Radio Health Journal

Can inflammation affect fertility? Could curiosity change your life? This week, we explore cutting-edge research on anxiety treatments, parenting patterns, and the science of self-improvement. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-to-change-your-personality-customizing-your-anxiety-treatment-and-a-hidden-cause-of-infertility Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whenever we experience pain, our bodies use internal pain relief symptoms to reduce some of that discomfort. Though it's been believed that men and women use the same, main system, a new study is pioneering an entirely new understanding of chronic pain. Our experts discuss this research and how it could change the future of pain management. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/her-pain-his-treatment-issues-with-the-generic-approach-to-pain-relief Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The adrenal glands regulate cortisol, a hormone crucial for managing stress and energy. When stress is chronic, cortisol imbalances can cause fatigue, anxiety, and pain. Dr. Izabella Wentz offers simple lifestyle changes that can help restore balance and improve your overall health. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/full-body-reset-stress-cortisol-and-adrenal-dysfunction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ultrasound isn't just for imaging. Sleep apnea may silently rewire the brain. A new non-opioid painkiller shows promise—without the dangerous side effects. Dementia can make people act out in unexpected ways—and families are often left struggling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New technology like AI offers promise, but experts say true healthcare reform starts with prevention, not just innovation. The U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other nation, yet outcomes lag because we focus on expensive treatments instead of early care. Our expert explains how real change will require prioritizing prevention to keep people healthier from the start. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-future-of-medicine-pt-2-a-new-era-of-healthcare-focuses-on-prevention Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Jakki Maser's back pain started at 13, doctors brushed it off as a minor injury. Years of unrelenting pain and dead-end appointments led her to uncover the real cause herself – Bertolotti's syndrome, an underdiagnosed spinal condition. This week, our experts explain how to accurately catch this condition and the best treatment methods for a full recovery. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/bertolottis-syndrome-the-under-diagnosed-cause-of-back-pain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your ‘aura' may just be a mixture of oils and fats on the skin. Scientists still don't fully know why we yawn—but they're getting closer. The debate over fluoride is back in the spotlight. Urban rats may be more than just an annoying pest. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-science-behind-your-aura-the-fluoride-debate-and-the-real-reason-behind-your-yawn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For people with inflammatory bowel disease, daily life can be painful, unpredictable, and isolating. The successful management of IBD means addressing both physical and mental symptoms. Our experts discuss treatment approaches and a new program aiming to end the stigma and offer support for patients. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-mental-and-physical-toll-of-inflammatory-bowel-disease Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most Americans don't have a clear picture of what universal healthcare really means. Dr. Marschall Runge says we're unlikely to see fully free, unlimited care – but a model based on preventive, team-based medicine is possible. In his new book, The Great Healthcare Disruption, Runge outlines how AI, better access, and more shareable medical records could revolutionize care – if we also prioritize our own health. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-future-of-medicine-pt-1-do-we-want-free-or-innovative-healthcare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there a new brain region for our senses? Why are so many adults feeling alone? Can fish oil really slow down aging? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-fish-oil-slows-aging-the-loneliness-epidemic-and-how-to-better-understand-autism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the most part, food companies are allowed to police themselves when introducing new food additives to market. This gap in oversight is the product of a GRAS loophole, a decades-old FDA policy. Jennifer Pomeranz explains how the status-quo is threatening public health and offers innovative solutions for reform. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/gras-fed-loopholes-why-your-diet-is-more-toxic-than-the-fda-knows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rheumatoid arthritis is tough to diagnose and even harder to treat effectively. Thankfully, researchers are creating more precise tests that can match patients to the right treatment plan on the first try. Our experts explain the challenges of rheumatoid arthritis and a new test that can bypass the trial-and-error approach to medicine. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/more-than-growing-pains-the-hidden-toll-of-rheumatoid-arthritis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A diabetes drug may be helpful in the fight against alzheimers. A tiny part of the brain may be the key to treating addiction. Kids should join a sport to boost their mental health. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-brains-secret-microstructure-that-has-powerful-impacts-why-kids-should-play-sports-and-how-a-diabetes-drug-can-fight-off-alzheimers-disease Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast-exclusive episode, you'll hear the original interview audio between Radio Health Journal producer Kristen Farrah and psychologist and Vietnam War veteran Dr. Edgardo Padin-Rivera. The two have a conversation about military indoctrination, the mental health of soldiers, and the challenges of navigating life after service. They also dive into Padin-Rivera's personal experiences of war, addiction, and his journey to find peace.  Trigger warnings: racial slurs, violence, trauma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even though we have developed fantastic antibiotics for tuberculosis, the disease continues to devastate communities – especially lower-income populations in developing countries. John Green, a best-selling author, dives into the disparities that exist within the world of tuberculosis and how we can get life-saving treatment to the millions that need it. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/why-everything-is-tuberculosis-to-best-selling-author-john-green Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Experimenting on humans can be a dangerous and scary endeavor, but we've created guidelines to make sure that our clinical trials are the safest they can be. However, all of this effort is lost when it comes to pregnant women. We have very little data on how some of the most-used medications affect this population simply because it's not researched. Our guest explains why we need to start including this population in clinical trials and how it can be done safely and effectively. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/why-we-should-experiment-on-pregnant-women Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast-exclusive episode, you'll hear the original interview audio between Radio Health Journal producer Polly Hansen and best-selling author John Green. The two have a conversation about his new book, Everything is Tuberculosis, and dive into Green's personal experience traveling around the world to fight for TB awareness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new breakthrough in ulcerative colitis treatment. Should food companies pay the FDA? The agency collects ‘user fees' from pharmaceutical companies to help fund its safety research. Can doom scrolling actually benefit us? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-mood-benefits-of-social-media-a-new-tax-for-food-companies-and-better-treatments-for-your-ulcerative-colitis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Researchers have been on a long journey to discover what may cause Alzheimer's disease. Looking all over the globe, they thought the answer would lie in a mountain town in Columbia. Our expert explains the decades of research and drug testing, as well as the unassuming clue they now think could be the key to finding a treatment for this condition. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/does-a-columbian-community-hold-the-key-to-curing-alzheimers-disease Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine being able to find the best medication for your body on the first try. That's what the field of pharmacogenomics is working towards. Our expert explains how our genes can predict a drug's effect on our system and minimize the ‘trial-and-error' approach to medicine. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/reducing-the-trial-and-error-approach-to-antidepressant-medication Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should pregnant women stay away from beauty products? A new saliva test that can help cancer patients. A promising step in understanding menopause. Here's one more reason to have an abundance of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-the-beauty-industry-is-threatening-your-pregnancy-the-best-test-for-fertility-planning-and-how-eating-veggies-helps-your-cells Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than two decades after retiring, Joetta – a 4x Olympic athlete – laced up her spikes to get back into racing at age 62. This week, She explains how her training has adjusted to accommodate for her aging body, while our exercise expert lists the reasons why older adults need to be weightlifting and training fast-twitch muscles fibers. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/aging-like-an-olympian-the-exercises-that-keep-you-healthy-and-independent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many people, staying consistent is the hardest part of accomplishing goals. Dr. Haley Perlus, a sports psychologist, believes that the core of this issue is mental toughness. She explains how to trick yourself into staying consistent even when your motivation runs out. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/re-framing-excuses-how-mental-weakness-sabotages-your-success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why more pregnant women need to be in clinical trials. Scientists are helping us see the future. Does our DNA know our future? Have your seasonal allergies gotten worse? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-our-genetics-can-predict-our-future-climate-change-is-worsening-seasonal-allergies-and-why-research-excludes-pregnant-women Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you been feeling stuck in your career or personal life? Though it can take some time and effort, it's possible to rewire our brains for the better. Dr. Greg Hammer, author of Gain Without Pain, reveals the best tricks to form healthier habits that'll lead to more happiness and success. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/how-to-rewire-your-brain-for-happiness-and-success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're all born with a special gene that's job is to seek out and destroy cancer cells. But when some people are born with a mutated version, it lets cancer run rampant throughout the body – sometimes even helping tumors spread. Lawrence Ingrassia details his family's battle with this mutation and the tragedies left in its wake. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/li-fraumeni-syndrome-lfs-a-fatal-curse-passed-down-through-generations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is there a care gap for dementia patients? Is sunlight good for your nose? Will America soon be facing a population shortage? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-vitamin-d-can-fight-your-allergies-americas-impending-population-shortage-and-the-care-disparity-with-dementia-patients Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Genetic genealogy has completely changed how law enforcement catches criminals. Cold cases can now be solved by a genetic match to the perpetrator's sibling, parent or distant relative. Our experts explain the revolutionary technology and how you can help catch these violent criminals. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/genetic-justice-how-your-dna-can-help-solve-cold-cases Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a primary care shortage and it's only expected to worsen in coming years. Some experts have proposed using non-physician practitioners as a substitute to fill the gap. And though it may sound promising, our expert explains why this will only worsen physician burnout, patient health outcomes, and medical debt. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/how-the-primary-care-physician-shortage-is-draining-your-health-and-wallet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How the environment affects brain health. Will science ever move away from animal testing? Should you skip your afternoon nap? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-best-place-to-live-for-your-brain-health-reducing-animal-testing-and-why-you-should-skip-your-afternoon-nap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Healthcare professionals across the nation have been applauding television's new medical drama, The Pitt, for its accurate portrayal of medicine. Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah explains why this accuracy is so important and how it could help strengthen patient-doctor relationships. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-pitt-how-a-television-medical-drama-is-saving-lives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, our experts dive into the hard facts of healthcare's internal biases against women's pain. Across all age groups and pain levels, women are given less medication for their pain than men. Our experts explain their research and why they believe this bias exists. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/hysterical-and-exaggerated-how-womens-pain-is-viewed-in-healthcare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Would you take a cancer vaccine? Your humidifier could be making you sick. Is global warming bad for your gut? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-your-humidifier-is-making-you-sick-global-warming-is-messing-up-your-gut-and-do-cancer-vaccines-work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've long trusted the FDA to protect public health, but is this safeguard wavering? Our expert this week explains why premarket review isn't as effective as it once was, how corporations have leveraged loopholes to skirt around regulations, and how the agency can get back on track. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-fda-is-failing-heres-what-needs-to-change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sleep quality is a huge determinant of our health, but it's not always an easy benchmark to achieve – especially for patients with cancer or chronic illnesses. Our experts this week have created an app that monitors a user's circadian rhythm, then offers feedback throughout the day to optimize their sleep quality. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/trouble-sleeping-this-science-backed-app-could-change-your-life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Overcoming obstacles doesn't always make you stronger. Mosquitoes may soon be scared of humans. Trees do more for your health than simply provide oxygen. Is soup good for pregnancy? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-human-blood-can-poison-mosquitoes-why-soup-is-good-for-pregnancy-and-how-trees-keep-communities-healthy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The FDA is the linchpin in American society keeping us safe, but many things slip through the cracks since the agency is underfunded and understaffed. Daniel Aaron, an FDA researcher, explains the main hurdles the agency faces and how these obstacles put consumers at risk. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/user-fees-and-presidential-intrusion-why-the-fda-isnt-more-effective Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Motherhood is often touted as the most rewarding part of life – and while that may be true in some cases, there are many other feelings associated with this experience. Though many women feel they must push any negative feelings down, our expert explains why moms should embrace all emotions, from love to resentment. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/from-love-to-resentment-the-motherhood-taboo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may want to rethink watching that new horror film. Despite the recent devastation of fires in California, these natural disasters are still on a downward trend. Microplastics may be worsening antibiotic resistance. Concerts are fun, but the real benefits of music happen when you're alone. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-issue-with-fewer-forest-fires-watching-traumatic-events-can-cause-ptsd-and-how-microplastics-are-fueling-antibiotic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With summer fast approaching, it's more important than ever to understand the dangers of leaving your kids in a hot car. Even temperatures in the 50s can be a major risk to a child under three years old. Our experts explain a memory failure that leads even the best of parents to forget their baby in the backseat. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-memory-failure-that-could-be-a-death-sentence-for-your-child Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite the fact that we're on pace to have less plane crashes in 2025 compared to recent years, flight anxiety is on the rise. Our expert this week explains how to recognize anxiety and offers different strategies to use for your next trip in the sky. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/tranquil-travel-how-to-get-rid-of-your-flight-anxiety Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Polluted air is killing our children. Microplastics may be worsening antibiotic resistance. It's not too late to improve your brain health. Do hotter days reduce birthrates? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-best-age-to-prevent-brain-decline-lead-is-leaching-into-our-air-and-how-hotter-days-reduce-birth-rates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ultra-processed foods have become a major part of the average American diet. Unfortunately, these products have been linked to various health concerns and don't include many of the nutrients we need. Our experts explain how you can balance your diet and stay healthy in an increasingly unhealthy world. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/ultra-processed-foods-are-killing-you-heres-the-cure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being a living donor is a major decision, but one that can save a life. For Mike O'Gorman, it was a no-brainer to help his brother who needed a new kidney. However, there were various obstacles he never anticipated. Our guests explain the donation process and the physical and mental challenges many face. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/my-brothers-keeper-the-experience-of-a-living-donor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It may be time to re-start your New Years resolution. The biological factor that's making you infertile. Do opposites attract? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-why-you-should-date-someone-whos-nice-the-biological-cause-of-infertility-and-why-spring-goals-are-more-successful Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cervical cancer detection often involves the use of a speculum. However, not only is this device often uncomfortable, it's also a main reason for why women with disabilities skip the test altogether. Dr. Diane Harper proposes a new, FDA-approved screening method that's proven to reduce cases of cervical cancer more than standard practices. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-woman-just-has-to-suffer-changing-how-medicine-views-womens-health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

High demand, high control groups can be both positive and negative, and describe many different populations from the military to infamous cults. Experiencing the negative side of these groups can lead to trauma and abuse. Our experts discuss their time in high demand, high control groups and how they were able to heal from these experiences. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/leaving-the-cult-how-to-rebuild-your-life-after-living-a-lie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artificial intelligence can predict fatal heart attacks. A lack of patient diversity in Alzheimer's research threatens accurate diagnosing in people of color. As the temperature rises, so do emergency room visits. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-ai-is-preventing-heart-attacks-why-alzheimers-research-needs-more-patient-diversity-and-why-hot-weather-leads-to-more-er-visit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The speculum has been used for centuries, but unlike other ancient medical tools, it hasn't had any major updates to its design. However, this instrument may soon be unnecessary for many women with the new approval of self-administered HPV tests. Dr. Diane Harper explains why this is a major step forward for women's healthcare and the importance of female patients advocating for more effective and comfortable procedures from their providers. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-pap-smear-why-is-america-holding-on-to-this-outdated-practice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The healthcare industry may seem complex, but our experts this week are pulling back the curtain and revealing how innovations truly come to life. They discuss how the goals of this trade have evolved, what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, and how consumers will be playing a bigger role in product development. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/pulses-and-profits-an-insider-look-into-the-business-of-healthcare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How are psychedelic mushrooms related to mental health? Earth's natural coasts are disappearing. Do mosquitoes care about your fashion sense? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/magic-mushrooms-can-relieve-depression-how-to-avoid-wearing-a-mosquitos-favorite-color-and-why-earths-coasts-are-disappearing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices