Health Discovered

When we think of common health and wellness advice, it is often centered around physical and mental health, with advice ranging from exercising regularly to going to therapy. But what if we also looked at social health as a part of our overall wellness? In 2023, the World Health Organization reported that loneliness is a global health threat. Studies have shown that maintaining strong social ties can lead to a longer life span. We spoke with Kasley Killam, MPH, author of The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health Is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier, about the framework around strengthening our social muscle, how optimal social health can look different for each of us, and how our social health can improve our overall health leading to a longer and more gratified life.

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According to the latest statistics, more than 6.9 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s dementia today. And with an aging global population, 152 million people will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s by 2050. What does this mean for our future as caregivers and a global community? We spoke with Sanjay Gupta, MD, neurosurgeon and multiple Emmy-award winning chief medical correspondent for CNN and host of the CNN podcast Chasing Life, about how much of Alzheimer’s is preventable, risks for Alzheimer’s, health interventions to reduce our risk, and the importance of small everyday changes we can make in our lives for a longer, healthier life.

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When is it helpful to use medical cannabis, and are there risks? For many people, the word cannabis brings up images of recreational use and the legality surrounding it. For others, it's a trusted and prescribed tool used for medicinal purposes. How do we know when it is appropriate to inquire about and take medical cannabis? What are the potential health risks? We spoke with Jacci Bainbridge, PharmD, FCCP, who defined cannabis terminology, like THC versus CBD, explained how cannabinoids work, identified symptoms and conditions that patients commonly use it for, and the importance of education for consumers and patients.

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Every year in the United States, more than 795,000 people have a stroke. And about 610,000 of these are first or new strokes. Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability. What are the main risk factors for stroke? How can we intervene before a stroke happens? We spoke with Dean Sherzai, MD, PhD, and Ayesha Sherzai, MD, neuroscientists, bestselling authors, and hosts of the Your Brain On podcast, about the types of stroke, important signs to look out for, modifications to lower risk, what post-stroke recovery and care looks like, and additionally how menopause can play a role in stroke.

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What are the secrets behind the world's Blue Zones, areas renowned for their high rates of longevity and low incidence of chronic disease. In this episode, we sit down with Susan Benigas, executive director at The American College of Lifestyle Medicine, to discuss the exciting new partnership between Blue Zones and the ACLM. Learn about the upcoming Blue Zone certification for clinicians, the impact it will have on patient care, and what to expect from a lifestyle medicine provider. We delve into how these principles can transform our healthcare system, empower communities, and integrate key aspects of the Blue Zone lifestyle for a healthier, longer life. Join us as we uncover the future of health and wellbeing through lifestyle medicine.

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As spring is ramping up, many of us may notice our allergies ramping up along with it. Additionally, many of us may also notice that every year, our seasonal allergies tend to get worse. So, what’s going on regarding pollen? We talked with Stanley Fineman, MD, allergist and editor-in-chief for the publication Allergy Watch, about the various types of pollen allergies, the role climate change plays in allergies, possible treatment plans, and how those dealing with seasonal allergies can find relief.

Also see: Allergy symptoms got you down? Blame pollen AND air pollution -- Yale Climate Connections

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In this episode, discover effective solutions for constipation and tools to improve gut health. Each year, millions suffer from constipation, leading to 2.5 million doctor visits. What are the signs that it’s time to consult a doctor? What are the most effective ways to manage constipation? Will Bulsiewicz, MD, better known as Dr. B, a board-certified gastroenterologist and NYTimes bestselling author, sheds light on the root causes of constipation, effective remedies, and the critical role of fiber in gastrointestinal health. Discover the most effective ideal tools for constipation relief, why fiber rich foods are best for your gut, and the surprising breathing exercises that enhance gut function. Tune in to unlock the secrets to better gut health.

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We are experiencing a youth mental health crisis. Young people worldwide are increasingly struggling to manage the escalating stress and complications of everyday life. In 2021, 42% of high school students reported feeling so sad or hopeless for two consecutive weeks that they would stop engaging in their usual activities, up from 26% in 2009. Is there a way to eliminate the stigma around mental health and make kindness cool? We spoke to Claudia-Santi F. Fernandes, Ed.D., LPC, MCHES, and Rahul Rangan, MBBS of Born This Way Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, about the ways peer-to-peer support can benefit today’s youth, the vital mental health resources needed in schools, and the impact of Born This Way Foundation’s Be There Certificate and their Channel Kindness program on building a kinder and braver world.

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Every night, millions of Americans are affected by insomnia. Insomnia presents in various forms, including difficulty falling asleep at night and frequent waking up during the sleep cycle, resulting in feeling tired during the day. What are the causes of insomnia? And how do factors like screen time and caffeine consumption during the day impact our sleep? We spoke to Michael Breus, PhD, DABSM, clinical psychologist and diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, about the common reasons for sleep disruption, the role our chronotypes play in insomnia, the ways we can track our sleep cycle, what we should be asking our doctors when it comes to sleep, and a five-step plan we all can use on the path to more restorative sleep.

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More than one million Americans are diagnosed with gallstones every year, and women of all ages are more likely to develop them. How are gallstones formed? What do they mean for our health? While gallbladder problems can be uncomfortable and potentially risky, understanding the treatment options available is the first step toward relief. We spoke to Benjamin Schmidt, MD, board-certified gastroenterologist and creator of the healthcare platform Doc Schmidt, about the function the gallbladder serves, signs and symptoms of gallstones, treatments available once diagnosed, and what care looks like post-gallbladder removal.

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