TED Health

When anxiety rears its head, we often just want it to go away. Clinical psychologist David H. Rosmarin asks us to consider instead the positive role anxiety can play in our lives, sharing four practical steps to transform it from your enemy into your ally.For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is having the sex talk, admitting you passed gas, or being open about your body hair so seemingly uncomfortable for all of us? Journalist and host of the podcast, Embodied, Anita Rao, joins Chris this week to discuss why having open conversations about taboo topics like sex, relationships, and our bodies can help us understand ourselves better and feel less shame.For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meryam Sugulle, an obstetrician and researcher, discusses the critical link between pregnancy complications and long-term cardiovascular risks in women. She emphasizes a simple screening question that could revolutionize early detection. Sharmila Makhija, a gynecologic oncologist and medical education leader, joins the conversation to talk about advancing women's reproductive health. They highlight the importance of the placenta and advocate for systemic changes to enhance women's health and well-being through better education and compassionate care.

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.