From Healthcare Budget Cuts to Prostate Screening Challenges: Public Health Concerns and Clinical Insights

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 4-17-2025:

• Dr. Dawn analyzes a leaked federal health program budget document, noting a significant $80 billion cut in discretionary funding, workforce reductions of 20,000 employees, elimination of disease prevention programs, and potential reorganization chaos that could impact healthcare access.
• She reports on research showing a troubling 5% increase in infant mortality rates in states that have implemented abortion bans, with particularly high increases among Black infants, demonstrating that these bans may have unintended negative consequences on families.
• Responding to an email about Dupuytren's contracture, Dr. Dawn describes a radiation therapy approach used in Europe that can treat early-stage disease with lower radiation doses, potentially stopping progression without surgery.
• She discusses new research suggesting that bacterial vaginosis should be treated as a sexually transmitted infection by treating both partners, which reduced recurrence rates from 63% to 35% compared to treating only the woman.
• Dr. Dawn addresses an email from a breast cancer survivor experiencing menopausal symptoms recommending 5-HTP, trazodone for sleep disruption, iron supplementation for her low ferritin, and dietary adjustments while noting concerns about the black box warning for NOT FEXO - CHECK THE EMAIL FOR THE NAME OF THE DRUG.
• A studio guest joins the conversation about healthcare priorities, discussing how the American medical system focuses more on disease treatment than prevention, with both agreeing that public spaces should be redesigned to encourage physical activity like in European cities.
• Responding to an email about a 61-year-old man experiencing dizziness and balance issues when standing or walking, Dr. Dawn suspects B12 deficiency possibly caused by past heavy alcohol use and longstanding acid reflux medication, recommending specific tests.
• She recommends a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in each ear every night as the best at-home solution to melt earwax buildup and prevent recurrence of blockage.