The ALA is back! We had so many listener questions, the Health Wanted team once again dives into the listener mailbag to Ask Laurel Anything, from her recommendations on science comms and sewing to her thoughts on Atlanta and music in 2024.

Laurel’s referenced science resources:

Stat News

Amy Maxmen

Anna Merlan

Bad Science by Ben Goldacre

Carl T. Bergstrom

We'll be back in the new year to break down more science, in the pursuit of better health.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630.

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted. To support Health Wanted and other public media programing this Giving Season, visit wabe.org/give

 

The ALA is back! We had so many listener questions, the Health Wanted team once again dives into the listener mailbag to Ask Laurel Anything, from her recommendations on science comms and sewing to her thoughts on Atlanta and music in 2024.
Laurel&rsquo;s referenced science resources:
<a href="https://www.statnews.com/">Stat News</a>
<a href="https://amymaxmen.com/">Amy Maxmen</a>
<a href="https://annamerlan.net/">Anna Merlan</a>
<a href="https://www.badscience.net/">Bad Science by Ben Goldacre</a>
<a href="https://ctbergstrom.com/">Carl T. Bergstrom</a>
We'll be back in the new year to break down more science, in the pursuit of better health.
Have a question for Laurel? Send it to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:healthwanted@wabe.org">healthwanted@wabe.org</a> or leave a voicemail at <a href="tel:404-888-3630">404-888-3630</a>.
For more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/healthwanted/">wabe.org/healthwanted</a>. To support&nbsp;Health Wanted and other public media programing this Giving Season, visit <a href="https://www.wabe.org/give">wabe.org/give</a>
&nbsp;

Ask Laurel Anything (ALA), Part 2

A Brief History of Food Processing

Interview with Dr. Kevin Hall

The Q&A

Sick of the Week: Background Reading

Diets high in ultra-processed foods have been linked to increased risk of developing certain health conditions, but scientists are uncertain about the exact cause. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Kevin Hall, PhD, explore the prominent role of ultra-processed foods of in American diets and next steps for uncovering what about them might be contributing to poor health.

Then, Bristow answers questions on Glucola and gestational diabetes testing, nasal sprays, the HHS and vaccines, the latest in bird flu, and the recent outbreak in Congo before Sick of the Week: background reading.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted. To support Health Wanted and other public media programing amplifying Atlanta this Giving Tuesday, visit wabe.org/give

Diets high in ultra-processed foods have been linked to increased risk of developing certain health conditions, but scientists are uncertain about the exact cause. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Kevin Hall, PhD, explore the prominent role of ultra-processed foods of in American diets and next steps for uncovering what about them might be contributing to poor health.
Then, Bristow answers questions on Glucola and gestational diabetes testing, nasal sprays, the HHS and vaccines, the latest in bird flu, and the recent outbreak in Congo before Sick of the Week: background reading.
For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the <a href="https://sph.emory.edu/about/communications/health-wanted/show-notes/ultra-processed-foods/index.html">Show Notes</a>.
Have a question for Laurel? Send it to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:healthwanted@wabe.org">healthwanted@wabe.org</a> or leave a voicemail at <a href="tel:404-888-3630">404-888-3630</a>!
For more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/healthwanted/">wabe.org/healthwanted</a>. To support&nbsp;Health Wanted&nbsp;and other public media programing amplifying Atlanta this Giving Tuesday, visit <a href="https://www.wabe.org/give">wabe.org/give</a>

Ultra-Processed Foods

World AIDS Day was December 1st

Interview with Carlos Del Rio

Sick of the Week: Health Equity

Since the start of the HIV epidemic in the 1980s, an estimated 88 million people have been infected with HIV, and 42 million people have died due to complications from AIDS worldwide. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Carlos Del Rio, MD, cover the global impact of HIV/AIDS, the progress made in treatment and prevention options, and the next steps to continue the fight against the disease.

In the Q&A, Bristow discusses sunglasses and UV protection, nicotine content in vegetables, and (of course) fluoride, which sets up Sick of the Week: Health Equity.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted. To support Health Wanted and other public media programing amplifying Atlanta this Giving Tuesday, visit wabe.org/give

Since the start of the HIV epidemic in the 1980s, an estimated 88 million people have been infected with HIV, and 42 million people have died due to complications from AIDS worldwide. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Carlos Del Rio, MD, cover the global impact of HIV/AIDS, the progress made in treatment and prevention options, and the next steps to continue the fight against the disease.
In the Q&amp;A, Bristow discusses sunglasses and UV protection, nicotine content in vegetables, and (of course) fluoride, which sets up Sick of the Week: Health Equity.
For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the <a href="https://sph.emory.edu/about/communications/health-wanted/show-notes/world-aids-day/index.html">Show Notes</a>.
Have a question for Laurel? Send it to <a href="mailto:healthwanted@wabe.org">healthwanted@wabe.org</a> or leave a voicemail at <a href="tel:404-888-3630">404-888-3630</a>!
For more, visit <a href="https://www.wabe.org/healthwanted/">wabe.org/healthwanted</a>. To support Health Wanted and other public media programing amplifying Atlanta this Giving Tuesday, visit <a href="https://www.wabe.org/give">wabe.org/give</a>

World AIDS Day

In this special bonus Q&A, the Health Wanted team jumps into the listener mailbag to Ask Laurel Anything, from getting to know Laurel to axolotl updates to holiday favorites. Thanks to everyone who submitted a question or comment!

We'll be back next week to break down more science, in the pursuit of better health.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630.

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted. To support Health Wanted and other public media programing this Giving Tuesday, visit wabe.org/give

In this special bonus Q&amp;A, the Health Wanted team jumps into the listener mailbag to Ask Laurel Anything, from getting to know Laurel to axolotl updates to holiday favorites. Thanks to everyone who submitted a question or comment!
We'll be back next week to break down more science, in the pursuit of better health.
Have a question for Laurel? Send it to <a href="mailto:healthwanted@wabe.org">healthwanted@wabe.org</a> or leave a voicemail at <a href="tel:404-888-3630">404-888-3630</a>.
For more, visit <a href="https://www.wabe.org/healthwanted/">wabe.org/healthwanted</a>. To support Health Wanted and other public media programing this Giving Tuesday, visit <a href="https://www.wabe.org/give">wabe.org/give</a>

Ask Laurel Anything (ALA), Part 1

The history and rise of AI

Interview with Sayash Kapoor

Total Recall: Baby Carrots

What's the danger of smoking hookah?

What do the heads of HHS and CMS do?

But what about fluoride in European countries?

Can I get my daily vitamins from patches?

Is mouth taping beneficial?

Sick of the Week: Scientific Research!

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds great potential to improve and expedite a variety of processes in health care. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Sayash Kapoor explore AI's capabilities, current limitations, and highlight the next steps in using its power to reach better health outcomes.

In the Q&A, Bristow breaks down the roles of the HHS and CMS, gives an update on the latest food contamination story in a new segment (Total Recall), and answers listener questions on hookah, fluoride in Europe, vitamin patches, and mouth taping. This week's Sick of the Week salutes scientific research via a recent stem cell transplant story.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds great potential to improve and expedite a variety of processes in health care. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Sayash Kapoor explore AI's capabilities, current limitations, and highlight the next steps in using its power to reach better health outcomes.
In the Q&amp;A, Bristow breaks down the roles of the HHS and CMS, gives an update on the latest food contamination story in a new segment (Total Recall), and answers listener questions on hookah, fluoride in Europe, vitamin patches, and mouth taping. This week's Sick of the Week salutes scientific research via a recent stem cell transplant story.
For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the <a href="https://sph.emory.edu/about/communications/health-wanted/show-notes/ai-in-health-care/index.html">Show Notes</a>.
Have a question for Laurel? Send it to <a href="mailto:healthwanted@wabe.org">healthwanted@wabe.org</a> or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!
For more, visit <a href="https://www.wabe.org/healthwanted/">wabe.org/healthwanted</a>

AI and Healthcare

The history of diabetes

A trip to the pancreas

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

Interview with Mohammed Ali, MD

Sick of the Week: Bird Flu

Bird flu detected in Los Angeles Wastewater

Teenager in Canada in critical condition

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects over 10% of the world’s population and is the eighth leading cause of death worldwide. This week on Health Wanted, in honor of World Diabetes Day, host Laurel Bristow and Mohammed Ali, MD, professor of global health, discuss the factors driving the global rise in diabetes cases and the latest advancements in diabetes research.

In the Q&A, Bristow answers questions on exercise recommendations and the safety of black plastic kitchen utensils before giving updates on bird flu, including recent detection in Los Angeles wastewater and the diagnosis of bird flu in a teenager in Canada.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects over 10% of the world’s population and is the eighth leading cause of death worldwide. This week on Health Wanted, in honor of World Diabetes Day, host Laurel Bristow and Mohammed Ali, MD, professor of global health, discuss the factors driving the global rise in diabetes cases and the latest advancements in diabetes research.
In the Q&amp;A, Bristow answers questions on exercise recommendations and the safety of black plastic kitchen utensils before giving updates on bird flu, including recent detection in Los Angeles wastewater and the diagnosis of bird flu in a teenager in Canada.
For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the <a href="https://sph.emory.edu/about/communications/health-wanted/show-notes/episode-sixteen-diabetes/index.html">Show Notes</a>.
Have a question for Laurel? Send it to <a href="mailto:healthwanted@wabe.org">healthwanted@wabe.org</a> or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!
For more, visit <a href="https://www.wabe.org/healthwanted/">wabe.org/healthwanted</a>

Diabetes

A brief history of smoking

E-cigarettes and vaping

Interview with Dr. Johannes Thrul

Sick of the Week: IUD link with breast cancer?

From anti-smoking campaigns to advertisements for fruit-flavored vapes, marketing has played a huge role in how Americans interact with smoking products for over a century. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Johannes Thrul, PhD, associate professor of public health, explore the evolution of smoking and the latest research into helping people quit.

In the Q&A, Bristow answers questions about flesh-eating bacteria, a possible link between COVID-19 and type 2 diabetes, and winter respiratory illness season. She then reflects on the importance of context in public health during the Sick of the Week.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

From anti-smoking campaigns to advertisements for fruit-flavored vapes, marketing has played a huge role in how Americans interact with smoking products for over a century. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Johannes Thrul, PhD, associate professor of public health, explore the evolution of smoking and the latest research into helping people quit.
In the Q&amp;A, Bristow answers questions about flesh-eating bacteria, a possible link between COVID-19 and type 2 diabetes, and winter respiratory illness season. She then reflects on the importance of context in public health during the Sick of the Week.
For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the <a href="https://sph.emory.edu/about/communications/health-wanted/show-notes/episode-fifteen-smoking/index.html">Show Notes</a>.
Have a question for Laurel? Send it to <a href="mailto:healthwanted@wabe.org">healthwanted@wabe.org</a> or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!
For more, visit <a href="https://www.wabe.org/healthwanted/">wabe.org/healthwanted</a>

Smoking

The public health threat of misinformation 

Misinformation's troubling past

The impact of social media on misinformation

How to spot bad science

Conspiracies and conspiracy theories 

Interview with Jessica Malaty Rivera

Sick of the Week: Federal Regulations

Health misinformation is a growing public health crisis, shaping behaviors, fueling skepticism, and undermining trust in science. Today on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Jessica Malaty Rivera discuss common origins of misinformation and ways to combat its spread.

In the Q&A, Bristow answers questions about State Based Exchanges for healthcare, GLP-1 capsules, and current food-borne outbreaks, setting up the Sick of the Week: federal regulations .

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. You can also leave a comment on YouTube. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

Health misinformation is a growing public health crisis, shaping behaviors, fueling skepticism, and undermining trust in science. Today on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Jessica Malaty Rivera discuss common origins of misinformation and ways to combat its spread.
In the Q&amp;A, Bristow answers questions about State Based Exchanges for healthcare, GLP-1 capsules, and current food-borne outbreaks, setting up the Sick of the Week: federal regulations .
For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the <a href="https://sph.emory.edu/about/communications/health-wanted/show-notes/episode-fourteen-misinformation/index.html">Show Notes</a>.
Have a question for Laurel? Send it to <a href="mailto:healthwanted@wabe.org">healthwanted@wabe.org</a> or @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/healthwantedshow">healthwantedshow on IG</a>. You can also <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3eaLS2Yj7DdRpofXFnkgpfHf4Jbr2fsa&amp;si=9_4H56azq-OGTIGL">leave a comment on YouTube</a>. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless!
For more, visit <a href="https://www.wabe.org/healthwanted/">wabe.org/healthwanted</a>

Misinformation 

Frankenstein

Zombies

Mummies

Vampires

Blood

Worms

Skeletons

Cemeteries

Ghosts

Warty Witches

Bats

Sick of the Week: Candy

Halloween is here, listen if you dare! Turns out some of the most popular horror myths are based in public health reality. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow is joined by two special guests: comedians Mark Kendall and David Perdue. The three talk through some of the science behind vampires, zombies, mummies, and other things that go bump in the night.

In the Q&A, Bristow answers questions about one of her favorite treats, candy, before coming to its defense in the Sick of the Week.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. You can also leave a comment on YouTube. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

Halloween is here, listen if you dare! Turns out some of the most popular horror myths are based in public health reality. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow is joined by two special guests: comedians Mark Kendall and David Perdue. The three talk through some of the science behind vampires, zombies, mummies, and other things that go bump in the night.
In the Q&amp;A, Bristow answers questions about one of her favorite treats, candy, before coming to its defense in the Sick of the Week.
For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the <a href="https://sph.emory.edu/about/communications/health-wanted/show-notes/episode-twelve-aging/index.html">Show Notes</a>.
Have a question for Laurel? Send it to <a href="mailto:healthwanted@wabe.org">healthwanted@wabe.org</a> or @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/healthwantedshow">healthwantedshow on IG</a>. You can also <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3eaLS2Yj7DdRpofXFnkgpfHf4Jbr2fsa&amp;si=9_4H56azq-OGTIGL">leave a comment on YouTube</a>. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless!
For more, visit <a href="https://www.wabe.org/healthwanted/">wabe.org/healthwanted</a>

Halloween

A long look at aging

Interview with Dr. Regina Shih

Sick of the Week: Marburg

Lifespans have increased significantly in the past century, and while plastic surgery and eye cream may slow the visible effects of aging, getting older is both an inevitable and natural stage of life. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow talks with Regina Shih, PhD, professor of epidemiology, about the current challenge in the U.S. to ensure quality care and support for aging adults.  

Bristow also answers questions on West Nile, air and water quality, and misinformation following natural disasters in the The Q&A, before discussing the recent Marburg outbreak in Rwanda in Sick of the Week. 

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. You can also leave a comment on YouTube. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

Lifespans have increased significantly in the past century, and while plastic surgery and eye cream may slow the visible effects of aging, getting older is both an inevitable and natural stage of life. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow talks with Regina Shih, PhD, professor of epidemiology, about the current challenge in the U.S. to ensure quality care and support for aging adults.  
Bristow also answers questions on West Nile, air and water quality, and misinformation following natural disasters in the The Q&amp;A, before discussing the recent Marburg outbreak in Rwanda in Sick of the Week. 
For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the <a href="https://sph.emory.edu/about/communications/health-wanted/show-notes/episode-twelve-aging/index.html">Show Notes</a>.
Have a question for Laurel? Send it to <a href="mailto:healthwanted@wabe.org">healthwanted@wabe.org</a> or @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/healthwantedshow">healthwantedshow on IG</a>. You can also <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3eaLS2Yj7DdRpofXFnkgpfHf4Jbr2fsa&amp;si=9_4H56azq-OGTIGL">leave a comment on YouTube</a>. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless!
For more, visit <a href="https://www.wabe.org/healthwanted/">wabe.org/healthwanted</a>

Aging

Health Wanted brings you each week’s need-to-know public health headlines and breaks down the science behind trending topics. Host and social media science influencer Laurel Bristow covers everything from Ozempic to the ozone, interviewing experts and answering your questions, all in pursuit of better health.

A partnership between WABE and the Emory Rollins School of Public Health.

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This public health show is intended solely for general information purposes, and is not intended to provide medical advice, to be used in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease or other conditions. The information in the show should not be relied upon in a manner that would either delay medical treatment or result in unnecessary medical treatment. Always consult a physician or health care provider with your health or treatment concerns.

Health Wanted brings you each week’s need-to-know public health headlines and breaks down the science behind trending topics. Host and social media science influencer Laurel Bristow covers everything from Ozempic to the ozone, interviewing experts and answering your questions, all in pursuit of better health.
A partnership between WABE and the Emory Rollins School of Public Health.
---
This public health show is intended solely for general information purposes, and is not intended to provide medical advice, to be used in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease or other conditions. The information in the show should not be relied upon in a manner that would either delay medical treatment or result in unnecessary medical treatment. Always consult a physician or health care provider with your health or treatment concerns.

Health Wanted

Social links:

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