Health Discovered

Roughly 90% of all skin cancers are a direct result of ultraviolet light exposure. So, what are the best sun protection methods? And does SPF matter? Board-certified dermatologist Laurel Naversen Geraghty, MD, talks to us about what UVA, UVB, and broad spectrum means, the ideal SPF number, and breaks down the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen. Listen in to find out the best ways to protect your skin.

Related Links: 

Dr. Geraghty's posts on WebMD's Healthy Skin blog

American Academy of Dermatology

Skin Cancer Foundation

How can we help our kids deal with the stress of everyday life? Hansa Bhargava, MD, pediatrician and chief medical officer at Medscape Education, introduces us to cognitively-based compassion training (CBCT). This practice can bring their focus back to the present moment, she says, and help them build a healthy level of resilience along the way.

More and more women are looking into oocyte cryopreservation -- or egg freezing -- to take control of their fertility. James Grifo, MD, PhD, director of the NYU Langone Fertility Center and the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, talks about the process and its impacts on physical and mental health. Also, listen in on Rachel Lehmann-Haupt’s fertility story, author of In Her Own Sweet Time: Egg Freezing and the New Frontiers of Family. Find more information on guests at fertilityny.org and lehmannhaupt.com.

How does stress affect our overall well being? And how can mindfulness reduce the effects of stress on our nervous system? Clinical psychologist Seth J. Gillihan, PhD, who specializes in mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, helps us understand the practical benefits of mindfulness – like breath – and remembering to honor ourselves through all phases of our mindfulness journey.

Alzheimer's affects millions of Americans -- but it isn't a normal part of aging. Lisa Marshall saw every moment of her father's descent into the depths of dementia. She wrote about it in “The End of Alzheimer’s" and tells us about it in this episode. Also, listen in as Drs. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai explain what helps prevent dementia, based on research. Small things can make a big difference. Find more info about them at teamsherzai.com

Your gut is home to an ecosystem of bacteria, viruses and fungi called the gut microbiome. That may sound bad, but it's really good for your overall health. When it's in balance, you feel great. But when something goes wrong, it rocks your world. Robynne Chutkan, MD, author of The Microbiome Solution, talks about how your digestive system works and why keeping it in good running order is one of the most important things you can do for your health.

Today, mental health struggles impact us more than ever. Many of us turn to social media for help and information. Clinical psychologist Seth J. Gillihan, PhD, who specializes in mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, talks about the pros and cons of using social media, the harmful effects of consuming the wrong content, and the power of community.

Osteoarthritis (OA), is a condition that affects nearly 33 million Americans. It can make your joints sore, achy, and render everyday tasks difficult. Orthopedic surgeon Kim Templeton, MD, and physical therapist Daniel White, PT, discuss what’s actually happening inside your joints, how to stay active, and simple ways to ease the pain.

It's no secret that lack of sleep can interfere with our lives. So, how important are healthy sleep patterns to the brain? And can we harness the restorative power of sleep while we're awake? Cognitive neuroscientist and author of The Power of the Downstate, Sara Mednick, PhD, talks about the positive effects of sleep and the downstate on our bodies, including improving perception, our creativity, and enhancing our understanding of the world around us. 

Nothing stops Adrianne Haslet. She was a bystander when bombs went off at the Boston marathon in 2013. After losing a leg that day, she vowed to run the race herself -- and she did in 2016. But first, she had to learn how to walk again. As she was training for the 2019 marathon, she was struck by a car and injured her shoulder. But Haslet didn’t let that keep her down. She shares her thoughts on resilience, and what it is that motivates her to keep on going.

In honor of 2022 Boston Marathon Day, this is a Rediscover episode originally published on August 1st, 2019.