Listen to Radio Health Journal to get the latest scoop on what’s trending in health, science and technology, and the intersection of medicine and public policy. Each week we speak with leading experts to break down the complex medical jargon and report on a timely topic. Did you know ecstasy could h…

A mental health researcher reveals the secret battle she hid for years – one that nearly took her life during pregnancy. Her story exposes how common and overlooked perinatal depression truly is, and why stigma keeps so many women from getting help. In this powerful memoir-turned-case-study, she hopes to show struggling mothers that they're not alone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the impacts of a nuclear bomb are devastating, we all are now at risk for radiation effects due to low-dose, long-term ionizing radiation. Our experts discuss what scientists are learning about radiation exposure in medical and occupational settings, and explain practical ways people can protect themselves from harmful radiation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can we save babies born with HIV? We're overusing salt – and not just in our pasta. Technology is only as good as it's creator. Is it time to invest in a bird feeder? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peripheral Neuropathy: Causes, Symptoms, And New Treatment Options When nerves lose the energy they need to function, it leads to numbness, pain, and loss of mobility for millions of Americans. New research is uncovering how risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and food insecurity disproportionately affect certain communities. As scientists work to refine treatments and explore promising therapies that include GLP-1 medications, early detection, dietary changes, and improved access to healthcare remain critical to stopping the progression of this condition. How Improving Healthcare For People With Disabilities Helps Everyone Special Olympics is working to close major gaps in healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A new global report reveals widespread problems – from poor provider training to communication barriers – that prevent individuals with IDD from receiving informed, respectful, and effective care. The organization hopes to create a more inclusive system by improving physician training and empowering people with IDD to participate in their own health decisions. Medical Notes: We're Overusing Salt, How Feeding Birds Improves Our Quality Of Life, And Protecting Kids From HIV How can we save babies born with HIV? We're overusing salt – and not just in our pasta. Technology is only as good as it's creator. Is it time to invest in a bird feeder? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Special Olympics is working to close major gaps in healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A new global report reveals widespread problems – from poor provider training to communication barriers – that prevent individuals with IDD from receiving informed, respectful, and effective care. The organization hopes to create a more inclusive system by improving physician training and empowering people with IDD to participate in their own health decisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When nerves lose the energy they need to function, it leads to numbness, pain, and loss of mobility for millions of Americans. New research is uncovering how risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and food insecurity disproportionately affect certain communities. As scientists work to refine treatments and explore promising therapies that include GLP-1 medications, early detection, dietary changes, and improved access to healthcare remain critical to stopping the progression of this condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are sound waves the next big thing in cancer treatment? Tackle football isn't as kid-friendly as you think. Why you may want to spend more time on your phone. Light therapy could mend your heart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hypothyroidism And The New FDA Ruling The thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating key body functions, but when it's dysregulated, the typical treatment involves synthetic T4 and T3. A small number of patients still use desiccated thyroid extract derived from animals, but the FDA plans to phase it out due to safety and dosing concerns. Our experts explain why patients are still using DTE and why they're being transitioned to other options. Saving A Life: How To Reverse An Overdose Many people know what to do in emergencies like fires or animal encounters, but far fewer understand how to respond to an opioid overdose. A nonprofit is teaching the public to recognize key signs of an overdose and use tools like naloxone and fentanyl test strips to save lives. As education and access expand, the goal is to make harm reduction strategies as familiar as any other life-saving precaution. Medical Notes: Why You Should Spend More Time On Your Phone, The Dangers Of Kids Playing Tackle Football, And How Light Therapy Can Mend Your Heart Are sound waves the next big thing in cancer treatment? Tackle football isn't as kid-friendly as you think. Why you may want to spend more time on your phone. Light therapy could mend your heart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many people know what to do in emergencies like fires or animal encounters, but far fewer understand how to respond to an opioid overdose. A nonprofit is teaching the public to recognize key signs of an overdose and use tools like naloxone and fentanyl test strips to save lives. As education and access expand, the goal is to make harm reduction strategies as familiar as any other life-saving precaution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating key body functions, but when it's dysregulated, the typical treatment involves synthetic T4 and T3. A small number of patients still use desiccated thyroid extract derived from animals, but the FDA plans to phase it out due to safety and dosing concerns. Our experts explain why patients are still using DTE and why they're being transitioned to other options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hidden dangers of your vape. Which exercise is best for your health? Why you may want to spend more time on your phone.You need to be eating more fiber – here's how. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are Cluster Headaches The Worst Pain A Human Can Experience? Cluster headaches are rare but devastating for the people who experience them. These attacks can strike repeatedly in a single day and may go undiagnosed for years. Specialists say greater awareness, research, and individualized treatment are urgently needed to help those living with this invisible, and often debilitating, condition. Why Kids With Autism May Want To Learn Multiple Languages During Celia Romero's research on kids with autism, she uncovered a widespread misconception: many families had been advised to avoid teaching their child a second language. That guidance wasn't backed by science. In fact, new research suggests that multilingualism may actually support executive functioning and social skills in kids on the spectrum. While more data is needed, this work opens the door to greater opportunities for learning and connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During Celia Romero's research on kids with autism, she uncovered a widespread misconception: many families had been advised to avoid teaching their child a second language. That guidance wasn't backed by science. In fact, new research suggests that multilingualism may actually support executive functioning and social skills in kids on the spectrum. While more data is needed, this work opens the door to greater opportunities for learning and connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cluster headaches are rare but devastating for the people who experience them. These attacks can strike repeatedly in a single day and may go undiagnosed for years. Specialists say greater awareness, research, and individualized treatment are urgently needed to help those living with this invisible, and often debilitating, condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will we ever truly get rid of ‘Forever chemicals'? Are sound waves the next big thing in cancer treatment? Your smartwatch is good for more than just counting steps. The truth on how to get better sleep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Compounding Pharmacies – The Unsung Heroes Of Compounding pharmacies aren't spoken about much publicly, but they're a crucial part of healthcare when needed. Whenever a patient needs a specialized dose or form of their medication that's not commercially available, they get a compounded product. Our experts explain how this process works and the special regulations surrounding this branch of healthcare. Will GLP Medications Be The New Treatment For Alcohol Addiction? GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic, have been in the news for helping people transform their lives through weight loss. But they've also had an unexpected side effect – curbing alcohol consumption. Our expert explains the ongoing research and the future of using these medications as addiction treatments. Medical Notes: How To Get ‘Forever Chemicals' Out Of Your Water, A New Purpose For Your Smartwatch, And How To Get Better Sleep Will we ever truly get rid of ‘Forever chemicals'? Are sound waves the next big thing in cancer treatment? Your smartwatch is good for more than just counting steps. The truth on how to get better sleep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic, have been in the news for helping people transform their lives through weight loss. But they've also had an unexpected side effect – curbing alcohol consumption. Our expert explains the ongoing research and the future of using these medications as addiction treatments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Compounding pharmacies aren't spoken about much publicly, but they're a crucial part of healthcare when needed. Whenever a patient needs a specialized dose or form of their medication that's not commercially available, they get a compounded product. Our experts explain how this process works and the special regulations surrounding this branch of healthcare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's the best way to increase your vitamin-d during winter. Should you be taking a weight loss drug for alcohol addiction? Hormone replacement may not just be for menopause treatment. Is air pollution affecting your metabolism? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ditch The Pills: How Integrative Medicine Could Change Your Life These days, there's a pill to solve nearly every problem, but the actual issue may be our growing dependence on these pharmaceuticals. A different approach known as integrative medicine encourages treating the root causes of illness. Our experts this week explain how lifestyle changes, nutrition, and better patient-doctor relationships can finally give us lasting, full-body health. “We Just Listen To Doctors”: Being An Informed Patient Can Save Your Life After losing her son to an opioid overdose, one mother has turned her grief into action by creating a new kind of hospital role – life care specialists. These “care coaches” guide patients through recovery, offering pain management education, emotional support, and alternatives to addictive medications. Medical Notes: Why A Deep Breath Could Save Your Life, The Truth Behind Video Game Addiction, And How To Get ‘FOREVER Chemicals' Out Of Your Water Here's the best way to increase your vitamin-d during winter. Should you be taking a weight loss drug for alcohol addiction? Hormone replacement may not just be for menopause treatment. Is air pollution affecting your metabolism? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

These days, there's a pill to solve nearly every problem, but the actual issue may be our growing dependence on these pharmaceuticals. A different approach known as integrative medicine encourages treating the root causes of illness. Our experts explain how lifestyle changes, nutrition, and better patient-doctor relationships can finally give us lasting, full-body health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After losing her son to an opioid overdose, one mother has turned her grief into action by creating a new kind of hospital role – life care specialists. These “care coaches” guide patients through recovery, offering pain management education, emotional support, and alternatives to addictive medications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does chronic depression run in the family? Will we ever truly get rid of ‘forever chemicals'? Have you taken a deep breath today? A new understanding of video game addiction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Segment 1: Asherman's Syndrome – A Hidden Cause Of Infertility Many couples deal with fertility issues, but not all are permanent. For Lisa McCarty, multiple miscarriages led doctors to discover a rare condition caused by scarring from trying to remove McCarty's placenta after her first pregnancy. Her journey to expand her family reveals how easily this condition can go unnoticed and the best treatments for healing. Segment 2: In-Flight Emergencies: What Medicine Looks Like 30,000 Feet In The Air With millions of people flying on airplanes at any given moment, it's not uncommon for a medical emergency to arise. A cardiologist who's helped during more than twenty in-flight incidents explains how airline crews and ground-based medical teams work together to save lives thousands of feet in the air. Dr. Paulo Alves reveals how quick thinking, evolving technology, and aviation medicine keep passengers safe when emergencies strike. Medical Notes: How To Get Rid Of Forever Chemicals, Why A Deep Breath Could Save Your Life, And Are You At Higher Risk For Chronic Depression? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With millions of people flying on airplanes at any given moment, it's not uncommon for a medical emergency to arise. A cardiologist who's helped during more than twenty in-flight incidents explains how airline crews and ground-based medical teams work together to save lives thousands of feet in the air. Dr. Paulo Alves reveals how quick thinking, evolving technology, and aviation medicine keep passengers safe when emergencies strike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many couples deal with fertility issues, but not all are permanent. For Lisa McCarty, multiple miscarriages led doctors to discover a rare condition caused by scarring from trying to remove McCarty's placenta after her first pregnancy. Her journey to expand her family reveals how easily this condition can go unnoticed and the best treatments for healing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does asthma differ between genders? Does a doctor need to be present on every flight? A new understanding of video game addiction. How Daydreaming Could Get You A Promotion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Profit Over Patients: Are Private Equity Firms Ruining Healthcare? America's healthcare system is increasingly being shaped by private equity investors who are focused on driving profit over health. From fraudulent billing practices to staff cuts, their short-term financial tactics have fueled bankruptcies and worsened care quality across the country. Our experts explain the strategies of these firms that are harming consumers, as well as the policies working to reinstitute patients' health as the top priority. The Gap In Mental Health Education That Could Save Lives Public awareness of mental illness may be growing, but true understanding still lags behind. One mother's experience navigating her child's mental health crisis inspired her to champion mental health literacy in schools. Today, her organization is working to ensure students, parents, and teachers gain the knowledge to recognize early warning signs and foster informed conversations about mental health. Medical Notes: Why Asthma Differs Between Genders, In-Flight Medical Emergencies, And How Daydreaming Could Get You A Promotion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

America's healthcare system is increasingly being shaped by private equity investors who are focused on driving profit over health. From fraudulent billing practices to staff cuts, their short-term financial tactics have fueled bankruptcies and worsened care quality across the country. Our experts explain the strategies of these firms that are harming consumers, as well as the policies working to reinstitute patients' health as the top priority. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Public awareness of mental illness may be growing, but true understanding still lags behind. One mother's experience navigating her child's mental health crisis inspired her to champion mental health literacy in schools. Today, her organization is working to ensure students, parents, and teachers gain the knowledge to recognize early warning signs and foster informed conversations about mental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's the best food for your brain? A new test can reduce barriers to HPV treatment. Your hometown may be affecting your health. Marriage could be the answer to your mood issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Soul Eaters: The Hidden History Of Medicinal Cannibalism In Europe In Early Modern Europe, the question wasn't ‘should you eat humans for medicine', it was ‘what type of humans should you eat for medicine?' Though some attempted to erase the cannibalistic practices of this period from our history books, our expert explains how people were using human bones, blood, and fat to heal themselves. Food Fight Pt.2: Demands For A Healthier Future The modern food industry has turned our diets into a profit-driven enterprise, often at the expense of public health. Our expert this week proposes a new framework to rebuild a healthier, more ethical global food system. Though there's a lot of work to be done, we're already seeing ongoing policy efforts and growing awareness around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Early Modern Europe, the question wasn't ‘should you eat humans for medicine', it was ‘what type of humans should you eat for medicine?' Though some attempted to erase the cannibalistic practices of this period from our history books, our expert explains how people were using human bones, blood, and fat to heal themselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The modern food industry has turned our diets into a profit-driven enterprise, often at the expense of public health. Our expert this week proposes a new framework to rebuild a healthier, more ethical global food system. Though there's a lot of work to be done, we're already seeing ongoing policy efforts and growing awareness around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People marked as ‘brain dead' may have been misdiagnosed. Ultra-processed foods aren't just bad for our gut. If you want to reverse your age, it's time to hit the gym. I you don't like the sound of your own voice, menopause can help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Food Fight: How The Global Food Industry's Greed Is Killing Humanity Nutrition expert Stuart Gillespie has spent decades uncovering how the same system that causes hunger also fuels obesity – the global food industry. His research exposes how corporations have turned food into a commodity, prioritizing profit over health while hiding behind aid programs and misleading science. Gillespie breaks down the global food system's strategy that maximizes profit while putting humanity as risk. Burning Point: Why Aren't Workers Protected From Extreme Heat? As extreme heat becomes more common across America, outdoor and factory workers face deadly risks on the job. Despite numerous heat-related deaths each year, safety standards remain inconsistent and vary widely between states. Advocates are now pushing for nationwide regulations to guarantee every worker access to shade, water, rest, and the right to speak up without fear of retaliation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nutrition expert Stuart Gillespie has spent decades uncovering how the same system that causes hunger also fuels obesity – the global food industry. His research exposes how corporations have turned food into a commodity, prioritizing profit over health while hiding behind aid programs and misleading science. Gillespie breaks down the global food system's strategy that maximizes profit while putting humanity as risk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As extreme heat becomes more common across America, outdoor and factory workers face deadly risks on the job. Despite numerous heat-related deaths each year, safety standards remain inconsistent and vary widely between states. Advocates are now pushing for nationwide regulations to guarantee every worker access to shade, water, rest, and the right to speak up without fear of retaliation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A test that could save generations of men. Have you gotten your teeth cleaned recently? Have balance issues? Boredom isn't always a bad thing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI Therapy: Can An Algorithm Help You More Than A Human? Will AI therapy promote even more isolation within society? Dr. Michael Heinz, a research psychiatrist, is part of a team using generative AI to act as a therapist for people with anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Dr. Michael Heinz explains how this always-available AI therapist measures up to human-based therapy, and how AI best fits into the future of mental health.' Segment 2: CAR-T Cell Therapy: Pioneering The Future Of Cancer Treatment CAR T-cell therapy is a groundbreaking cancer treatment that reprograms a patient's own immune cells to recognize and destroy cancer. First approved by the FDA in 2017, it's already shown success in patients with blood cancers that no longer respond to standard treatments. While the therapy can cause serious side effects, our expert this week –a pioneer of this therapy– discusses the future of using this powerful new weapon against cancer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will AI therapy promote even more isolation within society? Dr. Michael Heinz, a research psychiatrist, is part of a team using generative AI to act as a therapist for people with anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. He explains how this always-available AI therapist measures up to human-based therapy, and how AI best fits into the future of mental health.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CAR T-cell therapy is a groundbreaking cancer treatment that reprograms a patient's own immune cells to recognize and destroy cancer. First approved by the FDA in 2017, it's already shown success in patients with blood cancers that no longer respond to standard treatments. While the therapy can cause serious side effects, our expert this week –a pioneer of this therapy– discusses the future of using this powerful new weapon against cancer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is birth control safe to use? You'd never guess this sneaky cause of air pollution. Is inflammation ever helpful? Are you eating the right type of protein? Learn More: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Acupuncture Help You Recover Faster From Surgery? Many people assume their heart surgery will be the most nerve-wracking part of their treatment, but the reality is much different. Often, recovering from this procedure can become so stressful that patients can develop a heart rhythm disorder. Our experts discuss the ancient medicine practice that's providing much-needed relief for these patients. Resiliency After Disaster – Why We Need To Prioritize Social Infrastructure When a natural disaster strikes, the physical destruction is obvious, but the hidden toll on mental health often gets overlooked. NYU researcher Alexis Merdjanoff explains why disaster recovery plans leave communities unprepared, how timing is critical for mental health support, and how investing in strong social connections before tragedy hits can speed recovery. Medical Notes: How Birth Control Is Changing Your Brain, The Sneaky Cause Of Air Pollution, And Are You Eating The Right Type Of Protein? Is birth control safe to use? You'd never guess this sneaky cause of air pollution. Is inflammation ever helpful? Are you eating the right type of protein? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a natural disaster strikes, the physical destruction is obvious, but the hidden toll on mental health often gets overlooked. NYU researcher Alexis Merdjanoff explains why disaster recovery plans leave communities unprepared, how timing is critical for mental health support, and how investing in strong social connections before tragedy hits can speed recovery. Learn More: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many people assume their heart surgery will be the most nerve-wracking part of their treatment, but the reality is much different. Often, recovering from this procedure can become so stressful that patients can develop a heart rhythm disorder. Our experts discuss the ancient medicine practice that's providing much-needed relief for these patients. Learn More: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Medical Notes: Binge-Watching Is Good For Your Brain, How To Detect Cancer At Home, And Breaking Bad Fitness Habits. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-binge-watching-is-good-for-your-brain-how-to-detect-cancer-at-home-and-breaking-bad-fitness-habits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heal The Soul, Heal The Body: Immersive Reality For Interfaith Rooms Many interfaith rooms in hospitals are either too specific to one religion or not specific enough to feel sacred. Our experts this week discuss how immersive reality and Disney technology can help give patients the religious rooms they crave while fighting for their lives. Glioblastoma: The Aggressive Brain Cancer That Has A Sweet Tooth Glioblastomais an aggressive form of brain cancer that leaves many patients withonly tw years to live, if they're lucky. One obstacle researcherface is understanding how the tumors grow so fast. Our expert explains his breakthrough research on the cancer's metabolic habits and how it'll help increase life expectancy for patients. Medical Notes: Binge-Watching Is Good For Your Brain, How To Detect Cancer At Home, And Breaking Bad Fitness Habits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer that leaves many patients with only two years to live, if they're lucky. One obstacle researchers face is understanding how the tumors grow so fast. Roger Holzberg explains his breakthrough research on the cancer's metabolic habits and how it'll help increase life expectancy for patients. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/glioblastoma-the-aggressive-brain-cancer-that-has-a-sweet-tooth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many interfaith rooms in hospitals are either too specific to one religion or not specific enough to feel sacred. Our experts this week discuss how immersive reality and Disney technology can help give patients the religious rooms they crave while fighting for their lives. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/heal-the-soul-heal-the-body-immersive-reality-for-interfaith-rooms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices