In this episode of Real Doctors, Real Medicine, cardiologist Dr. Joshua Yamamoto tackles a question more and more people are asking:

With so many ads promising early detection and peace of mind, whole-body MRIs and CT scans can sound like the ultimate shortcut to catching disease before it strikes. But the truth is a lot more nuanced.

Dr. Yamamoto breaks down what these scans actually do (and don’t do), the real differences between MRI and CT, and when they can truly be lifesaving. He also pulls back the curtain on the hidden downsides — from false alarms and unnecessary biopsies to the emotional toll of worrying about things that were never dangerous in the first place.

Instead of one-size-fits-all screening, he explains why personalized risk assessment, smart testing, and an ongoing relationship with a trusted physician are the real keys to staying healthy as we age.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a whole-body scan is worth it — or worried you might be missing something — this episode will help you feel informed, grounded, and empowered to make the right decision for you.

In this episode, cardiologist Dr. Joshua Yamamoto breaks down one of the most important — yet rarely explained — topics in healthy aging: what actually happens to our blood vessels as we get older, and how those changes impact the brain. He shares why issues like atrial fibrillation (AFib) become more common with age, how they silently raise the risk of stroke and dementia, and why these shifts aren’t random or inevitable mysteries… they’re predictable patterns we can get ahead of.

Dr. Yamamoto offers a clear roadmap for managing AFib, from medications that prevent stroke to the procedures that can restore long-term rhythm stability. His message is both empowering and refreshing: aging doesn’t have to mean losing heart or brain function. With the right prevention strategies — and the right partnership with your doctor — you can protect your brain, safeguard your quality of life, and age with far more confidence.

Health headlines can feel like a moving target — one week a supplement is “safe and natural,” the next week it’s all over the news for the wrong reasons.

In this timely episode, Dr. Kristin Thomas and Dr. Joshua Yamamoto cut through the noise and break down what’s actually true about some of today’s most talked-about health topics. They unpack the real risks and benefits of common supplements like melatonin, explain the latest thinking on hormone replacement therapy, and clear up the confusion around caffeine and heart rhythm — including who may need to be more cautious.

The doctors also tackle recent studies and media stories, separating solid science from sensationalism, and explain why staying up-to-date on vaccines — especially flu and COVID-19 — remains essential for long-term health. With practical guidance and a down-to-earth approach, they help listeners make sense of conflicting information, ask better questions, and have more confident conversations with their own healthcare providers.

If you’re tired of mixed messages and just want trustworthy, evidence-based clarity, this episode delivers it.