Health Fusion

Fracturing a bone when you fall on the ice and wrenching your back while shoveling snow are two common injuries that happen in winter. In this episode of Health Fusion, Viv Williams gets winter safety tips from a University of Minnesota doctor.

When arctic blasts cause temperatures to plummet, stepping outside can be dangerous. Frost bite can set in quickly. And if you've ever taken a deep breath in extreme cold, you know that it feels as if your lungs are freezing too. In this Health Fusion episode, Viv Williams talks to a researcher from Canada who studies what intensely cold air could do to athlete's (or anyone's) lungs.

Loading up the car to visit family and friends during the holidays can be hectic. And when one of the travelers has Alzheimer's disease, the process may be even more stressful. In this episode of "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shares tips from the American Alzheimer's Association of Minnesota-North Dakota on how to make holiday travel and disrupted routines less difficult.

Why, at a time when people are supposed to be full of holiday joy and cheer, do you feel sad when you walk by a tree that's decorated in full, twinkling regalia? In this episode of "Health Fusion," Viv Williams gets tips on how to handle the holiday blues from a University of Minnesota expert and learns lessons from — believe it or not — the Elf on a Shelf.

If you're thinking of joining the pickleball craze, or are already a player, listen up. A Mayo Clinic hand and wrist surgeon has tips to help you avoid injuries on the court. Viv Williams has details of the four "p's" of pickleball in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

Christmas cards can kill. True or false? Or, how about this one — during the height of the holidays, more people die from heart attacks than any other time of the year. True or false? In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shares health trivia in her holiday quiz. See how well you do!

When your alarm clock goes off, do you hop out of bed feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day? Or are you groggy, tired and would rather hit snooze and sleep longer? A new study shows that the secret to feeling more energetic in the morning is to do three things. Viv Williams has the details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

Do you ever feel down about your body? Bundling up and taking a walk in the snow may help improve your body image. Viv Williams has details of a new study in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

Do you overindulge on Thanksgiving? A lot of people do. It can be hard to resist recipes you only get during the holidays. But if you chow down on foods and drinks that are high in salt, fat or caffeine, you may be at risk of "holiday heart." Viv Williams has details from Mayo Clinic cardiologists in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

When temps drop and days shorten in the fall, are you temped to hibernate and stay in bed a little longer? In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shares what experts now know about a possible connection between how early you wake up and your risk of depression.

When a neighbor found an Iowa farmer lying in a field with what looked like a bullet hole in his back, he called 911 and triggered a series of events that solved a mystery and saved a life. The ordeal involved teams of medical experts in two states, emergency innovations at Mayo Clinic and even a mysterious stranger who arrived on the scene to help, but hasn't been seen since. Viv Williams tells the story in this Health Fusion medical mystery. https://www.postbulletin.com/podcasts/health-fusion  

When you're in the midst of a bust day, it's easy to forget about the people and things for which you're grateful. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams demonstrates how to create a gratitude pumpkin so you and your family can be mindful of a month full of reasons to give thanks.

What is it about certain people that makes them mosquito magnets? In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams checks out a new study that may have an answer as to why the stinging pests find some people irresistible.

Are you one of those people who spends big chunks of time cleaning up after themselves, feeling overwhelmed with daily tasks or fighting distraction? Those behaviors could be symptoms of adult AHDH. In this episode of "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shares info from a University of Minnesota psychiatrist.

Want a quick and tasty way to work more vegetables into your diet and clear out your fridge at the same time? Try this fast frittata recipe. Viv Williams has details in this episode of "Health Fusion." Leah's Fabulous Veggie Frittata Ingredients* 10 eggs 1/4 cup cold water 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil Black pepper to taste Trader Joe's Cuban style citrus seasoning 2 small heads of broccoli chopped medium fine Fresh herbs of choice Sea salt 2 TBSP Feta cheese 1 tsp Parmesan cheese 1 TBSP Ricotta cheese 6 mushrooms, sliced 1 zucchini, sliced 2 cups fresh spinach Juice of 1/2 lemon 1 cup fresh snap peas Directions: Chop all veggies (except spinach). Heat cast iron skillet on med high on stove top. Add chopped veggies to skillet with extra virgin olive oil. In large bowl, whisk eggs and add seasonings then add cold water. Cook the veg on medium high heat until they start to color (about 5 minutes). Then add spinach and immediately pour in eggs and turn down the heat to medium low for a few more minutes. Add cheese on top. Finish under boiler until brown on top. Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Tops with fresh herbs and lemon juice and enjoy! * Mix it up! Use any veggies you have in the fridge

If you're stressed, stepping out the door and into the fall colors can help calm frazzled nerves. New research shows that the health benefits of adding trees and other elements of nature to urban areas go way beyond stress relief. They may help close the lifespan gap between people living in the most and least deprived areas. Viv Williams has details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

Do you browse online for stuff to buy during coffee breaks? Or grab an energy drink or latte on your way to pick up groceries? In this episode of "Health Fusion," Viv Williams explores a study about how caffeine may influence spending.

Many people suffer from pain due to wear and tear arthritis. In this episode of "Health Fusion," Viv Williams talks to a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon about osteoarthritis of the knee and options to consider if you're not ready for surgery.

Can't decide what to do with the pile of apples you picked at the local orchard or bought at the store? Make applesauce! In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shares a traditional family recipe for homemade applesauce that's rich and yummy but still nutritious and low calorie.

Most teens don't get enough sleep. And that can make them exhausted and moody. A new study reveals ways to help teens get the shut eye they need during the school year. Viv Williams has details in this episode of "Health Fusion."

A dog's sense of smell has helped to find missing people, detect drugs at airports and find the tiniest morsel of food dropped from a toddler's highchair. A new study shows that dogs may also be able to sniff out when you're stressed out.

An early frost can mean a sudden end to the growing season. But there are ways to protect plants from dipping temperatures. In this episode of "Health Fusion," Viv Williams has tips on how to cover your flowers and vegetables so you can enjoy the health benefits of gardening longer into the fall season.

Interval training, or high intensity interval training (HIIT), is a way to pack the health benefits of exercise into a short amount of time. No matter what your fitness level. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams talks to a Mayo Clinic exercise expert about why intervals are so effective.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing dementia with seven healthy lifestyle habits. Viv Williams has details of a new study in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

When heat waves strike, your sleep can suffer. Sleep researchers offer tips on how to prevent high temperatures from disrupting your nights. Viv Williams has details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

Life couldn't have been better for Elyn and Guy Simmons. They were young, successful and ready to start a family. But then the strange symptoms started. And Elyn began to change. In this special, medical mystery episode of NewdMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shares the the story of how a hard-to-diagnose disease hijacked Elyn's health. Then she met a team of Mayo Clinic experts who followed the clues and sleuthed out a solution.

Are you a person who likes to have a bedtime snack before you hit the sack? Or are you the type who can't sleep if there's food in your belly? In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams explores the link between nutrition and a good night's sleep.

Think twice before you grab ready-made meals or snacks. A new study links ultra-processed foods to colon cancer in men. Viv Williams has details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

Gardens and farmers' markets are popping with heart healthy fresh produce. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shows how to freeze late summer vegetables that you can enjoy throughout fall and winter.

If you're not a vegetable fan, give this recipe a try. It features kale, is packed with nutrients and even people who turn their noses up at the thought of this vegetable have agreed that the fast and easy recipe is tasty. Viv Williams has the details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

Who knew that the weeds growing the in cracks of many sidewalks may be the next big superfood. Viv Williams has the details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

If you see little white grains of rice in your dog's or cat's feces or Rover can't stop dragging his butt across the carpet, your beloved pet might have a tapeworm. Does this mean your family will get them too? Ew! Canine tapeworms are the topic in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion with Viv Williams."

How can two unrelated people look so much alike? That question has stumped people for a long time. But new research may have found an answer. Viv Williams has the details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

Which is better, butter or margarine? Figuring out which fats are healthiest can be confusing. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams finds out what some researchers say is the healthier option.

Can reducing salt really help reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke and other diseases? A new study shows cutting out about 1/4 of a teaspoon of salt each day could ward off certain diseases and death over time. Viv Williams has details in this episode of NewsMD's "HealthFusion."

Ticks can survive a Minnesota winter, but their go time is March through October. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams goes in-depth with a tick expert who helped discover two pathogens that ticks can carry. And both of them can make you sick.

Sound and electrical stimulation may offer hope for people suffering from chronic pain and other conditions. Researchers are exploring the combination with the goal of developing treatments that are safer and more accessible than opioid medication. Viv Williams has details of a new study in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

When those first baby teeth appear, it's time to start teaching little ones about good dental health. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams consults a pediatric dentist about when kids should have their first dental appointment and she shares tips on brushing.

When you sprain your ankle or have an infection inflammation helps to heal tissues. But when inflammation is chronic, or long term, it can contribute to conditions such as heart disease and autoimmune diseases. Researchers have found a link between chronic inflammation and low levels of vitamin D. Viv Williams has details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

Blood pressure, body weight, cholesterol and blood glucose are some of the numbers that measure heart health. The American Heart Association has added sleep to that list. Why? Because research about how sleep effects those numbers keeps emerging. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams talks to a Mayo Clinic cardiologist and sleep expert about why sleep is vital to your heart health.

What is it about our sense of smell that can both transport us back to Grandma's cozy kitchen or send us fleeing, noses pinched shut, for fresh air? Aromas can be powerful. New research shows that the smells of nature can improve your sense of well-being. Viv Williams has details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

When a scammer calls about your car's warranty or overdue taxes that must be paid immediately or you'll be hauled off to jail, do you get mad, scared or irritated? In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams checks out a new study that explores what being a victim of financial scams and fraud can do to your blood pressure.

If you're ever had gout, you know how painful and debilitating the flare-ups can be. But your feet may not be the only things that need attention. A new study shows a bout with gout may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke temporarily afterwards. Viv Williams has details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

Many women feel tired, anxious and a little down after delivering a baby. Persistent symptoms could mean it's more than just the baby blues. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams talks to an OBGYN physician about warning signs and treatment options.

Here's some good news for pet owners. Your dog, cat or other animal friend may help slow cognitive decline over time. Get the details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion with Viv Williams."

Exposure to nature — city greenspaces, suburban prairies or even natural forests — may help kids breathe better. Get the details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion with Viv Williams."

Here's another good reason to quit smoking and vaping. Both are linked to a higher risk of COVID-19 complications, including death. Viv Williams has details of a news study in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."

A quick power nap can boost energy and help you feel refreshed. But a new study links frequent napping to high blood pressure. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shares that it's likely not be the naps themselves that are the issue, but rather the health and nighttime sleep patterns of the people who take them.

Relaxed summertime schedules may mean that kids have more screen time than they do during the school year. But only half of all parents recognize that excessive time spent staring at digital devices may be hurting their kids' eyes. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shares details from a recent poll, plus what the eye issues are and what parents can do to avoid them.

You don't have to own a garden to get the health benefits that can happen when you spend time around nature. All you have to do to for a plant-based mind and body boost is visit a greenspace in bloom. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams highlights this season's "Tour with the Masters" garden tour and shares info about how an activity like that can be good for your health.

Inflammation can be a bad thing, especially if you have underlying conditions such as heart disease or rheumatoid arthritis. But it's also part of the body's natural healing process. So if you sprain your ankle, should you take anti-inflammatory medications or not? In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams talks with a Mayo Clinic doctor about why you might want to skip the ibuprofen in some situations.