ScienceHealth & Fitness

Health Wanted

WABE

Health Wanted brings you each week’s need-to-know public health headlines and breaks down the science behind trending topics. Host Laurel Bristow, MSc, draws on her experience as an infectious disease researcher and epidemiologist to cover everything from Ozempic to the ozone, interviewing experts and answering your questions, all in pursuit of better health.

A collaboration between WABE and the Emory Rollins School of Public Health.

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This public health show is intended solely for general information purposes, and is not intended to provide medical advice, to be used in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease or other conditions. The information in the show should not be relied upon in a manner that would either delay medical treatment or result in unnecessary medical treatment. Always consult a physician or health care provider with your health or treatment concerns.

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29 episodes
weekly
Avg 49 min
English

Episodes 29

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#101
Friday · 52 min
Prescription Drug Costs
I’m of the opinion that a trip to the pharmacy should be fun. A time to check out the press on nail selection, use the over zealous automated cuff to check your blood pressure, buy discounted halloween candy. NOT a time to go bankrupt while using the insurance you pay hundreds of dollars a month for. This week on Health Wanted, we’re talking about drugs! (not that kind of drugs). Prescription drugs, and how the prices are too dang high! We also talk with Professor Courtney Yarbough about how we got to this point, and how complicated it would be to get out of it. Plus: Are advanced maternal ages contributing to mental health issues? Does the hygiene hypothesis have anything to do with vaccines? Do you need to be worried about plague in Siberia? And a double dose of TOTAL RECALL including our Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Click here, email it to HealthWanted@WABE.org, or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
October 2 · 52 min
From The Archive: CTE (with update)
This episode includes an update from Dr. Nowinski sharing new research about the prevalence of CTE published after the episode first went live in February. Let’s be honest, Americans love to watch a contact sport. We cheer at hockey fights, make highlight reels of the most brutal football tackles, yell, “kill him!” When our favorite wrestlers get their opponent in a headlock. We know massive hits can take a toll on the old noggin', but as it turns out, it might just be the lesser hits that happen over and over and over again that are causing more damage to the most people. This week on the show, we’re talking to former college football player and WWE wrestler, Dr. Chris Nowinski, about chronic traumatic encephalopathy. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Click here, email it to HealthWanted@WABE.org, or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#100
September 25 · 52 min
Sea Ailments
Bleeding gums, disability stigma, Polly Lobster, the volleyball scene from Top Gun. What do they all have in common? An inextricable link to the foundation of public health. This week on Health Wanted, we’re setting sail on a course to educate you about the unbreakable bond between public health and those who commit their lives to the high seas. We also talk with author Kevin Brown about how the British Royal Navy responded to the particular health needs of sailors. Plus: How hard is it to get off psychiatric medications? A clarification about pronunciation. How the CDC is counting (or rather, not counting) measles deaths. And the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Click here, email it to HealthWanted@WABE.org, or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#99
September 18 · 52 min
“Gas Station Drugs” One Year Later
A lot can happen in a year: new beginnings, sad endings, a patchwork of controlled substance legislation that varies from state to state and may or may not be influenced by underhanded payments to remove competitors from the market, the changing color of the leaves. This week on Health Wanted, we’re doing a one-year check in on the status of 7-hydroxymitragynine, which some claimed could be the next opioid epidemic. We also talk with Harvard professor and physician Dr. Pieter Cohen about testing products sold as supplements at gas stations and vape shops to find out if what’s in them matches what’s on the label. Plus: Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy real or more wellness nonsense? What to know about the news that xylitol increases the risk of cardiovascular problems. Is Amazon stealing Laurel’s voice? An update on New World screwworm, and the Sick of the Week! For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Click here, email it to HealthWanted@WABE.org, or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#98
September 11 · 51 min
Postpartum Psychosis
Having a baby is supposed to be a joyous occasion, a time to be surrounded by love and support for your growing family. But for some people, the postpartum period comes with mental health changes that put them in crisis. This week on Health Wanted, we’re talking about what we do, and don’t, know about postpartum psychosis. We also talk with Dr. Toby Goldsmith of PEACE for Moms about what is lacking when it comes to postpartum mental health. Plus: What’s the difference between Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder? Can you thaw chicken on your kitchen counter? Is organic really better? And all your flu and COVID vaccine questions answered in the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Click here, email it to HealthWanted@WABE.org, or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#97
September 4 · 52 min
AI Bioweapons
Pre-World War II, it wasn’t the weapons that were the primary reason soldiers died, it was the infections that came after. But what happens when the infection becomes the weapon? This week on Health Wanted we’re testing the limits of both large language models AND your ability to compartmentalize your existential dread, by talking about the future of bioterrorism. We also talk with Microsoft’s Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Eric Horvitz about how AI companies are working to prevent bad actors. Plus: Have we found the hangover holy grail? What does Laurel think about direct-to-consumer lab tests? Why don’t Europeans refrigerate their eggs? And the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org, click here or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 28 · 52 min
From the Archive: Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how people communicate, learn, and interact. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Daniele Fallin, PhD, talk about ASD and what could be behind its rising prevalence across the world. Bristow then covers a range of topics in the Q&A: genetic testing and insurance, vaccines before cruises, and trusted resources for menopause information before addressing two recurring co-stars: bird flu and measles. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#96
August 21 · 52 min
Caffeine
You say you can’t sleep? Baby I don’t know. Is it that “me espresso?” Or is it something else? This week on Health Wanted, we’re talking about America’s favorite psychoactive substance: caffeine! We also talk with UCSF cardiologist Dr. Greg Marcus about the potential cardiovascular benefits and drawbacks to drinking caffeinated coffee. Plus: Are cold plunges worth the pain? Are there any benefits to “touching grass?” Debunking recent public health headlines. And some highs and lows for vaccine access. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#95
August 14 · 52 min
Autonomous Vehicles
When the Beatles said “baby you can drive my car” they may not have realized they’d one day be talking to a robot. This week on Health Wanted…we’re talking about autonomous vehicles impact on health and safety, and looking at the world of tomorrow! Today! We also talk to Yonah Freemark of the Urban Institute about what policy should be considered to make the technology a net positive. Plus: Is it bad to mix bananas and berries in your smoothie? How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke. What’s going on with the Ebola outbreak? Did the Supreme Court rule that glyphosate doesn’t cause cancer? And the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#94
August 7 · 52 min
Peptides
It’s no longer just for bodybuilders and diabetics—it feels like everyone in America is self-injecting for aesthetics or health. This week on Health Wanted, the (pep)tide is high, but we’re holding on. We’re gonna be your number one…source for getting up to speed on the science behind the newest injectables craze. Plus: What’s going on with the low COVID activity? Cyclospora false positives explained. Is canned sparkling water exposing you to microplastics? What’s up with California’s food labels? For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#93
July 31 · 51 min
Outbreak Response
Whether it’s an Ebola outbreak that threatens to cross borders or an explosion of cyclospora cases in our own country, it seems like every tom, dick, and harry has opinions on how outbreaks should be handled. This week on Health Wanted, we’re asking “how DO you to respond to a disease outbreak?” Plus, what’s going on with pediatric vaccine coverage? How do you stop “old people smell?” Is there lead in your turmeric? West Nile virus in your mosquitos? And the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#92
July 24 · 51 min
Inflammation
There’s a war raging. No, not that one—a smaller one, inside your body. It’s your immune system vs your immune system. This week on Health Wanted, we’re talking about the wellness industry’s hottest new catch-all: inflammation. Plus - Cyclospora drama. Medicaid work requirements explained. And what direction are disability rights moving in? (Hint: it’s not forward). For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#91
July 17 · 52 min
Data Centers
Sure the thousands of new data centers cropping up around the country are expensive eye sores that seem to be for the sole purpose of destroying creativity and independent thought in the pursuit of capitalism. But they’re also probably a threat to your health. This week on Health Wanted we ask the chat (GPT) if data centers have us cooked. Plus - Who’s afraid of a little explosive diarrhea? What’s the deal with oil pulling? And an update on COVID vaccines for the fall. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#90
July 10 · 52 min
USA vs the World
It’s been 250 years of being the best! The best national parks, the best novelty food containers at sports arenas, the best fireworks displays! America is the best at everything!...Or are we? This week on Health Wanted, we’re asking the question, when it comes to health, is U.S.A. number one? Plus - Flu shots are back on the menu for basic training. Is fancy genetic testing worth it? How much lead is in your toothpaste? Why does it take so long to get new sunscreen ingredients? Whatever happened to Zika babies? And the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 3 · 51 min
From the Archive: Fourth of July and Summertime Safety
While every holiday comes with the risk of dinner devolving into arguments about politics, the fourth of July comes with physical health risks as well. This week on Health Wanted, from hot dogs and heat to fireworks and alcohol: how to safely get the most out of your summer parties. Plus - Can you get ringworm from your pets? What causes the “asian glow” when drinking alcohol? Does viral load mean someone who’s sicker than you can make you sicker? Could a case of mono cause scarlet fever? Are people who say cilantro tastes like soap lying for attention? Can a little bit of butter before bed prevent panic attacks? For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#89
June 26 · 51 min
Mosquitos
Itchy, itchy, scratchy, scratchy, ooh I got one down my back-y. Nothing takes the fun out of a lovely day outside like being eaten alive. This week on the Health Wanted, we’ve got the buzz on summer’s greatest pest: mosquitos. Plus - A new baby formula recall. Is orofacial myofunctional therapy real? Why don’t we give the shingles vaccine to people under 50? Is the barbell flu real? And New World screwworm is back! For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 19 · 16 min
You Asked, Laurel Answered Part 2
We’re off for some much needed vacation, but fear not! We’re bringing you answers to some of our favorite questions you’ve asked and Laurel has answered, including: How scientific are personality tests? How dangerous is raw chicken? Is it safe to pee in an unflushed toilet? Does the Shingrix vaccine protect against cancer? How long can pathogens live on surfaces? Does taking melatonin lead to heart failure? And, should we all be testing our VO2 max? Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630. For more, visit healthwanted.org. To support Health Wanted and other public media programming, visit wabe.org/give. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#88
June 12 · 52 min
Cruises
The smell of salty air, the sun on your skin, the wind in your hair, the…gastrointestinal distress and lax criminal justice system. No, we’re not talking about a pirate’s life. This week on Health Wanted, we’re cruising for a bruising by laying out the potential hazards on one of America's favorite recreational activities: cruises. Plus - Does magnesium cure all? And why are there so many kinds? Do 1 in 6 people actually have long COVID? How much iron can you get from cooking with cast iron? And the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#87
June 5 · 52 min
Pride
Pride month might be the perfect excuse to practice a glitter makeup look or dust off your rainbow colored shorts, but it’s also an important time to remember the trailblazers that contributed to health and science before there was a parade to attend.This week on Health Wanted, we’re checking off the next item on the gay agenda: celebrating the resiliency of the queer community. Plus - Hantavirus and Ebola updates. Did someone make a mistake when calculating how many microplastics are in our bodies? What’s going on with mifepristone? For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#86
May 29 · 51 min
Wildfires
Sometimes it may feel like the world is metaphorically on fire, but it’s important to remember that it’s also often literally on fire. This week on Health Wanted, we’re taking a look at the increasing impact of wildfires on both the environment and your personal health. Plus - Is Parkinson’s more genetic or environmental? How often should you change your car’s HVAC filter? Is MAHA bringing back cancer? And what is going on with psychedelics as treatment? For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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