In Good Health
Each week, In Good Health, from the creators of 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 ingoodhealthpodcast.org. Also, check out the latest on FB, IG, X, and YouTube @ingoodhealthpod.
1601
Misophonia
A surprisingly large number of people may become agitated or even enraged when they hear "mouth sounds" such as chewing or slurping, sniffling, or crunching of paper. This disorder, misophonia, is largely unknown, but researchers believe audio...
12 min
1602
The Power of Tears
Researchers are learning that tears shed for different reasons are chemically different. Experts discuss why it's good for people to cry.
7 min
1603
Online Pharmacies, Fake Drugs
Consumers who purchase medicines online are taking a big risk-experts say 97% of online "pharmacies" are rogue sites operating illegally. Experts discuss how consumers can buy safely.
12 min
1604
Multitasking
Multitasking seems like a necessity for most people, and most of us think it improves our efficiency. However, studies show that only a tiny proportion of people can juggle tasks well. Researchers discuss why our brains can't do two things at once,...
10 min
1605
Preserving Life Versus Prolonging Death
An award winning science writer discusses her experience observing how medical professionals and patients differ in their acceptance of impending death, and what families need to know to navigate the end of life toward a "good death."
10 min
1606
The Risk of the Front Passenger Seat
Few people are aware that the vehicle occupant most likely to be hurt in a crash is the one in the front passenger seat. Experts discuss how car occupants can protect themselves from injury.
12 min
1607
Your Brain With Tinnitus
Scientists have discovered that tinnitus involves many more areas of the brain than just those involved with hearing. Experts explain what sufferers can do now. Learn more at:
11 min
1608
Child Suicide Survivors
Experts discuss the right and wrong ways to help children cope with parental suicide.
12 min
1609
The Joy of Singing
Research shows that singing in a group has health benefits. Experts discuss how singing is being used to treat one serious disease.
9 min
1610
Maternal Mortality
Experts discuss possible reasons for the increase in the death rate surrounding pregnancy in the US and one possible ways to reverse it. Learn more at:
11 min
1611
Perfect Pitch
The ability to "know" the musical pitch of any sound has traditionally been thought to be learnable only at a very early age through musical training. But new research shows perfect pitch is teachable to adults as well.
14 min
1612
Air Pollution and Lung Health
Air pollution is blamed for one of every eight deaths worldwide, including 200,000 in the US each year. A noted lung physician discusses some of the diseases smog can cause and ways to keep your lungs safe.
8 min
1613
TV Doctors: Truth or Fiction
TV doctors wield tremendous influence with patients, sometimes even more than a person's own doctor. Experts discuss how celebrity doctors miss the mark and why they're so popular.
7 min
1614
Refuse Workers, The Dangers of Trash
Most people don't think much about what happens to their trash after they set it at the curb. But day in and day out, refuse workers have the most dangerous municipal job, with more injuries than police or firefighters.
12 min
1615
Doctor's Emotions
Many doctors believe emotion is detrimental to medical practice, and many patients think doctors are cold and emotionless. But one influential physician explains why emotion is important to doctors.
7 min
1616
Bell's Palsy
Bell's palsy is a frightening malfunction in the nerve controlling half of the face that occurs for unknown reasons. Sufferers often think they're having a stroke. Experts and two people who've had the disorder discuss.
15 min
1617
Multiple Births in IVF
More than 5 million children have been born as a result of in-vitro fertilization, but many are born as twins, triplets and even quadruplets. Experts discuss new technology that promises to reduce the number of multiples in IVF.
13 min
1618
Social Anxiety in Children
Social anxiety disorder is more than just shyness. It can be crippling and keep people completely inside the house. An expert whose daughter was afflicted discusses social anxiety warning signs in children and how the disorder can be treated. Learn...
7 min
1619
Digitizing Medicine
Digital technology has revolutionized many industries, but medicine has lagged behind. One of the nation's most influential doctors discusses what the consequences are and what it will take to bring health care technology to its full potential.
13 min
1620
Photographic Memory
Some people who remember things extremely well may claim they have a "photographic memory," but some experts say such a thing doesn't really exist. Experts discuss how memory works. Learn more at:
9 min
1621
HIV From the Beginning
When AIDS first became widespread in the 1980's, it was a death sentence. A doctor who has spent her career on the front lines of HIV recounts the desperation of the early days and the transition of HIV into a treatable chronic disease.
9 min
1622
The Science of Smell
The sense of smell evokes powerful memories and makes food taste good, but it also has important functions in interpersonal relations and personal safety. Experts discuss the science behind it.
9 min
1623
Cheaper Breast Cancer Gene Testing
Testing for breast cancer genes BRCA-1 and 2 has been inaccessible to many women due to extremely high cost. Now a new 249 dollar breast cancer gene test is available. Experts discuss whether this changes who should be tested.
13 min
1624
Drowning: It Doesn’t Looks Like You Think
Seven hundred children under age 15 drown in the US each year, most within sight of a parent or other adult. One major reason is because drowning doesn't look like most people picture it, and so are unaware the child is in trouble.
8 min
1625
The Health Effects of Loneliness
Studies are now showing that loneliness and social isolation not only affect our mental health but also have profound effects on our physical health, and increase the risk of death substantially. Learn more at:
13 min