

Radio Health Journal | The Latest in Health, Science & Public Policy
Elizabeth Westfield, Greg Johnson, Maayan Voss de Bettancourt | AURN
Each week, Radio Health Journal breaks down important news in medicine, science and technology with the help of world-renowned experts. Our three weekly segments will help guide you to a happier, healthier life – with some fun facts to share at dinner parties. Can magic mushrooms cure your depression? Have we outrun natural selection? Hosted by Elizabeth Westfield, Greg Johnson and Maayan Voss de Bettancourt and produced by Kristen Farrah and Amirah Zaveri. New shows posted each Sunday by 5 a.m. EST. Subscribe, listen, and rate. If you’re looking for older episodes, you can find our entire segment catalog on our website radiohealthjournal.org. Also, check out the latest on Facebook and Instagram @radiohealthjournal and on X @RadioHealthJrnl.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 10, 2023 • 13min
The ‘Perfect Pregnancy’ Doesn’t Exist: Childbirth Throughout History
Modern technology has saved countless pregnancies. Instead of mothers worrying if they’ll survive childbirth, they’re now able to focus on the child they’re expecting – which Dr. Lara Freidenfelds, a historian, says has shifted our view of pregnancy. She explains how our mindset has changed over time and the repercussions that follow.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/the-perfect-pregnancy-doesnt-exist-childbirth-throughout-history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 10, 2023 • 13min
Can We Fix Our Healthcare System Without Starting From Scratch?
America’s healthcare system is full of patchwork legislation. Some experts say we should keep pushing forward with the status quo, while others want to completely rebuild from the ground up. And though many universal healthcare proposals skew more toward left-wing politics, Dr. Amy Finkelstein, a professor of economics, has a plan that aims to please both sides of the political divide.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/can-we-fix-our-healthcare-system-without-starting-from-scratch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 6, 2023 • 3min
Medical Notes: Breastmilk Aids Motor Development, A New Relief For Rashes, And Exposing Myths About Hydration
Can breast milk prevent cerebral palsy? Then, finding long-term relief for your itchy rashes. And finally… do you really need eight glasses of water a day?Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-breastmilk-aids-motor-development-a-new-relief-for-rashes-and-exposing-myths-about-hydration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 3, 2023 • 14min
“You Don’t Deserve To Be Tolerated”: Healing From Toxic Relationships
Many of us have experienced a toxic relationship at one point in our lives – whether we were the aggressors or the victims. Jaime Mahler, a psychotherapist, specializes in helping people move past this relationship pattern. She explains how to notice when you’re in an unhealthy situation and how to start your journey of healing.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/you-dont-deserve-to-be-tolerated-healing-from-toxic-relationships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 3, 2023 • 11min
Is There Such Thing As A ‘Safe’ Amount Of Caffeine For Teens?
Energy drinks have only gotten more popular since their creation in 1949. Today, many products market to younger audiences through sweet flavors like ‘tropical punch’ or ‘blue raspberry’ that contain up to 200 milligrams of caffeine. Doctor Holly Benjamin, a professor of pediatrics, discusses the dangers of adolescents consuming high amounts of caffeine.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/is-there-such-thing-as-a-safe-amount-of-caffeine-for-teens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 30, 2023 • 4min
Medical Notes: Red Meat Allergies, Misdiagnosing Antibiotics, And An Illness That’s Disguised As Picky Eating
Are tick bites messing up your diet? Then, new technology can detect Covid-19 in just seconds. Then, is your child a picky eater, or the victim of a chronic disease? And finally…do you really need an antibiotic?Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-red-meat-allergies-misdiagnosing-antibiotics-and-an-illness-thats-disguised-as-picky-eating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 27, 2023 • 11min
Evolution Pt.2: Is The Success Of Humanity Based On Luck?
Last week Dr. Tony Capra, an epidemiologist, explained how evolution protected our ancestors based on their environments. Today, we’re breaking down how this same genetic history affects our current biological makeup – including our vulnerability to disease: where it comes from and why we haven’t yet evolved to be fully protected from illness. Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/evolution-pt-2-is-the-success-of-humanity-based-on-luck Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 27, 2023 • 15min
Sickle Cell Disease: An Evolutionary Protection Turned Deadly
Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic diseases in America. Red blood cells become crescent-shaped and die much earlier than healthy cells. Oddly enough, the cause of this disease stems from an evolutionary advantage against malaria. Our experts explain the health and financial burdens of sickle cell disease.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/sickle-cell-disease-an-evolutionary-protection-turned-deadly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 23, 2023 • 3min
Medical Notes: The Rise of Leprosy in America, Eliminating Child Labor, and a New Era of Robotic Prosthetics
Cases of leprosy are on the rise in Florida. Then, how does a new battery help eliminate child labor? And finally, the future of robotic prosthetics is here.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/medical-notes-the-rise-of-leprosy-in-america-eliminating-child-labor-and-a-new-era-of-robotic-prosthetics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 20, 2023 • 12min
Evolution Pt.1: How Our Ancestry Is Revolutionizing Precision Medicine
Science has come to learn that one treatment plan or medication won’t work the same for every patient. We need to tailor every dosage and application specifically for each person to have the best results. Our expert this week explains that in order to move into this new era of medicine, we need to take a look back at our evolutionary path.Learn More: https://radiohealthjournal.org/evolution-pt-1-how-our-ancestry-is-revolutionizing-precision-medicine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices