Episodes
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Nootropics: Performance Enhancing Drugs for the Brain or Snake Oil?
Nootropics also known as smart drugs and cognitive enhancers are drugs, supplements, and other substances that improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation in healthy individuals. Similar to the use of PEDs in athletics, the use of...
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Coping with Tragedies in The Media
Parents and children learning about tragedies that are all over the media may find it difficult to discuss and process. Many young people likely hear about these attacks through social media and have formed opinions, impressions and questions. This can leave parents and other adults struggling…
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Your Brain 101: Social Media and the Brain – Is It Addiction or Just Good Marketing?
Have you ever felt a sense of unease if you weren't able to check your phone regularly? Or had a little burst of pleasure when friends and colleagues "liked" something you posted online? How and why you feel that way is no accident. Here to talk with us about brain hacking is Dr. Jesse Corry, a...
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Falls Prevention: How You Can Avoid a Fall
Falls are not a normal part of aging, yet one out of every four adults age 65 and older falls every year, and most have significant health and lifestyle consequences as a result. The good news is, falls can be prevented. Listen to this important segment as Chris Wellner, PT, shares the most…
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Advanced Technologies to Treat Spinal Cord Injury
Robotics and advanced technology are transforming treatment and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries, strokes and other neurological conditions. Today, there is hope for a much fuller recovery and a much brighter future following these devastating conditions. In this segment of The...
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What is Oral Allergy Syndrome?
Many people have a food intolerance. This term refers to heartburn, cramps, belly pain, or diarrhea that can occur after they eat certain foods. However, if you feel things such as an itchy mouth after taking a bite from an apple, you might have symptoms of Oral Allergy Syndrome, also known as...
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Exercise and the Brain
Just like the rest of your body, your brain needs the right food and exercise to perform well. Studies show a strong link between regular exercise and a boost in verbal memory and learning. In this segment, Gail Ericson, physical therapist with the Penny George Institute's LiveWell® Fitness…
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Your Brain 101: Think With Your Stomach – The Gut Microbiome
Scientists have known for quite some time that bacteria that occur in the gut affect a person’s health, from digestion to allergies. More recently, studies are finding that the microbes that colonize the gut also have an effect on the brain, and can play a role in conditions such as autism,...
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Recent Zika Virus Updates 2017
It’s been over a year since the World Health Organization declared the association of Zika infection with microcephaly and other neurological disorders as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” A lot has happened since then including several confirmed cases in the United States. In...
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The Benefits of Mammography
According to Breastcancer.org, about one in eight U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. However, there has been much confusion and controversy on when to begin and how often to have a mammogram. Listen in as Lisa Schneider, MD, clears up some…
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Can You Get Allergies Later In Life?
Here you are, loving life and enjoying the change of seasons when all of a sudden your skin is itchy, nose is running and eyes are burning. Just because you've been allergy-free your whole life doesn't mean you can't grow into one. For millions of Americans, this is the unfortunate truth. Listen…
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Clearing up the Confusion for Over the Counter Medications
A trip to the pharmacy can be an overwhelming experience for someone simply trying to choose an over-the-counter medication to treat a symptom. Not only are there so many choices but people also have to worry about how a new medication might interact with a medication you’re currently taking. How...
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Can You Prevent Hearing Loss?
After a lifetime of listening, you might find that your hearing does not seem as sharp as it used to be. Our hearing tends to change gradually over time. However, there are some steps you can take to protect your precious hearing. In this segment of the Wellcast, Erin Voye, Doctor of Audiology at...
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Your Brain 101: The Process Of The Teenage Brain
Scientists have known for some time the teen brain is wired to produce reward signals in response to irresponsible or dangerous behaviors. And while parents may not like these risky behaviors, a new study says it’s the same brain process that also helps teens be better learners, too. Dr. Jesse...
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What is a "Normal" Menstrual Cycle?
In the U.S. the average age of a woman's first period is 12.3 years old, which means most women have menstrual cycles a significant portion of their lives. Because of this, some of the most common questions asked are about periods and what is considered "normal." Listen as Dr. Sara Ackerman,...
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The Importance of Adult Vaccinations
Unfortunately just because you're an adult doesn't mean you don't need vaccinations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the specific immunizations you need as an adult are based off of your age, lifestyle, high-risk conditions, type and locations of travel, and...
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Annual Physicals: What You Need to Know
Your health is your most important asset. That's why at Allina Health we recommend regular physical exams for adults. In this segment, Dr. Leslie Swartz-Williams discusses how at your visit, you'll meet with your care provider to ensure you're up-to-date on health screenings, identify risks for...
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Exercise as Medicine!
You may not know where or how to begin to start a regular exercise routine, or the best way to safely and effectively step up your current workout. Working with a Physical Therapist, an exercise physiologist or fitness specialist can help you with motivation and planning to reach your fitness...
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Busting Breast Cancer Myths
Deodorant and antiperspirants cause breast cancer; sugar feeds cancer;. hormone replacement can cause breast cancer; mammorgrams spread existing cancer. These are a few of the myths that surround breast cancer. There are many myths that have made their way into the public thought, but how are you...
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The Benefits of a Medical Massage
Massage is the treatment of the skin and soft tissues of the body to enhance health and healing and promote relaxation. It can help to restore or maintain balance in your mind and body. Massage usually results in decreased stress and anxiety, creating a sense of calm and well-being. Massage may...
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Your Brain 101: The Affects of Alcohol
People have sometimes joked that drinking kills brain cells, but is that really true? What kind of effect does heavy drinking have on the brain? Here to give us the facts is Dr. Jesse Corry, neurologist at Allina Health’s United Hospital.
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Stress Management: Discovering Your Inner Healing Resources
When you are under extreme stress, your body reacts and your fight or flight system kicks in. However, as our bodies are actively trying to protect us, we can experience real physiological effects from our psychological stressors. Our ability to heal ourselves depends in large part on our ability...
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Are Social Anxieties Keeping You Home?
Social anxiety disorder is a condition that causes you to feel anxious in social situations. It is also called social phobia. You may fear that people are watching or judging you. This fear can cause issues with work, school, or other daily activities. Listen as Alicia Krueger, CNP explains…
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Your Brain 101: The Chemistry of Love Part Two
In part one of The Chemistry of Love Dr. Corry explained what happens in our brain when we fall in love. In this segment, we explore falling out of love, how to stay in love, and a look at love as addiction.
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Your Brain 101: The Chemistry of Love
When do you know if you really like someone? What does love do to your brain chemicals, and is falling in love just nature's way to keep our species alive? Listen today as Dr. Jesse Corry explores with us what happens in our brain, not our heart, when we think we've found that special someone.
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Do You or a Loved One Suffer From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
7.7 million Americans over the age of 18 have post-traumatic stress disorder, which can occur after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Dr. Ciara Stigen, clinical psychologist with Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Associates in Coon Rapids, talks today about PTSD, who it affects,...
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Living With Diabetes
Whether you have just been told that you have diabetes or you've had it for years, managing diabetes can be a challenge. You are a key player on your health care team when it comes to managing your diabetes. Food, physical activity and stress management are a few of the ways you can help control...
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Blood Pressure Medications 101
According to CDC, about 70 million Americans adults have high blood pressure – that's 1 in every 3. Only about half of people with high blood pressure are actually managing their condition. If your doctor has told you that you have high blood pressure, they may recommend blood pressure medication...
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Defeat Dust Mites
In most homes, dust mites are everywhere. Often found in linens, bedding, carpeting and other fabric-materials, dust mites are a big problem for people who have indoor winter allergies. Today we’re talking with Dr. Kenneth Johns, an allergy and immunology physician for Allina Health clinics…
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Mindful Moms: Complementary Approaches to Managing Anxiety During Pregnancy
Are you a woman who is pregnant, has a history of anxiety or emerging anxiety in your current pregnancy and want to learn complimentary approaches to managing anxiety. Anxiety in pregnancy can impair sleep, relationships and quality of life. We are offering a holistic approach to manage anxiety...
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Parkinson’s Disease: Advancements In Treatment Options
Parkinson’s disease is chronic, progressive movement disorder. The cause is unknown, and while there isn’t currently a cure, researchers are learning more every day. Treatment options include medication and surgery to manage the symptoms. Listen in as Dr. Okeanis Vaou, medical director for the...
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Puttting Insomnia To Rest, Holistically
Sleep is a basic necessity of life that is essential for our health and well-being. A lack of sleep can have a negative impact on your mood, thinking, relationships, work performance and long-term health. Millions of Americans suffer from sleep-related disorders. In fact, more than 25 percent of...
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Managing Your Loved One’s Medications
With over 1 in 3 adults greater than 65 years old taking more than 5 medications daily, understanding and managing medication use can be expensive, confusing and sometimes harmful. Coming up with tools to help your loved ones use their medications will better ensure they get the health benefits...
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Midwifery for Pregnancy and Childbirth
Certified nurse-midwives care for women throughout their lives and provide holistic, patient/family-centered and evidenced-based care. Midwives work with women and families during pregnancy, birth, routine well woman exams and menopause. Listen in as Kathrine Simon, a board-certified nurse…
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The Benefits Of Red Wine—In A Pill?
We've all heard there are ingredients in wine—specifically red wine—that can help protect us from heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's and more. But to realize those benefits we'd have to drink an unhealthy amount of wine. Listen in as Dr. Jesse Corry, a neurologist from Allina Health, with the...
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Conversation About Contraception: The IUD
Couples considering birth control have many safe and effective options. The use of IUDs as birth control has been increasing recently. But many women still have a lot of questions about their safety and possible side effects. An intrauterine device (IUD) is a type of birth control that is…
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How To Deal With Fitness Bullies
Some people purposefully try to sabotage your fitness goals because they aren't having the same success. While others might not even realize that their words or actions are having a negative effect on you – and have become a fitness bully. Everyone seems to have an opinion on what workouts are…
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HPV and Teens: Start the Discussion
There is a lot of buzz about the importance of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine for preteens, especially for girls. What often gets missed is that boys need the vaccine, too. First, it's important to know that HPV is unfortunately very common. Almost 80 million Americans have been…
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Do You Suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that causes a person to have obsessions and compulsions. An obsession is an unwanted thought that stays in your mind most of the time. You cannot stop or control this thought. A compulsion is something you do and cannot stop doing because...
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Things You Should Know About Your Aging Parent
As our parents age, chances are that we will find ourselves switching roles; we are no longer just their child, we are now their caregiver. This change in roles can be confusing for both the parent and the child. Add the wide variation in the aging process; some adults remain physical active and...
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Get In Gear For Your Favorite Sport
For many of us, the change of seasons means the opportunity to get back into a favorite sports activity. Or maybe you’ve decided that this is the year you’ll take up a new sport such as running, soccer or basketball. But rushing into a new activity without proper preparation can result in pain or...
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What You Need To Know About Prescription Drugs
Opioids are medications prescribed to relieve a person's pain. Unfortunately, prescription drug abuse is on the rise and opioids are being used for non-medical purposes across the US by men and women of all ages. Teens and young adults are the greatest abusers of prescription drugs. With all of...
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Reducing Chronic Pain – Without Medication
Medications are often a precarious – and expensive – route to manage chronic pain, but are often the first avenues people think of. With many alternative treatments, understanding your pain and what options are there for you are the first steps to healing. Listen in as Dr. Matthew Monsein, a...
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Understanding The Nutrition Label Makeover
The way we think about and look at food is changing. The FDA is giving nutrition labels on all food packaging a makeover. Serving size, sugar and fat labels will be different. Listen in as Registered Dietitian Janel Hemmesch with Abbott Northwestern Hospital, talks about when we will start to see...
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Chlamydia and HPV: What You Need To Know To Stay Protected
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria. You can get chlamydia during oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected partner. Both men and women can get it. Chlamydia affects people of all ages but is most common in young women. Many who have chlamydia don't develop...
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Zika and Pregnancy: What You Need To Know
The Zika virus infection can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects, so it’s critical for pregnant women, and those trying to conceive, to learn about the virus, the impacted areas and how to protect themselves. Meiling Parker, MD., is here…
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Self-Care For Family Caregivers
While taking care of a loved ones medical needs, it can be just as important to take care of yourself along the way. You cannot stop the impact of a chronic or progressive illness or a debilitating injury on someone for whom you care. But there is a great deal that you can do to take…
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Significant Advances For The Treatment of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia affects millions of Americans – predominantly women – and is often misunderstood by the medical community. In recent years, however, significant advances have occurred in our understanding of the condition. Dr. Murray J. McAllister is a health psychologist who currently serves as the...
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Managing Anxiety Before Surgery
It is normal to feel increased levels of stress, tension, and anxiety when you are planning to have surgery and spend time in the hospital. The stress response happens when your body and mind are getting you ready to cope with an event or time that may feel difficult or scary. Listen in as…
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Acupucture/Chinese Medicine During Pregnancy
Whether it's your first, second or fifth time, being pregnant is amazing experience. But it is also very taxing on a woman's body. In Chinese medicine, acupuncture is believed to work by regulating the circulation of Qi (pronounced Chee and means vital energy). A key advantage of acupuncture…
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