Podcasts about The BMJ

The BMJ called Bad Influence "a timely and eye-opening investigation...essential reading," but spoiler: I don't agree. I found the reporting solid, and she made good points about how social media prioritizes stories over science, but I disagreed with nearly every solution. As an American who values free speech and medical autonomy, I want control over my health and freedom to speak. The author's UK, socialized-medicine perspective leads her to lean toward regulation and centralized answers — that's just not my worldview. I gave the book two stars: worth reading if you want to understand the problems, but don't expect the proposed fixes to support medical autonomy nor freedom of speech.   Get the book Bad Influence: How the Internet Hijacked Our Health by Deborah Cohen   JOIN THE HEALTH WITH HASHIMOTO'S COMMUNITY Unlock your wellness journey with the free Health with Hashimoto's community! Join a supportive community that's here for you every step of the way. The Health with Hashimoto's community is on Skool: https://www.skool.com/health-with-hashimotos/about   Find all links on my resource page: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/resources/   ABOUT THE PODCAST & ESTHER: The Health with Hashimoto's podcast will help you explore the root causes of your autoimmune condition and discover holistic solutions to address your Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is hosted by Esther Yunkin, a registered nurse, holistic health educator, and Hashimoto's warrior.   This podcast is for informational and educational purposes. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

¿Tu entrenador personal te está ayudando de verdad o solo te está haciendo depender más de él? En este vídeo hablamos de las señales que indican que quizá estás tirando el dinero con tu entrenador.Un buen entrenador debería hacerte más independiente, enseñarte a entender tu cuerpo, darte criterio y ayudarte a mejorar tu salud. Pero muchos hacen justo lo contrario: te motivan, te cansan, te cambian ejercicios constantemente y consiguen que sigas pagando… aunque sigas sin saber entrenar mejor.En este vídeo vas a descubrir:* Por qué un entrenador no debería convertirse en tu amigo si eso impide decirte la verdad.* La diferencia entre motivarte y construir una estructura real de entrenamiento.* Por qué sudar, cansarte o acabar destruido no significa entrenar bien.* Cómo detectar el entrenamiento espectáculo que solo busca entretenerte.* Por qué un buen entrenador debe explicarte, corregirte y darte herramientas.* Las señales claras de que no te están entrenando: te están fidelizando.El entrenamiento personal no debería convertirte en una marioneta. Debería darte más autonomía, más criterio, más fuerza y más responsabilidad sobre tu cuerpo.La pregunta es sencilla: ¿tu entrenador te hace más capaz o cada vez dependes más de él?Déjame en comentarios qué opinas: ¿crees que muchos entrenadores se han convertido más en colegas animadores que en profesionales?Sígueme también en:Web: www.faustoalfaro.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/faustoalfaro_/X: https://x.com/Faustoalfaro_Referencias científicas:Mossman, L. H., Slemp, G. R., Lewis, K. J., Colla, R. H., & O'Halloran, P. (2024). Autonomy support in sport and exercise settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 17(1), 374–400.André, N., Grousset, M., & Audiffren, M. (2024). A behavioral perspective for improving exercise adherence. Sports Medicine - Open, 10, 56.Zhu, S. F., Sinha, D., Kirk, M., Michalopoulou, M., Hajizadeh, A., Wren, G., Doody, P., Mackillop, L., Smith, R., Jebb, S. A., & Astbury, N. M. (2024). Effectiveness of behavioural interventions with motivational interviewing on physical activity outcomes in adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ, 386, e078713.

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons responds to Peter Attia's breast cancer screening episode (#396). Attia asks the right question: why are 42,000 women still dying of breast cancer every year? But his answer, more mammograms and MRI on top, is exactly wrong. Dr. Jenn breaks down, study by study, why that 40-year approach has never moved the death toll.Forty-two thousand women a year. That number has not moved since mammography went mainstream in the 1980s. Detection rates are up, diagnoses are up, and the death toll has not changed. We have been finding more cancer, calling more women patients, and watching the same number of them die. If you have ever scheduled your annual mammogram believing it was the most protective thing you could do, this episode will reframe everything you thought you knew.What You'll LearnWhy the breast cancer death toll has not moved in 40 years, and why more screening is the reasonWhy DCIS is not cancer, why mammography invented it, and what happens to a woman the moment it gets labeled "stage zero"Why an aggressive tumor is aggressive from the day it forms, and why finding it earlier on a mammogram does not change what it does nextWhy mammography catches the cancers least likely to kill you, and routinely misses the ones that willWhat happened when researchers followed 89,835 women for 25 years and compared annual mammography to doing nothing, and why you have never heard about itWhat the Cochrane review found after analyzing every randomized mammography trial ever run, and why Peter Attia addressed it in one sentenceWhy the WISDOM trial, the most significant recent evidence in this space and the one study Attia never mentions, is an indictment of everything he arguedWhy there is no standard radiation dose for a mammogram, and why the woman next to you in the waiting room may have received ten times less than you didWhat the FDA has formally documented about gadolinium staying in the brain and bones for years, and why the women being told to get it every six months are the last women who shouldWhy insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and toxic burden are among the most powerful drivers of breast cancer risk, and why Attia's episode contained zero mention of any of themResources MentionedPeter Attia, Episode 396 on breast cancer screening: peterattiamd.com/breastcancerscreeningDr. Robin Berzin, founder of Parsley HealthMiller AB, et al. Twenty five year follow-up of the Canadian National Breast Screening Study. BMJ. 2014;348:g366.Gøtzsche PC, Jørgensen KJ. Screening for breast cancer with mammography. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(6):CD001877.Zahl PH, et al. Results of the Two-County trial are not compatible with official Swedish breast cancer statistics. Danish Medical Bulletin. 2006;53(4):438–440.Nyström L, et al. Long-term effects of mammography screening: updated overview of the Swedish randomised trials. Lancet. 2002;359:909–19.Esserman LJ, et al. Risk-Based vs Annual Breast Cancer Screening: The WISDOM Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2026;335(9):763–774.FDA gadolinium-based contrast agent safety communications (2015, 2017, 2018), summarized in Fotenos A, FDA Pediatric Advisory Committee, Sept 2018.Kanda T, et al. High signal intensity in the dentate nucleus and globus pallidus and cumulative gadolinium dose. Radiology. 2014;270(3):834–841.Veenhuizen SGA, et al. Supplemental breast MRI for women with extremely dense breasts: DENSE trial. Radiology. 2021;299(2):278–286.Tabar L, et al. Reduction in mortality from breast cancer after mass screening with mammography. Lancet. 1985;325:829–32.To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in hormone replacement therapy: estradiol. Not all estrogen is the same—and how estradiol is delivered can dramatically affect hormone balance, inflammation, clotting risk, testosterone levels, and overall health outcomes. Dr. McCarthy discusses: • Why route of administration matters (oral, patch, injectable, topical, vaginal, pellet) • How oral estradiol converts to estrone • The differences between estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and estriol (E3) • Estrone's relationship to inflammation and metabolic health • Oral estrogen and clotting risk • Oral estrogen's effect on SHBG and free testosterone • The impact of oral estrogen on IGF-1 and growth hormone signaling • Why informed consent should be central to hormone therapy • Benefits and limitations of pellets, patches, creams, and injections • Estriol and emerging research in autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis At Protea Medical Center, our philosophy is simple: patients deserve complete information so they can make empowered decisions about their health.

Howie and Harlan are joined by Ingrid Katz, director of the Yale Institute for Global Health, to discuss why HIV continues to spread despite the existence of cheap and effective treatment, what AIDS activism can teach us about tackling chronic diseases like hypertension, and what outbreaks like Ebola reveal about the consequences of fragile health systems. Harlan reports on a breach of UK Biobank data and what it means for the future of open science; Howie highlights two recent papers illustrating the importance of vitamin C and the danger of treating it as a cure-all. Show notes: The UK Biobank Data Breach UK Biobank NIH: All of Us Research Program "UK Biobank health data listed for sale in China, government confirms" "UK Biobank: Confidential patient health details still online three months after leaks, BMJ finds" Ingrid Katz HIV PEPFAR The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Differentiated Service Delivery Hypertension "Prevalence, Awareness, and Treatment of Hypertension in 37 African Countries: Trends From 2003 to 2022" Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) Treatment Action Campaign "Health & Veritas Episode 224: Nicholas Christakis: The Science of Human Connection" CDC: Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation" South African president Thabo Mbeki "More than Two Decades Since the Abuja Declaration: A Way Forward for Ending AIDS as a Public Health Threat by 2030" Vitamin C Linus Pauling "High-Dose Intravenous Vitamin C and Mortality and Organ Dysfunction in Severe Burn Injury: The VICTORY Randomized Clinical Trial" "High-Dose Vitamin C in Burns: Time to Stop" "A 7-Year-Old Girl with Limping and Leg Pain" In the Yale School of Management's MBA for Executives program, you'll get a full MBA education in 22 months while applying new skills to your organization in real time. Yale's Executive Master of Public Health offers a rigorous public health education for working professionals, with the flexibility of evening online classes alongside three on-campus trainings. Email Howie and Harlan comments or questions.

Howie and Harlan are joined by Ingrid Katz, director of the Yale Institute for Global Health, to discuss why HIV continues to spread despite the existence of cheap and effective treatment, what AIDS activism can teach us about tackling chronic diseases like hypertension, and what outbreaks like Ebola reveal about the consequences of fragile health systems. Harlan reports on a breach of UK Biobank data and what it means for the future of open science; Howie highlights two recent papers illustrating the importance of vitamin C and the danger of treating it as a cure-all. Show notes: The UK Biobank Data Breach UK Biobank NIH: All of Us Research Program "UK Biobank health data listed for sale in China, government confirms" "UK Biobank: Confidential patient health details still online three months after leaks, BMJ finds" Ingrid Katz HIV PEPFAR The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Differentiated Service Delivery Hypertension "Prevalence, Awareness, and Treatment of Hypertension in 37 African Countries: Trends From 2003 to 2022" Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) Treatment Action Campaign "Health & Veritas Episode 224: Nicholas Christakis: The Science of Human Connection" CDC: Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation South African president Thabo Mbeki "More than Two Decades Since the Abuja Declaration: A Way Forward for Ending AIDS as a Public Health Threat by 2030" Vitamin C Linus Pauling "High-Dose Intravenous Vitamin C and Mortality and Organ Dysfunction in Severe Burn Injury: The VICTORY Randomized Clinical Trial" "High-Dose Vitamin C in Burns: Time to Stop" "A 7-Year-Old Girl with Limping and Leg Pain" In the Yale School of Management's MBA for Executives program, you'll get a full MBA education in 22 months while applying new skills to your organization in real time. Yale's Executive Master of Public Health offers a rigorous public health education for working professionals, with the flexibility of evening online classes alongside three on-campus trainings. Email Howie and Harlan comments or questions.

If you enjoy this episode, we're sure you will enjoy more content like this on The Occult Rejects.  In fact, we have curated playlists on occult topics like grimoires, esoteric concepts and phenomena, occult history, analyzing true crime and cults with an occult lens, Para politics, and occultism in music. Whether you enjoy consuming your content visually or via audio, we've got you covered - and it will always be provided free of charge.  So, if you enjoy what we do and want to support our work of providing accessible, free content on various platforms, please consider making a donation to the links provided below.  Thank you and enjoy the episode!Links For The Occult Rejectshttps://linktr.ee/theoccultrejectsOccult Research Institutehttps://www.occultresearchinstitute.org/Substackhttps://substack.com/@theoccultrejects?r=7auau0&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-pageCash Apphttps://cash.app/$theoccultrejectsVenmo@TheOccultRejectsBuy Me A Coffeebuymeacoffee.com/TheOccultRejectsPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/TheOccultRejectsBiblioBernardi, Luciano, Peter Sleight, Gabriele Bandinelli, Simone Cencetti, Luciano Fattorini, Johanna Wdowczyc-Szulc, and Alfonso Lagi. “Effect of Rosary Prayer and Yoga Mantras on Autonomic Cardiovascular Rhythms: Comparative Study.” BMJ 323, no. 7327 (2001): 1446–1449.Benson, Herbert, John W. Lehmann, Mark S. Malhotra, Ralph F. Goldman, Jeffrey Hopkins, and Mark D. Epstein. “Body Temperature Changes During the Practice of g Tum-mo Yoga.” Nature 295 (1982): 234–236.Benson, Herbert, Mark S. Malhotra, Ralph F. Goldman, Gregory D. Jacobs, and Jeffrey Hopkins. “Three Case Reports of the Metabolic and Electroencephalographic Changes During Advanced Buddhist Meditation Techniques.” Behavioral Medicine 16, no. 2 (1990): 90–95.Bremer, Brandon, Lorenzo Wu, Zoran Josipovic, and colleagues. “Mindfulness Meditation Increases Default Mode, Salience, and Central Executive Network Connectivity.” Scientific Reports 12 (2022).Brewer, Judson A., Patrick D. Worhunsky, Jeremy R. Gray, Yi-Yuan Tang, Jochen Weber, and Hedy Kober. “Meditation Experience Is Associated with Differences in Default Mode Network Activity and Connectivity.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 108, no. 50 (2011): 20254–20259.Britton, Willoughby B. and colleagues. Research associated with the “Varieties of Contemplative Experience” project on meditation-related challenges, adverse effects, and safety considerations in contemplative practice.Crowley, Aleister. Liber E vel Exercitiorum sub figura IX. In the A∴A∴ training corpus. Relevant sections include asana, pranayama, and dharana as foundational magical exercises.Dennison, Paul. “Insights From an EEG Study of Buddhist Jhāna Meditation.” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 13 (2019).Fialoke, Shantala, Helen Weng, and colleagues. “Functional Connectivity Changes in Meditators and Novices During Yoga Nidra Practice.” Scientific Reports 14 (2024).Fox, Kieran C. R., Savannah Nijeboer, Matthew L. Dixon, James L. Floman, Melissa Ellamil, Samuel P. Rumak, Peter Sedlmeier, and Kalina Christoff. “Is Meditation Associated with Altered Brain Structure? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Morphometric Neuroimaging in Meditation Practitioners.” Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 43 (2014): 48–73.Hölzel, Britta K., James Carmody, Mark Vangel, Christina Congleton, Sita M. Yerramsetti, Tim Gard, and Sara W. Lazar. “Mindfulness Practice Leads to Increases in Regional Brain Gray Matter Density.” Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging 191, no. 1 (2011): 36–43.Kozhevnikov, Maria, Olesya Louchakova, Zoran Josipovic, and Michael A. Motes. “The Enhancement of Visuospatial Processing Efficiency Through Buddhist Deity Meditation.” Psychological Science 20, no. 5 (2009): 645–653.Kozhevnikov, Maria, John A. Elliott, Jennifer Shephard, and Klaus Gramann. “Neurocognitive and Somatic Components of Temperature Increases During g-Tummo Meditation: Legend and Reality.” PLOS ONE 8, no. 3 (2013): e58244.Laukkonen, Ruben E., and Heleen A. Slagter. “From Many to (N)one: Meditation and the Plasticity of the Predictive Mind.” Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 128 (2021): 199–217.Lomas, Tim, Juan Carlos Ivtzan, and Itai K. Fu. “A Systematic Review of the Neurophysiology of Mindfulness on EEG Oscillations.” Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 57 (2015): 401–410.Lott, James P., Richard J. Davidson, John D. Dunne, Thupten Jinpa, Antoine Lutz, and colleagues. “No Detectable Electroencephalographic Activity After Clinical Declaration of Death Among Tibetan Buddhist Meditators in Apparent Tukdam.” Frontiers in Psychology 11 (2021): 599190.Lutz, Antoine, Lawrence L. Greischar, Nancy B. Rawlings, Matthieu Ricard, and Richard J. Davidson. “Long-term Meditators Self-induce High-amplitude Gamma Synchrony During Mental Practice.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 101, no. 46 (2004): 16369–16373.Lutz, Antoine, Julie Brefczynski-Lewis, Tom Johnstone, and Richard J. Davidson. “Regulation of the Neural Circuitry of Emotion by Compassion Meditation: Effects of Meditative Expertise.” PLoS ONE 3, no. 3 (2008): e1897.Matko, Karin, Peter Sedlmeier, and colleagues. “Adverse Effects of Meditation and Mindfulness in Clinical Practice.” 2025.Patanjali. Yoga Sutras. Especially Book III, traditionally describing dharana, dhyana, and samadhi.Riegner, Gretchen, Fadel Zeidan, and colleagues. “Disentangling Self from Pain: Mindfulness Meditation-Induced Pain Relief Is Driven by Thalamic-Default Mode Network Decoupling.” Pain 164, no. 2 (2023): 280–291.Tang, Yi-Yuan, Britta K. Hölzel, and Michael I. Posner. “The Neuroscience of Mindfulness Meditation.” Nature Reviews Neuroscience 16 (2015): 213–225.Vago, David R., and David A. Silbersweig. “Self-awareness, Self-regulation, and Self-transcendence: A Framework for Understanding the Neurobiological Mechanisms of Mindfulness.” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 6 (2012): 296.Zeidan, Fadel, and colleagues. Research on mindfulness meditation, pain modulation, attention, and the neural mechanisms of pain relief.Slagter, Heleen A., Antoine Lutz, Lawrence L. Greischar, Andrew D. Francis, Sander Nieuwenhuis, James M. Davis, and Richard J. Davidson. “Mental Training Affects Distribution of Limited Brain Resources.” PLOS Biology 5, no. 6 (2007): e138. Use for: Attentional blink, limited attention, and meditation changing how the brain allocates resources.Hölzel, Britta K., James Carmody, Mark Vangel, Christina Congleton, Sita M. Yerramsetti, Tim Gard, and Sara W. Lazar. “Mindfulness Practice Leads to Increases in Regional Brain Gray Matter Density.” Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging 191, no. 1 (2011): 36–43. Use for: Neuroplasticity, repeated practice leaving measurable marks on the brain, and the “practice writes itself into the practitioner” idea.Laukkonen, Ruben E., and Heleen A. Slagter. “From Many to (N)one: Meditation and the Plasticity of the Predictive Mind.” Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 128 (2021): 199–217. Use for: Predictive processing, the brain as a prediction machine, meditation loosening automatic models, and the “veil” argument.Lutz, Antoine, Julie Brefczynski-Lewis, Tom Johnstone, and Richard J. Davidson. “Regulation of the Neural Circuitry of Emotion by Compassion Meditation: Effects of Meditative Expertise.” PLOS ONE 3, no. 3 (2008): e1897. Use for: Compassion meditation, loving-kindness, emotional circuitry, and training compassion as a repeatable state rather than just a moral idea.Kok, Bethany E., Kimberly A. Coffey, Michael A. Cohn, Lahnna I. Catalino, Tanya Vacharkulksemsuk, Sara B. Algoe, Marc A. Brantley, and Barbara L. Fredrickson. “How Positive Emotions Build Physical Health: Perceived Positive Social Connections Account for the Upward Spiral Between Positive Emotions and Vagal Tone.” Psychological Science 24, no. 7 (2013): 1123–1132. Use for: Loving-kindness, social connection, vagal tone, and the cautious “social nervous system” bridge.Black, David S., and George M. Slavich. “Mindfulness Meditation and the Immune System: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1373, no. 1 (2016): 13–24. Use for: Immune-system caution, inflammation markers, cell-mediated immunity, biological aging, and why this material should be framed as tentative rather than miracle healing.Burić, Ivana, Miguel Farias, Jonathan Jong, Christopher Mee, and Inti A. Brazil. “What Is the Molecular Signature of Mind–Body Interventions? A Systematic Review of Gene Expression Changes Induced by Meditation and Related Practices.” Frontiers in Immunology 8 (2017): 670. Use for: Stress biology, inflammatory gene expression, NF-kB-related language, and the cautious claim that mind-body practices may affect biology below ordinary mood.Also want to remind people about the website, if you're into reading we have tons of information by multiple contributors, and we got t-shirts up on the site if you're interested. Fun fact, the art is all based on the eyeball. A

In this episode of RAPM Focus, Raj Gupta, MD, FASRA, hosts a critical conversation with RAPM Editor-in-Chief Brian Sites, MD, on the intersection of patient care and surgical recovery in healthcare economics, following the December 2025 publication of Dr. Sites's research letter, “Impact of removing liposomal bupivacaine from a health system formulary on length of stay: an observational study in video-assisted thoracoscopic wedge resection.” Dr. Raj Gupta is a professor of anesthesiology at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the medical director of Vanderbilt Health Belle Meade Surgery Center. Dr. Gupta previously served on the ASRA Pain Medicine Board of Directors. Dr. Brian Sites is a professor of anesthesiology and orthopedic surgery at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. He is the medical director of the acute pain medicine service. Dr. Sites's clinical passion and research centers around the role of image guidance for regional anesthesiology. *The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice, and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner's judgement, patient care, or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others. Podcast and music produced by Dan Langa. Find us on X @RAPMOnline, LinkedIn @Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, Facebook @Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, and Instagram @RAPM_Online.

What happens when the timescales of rigorous evidence are fundamentally incompatible with the speed of health technology? In this episode, we're joined by Paul Wicks-research neuropsychologist, former BMJ editorial board member, and independent evidence strategist- to explore one of health tech's most pressing unsolved problems. We discuss why the traditional publishing system is struggling to keep pace with AI, how companies are navigating and sometimes circumventing the evidence landscape, and what a more strategic approach to research actually looks like in practice. We also ask the bigger question: does evidence generation in health tech need to be redesigned from the ground up, and if so, who should be leading that conversation?

In this solo episode, Lisa takes a critical look at two recent studies examining the return of fertility after stopping hormonal contraception, one published in 2020 and one published in the BMJ in 2023. Rather than accepting their conclusions at face value, Lisa walks through the methodology of each study and identifies significant design flaws that call their findings into question. Lisa discusses the difference between time-to-pregnancy studies and discontinuation studies that track cycle characteristics, and makes the case for more robust, inclusive research designs that could provide clearer answers for women and the practitioners supporting them. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here! Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead?

The heated debate on prostate cancer screening boils down to one question: should men be routinely screened? Two recent position statements from the UK's national screening committee published in the BMJ show that screening decisions are steeped in complexity.  The benefits of screening may be easier to grasp, but the harms of overdiagnosis and overtreatment are given less attention. Can we close the divide between the public and academic discourse?   Guest: Sian Taylor-Phillips is professor of population health at the University of Warwick and a member of the UK national screening committee.   Further Reading: UK National Screening Committee position statement on surrogate outcomes in cancer screening trials Prostate cancer screening: Committee rejects calls for mass testing programme despite pressure More interviews from the BMJ on our Youtube channel.

The Labour government has embarked on a reorganisation of the NHS in England. And now the Health Bill (also known as the ‘NHS Modernisation Bill') has been introduced in parliament to effect the changes. Key provisions include merging NHS England into the Department of Health and Social Care, reforming data sharing to support creating a single patient record and shaking up patient voice functions by abolishing Healthwatch. But will any of this make a real difference to patients and the public? We take a closer look at what's in the bill and what it really means, and ask how Wes Streeting's departure as health secretary is likely to affect the government's reform agenda. Hugh Alderwick, Director of Policy and Research at the Health Foundation, is joined by: Clare Gerada, a GP and a crossbench peer in the House of Lords. Nicholas Timmins, an author and journalist who writes about the welfare state and the NHS and a senior fellow at the Institute for Government. Show notesUK parliament. Health Bill.  Department of Health and Social Care (2024). Independent investigation of the NHS in England: Lord Darzi's report on the state of the National Health Service in England.BMJ (2026). Health bill brings NHS management back into government.  NHS Assembly (2023). NHS in England at 75: Priorities for the future.  The King's Fund (2026). Before the next bill lands: what history tells us about NHS reorganisation. Health Foundation (2026). Health bill hands power to ministers, but misses the biggest health challenges. 

Mace and Jeff put Matt Walsh's antidepressant episode under the clinical microscope — and it does not pass the functional impairment test. They break down the 2022 Molecular Psychiatry umbrella review that dismantled the low-serotonin narrative, explain why that finding doesn't indict SSRIs as a category, and make the case that the “chemical imbalance” pitch was always more pharmaceutical advertising than clinical science. They also tackle what functional impairment actually means in diagnosis, the gender disparity in antidepressant prescribing, whether the SSRI-to-mass-violence argument is causal or just really committed to showing up in the same sentence, and what clinicians should actually be telling clients about medications they can't fully explain. For anyone who has ever explained serotonin to a client and quietly wondered if they knew what they were talking about: this one's for you. Music: “Machine Heart – Instrumental version” by Icarus. Licensed via Artlist Pro License #JeMO9k. Bielefeldt, A. Ø., Danborg, P. B., & Gøtzsche, P. C. (2016). Precursors to suicidality and violence on antidepressants: systematic review of trials in adult healthy volunteers. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 109(10), 381–392. https://doi.org/10.1177/0141076816666805 Brody, D. J., & Gu, Q. (2020). Antidepressant use among adults: United States, 2015–2018. NCHS Data Brief, No. 377. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db377.htm Chua, K. P., Volerman, A., Zhang, J., Hua, J., & Conti, R. M. (2024). Antidepressant dispensing to US adolescents and young adults: 2016–2022. Pediatrics, 153(3), e2023064245. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2023-064245 Healy, D., & Mangin, D. (2024). Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction: barriers to quantifying incidence and prevalence. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 33, e44. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2045796024000441 Kuehner, C. (2017). Why is depression more common among women than among men? The Lancet Psychiatry, 4(2), 146–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(16)30263-2 Moncrieff, J., Cooper, R. E., Stockmann, T., Amendola, S., Hengartner, M. P., & Horowitz, M. A. (2023). The serotonin theory of depression: a systematic umbrella review of the evidence. Molecular Psychiatry, 28, 3243–3256. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-022-01661-0 Salk, R. H., Hyde, J. S., & Abramson, L. Y. (2017). Gender differences in depression in representative national samples: Meta-analyses of diagnoses and symptoms. Psychological Bulletin, 143(8), 783–822. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000102 Stone, M., Laughren, T., Jones, M. L., Levenson, M., Holland, P. C., Hughes, A., Hammad, T. A., Temple, R., & Rochester, G. (2009). Risk of suicidality in clinical trials of antidepressants in adults: analysis of proprietary data submitted to US Food and Drug Administration. BMJ, 339, b2880. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.b2880

Les protéines sont devenues une sorte de religion sur les réseaux sociaux, et les voix les plus bruyantes répètent constamment le même message : plus il y en a, mieux c'est. Dans cet épisode, nous adoptons une approche plus nuancée et fondée sur les données scientifiques en posant une meilleure question : la source de vos protéines influence-t-elle votre santé à long terme, et pourquoi?Lorsqu'on prend du recul, on réalise qu'on ne mange jamais des « protéines » en isolation. On consomme plutôt un ensemble d'aliments. Les lentilles ne viennent pas seules; elles apportent aussi des fibres, des vitamines et des minéraux. Les viandes transformées, quant à elles, s'accompagnent souvent de gras saturés, de sodium et d'additifs. C'est dans ce contexte que se trouve la véritable histoire de la santé.Nous explorons les résultats de grandes études de population, notamment une importante méta-analyse publiée dans le BMJ, afin de comprendre ce qu'elles suggèrent concernant les protéines d'origine végétale et leur association avec la mortalité toutes causes confondues ainsi qu'avec les maladies cardiovasculaires. Nous traduisons ensuite ces données en stratégies concrètes et réalistes : réduire sa consommation de viande rouge et de viandes transformées, ajouter des haricots ou des lentilles aux repas que vous préparez déjà, intégrer le tofu ou le tempeh dans des recettes simples, ou encore essayer le lait de soya si cela convient à votre routine. Rien d'extrême, aucune quête de perfection, simplement des changements durables que vous pouvez maintenir à long terme.Nous répondons également aux objections les plus fréquentes : « Les protéines végétales sont-elles incomplètes? » et « Qu'en est-il des athlètes et du développement musculaire? » Vous découvrirez pourquoi la variété alimentaire suffit généralement à couvrir les besoins en acides aminés essentiels, pourquoi la majorité des gens atteignent leurs besoins en protéines tout en étant loin d'atteindre leurs objectifs en fibres, et pourquoi la performance sportive dépend surtout de l'apport total en protéines et d'une bonne planification alimentaire, plutôt que de l'étiquette apposée sur un aliment.Si cet épisode vous a plu, abonnez-vous au balado, partagez-le avec une personne qui s'inquiète constamment de ses protéines, et laissez-nous un commentaire en nous indiquant votre meilleure substitution végétale riche en protéines.Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle.You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting  the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shopDon't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQCheck out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accountshttps://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjuleshttps://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify!Thanks so much!Peace, love, plants!Dr. Jules 

Llevas años creyendo que el cigarro o vape te calma. Que cuando estás ansioso, fumar te baja. Que sin él, te subiría la ansiedad al techo.En este episodio te voy a mostrar el estudio enterrado que demuestra lo contrario. Un meta-análisis publicado en el British Medical Journal, una de las revistas médicas más prestigiosas del mundo, revisó 26 estudios con miles de personas seguidas hasta por 9 años después de dejar de fumar. La conclusión los sorprendió incluso a ellos: dejar de fumar y vapear reduce la ansiedad, la depresión y el estrés con una fuerza igual o mayor a la de los antidepresivos.Sí, leíste bien. Dejar el cigarro y el vape funciona, en promedio, mejor que un Prozac.Y el efecto fue idéntico en personas sanas y en personas ya diagnosticadas con trastornos psiquiátricos. O sea, ese pretexto de "no puedo dejarlo porque me da ansiedad" tiene los días contados.En este episodio te explico qué encontraron exactamente, por qué tu cerebro te ha estado mintiendo todos estos años, y qué significa esto para ti si llevas tiempo intentando soltar la nicotina.Referencia: Taylor et al., BMJ 2014;348:g1151.Support the showQue todos los seres sean felices! @homocosmicoVisita la Escuela de la Felicidad en www.mindtreya.com

L'aluminium présent dans certains vaccins est-il dangereux ? La question revient régulièrement depuis des années. Pourtant, les données scientifiques les plus solides tendent aujourd'hui vers la même conclusion : il n'existe pas de preuve convaincante montrant que l'aluminium des vaccins provoque des maladies graves ou chroniques.D'abord, il faut comprendre pourquoi on utilise de l'aluminium. Dans plusieurs vaccins, on ajoute de très petites quantités de sels d'aluminium appelés “adjuvants”. Leur rôle est simple : stimuler la réaction du système immunitaire afin que le vaccin soit plus efficace et protège plus longtemps. Grâce à eux, il est possible d'utiliser moins d'antigène — c'est-à-dire moins de matière vaccinale — tout en obtenant une bonne protection. Les adjuvants à base d'aluminium sont utilisés depuis près d'un siècle.Les inquiétudes viennent du fait que l'aluminium peut être toxique à très fortes doses dans certains contextes industriels ou médicaux. Mais cela ne signifie pas automatiquement que les faibles quantités présentes dans les vaccins soient dangereuses.En 2026, une grande revue systématique publiée par The BMJ a analysé des dizaines d'études portant sur les effets potentiels des vaccins contenant de l'aluminium. Les chercheurs ont examiné les liens possibles avec l'autisme, l'asthme, le diabète de type 1, certaines maladies auto-immunes ou neurologiques. Leur conclusion est claire : les études de meilleure qualité ne montrent pas d'association causale entre l'aluminium vaccinal et ces maladies.Une autre méta-analyse publiée dans BMJ Open en 2022 avait déjà étudié plus de 100 essais cliniques randomisés. Elle concluait que les adjuvants à l'aluminium pouvaient provoquer davantage d'effets secondaires bénins — comme des rougeurs, douleurs ou petites boules au point d'injection — mais ne montraient pas d'augmentation claire des effets graves.Il faut aussi rappeler un point important : nous sommes exposés quotidiennement à l'aluminium par l'alimentation, l'eau ou l'environnement. Les quantités contenues dans les vaccins restent faibles et sont progressivement éliminées par l'organisme.Cela ne veut pas dire que tout débat scientifique est clos. Certains chercheurs demandent encore davantage d'études sur les effets très rares ou à très long terme. Mais aujourd'hui, le consensus scientifique international estime que les bénéfices des vaccins contenant de l'aluminium dépassent largement les risques connus.En résumé : oui, l'aluminium peut être toxique à fortes doses. Mais selon les données scientifiques actuelles, les faibles quantités utilisées comme adjuvants vaccinaux ne semblent pas provoquer de maladies graves chez l'être humain. Hébergé par Acast. Visitez acast.com/privacy pour plus d'informations.

The American Heart Association said seed oils were heart-healthy. Your doctor agreed. For sixty years, that was the end of the conversation. But nobody told you how they're made — or what happens when you heat them. Today we go inside the industrial refining process, the omega-6 to omega-3 imbalance backed by peer-reviewed data, and the 2017 BMJ study that sat unpublished for forty years.

And the evidence is catching up!For most of autism's diagnostic history, clinicians have repeated some version of the same number: autism is about four times more common in boys than in girls. That number has shaped which children get screened, which symptoms get recognized, and which ones get explained away as anxiety or shyness or a hormonal thing. Generations of autistic women and girls have been missed because the people doing the looking were taught to look for boys.In this episode, I walk through a 2026 study published in the BMJ that followed 2.7 million Swedish birth records over 35 years. The findings suggest the four-to-one ratio is collapsing — and in adolescent and adult diagnosis, it has either evened out or flipped. Autistic women were never rare. We were just being missed.Topics covered include:Why the four-to-one male-to-female ratio has dominated autism research and clinical practiceWhat "masking" or "camouflaging" means, and why it has cost so muchThe biological vs. diagnostic explanations for the apparent gender gap — and what this study tells us about bothWhy this looks like a catch-up effect rather than a sudden surge in autistic girlsWhat this means for autistic adults who got missed for decadesIf you'd like to know more about topics discussed in this episode, check out:"Time Trends in the Male to Female Ratio for Autism Incidence: Population Based, Prospectively Collected, Birth Cohort Study" by Caroline Fyfe et al."What Is the Male-to-Female Ratio in Autism Spectrum Disorder? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" by Rachel Loomes et al."'Putting on My Best Normal:' Social Camouflaging in Adults With Autism Spectrum Conditions" by Laura Hull et al."Clinical Characteristics and Problems Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Girls" by Hannah Young et al. Theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.Send in your questions or thoughts via email or audio or video recording for a chance to be featured on the show! My email address is otherautism@gmail.com Large files can be sent for free via WeTransfer. Buy me a coffee!Buy The Other Autism merch. Use code FREESHIP for free shipping on orders over $75 USD! The views, opinions, and experiences shared by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. The content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical or professional advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions related to your health, fitness, or wellness. 

Send us Fan MailO que você oferece nas primeiras semanas importa — e muitoQuatro estudos. Quatro perguntas que todo neonatologista e pediatra já enfrentou na prática. Voltamos a apresentar os artigos do livro 50 Estudos que Todo Neonatologista Deve Conhecer, dessa vez com os artigos que revolucionaram a nutrição neonatal.Qual fórmula dar a um prematuro quando o leite materno não está disponível? Promover o aleitamento de forma estruturada realmente muda desfechos clínicos? Leite doado é superior à fórmula para prematuros extremos? E como manejar a hipoglicemia neonatal sem separar mãe e bebê?Neste episódio da Incubadora, discutimos os ensaios de Lucas et al. no BMJ, o PROBIT no JAMA, o DoMINO no JAMA e o Sugar Babies no Lancet — estudos que, juntos, constroem um argumento difícil de ignorar: decisões tomadas nas primeiras horas e semanas de vida deixam marcas que aparecem no pulmão, no cérebro e no desenvolvimento anos mais tarde.1.     Randomised trial of early diet in preterm babies and later intelligence quotient  - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9831573/2.     Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial (PROBIT) A Randomized Trial in the Republic of Belarus - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11242425/3.     Effect of Supplemental Donor Human Milk Compared With Preterm Formula on Neurodevelopment of Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants at 18 Months A Randomized Clinical Trial - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27825008/4.     Dextrose gel for neonatal hypoglycaemia (the Sugar Babies Study): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24075361/Evidência, cuidado e contexto brasileiro — esse é o nosso roteiro. Não esqueça: você  pode ter acesso aos artigos do nosso Journal Club no nosso site: https://www.the-incubator.org/podcast-1Lembrando que o Podcast está no Instagram, @incubadora.podcast, onde a gente posta as figuras e tabelas de alguns artigos. Se estiver gostando do nosso Podcast, por favor dedique um pouquinho do seu tempo para deixar sua avaliação no seu aplicativo favorito e compartilhe com seus colegas. Isso é importante para a gente poder continuar produzindo os episódios. O nosso objetivo é democratizar a informação.Se quiser entrar em contato, nos mandar sugestões, comentários, críticas e elogios, manda um e-mail pra gente: incubadora@the-incubator.orgEvidência, cuidado e contexto brasileiro - esse é o nosso roteiro.

Twitter was launched 20 years ago, followed quickly by the iPhone and Instagram. Today, nearly 60% of the world's population uses social media. Medical experts are sounding the alarm on the potential for these platforms to cause systemic harm. This past year has seen large events in the legal and public health battle against tech giants, with millions of dollars awarded in damages to child victims. Why has pinning down these companies proven difficult? And, what are the parallels between the social media industry and the historical tactics of "Big Tobacco"? Guests: Matthew Bergman is a practicing attorney and the founder of the Social Media Victims Law Center, as well as a professor at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon. Ilona Kickbusch is an editorial board member of the BMJ and a visiting professor at the Digital Transformations for Health Lab at the University of Geneva, specializing in the commercial determinants of health. Further reading: From tobacco to TikTok: what public health litigation history tells us about holding social media accountable What is the evidence for social media addiction?

In this episode of RAPM Focus, RAPM's Social Media Editor, Alopi Patel, MD, engages with author and RAPM Associate Editor Dr. Sesh Mudumbai, MD, MS, and Oluwatobi Hunter, DNP, RN-BC, AGACNP-BC, following the December 2025 publication of their original research paper, “Utilization and opioid outcomes of a transitional pain service in high-risk surgical veterans: a cohort study.” Dr. Sesh Mudumbai is an associate professor of anesthesiology at Stanford University School of Medicine and director for clinical informatics systems and perioperative analytics at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. His research focuses on understanding pain trajectories, opioid outcomes, and healthcare utilization patterns in surgical populations, with particular emphasis on developing data-driven and informatics-related approaches to improve perioperative care for high-risk veterans. He leads a research program at the intersection of clinical anesthesiology, pain medicine, and health services research.   Dr. Oluwatobi “Tobi” Hunter is the lead nurse practitioner for perioperative pain management and co-director of the transitional pain service at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System. Her clinical interests include perioperative pain management, contingency management for substance use disorders, buprenorphine initiation, auricular acupuncture, and building collaborative multidisciplinary teams. She engages in scholarship through peer-reviewed publications, webcasts, and speaking engagements. *The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice, and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner's judgement, patient care, or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others. Podcast and music produced by Dan Langa. Find us on X @RAPMOnline, LinkedIn @Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, Facebook @Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, and Instagram @RAPM_Online.

In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy dives deep into the psychology of ultra-processed foods, compulsive eating, shame, and why so many people feel trapped in unhealthy food cycles. This conversation goes far beyond calories and willpower. Dr. McCarthy explains how ultra-processed and hyper-palatable foods are intentionally engineered to drive repeat consumption, how emotional memories and stress shape cravings, and why shame-based nutrition advice often makes the problem worse instead of better. Topics covered in this episode include: • How ultra-processed foods affect the brain • Why compulsive eating is learned — and can be unlearned • The connection between trauma, stress, and food cravings • The difference between guilt and shame • How marketing and emotional associations shape eating habits • Why “clean eating” language can be harmful • The neuroscience of cravings, dopamine, serotonin, and reward • What real freedom with food actually looks like • Why self-compassion matters in healing If you've ever felt trapped in cycles of emotional eating, binge eating, food guilt, or shame around nutrition, this episode is for you.  

Tom Bartlett spent 22 years inside the NHS. For three and a half years, he led the 150-person engineering team at NHS England that built the £330M Federated Data Platform with Palantir.He a month ago and he's the only insider speaking publicly about what the platform actually does, what it costs, and whether the NHS has any credible alternative.We cover the architecture, the cost, the CLOUD Act, the BMJ exposé, the conflicts of interest at Chelsea & Westminster, and whether ministers should trigger the break clause.

The BMA has released their long awaited review of the Cass report. The original report looked at the provision of NHS gender identity services for children and young people, and involved a review of the science underpinning those services. It also set out a plan to improve care for gender diverse young people.  We talk with David Strain of the BMA's board of science to discuss their findings, and hear why they were critical of the Secretary of State, Wes Streeting's response to Cass's review. And, we hear about new research published with The BMJ that aims to help children with autism. The researchers used a non-invasive magnetic stimulation technique to target specific regions of the brain, with the goal of promoting sociality. We discuss the benefits, and how this technique might translate to treatment plans for patients. Guests: David Strain is an associate professor in cardio-metabolic health at the University of Exeter and Chair of the BMA's Board of Science. Benjamin Becker is a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Hong Kong, specializing in brain-based interventions for mental disorders. Further reading: Puberty blockers: BMA critique vindicates Cass review but questions government “overreach” Accelerated non-invasive brain stimulation in childhood autism    

In this week's episode we speak with the authors of “Navigating choice: eating, drinking, and decision-making at end of life for individuals with cognitive impairment” about the vital role speech pathologist play in end-of-life and palliative care. Dr Laura Chahda, Laura Knauer, Darcy Long, Druvni Perera, and Sanora Yonan discuss their recent publication, and how we as speech pathologists can feel empowered to play a pivotal role as a member of these unique care teams. Resources: Chahda, L., Perera, D., Long, D., Knauer, L., & Yonan, S. (2025). Navigating choice: eating, drinking and decision-making at end of life for individuals with cognitive impairment. Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, 27(3), 225–233. https://doi.org/10.1080/22000259.2025.2562824 Chahda, L., Mathisen, B. A., & Carey, L. B. (Eds.). (2026). Speech-language pathology and palliative care. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003241966 Elwyn, G., Durand, M. A., Song, J., Aarts, J., Barr, P. J., Berger, Z., … & Frosch, D. L. (2017). A three-talk model for shared decision making: Multistage consultation process. BMJ, 359, j4891. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j4891 SPA resources: Informed Choice and Shared Decision-Making for Clients who Eat and Drink with Acknowledged Risk Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded. Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Disclaimer: © (2026) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association's prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

This week's stories: *Mud Playgrounds Double Kids' Bacterial Diversity and Spike Immune Genes 30% Finland swapped rubber playground surfaces for natural soil and mud across eight kindergartens — and after just one month, kids in dirt had twice the bacterial species diversity on their skin and a 30% increase in expression of ten immune-related genes. Dave breaks down why your immune system requires microbial exposure to calibrate properly, what the hygiene hypothesis actually means for adults, and the dead-simple weekly habit that primes your innate immunity the same way. Sources: https://creators.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/finland-replaced-artificial-playground-surfaces-with-natural-elements-like-mud-and-soil--and-the-results-surprised-even-researchers-184318556.html https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/mud-playground-immunity.htm *Mixing Exercise Types Cuts All-Cause Mortality Up to 40% in 170,000-Person Study A 30-year BMJ Medicine cohort study found that people who rotate at least three different types of exercise weekly see 19 to 40% lower all-cause mortality — and that benefit held independent of total training volume. Dave explains why variety is a distinct biological signal, not a motivation trick, and why grinding more of the same thing is leaving longevity gains on the table. Sources: https://bmjmedicine.bmj.com/content/early/2026/04/26/bmjmed-2025-001513 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260426012305.htm https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/apr/26/exercise-diversity-mortality *Facial Aging Rate from Photos Predicts Cancer Survival Better Than Blood Biomarkers AI analysis of serial facial photos in 1,000+ cancer patients found that computed facial aging rate independently predicted five-year survival with a hazard ratio of 2.1 — outperforming CRP and other standard blood markers. Dave covers what the AI is actually reading in those photos, why your face is a more accurate biological ledger than most labs your doctor orders, and the free monthly habit that turns this into an early warning system. Sources: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-photos-reveal-faster-biological-aging.html https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-026-00123-4 *Vibration Vest OsteoBoost Mimics Weight-Bearing Exercise to Rebuild Bone Density OsteoBoost raised $8M for a wearable vest delivering 30–50Hz vibrations to the spine and hips, triggering the same Wnt/β-catenin osteoblast pathway activated by mechanical loading — with early trials showing 2–5% bone mineral density gains in six months. Dave makes the case forwhy bone loss is one of the most underrated aging crises in the biohacking community, and who should be watching this category closely. Sources: https://longevity.technology/news/osteoboost-raises-8m-to-scale-bone-wearable/ https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/osteoboost *10+ States Advance Raw Milk Bills as H5N1 Hits 100+ Dairy Herds Legislation expanding raw milk access is moving in Arizona, Iowa, New Hampshire, and elsewhere — while the CDC flags H5N1 in over a hundred dairy herds with documented aerosol transmission concerns. Dave gives an honest read on where the freedom argument, the microbiome argument, and the current risk calculus actually stand in April 2026, and what more rigorous sourcing looks like right now. Sources: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/us-med--raw-milk-legislation-120124275.html https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/dairy.htm This episode is designed for biohackers, longevity seekers, and high-performance listeners who want mechanism-level clarity on immune priming, exercise science, biological age tracking, bone health, and real food risk assessment. Host Dave Asprey connects emerging clinical research, large-scale cohort data, and real-world protocols into actionable frameworks for extending healthspan and sharpening performance. New episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Keywords: mud playground immune system microbiome, soil bacteria skin diversity, hygiene hypothesis biohacking, exercise variety longevity, BMJ exercise mortality study, mixed training lifespan, facial aging rate cancer survival, biological age face AI, facial photo biomarker longevity, OsteoBoost vibration vest bone density, whole body vibration osteoporosis, bone mineral density wearable, raw milk H5N1 bird flu, raw milk legislation 2026, raw dairy safety biohacking, biohacking news, longevity research 2026, Dave Asprey weekly roundup Thank you to our sponsors! - KILLSwitch | If you're ready for the best sleep of your life, order now at https://www.switchsupplements.com/and use code DAVE for 20% off - Puori | Go to Puori.com/DAVE or use code DAVE at checkout to get 32% off your Puori Fish Oil subscription. 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MedPod Today: the podcast series where MedPage Today reporters share deeper insight into the week's biggest healthcare stories. This week, MedPage Today reporters discuss what you need to know about RFK Jr.'s "hearingpalooza," how the majority of articles published in a guest-edited BMJ journal edition were retracted, and new research on "superretractors." Episode produced and hosted by Rachael Robertson. Sound engineering by

A blockbuster MS drug undergoes FDA re-evaluation. We explore the story of Ocrelizumab, a treatment for primary progressive multiple sclerosis, following a patient petition that highlighted internal disagreements among agency reviewers regarding its efficacy. We look to Sweden, where new research involving sibling pairs separated by adoption investigates how early-life environments shape long-term health and social outcomes. Finally, we revisit the dominant medical narrative on Alzheimer's disease. Why is it so difficult to move towards comprehensive treatments? Has the focus on amyloid plaques hindered our understanding of other critical factors like vascular health and social inequality? Peter Doshi is a senior editor at The BMJ and an associate professor of pharmaceutical health services research at the University of Maryland. Erik Peterson is an associate professor at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, specializing in psychiatric epidemiology and adoption studies. Carol Brayne is a professor emerita of public health medicine at the University of Cambridge and a leading expert in the epidemiology of dementia. Reading List: Multiple sclerosis: Could Roche's bestselling drug Ocrevus be doing more harm than good in women with primary progressive MS? Home environment conditions during childhood and psychosocial outcomes across three generations in Sweden: population based adoption-discordant sibling comparison study  

Today, we're diving into autoimmunity—what it actually is, why it happens, and how ultra-processed foods may be contributing to the problem. Autoimmune disease is often misunderstood. Some will tell you diet has nothing to do with it. Others claim diet is the cure. The truth is more nuanced—and that's exactly what we explore in this episode. You'll learn: What autoimmunity really is (and why it's a case of mistaken identity) How inflammation and the immune system interact The critical role of gut health and the microbiome How ultra-processed foods disrupt intestinal integrity and immune signaling Why stress and hyper-palatable foods create a harmful cycle A practical experiment you can try to see how diet impacts your own biomarkers This isn't about selling supplements or pushing extremes. It's about understanding the science so you can make informed decisions about your health. As always, this episode is backed by scientific literature. Full citations are included below, with abbreviated versions available on shorter clips. If you're dealing with autoimmune symptoms—or just want to better understand how food impacts your immune system—this episode is for you.   Full citation list: Hall KD, et al. “Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food Intake.” Cell Metabolism, 2019.     Supports the formulation argument: UPF intake increased spontaneous calorie intake and weight gain even with diets matched for presented calories, sugar, fiber, sodium, and macronutrients. This is your anchor for “hyper-palatability and formulation change physiology, not just psychology.”   Narula N, et al. “Association of Ultra-Processed Food Intake With Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Prospective Cohort Study.” BMJ, 2021.     Best human disease-level citation for the episode. Supports the claim that higher UPF intake is associated with greater IBD risk, making the gut-immune link clinically meaningful rather than purely theoretical.   Chassaing B, et al. “Randomized Controlled-Feeding Study of Dietary Emulsifier Carboxymethylcellulose Reveals Detrimental Impacts on the Gut Microbiota and Metabolome.” Gastroenterology, 2022.     Best emulsifier paper for human translation. Supports the claim that CMC can perturb the microbiota and metabolome and may contribute to barrier-hostile gut ecology in susceptible individuals.   Daniel N, et al. “Human Intestinal Microbiome Determines Individualized Responses to Dietary Emulsifier Carboxymethylcellulose.” Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2024.     Useful nuance paper. Supports the point that emulsifier sensitivity is not identical across all people and that host-microbiome context matters.   Shil A, et al. “Artificial Sweeteners Disrupt Tight Junctions and Barrier Function in the Intestinal Epithelium Through Activation of the Sweet Taste Receptor T1R3.” Nutrients, 2020.     Best citation for the “sugar-free does not mean barrier-neutral” point. Supports direct epithelial barrier effects of common artificial sweeteners in experimental models.   Peng L, et al. “Butyrate Enhances the Intestinal Barrier by Facilitating Tight Junction Assembly via Activation of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase in Caco-2 Cell Monolayers.” Journal of Nutrition, 2009.     Classic mechanistic citation for butyrate. Supports the claim that loss of fermentable fiber and reduced butyrate production can weaken barrier function.   Kumar KP, et al. “The Interplay Between the Microbiota, Diet and T Regulatory Cells in Maintaining Intestinal Homeostasis.” Frontiers in Microbiology, 2023.     Useful for the tolerance language. Supports the argument that diet and microbial metabolites shape Treg biology and mucosal tolerance.   Haase S, et al. “Sodium Chloride Triggers Th17 Mediated Autoimmunity.” Frontiers in Immunology, 2019.     Key citation for high salt and autoimmune-prone immune skewing. Supports the claim that excess salt can promote pathogenic Th17 biology relevant to autoimmune disease.   Wilck N, et al. “Salt-Responsive Gut Commensal Modulates TH17 Axis and Disease.” Nature, 2017.     Strong bridge between salt, microbiome, and Th17 signaling. Supports the point that salt is not just a blood pressure story; it is also an immune-story.   Vitales-Noyola M, et al. “Analysis of Sodium Chloride Intake and Treg/Th17 Lymphocytes in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.” Journal of Immunology Research, 2018.     Helpful human-facing citation for salt and immune skewing in autoimmune populations. Use cautiously, but it strengthens translation from theory to autoimmune terrain.   Phuong-Nguyen K, et al. “Advanced Glycation End-Products and Their Effects on Gut Health.” Nutrients, 2023.     Good review for the AGE section. Supports the argument that AGE-rich processed foods may worsen oxidative stress, microbiota balance, and barrier function.   Chen Y, et al. “Dietary Advanced Glycation End-Products Elicit Toxicological Effects by Disrupting Gut Microbiota and Increasing Colon Permeability in Rats.” Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, 2021.     Useful mechanistic support for the processing-chemistry section. Reinforces the claim that dietary AGEs can alter microbial ecology and increase permeability.   Monteiro CA, et al. “Ultra-Processed Foods: What They Are and How to Identify Them.” Public Health Nutrition, 2019.   Dr. Brendan McCarthy is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Arizona. With over two decades of experience, he's helped thousands of patients navigate hormonal imbalances using bioidentical HRT, nutrition, and root-cause medicine. He's also taught and mentored other physicians on integrative approaches to hormone therapy, weight loss, fertility, and more. If you're ready to take your health seriously, this podcast is a great place to start.  

In this episode of RAPM Focus, Editor in Chief Brian Sites, MD, discusses the pros and cons of perioperative gabapentinoids with author and RAPM Executive Editor Eric Schwenk, MD, and Kishor Gandhi, MD, following the November 2025 publication of his brief technical report, “Pro-con debate on perioperative gabapentinoids: a nuanced approach is the best one.” Dr. Eric Schwenk is a professor of anesthesiology and perioperative medicine at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA and is the vice chair of faculty affairs and professional development. His clinical and research interests are outcomes after orthopedic surgery, chronic postsurgical pain, and ketamine in migraine. He serves on the ASRA Pain Medicine Guidelines and Regulatory Advocacy Committee. Dr. Kishor Gandhi is a clinical associate professor and associate residency director at Virtua College of Medicine and Life Sciences at Rowan University in New Jersey. His clinical interests include regional anesthesia and acute pain. Dr. Gandhi has been in clinical practice for 20 years. *The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice, and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner's judgement, patient care, or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others. Podcast and music produced by Dan Langa. Find us on X @RAPMOnline, LinkedIn @Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, Facebook @Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, and Instagram @RAPM_Online.

Coming up in this week's episode: The 15th Strike: As the latest six-day walkout by resident doctors in England concludes, the BMJ's news team examines the state of the ongoing dispute over pay and training places. Iain Beardsell, consultant in emergency medicine in Southampton explain why he thinks reintroducing compassion could be the key to tackling the systemic issues facing emergency departments And finally, The BMA announces major changes to how it represents doctors in private practice - we hear why they think the US has some better legislation around health insurance than the UK.   Reading list: Resident doctor strikes: Streeting demands to “meet with the organ grinders” as latest action ends The BMJ interviews Jack Fletcher  Make compassion visible in emergency medicine again BMA boosts support for private practice as NHS failings prompt more patients to pay for care

We’re excited today to launch our first episode in collaboration with the Irish Thoracic Society and their podcast series. The Irish Thoracic Society represents respiratory professionals throughout Ireland and is dedicated to championing excellence in the prevention, diagnosis, and clinical care of respiratory disease through its work in advocacy, education and research. In today’s episode, we explore the complex and often overlooked world of refractory chronic cough — a condition that can significantly impact patients' quality of life but is frequently misunderstood or underdiagnosed. With insights from leading respiratory specialists in Ireland and the United States, we discuss the latest thinking on diagnosis, management, and emerging treatments aimed at improving outcomes for patients and helping clinicians navigate this challenging area of respiratory medicine. Joining us are renowned experts Professor Lorcan McGarvey and Professor Brendan Canning, both internationally recognised leaders in respiratory medicine and cough research. Together, they share their perspectives on the neurobiology of chronic cough, the considerable morbidity experienced by patients, and how clinicians can approach diagnostic investigations more effectively. We also explore current treatment strategies and promising new therapies on the horizon as chronic cough increasingly gains recognition as a disease in its own right — rather than simply a symptom. Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, or simply interested in advances in respiratory medicine, this episode offers valuable insights into a condition that is finally receiving the attention it deserves. Meet Our Co-Hosts Marissa O'Callaghan is an Irish trained Respiratory fellow currently undertaking a post-doc fellow working in Erasmus MC Rotterdam in the Netherlands. She finished her Irish respiratory and Internal medicine training and Phd in 2025. Her areas of interest are interstitial and rare lung diseases. She enjoys clinical research, Med Ed, and dreaming up new medical innovations. Together with cohost Sandra Green, she founded the ITS podcast series in June 2024. Marissa O’Callaghan –LinkedIn Sandra Green is an Irish-trained respiratory fellow with a strong track record in climate advocacy and multidisciplinary sustainable initiatives, as co-founder of Irish Doctors for the Environment. She has an MSc in Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (2023–2025). With Marisssa, she co-founded the Irish Thoracic Society Podcast Productions, launching the platform in 2024 to share knowledge, insights, and innovations in respiratory care. Sandra Green – LinkedIn Meet Our Guests Lorcan McGarvey is a professor of respiratory medicine at the University of Belfast, with a focus on the neurobiology of cough. His research has significantly contributed to the understanding of cough hypersensitivity syndrome and the development of new therapeutic strategies. Lorcan is a respected voice in the field, known for his collaborative work and dedication to advancing respiratory health. Brendan Canning is a distinguished researcher at Johns Hopkins University, specializing in the mechanisms of cough and airway diseases. His pioneering studies on neural pathways and receptor targets have paved the way for novel treatments in refractory chronic cough. Brendan’s expertise and innovative approach make him a key figure in the ongoing efforts to redefine chronic cough management. In This Episode The definitions and classifications of chronic cough, including unexplained, refractory, and unexplained refractory cough The importance of a thorough clinical history and focused diagnostics over exhaustive testing Common causes of chronic cough The role of personalized, multidisciplinary management—combining pharmacologic, speech therapy, and psychological support—to improve quality of life for even the most challenging patients. The concept of cough hypersensitivity syndrome and its role in refractory cases Evidence-based approach to treatment, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic options Emerging therapies on the horizon, including novel receptor modulators and neuromodulatory agents and ongoing clinical trials in this rapidly evolving field The impact of chronic cough on mental health, social life, and overall quality of life The importance of reframing chronic cough as a disease entity in its own right References and Further Reading Chung KF, Pavord ID. Prevalence, pathogenesis, and causes of chronic cough. Lancet. 2008;371(9621):1364-1374. Gibson PG, Vertigan AE. Management of chronic refractory cough. BMJ. 2015;351:h5590. Matsumoto H, Kanemitsu Y, Ohe M, Tanaka H, Terada K, Nishi K, et al. Real-world usage and response to gefapixant in refractory chronic cough. ERJ Open Res. 2025;11(4):01037-2024. doi:10.1183/23120541.01037-2024. McGarvey LP, Birring SS. Cough hypersensitivity syndrome: a novel paradigm for understanding cough. Lancet Respir Med. 2014;2(8):647-656. Morice AH, Millqvist E, Bieksiene K, Birring SS, Dicpinigaitis P, Ribas CD, et al. ERS guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough in adults and children. Eur Respir J. 2020;55(1):1901136. Parker SM, Smith JA, Birring SS, Chamberlain-Mitchell S, Gruffydd-Jones K, Haines J, et al. British Thoracic Society clinical statement on chronic cough in adults. Thorax. 2023;78(Suppl 1):S3-S19. Smith JA, Woodcock A. Chronic cough. N Engl J Med. 2006;354(2):136-144. Song WJ, Dupont L, Birring SS, Chung KF, Dąbrowska M, Dicpinigaitis P, et al. Consensus goals and standards for specialist cough clinics: the NEUROCOUGH international Delphi study. ERJ Open Res. 2023;9(6):00618-2023. doi:10.1183/23120541.00618-2023. Song WJ, McGarvey L, Cho PSP, Mazzone SB, Chung KF, editors. Chronic cough. Sheffield: European Respiratory Society; 2025.

The BMJ published a negative result this week. A new trial focuses on a peer support intervention for improving breastfeeding rates in the UK, but finds no major improvement. We hear from the lead author who tells us what went wrong, and the insights that can still be drawn from apparent ‘failures'. Next we turn our eyes to shisha smoking in the UK. With shisha or “hookah” cafes on the rise, we explore the smoking habit in more detail. What are the effects on health? And why are UK laws poor at regulating the practice?   Kate Jolly is professor of public health and primary care at the University of Birmingham. Zainab Hussain is a UK-based freelance journalist writing on behalf of The BMJ. Links: Peer support intervention (ABA-feed) to improve breastfeeding: UK based, multicentre, parallel group, randomised controlled trial Shisha tobacco's availability is rising. Why does UK smoking policy fail to tackle it?

Welcome to PsychEd, the psychiatry podcast for medical learners, by medical learners. This short episode covers the basics of serotonin syndrome.Hosts: Eric Yu (MS3)Dr. Angad Singh (PGY2)Dr. Shaoyuan Wang (PGY5)Audio Editing: Dr. Angad Singh (PGY2)References:1. Boyer, E. W. (2024). Serotonin syndrome (serotonin toxicity). In UpToDate.2. Buckley, N. A., Dawson, A. H., & Isbister, G. K. (2014). Serotonin syndrome. Bmj, 348.3. Dunkley, E. J. C., Isbister, G. K., Sibbritt, D., Dawson, A. H., & Whyte, I. M. (2003). The Hunter Serotonin Toxicity Criteria: simple and accurate diagnostic decision rules for serotonin toxicity. Qjm, 96(9), 635-642.4. Foong, A. L., Grindrod, K. A., Patel, T., & Kellar, J. (2018). Demystifying serotonin syndrome (or serotonin toxicity). Canadian Family Physician, 64(10), 720-727.For more PsychEd, follow us on Instagram (⁠@psyched.podcast⁠), Facebook (⁠PsychEd Podcast⁠), X (⁠@psychedpodcast⁠), and Bluesky (⁠@psychedpodcast.bsky.social‬⁠). You can email us at ⁠psychedpodcast@gmail.com⁠ and visit our website at⁠ psychedpodcast.org⁠.

The NACE Journal Club with Dr. Neil Skolnik, provides review and analysis of recently published journal articles important to the practice of primary care medicine. In this episode Dr. Skolnik and guests review the following publications:1. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and risk of substance use disorders among US veterans with type 2 diabetes: cohort study. BMJ 2026. Discussion by:Guest:Susan Kucher, MDProgram Director - Abington Family Medicine Residency Program Jefferson Health2. Evolocumab to Reduce First Major Cardiovascular Events in Patients Without Known Significant Atherosclerosis and With Diabetes Results From the VESALIUS-CV Trial. JAMA. Discussion by:Guest:Neil Skolnik, MDProfessor of Family and Community MedicineSidney  Kimmel  Medical College Thomas Jefferson UniversityAssociate Director - Family Medicine Residency ProgramJefferson Health – Abington3. Prevalence of Youth Overweight, Obesity, and Severe Obesity. JAMA Network Open. Discussion by:  Guest:Neil Skolnik, MDProfessor of Family and Community MedicineSidney  Kimmel  Medical College Thomas Jefferson UniversityAssociate Director - Family Medicine Residency ProgramJefferson Health – Abington4. A Placebo-Controlled Trial of the Oral PCSK9 Inhibitor Enlicitide. New England Journal of Medicine 2026. Discussion by:Guest:Griffin Johnson, MDResident - Abington Family Medicine Residency Program Jefferson HealthMedical Director and Host, Neil Skolnik, MD, is an academic family physician who sees patients and teaches residents and medical students as professor of Family and Community Medicine at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University and Associate Director, Family Medicine Residency Program at Abington Jefferson Health in Pennsylvania. Dr. Skolnik graduated from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, and did his residency training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. This Podcast Episode does not offer CME/CE Credit. Please visit  http://naceonline.com to engage in more live and on demand CME/CE content.

The UK Covid Inquiry released Module Three of its findings this month. It lays out in startling detail the lived experiences of NHS staff and patients who bore through the pandemic. In the report's words: ‘healthcare systems coped with the pandemic, but only just'. The BMJ speaks to Kevin Fong, anaesthetist lead for major incidence planning at UCL hospitals, to break down Module Three's most important takeaways. And, invasive surgical cosmetic procedures are on the rise in the UK, with regulation patchy at best. From botox and fillers, to tummy tucks and breast surgeries, we hear about the gaps in patient protections that leave space for harm. Kevin Fong is a consultant anaesthetist, broadcaster, and anaesthetist lead for major incidence planning at UCL hospitals. Danielle Griffiths is an author and lecturer at the University of Liverpool's School of Law. Alexandra Mullock is an author and senior lecturer in medical law at the University of Manchester. UK Covid Inquiry Module Three Report Regulating invasive cosmetic procedures to reduce harm | The BMJ

The blueprint for your life starts much earlier than you realise - long before you took your first breath, before your heart beat its first beat, before your mum and dad even met.  This is the story of the first 1,000 days of life. From conception to age 2, a window so powerful that scientists now believe it influences our future risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and even how our immune system reacts to the world. In this episode, the world's leading expert on how childhood nutrition and metabolism shape our long-term health, Professor Lucilla Poston, explains how early nutrition may influence appetite, metabolism, and future disease risk.  Lucilla and ZOE's Head Nutritionist, Dr Federica Amati, break down what science says about pregnancy, early feeding and the food children eat, and questions how lifelong health is shaped before a child even chooses their first meal. Lucilla offers practical guidance on what matters most and explains key nutrients to consider. They discuss why regular movement may help support healthy blood sugar levels. They also explain what a balanced diet can look like for parents and young children, why babies should try a wide range of whole foods, and why many packaged baby foods may contain far more sugar than parents expect. What small choices can you make today to help shape a healthier future for you, your children, and your children's children?

Jean-Michel Ricard, cofondateur de l'association Siel Bleu et pionnier de l'activité physique adaptée en France. Je le reçois dans le cadre du Podcasthon car tous vos podcasteurs préférés cette semaine vont mettre en lumière l'association de leur choix et j'ai donc fait le choix de mettre le mouvement en avant. Jean Michel a une douceur totalement incroyable.Il y a presque 30 ans, lui et son ami Jean-Daniel se sont serré la main sur un pari un peu fou : utiliser le mouvement comme outil pour redonner de la vie, du sourire et de la dignité à des personnes que la société avait tendance à oublier. Aujourd'hui, Siel Bleu, c'est 900 salariés, 10 000 lieux d'intervention et 250 000 personnes accompagnées chaque semaine en France — des personnes âgées dépendantes, des enfants autistes, des gens en rémission de cancer, des personnes dialysées ou en soins palliatifs. Et tout ça sans jamais rentrer dans les cases.Dans cet épisode, nous parlons du mouvement comme médicament sans effets secondaires, de ce que ça veut vraiment dire de prendre soin des gens en fragilité, et de la différence entre le confort à court terme et la santé à long terme. J'ai questionné Jean-Michel sur la naissance de Siel Bleu, sur ce que la science dit vraiment de l'activité physique face à Alzheimer, Parkinson ou le cancer du sein, sur les "séjours hors du temps" pour jeunes adultes en fin de vie, et sur ce que 30 ans d'engagement associatif lui ont appris sur ses angles morts. C'est une conversation pleine de douceur, de conviction et de sagesse concrète.CITATIONS MARQUANTES"L'activité physique, ça devrait être le médicament du XXIe siècle. Ça n'a aucun effet secondaire, ça coûte pas cher, et ça change la vie des gens.""Après avoir donné des années à la vie, donnons de la vie aux années." — le premier slogan de Ciel Bleu, qui résume tout."Si on ferme la porte, on passera par la fenêtre. Et il faut qu'ils en soient sûrs.""La vie est la plus belle des garces. Tout ce qu'on croit qui est gagné, c'est jamais gagné.""Celui qui s'est penché sur une fleur n'aura pas vécu en vain." — citation de Christian Bobin, convoquée pour parler de prendre le temps d'écouter son corps.IDÉES CENTRALES 1. Le mouvement est un outil, pas une finalité Ciel Bleu ne fait pas du sport pour faire du sport. L'activité physique adaptée est un vecteur de reconquête : physique (réduction des chutes, de la sarcopénie, des escarres), cognitif (ralentissement d'Alzheimer, de Parkinson), et social (recréer du lien, sortir de l'isolement). Ce cadrage est fondamental : il déplace le mouvement de la performance vers la vie. Timestamp : 06:33 – 07:542. La prévention coûte moins cher que le curatif — mais personne n'investit dedans La France est dans un modèle de santé essentiellement curatif. Jean-Michel plaide pour une partie du budget de la Sécu investie en prévention pluriannuelle. Les chiffres sont là : plus de 10 000 personnes âgées meurent chaque année en France suite à des chutes. Le programme Ossebo, publié dans le British Medical Journal, l'a démontré : l'activité physique réduit significativement ces hospitalisations. Timestamp : 16:52 – 17:22 et 13:38 – 14:523. Les "séjours hors du temps" : redonner le choix à ceux qui n'en ont plus Pour des jeunes ados et jeunes adultes dont le pronostic vital est engagé, Ciel Bleu a imaginé des séjours d'une semaine où tout est construit avec eux — famille ou pas, amis ou pas — pour démontrer que la joie de vivre peut être présente jusqu'au bout. Un frère a écrit un article bouleversant sur son frère décédé, décrivant ce séjour comme le meilleur moment de sa vie. Timestamp : 22:11 – 24:284. L'écart salarial 1 à 3 comme ciment organisationnel Il y a 30 ans, avant que ça devienne tendance, Ciel Bleu a inscrit dans ses principes fondateurs un écart de salaire de 1 à 3 entre le moins et le mieux payé. À 900 salariés, ce principe tient encore. Ce n'est pas un gadget RSE : c'est un choix structurant qui dit quelque chose de fort sur ce qu'on considère juste dans une organisation. Timestamp : 29:41 – 30:225. Donner envie d'avoir envie — et pas moraliser La pédagogie de Ciel Bleu repose sur une conviction : on ne force pas, on ne culpabilise pas, on fait naître l'envie. Jean-Michel convoque Jacques Brel ("donner envie d'avoir envie") pour décrire le savoir-faire de ses collègues. Travailler sur les capacités restantes, jamais sur les incapacités. Ne jamais mettre les gens en échec. Timestamp : 27:25 – 28:48 et 43:26 – 44:326. L'être humain n'est pas fait pour s'asseoir Jean-Michel et Gregory s'accordent sur une vérité physiologique inconfortable : l'humain est un marcheur-cueilleur. La sédentarité est une anomalie évolutive. Le confort à court terme (sièges gaming, vélos électriques, télécommandes) masque une dégradation lente mais certaine. Et la discipline pour y résister n'est pas naturelle — elle s'apprend. Timestamp : 56:08 – 57:53 QUESTIONS POSÉES DANS L'INTERVIEWComment est née l'association Ciel Bleu, et qu'est-ce qui vous a poussés, toi et Jean-Daniel, à créer ça à la sortie de la fac ?Il y a 30 ans, le mouvement vous semblait déjà fondamental pour les personnes âgées — pourquoi ?Qu'est-ce que le mouvement permet vraiment, à tous les niveaux — physique, cognitif, social ?Où en est Ciel Bleu aujourd'hui, en chiffres et en principes ?Comment ça fonctionne concrètement pour quelqu'un en rémission d'un cancer du sein qui veut vous contacter ?C'est quoi les "séjours hors du temps" et comment cette idée est née ?Vous faites des groupes de niveaux, vous mélangez les publics — comment vous gérez la diversité des profils ?Qu'est-ce que tu conseilles à quelqu'un de bien portant pour prendre soin de son corps avant d'avoir besoin de vous ?Comment tu regardes l'explosion des mobilités électriques, les vélos assistés, les trottinettes — bonne ou mauvaise nouvelle pour le mouvement ?Qu'est-ce que ces 30 ans d'expérience t'ont appris sur tes angles morts ?RÉFÉRENCES CITÉES DANS L'ÉPISODEPersonnesChristian Bobin (poète) — cité pour la phrase "Celui qui s'est penché sur une fleur n'aura pas vécu en vain", à propos de prendre le temps d'écouter son corps. ~37:29Gilles Deleuze — cité pour sa phrase d'introduction à Vincennes : "Soyons joyeux pour résister." ~58:04Jacques Brel (inféré, "grand poète belge-français") — "Donner envie d'avoir envie." ~27:25Elon Musk — mentionné en négatif pour sa posture sur la consommation des data centers et l'idée de coloniser Mars. ~53:19Olivier Hamon — mentionné en lien avec le concept de robustesse. ~54:04Daniel Kahneman — mentionné par Gregory (système 1/système 2) pour parler de la fainéantise physiologique de l'humain. ~56:08Alexandre Dana — auteur du livre "La chaise tue", cité en référence à un épisode précédent de VLAN sur le mouvement. ~02:54 et 57:27Jean-Daniel Muller — cofondateur de Ciel Bleu, évoqué tout au long de l'épisode.Institutions & programmesInserm — partenaire scientifique du programme Ossebo sur la prévention des chutes. ~13:38BMJ (British Medical Journal) — journal ayant publié les résultats du programme Ossebo. ~13:38Fédération des banques alimentaires — partenaire associatif de Ciel Bleu. ~17:31STAPS (Sciences et Techniques des Activités Physiques et Sportives) — formation initiale de Jean-Michel et Jean-Daniel. ~03:48Programmes internes Ciel BleuOssebo — programme de recherche avec l'Inserm sur la prévention des chutes, 7 ans, l'un des plus grands au monde. ~13:38Maisons de Vie — séjours de récupération pour personnes en rémission de cancer. ~19:41Séjours hors du temps — séjours pour jeunes ados/adultes en fin de vie. ~22:49Campagne "Un pas de côté" — campagne grand public lancée en parallèle des JO, avec Paulette (92 ans, médaillée du 30 mètres couloir), Marianne (dialyse) et Audrey (troubles autistiques). ~46:53TIMESTAMPS CLÉS 00:00 — Introduction : le mouvement comme outil de vie Grégory pose le cadre : dans une société de confort, on bouge de moins en moins sans réaliser le mal qu'on se fait. Jean-Michel Ricard, fondateur de Ciel Bleu, arrive pour changer ce regard.03:48 — La naissance de Ciel Bleu Jean-Michel raconte comment lui et Jean-Daniel, étudiants en STAPS, ont décidé de tout planter pour créer une asso dédiée aux personnes âgées. Un article de presse, un coup de téléphone, une poignée de main — et 30 ans d'aventure humaine ont commencé.06:33 — Pourquoi le mouvement change tout Trois niveaux d'impact : physique (réduction des chutes et fractures), cognitif (confiance en soi, prise de risque), et social (recréer du lien quand l'isolement s'installe). Le mouvement comme médicament sans ordonnance.08:40 — 900 salariés, 250 000 personnes, 10 000 lieux L'état des lieux de Ciel Bleu aujourd'hui : une organisation qui a grandi sans jamais renier ses principes fondateurs, avec un modèle économique solidaire et une mission claire : que rester en bonne santé reste un droit, pas un luxe.13:38 — Le programme Ossebo et la science derrière 7 ans de recherche avec l'Inserm, publié dans le British Medical Journal : l'activité physique adaptée réduit significativement les chutes avec hospitalisation chez les personnes âgées. Ce n'est pas du bien-être — c'est de la médecine préventive prouvée.19:41 — Les Maisons de Vie pour les personnes en rémission de cancer Des séjours d'une semaine pour poser "la valise de la vie" : sport, alimentation, ateliers d'écriture, astrophysique. Pour se rappeler que la vie est belle jusqu'au bout, quoi qu'il arrive.22:11 — Les séjours hors du temps : l'incroyable histoire Pour des jeunes ados dont le pronostic vital est engagé, Ciel Bleu imagine des semaines où tout appartient à la personne. L'histoire d'un frère qui écrit un article bouleversant sur son frère décédé, racontant ce séjour comme le meilleur moment de sa vie.29:41 — Construire une asso hors des cases : 30 ans de résistance L'écart salarial de 1 à 3, les portes fermées, les financeurs qui ne comprennent pas. Jean-Michel parle franchement des difficultés de ne jamais rentrer dans les cases, et de ce qu'il ferait différemment.40:24 — Des exemples concrets : AVC, Parkinson, Alzheimer Un homme donné pour invalide à vie après un AVC au Limousin remarche et refait son jardin. Des programmes scientifiques qui montrent que l'activité physique ralentit la progression d'Alzheimer. Des histoires vraies, pas des promesses.46:53 — La campagne "Un pas de côté" : Paulette, Marianne, Audrey Lancée en parallèle des JO, cette campagne met en scène trois femmes — 92 ans en déambulateur, dialyse sur vélo, troubles autistiques — pour dire que les grandes victoires sont faites de petits pas. Bouleversant et juste.54:20 — Ce qui donne envie du futur Les jeunes, la robustesse, la joie rebelle de Grégory, Deleuze à Vincennes — une fin d'épisode qui remonte le moral et donne une vraie raison d'aller de l'avant.59:54 — Les angles morts de 30 ans d'engagement La question finale, inattendue : Jean-Michel parle de s'entourer de mieux que soi, d'une colère transformée en actes, et de cette vérité dure — rien n'est jamais acquis. La liberté, l'amour, la République. Il faut en prendre soin. Suggestion d'autres épisodes à écouter : #366 Pouquoi votre bureau vous rend malade? Avec Alexandre Dana (https://audmns.com/vHxgVHq) #322 Démystifier le bien-être avec Major Mouvement (https://audmns.com/IfubNER) #257 Se réapproprier ses émotions à travers le corps avec Bolewa Sabourin (https://audmns.com/hNQWsty)Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

You know those people that you could listen to forever? Well for me, Dr. Matt Morgan is such a person. Like one of those "who would you invite to dinner if you could choose anyone" types. So interesting, so many good stories and such a good human. Also, a brilliant communicator (not always the case with brainiacs). This chat went far and wide from NDE's (near-death experiences) to participating in his own living funeral (sounds morbid but was fascinating), to what happens in the brain the moment people die (and just after), to delivering the news to people that their loved one has just died and an incredibly weird (and unknown by me) fact about kangaroos. So random. BIO: Matt Morgan is a Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine, Honorary Professor at Cardiff University and Curtin University, and a regular columnist for the BMJ. Following a PhD in artificial intelligence, he has authored more than 50 scientific papers and written widely for publications including The Guardian and Esquire. Matt is a sought-after speaker and media commentator, appearing on outlets from BBC and CNN to The Today Programme. His books include Critical, about life inside the ICU, One Medicine, exploring how animal biology informs human health, and A Second Act, about surviving cardiac arrest. He lives in Cardiff with his family and loves ice cream. Enjoy. drmattmorgan.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The lure of health influencers and AI chat bots is strong. More and more people are placing trust in them to answer their health problems, misplaced trust - as we know these AIs can misinform. At the same time, people are struggling to access the NHS, and when they do doctors have little time or the right tools to unpick complicated science, and challenge misunderstandings. So in this roundtable, we're asking, are we in danger of the NHS making the problem of misinformation worse, and what can we do to combat that. Joining Kamran Abbasi, the BMJ's editor in chief are: Deborah Cohen: Freelance Journalist; Senior Visiting Fellow at LSE Health Kamila Hawthorne: Chair of the National Academy for Social Prescribing Nnena Osuji: Consultant haematologist and CEO of North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust Chapters [00:00] The rise of health influencers [03:55] Patient satisfaction and the NHS [05:58] The "Infodemic" and clinical impact [11:04] Digital literacy and health inequalities [16:40] Questions from the audience   Reading list: Cohen D. Bad Influence: How the Internet Hijacked Our Health. Oneworld Publications; 2026. Satisfaction with NHS hits record low, but public still back founding principles - The BMJ

Meet the Fantastic—and Controversial—Dr. David Healy Psychiatric Drug Companies-- What Are They NOT Telling Us? Today, we are thrilled to interview the famed and courageous Dr. David Healy. I have admired his work for many years, but never imagined I'd have the chance to meet him and chat with him. First things first. You may know Dr. David Healy for some of his highly controversial books, like "The Antidepressant Era," "Let Them Eat Prozac," and "Pharmageddon." But who is he, really? According to AI, Dr. David Healy is a prominent Welsh psychiatrist, psychopharmacologist, and critic of the pharmaceutical industry known for his research on antidepressants, their links to suicide, and exposing industry practices like ghostwriting and disease-mongering, operating through initiatives like RxISK.org to promote drug safety. He has a long history of challenging Big Pharma, facing academic backlash (like losing a University of Toronto post) for his views, and serving as an expert witness in legal cases involving psychotropic drugs, advocating for greater transparency and patient safety.  Healy initially worked with pharmaceutical companies, gaining firsthand knowledge of how SSRIs were marketed despite their trial weaknesses, focusing on the oversimplified serotonin hypothesis. He then became a vocal critic, highlighting issues like ghostwriting articles and manipulating academic opinion to sell drugs, leading to conflicts with industry-funded institutions. He founded RxISK.org, a platform for patients to report adverse drug reactions, aiming to make medicines safer. His strong stance (on research linking SSRI antidepressants to increased suicidal thoughts and urges) led to intense and corrosive controversy, including losing a professorship at the University of Toronto (though later settled as a visiting role) and harassment, noted here and here. In recent years, he has acted as an expert witness in cases involving drug-related suicides and homicides, bringing issues to regulators.  In essence, Dr. David Healy is a significant, often controversial, figure dedicated to drug safety, academic integrity, and patient awareness in psychiatry, challenging established narratives and industry power.  Taking a deeper dive, AI has added this critically important information: David Healy has discussed numerous examples of conflicts of interest that mainly involve the influence of the pharmaceutical industry on medical research, publication, and practice.  Key examples he has highlighted include: Ghostwriting of Articles: Pharmaceutical companies hire medical communication firms to draft research articles or reviews, and then get prominent academics or clinicians to put their names on the papers as the sole or primary authors, a practice known as ghostwriting. The named authors often have little to no involvement in the actual research or writing. Hiding or Misrepresenting Data: Drug companies have concealed unfavorable data or miscoded raw data on drug risks, such as the link between antidepressants and suicidal acts. This manipulation can make a drug appear safer or more effective than it actually is. Biased Clinical Trial Design: Healy notes instances where clinical trials are designed with "tricks," such as using inadequate or excessive doses of comparison medications to make the company's own drug look superior. Marketing-Driven Education: A large portion of continuing medical education (CME) classes for doctors are sponsored by industry. Healy argues this leads to a bias in the information presented to doctors, with an emphasis on the benefits of brand-name drugs rather than an objective assessment of all treatment options. Gifts and Payments to Physicians: Drug companies spend billions annually on marketing directed at doctors, including free samples, sales visits, and small non-educational gifts or lunches. Healy points out that while many doctors believe these gifts don't affect their own prescribing, studies show they influence prescribing patterns and create subtle biases. Industry Influence on Academia: Healy's own experience with a job offer being rescinded at the University of Toronto, which had received a large donation from a drug company (Eli Lilly), is a prominent case he uses to illustrate how industry funding can infringe upon academic freedom and stifle critical research. "Disease Mongering": Healy argues that the pharmaceutical industry often engages in "disease mongering," marketing conditions to the public and physicians to create a market for their products rather than simply addressing genuine medical needs.  So that hopefully gives you some idea of the scope of his work, and his vision of transparency and integrity in the reporting one the effectiveness and risks of psychotropic medications. In our conversation today, he emphasized the importance of listening to patients who describe side effects of medications, such as SSRIs, in described the efforts of Big Pharma to suppress such complaints, giving psychiatrists "talking points" to reassure and quiet concerned patients. In general, a main focus of his career has been to challenge and confront the efforts of drug companies to suppress negative information about their products and troublesome and dangerous side effects. He said that one of the rationales the drug companies use is to say that disseminating that type of information will discourage many potential patients from using their products, and therefore miss out on the potential benefits of the medications. In fact, they have a name for this, "treatment hesitancy," and discourage open discussion of negative effects for this reason. I asked Dr. Healy if he's experienced direct negative pushback from drug companies, and he gave a surprising answer—he said no, that the major pushback he's gotten has actually been from colleagues—psychiatrists who have bought the party line disseminated by the drug manufactures. For example, when he gave his famous talk at the University of Toronto on the increase in suicidal urges associated with SSRI antidepressants, a famous psychopharmacologist, Dr. Charlie Nemeroff, got him fired. Here's the story on Dr. Nemeroff, According to AI: In the late 2000s, Nemeroff faced investigations and sanctions from Emory University for failing to disclose significant speaking and consulting fees from pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline, raising questions about research integrity and conflicts of interest, notes The BMJ and The New York Times.  Although the antidepressant effects of SSRIs are controversial and hotly debated, their effects on the nervous system are not. Dr. Healy's research indicates that they have a suppression effect on the nervous system, which dulls the senses, and this can happen within 1 to 2 days. One of the more troublesome of these effects is called "genital numbing," which affects 9 out of 10  people talking SSRIs. This can result in difficulties with sexual arousal and greatly delayed orgasm, and apparently these effects can persist long after drug discontinuation. He said that these sensory effects can develop quickly, within a day or two of starting the medications. Even more chilling, he said that the problem can actually get worse when you discontinue the medication, and can sometimes persist for life. In addition, quite a few individuals have "bad trips" on SSRIs, although a minority clearly have "good trips." He said the best thing to do for a bad trip is to take the patient off of the medication immediately—and NOT increase the dose. He confirmed my impression that a common error with all antidepressants is to increase the dose—which simply increases the side effects. In addition to the genital numbing described above, he said the SSRIs cause "emotional numbing," which means a decreased capacity for joy as well as sorrow. One of the main activities in David Healy's life has been listening to patients, rather than discounting their complaints when they describe negative effects of medications. When asked about what alternatives to drugs he might recommend to someone struggling with depression, he said that sometimes, just doing nothing will be helpful, since most mood problems clear up spontaneously in 12 to 14 weeks. He said that most are simply human problems, not "mental disorders," but real-life problems, like relationship conflicts or social issues. Although we did not discuss it extensively on the show, I would point out that skillful, drug-free therapy with TEAM CBT can sometimes help as well, and that recent research has confirmed rapid often dramatic mood improvements with individuals using the Feeling Great app, which has been entirely free to anyone since the summer of 2025.  Finally, we do not advise anyone to discontinue or modify the dosages of any medications you have been prescribed without consultation with your doctor. The information in the Feeling Good podcast is of a strictly educational nature, and is not intended as treatment or medical advice. We thank you for listening to today's shocking but incredibly important dialogue with one of the pioneers and champions of greater ethical integrity and transparency in the psychiatric profession. It is sad, indeed, that we don't have more visionary critical thinkers like Dr. David Healy! David (H), Rhonda, and David (B)

As public health officials warn about rising emissions from urban wood burning, a BMJ investigation finds that just under a third of UK councils in high use areas have faced pressure from the stove industry to tone down or withdraw campaigns. Almost a third of UK children live in poverty. Leading expert Michael Marmot weighs in on the UK's "steepest rise" in child poverty among OECD countries and why local government "Marmot Cities" like Coventry and Manchester are taking the lead where national policy falls short. And, a new BMJ collection has just been published on child mental health in conflict zones. 1 in 5 children globally live in conflict zones, creating a staggering mental health toll. We hear about community-led interventions.   Reading list: The growing threat of domestic wood burning stoves—and industry's legal attempts to shut down clean air campaigns Michael Marmot: Labour has reneged on its child poverty promises Child mental health in conflict settings

Send a textThe Mediterranean diet has become medical gospel—promoted by diabetes organizations, heart health foundations, and doctors worldwide. But when I looked at the actual evidence, I found something shocking: the one major study proving its benefits was so flawed it had to be retracted. And when NICE updated their cardiovascular disease guidelines in 2023, they admitted there was "no available evidence" comparing dietary interventions to normal diets, so they made recommendations based on "clinical experience and expert opinion" instead. In this episode, I expose how decades of lifestyle advice rest on a foundation of observational studies that can't prove causation, one retracted trial, and guidelines that openly admit the evidence doesn't exist. I explore why we ignored Japan despite identical findings, how the Mediterranean diet reflects Eurocentric superiority rather than scientific rigor, and why telling Black, brown, and indigenous communities to abandon their cultural foods for olive oil is racist as f*ck. The evidence doesn't support what we're being told and it's time we started demanding better.Ge, Long, Behnam Sadeghirad, Geoff D. C. Ball, et al. ‘Comparison of Dietary Macronutrient Patterns of 14 Popular Named Dietary Programmes for Weight and Cardiovascular Risk Factor Reduction in Adults: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomised Trials'. The BMJ 369 (April 2020): m696. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m696.Got a question for the next podcast? Let me know! Connect With Me WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: Get a free script when you sign up THE WEIGHTING ROOM: Community with a neurodivergent flavour. **BOOK CLUB** exclusive to Weighting Room members. CONSULTATION: For the ultimate transformation in your healthcare journey MASTERCLASS LIBRARY: Become an expert in your condition and the weight inclusive ways to manage it FREE GUIDES:Evidence-based, not diet nonsense Find me on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 2-26-2026: Dr. Dawn opens with an urgent measles advisory, noting the virus has an R-value of 15 compared to COVID's peak of 5, with South Carolina reporting over 1,000 cases. She recommends those who received only one MMR shot—particularly people now in their 60s—get an immune titer blood test, as protection declines after 40-50 years. Measles can cause "immune amnesia" destroying immunity to other pathogens, and rarely leads to fatal subacute sclerosing panencephalitis years later. Dr. Dawn criticizes Quest Labs' cholesterol reporting, which flags average levels as "moderate risk" with alarming red H markers even when values fall within their own stated normal ranges. She explains this creates unnecessary panic and pushes patients toward statins based on outdated 2008-2012 guidelines, when cardiology has since recognized that cholesterol can be too low. An emailer asks how an EKG can detect a past heart attack from "jagged lines." Dr. Dawn explains that each spike represents electrical signals moving toward or away from electrode pads, and a 12-lead EKG views the heart from multiple angles—smaller-than-expected spikes in specific leads indicate dead or damaged heart muscle. She urges everyone to learn CPR and AED use, which more than doubles survival chances. An emailer reports that food tastes strong on the first bite but becomes tasteless thereafter. Dr. Dawn identifies numerous medications causing taste changes including calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, statins, diuretics, and even acetaminophen. She also highlights zinc—both deficiency and toxicity above 40mg daily can impair taste, noting a zinc nasal spray was pulled from market after causing smell loss. An emailer asks about Prenuvo full-body MRI scans costing $499-1,000. Dr. Dawn cautions that while Prenuvo found 22 cancers in 1,000 people scanned, 1 in 20 scans requires follow-up biopsy and more than half are false positives—leading to stress, expense, and potential complications from unnecessary procedures. An emailer asks about seed oils after reading a Johns Hopkins article defending them. Dr. Dawn distinguishes fruit oils (olive, avocado) from industrially-extracted seed oils requiring hexane solvent, a neurotoxin that may leave residues despite claims of evaporation. She cites a BMJ study showing coconut oil raised HDL (good cholesterol) while matching olive oil's LDL impact, and recommends cold-pressed oils while avoiding hexane-extracted products, especially for infants.

Are men wimps or just immunologically inferior? Chris and Sophie review the evidence to decide if respiratory viruses really do hit men harder or if they are just looking for attention. Also Chris gushes about his favorite TV show, “All Creatures Great and Small.”    Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: 1) Sophie's article: 2) BMJ review:  https://www.bmj.com/content/359/bmj.j5560 3) Man flu is not a thing post-hoc analysis: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022399922003324#bbb0155

Those working in clinical trials will recall that in 2025 updates were published for the SPIRIT standard clinical trial protocol items and the CONSORT guideline for reporting randomised clinical trials. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health will be co-publishing the first child and adolescent extensions to the SPIRIT and CONSORT reporting guidelines, along with the BMJ and JAMA Paediatrics. In this conversation with the SPIRIT and CONSORT child and adolescent project leads, Ami Baba and Martin Offringa, we discuss the need for child and adolescent specific reporting standards, the importance and value of engaging caregivers and young people in the process of developing the standards, and the potential for the SPIRIT-C and CONSORT-C reporting standards to positively impact the quality and inclusivity of paediatric clinical trials across all disciplines caring for neonates, infants, children, and adolescents.Click here to read the full articles:CONSORT-C https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(26)00004-0/fulltextSPIRIT-C https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(26)00005-2/fulltextSend us your feedback!Read all of our content at https://www.thelancet.com/?dgcid=buzzsprout_tlv_podcast_generic_lancetCheck out all the podcasts from The Lancet Group:https://www.thelancet.com/multimedia/podcasts?dgcid=buzzsprout_tlv_podcast_generic_lancetContinue this conversation on social!Follow us today at...https://thelancet.bsky.social/https://instagram.com/thelancetgrouphttps://facebook.com/thelancetmedicaljournalhttps://linkedIn.com/company/the-lancethttps://youtube.com/thelancettv

Dr Remle Crowe returns to the podcast to discuss three new papers with Dr Jarvis: Two papers on epinephrine in cardiact arrest (including one on trauma!) and one on pulse oximetry in hypoxemic patients with darker skin. We might nerd out a bit on methodology, tacos, and have a few book recommendations.Citations: Martin DS, Doidge JC, Gould D, et al.: The impact of skin tone on performance of pulse oximeters used by NHS England COVID Oximetry @home scheme: measurement and diagnostic accuracy study. BMJ. 2026;January 14;392Witt CE, Shatz DV, Robinson BRH, et al.: Epinephrine in Prehospital Traumatic Cardiac Arrest—Life Saving or False Hope? Prehospital Emergency Care. 2026;January 2;30(1):153–61.Lilien EJ, Ashburn NP, George TS, et al.: Single Dose Epinephrine Protocol Is Associated With Improved Survival of Older Adults With Out‐Of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest. Academic Emergency Medicine. 2025Perez CP: Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men. New York, NY, Abrams Press, 2019.O'Neil C: Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy. New York, NY, Crown Publishing Group, 2017. • 6. Perkins GD, Ji C, Deakin CD, et al.: A Randomized Trial of Epinephrine in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest. N Engl J Med. 2018;August 23;379(8):711–21.

There has been a shift in cervical cancer screening from primary cytology based to HPV based. Even HPV screening has had its evolution from physician collected samples to patient self-collection, either in a clinical setting or at home with an approved collection system. In May 2025, the FDA cleared the first at-home self-collection kit for HPV screening, specifically the Teal Wand by Teal Health. Now, we are seeing the advent of POSSIBLY another avenue for cervical HPV testing- although it is a bit awkward: the use of menstrual blood as an HPV screening test. In this episode we will review a new cross-sectional, population-based study from China which compared testing menstrual blood for human papillomavirus during cervical cancer screening to clinician-collected cervical samples for human papillomavirus (HPV). This concept, and these results, are not new at all! And there are important limitations to consider at this time. Listen in for details.1. Testing menstrual blood for human papillomavirus during cervical cancer screening in China: cross sectional population based study. BMJ 2026; 392 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2025-084831 (Published 04 February 2026)BMJ 2026;392:e084831https://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj-2025-0848312. Naseri S, Young S, Cruz G, Blumenthal PD. Screening for High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Using Passive, Self-Collected Menstrual Blood. Obstet Gynecol. 2022 Sep 1;140(3):470-476. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004904. Epub 2022 Aug 3. PMID: 35926207; PMCID: PMC9377370.3. Fokom Domgue J, Chandra M, Oladoyin O, Desai M, Yu R, Shete S. Women's Preferences for Home-Based Self-Sampling or Clinic-Based Testing for Cervical Cancer Screening. JAMA Netw Open. 2026;9(2):e2558841. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.58841

The Study Cardiology Willfully Ignored for Over Two Decades Written by Sayer Ji on January 27, 2026. Posted in Current News' https://principia-scientific.com/the-study-cardiology-willfully-ignored-for-over-two-decades/     Authored by Lois Lamerato et al. from Henry Ford Health System study by Lois Lamerato et al  of data from Michigan's integrated healthcare system in Michigan to compare chronic health outcomes in vaccinated versus unvaccinated children. Vaccination exposure was defined as receiving at least one vaccine Vaccinated children had a 2.5 higher adjusted hazard ratio for any chronic condition Specific increcases include asthma, autoimmune disease, atopic disease, eczema, and neurodevelopmental disorders. The 10-year probability of being free from chronic conditions was 83% in unvaccinated vs. 43% in vaccinated. No conditions were higher in unvaccinated.   Study by AR Mawson et al – J Translational Science Survey-based study compared homeschooling children who were vaccinated versus unvaccinated. Higher rates of neurodevelopmental disorders, asthma, and allergies among vaccinated children Vaccinated children had fewer vaccine-preventable infections.   Study by BS Hooker et al – SAGE Open Medicine Retrospective analysis of health outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated children. Higher rates of asthma, developmental delays and ear infections in vaccinated children.   Study by NZ Miller – J Translational Science A follow-up analysis to adjust for additional covariates such as breastfeeding and cesarean birth. Reported increased odds of certain chronic conditions among vaccinated children. This is not very convincing study if I am to be honest   Study by AR Mawson & BS Hooker – Frontiers of Public Health Analyzed pediatric billing data and reported increased office visits and diagnoses among vaccinated children. Reported igher rates of neurodevelopmental disorders, asthma, and allergies in vaccinated children However, the journal retracted this article on the grounds it did not disclose conflicts of interest   University of Hong Kong -- This one I know from memory – don't know the journal Double blind placebo study comparing flu vaccinated vesus saline placebo vaccinated Followed for 9 months Vaccinated – almost 4-fold increase in getting other non-flu respiratory infections compared to unvaccinated Only slight increase in flu cases among unvaccinated compared to vaccinated   DeStefano et al -- J Translational Neurdegeneration Study analyzed children in metropolitan Atlanta to examine a link between the age of first MMR vaccine receipt and autism diagnosis. Reports that earlier MMR vaccination increased autism risk in specific subgroups, compared to to later-vaccinated children.   J Lyons-Weiler – Intl J Environmental Research and Public Health Unvaccinated children reportedly had fewer chronic illnesses but more vaccine-preventable infections.   Roma Schmitz et al -  Deutsch Arztebl Intl (German journal) – early study in 2011 Large survey to assess whether vaccination status affects infectious and atopic diseases. Unvaccinated had higher vaccine-preventable diseases (e.g., pertussis, measles) but lower atopic diseases There were fewer median infections in unvaccinated young   P Aaby et al – series of studies between 1995-2016 – BMJ, Vaccine, J Tropical Medicine Some vaccines (especially DTP) associated with higher all cause mortality in low income settings compared to those who did not receive DTP  

What really happens when you stop dieting and start eating healthy? In this episode, we hear from two real people who spent years trying to “do the right thing” with food and still felt stuck.  Today, we're joined by Becky and Mark, two ZOE members sharing their personal journeys. Each of them has spent the past two years consistently applying ZOE nutrition principles. Instead of relying on rules or restrictions, they embarked on a science-led journey with ZOE, focused on understanding their bodies. The results? Truly remarkable - ZOE became such an important part of their lives that, alongside 18,000 other members of our community, they became ZOE owners through our crowdfunding. So what changed, and did it last? Alongside Professors Tim Spector and Sarah Berry, we explore how Becky and Mark stay motivated and on track, the lessons they have learned, and the strategies they have used to feel more in control and more confident in their everyday choices. As well as some unexpected shifts along the way. It's a conversation about long-term change, not quick fixes, and you'll leave it with real-life examples of how to make healthy eating a part of your everyday life. If healthy eating wasn't about willpower or perfection, what small change would you start with? And what would help you take that first step this week? Unwrap the truth about your food