PODCAST · health
Straight Talk on Health
by Dr. Chet Zelasko
How do you live your healthiest life when health information seems to change every day? Each week on Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko examines the health headlines, digs into the latest research studies, explores the claims of miracle nutrients and diets, and gives you his insight about what’s real and what’s not so you can make informed decisions about your health. Straight Talk on Health airs Monday afternoons during WGVU’s Midday West Michigan.The health information Dr. Chet talks about is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice from your healthcare provider; it should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. This information is, however, designed to motivate you to work towards better health, which includes seeing your healthcare professional regularly.
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Ep. 165 – Parasites, bacteria, the latest outbreak
Food born illnesses seem to be on the rise with the latest one hitting Michigan hard. Dr. Chet Zelasko checks out the latest on the cyclospora outbreak and explores other food safety topics on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 164 – Research Shorts
Today Dr. Chet Zelasko gives some short reports from the research he’s read recently. The topics range from flatulence to vitamin K, to the minimum amount of effort needed to extend your life. That is all ahead on this edition of Straight Talk on Health.
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Ep. 163 – The Obesity Solution: Stress Adaptation
Losing weight and maintaining weight loss is a challenge that seems impossible. With the focus on medications these days, can it be done by lifestyle alone? Dr. Chet gives his thoughts on the topic on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 162 – The Problem with Expert Opinions
Everyone seems to think they’re a health expert these days, and even those who have the credentials and training seem to be giving inaccurate information. Dr. Chet Zelasko looks into this and explains more on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 161 - Heat, Humidity, and Physical Activity
We’re in the heat of summer, marked by high heat and humidity. Today Dr. Chet reviews the basics of all types of physical activity to survive and thrive in the summer on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 160 - Diet and Cancer: Dos and Don’ts
On this episode of Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko reviews the highlights of an interview he heard from one of the leading cancer researchers on how to reduce your risk of cancer and maybe even how to treat it
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Ep. 159 – Interval Training
When High Intensity Interval Training was introduced several years ago, It was pitched as a way to get more done in a shorter period of time. Interval training has been around more than a century, and on this episode of Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko explains how to use it for your health goals.
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Ep. 158 – Is obesity a disease only treatable with medication?
Losing weight and maintaining the weight loss seems impossible. An obesity researcher said that it is impossible without the current types of medications. Is that so? Dr. Chet Zelasko shares his thoughts on the topic on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 157 –Healthspan: The Real Frontier
Dr. Chet Zelasko talks about his own journey through cataract surgery and with glaucoma. Then introduces the focus of this season of the show: increasing “healthspan.”
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Ep. 156 – Research Update: Vitamin D and Long-term COVID
Researchers used medical databases from two different countries to demonstrate the potential benefits of Vitamin D on long-term COVID symptoms. Dr. Chet Zelasko covers that and a couple of things on food, supplements, and more on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 155 – New Guidelines for Diet and Heart Disease Risk
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently released the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans with much fanfare. The question is, are they really that different from past editions? The American Heart Association has also released a new app to determine your risk of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Chet Zelasko covers both items on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 154 – What’s Your Question?
What’s your question? That’s what Dr. Chet Zelasko would ask every expert that analyzes research studies to consider before they comment on them. Dr. Chet shares his question with you, and talks about another study on drinking coffee, on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 153 – Carbonated drinks and your bones
It seems like there are more carbonated drinks on store shelves than ever before in every imaginable flavor, some with alcohol. Does all this carbonation impact the strength of your bones? Dr. Chet Zelasko takes a look on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 152 – The Starvation Mode Myth Revisited
Why is it difficult to maintain weight loss? The concept of “starvation mode” has been used to explain why the body demands to return to its previous weight. A version of that known as Adaptive Thermogenesis may also have a role. Dr. Chet looks at this issue on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 151 – Spring Ahead, Fall Back
We’ve just sprung ahead to Daylight time. While it seems to have its proponents, there is a growing push to just pick Standard or Daylight time and stay there. Are there health factors to consider? Dr. Chet Zelasko takes a look at that and more on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 150 – Research Updates: Snake Oil and Coffee
Today, Dr. Chet Zelasko explores why the term “snake oil” is used to talk about dietary supplements. He also looks at a study on coffee consumption and atrial fibrillation (AFib). Does coffee cause AFib episodes? Dr. Chet takes a look on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 149 – Everything you need to know about Vitamin D
The first paper Dr. Chet ever wrote for recording was about Vitamin D. It was a primer on everything you need to know on the topic. On this edition of Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet presents the paper again, updated with the latest research
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Ep. 148 – National Heart Month: Stroke
What do you do if you suspect someone is having a stroke? How about if that someone is you? Dr. Chet talks about stroke and BE FAST on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 147 – Research Update: Vaccinations
The controversy over vaccination of children and adults is growing. Instead of addressing the controversy, Dr. Chet is going to do a research update on the COVID vaccine. A discussion on the way science ought to be done on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 146 – Thoughts and Observations
Dr. Chet Zelasko shares his thoughts on the many ads that crowd purported health websites, why leg strength is important at any age, and more, all on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 145 – All About Avocados
It’s almost time for the big game and that’s when we start seeing ads for avocados, the real party dip. But are avocados actually good for you? Dr. Chet covers this fruit in detail, including a recent study on some of the potential benefits, on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 144 – When is Enough?
After viewing a recent video by a physician finding fault with the typical recommended treatment for hypertension, Dr. Chet looked at what the physician claimed versus the standard for recommended care. Dr. Chet goes over what he found on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 143 – A myth busted and shoulder replacement
It occurred to Dr. Chet over the holidays that a huge health myth had been busted. He talks about that and offers some observations on shoulder replacement surgery in the 21st century on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 142 – Healthier and Fitter: A Simple Approach
The new year is imminent - or the new month, week, or day that you decide to take an interest in getting healthier and fitter. On this episode of Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet offers the simplest approach to doing just that
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Ep. 141 – Why nutrition doesn’t fix everything
It all began with a question from a listener; she had a health issue and wanted to use nutrition to fix it. As we get closer to the new year, your health habits are important, but they can’t fix everything, and that includes eating better and eating less
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Ep. 140 – Research Update: Peanut Allergies
Before 2015, the standard recommendation was to protect infants and babies from allergies. As a result, parents were told to avoid feeding nuts and other potential foods that cause allergic responses to children. Was that a good idea? We’ll look at an update on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 139 – Research Update: Melatonin
The new year approaches and it’s time to start planning for how you’re going to address your health and fitness. Do you have Weight to lose? Strength to gain? Blood pressure to lower? Dr. Chet will give you a process to follow and a research update on melatonin on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 138 – Erythritol: A Killer of a Sweetener?
A particular sugar alcohol has been in the news. Research has questioned its use in many products as a sweetener due to a potential impact on the cardiovascular system. Dr. Chet Zelasko takes a look at the research on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 137 – Research Updates
There have been a couple of interesting basic research studies on nutrients that have an impact on several health conditions. Without this basic science, the cures of tomorrow may never happen. Dr. Chet covers these and gives a couple of other updates on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 136 – Research Update: The Poly Pill is back, sort of
Years ago, scientists attempted to provide a partial solution to the rise in degenerative diseases like cardiovascular disease, and factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It didn’t go very far, but it’s back. Dr. Chet shares what researchers found on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 135 – The World of Health on Podcasts
Dr. Chet Zelsako tries to stay current on health news by checking in on the research that’s been reported. He decided to listen to a variety of other health-related podcasts to see what they are saying. Dr. Chet tells us what he found on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 134 – PFAS: The Forever Chemical. Or is it?
Michigan and the rest of the country have a problem with PFAS and other forever chemicals. Do they really last forever in our body? Dr. Chet Zelasko talks about the latest research and also gives an update on why you might need an exit strategy if you’re going to use a new diet or weight loss medication. That’s all ahead on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 133 – Body Mass Index: Has it’s time passed?
A recent study has suggested that Body Mass Index is an antiquated way to assess mortality risk. They propose a simple instrument you may already have in your home that may assess percentage body fat that they claim is a better tool to assess mortality risk. We’ll check it out on this edition of Straight Talk on Health.
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Ep. 132 –Research Update: Cognitive Decline
A recent study has created interest in lithium as a potential contributor to brain health. Dr. Chet looks at why this metal has scientists and clinicians eagerly awaiting further research on its potential benefits for your brain on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 131 – Season six open: Autism update
The leadership of the FDA has decided to put cautionary statements on a commonly used over-the-counter pain reliever and expand the use of another form of vitamin medication without supporting research. Dr. Chet Zelasko looks into the facts on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 130 – Timely Topics
Today Dr. Chet Zelasko covers a few short topics that are on people’s minds these days. Topics include AI and health information, walking, strength, and flipping the switch on eating vegetables and fruit. All that on this edition on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 129 – How Your Heart Keeps on Beating
Did you ever wonder how many times your heart has to beat in your lifetime? Have you ever had to stop and think to keep your heart beating? Of course not, because it just keeps beating on its own. Today on Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko talks about why your heart can last a lifetime despite the things that can go wrong
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Ep. 128 – N-Acetyl Cysteine
NAC is an approved pharmaceutical for use in accidental poisonings from specific medications. It’s also a dietary supplement that may help your body detoxify itself. What is NAC and what does it do? That’s our topic on this edition of Straight Talk on Health with Dr. Chet Zelasko
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Ep. 127 – Real or Imagined: Health Products
There are some recent additions to health products and some theories concerning them that Dr. Chet Zelasko has been looking into. Are these theories based on reality or fiction? Dr. Chet gives you the run down on each one on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 126 – Pain vs Discomfort: How do you know the difference?
Do you know the difference between pain and discomfort? Is there a difference? Dr. Chet Zelasko says there is and he’ll try to explain it - and how to deal with each on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 125 – This and That
Have you ever had one of your heroes destroy your trust in them? Have you ever met someone who never wants to die? Have you seen things you just can’t believe? Those topics and more on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 124 – Recent Research on Aging
Can you beat aging? If you know how to stop time, then sure. Can you be the best version of yourself at any age? Yes, and some recent research has shown some of the things you’ll need to do that. Dr. Chet shares the details on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 123 – Short Research Reviews
Statins lower cholesterol, but how do they do that and why do people dislike taking them? How can you naturally relieve stress? Dr. Chet addresses these questions and more on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 122 – Glucagon-like Peptide 1
Dr. Chet Zelasko has been asked a lot of questions about the new diabetes and weight loss medications. Chet gives you the complete story on Glucagon-like Peptide, or GLP-1 (GLP One) on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 121 – Creatine: Is it Really a Muscle Builder?
A recent research paper grabbed the headlines suggesting that the supplement creatine didn’t contribute to gains in muscle mass as much as prior research had shown. Dr. Chet checks out the study and gives you his analysis on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 120 – Dying Before Their Time
We all know too many people died from COVID, but what about excess deaths from other causes? How does the U.S. compare with other high-income countries? We’ll look at a recent comparison of mortality rates in high income countries before, during, and after COVID on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 119 – Magnesium: A Key to Brain Health?
Protecting your brain should be a priority for all of us. What role does magnesium have? Dr. Chet shares the latest research on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 118 – The Stall
What does barbecuing beef brisket have to do with weight loss and fitness plateaus? More than you realize. Dr. Chet explains on this edition of Straight Talk on Health
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Ep. 117 –About Seed Oils
Influencers and purported health experts just can’t seem to let go of their obsession with seed oils. On this episode of Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko checks out exactly what they’re saying to determine whether their concerns real or imagined
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Ep. 116 – Update on Exercise Physiology
Today, Dr. Chet Zelasko examines a recent study on creatine. Does it really help you add more muscle? Then he looks at the fitness of a 92-year-old. It’s all on this episode of Straight Talk on Health
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
How do you live your healthiest life when health information seems to change every day? Each week on Straight Talk on Health, Dr. Chet Zelasko examines the health headlines, digs into the latest research studies, explores the claims of miracle nutrients and diets, and gives you his insight about what’s real and what’s not so you can make informed decisions about your health. Straight Talk on Health airs Monday afternoons during WGVU’s Midday West Michigan.The health information Dr. Chet talks about is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice from your healthcare provider; it should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. This information is, however, designed to motivate you to work towards better health, which includes seeing your healthcare professional regularly.
HOSTED BY
Dr. Chet Zelasko
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