Line One: Your Health Connection

A look at the health impacts of wildfire smoke and volcanic ash, how you can protect yourself and what Alaskans can expect in the years to come.

Nearly a third of people diagnosed with eating disorders are men. What barriers prevent them from getting help?

The American Cancer Society works to fund cancer research across the country, but the scope of their work and support is much greater.

Join host Dr Justin Clark as he discusses knee replacement, a surgical procedure in which a damaged or worn-out knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint, aka, a prosthesis.

Alaska's growing Health Information Exchange, together with new state efforts, are working to lower healthcare costs and deliver better care.

Far from being just cosmetic, plastic surgery is a diverse medical specialty that addresses both physical and emotional healing.

On this Line One, join Dr. Justin Clark for a discussion about all things liver.

Host Dr. Anne Zink talks to two community health aides, Joe McMillan and Melinda Johnson, from the Eastern Aleutian Tribes, to discuss rural health care in Alaska.

Osteogenic loading is an evidence-based approach to building bone strength without medication.

Host Dr. Justin Clark and his guests discuss the intersection of food and tradition, and how those connect people across all walks of life.

Cardiologist Dr. Gene Quinn joins host Dr. Anne Zink to discuss cardiology, along with his work to make health care more affordable in Alaska.

Feeling stuck in life—whether in work, relationships, or personal growth—is more common than you think.

We discuss the how, why, and where of donating blood in Alaska.

We look at the economics behind our health care challenges and hear first-hand reporting on why Alaska's premiums are so high.

By the time you reach 40, your body could be losing around 1% of its muscle mass every year, but it doesn't have to. The key to unlocking strength, longevity, and mobility lies in understanding how your body works and making the right changes to bring out its best From metabolic health to muscle strength, science shows that even small changes in how we breathe, move, and fuel ourselves can transform our energy and health. On this Line One, host Dr. Jillian Woodruff and her guest discuss strategies to enhance fitness, prevent disease, and optimize your body's potential.

Are you tired of the yelling and the power struggles? Tired of the disrespect and defiance of your challenging child? Do you long for a feeling of peace and connection in your family, and just want your child to do what you ask them, without it always devolving into arguments and fighting? On this Line One, host Prentiss Pemberton and his guest discuss how firm, but gentle parenting approaches can lead to healthier relationships, even with oppositional children.

A new addiction medicine fellowship through Providence Alaska is working to shift the way people in Alaska can get care and access resources around substance use disorders.

Disagreements are bound to come up in relationships, but if it feels like every conversation with your partner turns into a battle where someone comes out hurt, odds are defensiveness may be playing a role. On this Line One, host Prentiss Pemberton and relationship expert Lisa Merlo-Booth explore why we get defensive, how to recognize it in yourself, and how to build healthier connections.

A good night's rest is vital to our overall health, but there's a lot that can interrupt the 7 hours of sleep recommended for adults, including obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea affects 1 in 15 Americans, likely more, and treatment has often involved inconvenient treatments like CPAP machines. A new device called Inspire offers new alternatives for people with sleep apnea. Host Dr. Justin Clark and his guests discuss sleep apnea and treatment options on this Line One.

Earthquake-resistant buildings can protect us in a disaster, just like strong preventative health measures can keep our health systems resilient and our population healthy and well. When public health care is done right, it can seem like nothing has happened at all. On this Line One, host Dr. Anne Zink interviews Dr. Caitlin Rivers, author of "Crisis Averted: The Hidden Science of Fighting Outbreaks" about the power of prevention, and how to build a healthier future.

We discuss the challenges of diagnosing and treating individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions.

Catholic Social Services, in partnership with Southcentral Foundation, works to provide healthcare, especially preventative medicine, to people experiencing homelessness in Anchorage through multiple clinics and shelters. This work provides better outcomes for patients, and lowers community costs as medical issues are caught before they can become larger problems with more involved treatment. Host Dr. Justin Clark and his guests discuss the details of providing medical care to people experiencing homelessness on this Line One.

Respiratory diseases like the flu or RSV are common during the Fall and Winter, but how do you know when your symptoms mean you should seek medical care? And what steps can you take to protect yourself from getting sick in the first place? What is different this fall and winter? And how and when do vaccines get approved anyway? Host Dr. Anne Zink and guests discuss managing respiratory diseases and staying healthy this fall and winter.

A healthy society and planet starts with schools. Having an education system that adequately prepares students to tackle modern-day issues is the surest way to set up future generations for success, but how do you approach the curriculum in a way that really ensures that preparation? On this Line One, host Prentiss Pemberton and his guests explore ideas to rethink how we deliver education for a healthier future.

CDC data shows that in 2022, there was one death by suicide for every 11 minutes. While the stigma around mental health has begun to fade, this is a reminder that many struggles are still hidden. The signs of suicidal thoughts are not always obvious and recognizing them in yourself and loved ones is vitally important. On this Line One, host Dr. Jillian Woodruff and her guest discuss those signs and share resources for suicide prevention.

For decades, medical experts insisted opioids were not addictive, mistakenly warned natural fat caused heart disease, and over-prescribed antibiotics and other medications. Over time, mistakes were identified and corrected, but what is modern medicine getting wrong today? Host Dr. Justin Clark discusses Blind Spots in medicine with NYT bestselling author Dr. Marty Makary.

Dr. Anne Zink interviews former Line One host Dr. Thad Woodard about his over 20 years hosting the program.

Dr. Anne Zink joins the Line One host roster by "listening loudly" to current and former hosts, and to Alaskans calling in. As public health leaders, there is a lot of answering questions, either to a specific patient, a reporter or to the public in general, but the greatest learning comes from listening and inviting conversation. On this Line One, Dr. Zink is joined by former host Dr. Jay Butler, and current hosts Dr. Justin Clark and Dr. Jillian Woodruff to discuss the history of Line One, some memorable shows or moments, and what Alaskans would like to hear more of in the future.

Alaska's rural communities are confronting a profound crisis. From 2012 to 2021, pregnancy-associated deaths in rural Alaska almost tripled, dramatically outpacing the increase seen in urban areas. Alarmingly, almost half of these deaths were linked to barriers in accessing healthcare. Host Dr. Jillian Woodruff and her guests discuss this disparity and how to address it on this Line One.

Electroconvulsive Therapy, or ECT, is often portrayed in movies and pop culture as a cruel or abusive treatment. However modern day ECT is far from the stereotypes. The process is done carefully, and studies have found it has a remission rate for treatment-resistant depression far higher than most medications. Join host Dr Justin Clark as he and his guests dispel the myths around ECT on this Line One.

Microplastics are an environmental and health concern around the world, but recent studies suggest that the Arctic contains very high concentrations of these particles in the animals and people that live there. Why are microplastics so prevalent in the Arctic, and what is known about how they affect human health and development? We explore the health concerns brought about by plastics on this Line One.

Host Dr. Jillian Woodruff MD talks with guest Samantha Swatek, Pharm.D.; Licensed Clinical Pharmacist at Alaska Native Medical Center, about the role of a pharmacist in patient care and how herbal medicine can be included in that care.

The field of psychedelic medicine is both old and new. While the application of psychedelics in a therapeutic setting are still being studied, many plant-based medicines with psychedelic effects have long been used by indigenous groups around the world for important cultural practices. As psychedelics begin to be decriminalized and studied, how can treatment and policy around psychedelics be done in a way that respects their cultural legacy, and protects patients from potentially harmful effects? Arctic Visions, a two-day conference in Anchorage, seeks to explore that, and many other questions around psychedelics. We talk with speakers for the upcoming conference on this Line One.

There's a stereotypical image of a bully that most people are familiar with, but in reality, bullying can take many different forms. In a hyper-polarized world where dehumanizing language is common, it's important to be able to recognize bullies and the ways they can affect our long-term mental health. Host Prentiss Pemberton and his guest discuss recognizing and dealing with the bullies in your life on this Line One.

Over 40% of adults in the U.S. live with obesity, a condition that can increase the risk for health issues like heart disease and diabetes. The causes of obesity are complex, and while many services and products advertise quick fixes, true medical weight loss offers a science-backed approach to achieving a healthy weight, focused on long-term success through a holistic approach. On this Line One, host Dr. Jillian Woodruff and her guest explore how medical professionals can offer effective strategies for weight loss.

Co-parenting is an often-overlooked aspect of separation or divorce. The charged emotions that surround divorce often leave children caught in the middle of an unhealthy relationship dynamic. When parents work together after separation to keep their children's best interests in mind, it leads to better outcomes for everyone involved. Host Prentiss Pemberton speaks with parenting coordinator and mediator Bettsie Wild on this Line One.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the US, but it's even more prevalent in Alaska, where Alaska Native people see some of the highest rates in the world. What are the risk factors for developing colon cancer, and can it be prevented? On this Line One, host Dr. Justin Clark and his guests discuss resources for colon cancer screening, and hear one person's journey through a colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Lower back pain is an issue that affects most people at some point in their life. It can range from a minor irritation to something completely debilitating, and even the smallest level of pain can have a huge impact on your quality of life. But the causes can be wide-ranging, as are the treatments. On this Line One, host Prentiss Pemberton is joined by an orthopedic surgeon to discuss the causes and treatments for lower back pain.

What do intermittent fasting, paleo, and keto all have in common? These are fad diets that offer rapid weight loss and a magic bullet to improve chronic diseases. While they are popular, many of these diets have limited data to support their claims, and in some cases can actually be unhealthy. Join host Dr. Justin Clark as he discusses the good and the bad of the current fad diets on this Line One.

For students with disabilities, the transition from K-12 to postsecondary education can be challenging. Like the K-12 system, many universities offer accommodations, but the systems are far from the same. On this Line One, host Prentiss Pemberton is joined by a college disabilities expert to discuss those accommodations, and how students can advocate for themselves in college.

The skin can be an important indicator for your internal health. Acne can indicate hormonal shifts, while dry skin may signal dehydration or issues in the organ system. Healthy skin refreshes every 28 days, but as we age, this process slows. On this Line One, Dr. Jillian Woodruff and her guest discuss how to care for your skin and keep the window to your internal health open.

Perfectionism is a trait that on its head seems helpful for your work and personal life, but when it goes too far, it can become a toxic influence on our mental health and relationships. How do you tell when perfectionism becomes unhealthy, and what can you do to prevent it from becoming a harmful influence? Join host Prentiss Pemberton as we learn to be imperfect on this Line One.

Studies suggest that up to 40% of women and 30% of men report dysfunction during intimacy at some point in their lives, but conversations on the subject can be difficult and awkward, even between longtime partners. On this Line One, host Dr. Jillian Woodruff and her guest discuss how sex therapy for couples and individuals can strengthen connections, enhance communication, and revive intimacy.

Nurses are an integral part of today's medical system. When talking about nurses, it's hard to find things they don't do. Nurses work long hours, care for vulnerable patients, and are the backbone of the medical industry. In honor of Nurse's week, which starts May 6, host Prentiss Pemberton and his guests discuss the landscape of Nursing in Alaska.

The skin is our body's largest organ, making up about 15% of our body weight. It's our first line of defense, shielding us from environmental toxins, regulating our body temperature, and helping to get rid of waste through sweat. It's also a mirror of our overall health; changes in its appearance can often signal underlying health issues. Join host Dr. Jillian Woodruff on this Line One, as she and her guest discuss the science of skin.

Traumatic experiences can come in many ways, including from witnessing trauma in others around you. Whether in childhood or as an adult, the way it changes your brain has far-ranging effects. Finding the right mental health provider to begin healing can also be challenging in a state like Alaska. Join host Dr Justin Clark as he discusses trauma, and how to navigate mental health services to find the right provider for yourself on this episode of Line One.

Have you or a loved one ever felt caught between the cracks of a fragmented health care system? Too often, Alaskans with complex needs receive care that is expensive, inefficient, and poorly coordinated. How do we transform our systems to better care for patients with complex needs and to better serve Alaskans? On this Line One, guest host Dr. Anne Zink and her guests discuss complex care in Alaska.

According to the CDC, 1 in every 5 deaths in the U.S. is due to heart disease. While there are many factors that play into heart health, a plant-based diet can decrease your risk of heart disease by up to 25%. Factoring in exercise, stress reduction, and good sleep habits can decrease the risk even more. On this episode of Line One, host Dr. Jillian Woodruff and her guests discuss the benefits of a plant-based diet and naturopathic medicine.