Radio Health Journal
The latest in health, science, technology, and the intersection of medicine and public policy.
Heart disease is often preventable, but how people look at it often keeps them from doing as much about it as they could. Often this is a result of myth and misinformation. An expert physician discusses some of the most harmful of these myths.
With the Delta variant of Covid-19 spreading, far more Americans are worried about getting infected. American children and adolescents now get two-thirds of their calories from ultra processed foods. And finally... it’s good to be productive but if you think leisure is a waste of time, you’re likely to be unhappy overall.
Entertainer Britney Spears claims in court that her conservator father won’t let her remove birth control. It’s merely the most celebrated recent case of something most people find surprising: forced sterilization still exists in the US, usually in cases of guardianship. Experts explain its legality, history & use.
Nail biting is an extremely common habit, but some people bite their nails so badly and so often that they suffer damage to their hands. Experts discuss why so many of us are driven to bite our nails, what can be done to stop it, and the damage that can occur when we can’t stop.
A new study shows that naps don't make up for lost sleep. Then, research finds that people who have someone they can count on to listen to them have brains that age much slower than others. Next, a study suggests that for teens, a close, supportive bonds with their fathers is even more important than previously thought. And finally... a study says social media 'shares' and 'likes' have altered …
Schools that just a couple of months ago imagined opening free of great pandemic worry are now facing a Delta variant that’s even more contagious than the original. Yet last year’s experience is telling experts and administrators that school can be held safely if masking and other protocols are followed. Two pediatricians who are experts in how infectious disease affects schools discuss reopening …
Scientists are developing 3D printing technology using human cells to build human organs. The technique could be used to grow organs for transplant, relieving the long waitlist. Experts discuss.
Growing up in poverty physically changes the brain, making it much more likely poor kids have cognitive and behavioral difficulties later. A study showing almost a quarter of all substances used to make plastic either cause cancer, damage organs, or are toxic. And finally, it’s no secret that people who are good looking are more likely to get hired and be paid more than the rest of us, apparently, …
Many people in prison have a mental illness that keeps them from following the rules of society. Prison, its rules, and often its punitive intent may be the worst place for them, especially since treatment is often lacking there. A noted prison psychiatrist and behavioral scientist discusses this, and alternatives that may produce less recidivism when these inmates are released back into society.
Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S., but a well known cardiologist says if everyone would follow a plant-based, oil-free diet, heart disease could be eradicated. Yet many cardiologists won’t prescribe such a diet, fearing it’s so difficult to follow that it’s a prescription for defeat.
A study showing that a person’s risk for old age illnesses can be accurately predicted years earlier based on chronic inflammation in the body. Then, nearly half of boys play sports, but only a little more than a third of girls do. And finally, a new study finds that for some people, a robotic food mindset may backfire.
A new CDC report shows that suicide among veterinarians is much higher than in the general population. Experts discuss the unique stresses that affect these professionals, including financial, compassion fatigue, euthanasia, and online harassment. They also discuss measures being taken to prevent mental health struggles and suicide.
Swinging small children around by their arms may be fun, but it can lead to a very common injury, “nursemaid’s elbow,” an elbow dislocation, and each instance makes the next more likely. Physicians who treat it—and have experienced it in their own children—discuss the injury, its treatment and prevention.
Some people still have fears of the Coronavirus vaccine. Then, Do you get migraines? Eating fish might be the solution. And finally, your sense of taste may be keeping you from making healthier food choices.
Birth mothers have historically been shunned and stigmatized, and often still do not receive the grief counseling and mental health services they need. Open vs. closed adoptions also differ. An expert psychologist and birth mother-author discuss.
One of the most popular searches on Google is for symptoms and what they mean. It’s created a much more well informed patient population, but one that may panic at the least pain or discomfort.
Scientists have finally found something good about having a cold—it makes you less likely to be infected by Covid-19. Then, childhood exposure to lead may affect your personality later. And finally, scientists have developed clothing that can prevent 100 percent of mosquito bites.
The recent rash of extreme weather worldwide, which has killed hundreds, is making scientists wonder if we have reached a turning point more quickly than we thought. Experts explain how climate change results in droughts, floods, and other severe weather and the signals it provides of danger immediately ahead.
Some people have an unusual merging of senses, where they routinely see colors in sounds or numbers, see time visually, or have other perception differences. Artists sometimes have synesthesia, and researchers are beginning to study it to see how it might be tapped to help the rest of us. Experts explain.
A new study shows that antibiotic exposure early in life could alter a child’s brain development. Then, the stress of the pandemic has led to a sharp increase in teenage eating disorders. And finally, researchers have found a potentially lifesaving heart attack treatment in a most unusual place.
Hospitals are now required to post prices for many procedures on their websites, including cash prices and what insurers pay. The intent of the federal rule is to allow patients to shop around, putting pressure on hospitals to compete on price. However, many hospitals have yet to follow the rule. Experts discuss the rule, its likely outcome, and how patients can use it to their advantage.
An expert who has studied dog bites discusses the reality of breed temperament, especially when children are around, how to prevent bites, and whether breeds with dangerous reputations deserve them.
A study confirms that just one night sleeping impacts your mental and physical well being. Then, some researchers are concerned that in-vitro fertilization may disturb the genetics of embryos. Then, if you’ve got allergies and suspect they’re worse than they used to be… you’re right. And finally, experts have been concerned that Americans have a poor work-life balance, made even worse by the …
Where Covid-19 vaccination is high, it’s a getting-back-to-normal world after the pandemic. But even some vaccinated people won’t return to normal for months or years because of the psychological effects. Experts discuss why this occurs and how people can help themselves return to mental health.
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