#457 — What Your Doctor Doesn't Know About Health and Longevity with Emma Tekstra

What if many of the answers to better health have nothing to do with another prescription? In this thought-provoking episode, Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh sit down with Emma Tekstra, actuary, global health consultant, and author of How to Be a Healthy Human, to challenge conventional assumptions about modern healthcare. Drawing on decades of experience analyzing health data and employee health programs, Emma shares why she believes true wellness requires a broader perspective than symptom management alone. The conversation explores personal responsibility, critical thinking, chronic disease trends, the business side of healthcare, and the often-overlooked roles of lifestyle, community, purpose, and spiritual wellbeing. Whether you agree with every point or simply enjoy examining healthcare through a different lens, this episode offers plenty to consider. In This Episode Emma's journey from actuary to health advocate Why she began questioning conventional approaches to chronic illness The difference between healthcare and true wellness How lifestyle choices influence long-term health outcomes The role of critical thinking in healthcare decisions Why social connection and purpose matter for longevity Data-driven perspectives on modern health trends The concept of taking ownership of your health journey Lessons from researching health and longevity around the world What inspired her book, How to Be a Healthy Human About Emma Tekstra Emma Tekstra is an actuary, global health consultant, educator, and author of How to Be a Healthy Human: What Your Doctor Doesn't Know About Health and Longevity. A Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, she spent more than two decades advising major employers on healthcare and benefits strategy before focusing her work on helping individuals and organizations better understand what drives human health and wellbeing. Resources & Links Emma Tekstra: https://www.emmatekstra.com Emma's Substack: https://emmatekstra.substack.com How to Be a Healthy Human: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1510779507 Listen and Subscribe Website: https://www.bsfreemd.com Follow BS Free MD on your favorite podcast platform and join Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh each week as they challenge assumptions, explore new ideas, and have conversations that go beyond the headlines. Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a physician-patient relationship. Always consult your own healthcare professional regarding medical decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.