The People's Pharmacy

In this episode, investigative journalist Gardiner Harris delves into the dark secrets of one of the country’s most admired pharmaceutical firms. Johnson & Johnson sold talcum powder– Johnson’s Baby Powder –for decades even though it contained asbestos, an acknowledged carcinogen. How did the company maintain its superb reputation for so long? You could listen through your local public radio s...

In this week’s episode, a functional medicine expert will describe how to adjust your lifestyle to achieve the longest healthiest life possible. Is your biological age greater or less than your chronological age—the one you celebrate with birthday cake? How can you increase your chance of enjoying vibrant good health as you grow older? You could listen through your local public radio station or ge...

This week, neuro-otologist David Kaylie of Duke Health will help us understand how balance disorders disrupt patients’ lives and what doctors can do to help. If you have felt lightheaded or been bothered with vertigo, call in your questions between 7 and 8 am EDT on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 888-472-3366 . Or you can send us email: radio@peoplespharmacy.com . Find out why you feel dizzy and wha...

This week, two pharmacists describe why you should check with a pharmacist about possible problems when you combine supplements, herbs and medicines. In some cases, a supplement might interfere with your prescription drug. In other situations, an herb might slow metabolism of the medicine and increase the possibility of side effects. It’s better to know which pills don’t get along well. You could...

This week, we talk with a pulmonologist–a doctor who takes care of people with lung problems. Our topics range from common respiratory infections to the hazards of breathing smoke from forest fires. We also discuss asthma and COPD. Listen to find out how you could be breathing better. You could listen through your local public radio station or get the live stream at 7 am EDT on your computer or sm...

This week, Dr. Jane Andersen joins Joe and Terry in the studio to answer listeners’ questions about foot problems. Do you have bunions or plantar fasciitis? Dr. Andersen has tips on how to fix your foot pain. We invite you to call and tell us about it. You can call 888-472-3366 between 7 and 8 am EDT. Or email us: radio@PeoplesPharmacy.com . You could listen through your local public radio station...

This week, our guests take two different approaches to the sense of smell. We talk with a surgeon who treats people having difficulties with that sense. In addition, a nurse describes utilizing the sense of smell for aromatherapy in integrative healing. Learn about the fascinating science of smell. You could listen through your local public radio station or get the live stream at 7 am EDT on your...

This week, we get in-depth information on Lp(a), the heart risk no one talks about. You have heard of cholesterol, and you may even know what your cholesterol level is. The compound lipoprotein a may be equally dangerous when it is elevated, but you have probably heard very little about it. You could listen through your local public radio station or get the live stream at 7 am EDT on your computer...

This week, Terry and Joe welcome Dr. Andrew Spector to the studio to share his expertise with listeners. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a relatively common problem that can really wreak havoc on a good night’s sleep. Have you experienced this problem? How do you manage it? We invite you to call and tell us about it. You can call 888-472-3366 between 7 and 8 am EST. Or email us: radio@PeoplesPharm...

This week, we offer the second of a two-part series on the pros and cons of water fluoridation. Last week we discussed the practice of adding fluoride to drinking water to prevent tooth decay. This week we hear from a researcher who has found that early exposure to fluoridated water may affect youngsters’ IQ. You could listen through your local public radio station or get the live stream at 7 am E...

This week, we offer the first of a two-part series on water fluoridation. The practice of adding fluoride to drinking water to prevent tooth decay has been controversial for some time. Why? What should we know about it? You could listen through your local public radio station or get the live stream at 7 am EDT on your computer or smart phone ( wunc.org ).  Here is a link so you can find which stat...

This week, we explore the evidence that some respected researchers in the field of Alzheimer’s disease took shortcut or even manipulated their data to get the results they wanted. How did our guests detect fraud and arrogance in this research? You could listen through your local public radio station or get the live stream at 7 am EDT on your computer or smart phone ( wunc.org ). Here is a link   s...

This week, Joe & Terry invite listeners to share their favorite home remedies for colds. No one expects a remedy to shorten the duration of a cold–although perhaps one or two could! But many may help people feel better for a few hours if they alleviate symptoms. You can call in your suggestions to 888-472-3366 between 7 and 8 am EST on Saturday, January 25, 2025. Or you can send them by email:...

This week, two distinguished exercise physiologists tell us why we each need an exercise prescription for life. Dr. Benjamin Levine has worked with the Dallas Bed Rest and Training Study to discover that three weeks of bed rest hurt fitness more than 30 years of normal life. Dr. Claudio Battaglini provides exercise prescriptions for cancer patients so that they will be in better health once they r...

This week, we hear a first-hand account of what a stroke feels like, from neuroanatomist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor. Then we learn from a neurologist, Dr. Matthew Schrag, about the risk factors for such a brain attack. What treatments could be helpful? You could listen through your local public radio station or get the live stream at 7 am EDT on your computer or smart phone ( wunc.org ). Here is a link...

This week, we hear from pulmonologist Roger Seheult, MD, about ways we can strengthen our immune responses to respiratory infections. Seasonal influenza activity is high and still rising in most parts of the country. In addition, wastewater surveillance shows that COVID-19 cases are on the rise. Cold viruses are also circulating. Find out what strategies you can take to stay healthy and what to do...

This week on our nationally syndicated radio show, we discuss the importance of fiber and phytonutrients in our food for keeping our intestinal microbes healthy. We’ll also find out why encouraging a varied and thriving microbiome in the soil is critical for producing healthy food crops. Fiber and Phytonutrients: Do you know what is the best diet for you? If you are a regular listener, you will ha...

This week, we talk with an expert on cancer epidemiology. Surprisingly, though, our discussion centers on the health aspects of practicing kindness and compassion. In our polarized world, anger and hostility are rampant. But kindness is not only good for the person who receives a kind gesture. It also has a biological impact on the person providing it. You could listen through your local public ra...

In this week’s interview, Dr. Robert Waldinger of Harvard University explains why overcoming loneliness is essential for our health. His research, summarized in The Good Life , shows that close relationships are crucial for a satisfying life. In addition, the Surgeon General has issued a comprehensive report on the epidemic of loneliness and its effects on physical as well as mental health. How do...

This Saturday morning, November 23, 2024, an expert from Australia helps us examine the hidden risks of healthcare. Healthcare providers have the best of intentions, but they simply cannot truly uphold the (apocryphal) part of the Hippocratic oath that urges “ First, do no harm .” How can patients and their families become more familiar with the pitfalls of modern medicine and avoid them as much a...

This week, we discuss how making your own herbal medicine at home can provide you with safe, inexpensive and effective ways to ease symptoms of common problems like colds, cuts and scrapes or heartburn. Our guest is a long-time People’s Pharmacy favorite, Dr. Tieraona Low Dog. Learn about leaves and roots in remedies you can make at home. You could listen through your local public radio station or...

This week, we consider whether viruses might be able to overcome bacterial infections that resist all antibiotics. We start with a thrilling story from a few years ago in which a scientist saved her husband’s life with bacteriophages. Then we turn to a journalist who grew up in Russia where bacteriophages are common remedies. She explains what they are and how they work. Will we soon be relying mo...

This week, a nationally-renowned expert on hypnotherapy describes how this tool can be used to help people heal from stress or pain. Have you tried it? You could listen through your local public radio station or get the live stream at 7 am EDT on your computer or smart phone ( wunc.org ). Here is a link so you can find which stations carry our broadcast. If you can’t listen to the broadcast, you m...

This week, we’ll dive into the research on how emotions affect your heart health. Specifically, we talk with two scientists who have studied the impact of anger on blood vessels. How might that shape your risk of a heart attack? Can you change your impulse to react with anger when somebody else is thoughtless or rude? You could listen through your local public radio station or get the live stream...

This week, an eminent toxicologist, now retired, describes the concerns about PFAS compounds, also known as forever chemicals. Although scientists have known for decades that they get into our bodies readily, the apparent benefits led to their widespread use. These are compounds that do a wonderful job keeping your boots and rain gear dry, keeping the grease from your fast food inside the package...