Radio Health Journal
The latest in health, science, technology, and the intersection of medicine and public policy.
In an era dominated by keyboards, it is easy to think handwriting is a skill of the past. But are we shortchanging our brains by abandoning this ability? Our guests this week explore the critical cognitive benefits of handwriting and discuss how the physical act of writing by hand significantly boosts literacy, memory retention, and idea generation.
All of that time you spend digging earwax out of your ear isn’t just a waste of time, but can be damaging your health. Earwax is a self-cleaning substance that protects our ears from infection and debris. Dr. Andrew Tagg explains the wax’s various roles and when to know when you truly need a cleaning.
Prevention is built into so many aspects of our lives, from coffee cup lids to seatbelts. However, many of these life-saving innovations were historically met with extreme public and professional resistance. Our expert explores "preventioneers" – the people who defied taboo and skepticism to transform how we protect ourselves from disease and disaster.
While organ donation can help save a life, brain donation can help save thousands. Specifically for autism, brain donations are helping researchers uncover the biological causes of the disorder to improve the quality of life for future generations. Our experts highlight the critical need for donation awareness and participation.
For years, boxer Danny O’Connor didn’t realize his extreme methods of cutting weight masked a severe struggle with binge eating disorder. This cycle of dangerous physical manipulation followed by uncontrollable eating left him feeling like an unwilling passenger in his own body. This week he shares his story, highlighting the struggles of seeking help for …
Despite being declared eliminated in America more than two decades ago, measles has made a significant resurgence and is on track to break modern records. With no known treatment, patients must try to manage symptoms like high fever and potential respiratory or neurological complications that can be fatal for unvaccinated children. Dr. Ben Bradley explains …
Narcissistic personality disorder develops through a combination of genetics and childhood development. While the term is often used casually to describe selfish behavior, a true diagnosis reflects a much more complicated disorder. Wendy T. Behary addresses common misconceptions and explains the roots of this often-villainized condition.
Despite its historical prevalence in everything from ancient plumbing to 20th-century gasoline, lead is a highly dangerous metal that can accumulate in the human body over a lifetime. Researchers have been analyzing strands of hair to track long-term lead exposure and evaluate the impact of the EPA’s environmental regulations.
his condition crosses the line into mental illness when obsessive fears about sin or salvation begin to negatively interfere with daily life. Our experts explain how to recognize the signs of scrupulosity and the specialized treatments that can help patients restore a healthy relationship with their faith.
The gut-brain connection is very real – and could be the reason behind your stomach issues. When your irritable bowel syndrome is caused by mental stress, medication may not be the best treatment option. Our expert explains how hypnotherapy can help patients heal that mental connection and eliminate symptoms.
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 …
Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah’s life took a turn when a routine medical screening became anything but. Despite her professional expertise, she still had to navigate the frightening transition from provider to patient. Owusu-Ansah explains how she’s using her story to show others how to self-advocate when navigating the healthcare system.
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