Radio Health Journal
The latest in health, science, technology, and the intersection of medicine & public policy.
Wild animals carry out “criminal acts” with amazing frequency, ranging from simple breaking and entering to theft to manslaughter. Wildlife managers spend much of their time trying to prevent these acts or clean up after them. Noted science writer Mary Roach discusses animal criminals and how human behavior is encroaching on wildlife habitat, forcing them …
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.
Scientists are testing hundreds of different kinds of animals as well as waste and storm water for Covid-19, looking for reservoirs for possible mutation. They’ve learned even pets can possibly harbor the virus but probably aren’t a threat. An expert discusses how the knowledge will combat Covid variants.
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.
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.
Some nursing homes with a large number of patients with dementia have found that farm animals on-site and even in rooms can be helpful in raising spirits and reducing the need for medications. A therapist and program director at one such nursing home discusses how llamas, chickens, goats and mini horses have found a home, to the benefit of residents.
Animal shelters report a surge in pet adoptions, especially puppies, in the last six months, and veterinarians are having to adopt procedures such as telemedicine to deal with the increase while still staying safe. Experts explain how adopting and training a new pet has changed in the pandemic.
Summer is tick season, and tick bites are common. However, bites from a couple of types of ticks can produce paralysis and even death.
People who recover from a coronavirus infection often still have a long way to go to recover their mental health. Then, a study that shows sick leave is a good way to slow the spread of diseases like Covid-19. Plus, doing good for other people is contagious. And finally, if you’re feeling stressed and anxious about the pandemic, you can bet your dog or cat …
A number of new treatments for Covid-19 are showing promise and could be fast-tracked if clinical trials continue to show good results. Then, another trial of 53 severely ill patients reported in the New England Journal of Medicine found that 68 percent showed clinical improvement with Remdesivir. Then, viruses like Covid-19 that jump from animals to people …
If you’ve been taking the drug Ranitidine for reflux or ulcer prevention, the FDA says stop. Then, a new study shows that parents are yelling at their children more since most of us have been ordered to stay home. And finally, with Covid-19 testing in such short supply… why not let a dog do it?
A growing number of pet owners are tempted to put their dog or cat on vegan, gluten-free or raw diets. An expert pet nutritionist and veterinarian discusses what pets should and shouldn’t eat to be healthy.
