Ask Doctor Dawn

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-21-2-24: Dr. Dawn introduces the groundbreaking Cellular Atlas project published in Nature journal, explaining how new technology allows unprecedented analysis of cellular interactions and developmental patterns. She explores the concept of holobionts - viewing symbiotic organisms as composite life forms with their microbiomes as co-equal contributors - challe...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-14-2024: Dr. Dawn discusses a severe national IV fluid shortage caused by Hurricane Helene's flooding of a Baxter International factory which has affected hospital operations and surgical schedules nationwide. She provides a comprehensive explanation of cystic fibrosis, detailing how genetic mutations affect mucus production and impact multiple body systems, p...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-07-2024: Dr. Dawn opens with a guided deep breathing exercise to help listeners manage stress and maintain emotional balance in challenging times. She helps an emailer understand a stress test result for a 72-year-old patient, explaining ST changes, ischemia, and the importance of follow-up angiography tests for heart health evaluation. The show addresses anot...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 10-31-2024: Dr. Dawn addresses a listener's question about PSA results, introducing the new ExoDX prostate score test as a less invasive screening option. Dr. Dawn provides a comprehensive overview of chronic pain types, including nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain, affecting 30% of the global population. She explains the gate control theory of pain a...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 10-24-2024: Cindy Jaconette introduces the upcoming "Raise Your Voices for Pancreatic Cancer Support" concert at Bargetto Winery on 11/2/2024, benefiting the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group. Signup at https://www.sccbg.org/ Dr. Michael Alexander discusses pancreatic cancer detection challenges and explains how the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group supports local ca...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 10-17-2024: Dr. Dawn addresses a listener's question about optimal timing for the consumption of iron, green tea, and nori powder to maximize absorption, recommending timing and supplementation strategies. She responds to a listener's email on the issue of plastic in tea bags and provides resources for finding plastic-free options, while also clarifying misconcep...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 10-10-2024: Dr. Dawn announces Medicare's new list of over 200 drugs available for $2 per 30-day supply, covering a wide range of medications. She discusses a new urine test called ExoDx for prostate cancer screening, which can help avoid unnecessary biopsies in the "gray zone" of elevated PSA levels. The doctor addresses a listener's question about Klebsiella pn...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 10-03-2024: In response to several listener emails, Dr. Dawn expands on the benefits of Nori powder and Rhamnan sulfate, including their effects on cholesterol and the glycocalyx. TheThe type of Nori seaweed species with the high amounts of Rhamnam sulfate is monostroma nitidum (Japanese name Hitoegusa,) and can be obtained online at Https://okume.us. She then to...

Broadcast on KSQD, Santa Cruz on 9-26-2024: Dr. Dawn discusses a study on mice whose abdomens were made transparent using tartrazine aka yellow dye #3, explaining the physics behind this phenomenon and potential medical applications. The FDA's approval of an new and cheaper epinephrine nasal spray called Neffy is announced as a more convenient alternative to EpiPens. Hyperaldosteronism, a potentia...

Broadcast on KSQD, Santa Cruz on 9-19-2024: Read the fine print! Dr. Dawn explains the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage plans compared to traditional Medicare A caller seeks advice about whether to have gallbladder removal surgery, and Dr. Dawn discusses the risks,benefits. and alternatives. The show addresses a listener email question about high oxalate foods and their potential effects on hea...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 9--12-2024: Dr. Dawn explains gout, its causes, and conventional and alternative medical approaches to treating it. The role of the gut microbiome in gout is explored, including how certain bacteria can influence uric acid levels. Diet and lifestyle recommendations for managing gout are discussed, including prebiotic-rich foods and fermented foods. The Glycocalyx...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 5-30-2024 and 9-05-2024: Cognitive errors in medicine dismissing unusual presentations as psychological A case of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis causing psychiatric symptoms Failures of genetic research to identify causes Need for integrating neurology and psychiatr...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 8-29-2024: Dr. Diana Schwarzbein explains the concept of damaged metabolism, focusing on building and using biochemicals in the body. Dr. Jeffrey Bland discusses metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and their widespread effects on various bodily systems. Dr. Mark Houston explores the relationship between insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 8-22-2024: Dr. Dawn discusses the overuse of cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) for gallstones and abdominal pain, emphasizing the need for more careful patient selection. A caller seeks advice about her breastfeeding infant's digestive issues. The show explores a new ultrafast genetic sequencing technology for brain tumors that can provide crucial information...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 8-15-2024: Dr. Dawn addresses a caller's concerns about stomach pain and discusses a simple test for acid stomach and some short term conservative approaches before considering invasive procedures like endoscopy. A caller shares his experience using cannabis and warm water therapy to alleviate back pain and stiffness. Are your memory problems a sign of early Alzh...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 8-08-2024: Dr. Dawn compares conventional medicine with functional medicine, explaining their different approaches to diagnosis and treatment. The show addresses a listener's question about nutrition and supplementation for breastfeeding mothers, offering specific advice on omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamin K2, and dietary recommendations. A new study using g...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 8-01-2024: Dr. Dawn discusses the American Endocrine society's recent guidelines on vitamin D testing and supplementation, explaining its importance for various age groups and health conditions. She clarifies misconceptions about vitamin D toxicity and emphasizes the need for proper dosing. The show addresses a listener's question about dealing with reflux many h...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 7-25-2024: Dr. Dawn discusses the importance of magnesium as an essential electrolyte, often overlooked in standard medical tests. She explains its role in energy production, protein synthesis, and various bodily functions. She covers common causes of magnesium deficiency, including certain medications, chronic conditions, and dietary factors. Dr. Dawn provides a...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 7-18-2024 Surgeon General's report on gun violence: Gun deaths in the US are at a three-decade high Guns are now the leading cause of death among children and teenagers aged 1-19 Dr. Dawn calls for bipartisan action on gun control New male contraceptive: A topical gel combining Nestorone and testosterone Works by suppressing sperm production while maintaining mal...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 7-11-2024 Dr. Dawn answers a caller's question about vitamin D supplementation, explaining its importance for bone health, mood regulation, and immune function. She discusses the physiological processes involving vitamin D and recommends getting blood levels checked. A second caller asks about the safety of Stevia as a sweetener. Dr. Dawn explains the importance...

Broadcast from KSQD on 7-04-2024: Natural bodies of water illustrates the importance of bright neon colors for visibility. Plus: additional advice on keeping children safe around water. Research on gender differences in space travel effects reveals women are more resilient. A study finding greater gene activity disruption in male vs female astronauts has implications for future space missions. An...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 6-27-2024. Dr. Dawn interviews Dr. Michael Amster, a physician and researcher specializing in pain management and mindfulness practices. Dr. Amster introduces the AWE method, a technique for "micro-dosing" mindfulness developed during his own experience with burnout. The AWE method involves finding moments of awe in everyday experiences through three steps: Atten...

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 6-20-2024 Health tip: Dr. Dawn advises you to shop around for medications, especially cheap generics, as pharmacies may claim unavailability due to corporate contracts and profit margins. Healthcare industry consolidation: Discussion of how large venture capital firms are acquiring healthcare businesses, leading to potential price increases and reduced competitio...

Broadcast from KSQD Santa Cruz on 6-13-2024 Alzheimer’s Disease and APOE4 Gene Listener asks about the APOE4 gene and its association with Alzheimer's disease in the light of a recent sensationalistic Nature publication. The impact of amyloid beta and TAU proteins on Alzheimer's pathology. Differences in Alzheimer's risk among different ethnic groups with APOE4 with emphasis on the importance of c...

Broadcast on KSQD Santa Cruz on 7-05-2024: Guest introduction and Background Introduction of Rita Hewitt, regional director for Central Coast overdose prevention, and her professional background. Overview of Rita’s notable achievements and roles in various healthcare and harm reduction initiatives. Rita’s journey from a licensed pharmacy technician to her current role in overdose prevention. Impac...