The Human Optimization Project

Hosted ByMayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project
The bar for human performance is higher than it’s ever been. As a result, we all feel the need to do MORE. At the same time, we are becoming increasingly aware of the value of sleep, rest, recovery, and wellness. Accordingly, we also feel the need to do LESS. If you’re like most people, it can be challenging to reconcile this conflict of feeling the need to do MORE and LESS simultaneously, and that is likely contributing to high rates of burnout and decreased performance. So how do we reconcile these seemingly competing desires? That is where Human Optimization comes in. Human Optimization is the process of achieving more (however you define that for yourself) while simultaneously improving your wellness and well-being. Although it’s not easy, it’s certainly possible. Not only is it possible, but it is becoming increasingly essential. In this Mayo Clinic Talks Mini-Series, we are going to dive into the topic of Human Optimization and will focus on a few key areas including: exercise, nutrition, culture, emotional intelligence, and finding joy in all you do.

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Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project 46: E46 How to Tell if You Are Healthy: The Highest Impact Health Metrics You Need to Know

7 de enero de 2026 casimedicos The Human Optimization Project 00:54:04 Comentarios desactivados en Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project 46: E46 How to Tell if You Are Healthy: The Highest Impact Health Metrics You Need to Know

Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project

Guest: Stephen L. Kopecky MD, FACC, FAHA, MASPC, Professor of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Division of Preventive Cardiology | Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN

 

Straightforward question…are you healthy? Sounds like a simple question, but how in the world are we supposed to answer that? In the sea of health information out there, how do we define “healthy,» and what simple metrics can we use to tell if we are hitting the mark? For those of us looking to be our best selves, we need to prioritize our health. And in order to do that, we need to know what we are aiming for, in our quest to become healthy. To answers those questions and more, our expert guest today is Dr. Stephen Kopecky.

The three big questions we have for Dr. Kopecky are:

  1. What qualifies a person as “being healthy” and what should we measure? 
  2. What are the most common distractors and metrics that take us away from focusing on what matters most?
  3. What are the simplest, sustainable steps to improve the metrics that matter most for our overall health?

 

How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”:
Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better
Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random)
Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes
Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own!
Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action!

 

Discussion Questions for this Episode:

1) The podcast defines being healthy not just as the «absence of disease, but the presence of health,» emphasizing «health span» over «lifespan.» How does this definition resonate with your personal understanding of health, and how might it change your focus?

2) Dr. Kopecky introduces the «North, South, East, West» compass for health (Nutrition, Stress/Sleep/Spirits/Smoking/Social, Exercise, Weight). Which of these areas presents the biggest opportunity for your personal improvement?

3) The discussion highlights that less than 1% of Americans meet the full definition of health. What are some practical ways individuals or communities can address these challenges?

4) The podcast warns against «quick fixes,» «one-size-fits-all» solutions, and products that overpromise. How do you personally evaluate health information, products, or services to distinguish between genuine benefits and hype?

5) Dr. Kopecky shares his personal motivation for focusing on prevention after his cancer diagnosis. Has there been a specific event or realization in your life that significantly shifted your perspective on health and wellness?

6) The episode suggests starting with small, sustainable changes, like «one bite at a time» or «one minute of relaxation.» What is one small, actionable step you could take this week in one of the «North, South, East, West» categories to improve your health?

7) The discussion touches on the connection between different health factors (e.g., sleep and blood pressure, weight and liver health). How do you see this interconnectedness playing out in your own health or the health of those around you?

8) The podcast emphasizes that over 50% of our health is determined by lifestyle, even with genetic predispositions. How does this perspective empower you to take more control over your health journey? 

 

Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize
X: @MayoHumanOpProj
Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj
YouTube: The Human Optimization Project – YouTube

Email: optimize@mayo.edu

Podcast de Medicina es un proyecto de divulgación que nace de la experiencia de Radio casiMedicos y evoluciona hacia el audio digital, los podcasts y nuevas formas de compartir conocimiento sanitario.