Late Night Health Radio

Water is essential to life. It transports nutrients to our cells, aids in the digestion process, transports waste out of our bodies, helps maintain a normal temperature, lubricates our joints, and quenches our thirst.

Consequently, it is crucial that we are mindful of the purity of this vital resource. There is virtually no place on earth that is invulnerable to water contamination, whether it be from burning fossil fuels, agricultural chemicals, industry, sewage, or non-point source pollution. In many areas of our country, multiple sources of pollution contaminate sole source drinking water supplies, making it necessary for people to filter their water or otherwise seek a pure water supply.

Is bottled water a solution? As the bottled water industry is not well regulated, there is concern that the quality of their water is no better (and perhaps more contaminated due to leaching of chemicals from the plastic bottle) than many municipal water supplies. In addition, the number of individual plastic water bottles being released into the environment is staggering – Americans use 60 million every day! Fewer than 20% of these bottles are recycled (about one in six).

In the U.S., public water supplies are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which requires daily testing for bacteria and regular testing for other contaminants. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water, only requires weekly testing and does not share its findings with the public.

Water contaminants, including pesticides, radioactive substances, heavy metals, industrial waste, pharmaceuticals and pathogens continue to show up in urban, suburban, and rural water supplies all over the country. People are not educated about how their everyday activities can have a huge impact on water quality.

Patti Wood, Executive Director of the environmental health non-profit organization, Grassroots Environmental Education, and visiting scholar at Adelphi University in New York, joins Mark Alyn to discuss this critical issue.

Learn about some solutions on drinking water, including how to maintain lawns without synthetic chemicals, how to properly dispose of leftover prescription drugs, how to filter your own water at home, and many other water-related tips.

Many scientists have said that wars will be fought over water in the future.

Water is essential to life. It transports nutrients to our cells, aids in the digestion process, transports waste out of our bodies, helps maintain a normal temperature, lubricates our joints, and quenches our thirst.

Consequently, it is crucial that we are mindful of the purity of this vital resource. There is virtually no place on earth that is invulnerable to water contamination, whether it be from burning fossil fuels, agricultural chemicals, industry, sewage, or non-point source pollution. In many areas of our country, multiple sources of pollution contaminate sole source drinking water supplies, making it necessary for people to filter their water or otherwise seek a pure water supply.

Is bottled water a solution? As the bottled water industry is not well regulated, there is concern that the quality of their water is no better (and perhaps more contaminated due to leaching of chemicals from the plastic bottle) than many municipal water supplies. In addition, the number of individual plastic water bottles being released into the environment is staggering – Americans use 60 million every day! Fewer than 20% of these bottles are recycled (about one in six).

In the U.S., public water supplies are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which requires daily testing for bacteria and regular testing for other contaminants. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water, only requires weekly testing and does not share its findings with the public.

Water contaminants, including pesticides, radioactive substances, heavy metals, industrial waste, pharmaceuticals and pathogens continue to show up in urban, suburban, and rural water supplies all over the country. People are not educated about how their everyday activities can have a huge impact on water quality.

Patti Wood, Executive Director of the environmental health non-profit organization, Grassroots Environmental Education, and visiting scholar at Adelphi University in New York, joins Mark Alyn to discuss this critical issue.

Learn about some solutions on drinking water, including how to maintain lawns without synthetic chemicals, how to properly dispose of leftover prescription drugs, how to filter your own water at home, and many other water-related tips.

Many scientists have said that wars will be fought over water in the future.

Melissa Ambrosini joins Mark Alyn and the crew at Late Night Health to talk about Mastering Your Mean Girl.

Though she lived the ‘glamorous’ life of an actress and dancer (appearing on top Aussie TV shows like Packed to the Rafters, and treading the boards at the Moulin Rouge in Paris), Melissa was sick, unhappy, unfulfilled, burning the candle at both ends and spiraling downwards — fast! Despite her outward success, a little voice inside her head kept insisting that she wasn’t pretty enough, smart enough, thin enough, pretty enough, working hard enough… anything enough. And Melissa (like most women) believed every single word.

These nagging thoughts led to some pretty spectacular self-sabotage alcohol, anxiety, drugs, depression, an eating disorder, a series of disastrous relationships, and too many health conditions to count. She ignored all the warning signs until disaster struck, landing her hospital in 2010 with a serious health prognosis and little hope for the future.

It was here, at absolute rock-bottom, that Melissa had the realization that would change everything: "What if I could ditch all those negative, fear-based thoughts and live from a place of love instead?"

It was a powerful question, and one that would kick start the biggest journey of her life. She began by seeking out her inner critic (or ‘Mean Girl’ as she likes to call it) to understand, befriend, and ultimately master her. In the process, Melissa completely revolutionized her health, wealth and relationships, and amassed a following of hundreds of thousands of women across the globe.

Melissa Ambrosini joins Mark Alyn and the crew at Late Night Health to talk about Mastering Your Mean Girl.

Though she lived the ‘glamorous’ life of an actress and dancer (appearing on top Aussie TV shows like Packed to the Rafters, and treading the boards at the Moulin Rouge in Paris), Melissa was sick, unhappy, unfulfilled, burning the candle at both ends and spiraling downwards — fast! Despite her outward success, a little voice inside her head kept insisting that she wasn’t pretty enough, smart enough, thin enough, pretty enough, working hard enough… anything enough. And Melissa (like most women) believed every single word.

These nagging thoughts led to some pretty spectacular self-sabotage alcohol, anxiety, drugs, depression, an eating disorder, a series of disastrous relationships, and too many health conditions to count. She ignored all the warning signs until disaster struck, landing her hospital in 2010 with a serious health prognosis and little hope for the future.

It was here, at absolute rock-bottom, that Melissa had the realization that would change everything: "What if I could ditch all those negative, fear-based thoughts and live from a place of love instead?"

It was a powerful question, and one that would kick start the biggest journey of her life. She began by seeking out her inner critic (or ‘Mean Girl’ as she likes to call it) to understand, befriend, and ultimately master her. In the process, Melissa completely revolutionized her health, wealth and relationships, and amassed a following of hundreds of thousands of women across the globe.

With all of the new health treatments available, many people are looking for different methods of healing. At the top of the list is acupuncture. For thousands of years this Chinese practice healed people of stress, high blood pressure, headaches and pain. In the 21st Century this age old healthcare system now treats disorders caused by genetics.

Acupuncturist Ricardo Miranda is working on using the ancient healing method in new ways to help more patients live theirs lives healthfully. Using his knowledge of alternative medicine and scientific research, Miranda is enhancing the traditional use of acupuncture. He is exploring acupuncture treatment of chronic diseases and hereditary disorders.

DNA is no longer our destiny. We can change it. The body turns genes on and off, Understanding that mechanism helps patients decrease their chances of developing chronic diseases that run in their families. The mechanism is methylation, which actually modifies the DNA. Multiple genes control most chronic diseases including many cancers. The idea is to make sure those genes controlling various diseases are working well. Using nutrition, supplements along with acupuncture, counters the damaged DNA.

Old Chinese texts state the human body should be able to live 120 years without suffering. This is a good quality of life able to perform physical and mental activities. Epigenetics is a new area of science studying how DNA and cells work together.

Just a few years ago acupuncture did not show up as a recommended treatment by traditional medical doctors. With the on going healthcare revolution and patients desire for alternative health and drug free treatments, many Western doctors are embracing the benefits of acupuncture.

Then there are the needles! Many people are terrified of the needles and won't give acupuncture a try. With the obvious benefits of acupuncture many people afraid of needles are taking baby steps with gentle healers to conquer their fear of needles and get the treatment they need.

Let's face it; raising children today takes a lot of work. From soccer practice to planning for college, kids take time, energy and money. But you wouldn't trade them in for the world.

Now imagine your beautiful child that you love more than life itself takes complete control of your family with tantrums, fights, ignoring everything and frequent visits to many doctors. How does a parent handle life with an autistic child?

Matt Asner, son of actor Ed Asner, is the Executive Director of Autism Speaks in Southern California. Matt shares his life as the father of an autistic son, as well as the stepfather of two autistic kids from his second wife. Autism is one of those hard to tell what you have disorders. Children with autism are evaluated on a spectrum ranging from high functioning to low functioning.

The number of children with autism has increase dramatically over the last 40 years. The increase is 10 percent higher with one out of 68 children diagnosed with autism. Boys tend to develop autism more than girls.

The big question is what causes autism? The answer until recently was "we don't know". There are a number of causes just as there are a variety of autistic types. Most causes of the disease stem from gene changes or mutations along with environmental factors that effect early brain development.

People with autism are unique. While symptoms may be similar, they manifest in different ways for each individual. Those on the autism spectrum have outstanding capabilities in music, academic skills and creative abilities. Many lead productive lives.

The goal of Autism Speaks is to improve the lives of those on the Autism spectrum. This means improving acceptance in the general community, respect and support. At the same time Autism Speaks works to fund research to better understand prevention of autism.

Let's face it; raising children today takes a lot of work. From soccer practice to planning for college, kids take time, energy and money. But you wouldn't trade them in for the world.

Now imagine your beautiful child that you love more than life itself takes complete control of your family with tantrums, fights, ignoring everything and frequent visits to many doctors. How does a parent handle life with an autistic child?

Matt Asner, son of actor Ed Asner, is the Executive Director of Autism Speaks in Southern California. Matt shares his life as the father of an autistic son, as well as the stepfather of two autistic kids from his second wife. Autism is one of those hard to tell what you have disorders. Children with autism are evaluated on a spectrum ranging from high functioning to low functioning.

The number of children with autism has increase dramatically over the last 40 years. The increase is 10 percent higher with one out of 68 children diagnosed with autism. Boys tend to develop autism more than girls.

The big question is what causes autism? The answer until recently was "we don't know". There are a number of causes just as there are a variety of autistic types. Most causes of the disease stem from gene changes or mutations along with environmental factors that effect early brain development.

People with autism are unique. While symptoms may be similar, they manifest in different ways for each individual. Those on the autism spectrum have outstanding capabilities in music, academic skills and creative abilities. Many lead productive lives.

The goal of Autism Speaks is to improve the lives of those on the Autism spectrum. This means improving acceptance in the general community, respect and support. At the same time Autism Speaks works to fund research to better understand prevention of autism.

There is a link between the kind of food you eat and your chance for addiction. Eating clean food, organic and healthy, helps people with the predisposition to stay away from drugs.

According to Psychiatrist Jay Faber, author of "Escape; Rehab Your Brain To Stay Out of the Legal System" there are chemical reactions in the brain that stimulate the need for drugs. Eating the wrong kind of food further enhances this need for drugs.

Our prisons today are jammed with those with drug problems. The overwhelming number of those incarcerated have some link to drug use. Using illegal drugs can cause a person to spiral down to the bottom. But on that wayward trip a drug user becomes addicted to drugs and will do anything to get them. This is a neuro physiological response to getting the high from the drugs. Stealing, lying, physical abuse and murder is related to drug use.

A frightening statistic is that 40% of those in jail will return. They will break the terms of their probation. The question is why? And the answer is simple: drugs!

Illicit drug use is on the rise. The current drug of choice is heroin because it's cheap and easily available. With the over prescribed use of opiates, many people are becoming hooked on prescription drugs. With state and federal officials looking into this, doctors are prescribing drugs less. So the patient turns to other means to get their fix.

One of the big issues of the neuro physiological response to drugs is food. While the feeding of inmates costs millions of dollars, the food is not healthy. Healthier foods can be less expensive and at the same time reduce the desire for drugs. Recent studies have illustrated that clean food is better for everyone, but has a definite positive effect with those who use drugs.

There is a link between the kind of food you eat and your chance for addiction. Eating clean food, organic and healthy, helps people with the predisposition to stay away from drugs.

According to Psychiatrist Jay Faber, author of "Escape; Rehab Your Brain To Stay Out of the Legal System" there are chemical reactions in the brain that stimulate the need for drugs. Eating the wrong kind of food further enhances this need for drugs.

Our prisons today are jammed with those with drug problems. The overwhelming number of those incarcerated have some link to drug use. Using illegal drugs can cause a person to spiral down to the bottom. But on that wayward trip a drug user becomes addicted to drugs and will do anything to get them. This is a neuro physiological response to getting the high from the drugs. Stealing, lying, physical abuse and murder is related to drug use.

A frightening statistic is that 40% of those in jail will return. They will break the terms of their probation. The question is why? And the answer is simple: drugs!

Illicit drug use is on the rise. The current drug of choice is heroin because it's cheap and easily available. With the over prescribed use of opiates, many people are becoming hooked on prescription drugs. With state and federal officials looking into this, doctors are prescribing drugs less. So the patient turns to other means to get their fix.

One of the big issues of the neuro physiological response to drugs is food. While the feeding of inmates costs millions of dollars, the food is not healthy. Healthier foods can be less expensive and at the same time reduce the desire for drugs. Recent studies have illustrated that clean food is better for everyone, but has a definite positive effect with those who use drugs.

With summer weather just around the corner, it's time to take a look at protecting our skin from the sun. With shorts, bikinis, tank tops and other skin revealing clothing, it's important to take care of the largest organ in your body.

Dermatologist Michael Lin offers a wide range of ideas on taking good care of your skin. It's no news sun damage is linked to cancer. Cancer of the skin if found early, is almost always curable. Getting checked by a dermatologist at least once a year is a sensible way to catch any signs of irregularity.

Remember being on the beach or near a pool as a kid soaking up the rays? Then smearing you with baby oil and iodine? Having bad sunburn years as a teen may cause skin issues in adulthood. Keep your children safe and don't over expose them to the sun.

Summer tans are so yesterday. Having clear, beautiful skin is the 21st Century beauty standard. European and Asian cultures protect skin Avoid tanning booths as these may cause extra difficulties. Staying out of the sun is the best single way of avoiding old looking skin, cancer and other skin issues. Wear large hats to protect your face and walk with a parasol or umbrella.

Daily application of sun blocks is crucial to being outside. Even in winter months using sunscreen is important to the health of your skin. Dr. Lin recommends an SPF factor 15. He cautions to use products that don't have parabens, which may cause additional problems. Also be sure to use products that don't contain hormones. Studies are finding that these ingredients may wreak more problems with your body.

Sun blocking clothing is a new method of preventing UV rays from harming your skin. You can feel the warmth of the sun yet stop the UV from causing damage.