Medical Notes for the week of August 18, 2019 including: Several studies have found little heart benefit in taking a daily aspirin if you don’t already have heart disease… Then, drowning is america’s leading cause of accidental injury death for children under age five… but the drowning rate is dropping dramatically, and finally… if mosquitoes feast on you, it’s because of your breath.

Plagues can wipe out entire populations and create fear and great mystery in how they spread. An author who has explored plagues and dangerous diseases explains.

Thirty years of research have shown that teenagers’ biology prevents them from getting to sleep much before 11pm, and with most high schools starting classes around 8 am, they are chronically sleep deprived. Experts discuss how students and even the economy would benefit from later start times and the reasons many people and school districts still oppose the change.

Medical Notes for the week of August 11, 2019 including: A study in the British Medical Journal shows Glucosamine can help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. Then, statistics regarding HIV testing showing most people age 13-64 get tested atlas once in their lifetime. Experts are starting to think about next flu season knowing last years vaccine was only 29% effective. Finally, A higher IQ was observed in children that took 30-60 minute naps during the day.

Nearly 40 percent of American homes have a dog, and while dogs may be “man’s best friend,” sometimes they bite, and sometimes with serious consequences. An expert who has studied dog bites discusses the reality of breed temperament, especially when children are around, how to prevent bites, and whether breeds with dangerous reputations deserve them.

Traumatic brain injury can profoundly change the injured in personality and temperament, as well as physically and cognitively. Spouses bear the brunt of these changes to the point many feel like they’re living with a stranger. Two experts and the spouse of a TBI victim discuss the many ways life changes after an injury and what can help to get them through the ordeal.

Medical Notes for the week of August 4, 2019, including: A kid's picky eating could be a sign of autism. Then, medication dispensing limits are supposed to save money, but that may not be the case for birth control pills. Finally, shrinking screens could be distorting your view of the news.

With the school year approaching, drivers need to be aware of children in crosswalks—and away from them. However, increasing distractions for both pedestrians and drivers sometimes make that difficult. A safety expert and a veteran school crossing guard—the nation’s “favorite crossing guard”––discuss. Guests:

Medical Notes for the week of July 28, 2019 including: A new study from Drake University show that epipens contained the required does of epinephrine more than 2 years after their expiration date. Then a new virtual biopsy device that creates digital images of skin lesions non-invasively and at a fraction of the cost, and finally, with the right skill, your Alexa or Google home devices could detect the distinctive gasping sound of someone who's in cardiac arrest.

Heart disease is the number one killer in the US, but a well known cardiologist says if everyone would follow a plant-based, oil free diet, heart disease could be eradicated. Yet many cardiologists won’t prescribe such a diet, fearing it’s so difficult to follow that it’s a prescription for defeat. Experts discuss.