Line One: Your Health Connection

Colorectal cancer accounts for 9% of all cancers. It is the third most common type of cancer and the fourth most common cause of death. Beating it is highly dependent on catching the cancer early through screening. What are the modifiable and non modifiable risks for colon cancer? What are the current screening guidelines? Is colonoscopy the only option? Join host Dr. Justin Clark as he explores t...

Death is something we all know will inevitably come for us someday, but death is also something that many of us fear. Maybe it’s the uncertainty of what comes next? Or perhaps it’s the fear of “not existing”? Whatever it is has led us, as a culture, to shy away from exploring what death means and to speak of death in hushed tones. On this episode of Line One Prentiss Pemberton speaks with Ordained...

Alzheimer’s Disease is now the 6th leading cause of death in the United States and with our aging population, the numbers are growing. It is estimated that 1 in 9 people over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer’s Dementia. This brain disorder is characterized by a long, slow decline in physical and cognitive functioning and with no effective treatment or cure, Alzheimer’s is one of the most te...

As mental health needs in Alaska and the nation increase it has become harder to find resources for care, particularly for children and teens. Issues with inpatient care in Alaska have made headlines. However, newer intensive outpatient programs help to bridge this gap. A children’s partial hospital program for ages 9-15 offers short term intensive group therapy and incorporates ASD education so s...

HIV/AIDS diagnoses have decreased by 8% in the US. In Alaska there are approximately 700 people living with this disease. By decreasing the associated stigma and shame we can better serve those living with the disease while continuing to decrease and eliminate its incidence.

Trauma is defined as an event or a series of events that threatens physical injury or death and causes feelings of extreme terror and helplessness. About 20% of people who experience trauma will develop PTSD. It is as if the traumatic event gets locked in place, as if it is still happening. Feelings of panic and fear, hypervigilance, isolation, depression, and substance abuse problems are common o...

Around 22 million Americans suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Treatment often involves a mask worn at night called a CPAP Machine. While it can be effective, it's often difficult for patients to tolerate the mask. Inspire is a new device that eliminates the need for a mask by implanting a small device in the chest to stimulate breathing while you sleep. In this episode of Line One, we explore t...

HOST: Dr. Jillian Woodruff GUEST: Steve Goldring, R.Ph, known as “The Hormone Pharmacist”; licensed compounding pharmacist LINKS: www.simplehormones.com/alaska Steven Gorldring creates informational videos to explain some of the ways that hormones interact and how they can fluctuate throughout our lives. What is bio-identical hormone replacement therapy? www.biotemedical.com Common myths about HRT...

HOST: Prentiss Pemberton GUESTS: Dan Bigly and Josh Geary , Denali Family Services LINKS: AK Child & Family Child Welfare Information Gateway CDC: Child abuse and neglect prevention strategies Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect fact sheet PARTICIPATE: Call 550-8433 (Anchorage) or 1-888-353-5752 (statewide) during the live broadcast (10–11 a.m.). Send an email to lineone@alaskapu...

Eating disorders are a complex and widely misunderstood group of disorders that affect people from all walks of life. Impacting almost 9% of the population, eating disorders pose a huge risk to those who experience them and put a great strain on their family members and support networks. Eating disorders, as a group, have the second highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses, trailing only Opi...

Children in Alaska can be affected by unique pediatric endocrine disorders like rickets, precocious or delayed puberty, short stature, thyroid dysfunction and pituitary gland disorders. Many of these have lifelong effects and can be difficult to identify. Some of these disorders are diagnosed at a higher rate in Alaska than in the Lower 48. How do these disorders show up and what treatments are av...

Suicide has scarred families and communities across the state, but it is possible to heal. It’s also possible to talk about mental health in a way that prevents people from considering suicide in the first place. During the fourth and final installment of Out North’s Mental Health Mosaics, we go deeper to hear from community members who have lost loved ones and those who have come back from the br...

Houselessness and mental health are often intimately entwined. During the third installment of Out North's Mental Health Mosaics, we learn about the intersections of these issues through the stories of two individuals. In the end, we’ll discuss how emergency response systems are evolving to support the mental health of the entire community.

Breaking the silence around mental health concerns can be hard. People feel judged and misunderstood. On the second installment of Out North’s Mental Health Mosaics , we hear from community members about the ways that bias and discrimination harm mental health. LISTEN: HOST: Anne Hillman RESOURCES: Mental Health Mosaics is more than just a podcast. It also uses art and poetry to help people explor...

Breaking the silence around mental health concerns can be hard. People feel judged and misunderstood. On this a special presentation of Mental Health Mosaics , a production of Out North, we hear from Martha Binkley as she discusses living with a serious mental illness and M.C. MoHagani Magnetek shares poetry about opening up about mental health. We also discuss self-injury with Anchorage artist Do...

Hot flashes, night sweats, short-term memory loss, mental fogginess, anxiety, low libido and insomnia are just some of the signs of decreasing hormone levels and menopause. Since the landmark women’s hormone study of 2002, even some doctors are intimidated by the prescription hormones used to balance levels and resolve these symptoms. Let’s learn the facts about hormones in menopause the good, the...

The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland at the base of the neck. The thyroid can be hypoactive or hyperactive and can produce nodules. Most thyroid nodules are not serious and do not cause symptoms, but a small percentage of thyroid nodules are cancerous. We explore the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules and cancer. LISTEN: HOST: Dr. Justin Clark GUESTS: Dr. John Muffoletto, Board Ce...

Many people struggling with mental health issues may want to consider psychiatric medication, but don’t know where to start. The number of options and side effects can be intimidating, but with professional guidance medication-assisted treatment can offer relief to those who are struggling. LISTEN: HOST: Prentiss Pemberton GUESTS: Dr. Richard Holt, psychiatrist, Juneau Behavioral Health PARTICIPAT...

Alaska’s elderly population is growing at a rapid rate while facing a range of challenges that can be distressing, and physically impairing. While the most common ailments faced are heart disease and Alzheimer’s & dementia, these are followed closely by depression, which often goes undiagnosed. How can we better assist our elders with the range of physical and emotional changes they are facing...

Work experience while in high school is one of the top predictors of employment success after high school for youth experiencing disabilities. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation has a robust summer work program helping 200 disabled youths across 17 sites in Alaska. Advocates say this resource is great for youth, their parents and for Alaska employers. LISTEN: HOST: Dr. Justin Clark GUESTS:...

Mental health challenges are on the rise for many Alaskans, and resources in rural Alaska remain difficult to access. Prentiss Pemberton speaks to John Solomon about his journey from a rock band and substance misuse to working for a tribal health organization in the Northwest Arctic borough and connecting communities with vital health services. Listen: HOST: Prentiss Pemberton GUESTS: John Solomon...

Alaska has the fastest growing senior population per capita, with those aged 60 and older making up 19.5% of the state. It is estimated that there are nearly 8,500 elderly with Alzheimer’s and related dementia. Our fortunate elders are supported by caregivers who often suffer from a lack of resources and support. Occupational therapists can provide much needed services to allow our elders to age w...

Many people believe that being blind means not being able to see at all. In reality, there are a range of vision issues that qualify a person for assistance. The Alaska Center For The Blind And Visually Impaired discusses the myths and misconceptions about blindness, what life in Alaska is like for the visually impaired and the support and resources that are available. Listen: HOST: Prentiss Pembe...

Chronic pain is a disorder that does not just affect adults. Pediatric chronic pain often presents as headaches, abdominal pain and general musculoskeletal pain. Because chronic pain in children is a unique combination of biological, psychological and social factors in each child, the source of chronic pain can be complex. Listen: HOST: Dr. Justin Clark GUESTS: Wendy Gaultney, pediatric pain psych...

Getting sucked into a cult requires a combination of faith, loyalty and belief gone wrong. Most people believe that they are too smart and too independently-minded to fall prey to the charms of a cultic leader, or to blindly follow a belief system, yet many people do. Dr. Janja Lalich returns for deeper look into the world of cults, extremism and indoctrination. Listen: HOST: Prentiss Pemberton GU...