Radio Health Journal
The latest in health, science, technology, and the intersection of medicine and public policy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scientists are discovering that our food preferences are much more than a matter of taste, and that taste itself is more complicated than we thought. Psychology also plays a role. An expert discusses what determines preferences, such as why some people like jalapeno peppers & black coffee, and some don’t.
Glaucoma is the world’s number one cause of blindness and those daily eye drops are not always successful. Then, the number of times a woman has given birth affects how quickly she ages. Plus, you can expect another decline in Covid-19 transmission as we head into spring. And finally, if you want to make shots hurt less… make the right kind of face.
Cars will soon be able to provide data as well as receive it. Experts explain how cars can talk with roads, traffic signals and central computers, and how roads themselves may collect data on the cars they carry. In the future, autonomous cars may use these links to greatly speed travel and make it much safer.
Success of Covid-19 vaccines depends on about 75 percent of people getting them, but distrust of medicine and of vaccines among African-Americans means they may not come close to that milepost. Two experts discuss historical reasons for distrust, how the system will have to come through in ways it has not in the past, and how community leaders will make a huge difference in how the new vaccines …
Doctors consider people at high risk for a stroke if they have medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. But maybe they should consider whether they’re depressed as well. Then, children under age two may suffer effects from antibiotics later on in childhood. And finally, mom may have always told you to eat your vegetables… but a little meat and dairy keep people from breaking bones.
Poor communication and mixed messages have contributed greatly to poor acceptance of anti-coronavirus actions such as masking and social distancing, and experts fear it may be the same with the new vaccines. Experts discuss what we’ve done right in messaging and the lessons from what we’ve done wrong.
Researchers have found that severe emotional trauma in childhood triggers physical disease later in life, and has a cumulative effect. An award-winning science writer who has researched the topic discusses findings.
The incidence of cancer is increasing among teenagers and young adults. Then, This is the time to make new year’s resolutions… but mental health experts say this year may not be the time to make big changes. And finally… your Roomba may be spying on you through your wi-fi network.
Osteoporosis is increasing as America ages. However, fewer people are being tested for bone density and are agreeing to treatment because of side effects of osteoporosis medications. Experts discuss the devastating effects of increased broken bones and what can now be done to prevent them.
Doctors already say they’re burned out, but the Covid-19 pandemic is making it worse. A noted physician educator discusses how burnout starts with the way future doctors are taught.
Therapists report an increase in orthorexia, a not-yet recognized eating disorder where people become fixated on eating only healthy things and/or exercising hours per day. It can take over an afflicted person’s life and result in physical symptoms much like anorexia.
Summer is tick season, and tick bites are common. However, bites from a couple of types of ticks can produce paralysis and even death.
Studies show that people with autism are twice as likely as others to engage in substance abuse, contrary to previous belief that they are extremely unlikely to use drugs or alcohol. An expert and an author who has used alcohol to cope with his autism discuss the developments and their impact.
The next step in beating the Covid-19 pandemic may be stepped up contact tracing and quarantine of people who've had contact with Covid-positive individuals. However, many people see that as too expensive and intrusive to be practical.
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