Radio Health Journal

The latest in health, science, technology, and the intersection of medicine and public policy.

Polly Hansen

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Polly Hansen - Producer of Radio Health Journal - headshot

Polly has been a member of the Radio Health Journal team since 1998. As a producer, she conducts interviews with expert guests, and writes/edits segments…

Polly Hansen

Producer

Before The World Forgot: A Look At The Women Who’ve Advanced Society

Throughout history, the female trailblazers who have made monumental achievements in science, literature, and innovation have been systemically minimized or forgotten. Our guests this week discuss how societal biases erased women's intellectual contributions and why recognizing these female geniuses is essential to completing our understanding of human progress.

This Is Not About Running: Highlighting Abuse In Youth Sports

When youth running prodigy Mary Cain was scouted by top universities in the eighth grade, she thought she was chasing her athletic dreams – but the reality of the elite sports pipeline would cost her far more than she ever imagined. This week she pulls back the curtain on the toxic culture of high-stakes youth athletics, detailing how top-tier programs often exploit young prodigies.

Your Child Is Not Their Weight: How To Promote A Healthy Body Image

Parental obsession with a child’s weight can often fracture the family bond instead of improving health. Our experts this week explore the power of storytelling in helping adolescents navigate these pressures, and provide tips on how to instill healthy habits in the home.

Creative Healing: Why Doctors Are Writing Prescriptions For The Arts

Science is suggesting that engaging in creative endeavors is a key component of our physical and mental health. In the UK, doctors are writing "social prescriptions" to provide patients with clinical access to creative outlets. Our experts explain the new research supporting this shift and argue that creative participation is essential for our health.

Death Doula: A Guide For Transitioning Into The Afterlife

Death is never an easy topic to talk about. To help manage this difficult transition, many are turning to death doulas. They provide compassionate guidance for the dying, like how birth doulas support new mothers. Our experts this week discuss how to foster curiosity rather than fear, navigate the art of a peaceful end, and find meaning in the time that’s left.

The Predator’s Playbook: How To Identify And Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

Child abuse is a sobering reality often perpetrated by trusted individuals rather than strangers. To successfully exploit a child, predators rely on a specific playbook to gain access, trust, and secrecy. Our expert this week explains how parents can help dismantle these opportunities without needing to resort to overprotective parenting styles.

Should We Embrace Dementia?

Many people view dementia as a death sentence, but Dr. Tia Powell says we need to rethink our perspective.