Join us for an insightful episode as we dive deep into the world of sun protection. As we navigate mid-2025, sun exposure remains a year-round health concern, not just a summer issue. This episode is your essential guide to choosing the most effective and safest sunscreen options available today, refined with the latest insights from the Thrive team.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why daily sunscreen use is crucial: Understand how ultraviolet (UV) rays cause cumulative skin damage, accelerating aging, triggering sunburns, and increasing skin cancer risk, even on cloudy days or indoors near windows.
• The best ingredients for your skin and the planet: Discover why mineral sunscreens, featuring zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are leading in safety and performance. These physical blockers reflect harmful UVA and UVB rays and are regarded as coral reef-safe.
• Ingredients to avoid in 2025: We'll highlight chemical UV filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, and avobenzone, explaining why they remain a concern due to potential hormonal disruption, absorption into the skin, and links to coral bleaching and long-term health risks.
• What's new in sunscreen for 2025: 
  • Increasing reef-safe standards: More communities and national parks are mandating formulas free of ingredients harmful to aquatic life.
  • Nanoparticle caution: Learn why non-nano versions of mineral filters are preferred due to safety and environmental concerns.
  • Advanced formulations: Explore new water-resistant options that blend zinc oxide with antioxidant-rich plant extracts like vitamin C, green tea, or aloe for added skin health benefits.
  • Sustainable packaging: Find out what to look for, including compostable tubes, recyclable containers, and refillable dispensers, to lower your environmental footprint.
• Essential Sunscreen Tips for 2025: Get practical advice on using broad-spectrum SPF 30+, applying daily, reapplying every 2 hours (especially after sweating or swimming), covering hard-to-reach spots, and prioritizing mineral filters when checking ingredient labels. 

Don't let cloudy days or indoor time fool you – UV rays are always present. This episode will empower you to stay sun-smart all year.

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Are you neglecting a crucial part of your sun protection routine? While most of us remember to protect our skin, safeguarding our eyes from the sun is just as crucial and often overlooked, often dismissed as a mere fashion statement. In this insightful episode, we dive deep into why your eyes deserve as much care and attention as your skin.

We uncover the hidden dangers of sun exposure to your eyes, explaining how both ultraviolet (UV) radiation (UVA and UVB) and high-energy blue light can be harmful over time. You'll learn that the early morning and late afternoon sun can expose your eyes to nearly twice the radiation compared to midday due to the sun’s angle, and how reflected UV light from water (up to 100%) and snow (up to 80%) poses significant risks.

Discover the potential short- and long-term eye conditions linked to repeated sun exposure, including:

• Cataracts: Caused by UV radiation damaging proteins in the lens.
• Macular Degeneration: Linked to blue light exposure, affecting central vision.
• Eye and Eyelid Cancers: Increased risk from prolonged exposure.
• Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye): Painful growths often requiring surgical removal.

Most importantly, we'll equip you with the knowledge to protect yourself. Learn why high-quality sunglasses are your first line of defense, classified as medical devices by the FDA. We'll guide you on what to look for in sunglasses to ensure excellent UV protection:

• 100% UV Protection or UV 400: Blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
• Amber or Brown Tints: Filters blue light and enhances contrast.
• Large or Wraparound Frames: Offers better coverage and protection from peripheral light.
• The simple addition of a wide-brimmed hat can significantly reduce overhead UV exposure.

Finally, we explore specialty options that may be worth considering, depending on your lifestyle, such as polarized lenses for glare reduction, photochromic lenses that adapt to changing light conditions, and even contact lenses with UV protection (although these still require sunglasses).

Don't leave home without your shades! Tune in to understand how a few mindful steps can help you enjoy the sunshine without risking long-term eye damage.

This episode description is based on the article "Why You Need to Sun-Guard Your Eyes" by Nancy A. Palermo, MD, published on Thrive Carolinas.

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Join us on the Thrive Carolinas podcast as we dive into the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2025 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. This essential guide helps you make informed choices about the fruits and vegetables you eat, focusing on "how that produce is grown".

In this episode, we'll explore:

• The Dirty Dozen: Discover the fruits and vegetables most likely to carry high levels of pesticide residues. Learn how the 2025 report goes a step further, considering not just the amount of pesticide, but also "how toxic those chemicals are".
• New Additions and Concerning Contaminants: We'll discuss why blackberries and potatoes were added to this year’s Dirty Dozen due to concerning levels of contamination. 
  • For blackberries, over 93% of samples tested had pesticide residues, with many containing up to four different chemicals, including cypermethrin, which "may cross the placenta and impact fetal brain development" and is classified as a "possible carcinogen".
  • For potatoes, over 90% contained chlorpropham, a chemical used to prevent sprouting that is "banned in the European Union due to health risks, including thyroid disruption in animal studies".
• The Clean Fifteen: Find out about the produce with the lowest levels of pesticide contamination. These "safer picks" are great non-organic options with "little to no detectable pesticide residue," especially when organic isn't available.
• Why It Matters: Understand the growing awareness around chemical exposure in our food, with groups like the "Make America Healthy Again Commission" pointing to pesticides as "potential contributors to rising childhood chronic diseases".
• Practical Steps You Can Take: We'll share actionable advice to protect your health today, including buying organic for Dirty Dozen items, using the EWG guide at the grocery store or farmer's market, and thoroughly washing your produce.

Tune in to make more informed choices for a healthier summer!

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Summer brings the joy of outdoor adventures, but often, it also brings an unwelcome challenge: bugs! Mosquitoes, ticks, blackflies, horseflies, and even nearly invisible "no-see-ums" can quickly turn a relaxing evening into an itchy ordeal or even a health concern, transmitting diseases like West Nile Virus, Zika, dengue, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. While chemical repellents like DEET are effective, many people are actively seeking safer, natural alternatives.

In this episode, Harlee Palmer, PA-C, shares expert insights on how to enjoy your summer while minimizing bug bites naturally, without relying on harsh chemicals.

You'll discover practical, DEET-free strategies including:

• Smart Dressing Choices: Learn how wearing light-colored clothing (as dark and bright colors attract insects) and opting for long sleeves, pants, and socks can significantly reduce your exposure to bites. We'll also touch on clothing pre-treated with permethrin, a natural compound derived from chrysanthemum flowers, safe for use on clothes.
• Timing and Location Matters: Understand why it's beneficial to avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. You'll also learn to steer clear of stagnant water, tall grass, and dense woods, which are prime bug habitats. Plus, a simple trick like using fans on patios and porches can deter many flying insects.
• Effective Natural Repellents: Explore several powerful alternatives to DEET that utilize essential oils and plant-based compounds. This includes Lemon Eucalyptus Oil (containing PMD, which offers protection comparable to low concentrations of DEET), Citronella (effective for short periods), Lavender Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint and Spearmint Oils, and Neem Oil.
• DIY Bug Spray Recipe: Get a simple do-it-yourself recipe for a natural bug spray using lemon eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree oils, combined with witch hazel and distilled water, with an optional boost from apple cider vinegar.
• Additional Tips for a Bug-Free Space: Hear about other helpful strategies such as avoiding scented lotions or perfumes that can attract insects, using mosquito netting for various outdoor areas, planting bug-repelling herbs like basil, rosemary, and mint around your patio, and keeping your skin dry as mosquitoes are drawn to sweat.

We also highlight important cautions to ensure safety, including the necessity of performing a patch test before applying new natural products and consulting your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering use on children under three years old.

Tune in to transform your summer into a comfortable, bite-free experience with these simple, natural methods!

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Description: As summer 2025 heats up, it's the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy outdoor cooking! This episode, updated from the 2024 Grilling & Toxicity Article, is packed with health-focused insights to help you enjoy delicious, healthy meals all summer long.

In this episode, we'll dive into:

• Embracing Plant-Based Grilling: Discover how to add variety and health benefits by grilling vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, marinated with olive oil and herbs for added flavor.
• Lean into Lean Proteins: Learn about opting for healthier meat choices such as chicken breasts, turkey burgers, or fish, which help reduce saturated fat intake and pair well with various marinades and spices.
• Mindful Marinades: Get tips on creating your own marinades using fresh ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to effectively control sodium and sugar levels for a healthier meal.
• Grill Safety First: We'll cover crucial safety measures, including ensuring your grill is clean and functioning properly, always grilling in a well-ventilated area, keeping a fire extinguisher nearby, and using a meat thermometer to ensure proteins are cooked to a safe temperature.
• Staying Hydrated and Sun-Safe: Understand the importance of staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays while outdoors by wearing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and taking breaks in the shade.
• Exploring Global Flavors: Get inspired to diversify your grilling repertoire by incorporating international spices and sauces, thinking beyond traditional BBQ.
• Sustainable Choices: Consider how using sustainable charcoal or gas options can help reduce environmental impact, and how sourcing local and organic produce supports community agriculture and ensures fresher ingredients.

Tune in to ensure your grilling season is both safe and delicious, guided by the personalized healthcare approach of Thrive Carolinas.

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As summer travel heats up, so does the conversation around new health concerns. In this essential episode, we dive into how you can stay healthy and resilient while traveling, drawing insights from the experts at Thrive Carolinas, a collaborative platform of conventional, integrative, and functional medicine practitioners.

Join us as we explore the emerging Omicron subvariant, NB.1.8.1, which has been making headlines globally. While currently uncommon in the U.S., it serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of proactive health strategies. Learn what you need to know about this strain, including its classification (not a new variant in the U.S. due to insufficient mutations), and its typical mild symptoms that resolve within 2 to 3 days. We'll pay special attention to its standout symptom: a "very sore throat," often described as feeling like 'razor blade irritation'. Discover how this strain, though not more severe, may be slightly more transmissible and could potentially trigger dormant viruses like shingles or Epstein-Barr virus due to temporary immune suppression.

This episode offers evidence-informed steps to protect yourself and your immune system this summer, whether you're traveling domestically or abroad. We'll cover key strategies, including:

• Targeted Supplementation:
  • Quercetin (500 mg twice daily): A natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that may block viruses from attaching to ACE2 receptors.
  • Vitamin D3 (5,000 IU daily while traveling): Essential for immune function, helping to strengthen defenses and reduce inflammation.
  • NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) (600 mg twice daily): Supports respiratory health, breaks down mucus, and may limit infection by binding to the virus’s spike protein.
  • Vitamin C (2,000 mg/day) and Zinc (15 mg/day): Daily immune support staples crucial for your body’s defense systems, especially in new environments.
• Nasal Hygiene: Using a nasal saline spray twice daily to prevent viruses from attaching to nasal passages and breaking down viral particles.
• Symptom Relief: Keeping Ibuprofen (400–600 mg twice daily) on hand for relief from severe sore throats, and considering Chloraseptic spray for local comfort.

Beyond specific measures, we'll reinforce the "Don't Forget the Basics" for a strong immune system:

• Frequent hand washing
• Getting plenty of sleep
• Eating whole, colorful fruits and vegetables
• Staying hydrated

Travel can disrupt healthy routines, but maintaining these essentials is key to staying resilient and illness-free. Tune in for practical advice that will help you be proactive, pack smart, and take care of your immune system so you can fully enjoy your summer adventures!

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Join us for practical, preventative strategies rooted in lifestyle medicine to help you feel your best this summer. In this episode, drawing on insights from Thrive Carolinas, we explore their refreshed list of Summer Wellness Tips for 2025: Do Less, Live More.

We'll dive into how embracing simplicity can enhance your well-being, covering topics such as:

• Sun exposure and why waiting 15-20 minutes before applying sunscreen may help your body naturally produce Vitamin D, crucial for immune function, mood, inflammation control, and bone health. Over 80% of Americans are deficient, often due to sunscreen overuse and sun avoidance.
• The benefits of going barefoot, including grounding or "earthing," which may reduce chronic pain, improve sleep and circulation, enhance immune function, and relieve stress. Direct contact with the Earth's surface and stimulating reflexology points are key aspects.
• Why getting outdoors more can combat Nature Deficit Disorder, a term describing the toll of spending less than 6% of the day outside. Discover how phytoncides, healing plant compounds, boost natural killer cells and reduce stress hormones.
• The advantages of sourcing food from local farmers' markets or joining a CSA, leading to fresher produce, better nutrient density, lower environmental impact, and support for farmers using organic, regenerative practices.
• Strategies for intentional unplugging and implementing a "tech detox" to counteract issues tied to constant screen stimulation like anxiety, poor sleep, and posture problems.
• How to make summer grilling healthier by using antioxidant-rich marinades and pairing grilled dishes with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits to counteract carcinogens created by high heat cooking.
• Mindful approaches to alcohol consumption, including wisely pairing drinks with healthy fats, fiber, and lean proteins to stabilize glucose levels, and considering alcohol-free days for body and mind reset.
• Maintaining consistent sleep schedules by waking with natural sunlight, limiting late-night meals and alcohol, powering down screens, and listening to your body's cues to keep your circadian rhythms steady.

Tune in to learn more about movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection as we continues to support your health journey. T

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Are you ready to explore a healthcare model focused on true health and transformation? In this episode, drawing from insights shared by Dr. Nancy A. Palermo and the philosophy behind Thrive, we delve into Functional Medicine. We discuss why the current system is described as "broken", often focusing on managing disease rather than building wellness, leading the U.S. to rank among the sickest nations despite significant healthcare spending.

Functional Medicine is presented as a powerful "new model of health", rooted in systems biology and backed by robust research. Unlike traditional approaches that may focus on prescriptions and procedures, Functional Medicine is about shifting from disease management to preventing, reversing, and healing chronic illness at the root cause. It empowers patients through education, leverages lifestyle and nutrition to restore balance, treats the whole person, not just symptoms, and is focused on building long-term health.

The goal of Thrive is to help patients move beyond just feeling "not sick" to truly thrive, living longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Functional Medicine represents true health care, a shift in purpose from reacting to illness to actively building wellness.

Tune in to learn why Functional Medicine matters now more than ever and how it offers a path to personalized care that puts your well-being first.

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Are you feeling overwhelmed by the modern pursuit of longevity, with its focus on biohacking, cold plunges, IV drips, and influencer-endorsed supplements? What if the path to living a long, healthy life was actually much simpler and more accessible than you think?

In this episode, based on insights from an article by Dr. Nancy A. Palermo published by Thrive Carolinas, we explore the real secrets to longevity by looking not at the latest trends, but at the world's centenarians. We delve into the understanding that longevity isn't just about living longer, but focusing on health span – how well we live during those extra years.

Discover what science tells us about aging well, including the crucial roles of cellular health. Learn about the powerhouses of the cell, mitochondria, and the protective caps on chromosomes, telomeres, that help regulate cell lifespan. We'll also discuss the importance of longevity genes like sirtuins, AMPK, and mTOR, and how lifestyle can influence these key biological factors.

We take a deep dive into the fascinating gut-longevity connection. Studies of centenarians and supercentenarians reveal insights into the importance of microbial diversity, higher levels of beneficial strains like Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium, and lower levels of pro-inflammatory bacteria in supporting immune resilience, disease prevention, and ultimately, longevity. Understand the symbiotic story between our gut microbes and mitochondria and how protecting them helps protect us, directly impacting how well and how long we live.

The best news? Supporting your mitochondria and gut health doesn't require expensive treatments or fancy gadgets. The most powerful "longevity hack" is actually consistency, not complexity. Tune in to learn about the simple, science-backed habits that can make a real difference, including:

• Eating a plant-rich diet high in fiber, fermented foods, and colorful phytonutrients
• Avoiding excess sugar and processed foods
• Staying active with daily movement
• Cultivating strong social connections
• Managing stress through mindfulness, rest, and routine

This episode is based on the article "Keys to Longevity: It’s Not That Complicated" by Nancy A. Palermo, MD, published by Thrive Carolinas on May 14, 2025.

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In this episode, we discuss a critical health issue based on insights from the Thrive Carolinas blog. We explore the potential dangers of hidden chemicals found in everyday items, particularly food packaging. Did you know that the U.S. still approves over 10,000 chemicals for use in food and packaging materials?

A growing body of research indicates that many of these chemicals are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with your body’s hormonal systems. This disruption can contribute to a wide array of health problems, including developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders.

We highlight where these concerning chemicals are commonly found, such as:

• Plastic bottles (disposable and reusable)
• Linings of canned foods
• Food packaging and wrappers
• Cosmetics, detergents, toys, and thermal paper receipts

You'll learn about specific chemicals to be cautious of, including:

• Phthalates: Found in food wrappers and personal care products.
• Bisphenols (like BPA and BPS): Can leach into food, especially when heated, potentially affecting unborn babies.
• Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Used in grease-resistant packaging like pizza boxes and sandwich wrappers, known as "forever chemicals".
• Perchlorate: Found in packaging for dry foods and may affect thyroid function.
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Common in cling wrap and certain bottles.
• Polystyrene (Styrofoam): Used in disposable cups and utensils.

Most importantly, we provide practical steps you can take to reduce your exposure to these harmful substances:

• Choose safer alternatives: Opt for glass, ceramic, or stainless-steel containers for food and drinks.
• Read labels: Look for products marked "BPA-free" or "PVC-free".
• Avoid microwaving plastic: Heat increases chemical leaching.
• Be cautious with food packaging: Use uncoated paper or wax wraps, especially with fatty foods.
• Inspect containers: Discard plastic items that are cracked, discolored, or worn.
• Buy in bulk: Reduces overall packaging waste.
• Limit storage time: The longer food is in plastic, the more chemicals it may absorb.

Making simple changes to your food storage and handling habits can significantly reduce your risk over time. This information is based on content originally sourced and updated from the Institute for Functional Medicine, shared via the Thrive Carolinas platform.

Tune in to understand the risks and empower yourself with strategies for a healthier life!

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