health - Consumerpedia Podcast

113 – GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs

July 16, 2026

Few prescription drugs have generated as much excitement as the new generation of weight-loss drugs, commonly called “GLP-1” medications. You’ve probably heard about Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, even if you don’t want to lose weight. In this episode: How do these drugs work? How to deal with the sometimes-unpleasant side effects? What has the

84 – Free Perks You Didn’t Know You Had

April 17, 2025

Whether it’s a complimentary dessert, an unexpected upgrade to a better hotel room, or you find a $20 bill in your coat pocket, we all like freebies. The staff at Checkbook sifted through member benefits for credit cards, warehouse clubs, health plans, and AAA. We discovered dozens of perks that are often overlooked. If you

70 – How to Save on Prescription Drugs

September 19, 2024

Prescription drug costs in the U.S. are “significantly higher” than in most other countries, according to a report earlier this year from the Rand Corporation. The average American spends more than $1,400 a year on prescription medications, research shows. For many, that expense is a budget buster. Because of the high cost, more than 9

67 – Buying Eyewear

July 11, 2024

When it comes to buying corrective eyewear, the choices seem endless—from dozens of contacts to thousands of fashionable frames. Even so, shopping for new specs or contacts can be a major hassle, and it’s an expensive purchase. In this episode: Which eyewear stores offer the best advice and service, where to find the best prices

66 – Cutting Through the Nutritional Supplements Hype

June 27, 2024

Many Americans are sold on supplements. They’re convinced the “natural ingredients” in these non-prescription products have powerful health benefits that can prevent diseases, make us feel better, and slow down the effects of aging. But can you trust what’s in the bottle, and the marketing claims used to sell this stuff? In this episode, we

61 – Medical Data Breaches Hit Record High

April 18, 2024

Data breaches are now an annoyingly normal part of life: You change your stolen passwords, cancel your compromised credit cards. But it can be a significantly more serious problem when hackers get your medical data. Last year, about 1 in 3 Americans had their medical records breached, according to the federal government. In this episode,

54 – How to Shop for a Gym Membership

January 11, 2024

You don’t necessarily have to join a gym to get more exercise—there are scads of other workout options, many of which are free. If you decide that joining a club is the best choice for you, shop around and avoid making any long-term financial commitments. The fitness industry thrives on good intentions, but most consumers

46 – Health Apps & Websites Often Share Your Data

September 7, 2023

Wearable devices, health apps, and online medical resources can help us stay fit and healthy. They also collect highly personal information that you might assume is confidential. In most cases, this data can be—and often is—shared and sold without your knowledge or permission. In this episode, how to tell if your health information is protected

35 – Aging in Place

March 23, 2023

For most aging adults, there really is no place like home. Surveys done by AAPR consistently find that nearly 80% of those 50 and older prefer to age in place rather than move in with relatives or into senior communities. The aging-in-place movement can help you stay safe and comfortable in your home as you

22 – How to Find a Top Doc

September 22, 2022

Physicians are at the center of your healthcare experiences. They set up diagnostic procedures, devise treatment plans, guide you through care decisions, prescribe medications, authorize hospital admissions, refer to other physicians and other providers…and much more. In this episode, we talk about how to find good doctors and the best medical facilities near you, how

Episodes tagged “health”