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Dr. Alessi welcomes Dr. Stephanie Alessi LaRosa, director of Sports Neurology at Hartford Healthcare, for a timely discussion on sports related brain injuries ahead of the scholastic sports season. They cover the Sports Neurology program at Hartford Healthcare and strategies to help protect children and grandchildren involved in high impact sports. Dr. Alessi also reflects on his recent travels through Europe and Scandinavia, sharing conversations he had with locals about their healthcare systems and offering his perspective on how those systems compare to healthcare in the United States.

Dr. Alessi welcomes Leah Moon, cofounder and board member of Autism Families CONNECTicut, to talk about the organization, what’s currently happening, and the programs they’ve developed to support families with loved ones on the autism spectrum. He is also joined by Dr. Srimathi Manickaratnam, a nephrologist at the University of Connecticut, to discuss kidney disease, dialysis, and ways to help prevent kidney issues. Dr. Alessi also reflects on climate change, including how summer temperatures today compare to those in the 20th century, and shares thoughts on recent healthcare updates out of Washington, D.C., including changes to the flu vaccine.

Dr. Alessi is joined by Dr. Asher R. Qureshi, a pulmonologist specializing in sleep disorders at Trinity Health of New England and the Director of Sleep Disorders at St. Francis Hospital. Together, they discuss a range of sleep related issues, with a focus on sleep apnea, available treatments and devices, and the importance of addressing symptoms such as excessive daytime somnolence. They also examine how daylight saving time can negatively impact sleep patterns. In addition, Dr. Alessi revisits a topic frequently discussed on the show, the so-called “Healthcare Apocalypse”, highlighting three major threats to humanity: infection, climate change, and nuclear disaster. He emphasizes the urgent need for public awareness and understanding of these critical healthcare challenges.

Dr. Alessi welcomes Dr. Mary Gina Ratchford, an ophthalmic surgeon and founder of the Ratchford Eye Center, to discuss dry eye syndrome, its symptoms, how common it truly is, and the latest treatment options. They also talk about the long term effects of sun damage on the eyes and the importance of UV protection. Dr. Alessi also welcomes Dr. Hsung Lin, a doctor of medical dentistry and assistant clinical professor of dentistry at the University of Connecticut, to explore the role of fluoride in drinking water. Dr. Alessi also shares insights on current developments in healthcare policy, emphasizing the importance of being an informed patient, understanding preventive measures, and taking control of your health through proactive choices and awareness of new medical guidelines.

Dr. Alessi welcomes Dr. David Grew, a radiation oncologist from Trinity Health of New England at St. Francis Hospital, to discuss prostate cancer and the use of CyberKnife treatments. He also speaks with Dr. David Kruger, an orthopedic spine surgeon from Advanced Orthopedics New England at St. Francis Hospital, about spine surgery, common conditions, and the training required for his specialty. They also discuss the use of the Mako SmartRobotics system in spine surgery. Additionally, Dr. Alessi reflects on President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis and Billy Joel’s diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Dr. Alessi discusses endometriosis and women’s health issues with Dr. Danielle Luciano. A professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Connecticut, Dr. Luciano highlights the critical role of reproductive healthcare and the importance of her field. Together, they explore key topics in women's health and the impact of gynecological care on overall well-being. Dr. Alessi also discusses initiatives from the Department of Health and Human Services and examines the goals of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.

Dr. Alessi discusses headaches with Dr. Tanya Bilchik, a neurologist and headache specialist at Yale Hospital. They explore the evolving field of headache treatments, focusing on migraines, available therapies, and devices designed to alleviate pain. Dr. Alessi also addresses the rise in influenza related deaths among children, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations. Additionally, he talks about the National Institutes of Health (NIH), its origins, and shares his experience with the rigorous process of securing an NIH grant, highlighting the institute's important commitment to good science and health practices.

Dr. Alessi discusses infectious diseases with Dr. Michael Rajkumar. Dr. Rajkumar, a specialist at Hartford Healthcare, explains the science behind infectious diseases, their impact on our daily life, and ways to stay safe and healthy. Dr. Alessi also emphasizes the importance of student visas for those studying medicine abroad and expresses concern over the VA being asked to report anti Christian bias, warning it could hinder research in areas like ALS and women's health. He also stresses the need for mindful health policies and, recognizing that April is Autism Awareness Month, shares his thoughts on a proposed database to track people with autism.

Dr. Alessi is joined by Dr. Jonathan Lis, a Primary Care Physician at Active Health, for a discussion on preventive medicine and its role in helping people live longer, healthier lives. They explore the definition of primary care, what’s happening in the field, and ways to improve the healthcare system. Dr. Alessi also emphasizes the importance of measles vaccination as a solution to a preventable health issue. Additionally, he shares his perspective on gun control as a mental health matter and reflects on individuals with intellectual differences, including those with autism.

Dr. Alessi discusses epilepsy with Dr. Lisa Knopf, Associate Director of Epilepsy Surgery at the Ayer Neuroscience Institute at Hartford HealthCare. They talk about the history of epilepsy, current treatments, and the role of surgery in managing the condition. Dr. Alessi also addresses the recent measles outbreak, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations and how quickly viruses can spread when not taken seriously.