What The Health: News & Information To Live Well & Feel Good

In this critical episode of What The Health , we discuss the rising concerns over prostate health, including cancer, enlargement, and inflammation, with Dr. Garrett Pohlman, a specialist from the Kearney Urology Clinic in Nebraska. Dr. Pohlman shares insights into why these issues are becoming more prevalent, the roles of awareness and improved diagnostics, and the significance of early detection....

This episode of What the Health delves into the profound connection between mental vitality, optimism, and heart health. Host John Salak introduces Dr. Alan Rozanski, who explains how an energetic mindset and positive thinking can significantly impact physical well-being, particularly cardiovascular health. Dr. Rozanski discusses the importance of high-quality thinking patterns, emotional well-bei...

In this episode of What the Health , we dive deep into the world of weight loss drugs. Joined by obesity specialist Dr. Spencer Nadolsky, we explore the effectiveness and safety of these increasingly popular medications. Learn how they work, who should use them, and why lifestyle changes are still crucial. We also discuss potential side effects, insurance challenges, and the risk of counterfeit dr...

In this episode of What the Health , we dive into the importance of staying physically active as a mature adult. Host John welcomes Dr. Sabrena Jo from the American Council on Exercise to discuss effective fitness routines for those in their fifties, sixties, seventies, and beyond. Dr. Jo explains the balance between the right amount of exercise and over-exertion, the significance of personalized...

Explore the groundbreaking changes in healthcare with Dr. Jag Singh. From the integration of sensors and biometrics to the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, this episode delves into how technology is reinventing medicine. Discover the impact on virtual care, proactive wellness, and individualized treatment, and understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Tune in...

In this episode of What the Health , we delve into the crucial topic of rheumatoid arthritis with Dr. Jason Liebowitz, a renowned clinician specialist in autoimmune diseases and an assistant professor at Columbia. Discover the differences between rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis, learn about the common symptoms and health risks, and explore the various treatment options available....

In this episode of What the Health , we explore the realities and opportunities of late-life career transitions. John speaks with Caroline Ceniza-Levine, founder of Dream Career Club, who shares expert insights on how mature adults can successfully navigate career changes. They discuss the emotional, financial, and practical considerations involved and the unique challenges and benefits of making...

In this episode of What the Health , we explore the growing use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, especially among mature adults. John Salak welcomes guest, Dr. Leigh Vinocur from the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, to discuss the benefits and risks of cannabis use, the importance of professional guidance and the complexities of dosing and drug interactions. Dr. Vinocur also delves into the diff...

In this episode of What the Health , we tackle the complexities of infertility issues in the U.S. and around the globe. Our guest, Davina Fankhauser, co-founder and executive director of Fertility Within Reach, sheds light on individuals' various challenges—from identifying fertility problems to navigating the labyrinth of medical costs and insurance coverage. We discuss the mental, physical, and...

Join us for a special Valentine's Day edition of What the Health as we dive into the world of online dating with America's top online dating expert, Julie Spira. Discover why more singles are turning to digital platforms to find love and companionship, learn about the transformation of dating over the last 30 years, and get essential tips for creating a standout online dating profile.  Julie...

Discover the continuing threat of tobacco use in America in this episode of What the Health . John Salak delves into the hidden crisis of smoking with Jennifer Folkenroth, Senior Director of Nationwide Tobacco Programs for the American Lung Association. Despite significant declines in cigarette smoking since 1965, tens of millions of Americans still smoke, leading to hundreds of thousands of death...

In this episode of What the Health , we explore the pervasive role of alcohol in American life, the devastating health impacts and the complexities of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Dr. Yngvild Olsen, the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, provides insights into the evolution of terms used to describe AUD, the genetic and environmental risk factors and the health consequences assoc...

In this episode of What the Health , we delve into the often-overwhelming stress many feel during the holiday season. Host John Salak speaks with Dr. Ken Duckworth, Chief Medical Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about the various causes of holiday stress, from unrealistic expectations set by Hallmark movies to seasonal affective disorder. Dr. Duckworth offers practical co...

In this episode of 'What the Health,' John welcomes Dr. Leanne Clark-Shirley, President and CEO of the American Society on Aging, to discuss the multifaceted concept of healthy aging in America. They delve into the various definitions of healthy aging, the pervasive issue of ageism and how societal structures and policies support or hinder the aging population. Dr. Clark-Shirley shares her journey...

The holiday season often brings indulgent meals and an unhealthy portion of guilt over breaking dietary goals. In this episode of What the Health , we discuss finding a balance between enjoying holiday foods and maintaining a healthy diet with nutrition specialist Dr. Whitney Linsenmeyer from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Learn practical strategies for navigating holiday parties, hosting...

In this episode of What the Health , we explore the challenges veterans face upon returning home and how music can play a vital role in their healing process. Host John Salak introduces Terry Radigan, a renowned songwriter involved with SongwritingWith:Soldiers. Terry shares insights into the program, which pairs songwriters with veterans and first responders to create life-changing music. With Ve...

In this episode of What the Health , John Salak welcomes Dr. Mary McNaughton-Cassill to explore the rising levels of political stress in the wake of the current U.S. election cycle. The discussion covers how 24-hour news cycles, social media and performance politics contribute to heightened anxiety and stress. Dr. McNaughton-Cassill provides historical context, noting how media evolution has inten...

In this episode of What the Health , Meghan Donnelly from the Celiac Disease Foundation explores the challenges and realities of living with celiac disease. Celiac disease is a severe, long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the small intestine's ability to absorb nutrients. While celiac disease is tied to gluten ingestion, it differs from gluten sensitivity. The difficulties in diagn...

In this episode of What the Health , we discuss the importance of eye care and common vision problems with Dr. Purnima Patel from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The conversation covers various topics, including the prevalence and risks of eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.  Dr. Patel emphasizes that losing vision with age is not i...

In this episode of What the Health , John Salak talks with Saskia Salak, a research scientist at NYU's Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab, about the immediate health impacts of climate change. They discuss the growing awareness of climate change, international disparities in understanding its causes and the tangible health risks such as heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues from w...

In this episode of What the Health , host John Salak discusses the complexities and misconceptions surrounding sustainable living with Kenny Barnes, Program and Outreach Coordinator for Sustainability Matters . They explore what sustainability truly means, the impact of individual actions, and how systemic change through voting and policy can make a significant difference.  Kenny also highlig...

In this episode of What the Health, our host interviews Tracy Packiam Alloway, PhD, an award-winning psychologist and author of The Working Memory Advantage. The discussion addresses common concerns about memory lapses and distinguishes between disease-related and everyday memory issues. Dr. Alloway explains the concept of working memory, its vulnerability to stress, and how various lifestyle fact...

This episode of What the Health tackles the critical issue of colorectal cancer, discussing its impact, symptoms, and the importance of early detection. The show features Michael Sapienza, the CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, who shares his personal journey and the Alliance's mission.  They explore the types of screenings available and how early detection improves survival rates. The ep...

In this episode of What the Health , the focus is on ulcers, a prevalent but often misunderstood medical condition. Host John Salak and guest expert Dr. Nina Nandy, a practicing gastroenterologist with the American Gastroenterological Association, delve into the causes, symptoms and treatments for gastrointestinal ulcers.  Dr. Nandy dispels common myths, such as the misconception that stress...

In this episode of What the Health , John Salak is joined by Angie Glaser, an editor at Migraine Again and blogger of Chronic Migraine Life . They discuss the debilitating nature of migraines, shedding light on the fact that you have the power to manage this condition. They delve into the widespread prevalence of migraines affecting millions of Americans, the difference between migraines and heada...