The WELLcast - brought to you by Allina Health

Nootropics also known as smart drugs and cognitive enhancers are drugs, supplements, and other substances that improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation in healthy individuals. Similar to the use of PEDs in athletics, the use of cognition-enhancing drugs by healthy individuals in the absence of a medical indication is one of the most debated topics among neuroscientists, psychiatrists, and physicians.In this interesting segment,  Jesse Corry, MD., explains what you need to know about the risks and benefits of using Nootropics.

Parents and children learning about tragedies that are all over the media may find it difficult to discuss and process. Many young people likely hear about these attacks through social media and have formed opinions, impressions and questions. This can leave parents and other adults struggling with what to say and share amid the frightening news.Here to speak with us about coping with tragedies and how to speak with your children about them is Dr. Ethan McCallum, he is a licensed psychologist at Allina Health Hopkins Clinic.

Have you ever felt a sense of unease if you weren't able to check your phone regularly? Or had a little burst of pleasure when friends and colleagues "liked" something you posted online? How and why you feel that way is no accident. Here to talk with us about brain hacking is Dr. Jesse Corry, a neurologist at Allina Health's United Hospital.

Falls are not a normal part of aging, yet one out of every four adults age 65 and older falls every year, and most have significant health and lifestyle consequences as a result. The good news is, falls can be prevented.Listen to this important segment as Chris Wellner, PT, shares the most common dangers and some of the best tips and advice to prevent falls if you're found to be at high risk.

Robotics and advanced technology are transforming treatment and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries, strokes and other neurological conditions. Today, there is hope for a much fuller recovery and a much brighter future following these devastating conditions.In this segment of The Wellcast, we hear from two physical therapists from Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Minneapolis to tell us more. Brian LeLoup, PT, is director of Sub-Acute Services, and Jeanne Olson, PT, is rehabilitation services manager for Activity Based Locomotor Exercise, Aquatics and Fitness.

Many people have a food intolerance. This term refers to heartburn, cramps, belly pain, or diarrhea that can occur after they eat certain foods. However, if you feel things such as an itchy mouth after taking a bite from an apple, you might have symptoms of Oral Allergy Syndrome, also known as pollen-food syndrome.In this segment, is Dr. Kenneth Johns joins the show to discuss oral allergy syndrome and how by identifying the triggers, you can prevent further problems, and how careful management of diet can ensure that people with the syndrome can lead otherwise normal lives.

Just like the rest of your body, your brain needs the right food and exercise to perform well. Studies show a strong link between regular exercise and a boost in verbal memory and learning.In this segment, Gail Ericson, physical therapist with the Penny George Institute's LiveWell® Fitness Center, joins the show to give great advice on how exercise can improve brain function, and possibly even ward off diseases such as Alzheimer's, depression and many others.

Scientists have known for quite some time that bacteria that occur in the gut affect a person's health, from digestion to allergies. More recently, studies are finding that the microbes that colonize the gut also have an effect on the brain, and can play a role in conditions such as autism, depression and anxiety. Here to explain more is Dr. Jesse Corry, neurologist at Allina Health's United Hospital.

It's been over a year since the World Health Organization declared the association of Zika infection with microcephaly and other neurological disorders as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” A lot has happened since then including several confirmed cases in the United States. In April 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report of babies born in the US whose mothers possibly had been infected with Zika virus. Dr. Meiling Parker, maternal-fetal medicine specialist with Minnesota Perinatal Physicians, a part of Allina Health, is here to give the latest update on Zika virus and what women and men who are planning for a family should know.

According to Breastcancer.org, about one in eight U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. However, there has been much confusion and controversy on when to begin and how often to have a mammogram. Listen in as Lisa Schneider, MD, clears up some of the confusion and how experts are still recommending that starting at age 40, most women should have a mammogram every year. This will help catch breast cancer early on, when it's most curable.

Here you are, loving life and enjoying the change of seasons when all of a sudden your skin is itchy, nose is running and eyes are burning. Just because you've been allergy-free your whole life doesn't mean you can't grow into one. For millions of Americans, this is the unfortunate truth. Listen as Allergist Kenneth Johns talks us through late onset adult allergies and how to identify triggers that might aggravate your allergies.

A trip to the pharmacy can be an overwhelming experience for someone simply trying to choose an over-the-counter medication to treat a symptom. Not only are there so many choices but people also have to worry about how a new medication might interact with a medication you're currently taking.How do you know which OTC medication is best for you? Allina Health pharmacist McKaya Kastner shares how you can navigate the confusion of OTC medications and how to decide which medication is best for you.

After a lifetime of listening, you might find that your hearing does not seem as sharp as it used to be. Our hearing tends to change gradually over time. However, there are some steps you can take to protect your precious hearing. In this segment of the Wellcast, Erin Voye, Doctor of Audiology at the Allina Health Woodbury Clinic, discusses the prevention and effects of untreated hearing loss.

Scientists have known for some time the teen brain is wired to produce reward signals in response to irresponsible or dangerous behaviors. And while parents may not like these risky behaviors, a new study says it's the same brain process that also helps teens be better learners, too. Dr. Jesse Corry, neurologist with Allina Health's United Hospital in St. Paul is here with more information on the unique and often misunderstood teenage brain.

In the U.S. the average age of a woman's first period is 12.3 years old, which means most women have menstrual cycles a significant portion of their lives. Because of this, some of the most common questions asked are about periods and what is considered "normal." Listen as Dr. Sara Ackerman, obstetrician/gynecologist with Allina health, discusses the most common menstrual cycle questions many women have.

Unfortunately just because you're an adult doesn't mean you don't need vaccinations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the specific immunizations you need as an adult are based off of your age, lifestyle, high-risk conditions, type and locations of travel, and previous immunizations. Vaccines work with your immune system by imitating an infection. Vaccines are made from weakened or dead germs that cause the disease, but they will not cause you to get it.Is it important to keep up on your vaccinations?Listen in as Dr. Leslie Swartz-Williams discusses adult vaccinations and the importance of keeping up with the current recommendations by the CDC.

Your health is your most important asset. That's why at Allina Health we recommend regular physical exams for adults.In this segment, Dr. Leslie Swartz-Williams discusses how at your visit, you'll meet with your care provider to ensure you're up-to-date on health screenings, identify risks for future health concerns, review your medicines, and set wellness goals.

You may not know where or how to begin to start a regular exercise routine, or the best way to safely and effectively step up your current workout. Working with a Physical Therapist, an exercise physiologist or fitness specialist can help you with motivation and planning to reach your fitness goals.In this segment, Gail Ericson, PT, MS, physical therapist with the Penny George Institute's LiveWell® Fitness Center, discusses exercise as medicine and the way you can use exercise as one of the best medications out there.

Deodorant and antiperspirants cause breast cancer; sugar feeds cancer;. hormone replacement can cause breast cancer; mammorgrams spread existing cancer. These are a few of the myths that surround breast cancer. There are many myths that have made their way into the public thought, but how are you to know what to believe.Listen as Lisa Schneider, MD,  puts to rest some of these myths and explains the real facts about breast cancer.

Massage is the treatment of the skin and soft tissues of the body to enhance health and healing and promote relaxation. It can help to restore or maintain balance in your mind and body.Massage usually results in decreased stress and anxiety, creating a sense of calm and well-being. Massage may help people who have several health conditions by relieving many physical and emotional symptoms.Are there differences between getting a massage outside of a medical clinic and seeing a board-certified massage therapist in a clinic? Listen as Jeremy Miller, BCTMB discusses the benefits of medical massage by a board-certified massage therapist .

People have sometimes joked that drinking kills brain cells, but is that really true? What kind of effect does heavy drinking have on the brain? Here to give us the facts is Dr. Jesse Corry, neurologist at Allina Health's United Hospital.

When you are under extreme stress, your body reacts and your fight or flight system kicks in. However, as our bodies are actively trying to protect us, we can experience real physiological effects from our psychological stressors. Our ability to heal ourselves depends in large part on our ability to manage those stressors. Listen in as Nancy Crowell, RN, discusses stress and the importance of finding your inner healing resources.

Social anxiety disorder is a condition that causes you to feel anxious in social situations. It is also called social phobia. You may fear that people are watching or judging you. This fear can cause issues with work, school, or other daily activities.Listen as Alicia Krueger, CNP explains Social anxiety disorder and that if left untreated, may become a long-term condition that can affect your quality of life.

In part one of The Chemistry of Love Dr. Corry explained what happens in our brain when we fall in love. In this segment, we explore falling out of love, how to stay in love, and a look at love as addiction.

When do you know if you really like someone? What does love do to your brain chemicals, and is falling in love just nature's way to keep our species alive?Listen today as Dr. Jesse Corry explores with us what happens in our brain, not our heart, when we think we've found that special someone.

7.7 million Americans over the age of 18 have post-traumatic stress disorder, which can occur after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Dr. Ciara Stigen, clinical psychologist with Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Associates in Coon Rapids, talks today about PTSD, who it affects, how to recognize it, and steps toward healing.

Whether you have just been told that you have diabetes or you've had it for years, managing diabetes can be a challenge. You are a key player on your health care team when it comes to managing your diabetes. Food, physical activity and stress management are a few of the ways you can help control your diabetes.Listen as Matt Kresl, PharmD explains that diabetes education at Allina Health clinics offers the knowledge and tools you need to manage diabetes every step of the way.

According to CDC, about 70 million Americans adults have high blood pressure – that's 1 in every 3. Only about half of people with high blood pressure are actually managing their condition. If your doctor has told you that you have high blood pressure, they may recommend blood pressure medication to help control that hypertension. The array of medications available can be quite confusing. Matt Kresl, pharmacist practitioner with Allina Health, discusses high blood pressure medications and the importance of a medication and lifestyle management strategy.

In most homes, dust mites are everywhere. Often found in linens, bedding, carpeting and other fabric-materials, dust mites are a big problem for people who have indoor winter allergies. Today we're talking with Dr. Kenneth Johns, an allergy and immunology physician for Allina Health clinics, about why dust mites cause allergies, and what you can do to stop them in their tracks.

Are you a woman who is pregnant, has a history of anxiety or emerging anxiety in your current pregnancy and want to learn complimentary approaches to managing anxiety.Anxiety in pregnancy can impair sleep, relationships and quality of life. We are offering a holistic approach to manage anxiety during pregnancy through a shared medical visit. The focus of this is on psychological, emotional and physiological well-being.Listen in as Tina Welke explains how shared medical visits include holistic group and individual approaches to decreasing anxiety and promoting wellness.

Parkinson's disease is chronic, progressive movement disorder. The cause is unknown, and while there isn't currently a cure, researchers are learning more every day. Treatment options include medication and surgery to manage the symptoms. Listen in as Dr. Okeanis Vaou, medical director for the American Parkinson Disease Association of Minnesota, talks about the latest advancements in treatment.

Sleep is a basic necessity of life that is essential for our health and well-being. A lack of sleep can have a negative impact on your mood, thinking, relationships, work performance and long-term health.Millions of Americans suffer from sleep-related disorders. In fact, more than 25 percent of people experience a sleep disorder at some time in their life. Sleep disorders have been linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, heart disease and stroke.Listen in as Mary Beshara discusses that there are many holistic ways to treat insomnia without medication.

With over 1 in 3 adults greater than 65 years old taking more than 5 medications daily, understanding and managing medication use can be expensive, confusing and sometimes harmful. Coming up with tools to help your loved ones use their medications will better ensure they get the health benefits they desire.Listen in as Matt Kresl, PharmD explains how to manage medications for yourself and your loved ones to get the best adherence and safety.

Certified nurse-midwives care for women throughout their lives and provide holistic, patient/family-centered and evidenced-based care. Midwives work with women and families during pregnancy, birth, routine well woman exams and menopause.Listen in as Kathrine Simon, a board-certified nurse midwife at Allina Health, discusses the care philosophy of nurse-midwives and how they may the best choice for your individual health needs.

We've all heard there are ingredients in wine—specifically red wine—that can help protect us from heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's and more. But to realize those benefits we'd have to drink an unhealthy amount of wine. Listen in as Dr. Jesse Corry, a neurologist from Allina Health, with the John Nasseff Neuroscience Specialty Clinic in St. Paul, discusses a possible new pill that would provide many of the benefits of red wine -- without actually drinking any wine.

Couples considering birth control have many safe and effective options. The use of IUDs as birth control has been increasing recently. But many women still have a lot of questions about their safety and possible side effects. An intrauterine device (IUD) is a type of birth control that is inserted into your uterus. It is a small, flexible piece of plastic with a string on the end. It is inserted and removed by your caregiver. IUDs prevent sperm from reaching or fertilizing an egg. IUDs also prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus and developing into a fetus.Listen in as Sara Ackermann, DO explains the advantages of an IUD and how to choose the birth control method that's right for you.

Some people purposefully try to sabotage your fitness goals because they aren't having the same success. While others might not even realize that their words or actions are having a negative effect on you – and have become a fitness bully.Everyone seems to have an opinion on what workouts are the best or which diet is most effective. But where should we draw the line when it comes to sharing our opinion? Fitness bullies make you feel inferior about your workout choices or the progress you are or are not making toward your fitness goals. Jeannie Paris, registered dietitian and certified health coach, discusses strategies for dealing with fitness bullies.

There is a lot of buzz about the importance of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine for preteens, especially for girls. What often gets missed is that boys need the vaccine, too. First, it's important to know that HPV is unfortunately very common. Almost 80 million Americans have been infected, and almost 15 million new infections happen every year. HPV is linked with certain types of cancer and the development of genital warts. The good news is that the HPV vaccine can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing cancer and warts. The bad news is that the number of people receiving the vaccine in the United States is too low. Listen in as Ella Hamilton, CNP discusses the importance of the HPV vaccine.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that causes a person to have obsessions and compulsions. An obsession is an unwanted thought that stays in your mind most of the time. You cannot stop or control this thought. A compulsion is something you do and cannot stop doing because of the obsessive thought. You may become very anxious if you try to stop the compulsion.Listen in as Marc E Mooney, LP discusses OCD and how you know when you should seek help for yourself or your loved ones.

As our parents age, chances are that we will find ourselves switching roles; we are no longer just their child, we are now their caregiver. This change in roles can be confusing for both the parent and the child. Add the wide variation in the aging process; some adults remain physical active and mentally acute throughout their life, while others struggle with physical and mental health issues, and the situation becomes even more complex. To be able to provide for our parents, we need a better understanding of aging. We need to know whether a change in activity, behavior or health is part of “getting older,” or a symptom of an illness. Listen in as Jan Osborne, APRN, explains that by listening to our parents and understanding their needs, we can help them live longer, healthier, better quality lives.

For many of us, the change of seasons means the opportunity to get back into a favorite sports activity. Or maybe you've decided that this is the year you'll take up a new sport such as running, soccer or basketball. But rushing into a new activity without proper preparation can result in pain or injury that leaves you on the sidelines. Listen in as Dr. Jamie Peters, a sports medicine physician with Sports & Orthopaedic Specialists, discusses the best way to ramp up for an injury-free sports season.

Opioids are medications prescribed to relieve a person's pain. Unfortunately, prescription drug abuse is on the rise and opioids are being used for non-medical purposes across the US by men and women of all ages. Teens and young adults are the greatest abusers of prescription drugs. With all of this in mind, what is a person to do who is experiencing pain? Listen in as Dr. Matthew Monsein, a physician specializing in chronic pain management with Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, discusses opioid abuse and what it could mean for those who really need it.

Medications are often a precarious – and expensive – route to manage chronic pain, but are often the first avenues people think of. With many alternative treatments, understanding your pain and what options are there for you are the first steps to healing. Listen in as Dr. Matthew Monsein, a physician specializing in chronic pain management with Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, discusses what options people have to help manage their chronic pain other than medication.

The way we think about and look at food is changing. The FDA is giving nutrition labels on all food packaging a makeover. Serving size, sugar and fat labels will be different.Listen in as Registered Dietitian Janel Hemmesch with Abbott Northwestern Hospital, talks about when we will start to see the new labels, how to read them and what we really should be looking for when it comes to our food choices.

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria. You can get chlamydia during oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected partner. Both men and women can get it. Chlamydia affects people of all ages but is most common in young women. Many who have chlamydia don't develop symptoms, but they can still infect others through sexual contact.Listen in as Dr. Melody McKenzie joins the show to discuss Chlamydia and how you can reduce the risks of contracting an STI.

The Zika virus infection can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects, so it's critical for pregnant women, and those trying to conceive, to learn about the virus, the impacted areas and how to protect themselves. Meiling Parker, MD., is here to explain the dangers of the Zika virus for pregnant women, and those trying to conceive.

While taking care of a loved ones medical needs, it can be just as important to take care of yourself along the way.You cannot stop the impact of a chronic or progressive illness or a debilitating injury on someone for whom you care. But there is a great deal that you can do to take responsibility for your personal well being and to get your own needs met.Regardless of age, sex, and race and ethnicity, caregivers report problems attending to their own health and well-being while managing caregiving responsibilities.Stress, exhaustion, worry, inadequate resources and continuous care demands are enormously stressful.Allina Health offers a Wellness for Caregivers group beginning May 5, 2016. Click here to learn more about Wellness for Caregivers.Gayle MacBride, PhD, LP, Allina Health clinics, is here to explain the importance of taking care of yourself while also helping your loved ones.

Fibromyalgia affects millions of Americans – predominantly women – and is often misunderstood by the medical community. In recent years, however, significant advances have occurred in our understanding of the condition. Dr. Murray J. McAllister is a health psychologist who currently serves as the Clinical Director of Pain Services for Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. He talks to us today about this elusive illness and how best to treat it.

It is normal to feel increased levels of stress, tension, and anxiety when you are planning to have surgery and spend time in the hospital. The stress response happens when your body and mind are getting you ready to cope with an event or time that may feel difficult or scary.Listen in as Barbara Hopperstad, MA., explains how you can manage pre-surgical stress and how that can help you have a better surgical outcome.

Whether it's your first, second or fifth time, being pregnant is amazing experience. But it is also very taxing on a woman's body.In Chinese medicine, acupuncture is believed to work by regulating the circulation of Qi (pronounced Chee and means vital energy). A key advantage of acupuncture during pregnancy is the help it provides to the digestive system. It can help soothe the digestive system to help with nausea, heartburn and constipation.Much like massage, acupuncture can reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue. It also helps relieve muscle and joint pain.Stefanie Beniek, L.Ac., MaOM, Dipl. OM is here to explain the benefits of acupucture/Chinese medicine during pregnancy.

Anyone who has ever learned to play an instrument or who has spent time in dance or concert rehearsals knows there are no shortcuts. The trick is learning how to structure practice time to make it productive without increasing the risk for pain or injury. As a parent, you can take a few precautions that can help your child prevent injuries when they practice.Some of their tips include; Know the instructor, try to understand their teaching methods, and provide regular breaks from practice, about every 30-45 minutes. Dividing practice into manageable chunks of time reduces the risk of overuse injuries and helps to manage mental and physical fatigue.Paul Schaefer, MD., is here to explain the unique situation that performing artists have when it comes to injuries and how you can let them explore their art with less risk of injury.