Medical Notes: August 22, 2021
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.
The Danger of Symptom Searching on the Internet
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.
Medical Notes: August 15, 2021
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.
Danger Signs in the Increase in Extreme Weather
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.
Medical Notes: August 8, 2021
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.
Sometimes Not Man’s Best Friend: Dog Bites (2021)
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.
Medical Notes: August 1, 2021
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 …
“We Are Not OK”
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.
Medical Notes: July 25, 2021
A big majority of the US workforce wants to know if their co-workers are vaccinated against Covid… but they don’t want to reveal if they’ve gotten the vaccine themselves. Then, if young adults get Covid-19, they may recover… but end up exhausted. And finally… researchers have found another risk factor for dementia—tooth loss.
Advances Against Lung Cancer
More people die of lung cancer than breast, prostate, and colon cancer combined. A decade ago, a lung cancer diagnosis was often a death sentence. But now treatments are being developed that mean it can often be treated, especially if screening detects it early. A patient/advocate and researcher discuss.
Medical Notes: July 18, 2021
Everybody loves a home-cooked meal, but what if your stove was slowly poisoning you? Then, if you were born 200 years ago, you’d be lucky to celebrate your 40th birthday. Plus, researchers have cured diabetes in mice by putting insulin-producing cells into a tiny device. Then, older people who have trouble falling asleep are more likely to have cognitive troubles later. Also, a study showing that …
How To Speed Up Your Drive: Don’t Turn Left
Traffic engineers are learning that they can increase road efficiency and safety by eliminating left turns at many busy intersections, even those that have left turn arrows. This increases distance traveled for some people--some may have to make three right turns instead--but virtually everyone benefits in travel time, as package carrier UPS has learned. A traffic engineer and UPS official discuss …
Rethinking Dementia (2021)
Dementia has a much wider range than most people think, and people with dementia are usually functional for years. An expert discusses the course of the disease and how life can still be positive for years before it reaches the late, debilitating stage most people think of when they hear the word “dementia.”
Medical Notes: July 11, 2021
Officials are worried we may start seeing a spike in Covid cases soon and it could become serious by fall. Then, Have you lost your sense of smell? Covid may not be to blame--it could be air pollution. Then, doctors can now use smartphone cameras to detect bacteria on the skin and in the mouth. And finally, for people suffering from hard-to-treat depression, new research suggests a …
When Law Enforcement and Trauma Care Collide (2021)
Many patients arrive in the emergency room as a result of violence or car crashes—events in which police have an investigative interest. Sometimes, police needs clash with trauma care, and priorities are hashed out case by case. Experts discuss which priorities come first and when, and the procedures needed to smooth out sometimes contentious interaction.
Medical Notes: Week of July 4, 2021
A study shows that even a mild case of Covid produces antibodies that are still going strong 11 months later. Then, Could flickering lights help treat Alzheimer’s disease? And finally a new study shows that the flavor ban in San Francisco may have pushed high schoolers to start smoking cigarettes instead.
Growth Hormone For Short Kids
Thousands of parents take their children to doctors each year seeking synthetic growth hormone to cure their relatively short stature, even though most of these children are merely late bloomers. Plus, studies show that short stature generally does not create psychological damage. Experts weigh in.
Marfan Syndrome
Marfan syndrome produces obvious physical symptoms such as extreme height, but its hidden symptoms, especially in the heart and eyes, can be much more serious. Experts discuss its diagnosis and treatment.
Medical Notes: Week of June 27, 2021
Many of us have the picture of a Covid pandemic winding down, but for cancer patients treatment can still be hard to get. Then, evidence of adverse health effects is mounting, but there’s been little research on prenatal exposure to Glyphosate. And finally… the home of the future may include a smart toilet to gauge your bowel health.
Medical Notes: Week of June 20, 2021
A new study finds that organic meats are much less likely to be contaminated with foodborne pathogens. Then, fracking has been linked to higher heart attack rates in nearby communities. Then, more people are working the graveyard shift… and that means more people suffering from what’s called “shift work sleep disorder.” Then, here’s another way to cut your cancer risk—eat more mushrooms. And …
Refineries and Their Neighbors: How Safe is the Air?
A recent report shows that more than a dozen refineries around the US are emitting benzene pollution into the air at higher levels than allowed by the EPA. An activist discusses this newly labeled problem and what the agency can do to curb it.
Medical Notes: Week of June 13, 2021
Pregnant women face many medical risks, but a study suggests a case of symptomatic Covid-19 can make birth even riskier. Then, a new drug combination looks promising to treat Lou Gehrig's Disease. Then, doctors say you may want to reconsider using an over-the-counter antibiotic next time you scrape a knee. And finally… your chicken dinners aren’t saving any cows.
Tasty Food vs. Healthy Food: Finding A Balance (2021)
Many Americans believe that healthy food doesn’t taste good, and tasty food isn’t healthy. A chef who is also a cardiologist discusses how to find a balance by seeking out healthy ingredients rather than whole categories of foods.
Medical Notes: Week of June 6, 2021
Scientists have come up with a test that can tell in less than an hour whether you’re sick with a virus or bacteria. Then a study finds that there are changes in the blood that can predict a pregnant woman's due date more accurately than today's obstetricians. Then, more evidence that Covid symptoms can drag on and on for months. And finally, the impact of Covid-19 may be felt on the environment …
