Chasing Life

Pneumonia is a serious threat; what can you do to lower your risk? Plus, for all the night owls out there, Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question: are your late-night habits lazy, or is there actual science behind them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What can a doctor learn from becoming a patient? That’s what Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, a surgeon and president-elect of the American Medical Association, set his mind on when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with his old friend, before and after surgery, to see what Mukkamala’s experience taught him about U.S. healthcare being on the other side of the stethoscope.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is it safe to refrigerate hot food right away? Discover surprising facts that debunk common myths about food storage. Learn how improper practices can lead to foodborne illnesses and what steps you can take to keep your meals fresh. Dr. Sanjay Gupta delves into the hidden dangers of plastic containers, including chemical leaching, and shares safer alternatives like glass and stainless steel. Equip yourself with effective tips to enhance your food storage habits and protect your health!

The resurgence of measles has caught attention, particularly in a low-vaccination community in West Texas. With measles being extremely contagious, the podcast delves into the outbreak's origins and health risks, especially for unvaccinated children. It also highlights the importance of community engagement and effective communication about vaccines to combat hesitancy. Personal stories from families illustrate the urgent need for vaccination to protect vulnerable individuals. The episode emphasizes herd immunity's role in public health.

Measles is making a surprising comeback, particularly in a rural Mennonite community with low vaccination rates. The importance of achieving a 95% vaccination rate to ensure herd immunity is emphasized. Historical context reveals the deadly impact of measles before vaccines. Listeners learn about symptoms, transmission, and the necessity of vaccinations, debunking myths along the way. The podcast dives into vaccine durability, detailing the crucial two-dose schedule and how to monitor immunity during outbreaks.

In this engaging discussion, CNN medical correspondent Meg Tirrell shares insights from her recent NIH visit, revealing the challenges scientists face in understanding ultraprocessed foods. The conversation dives into the alarming health risks tied to these foods, including links to diseases and mental health issues. Tirrell and Dr. Sanjay Gupta explore the addictive nature of ultraprocessed foods and their economic impacts on consumer choices. They also address the complexities of changing food policies and the importance of mindful eating to combat overeating.

Exciting developments in pain management are on the horizon with the FDA's approval of a new opioid-free medication, Suzetrogene. This innovative drug blocks pain signals effectively, offering a fresh approach to relief after 25 years. Discussions also include Jernovex, which targets sodium channels for acute pain, though its chronic pain benefits are still being evaluated. Additionally, the episode tackles flu shot timing, reassuring listeners that getting vaccinated later in the season can still offer protection, especially for travelers.

Joli Hamilton, a research psychologist focusing on jealousy, joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to explore this often-misunderstood emotion. They discuss how jealousy is a natural human experience, even present from a young age. The conversation reveals that jealousy can actually strengthen relationships when managed openly. Joli shares insights on navigating jealousy with strategies for healthier connections, especially amid pressures like Valentine's Day. The episode emphasizes the importance of communication and understanding in fostering intimacy and personal growth.

Discover the science behind intermittent fasting as Dr. Sanjay Gupta shares personal insights and key tips for implementation. With cruise season underway, learn essential strategies to dodge norovirus, including the importance of hand hygiene and sanitation. Delve into the characteristics of the virus and how to maintain health while enjoying your vacation. This engaging discussion combines dietary advice with practical health tips, ensuring you stay fit and safe during your travels.

Eric Tivers, an ADHD coach and host of ADHD Rewired, shares insights on motivation strategies that go beyond sheer willpower. He introduces the DopaMenu, a personalized toolkit of small, enjoyable activities designed to boost focus and well-being. Tivers discusses how different brains, particularly those with ADHD, engage with motivation and the crucial balance between short-term joys and long-term satisfaction. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection in crafting effective, personalized strategies for mental health.