Radio Health Journal
The latest in health, science, technology, and the intersection of medicine and public policy.
The largest study of its kind is strengthening the link between football and the brain disorder CTE. Then, a new study in the journal Radiology shows that complications due to cortisone shots are much more common than previously thought. Finally, another study is proving that dog owners live longer.
A study showing a growing number of young adults have substance use disorders. Then, a specific diet could help alleviate crushing fatigue for people with multiple sclerosis. And finally, a new study suggests men should stop drinking before conception to reduce the risk of heart disease in their offspring.
Mass shootings and other forms of mass violence are on the increase. Where to assess blame is in sharp dispute. A new report from a blue ribbon panel of behavioral scientists has found that mental illnesses carry some of the blame, but mental “distress” is a much more likely factor. Panel members discuss mental health first aid, red flag laws, and other report recommendations on ways to prevent …
An author discusses his investigation into CIA mind control efforts in the 1950’s and 60’s through the use of psychedelic drugs, which unwittingly led to an explosion of the drugs’ use.
Rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are making crops grow bigger & faster. However, researchers have found that these crops contain significantly lower levels of protein, iron, zinc, and other important nutrients, potentially endangering nutrition for hundreds of millions of people. Experts explain the effect will get worse as CO2 levels continue to rise, and what might be done …
The US is one of the few world nations that provides no paid job leave for either new moms or dads. A new study shows that paid leave has benefits in infant mortality as well as mother’s health. An expert and advocate for paid leave discusses the benefits.
A study that finds that cutting back on red meat and processed meat in the diet has little impact on health. Then, a study finds that a urine test for a genetic biomarker can accurately detect one form of prostate cancer affecting about a third of men with cancer. Then, an alarming study showing health issues with "cheat days" and keto diets. And finally, you may think your cat doesn’t care when …
Gig work is becoming more and more a part of the American economy. It takes a certain temperament for a worker to thrive on the freedom gig work offers without being paralyzed by the lack of security. Experts discuss the psychological benefits and difficulties of multiple part time jobs or freelancing.
Emergency room physicians have to make sense of and care for complete strangers every day. A recently retired ER doctor looks back at lessons he’s learned that are applicable to everyone’s life.
A new study shows that americans’ diets are getting better… but only by a little. Then, if someone gets a new diagnosis of hearing loss, getting a hearing aid will lower their risk of being diagnosed with dementia, depression, or anxiety. And finally, if you want to feel better about your spouse, look at pictures of him or her along with pictures of cute puppies and bunnies.
A large number of hospitals in rural areas have closed, and many more have closed their maternity units, leaving many rural mothers-to-be with no nearby place to deliver their babies or even get prenatal care. Experts discuss the financial and demographic reasons behind these closures, the danger it presents to mothers and children, and some ways to counter the risk.
When you call 9-1-1 for an ambulance, paramedics are supposed to take you to the closest hospital. But a new study shows that doesn’t happen about 40 percent of the time. Then, Flu season is rapidly approaching again. And finally… A study finds that if you want to live longer, take a nap.
Fluoride in community drinking water has been controversial since its introduction nearly 75 years ago. A new study adds to this with evidence that pregnant women who drink fluoridated water may produce children with slightly lowered IQ. The study author and two other experts discuss what’s known and what the ramifications of the study could be for communities, for oral health, and for children.
As much as 16 percent of the population suffers from Trypophobia, which makes them uneasy at the sight of holes clustered together, as in a honeycomb. Two experts and a sufferer discuss this phobia, which can be remarkably debilitating.
A quarter of people who develop the brain plaques of Alzheimer’s disease apparently can compensate for the deficit. Then, Scientists may have found a way to roll back your biological age. And finally, A study on mice in the journal “Cell Metabolism” shows that a high-fat diet produces inflammation in the hypothalamus.
The availability of consumer DNA tests and databases has allowed long-hidden family secrets to be revealed, including mistaken paternity and unknown siblings. It has also taken the anonymity away from some cases of sperm donation. Two experts discuss the ethics of overturning this promised secrecy and the impact that the revelation of secrets can have on entire families.
Dr. Joel Salinas has mirror touch synesthesia, a condition involving cross-wiring in the brain. The result is that visual stimuli prompt a response in his touch system. He literally feels it when people experience pain. Salinas discusses how this strange condition works and how he is able to use it in diagnosis.
Cancer survivors having a higher risk of heart disease and other illnesses. Then, a new study shows that prescription omega 3 fatty acids can significantly reduce high triglycerides. And finally, a new study shows that being optimistic is one of the best things you can do for your lifespan.
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.
Violence increases as temperatures rise in the summer, but are higher temperatures a cause of aggression? New research shows that the answer is yes, especially in family conflict, and that poor neighborhoods bear the brunt of the relationship. Researchers discuss the synergy between poverty, heat, and aggression, and speculate that a warmer world in the future could be a more violent one.
More drivers than ever are running red lights.Then, people have noticed a bump in premature births where a hurricane is approaching. And finally, you may want to start thinking about cooking with rose water or even drinking it.
The Trump Administration has proposed wholesale import of drugs from Canada to ease high US prescription drug prices. But since Canada is 1/10th the size of the US, could it supply enough drugs to make a difference?
The US spends more on medical care than other nations while quality still lags behind. A health industry expert explains how increased use of primary care and increased engagement with providers could reverse both trends.
Nodding off very often during the day may be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Then, surveys show that about a tenth of Americans over age 18 either use illicit drugs or don’t use their medications the way they’re supposed to. And finally, If you’re really stressed, a nice glass of red wine really could be just the ticket.
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