January 20, 2022 ~ "Dry January," refers to the first month of the year, after the holidays have passed, where people abstain from drinking alcohol for the full month. How do the holidays affect drinking habits, and how does mental health play into drinking rates? Clinical Associate Professor in Departments of Psychiatry, Surgery, and Neurology at the University of Michigan Dr. Gerald Scott Winder talks to Paul W. Smith about the connections that have been found between mental health and alcohol consumption, and also how the pandemic has affected these connections.

January 13, 2022 ~ The American Red Cross has seen blood shortages before, but this is the first time the group has declared a national Blood Crisis. Is there enough blood to guarantee our safety, and for how long? University of Michigan Blood Banking Pathologist Dr. Robertson Davenport tells Paul W. Smith what can be done about the blood shortage, and how can we donate.

January 6, 2022 ~ A New Year brings to mind for many thoughts of a New You. But how do you choose resolutions that are actually going to stick? Paul W. speaks with University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center Head of Preventative Cardiology Dr. John Bisognano about realistic lifestyle changes that can improve heart health through 2022 and beyond.

December 23, 2021 ~ When a woman is pregnant, it is common for her to develop stretch marks. Unfortunately, the effects those marks may have are oftentimes not addressed. WJR’s Guy Gordon speaks with Michigan Medicine Dermatologist Dr. Frank Wang about a new study on stretch marks, with a look at potential solutions for their physical and mental impact.

December 17, 2021 ~ Do patients delay important health care or cut hospital stays short because they’re worried about their pets at home? University of Michigan Health Dr. Tiffany Braley tells WJR’s Guy Gordon there’s a rising need to develop a service that helps ensure both pets and pet parents get the care they need.

January 8, 2021 ~ Michigan is seeing a fourth spike in COVID-19 cases, leading to a surge in hospitalizations, crowded emergency rooms, and increased deaths due to the virus. WJR’s Paul W. Smith speaks with University of Michigan Health Emergency Room Physician Dr. Brad Uren about the impact on hospitals, and what can be done to end this surge.

December 2, 2021 ~ With the increased toll that the pandemic has taken on the mental health of young people, and a shortage of mental health care providers across the nation, how are young adults getting the mental health care they need, if they’re getting it at all? Paul W. speaks with Michigan Medicine Section Chief for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Dr. Sheila Marcus about MC3, a program that makes University of Michigan psychiatrists virtually available to kids across the state.

November 23, 2021 ~ A new poll shows that many parents don’t feel their kids are as grateful as they should be. Why are parents feeling this way, and what can be done to help nurture gratitude? Guy Gordon speaks with Michigan Medicine Research Scientist Dr. Sarah Clark about ways in which parents can inspire their kids to appreciate the gifts in life that surround them.

November 18, 2021 ~ The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood and platelet shortage, to the point that blood supply nationwide is at its lowest post-summer level since 2015. What factors are contributing to this shortage? Paul W. speaks with University of Michigan Health Transplant Center Director Dr. Christopher Sonnenday about what might happen if the shortage continues, and the increasing options that are available for folks to donate quickly, safely, and easily.

November 11, 2021 ~ Alcohol consumption and sales are on the rise amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and transplant numbers for alcohol-related liver inflammation are surging. Does the increase in alcoholic hepatitis stem directly from known increases in alcohol consumption, and what does this mean for public health? Paul W. Smith talks to University of Michigan Medical School Hepatology Clinic Assistant Professor Dr. Jessica Mellinger about the link, and what prolonged alcohol consumption can do to your body.