Vitals & Values: Concierge Medicine of West Michigan
Science Over Hype.
Values Over Virality.
Vitals & Values is where evidence-based health meets unapologetic truth. Hosted by Dr. Lara (@lbaat), a concierge MD reshaping modern medicine, and David Roden (@Fit_DRock), a transformation coach who lost over 200 pounds and lived to tell the tale, this podcast isn’t here to go viral—it’s here to tell the truth.
Every episode dives deep into:
- 🧬 Medicine & Metabolic Health
- 🥦 Nutrition & Sustainable Weight Loss
- 🏋️♂️ Fitness & Habit Formation
- ✝ Christian Faith & Spiritual Stewardship
- 💭 Mental Health & Lifestyle Resets
📅 Weekly Format:
- Vitals Check – Clinical clarity from Dr. Lara
- Values in Focus – Real-world forces behind health: mindset, faith, emotions, relationships, identity, and environment
- The Honest Table – Candid convos & unfiltered guests
- The Real Takeaway – A lifestyle or mindset challenge for the week
This isn’t wellness theater. It’s not guru culture. It’s a movement for people who want to think critically, live intentionally, and take their health personally.
🎧 New episodes every Friday
📲 Follow @lbaat & @Fit_DRock on Instagram/TikTok
💼 Brought to you by Concierge Medicine of West Michigan – @cmwestmichigan
The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your personal physician before making changes to your health routine.
Vitals & Values: Concierge Medicine of West Michigan
My Dad Felt Fine — A Routine Checkup Found Blocked Arteries and AFib
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summary
In this episode, David Roden and Dr Lara's father, David Battenberg, discuss the critical importance of routine medical check-ups, particularly for those who feel healthy. They share a personal story about how a routine appointment led to the discovery of atrial fibrillation and significant heart blockages, ultimately resulting in bypass surgery. The conversation emphasizes the value of preventative care, the recovery process, and the lessons learned from this experience, highlighting the role of primary care physicians as gatekeepers in health management.
takeaways
Routine check-ups can uncover hidden health issues.
Atrial fibrillation can have no noticeable symptoms.
Primary care physicians play a crucial role in health.
Preventative care is essential for long-term health.
Listening to medical advice can save lives.
The body can develop collateral arteries around blockages.
Recovery from heart surgery can vary greatly among individuals.
Communication between healthcare providers is vital.
Understanding medical terms can empower patients.
Regular monitoring of health metrics is important post-surgery.
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Routine Check-ups
06:21 Discovering Atrial Fibrillation
10:30 The Journey to Heart Surgery
14:14 Post-Surgery Recovery and Challenges
22:10 The Importance of Support During Hospitalization
24:56 Experiences with Medical Staff and Hospital Environment
27:31 Advancements in Medical Technology: The Pacemaker
31:39 Navigating Hospital Protocols and Patient Rights
35:03 Rehabilitation and Recovery Post-Surgery
37:34 Preventative Health: The Role of Regular Check-Ups
