Ask Doctor Dawn

Ask Doctor Dawn episodes:

• 05.21.2024

  Answers to caller questions highlight this week's show, plus the intrepid Tardigrade is revealed

  KSQD 05-16-2024: The super power of the resilient Tardigrade is their fabulous DNA repair ability. How do I tolerate another knee surgery after getting intestinal adhesions because of previous surgery? Can I avoid an operation to fix a displaced cataract lens? A patient...

  
• 05.05.2024

  Insurance obstacles to care, sugar vs. substitutes, measles vaccines, diet and exercise strategies, and cutting-edge breakthroughs in cancer treatment

  KSQD 5-01-2024: This week's show explores how healthcare systems can inflict "moral injury" on dedicated doctors. We examine instances where factors like insurance company prior authorizations prevent optimal patient care and discuss related research. Dr. Dawn explores sweetness perception, reviewing ...

  
• 04.26.2024

  This week's show covers serious health topics: medication side effects, stroke prevention, blood pressure concerns, rising colon cancer rates in the young, and the dangers of vaping

  KSQD 4-24-2024: In this week's show, we tackle several important health topics. Dr. Dawn starts by investigating "the prescribing cascade," where side effects from an initial medication necessitate additional prescriptions. This is often seen with treatments for high blood...

  
• 04.21.2024

  Big food's bad advice, mini-livers, infection advice, neuropeptides for depression, a listener book recommendation, and your health questions answered

  KSQD 4-17-2024: This week's show explores the line between helpful health advice and harmful food-related misinformation, particularly the anti-diet trend being promoted by certain influencers. We delve into a fascinating medical breakthrough involving the creation of "mini livers" to support...

  
• 04.13.2024

  Animal Surprises: Pig Donor Organs, Surprising evidence of animal intelligence, and How Potassium Lowers Blood Pressure

  KSQD 4-10-2024: This episode explores the cutting-edge of medical science and the wonders of the animal kingdom. We'll discuss a remarkable first – the successful transplant of a genetically modified pig kidney into a human. Could this breakthrough pave the...

  
• 04.04.2024

  Unraveling Health Mysteries: From the Microbiome to Mental Wellness to a rare disease from listener email

  KSQD 4-04-2024: This episode delves into a range of health topics, beginning with a unique case where a bone marrow transplant offered new hope for treating schizophrenia. We discuss the complexities of diseases such as sickle cell anemia and their...

  
• 03.29.2024

  Comprehensive sleep recommendations, advances in animal cloning, Mifepristone and the Supreme Court and more…

  KSQD 3-27-2024: Colloidal silver for sinusitis was recommended, but does it work for molds? Advice to improve sleep besides taking drug sleeping aids; Sleep and mood can affect the effectiveness of vaccinations; SIBO and erythromycin are discussed; The US Supreme...

  
• 03.23.2024

  Strange case studies of Alzheimer’s disease, plastics in food plus emails about thigh pain, Chilblains symptoms and inadequate Medicare payments

  KSQD 3-20-2024: Getting COVID affects the ability to heal from chilblains swelling; Why many doctors are not accepting new Medicare patients; Thigh pain after getting up in the morning should lead one to an Osteopathic doctor; What is the nutritional...

  
• 03.19.2024

  Safety Day: eBike safety issues discussed with Santa Cruz experts Theresia Rogerson and Tawn Kennedy

  KSQD 3-06-2024: Through work with the the Community Traffic Safety Coalition, Theresia and Tawn focus on traffic safety issues, including the rise of ebikes in Santa Cruz, CA; Problems arise when riders don’t understand the effect of heavier weight and...

  
• 03.14.2024

  Interview with Roshun Rahimi, a newly-minted Medical Doctor on her way to a family practice residency

  KSQD 3-13-2024: Roshun's challenging background as a daughter of immigrants from Afghanistan; Experience translating for her mother with doctors launched her interested in medicine; Figuring out how one learns best is important for success in medical school; Understanding personality types...

  
• 03.13.2024

  Featured topics are a new drug for endometriosis and discussion of molds and mold toxins

  KSQD 2-28-2024: A new drug for endometriosis pain is long overdue -- endometrial microbiome is discussed; Active release therapy for the psoas tendon; Side effects of long time use of Finasteride for prostate hypertrophy; Keeping off the weight you lose...

  
• 02.24.2024

  Drug prices, telehealth, antioxidants for pancreatitis and much more

  The problems with drug prices and Pharmacy Benefit Managers; Cancer and telehealth -- COVID changed everything for doctors getting paid for telehealth; Supplemental enzymes and antioxidants can help control pancreatitis; Evidence that an increase in type 1 diabetes cases was...

  
• 02.23.2024

  Infectious disease is central: local reports, all about syphilis and parasitic gut infections

  Review of monthly infectious disease report by the Santa Cruz County Health Dept.; Syphilis cases are on the rise -- its history is detailed; Is ablation operation for atrial fibrillation a good idea in an 85 yr-old man? Will constipation...

  
• 02.14.2024

  Diverse topics include human composting, review of brain-computer interfaces and using psychedelics for PTSD

  KSQD 2-07-2024: The epidemic of PTSD in the military results in using psychedelics for treatment; An examination of Neuralink and Blackrock Neurotech brain-computer research progress; The off-label use of Mupirocin for Lichen Sclerosus of the vulva; Training an AI to...

  
• 02.13.2024

  Replay of an interview with Dr. Mark Hyman in 2009, demonstrating the influence of Functional Medicine in modern medicine

  KUSP 4-25-2009 and KSQD 1-31-2023: Problems of the mind such as depression, memory loss, insomnia, etc are mostly caused by metabolic problems; The problems with Proton Pump Inhibitors; he "myth of diagnosis" is Dr. Hyman's way of framing the...

  
• 01.27.2024

  All about Long COVID as related to mitochondrial function, Neutrophils and autoimmune disease, and Retinal Dystrophy

  KSQD 01-24-2024: Introduction to mitochondria and related diseases that associate with Long COVID; Practical advice if you have post-COVID syndrome; Mitochondria research related to post-COVID symptoms and nutritional supplements that help; more about chronic fatigue, myalgic encephalitis and long...

  
• 01.19.2024

  Compounded weight loss drugs, cloned monkeys for research, retinal organoids and other diverse topics

  KSQD 1-17-2024: Compounding the Semaglutide weight-loss drugs reduces its cost If you have had COVID, you can now return to work after 24 hrs if you are fever-free; Exposure to the smell of tears from women appears to reduce aggression...

  
• 01.12.2024

  Psychedelic drug research, reproducibility in medical research and a new Family Practice residency are featured this week

  KSQD 1-10-2024: All about the new Family Practice Residency program in Santa Cruz and the lack of primary care doctors locally and nationally; The rise in research in medical applications of psychedelic drugs, such as MDMA for PTSD; The lack...

  
• 01.06.2024

  A variety of topics from CRISPR and Sickle Cell cure to roaming Hippos in Colombia

  KSQD 1-03-2024: Cold is good for healthy aging; 10th anniversary of CRISPR -- the new sickle cell cure is discussed; Alleviating effects of chemo and radiation therapy for colon cancer; World’s largest invasive organism: Hippos in Colombia! Delaying clamping the...

  
• 12.29.2023

  Enlarged prostate, long COVID, neonatal brain development and other deep-dive topics

  KSQD 12-27-2023: The energy needed to make lab-grown meat is a big problem; Review of enlarged prostate biology and treatments; Benefits of mushrooms include help in remembering dreams? Advice to prevent or reduce long COVID; The promise of using organoids...

  
• 12.22.2023

  The immune system and postpartum depression and a variety of neuroscience news

  KSQD 12-20-2023: Cold weather increases the tendency to have atrial fibrillation; Help interpreting an abdominal ultrasound; Should my wife and I get the RSV vaccine? Brain implant device greatly improves mental skills in traumatic brain injury patients; Singing to...

  
• 12.16.2023

  Interview with a doctor from India who is applying for a Family Practice residency in Santa Cruz

  kSQD 12-13-2023: Interview with Dr. Jytan Sahni: the adventures of a doctor from India who is applying to the Dominican Hospital Family Practice residency program; Could COVID or the vaccine affect my menstrual cycle long term? Turmeric may cause...

  
• 12.08.2023

  The importance of MTHFR gene and folate, Vitamin D during pregnancy is good, formula for toddlers, really?

  KSQD 12-06-2023: Advice for reducing gum disease; Guidelines for using statins in elderly women; Vigorous exercise can increase the risk of viral infections; 5 MTHFR can help treat depression if you have the appropriate gene variants; low folate levels...

  
• 12.05.2023

  Medicare Advantage problems, more AI applications in medicine and an interesting arrhythmia case

  KSQD 11-29-2023: The problems with Medicare Advantage plans; An AI program to evaluate CT scans of stroke victims helps focus quicker treatment -- other AI applications are reviewed; Can I crush my calcium carbonate to increase its absorption? What are...

  
• 11.21.2023

  Top Topics: Supplements for Shingix side effects, endometriosis research and the promise of AI to assist in medical care

  KSQD 11-22-2023: Supplements and other advice to combat the side effects of the Shingrix vaccine for shingles; Surge in monkeypox during the summer; The many applications of AI in medicine, from drug interaction help to reading mammograms; Are calcium...

  
• 11.10.2023

  Pancreatic Cancer awareness month. A deep dive into causes, risks and diagnosis of this difficult cancer

  KSQD 11-08-2023: Go to Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit group (sccbg.org) for Pancreatic Cancer information and awareness event in Santa Cruz on Nov. 19; The physiology of the pancreas; Prognosis for pancreatic cancer is poor; Genetic mutations, smoking, obesity and...

  
• 11.03.2023

  Creepy topics show with bed bugs, the medical industrial complex and chronic pain

  KSQD 11-01-2023: Bed Bug hysteria -- another consequence of global warming; The problems with mergers and monopolies in health care pharmacies, insurance companies, benefit manegers etc.; The importance of sleep for weight control and health in general; The details of...

  
• 10.29.2023

  Answers to caller and email questions, from ocular melanoma to restless leg syndrome

  KSQD 10-25-2023: Various therapies for ocular and other eye melanomas; When is chiropractic care appropriate or not? Boric acid suppositories while pregnant; The best forms for calcium, iron and magnesium supplements; Reports of cadmium contamination in dark chocolate; Mupirocin is...

  
• 10.24.2023

  The primary care doctor crisis, Dermatitis, Sex hormone issues in menopause and the brain are discussed

  KSQD 10-18-2023: The primary care doctor crisis in the U.S.; More advances in robotic arms; Black cohosh is an alternative to hormone therapy for breast cancer -- anatomy of hot flashes; The Altman rule is a proxy for glycemic load...

  
• 10.15.2023

  Sequencing the Y chromosome, smart bird brains, testing with your gut, new COVID vaccines and more

  KSQD 10-11-2023: Testing for VO2 max; New COVID Vaccine availability is poor; The mysteries of the Y chromosome; The differences in bird brains that allow them to be just as smart as many mammals; Nerves involved in taste both in...

  
• 10.06.2023

  History of pregnancy tests, climate change issues, Nobel prize for mRNA vaccines and much more

  KSQD 10-04-2O23: Fats to aid in absorption of vitamin K2; Nobel prize for biology goes to fundamental research for of mRNA vaccines; A pregnancy test originated in ancient Egypt! Pregnancy tests and hormones are explained; Medical consequences of climate...

  
• 09.29.2023

  Hepatitis B, microbiome and bone health and alternative protein are featured this week

  KSQD 9-27-2023: Why Hepatitis B vaccine is given to newborns; Dogs are a good model to study osteosarcoma treatments; A healthy microbiome is important for bone health, also more bone health advice; The best types of exercise to reduce blood...

  
• 09.14.2023

  We’re back! Wide variety of health news and recent medical research

  KSQD 9-13-1023: COVD and RSV are ON THE RISE -- vaccines are available; Is quantum entanglement evident in our brain? Pain and nausea symptoms lasting too long for food poisoning; Placenta stem cells used to fix damaged heart cells in...

  
• 07.15.2023

  Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi, alternative causes of dementia and a thorough look at menopause effects on the brain are top topics

  KSQD 7-12-2023: Public health update for Santa Cruz County, California; Follow up on oral hygiene and the use of hydrogen peroxide; Having pets during pregnancy and early infancy reduces food allergies; Having pets during pregnancy and early infancy reduces food...

  
• 07.08.2023

  A veritable potpourri of health news, advice and answers to your emails

  KSQD 7-05-2023: American Society of Anesthesiologists now recommends drinking fluids with sugar until 2 hrs before a surgery; Masks are attributed to preventing COVID deaths in doctors during the pandemic; US Supreme Court rules against Amgen in a case...

  
• 07.01.2023

  From new cancer therapy to women’s health issues, a wide variety of email and news topics this week

  KSQD 6-28-2023: More about home-grown vegetables and phthalate contamination in plastics; Is Neem good for the oral microbiome? Low TSH, thyroid hormone and iodine are discussion; Dr. Dawn prefers vinegar over bleach to clean a waterpik; Supplements to aid...

  
• 06.25.2023

  Hot topics: A contraceptive vaccine, Low dose naltrexone for pain, cure for cat allergies and damaged neuron recovery

  KSQD: 6-21-2023: mRNA Vaccine: A new contraceptive? Question about male hair loss at a young age; Low dose naltrexone (LDN) is a good agent for chronic pain; Don’t put anything in your water pic water; A case of diabetic obesity...

  
• 06.17.2023

  Lots of email answers about oral hygiene, colon cancer mutation, thyroid problems, vitamin C and glutathione infusion and much more

  KSQD 6-14-2023: More about the oral microbiome, including toothpaste advice; The benefits and scientific studies supporting oral oil pulling to clean the mouth; The MUTYH mutation causes lots of colon polyps, raising the risks of colon cancer; A story of...

  
• 06.10.2023

  Theme is the oral microbiome -- lessons from the Functional Medicine conference

  KSQD 6-10-2023: The very long list of diseases linked to gum disease; the oral microbiome is thoroughly covered; The side effects of using mouthwash - more diseases like cardiac conditions are also linked to mouth microbiome; Caller complains about cost...

  
• 06.03.2023

  All about the physiology of stress and the gut; Sexual development and gender selection are discussed

  KSQD 5-31-2023: Stress raises glucocorticoids and inflammation in the gut, thus causing irritable bowel syndrome; Mosquitos are attracted to terpenes in many soaps, but repelled by those with coconut oil; Editorial about gender selection and the altering of sexual development

  
• 05.27.2023

  Potpourri of topics: Pancreatic cancer vaccine, bacterial biofilm, brain stimulation for depression and epilepsy, and more

  KSQD 5-24-2023: The promise of a vaccine for pancreatic cancer; Some statistical comments about statins and cardiovascular events research; How can I relieve knee pain without using pharmaceuticals? The role of bacterial biofilms in preventing antibiotics from working; A long-term...

  
• 05.20.2023

  Dealing with ticks, varicose veins; News about Alzheimer’s disease, death cap mushroom antidote and more

  KSQD 5-17-2023: It’s tick and Lyme disease season! Advice to deter and treat; A genetic mutation prevents onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms even when beta amyloid amount is high; Advice for varicose veins; Lower mortality is associated with walking only a...

  
• 05.13.2023

  Breast cancer screening, transgender medical issues, dual use of bacteriophages and more

  KSQD 5-10-2023: New recommendation suggest starting mammograms for breast cancer screening at age 40 -- statin use also discussed; Superbugs found in L.A. wastewater -- explanation of the spread of antibiotic resistance; Evidence that Bronze-age people used mind-altering substances...

  
• 05.06.2023

  Thorough discussions of anti-aging drugs and advances in brain-computer interfaces

  KSQD 5-06-2023: Advances in anti-aging drugs; A survey of many brain-computer interface devices available and being developed

  
• 04.29.2023

  Tick bites, hamstring injury, post-operative adhesions, harnessing bacteriophages for infections, wound healing and many more health topics

  KSQD 4-26-2023: Is Juven supplement a good product? Manganese contamination in the water in the Central CA valley; Excessive exercise can cause metal toxicity in mitochondria; Tick bite can cause a reaction to its saliva and doesn’t indicate Lyme disease;...

  
• 04.22.2023

  Hot topics: Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, a cause of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, treatment for leaky gut and much more

  KSQD 4-19-2023:Advice for getting the shingles vaccine with or without a history of chickenpox; Improving sleep quality for someone with night-time congestion; Detecting diseases by waste water surveillance; Hangover cure by an engineered probiotic; Socks that give electrical stimulation to...

  
• 04.15.2023

  Top topics include air pollution, MMR vaccine for adults, Banning of Mifepristone and the microbiome of the skin

  KSQD 4-12-2023: More details about intermittent fasting scheduling and types of food to eat; The benefits of freeze dried and powdered fruit and vegetable extracts; How air pollution causes lung cancer -- it’s not just DNA damage; Should adults get...

  
• 04.08.2023

  Fighting aging and Alzheimer’s is address from various points of view plus new treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease

  KSQD 4-05-2023: Interpreting coronary artery calcium scores and how to combat coronary artery disease; Atra, a new treatment for rheumatoid arthritis has its problems; Manganese contamination in California central valley wells; Early menopause, hormone replacement therapy and Alzheimer’s disease; Cold...

  
• 04.01.2023

  A variety of questions from emails and calls, from neck and arm pain to tea tree oil and trigger finger

  KSQD: 3-29-2023: Life expectancy in the U.S. is lower for the second year in a row; Safe limits for fluorinated hydrocarbons are lowered by the EPA; Lancet preprint article about effectiveness of a COVID-19 vaccine developed in Cuba has problems;...

  
• 03.25.2023

  A variety of science topics and email questions: LPA and heart disease, How do we smell, Gene editing, Air pollution and more

  KSQD 3-22-2023: LPA, an atypical risk factor for heart disease; Questions about drug and food interactions with the green tea extract EGCG; A reaction to nebulized tea tree oil -- don’t do this! CRISPR is 10 years old; Single nucleotide...