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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Medical Notes: Week of November 3, 2019
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of November 3, 2019, including: A study showing a growing number of young adults have substance use disorders. Then, a specific diet could help alleviate crushing fatigue for people with multiple...
1 min
877
“Mind Control,” Psychedelics, And The CIA
An author discusses his investigation into CIA mind control efforts in the 1950’s and 60’s through the use of psychedelic drugs, which unwittingly led to an explosion of the drugs’ use
13 min
878
Climate Change = Less Nutritious Foods
Rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are making crops grow bigger & faster. However, researchers have found that these crops contain significantly lower levels of protein, iron, zinc, and other important nutrients, potentially...
17 min
879
Paid Parental Leave
The US is one of the few world nations that provides no paid job leave for either new moms or dads. A new study shows that paid leave has benefits in infant mortality as well as mother’s health. An expert and advocate for paid leave discusses the...
13 min
880
Medical Notes: Week of October 27, 2019
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of October 27, 2019 including a study that finds that cutting back on red meat and processed meat in the diet has little impact on health. Then, a study finds that a urine test for a genetic biomarker...
1 min
881
The Psychology Of Gig Workers
Gig work is becoming more and more a part of the American economy. It takes a certain temperament for a worker to thrive on the freedom gig work offers without being paralyzed by the lack of security.
18 min
882
Caring For Strangers
Emergency room physicians have to make sense of and care for complete strangers every day. A recently retired ER doctor looks back at lessons he’s learned that are applicable to everyone’s life.
12 min
883
Medical Notes: Week of October 20, 2019
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of October 20, 2019 including A new study shows that americans’ diets are getting better… But only by a little. Then, If someone gets a new diagnosis of hearing loss… getting a hearing aid will...
1 min
884
Rural Maternity Units Closing
A large number of hospitals in rural areas have closed, and many more have closed their maternity units, leaving many rural mothers-to-be with no nearby place to deliver their babies or even get prenatal care. Experts discuss the financial and...
18 min
885
Medical Notes: Week of October 13, 2019
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of October 13, 2019 including When you call 9-1-1 for an ambulance, paramedics are supposed to take you to the closest hospital. But a new study shows that doesn’t happen about 40 percent of the time....
1 min
886
Eczema In Infants: A Starting Point For Allergi...
Doctors have learned that childhood allergies and asthma may have their start in dry, dysfunctional skin in infancy, when allergens such as food particles enter the body through cracks in the skin. A noted pediatric allergist discusses this ”atopic...
12 min
887
Does Prenatal Fluoride Lower IQ?
Fluoride in community drinking water has been controversial since its introduction nearly 75 years ago. A new study adds to this with evidence that pregnant women who drink fluoridated water may produce children with slightly lowered IQ. The study...
18 min
888
Medical Notes: Week of October 6, 2019
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of October 6, 2019 including a quarter of people who develop the brain plaques of Alzheimer’s disease apparently can compensate for the deficit… Then, Scientists may have found a way to roll back...
1 min
889
Trypophobia: The Fear of Clustered Holes
As much as 16 percent of the population suffers from Trypophobia, which makes them uneasy at the sight of holes clustered together, as in a honeycomb. Two experts and a sufferer discuss this phobia, which can be remarkably debilitating.
12 min
890
Genetic Testing and Family Secrets
The availability of consumer DNA tests and databases has allowed long-hidden family secrets to be revealed, including mistaken paternity and unknown siblings. It has also taken the anonymity away from some cases of sperm donation. Two experts discuss...
17 min
891
Mirror Touch Synesthesia
Dr. Joel Salinas has mirror touch synesthesia, a condition involving cross-wiring in the brain. The result is that visual stimuli prompt a response in his touch system. He literally feels it when people experience pain. Salinas discusses how this...
11 min
892
Medical Notes: Week of September 29, 2019
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of September 29, 2019 including Cancer survivors having a higher risk of heart disease and other illnesses. Then, a new study shows that prescription omega 3 fatty acids can significantly reduce high...
1 min
893
Heat and Violence
Violence increases as temperatures rise in the summer, but are higher temperatures a cause of aggression? New research shows that the answer is yes, especially in family conflict, and that poor neighborhoods bear the brunt of the relationship....
17 min
894
Medical Notes: Week of September 22, 2019
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of September 22, 2019, including more drivers than ever are running red lights. Then, people have noticed a bump in premature births where a hurricane is approaching. And finally, you may want to start...
1 min
895
Nail Biting
Nail biting is an extremely common habit, but some people bite their nails so badly and so often that they suffer damage to their hands. Experts discuss why so many of us are driven to bite our nails, what can be done to stop it, and the damage that...
13 min
896
Importing Canadian Drugs
The Trump Administration has proposed wholesale import of drugs from Canada to ease high US prescription drug prices. But since Canada is 1/10 th the size of the US, could it supply enough drugs to make a difference? What’s more, it appears...
17 min
897
Primary Care And Medical Cost
The US spends more on medical care than other nations while quality still lags behind. A health industry expert explains how increased use of primary care and increased engagement with providers could reverse both trends.
13 min
898
Medical Notes: Week of September 15, 2019
Medical Notes for the week of September 15, 2019, including Nodding off very often during the day may be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Then, surveys show that about a tenth of Americans over age 18 either use illicit drugs or don’t...
1 min
899
Surviving An Active Shooter
With the recent active shooter incidents in El Paso and Dayton, these incidents no longer seem rare, and experts say there’s been a shift in public perception. Now they seemingly could happen anywhere, and it’s become a public health issue. Two...
18 min
900
Fighting Off Stress at College
College students are facing more stress than ever, but may be less prepared to handle it. As students head back to campus, two experts discuss how students can reduce stress.
13 min