PodcastDX

This week we discuss the basics about a topic several of our guests have spoken about- Ehlers Danlos Syndrome or EDS.   ​Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited disorders that affect your connective tissues — primarily your skin, joints and blood vessel walls. Connective tissue is a complex mixture of proteins and other substances that provide strength and elasticity to the underlying struc...

This week we discuss "Food is Medicine".  The concept of "food is medicine" refers to the idea that certain foods and dietary patterns can play a significant role in promoting health, preventing disease, and managing chronic conditions.   This concept is based on the notion that food is not only a source of energy and nutrients but also a powerful tool for influencing our physiological and biochem...

Our guest today is Evelyn Gamble.  Evelyn is a dedicated healthcare worker and passionate heart disease advocate. With a deep commitment to improving health outcomes, Evelyn uses her personal and professional experiences to raise awareness about heart health, particularly for young adults. As a strong voice for change, she aims to inspire others to take proactive steps in managing their heart heal...

This week's episode we will discuss the resurgence of TB/ Tuberculosis.  TB is a treatable and curable disease. Active, drug-susceptible TB disease is treated with a standard 6-month course of 4 antimicrobial drugs that are provided with information and support to the patient by a health worker or trained volunteer. Without such support, treatment adherence is more difficult. Since 2000, an estima...

Our guest today is a Physical Therapist that specializes in Sciatica. Dean Volk, MPT, and owner of Sciatica Relief Now, has spent over 33 years revolutionizing sciatica treatment. After owning three successful clinics and a cash concierge practice and working with professional athletes, Volk transitioned to a virtual model in 2018, turning this side hustle into a full-time operation in 2021. Now b...

In this episode we will discuss Myasthenia Gravis, an Autoimmune Disease affecting the neuromuscular system of the body with Tasha White, Director of a new Non-profit organization called My Walk with MG located in St. Louis, MO. ​ Myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the voluntary muscles. Voluntary muscles include muscles that connect to a person's bones, m...

This week we discuss blood clots A blood clot is a clump of blood that has changed from a liquid to a gel-like or semisolid state. Clotting is a necessary process that can  help prevent  excessive blood loss when you have a cut, for example. Thrombosis is when a blood clot  forms  and reduces blood flow. There are two types: Arterial thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery. Venous t...

This week we discuss hearing loss. A person who is not able to hear as well as someone with normal hearing – hearing thresholds of 20 dB or better in both ears – is said to have hearing loss. Hearing loss may be mild, moderate, severe or profound. It can affect one ear or both ears and leads to difficulty in hearing conversational speech or loud sounds. Hard of hearing refers to people with hearin...

In this episode we will discuss food safety at the holidays.  From prep to serving there are important tips to remember to ensure a toxin free meal for everyone! ​ Parties, family dinners, and other gatherings where food is served are all part of the holiday cheer. But the joy can change to misery if food makes you or others ill. Typical symptoms of foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning,...

This week we discuss Abdominal adhesions.  These are bands of scar tissue that form between abdominal tissues and organs. Like the name suggests, the tissue can cause your organs to "adhere," or stick together. Adhesions commonly form after abdominal surgery. Typically, you don't need treatment unless they cause a complication, like a small bowel obstruction. Abdominal adhesions are bands of scar...

The first human vaccines against viruses were based using weaker or attenuated viruses to generate immunity. The smallpox vaccine used cowpox, a poxvirus that was similar enough to smallpox to protect against it but usually didn't cause serious illness. Rabies was the first virus attenuated in a lab to create a vaccine for humans. Vaccines are made using several different processes. They may conta...

This week we will discuss possible treatment methods for AFIB.   Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles). This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including: Palpitations (a feeling of a racing or irregular heartbeat) Fatigue Short...

This week we are talking about the Vagus Nerve.  The vagus nerve (10th cranial nerve) is a critical part of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for regulating vital functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration. It extends from the brainstem (medulla oblongata) through the neck and chest to the abdomen, with motor and sensory fibers allowing communication between the brain and org...

Our guest this week is Christine James.  Christine is a mother to two daughters, 19 and 23, a nurse of 8 ½ years and now a chronic pain patient.  She was happy to take the time to speak with us in order to bring awareness to a rare and largely unknown disease: CRPS or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. As a nurse she worked in the fields of home health, acute medical, psych, long term care, dialysis;...

  This week we discuss the field of Functional Neurology with Dr. Alexander Zubkov.  Stroke care is complex and does not stop when a patient is discharged from the hospital.  As a Functional Neurologist, Dr. Zubkov offers comprehensive follow-up for Stroke care, and focus on prevention through health and wellness.  According to his online presence, these are the benefits of such tailored medical c...

The winter season brings cold temperatures and severe weather conditions that create many hazards for individuals working in areas that experience these conditions. Even if you work indoors, winter weather still poses many hazards for you, such as driving into work in bad weather or walking through an icy parking lot to get to your building. It is important to recognize and address the hazards the...

This week we are talking once again with Dan "Dry Dock" Shockley on "Staying Healthy as a Veteran"  For Veteran's Day this year we are featuring Dan because even though he has been dealt a hard blow with a hereditary colon cancer gene he is not letting that slow him down one bit!  As a matter of fact he is thriving and advocating for others around the globe as a hereditary colon cancer ambassador!...

In this episode we will discuss Halloween Safety during COVID   ​ Fall celebrations like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times for children, who at one time could dress up in costumes, enjoy parties, and eat yummy treats.   These celebrations also provide a chance to give out healthy snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety. ​ Check out these tips to help make the festivities fun and s...

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling tiny crystalline particles of silica, or silicon dioxide, often linked to work environments like mining, construction, stonework, and sandblasting. The disease leads to symptoms such as coughing, inflammation, and fibrosis (scarring) and is classified under pneumoconioses, a group of lung conditions caused by inhaling dust. Silicosis can be chronic, d...

Jamie Holmes-Ward was born with a rare condition known as V.A.T.E.R Syndrome.  The Cleveland Clinic says: VATER syndrome, also known as VACTERL association, is a complex condition that affects several parts of the body. VATER (VACTERL) is an acronym that stands for the affected parts of the body including the vertebrae, anus, heart, trachea, esophagus, kidney and limbs. Treatment is symptomatic an...

  This week we discuss bullying with our guest Chelsey Peat.  Chelsey is an advocate for those with facial differences due to Sturge Weber Syndrome.   A person that looks different is a prime target for bullies.  Bullying is often seen as a schoolyard issue, but its impact on mental health extends into adulthood. Bullied children face increased risks of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, wi...

This week we will discuss the most common type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – the hypermobile type (hEDS, formerly also described as EDS type III or joint hypermobility syndrome), this is the type that most commonly presents to gastroenterology services.   ​ As connective tissue is present throughout the body, many different structures around the body including the digestive tract can be affected by...

This week we will discuss the most common type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – the hypermobile type (hEDS, formerly also described as EDS type III or joint hypermobility syndrome), this is the type that most commonly presents to gastroenterology services.   ​ As connective tissue is present throughout the body, many different structures around the body including the digestive tract can be affected by...

This week we will discuss the use of Ketamine for treating Depression.  Our guest for this week's show is Karen DeCocker, DNP, PMHNP, CNM Karen DeCocker is the Director of Advanced Practice Providers at Stella overseeing the assessment team. She helps to identify which innovative biological medical treatments & virtual therapies can help relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD & traumatic br...

On this week's show we are speaking once again with Kristine Hoestermann, the founder of " FindYourRare " and she will be explaining how difficult it has been to get a diagnosis for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and where that diagnosis took her (Brittle Cornea Syndrome & the BRCA Gene for Breast Cancer are the latest two)  During our discussion I mentioned how I picture complex diagnoses as being like a...