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Summary: I separate cold-season fact from folklore so you know what truly prevents colds, what (slightly) shortens them, what eases symptoms—and what to skip. Save money, feel better, and keep it simple.

What we cover

• How common colds are and how long they last (2–3 per year on average; usually 5–7 days; cough can linger).

Prevention audit: 

• Vitamin C doesn’t prevent colds in the general population (Cochrane), though it helped in physically stressed groups; 
• handwashing probably helps (Cochrane) 
• echinacea doesn’t pan out (Cochrane) 
• garlic didn’t reduce colds but modestly reduced severity in one RCT (trial)
•  gargling showed a very small signal (trial)
• 
  

Grandma’s wisdom check: 

• Short sleep (<6 hours) quadrupled cold risk in a viral-challenge study (study) 
• cold exposure might matter (foot-chilling RCT: more colds in the chilled group, study
• lab data suggest colder noses weaken first-line defenses (mechanism)

Shortening a cold: 

• Vitamin C doesn’t shorten it when started after symptoms (Cochrane
• zinc lozenges can trim 1–2 days if started within 24 hours (≈100 mg/day elemental zinc in trials, meta-analysis
• chicken soup has plausible lab effects on white blood cells (study

Symptom relief: 

• Oral phenylephrine doesn’t work; the FDA voted 16–0 that it’s ineffective (FDA review
• Pseudoephedrine (the “real” Sudafed, behind the pharmacy counter) reduces congestion with meaningful effect sizes (evidence
• Honey 30 minutes before bed improved cough and sleep in kids (not for <1 year) and is supported by a broader review (RCTsystematic review 
• Humidifiers didn’t show clear benefit in trials (Cochrane
• Voice myth: Whispering actually stresses the vocal cords more for many people—so speak softly instead (study
• Flu vs. cold: Tamiflu is only for influenza and must be started within ~48 hours.

Takeaways

• To avoid colds: prioritize sleep and handwashing; keeping warm may help.
• To shorten a cold: consider zinc (start early). Chicken sou

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Summary: I walk you through the proposed shift away from universal newborn hepatitis B vaccination at birth, why it matters, what the evidence shows, and how parents can make a calm, informed choice—without reigniting every vaccine debate.

Episode highlights

• I explain why hepatitis B is uniquely risky for babies: if infected early, up to 90% develop lifelong infection with later risks of cirrhosis and liver cancer. I also clarify that exposures aren’t only from mom at delivery—household contact and tiny blood exposures matter.
• We review what happened after the U.S. moved to a universal newborn dose in 1991: childhood hepatitis B plunged dramatically, with no new safety concerns emerging from hundreds of millions of doses.
• I outline the new proposal: keep the birth dose for babies of mothers who are positive or whose status is unknown; consider delaying to two months when mom tests negative—via shared decision-making with the pediatrician.
• I describe why many pediatric and public health experts still favor the birth dose: it protects against documentation errors and early exposures, and it avoids added “friction” that can reduce on-time vaccination.
• I address autism concerns with empathy and evidence: large studies and reviews have not found a link between vaccines—including hepatitis B—and autism.
• My take: I would keep the universal birth dose because it’s safe, simple, and highly effective. But if parents delay, they should commit to the 2-month visit and rely on their clinician—not social media.

Key takeaways

• The risk window is small but meaningful. Early-life infection can have lifelong consequences; the birth dose is a safety net.
• Process vs. evidence matters. Policy shifts should be driven by strong data, not ideology or committee turnover.
• If you delay, have a plan. Put the two-month appointment on the calendar now and follow through.
• Know your status. Make sure maternal hepatitis B testing is done and documented correctly.

Resources mentioned (for deeper reading)

• Hepatitis B clinical overview and long-term risks (CDC): cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/hcp/clinical-overview
  
  
• U.S. policy history and early childhood burden pre-1991: PubMed 11694691
  
  
• Impact of infant hepatitis B vaccination (MMWR): mmwrhtml/mm5125a3.htm
  
  

CTA: If this episode helped, share it with an expecting parent or grandparent. To get my weekly note on practical, evidence-supported longevity and preventive health, join me at DrBobbyLiveLongAndWell.com.

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Summary: Microplastics are showing up in our water, food, air—and in human tissues. In this episode, I unpack what the best studies actually show (and don’t), why risk is plausible but not proven, and the realistic steps you can take today without panic. 

In this episode, I cover:

• What microplastics are and why they’re everywhere—from packaging and clothing to tire dust—and why production is still projected to rise ~70% by 2040 (OECD).
  OECD+2
  OECD+2
• The signal that caught my attention: patients with microplastics in carotid artery plaque had a markedly higher 3-year risk of heart attack, stroke, or death (NEJM). Association, not proof—but concerning.
  The Guardian+3
  New England Journal of Medicine+3
  PubMed+3
• What’s turning up in the brain: autopsy work suggests rising microplastic loads in brain tissue, though causality remains unknown (Nature Medicine coverage).
  Nature+2
  Nature+2
• Everyday exposure: a liter of bottled water can contain ~240,000 plastic particles—mostly nanoplastics—using newer detection methods (NIH Research Matters).
  TIME+3
  National Institutes of Health (NIH)+3
  NCBI+3
• Indoor vs. outdoor air: estimates suggest we inhale tens of thousands of microplastic particles daily, with higher indoor concentrations (PLOS One).
  PLOS+1

My takeaways for you (progress, not perfection):

• Respect the signal without catastrophizing. Human data are early, but cardiovascular and neurologic signals merit attention.
  New England Journal of Medicine+1
• Make the easy swaps: store food in glass, don’t microwave plastic, favor loose-leaf tea over plastic-based tea bags, and replace plastic cutting boards with wood or glass. (These trim exposure; they don’t eliminate it.) 
• Air matters: consider a HEPA purifier for main living/sleeping areas and vacuum regularly; natural-fiber clothing sheds fewer synthetic particles. 
• Water choices: where safe, use tap water with a quality home filter and a reusable (non-plastic) bottle—especially given the nanoplastic findings in some bottled waters.
  National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Listener corner: You asked for more quick-hit myth busters (yes, we’ll do “Does chicken soup speed recovery?”), and thanks for the reminder to wear a

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Exercise is the most powerful longevity tool we have, but after 50 the recovery curve, injury risk, and bone/muscle changes mean the smartest plan blends strength, power, impact, and slightly more recovery—so you can train hard without derailing progress.

What we cover

• Why this matters now: record-setting older endurance athletes (and I’m racing at 69) show what’s possible—if we train wisely.
• The “aging triad”: loss of muscle (especially fast-twitch/power), bone density shifts (sharpest around menopause), and rising osteoarthritis risk.
• The injury paradox: the fitter you are, the more a single layoff can cost; preventing setbacks is a longevity strategy.
• A practical framework: build strength, protect fast-twitch fibers, add tolerable impact for bone, and consider an extra rest day after hard sessions.

Evidence, in plain English (linked)

• Muscle changes: We preferentially lose type-2 (power) fibers with age; quads are especially affected. Training can target this. Review
  .
• Women & men both lose muscle mass percentage-wise; patterns differ but loss is universal. Same review
  .
• Bone density: Women can lose ~2–3%/yr at the spine around menopause; men decline more gradually. CDC data brief
  .
• Running & knees: Long-term cohorts show no higher knee OA in runners vs. non-runners (Stanford cohort
  ; systematic review, ~14k people
  ), and even runners with established OA didn’t worsen—and reported less pain. Prospective OA cohort
  .
• Strength at any age: Even adults 85+ can add ~10% quad size and ~40% leg strength in 12 weeks; heavy strength work is safe when programmed well. Overview
  .
• Power/fast-twitch support: Short (30–120 s) high-intensity efforts and plyometrics can improve type-2 fiber function and neuromuscular drive in older adults. Narrative review
  .
• Bones respond to signal: In 80 trials (5,500 postmenopausal women), combined resistance + impact training improved spine and hip BMD regardless of menopause timing or baseline status. Meta-analysis
  .
• Recovery with age: Some data show more soreness and temporarily lower strength 24–72h post-lifting in middle-aged vs. young adults—supporting a touch more recovery after hard days. Study
  .

Practical takeaways

• Lift twice weekly
• Add brief power: 20–30-second hard intervals or controlled mini-hops/step-downs; keep impact tolerable.
• Build bones: pair resistance work with  impact (jog/jump rope as tolerated). If you have osteopenia/osteoporosis, get your plan cleared first.
• Recover like it matters: if a session is truly hard, consider one extra easy/recovery day.
• Audit risk: dial back higher-risk activities that would sideline you for weeks; prevention preserves gains.

If this episode helped, please rate the show and share it with a friend. To get my newsletter with practical, evidence-backed steps for living long and well, visit DrBobbyLiveLongandWell.com.

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Be honest—have you ever rescued a French fry from the floor? In this bite-size myth episode, I test the famous “5-second rule.” I walk through what actually transfers to your food (fast), when that matters, and why a little microbial exposure isn’t always the villain—while drawing a hard line for high-risk settings and situations.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• The verdict meter: The 5-second rule is false—bacteria can transfer in <1 second. In a Rutgers lab study, juicy foods like watermelon picked up the most, gummies the least; tile/steel transferred more than carpet (Applied and Environmental Microbiology / PubMed
  ).
• Foodborne illness is common: ~48M illnesses/year in the U.S., ~128k hospitalizations, ~3k deaths. Usual suspects include Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Listeria, and norovirus. Symptoms are typically GI, but severe cases occur—especially in the very young, elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised (CDC overview
  ).
• Context matters: Moisture and surface trump “time.” High-moisture foods collect more microbes; visibly dirty or high-traffic floors (think convenience stores) raise risk—regardless of seconds.
• When to skip the floor food—no debate: If you’re immunocompromised, pregnant, very young/elderly, or you’re in a hospital/clinical setting, don’t eat it. Full stop.
• Nuance: Are microbes always bad? Early, diverse exposure to benign environmental microbes associates with more resilient immunity. Farm-exposed kids had lower asthma/atopy rates (≈20–40%) versus city peers (NEJM
  ). Greening urban daycare yards (adding soil/plant matter) increased skin/gut microbial diversity and shifted immune markers in a favorable direction (Science Advances
  ). This doesn’t mean “eat off the floor”—it means the bigger story is about exposure diversity and context.
• My practice: At home, I don’t stress over a quick drop on a clean surface; out in public or medical settings, I pass.

Bottom Line
Microbes hop on fast; the “rule” doesn’t save you. But danger depends on what fell, where, and who is eating it. Be smart, especially if you or your environment are higher risk.

Call to Action
What health saying should I myth-test next? Text me your favorites (include your email so I can reply), and please rate the show on Apple/Spotify. Want my newsletter on practical, science-backed longevity? Join me at DrBobbyLiveLongAndWell.com.

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Summary: I unpack why medicine sometimes reverses course—and how you can tell sound evidence from shiny anecdotes—with physician-author Dr. Adam Cifu of the University of Chicago and co-author of Ending Medical Reversal
.

Key topics & takeaways

• Why medicine “flips”: Plausible theories + observational data → premature guidelines; true answers require randomized trials. Classic examples: menopausal hormone therapy, early peanut avoidance, and stents for stable angina (LEAP trial
  , COURAGE
  
  
• Open-minded skepticism: Ask, “What’s the human outcomes evidence?” Cool mechanisms and moving testimonials aren’t proof.
• Hype outside the clinic: Mitochondria “rechargers,” microbiome panaceas, and biological age tests are intriguing—but not ready for prime time.
• Nutrition sanity:  For supplement evidence summaries, I like Examine
  .
• When AI helps (and when it doesn’t): Tools can orient you to established topics; they’re weaker on breaking studies. Look for linked primary sources.
• N-of-1 experiments: When evidence is uncertain and the outcome is measurable (sleep, blood pressure, pain), test on yourself—track a baseline, try the change, measure again, and, if possible, stop-start to confirm. Use symptom diaries, validated scales, or wearables.
• Humility is a signal: Trust sources that sometimes conclude “we don’t know.” I often check Cochrane Reviews
  for balanced syntheses.

About my guest
Adam Cifu, MD is a professor of medicine at the University of Chicago, author of 140+ peer-reviewed papers, and co-author of Ending Medical Reversal. He writes at Sensible Medicine.

Call to action
If this episode helped you think more clearly about health claims, share it with a friend and leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify. For my newsletter on practical, evidence-supported longevity, visit DrBobbyLiveLongAndWell.com
.

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I unpack what “ultra-processed” really means, why these foods are so easy to overeat, what the best evidence shows (including metabolic-ward studies), and how I personally navigate them without fear or perfectionism. 

Key topics & evidence (in plain English):

• What counts as “ultra-processed”? I walk through the NOVA system—useful, not perfect—and where borderline items (frozen meals, boxed mixes) fit. See an overview of NOVA classifications here
  . 
• How we got here: post-WWII abundance of refined flour, cheap sugars, oils, and a cultural push for convenience—now ~60% of the U.S. diet comes from UPFs (study
  ). 
• Additives: stabilizers, emulsifiers, preservatives, and colors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). I explain why, on their own, they’re probably not the main health issue. 
• The bigger problem: UPFs are energy-dense, engineered for bliss (fat/sugar/salt + perfect texture), and easy to eat quickly—driving higher calorie intake.
   • Metabolic-ward crossover trial: +~508 kcal/day when participants ate UPFs vs minimally processed (Cell 2019
  ).
  • Overweight adults in a crossover design: +~814 kcal/day on the UPF week (PubMed
  ).
  • Another recent crossover RCT reports ~300 kcal/day higher on UPFs (Nature Medicine 2025
  ). 

What I recommend (and what I do):

• Prioritize whole foods most of the time; shop the perimeter; cook when you can. Canned tomatoes/beans and frozen fruits/peas are fine helpers. 
• If weight, diabetes, or blood pressure are concerns, be extra cautious with UPFs—they’re designed to be irresistible and calorie-dense. 
• Moderation wins: I enjoy favorites (yes, even boxed mac ’n’ cheese and crunchy peanut butter) without letting them dominate my plate. 

Takeaways you can use today:

1. Build meals around minimally processed proteins, veggies, fruits, and beans; let convenience items support—not star—in your diet. 
2. Watch “calorie-dense + easy to overeat” combos (chips, sweets, fast food). If you have them, portion once, then put the package away. 
3. If symptoms or inflammation are puzzling you, try a short UPF-light experiment (2–4 weeks) and see how you feel. 

If this episode helped, please follow and leave a quick review—and share it with a friend who’s curious about UPFs. For my newsletter and resources, visit drbobbylivelongandwell.com.

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Cancer is the second leading cause of death, and while it sparks fear for good reason, 40% of cases are preventable. In this episode, I outline six practical, evidence-based steps that can help reduce your risk.

We begin by understanding which cancers are most common based on gender—breast, colon, and lung in women; prostate, colon, and lung in men. While some rare cancers (like pancreatic or ovarian) evoke greater fear, the focus here is on the ones we’re more likely to face and can meaningfully act on.

Next, I break down risk factors into two categories. Some are unavoidable—your sex, age, or family history. For example, if a close relative had breast or colon cancer, early screening or genetic testing may be warranted. However, only about 5–10% of cancers are directly linked to inherited genetic mutations (American Cancer Society
).

The more empowering list? Avoidable risk factors—where our actions matter most. Smoking remains the leading modifiable cause of cancer, responsible for about 19% of all cases. Excess weight and obesity account for another 8% and are especially tied to hard-to-treat cancers like pancreatic and ovarian (ScienceDirect
) and PubMed
). Visceral fat appears more predictive than BMI alone. Alcohol, especially in large quantities, is also linked to liver, GI, and breast cancers.

Some risks are cancer-specific. HPV causes nearly all cervical cancers, and melanoma is largely driven by UV exposure. Air pollution, especially particulate matter, may slightly increase lung cancer risk (ASCO Global Oncology
).

Step three is to act on what you can. Quit smoking, aim for a healthy weight, wear sun protection, and ensure your kids get their routine HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines
. Exercise plays a major role too—high activity levels correlate with 10–20% lower risk of several major cancers (JAMA
). In colon cancer survivors, regular exercise reduced recurrence by 30% (PubMed
).

Step four is awareness: don’t ignore new symptoms like unexplained bleeding or lumps. Early detection can be life-saving.

Step five is screening. If you're 45 or older, colonoscopy is now recommended. Women should get regular mammograms and PAP smears, and individuals with smoking history may benefit from lung CT scans. For rarer cancers with family history, targeted screenings may apply. I also address why whole-body MRIs
 and liquid biopsies
 aren’t ready for routine use.

Step six? Don’t put your hope in supplements. Large trials show omega-3s, vitamin D, beta carotene, and vitamin C offer no real protective benefit (NEJM VITAL Study
, Meta-analysis on Vitamin C
, JNCI on aspirin
).

Takeaways:
You can reduce your cancer risk by modifying lifestyle factors like smoking, weight, and activity. Don’t delay screenings—they catch cancers early when treatment is most effective. And remember: no supplement replaces proven preventive strategies.

Visit drbobbylivelongandwell.com
 for more evidence-based tools, and listen to the full episode for actionable steps to help you live long and well.

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Can a positive mindset truly improve your health—or even help you beat disease? In this episode, Dr. Bobby and guest Sean McDevitt explore the evidence behind optimism, visualization, and prayer to uncover what really works.

In today’s episode of Live Long and Well, Dr. Bobby is joined by fitness and life coach Sean McDevitt to explore whether positive thinking can influence health outcomes. They dive into both anecdotal and clinical evidence, starting with sports psychology and then navigating the science behind mindset and disease. 

The conversation opens with laughter and smiles—literally. Inspired by Norman Cousins’ Anatomy of an Illness, Dr. Bobby references a meta-analysis showing genuine smiling does, in fact, temporarily boost happiness, while artificial smiling (like holding a pen in your mouth) doesn’t.

They begin with sports, where 86 studies show that visualizing athletic success can improve performance in agility, strength, and game-specific skills. Next, they ask a deeper question: does having a positive attitude affect the progression of serious disease? 

A meta-analysis of 26 studies on life satisfaction and longevity suggests happy people may live longer—especially when it comes to heart health. Optimism, for instance, was linked to a 35% reduction in cardiovascular events and a 15% decrease in all-cause mortality.

However, when it comes to cancer, the picture gets murkier. A review of 165 studies links stress to poorer survival, but a separate meta-analysis on coping styles found no consistent impact on recurrence or survival. One influential study on breast cancer patients even found that while helplessness predicted worse outcomes, having a “fighting spirit” made no significant difference (source). As Dr. Bobby notes, it’s important not to burden patients with guilt if they can’t “stay positive.”

The critical question becomes: if you're not naturally optimistic, can you cultivate positivity—and will it help? Encouragingly, several intervention studies suggest it might. One trial showed cardiac markers improved after optimism training, and a meta-analysis of 56 RCTs found a 15% boost in immune function after psychological interventions. A small MS study linked mindfulness to better walking ability, and a large RCT on breast cancer showed a 45% drop in recurrence with stress-reduction and mood-enhancing strategies.

Finally, the episode touches on spirituality. While many find comfort in prayer, evidence from an RCT of 800 ICU patients and a [meta-analysis] shows no significant impac

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In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Bobby reflects on his wife's cancer diagnosis and shares eight powerful lessons for anyone navigating the uncertainty of a serious illness. With insights from Dr. Helen Eshed, a board-certified gynecologic oncologist and Gail’s treating physician, this conversation blends personal experience with expert guidance to help you feel more prepared, empowered, and informed—whether for yourself or someone you love.

Together, they discuss when and why to seek a second opinion, including the importance of trusting your gut and asking your doctor how frequently they handle cases like yours. Dr. Bobby emphasizes the importance of finding a quarterback—a single provider who can oversee and coordinate all aspects of care, a role often filled by the medical oncologist or, in fortunate cases like Gail’s, by a specialist like Dr. Eshed who guides every step of the journey. They explore the nuanced role of the primary care physician, who may not lead cancer care but is critical in managing other chronic conditions and general health during treatment.

Dr. Bobby and Dr. Eshed also confront the flood of non-evidence-based treatments patients often encounter. Supplements, restrictive diets, and alternative therapies may be well-intentioned, but many lack credible evidence and can even interfere with medical treatments. Dr. Eshed underscores the importance of open communication with your doctor to discern helpful integrative therapies—such as acupuncture or massage—from those that may be harmful. If you’re unsure, bring it to your physician and evaluate together.

Another theme they unpack is the human need for agency during illness. Dr. Bobby highlights a randomized controlled trial in colon cancer survivors showing that a structured exercise program led to a 28% improvement in recurrence-free survival over eight years. This suggests that lifestyle changes like physical activity can make a real difference, even after diagnosis. But as he cautions, not everything promising on the internet is supported by research—so choose wisely and stay grounded in science.

They also touch on the emotional and spiritual dimensions of illness. From the rollercoaster of diagnoses to unexpected rituals like a gratitude ceremony for Gail’s uterus, Dr. Bobby emphasizes the value of community, spiritual support, and patient-centered rituals that help bring meaning to the process. Resources like survivorship counseling and disease-specific nonprofits can offer both information and connection during the journey.

Finally, they discuss the often-overlooked financial impact of serious illness. With treatments like surgery and immunotherapy costing thousands—even hundreds of thousands—of dollars, Dr. Bobby encourages listeners to proactively ask about costs, insurance coverage, and out-of-pocket maximums to avoid being blindsided.

Takeaways:

1. Ask the right questions early—about your diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis, and whether your doctor has experience with your specific condition.
2. Look for credible, evidence-based interventions that support your care rather than distract from it—especially when you're tempted to chase internet cures.
3. Build a strong, multi-layered support system—medical, emotional, spiritual, and financial—to help you weather the journey ahead with resilience and clarity.

Visit drbobbylivelongandwell.com
 to sign up for his free October 2nd workshop on how to focus your energy on the habits that truly improve health and longevity—without making it your full-time job.