Epilepsy Myths (2021)
An award-winning writer who has epilepsy describes the discrimination faced by people with seizure disorders and dispels the many myths many people hold about them.
Medical Notes: Week of March 14, 2021
Scientists have developed a urine test that’s extremely accurate at finding prostate cancer. Then, Spanking a child may be as bad for their mental health as being abused or neglected. And finally, we’ve heard about dogs that can sniff out cancer. Now we know they can sniff out Covid-19, too.
The Downside of “Springing Ahead”
The annual switch to daylight saving time brings more accidents, heart attacks, and other health effects. Surprisingly, they don’t completely go away until we go back to standard time in the fall. Experts discuss health and mental effects of body clocks not being in synch with the actual time, and how year-around consistency would help. But should it be standard time or DST? Experts discuss …
The Increase in Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Despite social distancing, experts say people are increasingly “hooking up.” Sexually transmitted diseases are growing as a result. An expert discusses STDs in a pandemic.
Medical Notes: Week of March 7, 2021
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says in the first half of 2020, overall American life expectancy dropped by a full year. Then, a new study finds that one third of Americans are anxious and depressed today. And finally… one way to reduce all that anxiety—listen to 80’s music.
Covid’s Effect On Women in the Workplace
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected women’s employment much more dramatically than men, especially women of color.
How Hormones Control Our Lives (2021)
An expert author details the discovery of hormones and how our growing knowledge has shaped treatment of many diseases and conditions.
Medical Notes: Week of February 28, 2021
A new survey shows that most of us will continue with health precautions even when Covid is behind us. Then, a study showing that Pregnant women who’ve had the coronavirus pass antibodies to their babies. Then, a study shows that bleeding of the gums as well as bleeding in the eye are associated with low levels of vitamin c. And finally… people blame short sleeping on a lot of things, but …
Ending Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease has become one of the fastest growing diseases and causes of disability in the world. Evidence shows that environmental toxins such as pesticides play a role. Experts discuss what we know about Parkinson’s and how we could curtail its rise, saving lives and restoring quality of life.
Genetic Testing For Drug Effectiveness
People suffering from mental illnesses often go through a number of medications before they find one that works. A genetic test seeks to discover this information right away, so patients don’t have to wait. One of the test’s developers discusses its uses.
Medical Notes: Week of February 21, 2021
A study finds that schizophrenia is the second biggest risk factor for dying of Covid, second only to age. Then, scientists have discovered that a lack of a specific fatty acid in body tissues may trigger multiple sclerosis. And finally, a study recommending a calming influence for everyone... getting a cat.
Covid and Crashes
The number of cars on the road has been dramatically lower during the pandemic, yet the number of crash deaths has actually increased. That means the number of crashes and traffic deaths per mile driven have skyrocketed. Experts discuss this unprecedented scenario and what we can do about it.
Vaccine Passports
Proof of having received Covid-19 vaccine may soon be required for boarding a plane, going to a ball game, going to school, having a job or eating in some restaurants. An expert involved in the design of a passport app discusses how it would all work.
Medical Notes: Week of February 14, 2021
A study shows that the Covid-19 virus may hide in the body and become activated again much later. Then, Scientists have engineered a killer t-cell in the blood that attacks other t-cells causing diabetes. And finally… as the pandemic drags on, a new study is showing that people under age 30 aren’t weathering the strain as well as older people.
Exhaustion on the Covid Front Lines
Healthcare workers in ER’s and ICU’s are in their 11th month of fighting Covid-19 and its exhaustion and depression. Two front line doctors describe how they’re managing to stay optimistic amid so much chaos, and how the vaccine has given them a goal keeping them afloat.
Sports Superstitions
Professional athletes are among the most superstitious of all people. While we may be tempted to think these rituals have no effect on performance, psychologists say that if an athlete believes it helps, then it actually does. Experts explain how superstitions work in sports and in life.
Medical Notes: Week of February 7, 2021
New statistics from the American Cancer Society show that cancer deaths are continuing to drop. Then, a study finds that reopening schools doesn’t increase hospitalizations for Covid-19… at least not in areas where hospitalizations are low. Then, a new study showing that saliva tests are just as accurate and much more convenient than nose swabs. And finally… If you’ve received cosmetic facial …
Covid Update: Infectious New Variant & Stretching the Vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts that a new, more contagious version of Covid-19 will become the predominant strain by March, testing the new vaccine’s effectiveness. At the same time, researchers are trying to find ways to get the vaccine to more people more quickly by lengthening time between doses, with unknown results. Infectious disease experts discuss where we are in …
Preventing Food Waste
During the Super Bowl, leftovers from gatherings—even small ones--may threaten to take over the refrigerator. An expert discusses consumer-friendly how-to’s, including how to read labels, that can lengthen food life and help avoid food waste.
Medical Notes: Week of January 31, 2021
The world may cross the point of no return on climate change sooner than we thought. Then, taking glucosamine could be just as beneficial to your health as exercise. Finally, the key to treating intractable depression may be magic mushrooms.
Fibbing To Your Doctor
Surveys show that as many as 80% of people omit information, stretch the truth or outright lie to their doctors. Experts discuss why it happens, consequences, and methods that might reduce the amount of less-than-truthful answers to doctors’ questions.
Living Too Clean During Covid
Experts believe that humans need a certain amount of germs for our immune systems to work properly. One expert discusses her concern that we’re living too clean in the pandemic, and how we can benefit from “good bugs” without danger from the bad ones.
Medical Notes: Week of January 24, 2021
A study finding that 60 percent of all cases of Covid-19 are spread by people who have no symptoms. Then, children under age two may suffer effects from antibiotics later in childhood. And finally, new recommendations suggesting kids under age two should have no added sugar in their diet.
Requiring Employees To Get Covid Vaccines
Some Americans say there is no way they’ll get a Covid-19 vaccine, yet some may have no choice if they want to keep their jobs.
