Health Wanted

Moms! They do so much for their children, but somehow, according to everyone else's opinion, all of it is terrible and wrong. As Mother’s Day approaches, we wanted to say thank you to all our moms for doing their best by presenting data to silence the haters. This week on Health Wanted…we’re defending moms. Plus - Do GLPs have anything to do with why people are drinking less? What exactly is a “gut biofilm?” What’s the deal with hantavirus? And the tick (opps I mean “sick”) of the week! For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While celebs and their stylists prepare to make an impression at the Met Gala, we’re preparing for what I like to call the “Code Met” Gala. This week on Health Wanted…we have a passion for surgical fashion. Plus - Are roundabouts bad for pedestrian safety? Are “whole grain” foods just as bad as refined flour? Should we be rethinking cremation? For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey men! Are you feeling as manly as you could be? Do you have enough man juice flowing through your veins? Did you know hormones aren’t just for girls anymore? They’re manly! This week on Health Wanted…Are you man enough to learn about testosterone therapy?!? Plus - Is ivermectin effective against head lice? What should you look for in electrolytes? Does the phrase “GLP-1 Like” mean anything? Why is there so much pollen? And the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show: cannabis! Is it bad for you? Is it good for you? Better than alcohol? And how does it seem to be EVERYWHERE…even in states where you know it’s illegal? Plus - Is red light therapy a scam? Is there any truth to the idea that the FDA doesn’t withhold good products? And what does “holistic health” actually mean? For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private equity is not just taking over companies—it’s increasingly gaining control of health care facilities as well. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Megan Greenwell explain private equity and how it can lead to lower-quality care for patients and financial instability for hospitals. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. has built our transportation infrastructure around vast landscapes of 6-lane highways and parking lots. Heck you’re probably listening to this while driving! And if you happen to be stuck in traffic, perhaps it’s time to question if cars are really solving more problems than they create. This week on Health Wanted we’re putting the pedal to the metal to talk about how your whip may be impacting your wellness. Plus, raw cheese recalls. Are car seats really that important? What’s the deal with chromium and insulin resistance? And an update on where we are with Lyme disease For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From magical amulets to metal funnels that cost $270, there are wellness scams all around for those who have eyes to see them. This week on Health Wanted, we’re preparing for April Fools’ Day by reviewing some health and wellness products, practices, and claims so ridiculous they make you say, “this is a joke, right?” Plus, a little good news. Why is protein in everything? Are David protein bars trying to Regina George us all? And the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone on the internet claims to have the secret solution to all your health needs, but has the answer been hiding in meemaw’s Metamucil this whole time? This week on Health Wanted: Fiber! How does it do so many wonderful things for health? Plus: How to feel (more) confident in your medical influencers on social media? What risks do hair dye pose? How much attention should you pay to California’s Prop 65 warnings? For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OOooh you ever get all hot and sweaty? You get that itch? You know you’re just gonna be up all night? Because you’re going through menopause. This week on Health Wanted we’re talking about the comeback queen known as menopause hormone therapy, and where the science stands on alleged miracle cure. Plus: What’s with all the aspartame hate? Are oral vitamin K drops just as good as the shot? Are toner printers filling you with microplastics? And the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 saw the start of a particular focus on detentions and deportations. This week on the show, we’re taking a look at the way increased immigration enforcement activity impacts public health. Plus: What’s going on with blood screening tests for cancer? How scientific are personality tests? How dangerous is raw chicken? And the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let’s be honest, Americans love to watch a contact sport. We cheer at hockey fights, make highlight reels of the most brutal football tackles, yell, “kill him!” When our favorite wrestlers get their opponent in a headlock. We know massive hits can take a toll on the old noggin', but as it turns out, it might just be the lesser hits that happen over and over and over again that are causing more damage to the most people.  This week on the show, we’re talking to former college football player and WWE wrestler, Dr. Chris Nowinski, about chronic traumatic encephalopathy. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a saying in parenting: “The days are long, but the years are short.” This could also apply to the whirlwind first year of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s tenure as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. This week on Health Wanted, we take a walk down memory lane to review all that RFK Jr. and the MAHA movement have been able to accomplish in their first year…for better or for worse. Plus: Is it safe to pee in an unflushed toilet? Could a case of mono cause scarlet fever? And the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Valentine’s day is here, and with it, mountains of sweets! Boxes of chocolates! Candy hearts that somehow still have phrases like “fax me!” There’s no limit to confectioneries for your cutie pie, but what does the research say about our sweet tooth’s connection to our overall health? This week on Health Wanted, we’re talking sugar, sugar. Plus: Does measles vaccination protect against SSPE? Are these measles outbreaks caused by foreign or domestic strains? And the Sick of the Week For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s episode of Health Wanted has it all: Covert influencer sponsored content! Taco Bell! School lunches! The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans! And it all comes back to dairy. Join us as we take a look at the udder-ly fascinating history of how milk became the essential drink for kids…and if it’s really as healthy as advertisers might have you believe. Plus: How to respond to chemical irritants. An update on Tylenol and autism, and the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a post-Roe world, more people are opting for a more permanent form of birth control, but their access might be limited by rules intended to prevent us from repeating violations of the past. This week on Health Wanted, we’re taking a look at the history of sterilization, and how well-intentioned laws can end up hurting people they meant to protect. Plus: Can you get ringworm from your pets? Are people who say cilantro tastes like soap lying for attention? Do noise cancelling headphones hurt your hearing? How are we counting vaccines? And the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The internet is a mecca for DIY enthusiasts. You can find out how to remodel your house, fix your car, and even…become your own doctor? This week on Health Wanted: As more Americans become disillusioned with our health care system, more tech companies are providing DIY alternatives to doctor’s offices…but is that a good thing? Plus: Is getting shingles protective against dementia? Do we all need to be testing our VO2 max? Will the Epstein-Barr virus kill us all? And the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you have acne? Low energy? Stinky feet? Ugly face? Crossed eyes? Well have we got the cure for you: RADIOACTIVE DECAY. This week on Health Wanted, we’re putting on our lead aprons to look back at the history of radiation as a cure-all, including an interview with Timothy Jorgensen, author of Strange Glow. Plus: Why returning to working out after a break might make you sick. Does viral load mean someone who’s sicker than you can make you sicker? What’s going on with the new dietary guidelines for Americans? And the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mind control—it’s often thought of as a science fiction trope, borne from fears of body snatchers or domineering overlords. But what if we’re thinking about the term the wrong way? Maybe we should be considering the reverse. This week on Health Wanted, we talk about how brain-computer interfaces are expanding the possibilities for our minds to control our worlds, including an interview with Dr. Chethan Pandarinath of the Systems Neural Engineering Lab. Plus: an update on the flu season. Does the Shingrix vaccine protect against cancer? And what the new CDC immunization recommendations mean for vaccine access. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Year, new you, new opportunities to punish yourself for being human! This week on Health Wanted…we’re kicking off the new year by putting you on a cleanse to detox you from useless health morality. Laurel Bristow talks with health psychologist Dr. Charlotte Markey about so-called “fresh starts” and the role of body image in weight loss. Plus: Is testosterone the most active hormone during your period? What causes the “asian glow” when drinking alcohol? How do we know what’s a mutation and what’s normal? Can a little bit of butter before bed prevent panic attacks? What’s new in the world of gonorrhea treatments? And the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 was a year of big questions: from our government, from our public health institutions, and, of course, from you, our lovely listeners. For this final episode of the year, we’re bringing you your best questions and Laurel’s best answers from 2025, including: Are indoor waterparks just a close cousin of cruises? Are there any real world applications of the finding that axolotl mucus attacks breast cancer and MRSA? What’s the danger in leaving flowers in a hospital room? And our sick of the year: Are pesticides in tampons poisoning us? We'll be back on the first Friday of 2026 to break down more science, in the pursuit of better health. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630. For more, visit healthwanted.org. To support Health Wanted and other public media programming, visit wabe.org/give.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are smack dab in the middle of the holiday season, which usually comes with enough liquid cheer to kill a horse…or at least get some people to consider wringing themselves out in the new year. This week on Health Wanted, it’s a not-so-happy hour as we take a big old swig of the truth about the health risks of alcohol. Host Laurel Bristow also interviews with Dr. Marissa Esser, former head of the CDC’s Alcohol Program. Plus: What happened to the man with the pig kidney? Do people with a MTHFR gene mutation need to avoid folic acid? More concerns about the recent ACIP meeting, and the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the mid 2010s “designer jeans” became a topic of conversation not just in the fashion world, but in the world of medical intervention as well. This week on Health Wanted: CRISPR was supposed to be the gene-editing tool to end all disease, so where has it gone? Host Laurel Bristow also talks to Dr. Ben Hurlbut about the ethics of curing disease through CRISPR. Plus: how do you address inaccurate health information at a party without starting a fight? Do vibration plates actually work? Are adjuvants the reason we saw an increase in peanut allergies? And the ACIP changes the birth dose Hep B vaccine recommendation. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health insurance: seems like a straightforward concept. Every month you put money into an account so that, when you need to pay health care costs, that account will cover it. If you’re laughing at the idea of using THAT description for THIS country, that’s probably because it’s a ridiculous oversimplification to the point that it’s closer to a lie.  This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow gives you an abridged explanation of health insurance in the U.S. She also talks to Rachel Nuzum of The Commonwealth Fund about what we could do to fix our health insurance system. Plus: can COVID vaccines impact the menstrual cycle? Does taking melatonin lead to heart failure? Will drinking instant coffee cause you to go blind? What’s going on with measles elimination in the country? And the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know Laurel has never had a pumpkin spice latte? Well, you do now! We're back with another ALA! With your help, we Ask Laurel Anything. Health Wanted host Laurel shares her Halloween recap and Christmas preview and explains why she is only just getting into Vanderpump Rules. Plus, we close things out with the ever-speedy 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 [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630. For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted. To support Health Wanted and other public media programming, visit wabe.org/give.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1968, biologist Paul Ehrlich cautioned that by the 1980s we’d see hundreds of millions of people starving to death due to overpopulation. Turns out… he was a bit off. This week on Health Wanted, the so-called “fertility crisis” is creating a panic about the fate of society and inspiring a movement for more babies. But what’s really driving our low birth rate, and what can we do to reverse it? Host Laurel Bristow also sits down with Dr. Karen Guzzo to discuss whether it’s truly necessary to lose our minds over the low fertility rate. Plus: Updates on the impending flu season. What’s causing an increase in opportunistic infections? Should people over age 65 get another COVID vaccine two months apart? How long can pathogens live on surfaces? Does microdosing weight-loss drugs work? For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Formula recall. What to do if you need to buy health insurance on the ACA market place? What’s the status of Long COVID research? Do COVID infections in pregnancy cause autism? Are we getting enough protein? Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a month of Halloween-themed shows, everyone is probably a little tired of talking about dying. Finally, it’s time to start LIVING. Maybe FOREVER. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow is looking at the field of longevity science to see how close we are to cheating death, and what’s still in the realm of fantasy. Laurel also sits down with Dr. Tom Frieden to discuss his new book “The Formula for Better Health,” to talk about what practical changes everyone can make to live a longer, healthier life. Plus: what does new research about estrogen therapy say about reducing the risk of heart disease? Are boric acid-based flame retardants harmful to pregnancies? And did COVID vaccines really improve a cancer patient’s chance of survival? For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Put on your favorite medieval tavern playlist, check yourself for signs of pestilence, and bring out your dead. This week on Health Wanted, we’re rounding out our month of Halloween horrors by talking about the original plague: THE PLAGUE. We’ll also be talking with medical entomologist Dr. Adelaide Miarinjara about battling plague in Madagascar. Plus: Do you need to worry about chikungunya now? How much lead is too much for protein powders? What are the ethical issues of a full-body transplant? And, of course, the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You ever hear the one about the two headed dog that walked out of a soviet research center? Well, you’re about to! This week on Health Wanted we’re rounding out our Halloween series by talking about the closest we’ve come to a real-life Dr. Frankenstein through the weird history of transplants past, present, and future, and talking to author Mary Roach about her new book exploring all the modern ways we can replace our parts. Plus—are Kegels actually good for you? How many beverages is too many for a morning routine? Should we be sanitizing our sponges? And what’s going on with the fertility rate? For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Quick! Here’s a round of Kiss, Marry, Kill: Nosferatu, Lestat, and Count Chocula. This week on Health Wanted, we’re accessorizing with our best garlic necklaces and inviting everyone in to get up close and personal with the medical explanations for vampires. Plus, do COVID vaccines cause “turbo cancer?” What’s going on with the lawsuit saying some birth control causes brain tumors? And why would anyone claim there’s a connection between circumcision and autism? For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A term for a mindless person. A tiki drink that will make you wish you were dead if you have too many. An iconic dance break in a Michael Jackson video. Laurel’s favorite Cranberries song. What do these have in common? This week on Health Wanted Laurel investigates the medical origins, and possible explanations, for zombies, and interviews Dr. Roger Byard about real-life cases of people consuming a zombie’s favorite treat: human flesh. Plus, Laurel answers questions about if Tylenol depletes glutathione, if acupuncture is the new Botox, if a nasal spray can reduce the risk of COVID, and more! For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow takes on the often-taboo topic of death and the difficult discussion of what to do with our own bodies when we go. And she interviews filmmakers Barry Koch and Jason Zamer about their documentary “A Butterfly Has Been Released,” exploring how a lifetime spent near death can create a more peaceful view of dying. Plus, Laurel answers questions about the safety of gel nail polish, whether it’s bad to hold in a sneeze, deceptive drug ads, food recalls, and more! For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow helps you gear up to avoid getting taken down by a winter virus—COVID, flu, and RSV—and chats with friend of the show Dr. Seema Lakdawala about the best ways to stop transmission. Plus, Laurel recaps the recent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting and talks about why we should be wary of supplements claiming to be alternatives for a recently announced autism treatment. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever found yourself muttering the phrase “this job is killing me,” take a moment to be grateful you mean it metaphorically and not literally. In this episode of Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow dives into forgotten occupational diseases—from jobs that turn you yellow to jobs that melt your face off. She’s joined by guest Linda Forst, MD, to explore workplace safety today, in the United States and around the world. In the Q&A, Bristow talks about the concept of herd immunity and how vaccines protect both the vaccinated and unvaccinated, confirms that coffee enemas aren’t the answer you’re looking for, and, just in case you had finally forgotten about the disturbing content of our “Neglected Tropical Diseases” episode, gives the "Sick of the Week" to whether or not people living in the U.S. need to be worried about Chagas disease. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Walking into a gas station in the past handful of years, you might have noticed a new product on the shelves: pills, powders, gummies, or energy shots containing “pure kratom alkaloids.” But what is kratom? And what is the new substance (7-hydroxymitragynine) that the FDA is concerned about? This week on Health Wanted host Laurel Bristow dives into the rise of 7-OH, the substance being dubbed the “next opioid crisis.” Then, she is joined by guest Oliver Grundmann, PhD, to explore whether these products are a harm-reduction tool or a danger to public health.  In the Q&A, Bristow gives an update on COVID vaccine approvals, breaks down a recent report linking Tylenol and folate to autism, and yet another deep dive into COVID transmission takes the “Sick of the Week.” For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ALA is back once again! With your help, we Ask Laurel Anything. Included in this episode are questions on topics ranging from Laurel's recent experience at the Public Media Content Conference to the proper pronunciation of "gif." She also dives into a Best Muppets rundown and takes a moment for Axolotl Rose in Pet Corner. We close things out with the always speedy 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 [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630. For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted. To support Health Wanted and other public media programming, visit wabe.org/give  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve all been there: You’re on your couch watching TV, when suddenly a celebrity appears to try to sell you Ozempic. How does pharmaceutical marketing influence patient behavior, doctor-patient relationships, and public policy? Learn all that and more this week on Health Wanted, when host Laurel Bristow dissects the uniquely American phenomenon that is direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising. Then, she is joined by Steve Woloshin, MD, for a doctor’s perspective. Bristow addresses questions on topics ranging from rabbits with horns in Colorado to PFAS in contact lenses to a reported link between cancer and COVID, all before Sick of the Week gives a preview of respiratory virus season. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rats—they are often seen as pests or spreaders of disease, but they are also surprising public health heroes. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow explores the role rats play in disease transmission, from the Black Death to modern outbreaks, and uncovers their contributions to science, from sniffing out landmines to serving as human proxies in lab studies. Then, she is joined by Kaylee Byers, PhD, to talk about rats and humans existing together. In the Q&A, Bristow tackles questions about measles immunity, how to know if you need an additional MMR vaccine, and what factors determine a baby’s sex. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Swimming is an important skill to decrease your risk of drowning, but not everyone has the opportunity to learn how to do it. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Megan Benvenuto dive into the health concerns and benefits of pools and how important they are for people to learn to swim. In the Q&A, Bristow addresses questions on virus aerosol transmission and mitigation, drinking soda to hydrate, the threat of long bird flu, UTI and hypoglycemia, and vaccine misinformation.  For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a reason we spend around a third of our lives asleep: We need sleep to survive. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Dayna Johnson, PhD, talk about why we sleep, the importance of sleep quality, and how to make sure you are getting the most out of your body’s time at rest. In the Q&A, Bristow SSRIs and pregnancy, vitamin C and bleeding gums, myocarditis and COVID, and some good news about vaccines! A question about a possible universal cancer vaccine sets up "Sick of the Week." For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private equity is not just taking over companies—it’s increasingly gaining control of health care facilities as well. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Megan Greenwell explain private equity and how it can lead to lower-quality care for patients and financial instability for hospitals. In the Q&A, Bristow addresses questions on plague, Coca-Cola's new cane-sugar-sweetened Coke, and - hold onto your hats - the debut of New World Screwworm is "Sick of the Week." For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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-sections and colon cancer, uncured vs. cured hot dogs, and the FDA's recent moves to phase out animal testing. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 whether or not a tech millionaire’s quest to live forever is realistic. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630. For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted. To support Health Wanted and other public media programming, visit wabe.org/give  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 about PFAS in dental floss, the dangers of alcohol, and if the full moon encourages parasitic activity. Plus, in the Sick of the Week, a new study from UGA finds that shrimp are spreading resistance to a last-line antibiotic. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 services could benefit public health. Bristow then covers an array of topics in the Q&A, including ketamine, the impacts of creatine on Alzheimer's, bagged salad and food recalls, the HPV vaccine, and a reported presence of pesticides in tampons sets up "Sick of the Week." For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwantedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 communicator she is today. The Q&A kicks off with "What The Health?!" to look at the Secretary of the HHS's recent decision to fire the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), recommendations on making the country healthy, the HHS cancellation of a contract with Moderna, a link between Covid and cancer, methylene blue, cures for cancers, the danger of working in a hair salon, and cholesterol management shows up for "Sick of the Week." Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Hydroxyapatite before a look at the drop in overdose-related deaths for the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, Bristow covers topics including the safety of swimming in Rock Creek, animal testing requirements, and FDA regulations for salmonella in chicken. The link between Parkinson's disease and golf courses comes in for the Sick of the Week. For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.