Is losing your balance just part of getting older—or can you train your body to stay steady?
In this episode of The Common Sense MD, Dr. Tom Rogers talks with Exercise Physiologist Scott Held about how strength, stability, and smart movement work together to help prevent falls and maintain independence. Scott shares practical strategies he uses with older adults to improve balance, build confidence, and keep the body resilient.
A MUST LISTEN for everyone!
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What should you do if you fall—and no one is around?In this episode of The Common Sense MD, Dr. Tom Rogers talks with exercise physiologist Scott Held about what to do during and after a fall. They cover practical, real-world guidance on how to protect your body when you fall, how to assess yourself afterward, and safe strategies for knowing when to get help and how to get back up. A MUST LISTEN for everyone!
Is infertility really just a women’s issue—or could both partners be contributing?
In this episode of The Common Sense MD, Dr. Tom Rogers talks with Robin Riddle, FNP-C, functional fertility specialist, about why fertility rates are declining and how fertility challenges are often a 50/50 equation for couples. They discuss lifestyle and environmental factors—such as plastics, toxins, and chemicals—that impact fertility, compare traditional versus functional approaches, and explain why comprehensive lab work before the first visit helps couples get clearer answers sooner.
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Are eggs really the perfect food?
In this episode of The Common Sense MD, Dr. Tom Rogers visits Jake Hubbard, Co-Owner of Brookhaven Farms, to uncover what truly makes an egg “good.” From the superpower of a chicken to how its diet, movement, and environment shape the final product, this conversation breaks down why real, well-raised eggs matter for your health.
If you’ve ever wondered why some eggs look, taste, and feel different—or questioned the marketing labels you see at the store—this episode is for you!
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Is it really possible to lower your risk of Parkinson’s disease?
In this episode of The Common Sense MD, Dr. Tom Rogers breaks down why Parkinson’s is now one of the fastest-growing neurodegenerative diseases in the world—and what you can do to protect yourself.
Dr. Rogers reviews the latest stats, potential causes, and practical prevention strategies, including insights from The Parkinson’s Plan and the highly regarded Parkinson’s 25 Checklist created by Dr. Ray Dorsey and Dr. Michael Okun.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” — Benjamin Franklin
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What would you do if you suddenly couldn’t see out of one eye?
In this powerful episode of The Common Sense MD, Dr. Tom Rogers shares a personal story about his daughter, a Type 1 diabetic, who suddenly lost vision in her left eye. The cause: a vitreous hemorrhage from diabetic retinopathy.
Dr. Rogers explains what this looks like, why it happens, and the critical steps every diabetic must take to protect their eyesight and prevent retinopathy from progressing.
Your vision matters. Don’t wait to protect it.
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How can you keep your immune system strong and healthy this winter? In this episode of The Common Sense MD, Dr. Tom Rogers sits down with Brooke Mohr Watson, PA-C to break down practical, effective ways to prepare your body for the colder months ahead. Drawing on years of clinical experience, Dr. Rogers and Brooke discuss the real keys to staying well—including sleep, nutrition, vitamin D, elderberry, and even the underrated power of nasal rinses. They separate myth from fact (spoiler: cold weather itself won’t make you sick!), talk about the best supplements and holistic remedies, and share smart strategies for families—especially if you have little ones bringing home every bug from daycare.
You’ll learn when it’s really time to see a doctor, how to build your own preventative health kit, the truth about antibiotics and antivirals, and which home health tools both experts use in their daily lives. Whether you’re looking to dodge the flu, avoid lingering colds, or keep your kids healthy this season, this episode is packed with common sense advice you can actually use.
Tune in to get ahead of sick season and take charge of your winter wellness!
Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for personal medical concerns.
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In this uplifting and inspiring episode of The Common Sense MD, Dr. Tom Rogers sits down with two special guests: Yael Shumakher, an 11-year-old piano prodigy from Ukraine, and her dedicated teacher, Carol Stone. Together, they share the incredible story of Yael's journey from a war-torn country to the stage of Carnegie Hall.
Hear how the power of music, perseverance, and community support helped Yael overcome immense challenges, fuel her passion, and earn her place among world-class musicians. Carol Stone, who has been teaching for decades, reveals what makes Yael so unique and the joy of guiding her gifted student. Yael's mother, local friends, and generous sponsors all play a role in this beautiful tale of hope and possibility.
Alongside emotional interviews, you’ll also get to enjoy Yael's stunning performances—featuring pieces ranging from works by Béla Bartók to Ukrainian composer Alexander Pisconov, whose concerto holds deep personal meaning for Yael and her teacher.
Discover the transformative force of music, listen to exclusive live piano moments, and learn more about supporting Yael's upcoming Carnegie Hall debut. Tune in for an episode that reminds us how purpose, artistry, and kindness can change lives and inspire the world.
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In this episode, Dr. Rogers sits down with nurse practitioner Ashton Williams to dive deep into menopause misconceptions and the evolving landscape of hormone health for women. Ashton shares eye-opening insights from a recent hormone conference in Arizona, debunks persistent myths about estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, and discusses why so many women still feel anxious or hesitant about hormone therapy.
Together, Dr. Tom Rogers and Ashton Williams explore the vital role of bioidentical hormones, the impact of the flawed Women’s Health Initiative study, and why personalized, functional medicine is redefining the way practitioners care for women in midlife and beyond. If you or someone you love has ever questioned the safety or necessity of hormone therapy, this episode is a must-listen.
Tune in for empowering information, real patient stories, and actionable tips to help you or your patients thrive during menopause. And remember: this is not official medical advice, so always consult your own provider for personal recommendations.
Ready to challenge what you thought you knew about menopause? Hit play and join us for a refreshingly honest conversation!
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Is your neck trying to tell your life story? In this episode of The Common Sense MD, Dr. Tom Rogers shines a spotlight on something we often overlook—our neck posture. As a seasoned longevity doctor, Dr. Rogers explains why so many of us develop “forward head” posture as we age and why it’s more than just a cosmetic issue—it affects our balance, mobility, and overall spinal health.
Discover practical, easy-to-follow exercises you can do in just five minutes a day to improve your neck position, maintain a strong spine, and even reclaim some lost mobility. Dr. Rogers uses a simple towel as his demo tool and breaks down why posture is as much a story of empathy and life experiences as it is about muscle tightness and work habits. Whether you spend hours at a desk, bending over patients, or just want to improve your health as you age, you’ll learn how small, consistent changes can yield big improvements.
Tune in for Dr. Rogers’ actionable advice and start holding your head high—literally and figuratively!
In this episode of The Common Sense MD, Dr. Tom Rogers welcomes back Dr. Scott Fitzpatrick, master acupuncturist, for a follow-up on fascia—the connective tissue that’s central to how we move and experience pain. He breaks down the differences between stretching muscles versus fascia, offers practical ways to incorporate long, gentle stretches into your daily routine, and discusses strength-building strategies beyond the usual gym workouts.
Learn why posture matters, how small changes (even at your work desk!) can bring relief, and get tips for easing lower back pain—plus a quick look into tools like massage rollers and vagal nerve stimulators. If you want to discover the secret to pain-free movement, tune in for actionable advice and plenty of common sense.
*Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider for medical advice.*
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In this week's episode, Dr. Rogers breaks down everything you need to know about Modafinil—one of his go-to tools for achieving a high-performance brain. As an expert in integrative and longevity medicine, Dr. Rogers shares his real-world experience using Modafinil to help patients (and himself) sharpen focus, boost energy, and clear away brain fog.
Dr. Rogers digs into how Modafinil works, its smooth wakefulness effect, and why it’s different from typical stimulants like Adderall. He covers who can benefit—from shift workers to those with sleep apnea—and highlights the off-label uses he’s seen work wonders for energy, memory, and mental stamina. You’ll hear why poker players, fighter pilots, and tech execs love Modafinil, plus practical tips on how to pulse your dose, stack it with other brain-boosters, and combine it with foundational habits like quality sleep, exercise, and solid nutrition.
If you’re wanting to biohack your way to better focus and longevity, this episode is packed with common sense insights you can actually use. As always, Dr. Rogers reminds listeners to weigh risks and benefits and talk with a qualified provider before starting any prescription.
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In this episode of The Common Sense MD, Dr. Tom Rogers tackles a concern millions face but rarely talk about openly: hair loss—especially in men. Drawing from his experience both as a physician and as an observer (even from the back pew at church!), Dr. Rogers dives deep into the true causes behind thinning hair and bald spots.
He debunks the myth that genetics are the only culprit, explaining how hormones, stress, thyroid issues, nutritional deficiencies, and even certain medications can contribute to hair loss. Dr. Rogers shares practical prevention tips, including lifestyle changes, supplements, prescription medications like finasteride and minoxidil, and the latest treatments such as red light therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
Dr. Rogers also reveals his personal routine for maintaining a healthy head of hair and discusses why early intervention is key. Whether you're hoping to keep your locks longer or supporting someone dealing with hair loss, this episode covers the facts, the science, and the solutions with Dr. Rogers’ trademark common sense approach.
Hope this helps some of you!
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Do you really know what’s in your tap water? In this episode of The Common Sense MD, Dr. Tom Rogers sits down with water purification expert Cody Warren to uncover everything you need to know about testing and improving your water.
From drinking water you can trust to safe water for bathing, they dive into the differences between well water and city water, and share practical tips for getting clean, healthy water in your home. A must listen!
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In this episode, Dr. Tom Rogers is again joined by Performance Medicine Nutrition Coach, Lucas Schmidt, for a myth-busting, practical look at strength training, hypertrophy, and building real, lasting muscle as we age.
Lucas and Dr. Rogers break down the crucial differences between strength training and hypertrophy, revealing how to set the right goals for muscle growth—whether you want to look better, boost your health, or crush new personal records. The conversation covers the basics for beginners, the concept of "noob gains," optimal rep ranges, and the importance of proper form and consistency.
They discuss why gym anxiety shouldn't hold you back, the pros and cons of training at home versus at the gym, and the value of sticking to a routine that matches your lifestyle. From avoiding common injuries to understanding "country strong," Lucas and Dr. Rogers deliver straight talk on what it really takes to get stronger and healthier year after year. They also highlight why muscle mass is the “currency of aging” and a crucial predictor of long-term health outcomes.
This episode offers science-backed advice and encouragement for every fitness level, without hype or gimmicks—just strategies you can trust.
Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes and not official medical advice. Please consult a licensed professional for personal guidance.
Book a consult with Nutrition Coach Lucas Schmidt at Performance Medicine in Johnson City for a personalized program tailored to your goals.
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This week, Dr. Tom Rogers sits down with the multi-talented Lucas Schmidt—actor, athlete, and trusted nutrition coach at Performance Medicine—for an honest, in-depth look at what it really means to “eat smart.” Dr. Rogers opens up about his own health goals as a 70-year-old striving for less inflammation and more muscle, while Lucas handcrafts a personalized nutrition plan—including a modified carnivore diet—after years of hands-on experimentation and research.
From uncovering nutrition myths (like low fat diets and the truth about whole grains) to discussing the pitfalls of processed foods, fiber, and even the real story behind vegetables and fruit, this episode gives you practical advice shaped by science, experience, and real patient outcomes. Whether you’re curious about anti-inflammatory eating, building muscle at any age, or just want to cut through confusing health trends, Dr. Rogers and Lucas deliver honest, empowering guidance you can actually use.
Tune in for simple, direct advice—and a few surprising revelations—to help you take control of your own health journey.
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In this episode of The Common Sense MD, Dr. Tom Rogers welcomes back acupuncturist Dr. Scott Fitzpatrick for a deep dive into one of the most overlooked—and fascinating—tissues in the human body: fascia.
Join Dr. Rogers and Dr. Fitzpatrick as they break down what fascia really is, why it’s so much more than just "connective tissue," and how our understanding of it is evolving. You’ll learn why fascia plays a crucial role in pain, mobility, injury recovery, and even overall health. With practical analogies (hello, chicken breast!), the duo covers fascia’s complex structure, its relationship to pain syndromes like fibromyalgia, and why hydrating your fascia might be the missing link in your wellness routine.
Expect lively, down-to-earth conversation filled with real stories, expert insights, and actionable advice—including how acupuncture, physical therapy, massage, and even creatine can support healthy fascia and pain relief.
Get ready for part one of this two-part series—demystifying the “glue” that literally holds you together!
Hit play to discover:
- What fascia is and where you can see it in daily life
- How fascia can cause pain even when scans show nothing
- Why traditional and alternative therapies are both key to healthy fascia
- The importance of hydration, hyaluronic acid, and movement
- How a new approach to fascia could change how we treat pain
Stay tuned for part two, where Dr. Rogers and Dr. Fitzpatrick get specific about treating common injuries and offer at-home tips to keep you moving, pain-free.
Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a licensed provider for personal healthcare concerns.
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Join Dr. Tom Rogers on this week's episode of The Common Sense MD as he tackles one of the most pressing and often misunderstood health issues of our time: obesity. Dr. Rogers explores why obesity is now widely recognized as a disease—and not simply a matter of willpower. Drawing from recent medical research and decades of clinical experience, he breaks down the impact of weight bias, the limitations of traditional diets, and the life-changing potential of revolutionary new medications like GLP-1s and GIPs.
Discover why these treatments are being hailed as the greatest medical breakthrough of the 21st century, how they're changing lives, and why addressing the root causes of obesity can transform a patient’s overall health. Dr. Rogers also shares candid thoughts on the importance of compassion in medical practice, the social stigma around obesity, and the future of fat acceptance and weight loss therapy.
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, someone struggling with weight, or simply want to understand more about this major health issue, this episode cuts through the noise with clear, actionable advice. Tune in and learn why treating obesity is about so much more than just the numbers on a scale.
This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute official medical advice. Please consult with a licensed healthcare provider for personalized care.
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On this episode of The Common Sense MD, Dr. Tom Rogers is joined by his daughter and lead esthetician, Kelli Rogers, for an essential conversation all about skin health. With summer sun damage still fresh and back-to-school routines in full swing, they break down the basics (and the newest trends) in anti-aging skin care.
From daily routines featuring Vitamin C, Retinol, and the right moisturizer, to why sunscreen and mineral-based protection are non-negotiable, Kelli and Dr. Rogers dig into what really works for keeping your skin looking youthful and healthy. They discuss cutting-edge solutions for challenges like rapid weight loss facial changes, the importance of collagen and peptides, treatments for crepey skin, and state-of-the-art procedures like RF Microneedling and Ultherapy.
Plus, they tackle why hormone balance, quality sleep, diet, and overall internal health matter just as much as your topical serums. Whether you’re curious about the latest skincare products, considering in-office treatments, or just want to elevate your daily routine, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world wisdom you won’t want to miss.
Tune in for a fun, insightful, and honest look at skin health from inside and out!
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In this eye-opening episode of The Common Sense MD, Dr. Tom Rogers welcomes former Social Security disability judge George Evans for a candid conversation about one of the most misunderstood and complex topics in medicine and law: disability. Drawing from his remarkable 27-year career as a disability judge and his current work helping individuals navigate the daunting application process, George breaks down what it actually means to be “disabled” in the eyes of the law, explains the real differences between SSI and Social Security Disability (Title II), and offers vital tips for anyone considering filing a claim.
Discover why the system is so difficult to navigate, how cases are evaluated, and why getting representation early is essential. George shares fascinating inside stories—from why some seemingly healthy people may qualify for benefits while others with obvious impairments are denied, to what judges really look for in hearings, and the myths about “easy” disability approvals. They also discuss how having an advocate not only increases your chances of success but can save you from costly mistakes.
If you or someone you know is confused about disability, thinking about applying, or just curious about how these crucial decisions are made, this episode will clear up the confusion and provide tools you can use. Learn from real-life examples, get insider knowledge, and arm yourself with common sense advice from the experts.
Tune in for clarity, honesty, and practical guidance on a topic that affects millions—but few truly understand.
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