The Science of Health Podcast

Talking to Your Loved One About Cancer

When a family member, friend or loved one says, "I have cancer," it’s hard to know what to say. You may feel emotional – of course you are shocked and sad. But so is your loved one. Oncology-certified social worker Eileen Matteo, LISW-S, OSW-C, describes the things you can do and say (and not say) to be supportive in this very difficult and emotionally charged situation.

Patient-Centered Health Care for African-Americans

Whether it’s caused by a lack of generational wealth, less education, community, trust or oppression, African-Americans are at a disadvantage when it comes to their own health. Data proves it. What does it mean to take a patient-centered approach to clinical care for African-Americans? Primary care physician, Gregory Hall, MD, provides an eye-opening explanation of why disparities exist and what can be done to address them and reverse the trends.

The Unexpected Benefits of Primary Care

Annual visits to a primary care physician starting early in adulthood can pay large dividends later. Consistent monitoring of weight, blood pressure and other vital statistics tell a story for which a clinician can help write a positive ending. Family medicine doctor, Susan Ratay, DO, explains how starting a relationship with a physician early can impact unforeseen issues later in life. Preventive care can actually be life-saving.

Managing Chronic Pain

The purpose of pain is to protect you, but for 50 million Americans, the pain is chronic. Pain management specialist, Kutaiba Tabbaa, MD, talks about headaches, back and knee pain, cancer and diabetes-related pain. He explains why a team approach and a motivated patient offer the best opportunity to manage chronic pain. Plus, some promising new therapies are on the horizon. 

Sex Isn’t Supposed to Hurt & Other Facts About Women’s Sexual Health

What happens when a woman’s body changes as a result of aging or pregnancy and childbirth? What’s the impact on her sex life and what options exist for treatment? Jean Marino, CNP, a female sexual health expert, explores these and other questions and others to break down the myths and share the latest science. There are a variety of treatments for arousal, desire and continuing a healthy sex life after menopause.

True or False? Common Pregnancy Myths

When you’re pregnant, especially for the first time, it’s hard to make sense of all the advice out there. You want to do everything right for the health of your baby, but you also want to counterbalance friends and family members who may be quick with advice or guidance. Should you really avoid hot tubs when you’re pregnant? What about exercise or coloring your hair? Certified Nurse Midwife, Pamela Hetrick has all the answers, and explains what is true and when to have a good laugh.

Are Vitamins and Supplements Necessary or a Waste of Money? It Depends.

Almost one in every three Americans takes a multivitamin. But why? In many cases, nutrients from multivitamins are covered by a healthy daily diet. For some, vitamins and supplements are beneficial. But how do you know if you really need vitamin B, C or D? Or if fish oil or turmeric are right for you? Naturopathic doctor with UH Connor Whole Health, Dr. Jacob Wolf has the answers and helps you do your homework before buying a bottle of pills.

We Can Change Our Dreams: The Science of Sleep

Babies dream more than adults. Waking up during sleep impacts whether a dream is remembered – and some people remember them while others don’t. Does that mean anything? Why are we ‘paralyzed’ while we dream? What does research say about the impact of supplements? Behavioral sleep medicine expert and licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Carolyn Ievers-Landis, PhD has the answers and also examines our ability to control our dreams and get rid of our nightmares.

Joint Replacement: A Quality of Life Decision

Having pain in your knee or hip doesn’t mean that you need joint replacement surgery. Many issues are resolved with treatment like medication or therapy. The most common reason that knee or hip replacement is performed is due to osteoarthritis. Steven Fitzgerald, MD, Chief, Division of Adult Reconstruction at University Hospitals explains what goes into the decision to have surgery and why every patient is unique based on age, health history and desired postoperative quality of life.

The Benefits of Boredom

Text messages, emails, news notifications and social media have us in a heightened state of stimulation. While some of that information is positive, turning off the stimuli, even temporarily, has tremendous upside. UH psychiatrist, Patrick Runnels, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Population/Behavioral Health, explains the science behind the benefits of boredom. Being in the moment decreases anxiety and stress and allows us to be happier overall.