TED Health

Erika Moore dives into how biological, genetic, and environmental factors shape individual responses to diseases. She emphasizes the need for personalized medicine to enhance health outcomes. By exploring health equity, Moore reveals how a patient's background can influence the effectiveness of treatments. The discussion also touches upon the impact of mapping technology and everyday services on understanding complex health data.

This episode features Dr. Grace Lee, a pediatric infectious disease physician and former chair of the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. She dives into the dangerous resurgence of polio, explaining its severe health risks and the vital role of vaccinations. Grace discusses the history of polio, the challenges in eradication, and the evolution of vaccine strategies. She emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making and clear communication in combating public health myths and fostering community trust in vaccines.

Michael Osterholm, a renowned epidemiologist and director at the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, joins Melvin Sanicas to tackle pressing public health issues. They dive into why flu vaccines require annual updates due to the virus's rapid mutations. The conversation highlights the dangers of misinformation about vaccines and emphasizes the crucial role of accurate data and communication in rebuilding public trust. Listeners discover the importance of community preparedness against future pandemics.

Ethan Lindenberger, an advocate for vaccinations, gained fame for seeking vaccinations despite his mother’s anti-vaccine beliefs, leading to a strong movement against misinformation. Jennifer Reich, a sociology professor, discusses the roots of vaccine mistrust and the vital role of transparency in clinical trials. Together, they highlight the importance of authentic communication and empathetic dialogues in combating skepticism about vaccines, emphasizing community trust and the need for strategies to navigate health misinformation effectively.

In this enlightening discussion, Kathryn Mannix, a palliative care physician and author, shares her deep insights on the dying process. She emphasizes the need to reclaim practical wisdom about death, highlighting how open conversations can ease fears. Mannix explores the emotional and spiritual dimensions of end-of-life care, advocating for patient-centered approaches. Personal stories illuminate the importance of recognizing individual needs and values. Through her experiences, she inspires listeners to view dying as a communal journey and a vital part of life.

Discover the hidden power of smell and its profound impact on our health and emotions. Paule Joseph highlights how olfaction can evoke memories and even aid in early disease detection, such as dementia and COVID-19 aftereffects. She advocates for the need to integrate smell testing into medical diagnostics to enhance healthcare. Personal stories and scientific insights illuminate the often-overlooked significance of our sense of smell, urging us to appreciate and prioritize olfactory health.

Stacy London, a stylist and fashion consultant renowned for her work on TLC's What Not to Wear, discusses aging and self-acceptance. She encourages women to embrace their bodies and reassess their relationships with fashion, prioritizing comfort over societal expectations. Stacy shares her personal journey through menopause and surgery, emphasizing the importance of health and wellbeing. She advocates for open conversations about aging and suggests getting rid of uncomfortable shoes as a step towards feeling good in your skin.

Join educator Kevin H. Gary, who inspires with his TEDx talk on boredom, as he shares three key takeaways for transforming boredom into a tool for creativity and self-reflection. He encourages listeners to discern true feelings and tackle underlying issues. Pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Harstad adds her expertise on how boredom intersects with ADHD, revealing its unique effects on attention and engagement in children. Together, they illuminate how embracing boredom can enhance focus and personal growth.

Dr. Hussain Lalani, a primary care physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital, shares his insights on the staggering costs of medications in the U.S., particularly insulin, which is vastly overpriced despite low production costs. He discusses the complex supply chain and the various stakeholders involved, revealing how patients often suffer due to unaffordable prescriptions. The conversation emphasizes the need for reforms in the patent system to increase competition and improve access to essential drugs, empowering listeners to advocate for more affordable healthcare.

What if AI could help connect you with the right medical care, exactly when you need it? Health systems entrepreneur, surgeon and TED Fellow Mohamed Aburawi explores how his digital health platform, Speetar, uses AI to bridge the healthcare gap in underserved regions, like his native Libya, by connecting patients with doctors who truly understand their needs.Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.