Ask Doctor Dawn

KSQD 5-01-2024: This week's show explores how healthcare systems can inflict "moral injury" on dedicated doctors. We examine instances where factors like insurance company prior authorizations prevent optimal patient care and discuss related research.

Dr. Dawn explores sweetness perception, reviewing a new study on how our bodies detect both natural sugars and substitutes like xylitol and stevia. We learn how substitutes can provide sweetness without insulin spikes and subsequent appetite increases.

We discuss the critical importance of measles vaccination, the challenges of maintaining live virus vaccine potency, and a promising new vaccine technology undergoing trials.

A new study investigates the potential benefits of combining time-restricted eating with high-intensity exercise. Although all participants lost weight, the combined approach led to gains in lean body mass.

Finally, we survey several exciting advances in cancer research. Dr. Dawn explores improvements in cancer cell targeting, the statistics of liquid biopsies for cancer detection, and a groundbreaking drug that halts aggressive breast cancer growth. We also investigate a new mRNA-based treatment that stimulates cancer cell death specifically within the tumor environment.

KSQD 4-24-2024: In this week's show, we tackle several important health topics. Dr. Dawn starts by investigating "the prescribing cascade," where side effects from an initial medication necessitate additional prescriptions. This is often seen with treatments for high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation.

We then explore strokes of undetermined origin. Interestingly, Dr. Dawn notes that for preventing recurrent strokes, the classic, low-cost aspirin can be just as effective as newer, more expensive alternatives.

Another topic is delayed orthostatic hypotension, a condition where blood pressure drops upon standing. Dr. Dawn provides details on a simple test for diagnosis.

We address a worrying trend: increasingly aggressive colon cancers are occurring in younger populations. Dr. Dawn discusses both established and novel screening tests, like the new DNA-based successor to Cologuard, emphasizing the importance of early detection.

Finally, we offer a sobering reality check about vaping. Studies show a growing number of young people who begin with vaping are transitioning to traditional smoking, underscoring that vaping carries its own significant risks.

KSQD 4-17-2024: This week's show explores the line between helpful health advice and harmful food-related misinformation, particularly the anti-diet trend being promoted by certain influencers. We delve into a fascinating medical breakthrough involving the creation of "mini livers" to support patients awaiting transplants. Listeners offered valuable insights and recommendations this week: one recommended a thought-provoking book on cancer detection, while another shared a potential remedy for long COVID symptoms. We also address a serious health concern for an elderly listener diagnosed with a Mycobacterium infection, discussing the diagnosis and treatment options. Additionally, we investigate the potential of neuropeptides for addressing treatment-resistant depression and cover several short but impactful health news updates: a concerning rise in bacterial meningitis, the science behind teens' unique scent, and a baffling case of a man claiming to have received over 200 COVID vaccinations.

KSQD 4-10-2024: This episode explores the cutting-edge of medical science and the wonders of the animal kingdom. We'll discuss a remarkable first – the successful transplant of a genetically modified pig kidney into a human. Could this breakthrough pave the way for the future of organ donation? On a different note, did you know cows are being engineered to produce human insulin, potentially revolutionizing diabetes treatment? We'll also uncover surprising animal intelligence; Parrots playing computer games and bees trained to solve puzzles reveal just how smart some of our animal friends can be. In a fascinating twist, we investigate the genetics behind obesity in Labrador Retrievers and learn how dogs might be able to detect PTSD flashbacks. We examine a groundbreaking discovery of tiny RNA molecules within bacteria. These have the potential to unlock entirely new gene sequences within the microbial world. We'll also explore the link between potassium and blood pressure, discussing how simple dietary changes could lead to major health benefits. For those interested in nutrition, we'll address optimal protein intake and strategies for a balanced vegan diet. Also, a warning about the current overuse of gabapentin and pregabalin for pain is creating a 50% increase in hospitalizations for COPD.

KSQD 4-04-2024: This episode delves into a range of health topics, beginning with a unique case where a bone marrow transplant offered new hope for treating schizophrenia. We discuss the complexities of diseases such as sickle cell anemia and their unexpected interactions with other conditions. Our conversation extends to the gut microbiome, highlighting research on its link to various disorders and how diets, particularly the Mediterranean diet, support a healthy microbiome. We address the significance of a new treatment for postpartum depression and caution against premature excitement over health trends. Listener questions add a personal touch, sharing stories of dietary changes and weight loss, alongside inquiries about homemade kombucha. The episode also revisits a discussion on a rare disease diagnosis, adding depth to our ongoing exploration of health and wellness.

KSQD 3-27-2024: Colloidal silver for sinusitis was recommended, but does it work for molds? Advice to improve sleep besides taking drug sleeping aids; Sleep and mood can affect the effectiveness of vaccinations; SIBO and erythromycin are discussed; The US Supreme Court hears the case about the mifepristone abortion pill; Urinary tract infections (UTI) are very common in women. Hormones such as DHEA are beneficial for reducing infections, dryness and increasing libido; Question about mushroom products and help with memory; Animal cloning studies revealed the different influences of female vs. male genes in the metabolism of the placenta

KSQD 3-20-2024: Getting COVID affects the ability to heal from chilblains swelling; Why many doctors are not accepting new Medicare patients; Thigh pain after getting up in the morning should lead one to an Osteopathic doctor; What is the nutritional value of radishes? Are there any health problems with aluminum from soda cans? Plastic lining is the real problem! Silver and copper are good antibacterial agents; Plastic chemicals in food are pervasive, such as Phthalates, a hormone mimic, in most processed foods; Natural replacement recipe for Electrolyte powders to ingest after exercise; Multiple case studies support a link between Alzheimer’s disease and human growth hormone

KSQD 3-06-2024: Through work with the the Community Traffic Safety Coalition, Theresia and Tawn focus on traffic safety issues, including the rise of ebikes in Santa Cruz, CA; Problems arise when riders don’t understand the effect of heavier weight and momentum of ebikes; Cable disk brakes require regular maintenance; the importance of helmets; Do we need training and licenses for ebikes, especially for children? Resources in Santa Cruz are presented; Do ebikes have sound to warn people, especially the blind? The problems of non-docked transport vehicles including scooters; New bike and pedestrian bridges across the freeway in Santa Cruz are explained

KSQD 3-13-2024: Roshun's challenging background as a daughter of immigrants from Afghanistan; Experience translating for her mother with doctors launched her interested in medicine; Figuring out how one learns best is important for success in medical school; Understanding personality types for oneself and colleagues helps for good relationships and what medical subspecialty is most appropriate; The challenges to Family Practice doctors in the United States; Advice for those in middle and high school who might be interested in a career in health care -- the importance of good mentors and other healthy relationships

KSQD 2-28-2024: A new drug for endometriosis pain is long overdue -- endometrial microbiome is discussed; Active release therapy for the psoas tendon; Side effects of long time use of Finasteride for prostate hypertrophy; Keeping off the weight you lose from semaglutide drugs requires exercise and diet; The complex issue of mycotoxins in the environment and your body; Questions about the FRAX score for osteoporosis; How to treat SIBO