Health Wanted

Disability has always existed, but ensuring equal rights for people with disabilities has not. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and filmmaker/disability rights advocate James Lebrecht talk about his documentary, "Crip Camp," review the history of the disability rights movement and the importance of continuing to advocate for equality. And Laurel answers your questions about C-sectio...

Gambling is no longer limited to Vegas casinos—today, it is as easy as a few taps on a mobile device. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Rachel Volberg, PhD, discuss the rise in problem gambling and why it is a public health issue. In the Q&A, Bristow has an update on the number of measles cases in the U.S., if there is a link between brain damage and COVID-19, and...

Symbolically and scientifically, snakes have long played a significant role in medicine. This week on Health Wanted , host Laurel Bristow and guest Steve Mackessy, PhD, dig into the history of snakes in health care and recent breakthroughs in venom research. And, Bristow addresses listener questions covering fire extinguisher disposal, meningitis risk in youths, and thimerosal in the Q&A. For...

The ALA is back once again! The  Health Wanted team takes a dive into the listener mailbag for a Special Summer Edition of Ask Laurel Anything. Included are questions on summer faves, Sew Sew, and - of course - the lightning round. We'll be back next week to break down more science, in the pursuit of better health. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to  healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a...

It’s time for summer fun! But before you head to your Fourth of July barbecue, make sure you know how to keep yourself safe and healthy. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest George McKeehan go over helpful safety tips for Fourth of July activities like swimming, spending time outside, and enjoying firework displays. And in the Q&A Bristow tackles listener questions a...

The U.S. has the highest population of incarcerated people in the world, but quality health care is severely limited in correctional facilities. This week on Health Wanted , host Laurel Bristow and guests Mark Spencer, MD, and Wanda Bertram discuss the current state of health services for incarcerated people in the U.S., the decline in care due to cost-cutting measures, and how improving these ser...

This week on Health Wanted , host Laurel Bristow celebrates her birthday by sharing her origin story, from a wide eyed youth to a voice of public health. Learn about Laurel‘s background and the moments that led to her interest, and then commitment, to research and science. Special guest Pamela, Laurel‘s mother, talks about early signs that her daughter would go on to become the science...

Homelessness has been rising in the U.S., and when people end up on the street, their health is at risk. This week on Health Wanted , host Laurel Bristow and guest Kelly Doran, MD, MHS, talk about housing as health care and the policies that can help lift people out of poverty. In the Q&A, Bristow addresses timely questions on prescription drug costs, Covid vaccine availability, and Hydroxyapa...

As Summer glides in, the temptation to grab and enjoy a refreshing beverage is ever-present. But what's the science behind the claimed "benefits" of energy drinks and other wellness elixirs? This week on  Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Dr. Amelia Lake discuss the research around the beverages designed to make us think they'll make us feel better.  In the Q&A, Brist...

This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Otis Brawley, MD discuss the current state of cancer in the country, giving insight to current trends in diagnosis and recovery rates, as well as examining disparities in access to screening and treatment. In the Q&A, Bristow answers questions on the availability of the Covid vaccine under new proposed policies, the benefits of sourdoug...

The return of summer brings fresh air, time outside, and a rising chance of running into ticks. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Brandon Jutras, PhD, explore the science behind Lyme disease and the latest research on its prevention and treatment. Bristow then addresses a series of topics in the In the Q&A including: placebo controlled trials for vaccines, babies and se...

As summer approaches, the threat of extreme weather begins to rise. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Craig McLean discuss climate, severe weather, and how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) works to keep the public informed and prepared for what’s ahead. In the Q&A, Bristow shares research and insights on topics ranging from waterparks and...

Gun violence is a major public health crisis in the U.S. and the number one cause of death for children aged 1-19. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Nandita Somayaji explore how gun violence affects health and why research and prevention efforts are more critical than ever. Bristow then answers questions in the Q&A on a range of topics: CJD in the Pacific Northwest, veg...

The ALA is back once again! The  Health Wanted team once again dives into the listener mailbag to Ask Laurel Anything, including important topics like cookies, favorite 80s movies, the risk assessment of riding a motorcycle, and a visit to Pet Corner. We hope you enjoy. We'll be back next week to break down more science, in the pursuit of better health. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to&...

Many Americans have diets deficient in fresh produce, whole foods, and important nutrients, and it isn’t all due to personal choices. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Megan Winkler, PhD, discuss the cost, access, and availability of healthy food in the United States. In the Q&A, Bristow fields listener questions on COVID vaccine side effects, licking uncooked bro...

The Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) is a uniformed governmental service that protects public health in the U.S. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow marks the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week by highlighting the Corps’ vital role in protecting the nation's health. In the Q&A, Bristow answers questions on a range of topics: a followup...

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how people communicate, learn, and interact. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Daniele Fallin, PhD, talk about ASD and what could be behind its rising prevalence across the world. Bristow then covers a range of topics in the Q&A: genetic testing and insurance, vaccines before cruises, and trust...

Access to gender-affirming health care is a critical and evolving issue that encompasses both medical and societal challenges. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Chase Strangio, JD, discuss health care for transgender people and how current legislation makes it harder to access. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Note...

In honor of World Tuberculosis Day, Health Wanted presents author John Green in conversation with host Laurel Bristow for his new book, “Everything is Tuberculosis.” Live from Glenn Memorial at Emory University on March 21, 2025, John and Laurel discuss the book, the persistence of tuberculosis, and what happens when people confuse him for his brother, Hank. Have a question for Laurel...

Every year, tuberculosis claims over one million lives worldwide. The United States has long been a key contributor to global efforts in preventing, treating, and researching the disease. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Kenneth Castro, MD, discuss the ongoing challenges of tuberculosis and the impact that recent cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development budget...

Five years ago this week, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. This fast-tracked information sharing, vaccine development and deployment, and activated the global scientific community as they worked to understand the virus and minimize its spread. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, co-lead investigator of the Yale COVID-19 Recovery...

The exposome is an expansive concept that encompasses everything in the environment a person is exposed to throughout their lifetime. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Doug Walker, PhD, discuss the study of the exposome, environmental exposures, and their impact on human health. In the Q&A, Bristow speaks on the safety of artificial turf, the measles outbreak, and a que...

Rural communities face many significant health challenges due to inaccessible health care, economic instability, and occupational hazards. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Hannah Cooper, ScD, discuss rural health disparities and the impact of the opioid use epidemic on rural communities. In the Q&A, Bristow answers questions on bird flu, using "beige" fat cells to dest...

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of conditions that disproportionately impact low-income countries and receive insufficient attention and resources from around the world. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Jessica Fairley, MD, explore some of the most common NTDs and how the U.S. benefits from contributing to their research and prevention. In the Q&A, Brist...

From past to present, public health has driven essential progress, leaving a positive impact on our health and our hearts. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Lisa Waddell, MD, talk about advancements in public health and the importance of addressing risk factors to improve heart health. Bristow answers questions on a variety of topics in the Q&A, including the impact of...