Lessons on Health from the Animal Kingdom & How to Manage Your Emotions
Feb 6, 2025
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Dr. David Agus, a pioneering medical oncologist and author of The Book of Animal Secrets, shares insights on health lessons from the animal kingdom. He explains how elephants' unique genetics contribute to their low cancer rates and highlights the health benefits of dog ownership, including stress management. Meanwhile, Ethan Kross, an emotion regulation expert and author of Shift, discusses practical strategies to manage emotions, emphasizing the importance of reframing negative thoughts and cultivating emotional fitness for better well-being.
Asking for a raise often leads to unexpected positive outcomes, with research showing that 75% of those who ask receive one.
Lessons from the animal kingdom reveal that studying species like elephants and pigs can provide crucial insights into improving human health.
Music and emotional support networks are vital for managing emotions, helping individuals shift perspectives and enhance well-being effectively.
Deep dives
The Benefits of Asking for a Raise
Asking for a raise can yield surprisingly positive results, with research indicating that 75% of workers who made the request received one. Interestingly, less than half of workers surveyed had even asked for a raise, and those in lower wage brackets were the least likely to pursue this conversation. The data highlights that making the request is often worth it, as even those who do not receive the exact amount they seek may still benefit from some form of increase. This insight underscores the idea that confidence in communication about pay can lead to better compensation outcomes.
Medical Insights from Animal Kingdom
Science has begun to uncover significant lessons about human health and longevity by studying various animal species. For instance, research reveals that elephants almost never develop cancer, a fact attributable to their possessing multiple copies of a gene that corrects DNA errors. The discussion also extends to how pigs handle pain and even the impact of social behaviors among different species. By examining these adaptations, researchers hope to identify ways to enhance human resilience against diseases.
The Shingles Vaccine and Alzheimer's Connection
Recent findings suggest that the shingles vaccine, traditionally recommended for individuals over 50, could potentially cut the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by nearly 50%. This revelation emerged from artificial intelligence analysis of electronic health records, illuminating a significant correlation between the vaccine and reduced Alzheimer’s incidence. Although this does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the association indicates unexplored mechanisms through which certain vaccines may protect brain health. Such insights may encourage health professionals to reconsider the broader implications of immunizations in cognitive health.
Managing Tech Neck and Its Consequences
Tech neck is a growing concern stemming from the habitual downward tilt of the neck while using phones and laptops, leading to undue stress on the spine. Research indicates that while standing upright, the head exerts around 10 to 12 pounds of force on the cervical spine, which skyrockets to 60 pounds with a 60-degree tilt. This increased strain can accelerate wear and tear on spinal structures, posing a risk for future surgery. Along with the physical risks, the necessity of maintaining cleanliness due to germs accumulating on devices is emphasized, underscoring the importance of proper hygiene in a tech-driven world.
Shifting Emotions Through Music and Connection
Music can serve as a potent tool for managing and shifting emotions in various situations. It offers an immediate way to influence one's mood, whether to uplift or calm during stressful times. Moreover, engaging with emotional support networks plays a critical role in emotional regulation, helping individuals reframe their perspectives on challenges. By integrating sensory experiences and social connections, individuals can develop a more robust strategy for navigating complex emotions and enhancing overall emotional well-being.
How many times have you wanted to ask for a raise but didn’t bother because you knew the answer would be no? Well, you probably should’ve asked anyway. This episode begins with some surprising statistics about the power of asking for a raise. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/getting-a-raise_n_6429324
The animal kingdom can teach us a lot about improving human health. For example, elephants almost never get cancer – yet humans do. Why is that? Pigs can teach us how to control pain. Dogs can teach us to manage stress and there are a lot more examples as you are about to hear from my guest Dr. David Agus. He is a medical oncologist, and one of the world's pioneering biomedical researchers. David is the Founding CEO of the Ellison Medical Institute and a professor of medicine and engineering at the University of Southern California.He is also the author of The Book of Animal Secrets: Nature's Lessons for a Long and Happy Life (https://amzn.to/4ghXL5b)
We’ve all had moments when our emotions got the best of us. Whether we get so angry, or anxious or sad that it gets in the way of daily living, damages relationships or gets us into serious trouble. While some people seem good at keeping their emotions under control, many of us could use some help. And here to share his insight into this is Ethan Kross, one of the world’s leading experts on emotion regulation. Ethan is an award-winning professor at the University of Michigan and his work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, and The New England Journal of Medicine. He is the author of a book called Shift: Managing Your Emotions So They Don’t Manage You (https://amzn.to/3CAxQYU).
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