The People's Pharmacy Podcast

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.

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...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year. We are calling this a brain attack because, like a heart attack, it is preceded by risk factors and may be followed by lasting damage. How can we reduce our risk? This week, we hear a first-hand account of what a stroke feels like, from neuroanatomist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor. Then w...

This week, we hear from pulmonologist Roger Seheult, MD,  an expert in critical care and pulmonology 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...

Do you know what is the best diet for you? If you are a regular listener, you will have heard that many different diets can be beneficial. But the best ones have at least two things in common: fiber and phytonutrients from a meal plan full of plants. This week on our nationally syndicated radio show, we discuss the importance of fiber and phytonutrients in our food for keeping our intestinal micro...

A personalized approach considering multiple factors may be helpful for changing the course of Alzheimer disease.  This week, we look at the new pharmaceuticals that the FDA has approved for treating Alzheimer disease. Although they are effective at removing amyloid plaques from the brain, they don't seem to help patients function better. Is it time to turn away from an exclusive focus on amyloid...

In this interview, Dr. Emily Chang of UNC discusses how to take care of your kidneys to keep them functioning well. This week, our guest discusses how to prevent and treat a surprisingly common condition, chronic kidney disease. One in three Americans faces the risk factors for kidney disease; one in seven is actually living with the condition, although they may not be aware of it. The podcast als...

A surprising amount of research supports the biological benefits of practicing kindness, forgiveness, compassion and gratitude. 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 re...

Social isolation is a serious risk factor for chronic diseases. As a result, overcoming loneliness is an essential step toward better health.   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,...

Historically, medical students were expected to take the Hippocratic oath upon graduation. Although the original Greek does not actually contain the warning to do no harm, the oath is widely believed to carry that intent. Yet it may be difficult for doctors to avoid harming some patients. We'll examine where patients should be especially vigilant and how the evidence from careful studies can help.

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.

Bacteriophages are nature's viral warriors. They attack bacteria and can overcome even those that have developed resistance to antibiotics.  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 journa...

Research shows that hypnotherapy helps people manage pain as well as pain medication does and can help them overcome PTSD.

Researchers are discovering how can anger harm your heart. It has a profound negative effect on the lining of your blood vessels. 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...

To minimize the harms from forever chemicals, we need to find alternatives free of these stain, grease and water repellents. 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 compo...

Two experts discuss conventional and complementary approaches to alleviating the suffering due to year-round allergies.

This interview with Dr. Fekrat addresses listener questions about how to keep your eyes healthy and protect your precious eyesight.

A physician who survived a close call with death has dedicated his life to unlocking the lifesaving potential of old drugs.

When doctors' recommendations are based on scientific evidence, they hold up. But blind spots that rely on dogma instead are a problem.

Patients coming together for support in ClusterBusters are sharing the idea of magic mushrooms to help ease and prevent cluster headaches.

In this discussion, Dr. Alan Greene offers parents advice on protecting children from minute plastic particles.

Addiction scientist Dr. Jud Brewer describes how to acknowledge food cravings and break free of our habits of mindless eating.

What are sunlight's health benefits? People who get enough–not too much–sun are less likely to die prematurely.  

In this live show, listen to learn about home remedies that work for hiccups, warts, or leg cramps. You'll hear listeners call in with their own favorites!

In this interview, Dr. Robynne Chutkan explains the importance of digestive health for everything from cancer to cognition.