Late Night Health Radio

OncoGambit is a powerful and user-friendly website built to inform cancer patients about the best, science-based treatment options to help them advocate their own health and treatment plan.

OncoGambit is receiving high praise from cancer patients, oncologists, non-medical oncologists, primary care doctors, radiologists, and nurses. The Company is on a path to create tools for cancer patients and their family members to proactively engage in their cancer treatment.

The way it works is simple: Someone visits the website and plugs in specific patient information such as age, sex, cancer characteristics, and cancer stage, to give them specific details for a recommended treatment plan. This way, patients know what to expect every step of the way. The Company’s vision is to promote cancer patient awareness of evidence-based treatment options via a user-friendly report issued online which provides the quickest, most accurate answer to the best treatment to anyone with an internet-connected device.

The best part is OncoGambit provides patients accessibility to the best experts. Many experts don’t live in the same towns, cities and states as patients so accessibility to great opinions is often an issue. Also, this gives patients the advice of more than 1100 cancer experts at once, and the guidelines and treatment recommendations they provide are based on clinical trials from within the last 30 years. They are updated regularly as new studies become available from clinical trials. The most current treatment changes every year and OncoGambit provides education on the newest research.

Dr. Hannah (TheHang) Luu, CEO and co-founder, has been a practicing oncologist for over 20 years. She specializes in breast cancer. She co-founded OncoGambit with Dr. Laura Bourdeanu.

Dr. Luu will be speaking with our host, Mark Alyn, about OncoGambit’s launch, cancer survival rates, why there is a wait to get a second opinion and how OncoGambit is filling this void. Tune-in to learn more.

air date: 11/18/16

Ian Stikeleather's grandmother, Patricia Staton, developed arthritis in her hands. It was so bad that she could not fasten clothing with buttons or zippers.

With a bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship from Ball State University, and in Fashion/Apparel Design from the Art Institute of Indianapolis as well as a penchant for looking at things differently, Ian created a patented magnetic closure technology, a proprietary neo-dynamic magnetic closure, Magnex™, to create seamless designs.

Rather surprisingly, Stikeleather credits the concept for his patent for this technology to the time he spent working in the construction industry in Amish country where the workers did not use tools powered by electricity. Working with these construction workers inspired Ian to take a different perspective on materials and construction whether it be building houses or designing garments. He simply looks at things differently.

Patricia's problem was solved.

But Ian did not stop there. A menswear line, Stikeleather Apparel, soon followed.

The Stikeleather line has a crisp aesthetic. It explores the border between street wear and sportswear with minimalistic style lines. By replacing buttons and zippers with its proprietary magnetic closure, it tears down tradition and replaces it with something sleek, functional and durable. With futurist influence it embodies a neo-contemporary way of dressing. Through rigorous reverse engineering and testing, the Magnex™ has been calibrated for over four pounds of pull force, ensuring security and efficiency while remaining concealed.

"I started this line with ease of wear in mind, but it grew rather organically into a line with unprecedented versatility. I have yet to see another shirt that has a reversible collar and cuffs. I really think the magnetic closures have the ability to replace buttons and be the closure of the future," said Ian.

However, the entrepreneurial Stikeleather kept going. That's why his company is called Stikeleather Apparel Holdings Inc. He recently acquired White Plum, a $9.5 million annual revenue online women's retailer that has three main marketing channels for both its custom designs and competitively-priced items purchased in bulk and sold though its own website and on Zulily and jane. White Plums' consumer is generally women aged 25-45. Founded by Hilary Zwahlen in 2012, White Plum has grown rapidly by offering fashionable and high quality women's clothing that doesn't break the bank. These garments also span multiple seasons and generations. Stikeleather plans to grow the company in multiple ways: by expanding the current marketing program, taking the product into retail outlets, adding a children's line, an upscale line, the White Plum Collection, a plus-size line, a maternity line, and adding new products such as a maternity box subscription, in line with the customer's interests and passions of the young mom on the go.

air date: 9/23/16

Dr Susanne Bennett joins Mark Alyn to talk about how to get your energy back. Ever wonder why children run around with endless energy, and you’re ready to fall asleep just watching them? In her new book “Mighty Mito™”, Dr. Susanne Bennett, DC, CCSP, has the answer!

It all has to do with the mitochondria, our ‘cellular batteries’, which are present in almost every cell in the body.

Research shows that aging, and its associated health issues and lower energy levels, is linked to a decline in mitochondrial function. As we age the levels of antioxidants in our mitochondria deplete, increasing free radical damage to mitochondrial cellular anatomy, including the delicate mitochondrial DNA. Due to this aging process and free radical damage, our mitochondria function and numbers declines during the early thirties, at a rate of 10% every decade of life.

Late-Night-Health-Susanne-Bennett-MitoIn her #1 best-selling book, Dr. Bennett presents a scientific and proven program of nutrition and lifestyle changes that will improve your energy levels naturally by optimizing your mitochrondria’s ability to process food and oxygen to convert them to energy. The book offers a 5-step Mighty Mito plan that includes recipes, as well as a discussion of vitamins and supplements.

In the vitamin and supplement chapter, Dr. Bennett points out her own clinical study where she collected patient symptom surveys before and after the intake of MitoQ®, a CoEnzyme Q10 supplement. The resulted were very promising— patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s revealed that within 2 weeks of taking the MitoQ® supplement, they started to experience less fatigue and were able to sustain longer bouts of body and brain energy throughout the day.

In addition, “Mighty Mito™” provides exercise tips, stress reduction techniques and strategies on how to create a mitochrondria-friendly physical environment; all of which will improve healthy mitochrondrial function to help people regain optimal energy resources and recover from chronic illnesses.

t’s 10am and someone at school is celebrating a birthday. Most likely the kids are being served cupcakes or sweet snacks. They get all sugared up and then crash. And that crash can be really bad. Well, I’m “that” mom that doesn’t like this well honored practice. If there is a function at school, I will bring more healthy alternatives. Most of the time what I bring is a big hit and, rarely, it’s a big flop. More than once my son has been known to say, “Mom, can’t you just cook normal?” In reality, give kids healthy options and they will joyfully gobble them up.

As I kid, I did cook normally, using lots of sugar and refined flours. Looking back, this was my way of keeping a steady stream of carbs and sugar in my life. I was, and am, a sugar sensitive person. That means I can’t eat just one cookie, my brain goes a little wacky and insists that I eat 8 more to satisfy my craving. Believe it or not, this is a very common issue. If you can’t eat just 1 sugary or carb filled snack without craving more, then you may be sugar sensitive as well. My favorite book on this topic is “Potatoes not Prozac” by Dr. Kathleen DesMaisons. I highly recommend it for some great tips on how to stop the sugar craving cycle.

My basic advice to all my patients is to eat whole foods, drink lots of clean water, and eat little to no grains. Not only will this give you lots of great energy, it will also help you maintain a healthy weight. Your plate should be mostly seasonal veggies, and a small portion of clean protein. Your brain and body need healthy fat so don’t buy low-fat processed foods such as skim milk or low-fat cheese. Go for the whole fat, organic, raw if possible, dairy. Eggs are a great source of protein, so enjoy them often. Fruits are fine in moderation as they are high in fructose, which is really just sugar as far as your body is concerned. Remember to eat fruits and veggies that are in season. You don’t want to be eating strawberries in December and acorn squash in June. For one thing, they won’t be very tasty.

The simple and easy way to start is by making a plan. Take time each week to plan out from 1 to all your meals and shop for those meals. When you arrive home tired and famished, you’ll be happy that you have a plan and a stocked fridge. I suggest planning simple meals that take less than 30 minutes to cook. For example, baked chicken breast served with roasted cauliflower and green beans can be done in the oven altogether. Try some whole fat organic yogurt with nuts and fresh fruit for dessert. Now that’s a meal even a kid would love. Start simple and make it easy for yourself. Before you know it you’ll be eating healthy and feeling great.

Donna Parker LAc. joins Mark Alyn on Late Night Health. She is the author of “A Clear Path to a Vibrant Life” is a Classical Five Element acupuncturist, Certified in Integrative Nutrition, and a certified Health Coach. She supports patients in making healthy lifestyle changes using simple techniques that result in increased vitality and health.

air date: 11/25/16

It’s 10am and someone at school is celebrating a birthday. Most likely the kids are being served cupcakes or sweet snacks. They get all sugared up and then crash. And that crash can be really bad. Well, I’m “that” mom that doesn’t like this well honored practice. If there is a function at school, I will bring more healthy alternatives. Most of the time what I bring is a big hit and, rarely, it’s a big flop. More than once my son has been known to say, “Mom, can’t you just cook normal?” In reality, give kids healthy options and they will joyfully gobble them up.

As I kid, I did cook normally, using lots of sugar and refined flours. Looking back, this was my way of keeping a steady stream of carbs and sugar in my life. I was, and am, a sugar sensitive person. That means I can’t eat just one cookie, my brain goes a little wacky and insists that I eat 8 more to satisfy my craving. Believe it or not, this is a very common issue. If you can’t eat just 1 sugary or carb filled snack without craving more, then you may be sugar sensitive as well. My favorite book on this topic is “Potatoes not Prozac” by Dr. Kathleen DesMaisons. I highly recommend it for some great tips on how to stop the sugar craving cycle.

My basic advice to all my patients is to eat whole foods, drink lots of clean water, and eat little to no grains. Not only will this give you lots of great energy, it will also help you maintain a healthy weight. Your plate should be mostly seasonal veggies, and a small portion of clean protein. Your brain and body need healthy fat so don’t buy low-fat processed foods such as skim milk or low-fat cheese. Go for the whole fat, organic, raw if possible, dairy. Eggs are a great source of protein, so enjoy them often. Fruits are fine in moderation as they are high in fructose, which is really just sugar as far as your body is concerned. Remember to eat fruits and veggies that are in season. You don’t want to be eating strawberries in December and acorn squash in June. For one thing, they won’t be very tasty.

The simple and easy way to start is by making a plan. Take time each week to plan out from 1 to all your meals and shop for those meals. When you arrive home tired and famished, you’ll be happy that you have a plan and a stocked fridge. I suggest planning simple meals that take less than 30 minutes to cook. For example, baked chicken breast served with roasted cauliflower and green beans can be done in the oven altogether. Try some whole fat organic yogurt with nuts and fresh fruit for dessert. Now that’s a meal even a kid would love. Start simple and make it easy for yourself. Before you know it you’ll be eating healthy and feeling great.

Donna Parker LAc. joins Mark Alyn on Late Night Health. She is the author of “A Clear Path to a Vibrant Life” is a Classical Five Element acupuncturist, Certified in Integrative Nutrition, and a certified Health Coach. She supports patients in making healthy lifestyle changes using simple techniques that result in increased vitality and health.

air date: 11/25/16

Is Marijuana a Viable Alternative to Opioid Use for Pain Management?

Dr. Constance Scharff, the director of addiction research at the Cliffside Malibu addiction treatment center in Malibu, California, did not expect to be an advocate for medical marijuana legalization. But when she saw data indicating that states with medical marijuana laws showed a 25% decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths, she began to change her tune. It is estimated that in 2016, more than 50,000 people in the United States will die from accidental overdose. If 25% could be saved by legalizing medical marijuana, that would tremendous for thousands of families.

How much pain should we tolerate? While the USA has 5% of the world’s population, we use at least 80% of the world’s pain medications. Part of this trend may be that Americans have developed an expectation to be pain free in all circumstances. But pain is a symptom of other issues, and those underlying issues need to be addressed.

There are negatives to medical marijuana legalization. First, marijuana is ten times more powerful than it was decades ago. Though not considered a “gateway drug,” as it once was, marijuana is addictive in its own right. Second, marijuana for pain treatment is not recommended for those who already have a substance abuse problem or are in recovery from addiction. Those people have an altered brain structure from their addiction and marijuana use is likely to take them back to their original drug of choice.

Still, when given an option to legally use marijuana in place of opioids, many people choose marijuana. Because marijuana is not as lethal as opioids, it may be a good choice for some people to manage chronic pain. There are other alternatives too, including: acupuncture, meditation, and yoga. Look into all your pain management options if you suffer from chronic pain.

air date: 12/23/16

More than half of American adults surveyed this year say the 2016 presidential election has been a major source of stress that will continue on through inauguration in mid-January. Our guest on Late Night Health, Dr. Ken Redcross, a specialist in internal medicine, says in addition to being bombarded with news, gossip and unrealistic deadlines at every turn, the holiday season will bring plenty more to stress about. These stressors include annual office and family holiday parties, an influx of foods we rarely eat and the financial stress of making it through to the new year.

Dr. Ken Redcross shares with Late Night host, Mark Alyn, that short-term stress can make you more susceptible to illness, but chronic stress can be the source of major diseases including colds and infections, heart problems and coronary diseases, diabetes, obesity, depression and chronic fatigue syndrome. He says that if stress is indeed the cause, many of these potentially life-threatening diseases can be avoided in less than 15 minutes a day by adding some simple self-care, stress reduction makeovers to your daily routine.

At the onset of any anxiety, Redcross says creating your own personal self-care system can significantly reduce the cycle of chronic stress and give you a boost of relief when you need it the most. Tune in to Mark Alyn to learn more!

air date: 12/23/16

More than half of American adults surveyed this year say the 2016 presidential election has been a major source of stress that will continue on through inauguration in mid-January. Our guest on Late Night Health, Dr. Ken Redcross, a specialist in internal medicine, says in addition to being bombarded with news, gossip and unrealistic deadlines at every turn, the holiday season will bring plenty more to stress about. These stressors include annual office and family holiday parties, an influx of foods we rarely eat and the financial stress of making it through to the new year.

Dr. Ken Redcross shares with Late Night host, Mark Alyn, that short-term stress can make you more susceptible to illness, but chronic stress can be the source of major diseases including colds and infections, heart problems and coronary diseases, diabetes, obesity, depression and chronic fatigue syndrome. He says that if stress is indeed the cause, many of these potentially life-threatening diseases can be avoided in less than 15 minutes a day by adding some simple self-care, stress reduction makeovers to your daily routine.

At the onset of any anxiety, Redcross says creating your own personal self-care system can significantly reduce the cycle of chronic stress and give you a boost of relief when you need it the most. Tune in to Mark Alyn to learn more!

air date: 12/23/16

Millions of Americans stay hush-hush about illnesses like cancer, HPV, lupus and depression. Women, more so than men, often keep their lips sealed when it comes to health problems, but keeping quiet can be costly to your health. Our guest on Late Night Health, Dr. Christine Horner, natural health expert and award-winning author, says that while modern medicine has done much to eradicate and cure diseases, more research must be conducted to find new solutions to help women become not only more aware of the warning signs of certain diseases, but knowledgeable on how to prevent them in the first place.

Dr. Horner shares with Late Night host, Mark Alyn, four disease conditions that modern medicine provides few answers to and the natural medicine game-changers that can help reverse the diagnosis – all tips that can be found in her new book, “Radiant Health, Ageless Beauty.” She says women do not need to feel victimized or stigmatized by diseases such as lupus, HPV, depression and breast cancer. There are proactive steps women can take to change the destiny of their diagnosis.

Many diseases can carry a lot of stigma, which causes women to want to hide their diagnosis. Dr. Horner says being secretive and in the dark about your health status will only hurt you in the end because the stress of not knowing what to do and having no support, will only cause the condition to escalate.  Join Mark Alyn on Late Night Health to learn what health secrets women are hiding and how to get help.

air date: 12/9/16

Millions of Americans stay hush-hush about illnesses like cancer, HPV, lupus and depression. Women, more so than men, often keep their lips sealed when it comes to health problems, but keeping quiet can be costly to your health. Our guest on Late Night Health, Dr. Christine Horner, natural health expert and award-winning author, says that while modern medicine has done much to eradicate and cure diseases, more research must be conducted to find new solutions to help women become not only more aware of the warning signs of certain diseases, but knowledgeable on how to prevent them in the first place.

Dr. Horner shares with Late Night host, Mark Alyn, four disease conditions that modern medicine provides few answers to and the natural medicine game-changers that can help reverse the diagnosis – all tips that can be found in her new book, “Radiant Health, Ageless Beauty.” She says women do not need to feel victimized or stigmatized by diseases such as lupus, HPV, depression and breast cancer. There are proactive steps women can take to change the destiny of their diagnosis.

Many diseases can carry a lot of stigma, which causes women to want to hide their diagnosis. Dr. Horner says being secretive and in the dark about your health status will only hurt you in the end because the stress of not knowing what to do and having no support, will only cause the condition to escalate.  Join Mark Alyn on Late Night Health to learn what health secrets women are hiding and how to get help.

air date: 12/9/16