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Dr. Alessi discusses LDL cholesterol, its risks, and ways to lower it, highlighting advancements in Electron Microscopy, specifically Cryogenic Electron Microscopy, which helps track cholesterol formation and deposition. He also revisits last week’s topic on global threats, including pandemics like bird flu, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations and societal awareness. Additionally, he shares general health tips and explores recent findings in neurology regarding the impact of microplastics. He welcomes Dr. Rachel Scott, a colorectal surgeon with Trinity Health of New England, to discuss advancements in colorectal cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, as well as updated guidelines on when to get a first colonoscopy.

Dr. Alessi is joined by Dr David Banach to discuss infectious diseases including bird flu.

Dr. Alessi chats with Dr. Joy Antonelle de Marcaida about a new treatment for tremor

Dr. Alessi highlights February as Heart Healthy Month, discussing the history of antibiotics, a University of Michigan study on exercise and cancer treatment, and the importance of physical activity for better health outcomes. He also addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion in medical research. Dr. Joseph DeSimone, a cardiac surgeon at Trinity Health of New England, joins to discuss heart function, valve repair, cardiovascular disease risks, and diagnostic tests like CT scans, calcium scores, and CT angiograms. They explore cardiac valvular disease, its symptoms, treatment options, and the differences between bypass surgery and angioplasty.

Dr. Alessi begins by expressing gratitude to his listeners and discussing topics such as the history of forensic medicine, the impact of Polio, and the development of its vaccine. He welcomes Dr. Charles Cavo, Chief Medical Officer at Pounds Transformation in West Hartford, to discuss health and nutrition, including healthy eating habits, the evolution of diets, weight loss strategies, and the use of medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. They also explore staying committed to New Year’s resolutions, understanding biomarkers like insulin and their role in diet regulation, the impact of processed and ultra-processed foods, and the importance of fat metabolism in maintaining overall health and nutrition.

Dr. Alessi discusses X-rays and their medical applications, reflects on the Feast of the Holy Innocents, and addresses chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). He welcomes Dr. Dina Al Rameni, a cardiac surgeon at Hartford Healthcare, who performed Connecticut's first beating heart transplant. Together, they explore her career journey, the history and intricacies of heart transplantation, the complexity of the procedure, and the significance of organ donation.

Dr. Alessi delves into a range of health topics, stressing the importance of addressing cardiac conditions and the growing concern over rising medication costs in the United States, particularly for treatments like those for multiple sclerosis. He advocates for better management of medication affordability. Additionally, he discusses peripheral neuropathy, focusing on its symptoms, treatment options, and ways to alleviate the condition, as well as sciatica, exploring its causes, prevention methods, and treatment strategies. Dr. Alessi chats with Dr. Katherine Coyner, an associate professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Connecticut, to discuss the Women’s Center for Motion and Performance and its efforts to address fitness related injuries in women.

Dr. Alessi discusses men's health and the impact of noisy work environments on hearing, emphasizing the importance of diagnosing and treating hearing loss, including the use of hearing aids and proactive measures. He also interviews Father Rick Frechette, a West Hartford native and Catholic priest who has been living and working in Haiti since 1987, highlighting his humanitarian efforts. Additionally, Dr. Alessi speaks with Dr. Gabe D’Amato, a urologist at the Men’s Health Institute at Trinity Health of New England, about men’s health topics such as urinary tract issues, prostate cancer, urinary frequency in both men and women, kidney stones, and prevention tips.

Dr. Alessi discusses cancer blood tests, with a focus on the Galleri test and its procedure. He also addresses the recent controversy surrounding Blue Cross Blue Shield’s policies on anesthesia coverage for patients in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri. Additionally, Dr. Alessi is joined by Dr. Cherish Smith, director of The Memory Care Center at Hartford Healthcare, to talk about memory loss. Their conversation highlights the center’s work, the causes of memory loss, prevention strategies, and insights into Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Dr. Alessi shares highlights from his recent trip to Saudi Arabia, offering insights into their healthcare system. He also welcomes Dr. Mary Gina Ratchford from The Ratchford Eye Center for a discussion on eye health, including common conditions affecting the elderly, as well as floaters and strabismus.