Business Group on Health

We often think of circadian rhythms only in the context of sleep, but research shows that they relate to – and influence – so much more when it comes to our health and well-being. In this episode of the Business Group on Health podcast, we speak with Professor Russell Foster about what circadian rhythms are, the factors that influence these rhythms, and how the timing of activities like eating, exercising, and even taking medication can impact health outcomes for the better… or worse. Listen to this wide-ranging conversation to hear about how individuals and employers can apply research on circadian rhythms to improve health and quality of life. Guest: Russell Foster, Professor of Circadian Neuroscience, University of Oxford and author of Life Time: The New Science of the Body Clock, and How It Can Revolutionize Your Sleep and Health Thank you to today’s episode sponsor Day Two.

The pharmaceutical supply chain has long been ripe for disruption and who better to lead the way than Mark Cuban, a “shark” who has never shied away from a challenge. Mark launched the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company in 2022 with the audacious goal to bring trust back to health care with wholly transparent pricing available to all stakeholders of the pharmaceutical supply chain. In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with Mark to discuss his vision to “end ridiculous drug prices” and improve every aspect of the pharmacy experience. And while still a young company, the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company has already evolved to address more of the pressing health care challenges facing employers and consumers alike. Tune in to hear what he plans to tackle next to continue to improve health and well-being for all. Guest: Mark Cuban, Co-founder, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company

Migraines are a leading cause of disability and presenteeism in workplaces worldwide, a fact that’s underrecognized. Symptoms of the disease can be hard to spot, claims data on migraine are elusive and stigma lingers. Moreover, patients often have limited access to care – in the U.S. there are 39 million migraine sufferers but only 560 headache specialists. On this episode of the Business Group on Health podcast, we speak to one of those 560 headache specialists, Dr. Olivia Begasse De Dhaem. We discuss how migraines peak during the most productive years of life, and the impact migraines have on the workplace. She shares the results of a study she co-authored about a successful headache education program, which she helped implement at a large employer in Japan, and offers insights for other large employers for impact Guest: Olivia Begasse De Dhaem, MD, neurologist and headache specialist, Hartford HealthCare Headache Center and author of Headache: What Do I Do Now? Resources: Fujitsu Study:  Migraine in the workplace Find a Migraine Specialist: American Migraine Foundation The Atlantic: It’s the Best Time in History to Have a Migraine — So why doesn’t it feel that way? Harvard Business Review: Migraines Are a Serious Problem. Employers Can Help.  

Although health misinformation gained global attention during the pandemic, it was prevalent in society well before COVID-19. On this episode of the Business Group on Health podcast, we speak with Sara Gorman, author of Denying to the Grave: Why We Ignore the Facts That Will Save Us, about her research on why we’re subject to believing health misinformation. She shares insights about the psychology of our beliefs, health misinformation’s devastating consequences and ideas on how we can overcome it in the future. Guest: Sara Gorman, PhD, CEO and co-founder of Critica and author of Denying to the Grave: Why We Ignore the Facts That Will Save Us

A recent study found that women in their 30s show higher levels of binge drinking and alcohol use disorder than women of the same age in previous years. The study also identifies delayed parenthood as a potential cause for this worrisome trend. In this episode of the Business Group on Health podcast, we speak with the Boston University professor who spearheaded this study, Dr. Rachel Sayko Adams. Listen to the episode to learn about how societal shifts, including targeted marketing and the normalization of “wine-mom culture” have driven drinking trends. Looking forward, we also discuss the emerging ‘sober curious’ movement and how employers can support employees interested in reducing or avoiding alcohol intake. Guest: Rachel Sayko Adams, PhD, MPH, Research Associate Professor, Boston University School of Public Health.

According to Business Group on Health’s 2024 Large Employer Health Care Strategy Survey released in August 2023, employers identified mental health as the top area of prolonged impact on workforce health and well-being resulting from the pandemic. Indeed, one in six working age adults live with a mental health condition. In this critical moment, employers are looking to support the mental health needs of their workforce and address the negative impacts and costs of the crisis. On this episode of the Business Group on Health podcast, we speak with Dr. Aiysha Malik from the World Health Organization about their 2022 mental health at work guidelines, and how employers around the world can apply these guidelines to their benefits, well-being and workplace strategies. Guest: Aiysha Malik, D.Phil., D.Clin.Psych., Mental Health Specialist, World Health Organization

Substance use disorders affect more than 46 million people aged 12 and older in the United States (SAMHSA), but numerous barriers prevent recovery, including stigma related to substance use, as well as the cost of treatment. In a world where hundreds of thousands of people are losing their lives to drug overdoses, the time for action is now – but what role do employers play? On this episode of the Business Group on Health Podcast, we’re joined by Derrick Feldmann, Managing Director of the Ad Council Research Institute. Feldmann speaks about the Ad Council’s recent Substance Use Disorder Study. The study identified key barriers as well as opportunities for increased success in future recovery efforts. Listen to the episode to learn more about how employers can incorporate these learnings into their company’s mental health and substance use disorder strategies. Guest: Derrick Feldmann, Managing Director, Ad Council Research Institute

With recent innovation and policy movement related to the pharmaceutical supply chain, are we on the verge of demonstrable change that will promote greater transparency and affordability for prescription drugs? On this episode of the Business Group on Health podcast, we speak with Dr. Karen Van Nuys, Executive Director of the Value of Life Sciences Innovation program at the USC Schaeffer Center, about this very question. In our conversation, Dr. Van Nuys highlights her research on pharmaceutical distribution, learnings from the insulin market and how employers can prepare to respond to the potential policy changes ahead. We also address emerging innovation and disruptions taking place in the pharmaceutical industry and how they will shape drug pricing and affordability. Guest: Karen Van Nuys, PhD, Executive Director, Value of Life Sciences Innovation Project, Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics Thank you to today’s episode sponsor Color

Nutritional psychiatry is an emerging field that explores the connection between nutrition science and mental and emotional well-being. Dr. Uma Naidoo, our guest on this week’s podcast episode, is a trailblazer in the field and who calls food “one of the most potent mental health medicines available.” We speak with Dr. Naidoo about how nutrients in everyday foods can benefit and hinder our mental health, the connection between gut health and the brain, and the potential of nutrition as a supportive tool for conditions like depression, anxiety, and more. Guest: Uma Naidoo, MD, Director of Nutritional & Lifestyle Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and author of This Is Your Brain on Food Thank you to today’s episode sponsor Color.

Menopause impacts 50% of the world’s population yet it’s often misunderstood, undertreated and shrouded in stigma. Ignoring the symptoms can negatively impact the health and quality of life of those experiencing menopause, as well as the health of businesses due to increased absenteeism, loss of productivity and even turnover. Recent studies and advocacy have sparked employer’s interest in supporting employees going through menopause, something we explore on this episode of the Business Group on Health podcast with Dr. Stephanie Faubion. Dr. Faubion shares research findings from the Mayo Clinic study, Impact of Menopause Symptoms on Women in the Workplace, and discusses how employers can leverage these insights to cultivate a supportive work environment for those going through this transition. Guest: Stephanie S. Faubion, MD, Penny and Bill George Director for Mayo Clinic’s Center for Women’s Health and Medical Director for The North American Menopause Society