Radio Health Journal

Each week, Radio Health Journal breaks down important news in medicine, science and technology with the help of world-renowned experts. Our three weekly segments will help guide you to a happier, healthier life – with some fun facts to share at dinner parties. Can magic mushrooms cure your depression? Have we outrun natural selection? Hosted by Elizabeth Westfield, Greg Johnson and Maayan Voss de Bettancourt and produced by Kristen Farrah and Amirah Zaveri. New shows posted each Sunday by 5 a.m. EST. Subscribe, listen, and rate. If you’re looking for older episodes, you can find our entire segment catalog on our website radiohealthjournal.org. Also, check out the latest on Facebook and Instagram @radiohealthjournal and on X @RadioHealthJrnl.

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Episodes

• Medical Notes: Why Pregnant Women Should Skip Lipstick, The Tie Between Diabetes And Dementia, And The Future Of Farming In The Dark

  Wednesday, December 18, 2024

  3 minutes

  We may soon be farming in the dark. Will having diabetes affect your memory? Your favorite lipstick may be a risk to your pregnancy. What a fake immune system tells us about cancer. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-why-pregnant-women-should-skip-lipstick-the-tie-between-diabetes-and-dementia-and-the-future-of-farming-in-the-dark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Why Breast Cancer Survivors Are Getting Tattoos

  Sunday, December 15, 2024

  10 minutes

  People often think that surviving cancer is the happy ending. And while it’s definitely happy, it’s not the end. Many breast cancer survivors are left with significant scarring and body image issues. Our expert reveals how her specific tattoo skillset helps these women become happy in their own skin again. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/why-breast-cancer-survivors-are-getting-tattoos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Can COVID Cure Cancer? The Pandemic’s Silver Lining

  Sunday, December 15, 2024

  12 minutes

  History will remember 2020 as the year the world shut down, but there may be a silver lining to this dark time. New research shows that some cancer patients with severe Covid saw a reduction in their tumors. Our expert explains how Covid is helping researchers find a novel, effective treatment to fight cancer. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/can-covid-cure-cancer-the-pandemics-silver-lining Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: The Dangerous Additives In Ultra-Processed Foods, How Happiness Supports Your Brain Health, And Are Robots Outperforming Doctors?

  Wednesday, December 11, 2024

  3 minutes

  How scientists could catch schizophrenia sooner than ever before. Ultra-processed foods may be raising your blood sugar levels. How happiness supports your brain health. Are robots better doctors? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-dangerous-additives-in-ultra-processed-foods-how-happiness-supports-your-brain-health-and-are-robots-outperforming-doctors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The Truth About PCOS: Birth Control, Infertility, And Gaps In Research

  Sunday, December 8, 2024

  10 minutes

  Polycystic ovarian syndrome affects at least one in ten women – probably more since it’s so underdiagnosed. Sadly, many women are told that having PCOS means they’ll never become pregnant. However, our expert this week dispels this and other misinformation that’s widespread about PCOS. Learn More:https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-truth-about-pcos-birth-control-infertility-and-gaps-in-research Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The Melanin Effect: The Ignorance That Puts Millions Of Americans In Danger

  Sunday, December 8, 2024

  13 minutes

  Scientific research is becoming more inclusive, but one area that’s still lacking this diversity is pre-clinical research. Without knowing how medications will react to different ancestries and skin tones, millions of people are being put at risk. Our experts discuss the effect melanin has on a drug’s efficacy and changes the industry can implement right now that will make a big difference.  Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-melanin-effect-the-ignorance-that-puts-millions-of-americans-in-danger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: Reversing Liver Damage, How Omega-3 Fatty Acids Fight Cancer, And Are Newborn Babies Conscious?

  Wednesday, December 4, 2024

  3 minutes

  Liver damage can be deadly, but you may be able to reverse it. Do you have a higher risk of cancer? You may want to skip your next caffeine fix. How much of the world can newborn babies understand? Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-reversing-liver-damage-how-omega-3-fatty-acids-fight-cancer-and-are-newborn-babies-conscious Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The Eye Condition That Causes Hallucinations And Face Distortions

  Sunday, December 1, 2024

  9 minutes

  On the surface, seeing hallucinations and distorted faces seems like a mental illness. However, it’s actually an issue with sight called Prosopometamorphopsia. Many people with this rare condition don’t report it because they’re afraid they’re going crazy, but our expert breaks down this condition and what more research is needed to truly understand PMO. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-eye-condition-that-causes-hallucinations-and-face-distortions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Healthcare Architecture: The Designs That Speed Up Your Recovery

  Sunday, December 1, 2024

  13 minutes

  Though you may never stop to think about the room design when walking through a hospital, but it’s been tailored specifically for you. Jodi Feldheim, a healthcare architect, explains how nature plays an important part in medical design, the details that improve patient experience, and what future hospitals will look like. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/healthcare-architecture-the-designs-that-speed-up-your-recovery/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: How To Spend Money For Maximum Happiness, Why Brains Are Getting Bigger, And The Connection Between Down Syndrome And Alzheimer’s Disease

  Wednesday, November 27, 2024

  3 minutes

  You have a bigger brain than your ancestors – and that’s good news. New research unveils another mystery of Alzheimer’s disease. Can we reverse antibiotic resistance? How to spend your money for maximum happiness. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-to-spend-money-for-maximum-happiness-why-brains-are-getting-bigger-and-the-connection-between-down-syndrome-and-alzheimers-disease Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Locked-In Pt. 2: The Unexpected Consequences Of Cheating Death

  Sunday, November 24, 2024

  10 minutes

  After months of doctors mistakenly believing Jacob Haendel was dying in a coma, he managed to catch his medical team’s attention with a flick of his wrist. Haendel went on to recover from his deadly disease, beating all the odds. However, this journey opened his eyes to the pitiful state of accessibility in our society. He’s now focusing his efforts to increase accessible infrastructure through a revolutionary app. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/locked-in-pt-2-the-unexpected-consequences-of-cheating-death Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Locked-In Pt. 1: Trapped Inside Your Own Body

  Sunday, November 24, 2024

  12 minutes

  At age 28, Jacob Haendel was diagnosed with a rare, terminal brain disease and given six months to live. But while doctors thought he was dying in a coma, Haendel was fully aware – just trapped inside his paralyzed body. He recounts his incredible story of pain, hope, and beating death against all odds. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/locked-in-pt-1-trapped-inside-your-own-body Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: How To Beat Jetlag And Why Connecting With Your Inner Child Is Good For Your Brain

  Wednesday, November 20, 2024

  3 minutes

  For the first time ever, scientists have found a molecular difference in people with autism. Why older people should connect with their inner child. Putting an end to the dreaded jet lag. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-to-beat-jetlag-and-why-connecting-with-your-inner-child-is-good-for-your-brain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• “I Accidentally Fell Asleep At The Wheel”: The Dangers Of Sleep Apnea

  Sunday, November 17, 2024

  11 minutes

  Millions of people struggle with sleep, but letting a real condition go undiagnosed could be fatal. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway is blocked during sleep and can cause major issues, including your alertness during the day and mental health. Our experts discuss which treatment options may be right for you. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/i-accidentally-fell-asleep-at-the-wheel-the-dangers-of-sleep-apnea Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Empty Nose Syndrome: The Botched Surgery That’ll Leave You Breathless

  Sunday, November 17, 2024

  11 minutes

  Nose surgeries are some of the most common procedures and are usually simple to perform. However, the tiniest mistake could leave you feeling constantly short of breath and close to suffocation for the rest of your life. Our experts discuss empty nose syndrome and what may cause this rare condition. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/empty-nose-syndrome-the-botched-surgery-thatll-leave-you-breathless Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: Skin Color Affects How Well Medicine Works, Revealing the Genes That Increase Your Chances of Having a Daughter, and the Snail Venom That Could Save Lives

  Wednesday, November 13, 2024

  3 minutes

  How many procedures require an opioid prescription? The color of your skin could affect how well medications work. Can venom help save lives? Why some people are more likely to have daughters.  Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-skin-color-affects-how-well-medicine-works-revealing-the-genes-that-increase-your-chances-of-having-a-daughter-and-the-snail-venom-that-could-save-lives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• “It’s Not Rare If It Affects Your Child”: Prevention Strategies For Meningitis B

  Sunday, November 10, 2024

  12 minutes

  Meningitis B is a rare but deadly disease. At first, it looks like a case of the flu, but waiting to go to the hospital could prove to be a fatal mistake. Our experts share how this infection has impacted their own lives and the best prevention strategies for you and loved ones. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/its-not-rare-if-it-affects-your-child-prevention-strategies-for-meningitis-b Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Virtual Anatomy: Why Some Medical Schools Are Replacing Cadavers With VR

  Sunday, November 10, 2024

  9 minutes

  Cadavers have long been the go-to for anatomy and dissection courses in medical school. However, with so much emerging technology at our fingertips, using donors for these purposes may become obsolete. Our expert explains how virtual reality and 3D renderings are changing the future of medical education. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/why-medical-schools-are-throwing-out-cadavers-in-favor-of-vr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: How Pregnancy Changes The Brain, Reversing The Negative Effects Of Social Media, And Will Iv Drips Actually Cure A Hangover?

  Wednesday, November 6, 2024

  3 minutes

  Pregnancy changes more than just belly size. How much does social media affect anxiety? Is there anything that can cure a hangover? Are adult braces making a comeback?  Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-teeth-whitening-may-be-ruining-your-health-reducing-obesity-in-kids-with-adhd-and-is-this-the-unhealthiest-time-in-american-history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Human Genome Editing: Overnight Evolution Or Modern Eugenics?

  Sunday, November 3, 2024

  11 minutes

  Genome editing could potentially erase all genetic diseases from humanity, but is the tradeoff worth it? Our DNA is an intricately woven story of each individual person, meaning that changing one piece could have unexpected, detrimental effects somewhere else in the body. Our expert explains the incredible opportunities -- and astonishing risks -- of using CRISPR to edit the human genome. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/human-genome-editing-overnight-evolution-or-modern-eugenics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• How Getting Sick Can Cost You Billions

  Sunday, November 3, 2024

  11 minutes

  As pan respiratory virus season creeps up on us, being properly protected can save you a lot of money. New data shows that billions of dollars are spent each year by RSV patients in direct and indirect costs. Our experts discuss the complete economic burden of this disease and how you can stay healthy this winter. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/how-getting-sick-can-cost-you-billions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: Teeth Whitening May Be Ruining Your Health, Reducing Obesity In Kids With Adhd, And Is This The Unhealthiest Time In American History?

  Wednesday, October 30, 2024

  3 minutes

  Is this the unhealthiest time in American history? New recommendations for kids with ADHD. Your pearly whites may be ruining your health. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-teeth-whitening-may-be-ruining-your-health-reducing-obesity-in-kids-with-adhd-and-is-this-the-unhealthiest-time-in-american-history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Spray-On Skin: The Future Of Skin Grafting

  Sunday, October 27, 2024

  10 minutes

  When a wound is too large for staples or sutures, skin grafts are used to cover the area. Since they’re usually taken from a healthy part of the patient’s body, it often means having two wounds to care for. Our expert explains the new technology that’s revolutionizing this industry and shortening patient’s healing journey. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/spray-on-skin-the-future-of-skin-grafting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Generic Drugs: The Industry Secrets That Can Lead To Drug Shortages

  Sunday, October 27, 2024

  13 minutes

  A large portion of the prescription medication American’s consume are generic. But with many of the active ingredients being sourced and manufactured in other countries, are our federal oversights enough protection? This week, our expert explains the systems in place – as well as their weaknesses and strengths. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/generic-drugs-the-industry-secrets-that-can-lead-to-drug-shortages Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: How Surprise Sounds Lead To Risky Decisions, Why Cooked Foods Raise Cancer Risks, And The Genetic Cause Of Anxiety

  Wednesday, October 23, 2024

  3 minutes

  Is cooked food a health risk? If you have anxiety, you may be able to blame your ancestors. Does music make you more spontaneous? Why you should take a nap before judging someone else. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-surprise-sounds-lead-to-risky-decisions-why-cooked-foods-raise-cancer-risks-and-the-genetic-cause-of-anxiety Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Stiff Person Syndrome: Dying From An Invisible Disease

  Sunday, October 20, 2024

  11 minutes

  Dr. Ilea Khan has spent her life in constant pain. Though she may appear healthy on the outside, Khan suffers from the same rare disease as Celine Dion – stiff person syndrome. This week, she explains what it’s like to live with an invisible illness and why advocacy and community is so crucial for people living with SPS. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/stiff-person-syndrome-dying-from-an-invisible-disease Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• “We’re Reading Their Minds”: Decoding The Brain To Reverse Paralysis

  Sunday, October 20, 2024

  12 minutes

  Scientists have been perfecting a technology that gives mobility back to people with paralysis. The system bypasses the injured part of the brain to send signals down into the body. Our expert explains how he created this technology, the success it’s had thus far, and what the future of independence looks like for these patients.  Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/were-reading-their-minds-decoding-the-brain-to-reverse-paralysis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Medical Notes: How To Remove Plastic From Water, The Magic Of Bleu Cheese, And Why Childhood Anxiety Is On The Rise

  Wednesday, October 16, 2024

  3 minutes

  Are you tired of drinking plastic? Why better sight may lead to better hearing. Why are kids so worried? Scientists have settled the ranch versus blue cheese debate – and it’s good news for cheese lovers. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-how-to-remove-plastic-from-water-the-magic-of-bleu-cheese-and-why-childhood-anxiety-is-on-the-rise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The Conception Crisis: How To Fix Male Infertility

  Sunday, October 13, 2024

  10 minutes

  Infertility can be difficult to talk about, but to find a solution, you first have to know the cause. Though society tends to only look at women’s health, men are just as likely to create fertility issues. Thankfully, our expert reveals the most common causes of male infertility and how to get back on track to conceive a child. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-conception-crisis-how-to-fix-male-infertility Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Drugs Aren’t The Answer: Rethinking Health And Healing Within Medicine

  Sunday, October 13, 2024

  12 minutes

  Between painkillers and diet pills, doctors can write a prescription for nearly any ailment. However, throwing drugs at the problem isn’t fixing the root cause. Our experts explain the role of integrative medicine and how complimentary therapies, like acupuncture, are becoming more mainstream in healthcare. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/drugs-arent-the-answer-rethinking-health-and-healing-within-medicine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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