Michele Simon will be discussing how the food industry undermines our health and how to fight back. Michele Simon, JD, MPH, is a public health lawyer who has been researching and writing about the food industry and food politics since 1996. She specializes in legal strategies to counter corporate tactics that harm the public’s health. She served as Research and Policy Director for Marin Institute (now Alcohol Justice), an alcohol industry watchdog group, for over 4 years. Her groundbreaking 2007 report on alcoholic energy drinks led to a federal ban on these dangerous products.

Importance of Whole Food Supplementation Jun 10, 2012

Show notes

Host Dana Laake and her special guest Buddy Ojeda, CN, will be discussing the importance of whole food supplementation. Buddy Ojeda is a Certified Nutritionist, health educator and MegaFood’s Eastern Regional Educator. Buddy has worked in the dietary supplement industry since 1996. He has a broad understanding of natural health topics and is often called upon to discuss issues related to immune health, joint disorders, essential fatty acids, Traditional Chinese Medicine, cardiovascular health and energy management. He also has expertise in sleep disorders, stress reduction, digestive health concerns and energy medicine, as well as diet, lifestyle

The importance of Phospholipids in your Essential Fatty Acids May 27, 2012

Show notes

Host Dana Laake and her special guest Dr. Stacey Bell will be discussing the importance of phospholipids in essential fatty acids. Dr. Stacey Bell, Ph.D., is a registered dietitian who earned her doctorate in nutrition from Boston University. She served on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, where she conducted clinical studies on many aspects of nutrition. Dr. Bell is a widely published author and her latest book, Essential Foods: Eat Healthy, Lose Weight, and Live Longer, gives sound information to consumers on how to eat. She recently completed editing the most recent edition of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by the late Phyllis Balch. Dr. Bell has presented more than 100 lectures on nutrition to her peers and the general public.

Interactions Between Hormones and Neurotransmitters May 20, 2012

Show notes

Host Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Sarah Mo will be discussing interactions between hormones and neurotransmitters. Sarah Mo, BS, BA, joined the NeuroScience, Inc. Clinical Support and Education team in 2010, where she provides clinical and technical support for laboratory services and products offered by NeuroScience. Sarah is also active in the Medical Education department as a Medical Science Liaison, working to coordinate educational opportunities for healthcare providers.

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