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This show is the antidote to health fads, hype, and misinformation. Dr Chana Davis chats with experts in science and medicine to help you make informed choices. Learn about nutrition, fitness, vaccines, happiness, women’s health, and more.
Episodes
Jun 9, 2023
Jun 9, 2023
28 min
Tune in to learn about the promise and pitfalls of weight loss medications, with Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician.
This episode focuses on a popular medication called semaglutide, which is sold as Ozempic or Wegovy. Dr. Stanford explains how this drug works and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of what to expect. We also discuss how medications fit into the broader picture of obesity management and why Dr. Stanford is a vocal advocate for defining and treating obesity as a chronic disease.
Dr. Stanford is an internationally recognized leader in obesity medicine. She practices and teaches at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and is Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School (HMS). Dr. Stanford received her BS and MPH from Emory University as an MLK Scholar, her MD from the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine as a Stoney Scholar, her MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government as a Zuckerman Fellow in the Harvard Center for Public Leadership, and her executive MBA as a merit-based scholarship recipient from the Quantic School of Business and Technology. She completed her Obesity Medicine & Nutrition Fellowship at MGH/HMS after completing her internal medicine and pediatrics residency at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Stanford is also the recipient of numerous awards for her leadership, advocacy, and service.
Connect with Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford
Twitter @askdrfatima
Twitter @askdrfatima
Instgram @askdrfatima
Disclosures: Dr. Stanford has advised or consulted for: Novo Nordisk, Calibrate, GoodRX, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Gelesis, Eli Lilly, Rhythm, MelliCell, Vida Health, Vira Health, Sweetch
May 26, 2023
May 26, 2023
28 min
Tune in to learn about the social factors that shape our health with Dr. Annalijn Conklin. Social determinants of health, like education, food security, job security, social connections, and gender, play a major role in our health and disease.
Dr. Annalijn Conklin is a social epidemiologist who studies how diseases like obesity and heart disease, are shaped by social factors, and how these intersect with gender. She is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia where she leads a research program to support healthy aging and reduce heart health inequities in Canadian women. Her diverse training experiences include a post-doc at UCLA on social policy and global health, a PhD in epidemiology from Cambridge, and a Master's in Public Health from Columbia University.
This conversation challenges the popular narrative that health is a personal responsibility that we bear alone and encourages listeners to re-think what it means to make healthy choices.
Connect with Dr. Annalijn Conklin
Twitter @AnnalijnConklin
Recommended Resources
Social Determinants of Health (World Health Organization): http://www.who.int/social_determinants/en/
Beyond the Conversation community: https://beyondtheconversation.org
May 12, 2023
May 12, 2023
36 min
Join two geneticists to learn about your genes and direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Dr. Alex Dainis and Dr. Chana Davis both have PhDs in human genetics and are passionate about spreading their love of science.
In this episode, we describe how our DNA makes us who we are, and explain basic concepts including genes, variants, transcripts and phenotypes. We also discuss the pros and cons of consumer genetic testing, including the way that genetic risks are often misinterpreted. Last but not least, we share how our scientific backgrounds shape the way we navigate the world, and why it's important to view science as a process, not a set of facts.
Dr. Alex Dainis earned her PhD in genetics at Stanford University and is currently a freelance science communicator and video producer. Her successful social media channels bring biology, chemistry, and genetics to over 125,000 followers world-wide.
Note: For professional help with a genetic medical condition, consult your physician and/or a genetic counsellor.
Connect with Dr. Alex Dainis
@alexdainis on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok
Helicase Media video production: https://helicasemedia.com/
Recommended Resources
Reactions by ACS: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJ9oJ2GUF8Vmb-G63ldGWg
Reactions by ACS: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJ9oJ2GUF8Vmb-G63ldGWg
Chemistry for Life Podcast: https://chemforyourlife.com
Those Nerdy Girls: https://thosenerdygirls.org
Science Sam: https://www.samanthayammine.com
Space Gal: https://www.thespacegal.com/about
Unbiased Sci Pod: https://www.unbiasedscipod.com
Apr 28, 2023
Apr 28, 2023
35 min
Learn about your immune system with Dr. Liz Marnik, a scientist, professor, and passionate science communicator.
In this episode, Dr. Marnik sheds light on how our immune systems work, and what we can do to keep them in tip top shape. We also talk about immune health myths and misinformation, and why we should be skeptical of "immune boosting" and "anti-inflammatory" claims.
Dr. Marnik has a PhD in genetics/immunology and is an assistant professor of Molecular Biochemistry at Husson University, in Maine. She is also very active on social media and Substack, where she writes about COVID-19, vaccines, and other immunology topics.
Dr. Liz Marnik and Dr. Chana Davis (host) met through the unofficial "Nerdy Neighbourhood" - a group of clinicians, researchers, and public health experts dedicated to reaching the public with practical, digestible, science-based, information.
Connect with Dr. Liz Marnik
Instagram @sciencewhizliz
Newsletter: https://fromthescienceclass.substack.com
Website: https://www.elisabethmarnikphd.com/
Recommended Resources
British Immunology Society: https://www.immunology.org
Amoeba Sisters: https://www.amoebasisters.com
Members of the "Nerdy Neighbourhood"- Women in STEM who are passionate about science communication
Fueled by Science: https://fueledbyscience.com
Those Nerdy Girls: https://thosenerdygirls.org
Unambiguous Science: https://www.unambiguous-science.com
Unbiased SciPod:https://www.unbiasedscipod.com
SciMoms: https://scimoms.com
Impact: https://www.impact4hc.com
Apr 14, 2023
Apr 14, 2023
40 min
Join me to learn about the carbs, sugar spikes, and blood glucose monitors with diabetes expert Dr. Nicola Guess.
Dr. Guess discusses the pros and cons of closely tracking your blood sugar using CGMs (continuous glucose monitors). These devices have a long history of use in people with diabetes, and are gaining traction in healthy people for biohacking or personalized nutrition. She sheds light on how blood glucose profiles differ between people who are diabetic and not diabetic, and why a glucose spike is not necessarily cause for alarm. She also explains why not all carbs are equal, and why a carb-centric approach to nutrition can be problematic.
Dr. Nicola Guess is an expert in diabetes prevention and management, who brings a clinical, scientific and public health lens to the table. She see patients in her private clinical practice, and is a leading diabetes researcher at the University of Oxford.
Connect with Dr. Nicola Guess
- Substack: https://drguess.substack.com
- Twitter: @Dr__Guess
- Instagram: @dr__guess
Related episodes
Type 2 Diabetes Prevention: Dietary Strategies
Type 2 Diabetes Management: Dietary Strategies
Resources
American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org
Diabetes UK: https://www.diabetes.org.uk
Diabetes Canada: https://diabetes.ca/
Mar 31, 2023
Mar 31, 2023
20 min
Join me to learn about osteoporosis treatments with bone health expert Dr. Joy Wu.
We discuss lifestyle and medications that can halt bone loss, or even help rebuild bone. Dr. Wu also sheds light on the biology of bone and some of the factors that inform the optimal treatment for each patient.
Dr. Wu is a board-certified endocrinologist who specializes in osteoporosis and other bone mineral diseases. She treats patients and leads cutting-edge research at Stanford University, where she is Chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology and Metabolism and Vice Chair of Basic Science in the Department of Medicine.
This episode is the second of a two-part conversation. In part one, we discuss osteoporosis prevention.
Connect with Dr. Joy Wu
Twitter @JoyYWu
Stanford profile:
Resources
Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation
Osteoporosis Canada
Hormone Health Network of Endocrine Society
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (for physicians)
Mar 17, 2023
Mar 17, 2023
30 min
Join me to learn about building and maintaining strong bones, with endocrinologist Dr. Joy Wu. Osteoporosis causes devastating bone fractures in millions of people every year, and there is a lot we can do to prevent it.
In this episode, we discuss the causes, consequences, and risk factors for osteoporosis and bone fractures. Dr. Wu sheds light on what's going in inside your bones and the role of diet, exercise, hormones and medications.
Dr. Wu is a board-certified endocrinologist who specializes in osteoporosis and other bone mineral diseases. She treats patients and leads cutting-edge research at Stanford University, where she is Chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology and Metabolism and Vice Chair of Basic Science in the Department of Medicine.
This episode is the first of a two-part conversation. In part two, we discuss osteoporosis treatment options.
Connect with Dr. Joy Wu
Twitter @JoyYWu
Stanford profile:
Resources
Fracture Prevention Facts & Myths (Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation)
Osteoporosis Canada
Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the US Surgeon General
Hormone Health Network of Endocrine Society
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (for physicians)
Related podcast episodes
Navigating Menopausal Hormone Therapy (Dr. Carla DiGirolamo)
Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Risks & Benefits (Drs Avrum Bluming & Carol Tavris)
Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Setting The Record Straight (Dr. Avrum Bluming)
Mar 3, 2023
Mar 3, 2023
38 min
Join me for a conversation with emergency medicine physician, Dr. Shazma Mithani. We discuss preventative healthcare, tips for navigating the ER, and lessons from her high-pressure job that apply to daily life. Dr. Mithani also tackles medical myths and misinformation, including the potentially harmful belief that everything natural is good and safe.
Dr. Shazma Mithani is an emergency medicine physician in Edmonton, Canada and an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Alberta. In addition to treating patients on the front lines, Dr. Mithani is very active on social media, where she busts myths, educates the public, and advocates for social justice.
Connect with Dr. Shazma Mithani
Twitter @shazmamithani
Instagram | Tik Tok | Facebook @drshazmamithani
Tune into Everyday ER on CBC
Resources
8-1-1 Health Line (in Canada)
Health Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html
Alberta Health Services: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca
Science Up First: Together Against Misinformation: https://www.scienceupfirst.com/
Feb 17, 2023
Feb 17, 2023
28 min
Join me for a deeper understanding of breast cancer, with Dr. Stephanie Graff, a medical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer.
Dr. Graff sheds light on what breast cancer is, why it's such a diverse disease, and the role of genetic and lifestyle risk factors. We also discuss the rise of "expert patients" and the challenges and opportunities of navigating cancer in today's complex information environment.
Dr. Graff cares for breast cancer patients at the Lifespan Cancer Institute in Rhode Island, where she is Director of Breast Oncology. She is also actively involved in cancer research and clinical trial design, and is Assistant Professor of Medicine at Brown University. Dr. Graff is passionate about empowering patient advocates, and serves as a medical advisor to the Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.
Connect with Dr. Graff:
Twitter @drsgraff: https://twitter.com/DrSGraff
Brown University: https://vivo.brown.edu/display/sgraff
Lifespan Cancer Institute: https://www.lifespan.org/providers/stephanie-l-graff-md
Publication - The Rise of the Expert Patient in Cancer: From Backseat Passenger to Co-navigator.
Resources:
Cancer.Net - Oncologist-approved information about cancer (by American Society of Clinical Oncologists)
American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Resources
Project LEAD - Science training for advocates (by National Breast Cancer Coalition):
https://www.stopbreastcancer.org/what-we-do/education/project-lead/
Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research
Feb 3, 2023
Feb 3, 2023
23 min
This conversation with Dr. Kelly Casperson provides hope and direction for women struggling with low sexual desire - and their partners.
Dr. Casperson is a urologist, coach and sex expert who is passionate about helping women to live their best love lives. She guides women towards an empowering mindset shift, and helps educate them about their bodies, their desires, and the societal factors that shape our sex lives. This conversation also touches on the role of hormones, which have a role to play, but are rarely a quick fix.
This episode is the second of a two part conversation with Dr. Casperson. In Part 1, we discuss urology norms, problems, and solutions.
For more from Dr. Casperson, check out her highly successful podcast and book, both entitled: You Are Not Broken.
Connect with Dr. Kelly Casperson
@kellycaspersonmd on Instagram and Facebook
You Are Not Broken Podcast: https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com/podcast