In this episode of Skincredible, Dr. Lisa Swanson sits down with ER physician and climate health advocate Dr. Ethan Sims for an engaging, wide-ranging conversation that connects climate change directly to human health—right here in Idaho and across the globe.

They kick things off with lighthearted “two likes and two dislikes” (including a surprising anti-chocolate stance and a shared love of dogs), before diving into the serious reality that climate change is not just an environmental issue—it’s a healthcare issue.

Dr. Sims shares how a smoky, record-breaking summer sparked his journey into climate advocacy and walks listeners through the many ways climate change is already affecting our bodies. From extreme heat—which doesn’t just cause heat stroke but worsens heart disease, kidney disease, and even increases rates of violence—to intensifying storms that leave long-term mental health scars, this episode unpacks how environmental shifts ripple through every aspect of health.

They explore worsening air quality and the hidden dangers of microscopic pollutants. The conversation also covers the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses into new regions, the growing threat of water scarcity in the Mountain West, and how changing environments may be contributing to the rise in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Beyond the challenges, Dr. Swanson and Dr. Sims highlight solutions—from improving indoor air quality and reducing food waste at home to rethinking healthcare practices that contribute significantly to carbon emissions. They discuss practical changes already making a difference, like switching anesthetic gases, reducing medical waste, and simple energy-saving strategies within hospitals. The episode also touches on innovative (and sometimes imperfect)—emphasizing that there is no single fix, but rather millions of “small buttons” we can all push.

Blending science, personal stories, humor, and actionable insights, this conversation balances honest discussion of risks with a sense of empowerment. The takeaway: while the problem is big, meaningful change starts with awareness, conversation, and everyday action.

Because when it comes to the future of our health—and our planet—we’re choosing hope.

Keywords

Dermatology, climate change, health, environment, wildfire, heat, medical impacts, sustainability, public health, Idaho, global warming, human health, air quality, extreme weather, infectious diseases, regenerative agriculture, cloud seeding, water scarcity, mental health, autoimmune diseases climate change, carbon removal, regenerative farming, seaweed farms, carbon capture, sustainability, environmental solutions, healthcare sustainability, climate tech, individual action

Links, Attachments

What you can do according to Project Drawdown

Chapters

00:00 Intro and Welcome

01:19 2 Likes 2 Dislikes

11:40 How Climate Change Impacts Health

12:57 How Dr. Sims Got Interested in Climate

15:33 Age 47.3 is the Unhappiest?

21:00 Heat, Exposure and Violent Crimes

23:00 Extreme Weather

25:00 Chronic Mental Health Impacts

26:00 Least Vulnerable Places

27:45 Air Quality, Filtration

32:15 Mosquitoborne Illnesses

34:20 Water Scarcity, Desertification

39:00 Cloud Seeding

41:00 Regenerative Agriculture

43:00 Autoimmune & Inflammatory Diseases

47:22 Carbon Emissions

56:30 Electric Cars

57:00 Action is the Antidote to Despair

01:00:00 Hospital Efforts

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.

In this episode of the Skincredible podcast, we dive deep into the world of GLP-1 and GIP medications with a Boise-based family medicine physician and clinical pharmacist. If you’ve been hearing nonstop about Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, “weight loss shots,” or even pills, this is your medically grounded guide to what’s real, what’s hype, and some of what you need to know.

We break down how GLP-1 receptor agonists work for weight loss, including appetite suppression, delayed gastric emptying, and their effects on the brain’s reward system. You’ll learn the differences between semaglutide vs tirzepatide, pill vs injection options, and why some medications may be more effective or better tolerated than others.

We also cover:

• Common GLP-1 side effects (nausea, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn)
• The truth about muscle loss, hair loss, and nutrition
• Microdosing GLP-1s—does it work or is it just a trend?
• The risks of compounded medications and online “GLP alternatives”
• How to safely access these medications through proper medical care
• Insurance coverage, cost breakdowns, and why prices vary so much
• Mental health considerations, including depression and mood changes
• Why feeling hungry is normal—and necessary—even on GLP-1s

We also tackle bigger-picture topics like:

• Is GLP-1 use changing beauty standards and body image culture?
• Why obesity is a chronic medical condition—not a personal failure
• The stigma around using weight loss medications
• What happens after you reach your goal weight (maintenance dosing)

Whether you’re considering GLP-1 therapy, taking it, know someone who is, or just trying to understand the buzz, this episode gives you expert insight, practical advice, and honest conversation about one of the most talked-about topics in modern medicine.

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.

In this heartfelt and candid episode of Skincredible, we meet six-year-old Ryder and his dad, Chris, as they share their family’s real-life journey with molluscum—one that many parents quietly navigate but rarely talk about aloud.

What began as just a few itchy bumps on Ryder quickly turned into more and more bumps. As the spots spread, so do the challenges: discomfort, uncertainty, and the social impact of visible skin changes. Ryder opens up about feeling embarrassed at school and unsure of what to say when classmates noticed his bumps in preschool—an experience many kids can relate to but struggle to express.

Chris shares the family’s perspective from the early days of confusion (“What are these bumps?”) through the emotional and practical considerations of whether to treat or wait it out. Like many parents, they initially chose a watch-and-wait approach, only to reconsider as the molluscum multiplied, became more bothersome, and began affecting Ryder’s confidence and daily life.

The episode walks through their treatment journey—from limited success with early therapy to the introduction of a newer option, a nitric oxide–releasing gel (Zelsuvmi). Chris describes the turning point: visible improvement within days, a simple at-home routine, and manageable side effects like mild stinging and redness. Along the way, the family developed their own coping strategies—like Ryder’s “run a lap” trick to handle brief discomfort after application.

Beyond the clinical side, this episode highlights the emotional weight molluscum can carry for both kids and parents. From avoiding certain social situations to navigating concerns about contagion and visibility, Chris shares how it impacted their family’s routines—and how meaningful it was to return to normal once Ryder’s skin cleared.

The story ends on a joyful note: Ryder’s bumps are gone, his confidence is back, and the milestone is celebrated the way any six-year-old would want—with cupcakes, cookies, and a well-earned sense of victory.

Listeners will walk away with:

• A relatable, real-world look at how molluscum can evolve over time
• Insight into the decision-making process between waiting vs. treating
• Practical tips for applying topical treatments and managing side effects
• Guidance on supporting kids emotionally through visible skin conditions
• Encouragement to seek help and explore options that fit your family’s needs

Keywords

Dermatology, molluscum, zelsuvmi, imiquimod, skin conditions, kids, pediatric dermatology, parenting kids with skin conditions, contagious bumps, molluscum contagiosum

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction & Welcome

02:00 - When Ryder first noticed molluscum bumps

03:00 - Social impact of molluscum for Ryder

04:00 - Parents start to consider whether or not to treat

05:00 - No one is bragging about molluscum

06:25 - When the family decided to treat

07:35 - Treating with Imiquimod

08:40 - Experience with Zelsuvmi

11:40 - Tips for other families, redness, stinging

14:22 - Managing the side effects: stinging and redness tips

13:20 - Celebrating molluscum treatment success

15:50 - Going back to school after treatment

19:40 - Advice for other kids

20:30 - Deciding to treat after watching molluscum

22:00 - Molluscum in pools, swimming

23:39 - Ryder changes due to molluscum

24:42 - Chris’ advice for other parents

25:00 - Thank you and Goodbye

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.