Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine

This episode dives into the art of nose blowing during the cold and flu season. The hosts share personal anecdotes, including a severe sinus infection, and discuss family traditions around nose blowing. They explore the history of handkerchiefs and the evolution of disposable tissues. A sanitation debate ensues over reusable versus disposable options. The science behind blowing your nose reveals risks of pushing mucus into sinuses, leading to safer techniques that recommend blowing both nostrils simultaneously. It's an entertaining blend of history, science, and practical advice!

A routine tetanus shot leads to an amusing revelation about Justin's missing Hepatitis B vaccine. Dr. Sydnee dives into the significance of Hep B, tracing its history and public health impact. They discuss the evolution of the vaccine from human plasma to safer recombinant production. Sydnee highlights the importance of vaccinating newborns and how it dramatically reduces transmission rates. With a focus on vaccine safety and cancer prevention, the conversation underscores the need to trust science amid political influences. It's both informative and entertaining!

This holiday special serves up a comedic cautionary tale about Christmas dangers. From mistletoe's toxic secrets to Victorian kissing customs, the hosts explore the quirky risks tied to festive traditions. They dive into chilling true stories of poisoned holiday cookies and share why you should be wary of accepting goodies from strangers. With insights on holiday plants and eggnog safety, this lively show will leave you laughing while you reconsider your festive plans!

It's the most wonderful time of the year – Candlenights! Dr. Sydnee and Justin talk about the plans for the upcoming Candlenights special, as well as the story of Harmony House and some of the myths and facts behind homelessness in West Virginia and the United States.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/Harmony House: https://harmonyhousewv.com/

Cozy up by the fireplace with some weird listener medical questions. What's the difference between a disease and a disorder? Where does the extra blood during pregnancy come from? Did getting my gallbladder removed change my taste buds?  Plus an update on the CDC website's recent posting about vaccines.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/Native American Aid: https://nativepartnership.org/naa/

The hosts explore the perplexing trend of dopamine detox, discussing how it's marketed and the bizarre ads surrounding it. Dr. Sydnee explains dopamine's role in movement disorders like Parkinson's and clarifies misconceptions about its ties to pleasure and addiction. They trace the detox phenomenon back to a 2019 LinkedIn article and how it fits into Silicon Valley health culture. Ultimately, they advocate for balanced approaches like CBT and moderation, while cautioning against equating all behaviors with severe substance addictions.

In a lighthearted dive, hosts explore the wild story of a truck mishap involving escaped research monkeys. They dissect sensational headlines about the monkeys' potential infection risks, correcting inaccuracies along the way. The discussion reveals the role of rhesus macaques in research, their genetic similarities to humans, and past escape incidents. With a focus on public safety, they clarify the minimal risk these monkeys pose, particularly regarding diseases like COVID-19 and the concerning B virus. Fun and informative!

In this episode, Dr. Sydnee dives into the colorful history of methylene blue, originally a lab dye turned potential cancer treatment. She explores its early uses and the intriguing science behind its redox properties. The podcast covers claims of methylene blue’s effects against malaria and cyanide poisoning, while highlighting its approved use for treating methemoglobinemia. Sydnee warns about the dangers of unverified medical advice, especially when popularized by influencers, ultimately advocating for evidence-based medicine.

As the weather turns, so do Dr. Sydnee and Justin to their inbox to answer more of listeners' WEIRD medical questions. Questions like: Can pee cure my foot fungus? Why do I cough when I put in earplugs? What is the white crescent on my nails? How does the vaccine nasal spray work? And what is the humble leech’s role in modern medicine?Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/Border Angels: https://www.borderangels.org/

Justin and Dr. Sydnee continue to bring news from the forefront of history with the second part of the announcement about autism – a possible treatment. It's leucovorin: also known as vitamin B-9. It can't possibly be that simple, can it? (No). Dr. Sydnee explains where this idea came from and what leucovorin is actually currently used for in medicine.Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/Border Angels: https://www.borderangels.org/