First off, apologies from our team for the late posting, I had a sudden medical emergency myself that put me in the hospital.  But... we are back and will be posting a new episode on that incident in the near future!  Thank you for trusting us to return to show production, even if we are 30 hours late!  We are running with back to back reruns based on listeners requests.  For this week's show, let me re-introduce you to Meg Pecora from our first season in July of 2018. At the time Meg was a recent college graduate from Columbia in Chicago. Now she is a recently engaged artist with chronic pain due to Fibromyalgia.  She was approved for the Illinois medical cannabis program and discusses the process of obtaining the authorization and finally "prescription" for medical cannabis as a pain reliever.  ​ Medical marijuana uses the marijuana plant or chemicals in it to treat diseases or conditions. It's basically the same product as recreational marijuana, but it's taken for medical purposes. The marijuana plant contains more than 100 different chemicals called cannabinoids. Each one has a different effect on the body. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main chemicals used in medicine. THC also produces the "high" people feel when they smoke marijuana or eat foods containing it. ​"The greatest amount of evidence for the therapeutic effects of cannabis relate to its ability to reduce chronic pain, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and spasticity [tight or stiff muscles] from MS," Bonn-Miller says. ​Medical marijuana received a lot of attention a few years ago when parents said that a special form of the drug helped control seizures in their children. The FDA recently approved Epidiolex, which is made from CBD, as a therapy for people with very severe or hard-to-treat seizures. In studies, some people had a dramatic drop in seizures after taking this drug.  ​The cannabidiol Epidiolex was approved in 2018 for treating seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. In addition, the FDA has approved two man-made cannabinoid medicines -- dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros) and nabilone (Cesamet) -- to treat nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.  ​ (credits: WEBMD & Marcel Bonn-Miller Ph.D.)

Everyone has heard of a misdiagnosis.  Either radiology doesn't catch something on a scan, or perhaps the M.D. misses a lump or a mark during exam.  But when it comes to diagnosing deadly disease like cancer, you don't want it to get missed, especially twice for two different cancers!  Cancer misdiagnosis may occur due to human error such as doctor negligence or incompetence when determining which types of cancer testing may be needed. Cancer misdiagnosis may begin during the testing process, such as errors in performing diagnostic imaging or improper procedure when collecting cell samples for a biopsy.  Our guest today is Sarah E. McDonald, a two-time cancer survivor and one-time mother of daughter, Rory.  She has spent the majority of her 30-year career in the technology industry, 14 years of which were at eBay, including the period while she was battling cancer. Sarah received her MBA from Cornell University and her BA from Occidental College. Beyond cancer, Sarah is interested in all things people-related – especially when paired with food, wine, the outdoors, and/or music. Sarah lives in Mill Valley with her husband, Geoff, and daughter, Rory. The Cancer Channel is her first book.

This week we will discuss Dysautonomia once again.  Our guest this week is Ella Eastin, a first-year medical student at Stanford University School of Medicine. She completed her undergraduate education at Stanford and was a member and captain of the Varsity Swim team, where she earned 12 National Championship titles and set 4 American Records. Following her graduation in 2019 with a B.S. in Human Biology, she competed professionally as a member of Team USA. However, her Olympic aspirations were cut short due to a COVID-19 infection which led to her developing Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Dysautonomia, resulting in her retirement from competitive swimming. To raise awareness for individuals affected by chronic illness and disability, she founded Dysunderstood, a community platform for patients to share their experiences. As a future healthcare provider, her goal is to bring attention to these debilitating conditions and provide unwavering care for patients facing lifelong health challenges.

This week we will discuss a debilitating neurological disorders of COVID-19 syndrome in survivors, the scope of SARS-CoV-2-induced dysautonomia (DNS) is yet to be understood, though the implications are enormous. Our guest today ended up with POTs (a form of dysautonomia) after receiving the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.  Chelsea, a 21 yr old former nursing student was diagnosed after having so many symptoms she couldn't complete her studies.  Studies are just now surfacing that give credence to her claims it was the vaccine that made her ill.  Since the vaccine is very safe for the majority of individuals we would NEVER SUGGEST TO OPT OUT of the vaccine.  But knowledge is power, and researchers will find out more about this possible link thanks to stories like hers getting into the mainstream media.   Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome or POTs is a debilitating condition  affecting the autonomic nervous system.    With neurocognitive impairments or “brain fog”; problems with body temperature regulation; gastroenterological symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation; and dark red-blue discoloration of the legs being the most common symptoms. Some people with POTS also may have one or more associated conditions, including migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, and joint hypermobility syndrome.  Some people with POTs can have pre-syncope or syncope episodes where they feel like they might pass out or actually do pass out.  It's a serious condition that needs proper testing and follow up with a physician.

On today’s show, we are speaking with Dr. Deepti Agarwal. Dr. Agarwal graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, then earned her MD from Stony Brook School of Medicine at the State University of New York (SUNY). She completed her residency in Anesthesiology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital Feinberg School of Medicine. Her Fellowship in Pain Management is from Weill Cornell Medical College/New York Presbyterian Hospital. She also completed an Integrative Medicine Fellowship at Northwestern/UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. Our topic for today is a BOGO!  Yep, not one but two episodes in one!  Longevity Medicine & Regenerative Medicine.  Longevity medicine is advanced personalized preventive medicine powered by deep biomarkers of aging and longevity and is a fast-emerging field. The field encompasses the likewise rapidly evolving areas of biogerontology, geroscience, and precision, preventive, and functional medicine.  (Longevity medicine: upskilling the physicians of tomorrow - The Lancet Healthy Longevity ) And What Is Regenerative Medicine? (webmd.com) Regenerative medicine, a fairly new field in which experts are looking for therapies and strategies similar to the mechanisms that help your body heal itself, is changing that.  You can learn more by listening now or head over to our website for more links.  Https://www.PodcastDX.com.

This week we are talking once again with Kristal Kent.  If you recall, Kristal has joined us on previous interviews discussing Fibromyalgia and again discussing prepping for surgery as a chronically ill person.  We never really gave Kristal the credit she deserves for being such a fantastic advocate for all Veterans and those with Fibro or other life-long medical conditions.  Allow me to properly introduce this dynamic woman! ​Kristal Kent is a disabled Army Veteran living with Fibromyalgia and served with the 256th Combat Support Hospital (256th CSH). Kristal worked with the Personnel (HR) department, then after September 11th, 2001, Kristal was re-assigned to the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) of the 256th CSH. After being medically discharged due to injuries, Kristal stayed on with her unit, the 256th CSH, and volunteered for 2 ½ years as the Family Readiness Group Leader, re-invigorating the program to become a supportive extension of the unit for the soldiers and their families. During her time as the FRG Leader, Kristal upstarted a Food Pantry to assist the Unit’s service members struggling with food sustenance, coordinated a resource list of federal, state, and local support and assistance resource programs for soldiers and families, along with hosted “Readiness” educational weekend to ensure soldiers and Military Families were prepared for deployment. Kristal’s Volunteerism as FRG Leader was officially recognized with a Commendation from the U.S. Department of the Army. Kristal also worked in Social Services for over 20 years in a variety of roles, from Adult Advocacy Coordinator, Care Coordinator, Assertive Community Treatment Specialist, Benefits Coordinator and Supported Employment Services, assisting individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, Mental Health Conditions and Veterans alike. ​              As a Veteran living with Fibromyalgia, Kristal identified the lack of supports, healthcare options and education for those living with Fibromyalgia, especially Veterans. To address the gap in healthcare and community supports, Kristal founded the initiatives, “The Fibromyalgia Pain Chronicles” and “Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia,” to address the inequities in healthcare, Kristal engages in VA Policy Advocacy, Legislative Advocacy and Systems Advocacy to emote positive change for those living with Fibromyalgia. Kristal also provides support, educational resources, and advocates on behalf of those living with various Chronic Pain Conditions, Rare Diseases, PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Kristal’s Advocacy work on behalf of the Veteran and Fibromyalgia Communities has been recognized by several organizations such as WEGO Health in which she received the Patient Leader Hero Award and the Best In Show on Facebook in 2018, the 2019 Fibro Warrior Award from the Fibromyalgia Care Society of America, the Warrior of the Week in 2020 from UK Fibromyalgia. In May 2021 Kristal was presented with a Commendation from the State of Ohio House of Representatives for her advocacy work through Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia. In August 2022, Kristal was chosen by Health Union, through the Social Health Awards patient advocacy platform, as the recipient of the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, in May 2022 Kristal advocated for and obtained a Proclamation designating May 12th as Fibromyalgia Awareness Day from the State of Ohio Governor. ​Kristal previously served 3 years as a Board of Trustee for the Fibromyalgia Care Society of America along with previously served as a Board Member on the Wego Health Patient Advisory Board. Kristal is currently a member of Society For Participatory Medicine, Social Health’s Patient Leader Network, a Co-Op member of Savvy Cooperative and a member of the American Legion. Kristal's latest medical challenge has been heart related.  Since February is heart health month and Valentines Day happens to be on a Tuesday this year (we post our episodes on Tuesdays) what better of a guest for this week?    SOCIAL MEDIA: FACEBOOK:  The Fibromyalgia Pain Chronicles:  https://www.facebook.com/FibroPainChronicles Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia:  https://www.facebook.com/VeteranVoices4Fibro INSTAGRAM:   Kristal @ The Fibromyalgia Pain Chronicles:   http://www.instagram.com/thefibropainchronicles  YOUTUBE: The Fibromyalgia Pain Chronicles:   https://www.youtube.com/feed/my_videos Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia:   https://www.youtube.com/feed/my_videos  WEGO HEALTH:   https://app.wegohealth.com/Kristal  ​​ 11 Tips For Keeping Your Heart Healthy As A Woman Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, accounting for one in four deaths each year. Cardiac events, such as heart attacks and strokes, are also more common in women than men.   While there are many factors that contribute to heart disease, there are also a number of things that women can do to protect themselves. These include maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, exercise, and knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.   Here are eleven tips for keeping your heart healthy as a woman. These tips are based on the latest scientific evidence and are designed to help you lower your risk of heart disease and live a healthier life. 1. Heart Disease is the Leading Cause of Death for Women in the United States: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The American Heart Association (AHA) says that about 1 in every 4 female deaths is attributed to heart disease. A variety of lifestyle choices and risk factors can contribute to the development of heart disease. It is important to be aware of them and take steps to reduce your risk. 2. Women Often Experience Different Symptoms of Heart Disease Than Men: Though men and women both experience cardiovascular events, it has been found that women can experience different symptoms than men. Women may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, or pain in the upper back and neck, aside from chest pain. Women may also have a higher risk of developing atypical heart attack symptoms than men. If something doesn’t seem quite right, it is important to seek medical attention right away. 3. There are Certain Lifestyle Choices That Can Help Keep Your Heart Healthy: Making certain lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk of heart disease. For example, it is important to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to your food choices and quit smoking. All of these measures can help reduce the risk for cardiovascular events. 4. Pay Attention to Your Family History: It is important to pay attention to your family history, as your risk for heart disease can be higher if there is a family history of heart disease. It is important to speak with your doctor about your family history and determine if you need to be tested for any genetic heart diseases. 5. Manage Your Mental Health: Mental health can also be an important factor when it comes to heart health. Studies have found that stress, depression, and anxiety can all increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Taking steps to manage your mental health, such as talking to a therapist or engaging in mindfulness practices, can help reduce this risk. 6. Be Physically Active: Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your heart health. It can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. Aim to be physically active for 30 minutes five days a week. Activities such as walking, biking, and running are all good options. 7. Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy diet is an important part of maintaining a healthy heart. The AHA recommends following an eating plan that is high in fiber and low in saturated and trans fat. This includes eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. 8. Don't Smoke: Smoking can damage the cells in the coronary arteries, which can increase the risk of heart disease. If you smoke, it is important to quit. It can take time and there are a variety of resources available to help. 9. Get Your Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Checked Regularly: High cholesterol and high blood pressure can both make it more difficult for your heart to work properly, so it is important to get them checked regularly. Your doctor can help you decide how often these tests should be done. 10. Keep Diabetes Under Control: Diabetes can also increase the risk of heart disease. Keeping your diabetes under control can help keep your heart healthy. This means managing your blood sugar levels, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. 11. Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Sleep: Inadequate sleep can increase the risk of heart disease. Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night and speak to your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping. Advantage of Women's Health Screenings: Annual wellness physicals or women's health screenings can help detect certain medical issues early on, which can be beneficial for heart health. These screenings may include electrocardiograms (ECG) or other tests to check your heart health. Conclusion: Following the tips outlined above can help reduce your risk of heart disease and help keep your heart healthy as a woman. It is important to remember that each person is unique and it is important to speak with your doctor to understand what is best for your individual needs.

This week we will discuss Witkop Syndrome with Cheryl Kingsford. Cheryl is 44.5 years old, from Boise, Idaho, advocate, survivor of trauma, living with ectodermal dysplasia. Single, no kids of her own, but has cute chihuahua.  She rescued Gina August 5, 2020 after fostering her since May 28, 2020. Gina and Cheryl go on a lot of hiking adventures. Cheryl has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Magna Cum Laude) from Boise State University 2010. First in her family.  Does a lot of volunteer work over the years. Cheryl is the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasia Family Driven Lead Advocate for Idaho. She is joining us today to talk about Ectodermal Dysplasia, Witkop’s Syndrome, and for the "Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act" Witkop is a rare syndrome that can affect the nails teeth and hair. Witkop syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant ectodermal dysplasia involving the teeth and nails. Although a few reported cases have sparse or fine hair, almost all affected individuals have normal hair, sweat glands, and ability to tolerate heat. Affected individuals have a variable number and variable types of congenitally missing permanent and/or primary teeth, which frequently results in lip eversion due to loss of occlusion in the vertical dimension. Nails are generally thin, slow-growing, brittle, and spoon-shaped (koilonychia). Toenails are usually more severely affected than fingernails. The nail defects are alleviated with age and may not be easily detectable during adulthood (summary by Jumlongras et al., 2001).   ​ This month is Ectodermal Awareness month.  Ectodermal dysplasias are rare genetic disorders that affect about 3 out of 10,000 babies. They cause the parts of the body like hair, teeth, nails, sweat glands and skin to develop and function abnormally. With more than 100+ different types of ectodermal dysplasias, it’s challenging for families to find answers and for healthcare professionals to offer treatments or cures.  Witkop Syndrome is one of these disorders and we are honored to be sharing Cheryl's story today.

This week we will discuss Strep once again.    Bacteria called group B Streptococcus (group B strep, GBS) commonly live in people’s gastrointestinal and genital tracts. The gastrointestinal tract is the part of the body that digests food and includes the stomach and intestines. The genital tract is the part of the body involved in reproduction and includes the vagina in women. Most of the time the bacteria are not harmful and do not make people feel sick or have any symptoms. Sometimes the bacteria invade the body and cause certain infections, which are known as GBS disease. ​ GBS bacteria can cause many types of infections: Bacteremia (bloodstream infection) and sepsis (the body’s extreme response to an infection) Bone and joint infections Meningitis (infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord) Pneumonia (lung infection) Skin and soft-tissue infections GBS most commonly causes bacteremia, sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in newborns. It is very uncommon for GBS to cause meningitis in adults. (CDC)

This week we will discuss the dangers of eating restaurant ice or any ice for that matter!  Ice handling is part of food safety training.  Without proper ice machine cleaning, your restaurant’s ice maker is at risk from mold, slime, scale, and sediment. ​Slime and mold form because ice machines provide a damp and dark environment where they can thrive. Yeast and dust in the air provide these growths with an unlimited supply of food to continue to flourish. Ice machines are also susceptible to other biological contaminants that are dangerous to customers, like E. Coli, Hepatitis A, and Norwalk Virus. In fact, a 2011 study from the Environmental Protection Agency focused on Las Vegas restaurants found that 72.2 percent of ice was “positive for presumptive coliform bacteria presence.” Restaurants can clean mold, slime, and other biological contaminants from their ice machine with a few simple steps. A weekly cleaning schedule helps tremendously to keep these containments at bay, but it is not a replacement for a professional ice machine cleaning from a qualified technician. (credits) Another way eating ice can be harmful is when a person develops Pica, or an unusual craving for chewing on ice.  This can mean you have iron deficiency anemia.  Compulsive ice chewing can lead to a variety of complications. It may also interfere with your life at school, work, or home. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to find out the reason why you’re craving ice. A simple blood test may help you figure out the cause of your cravings and start treatment. (credits)

This week we will discuss olfactory disorders, or problems with smelling either good or bad chemicals, foods, fragrances, and the like.  Did you know your sense of smell also affects your taste? A damaged sense of olfaction is severely disrupting: the joy of eating and drinking may be lost, and depression may result. There could also be dangers associated with the loss of smell, including the inability to detect leaking gas or spoiled food.  More than 2.7 million people in the United States have an olfactory disorder, and this is likely an underestimate. Some people have suggested that about half of people over the age of 60 have a decreased sense of smell.

This week we will discuss both Meningioma & Hemiplegia.  ​Our guest today is Marjorie Turner Hollman, a freelance writer/ editor who loves the outdoors, uses hiking poles to help keep her balance on the trail, and has completed four books in the Easy Walks guide book series. Her latest book, My Liturgy of Easy Walks, is a memoir, meditations on learning to live with a changed life. A native Floridian, she came north for college and snow! She has appeared on Boston’s ABC news show, Chronicle; Boston’s CBS Channel 4; the Boston Globe; local radio and cable TV shows; and been published in local, regional, and national publications.  A meningioma is just one of the more than 120 types of tumors that can occur in the brain. Meningiomas occur when cells from the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord (called the meninges) grow and multiply out of control. These primary tumors are different from metastatic brain tumors, in which cancerous cells travel from other sites, such as the breast or lung, to the brain. Meningiomas usually occur in people aged 40 to 70 and are more common in women than men. About 3% of people over age 60 develop meningioma. ​Meningiomas fall into three general types: benign, atypical and malignant. About 85-90% of meningiomas are truly benign, although they may grow inside the head and cause problems by pressing on the brain. Atypical meningiomas are more difficult to eliminate by surgery alone and may recur locally after treatment. Malignant meningiomas, while uncommon, behave like a cancer and can spread directly into the brain, causing serious neurologic symptoms. (credits: Rosewell Park Cancer Center) ​Unfortunately for Marjorie, the surgery to remove the life-threatening mass growing in her brain caused paralysis to her right side.  She knew before going into surgery she might not survive the 12 hour operation.  What she didn't know, was there was the risk of paralysis.  Her story is one of strength and determination as she took her new condition to task and started helping others with mobility difficulties have a better understanding of accessible hiking trails on the East Coast.   Marjorie Turner Hollman Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are Freelance Writer/Author/Editor www.marjorieturner.com marjorie@marjorieturner.com https://www.amazon.com/author/marjorieturnerhollman

This week we will discuss another respiratory virus that has been really hitting hard here in the United States this season.    ​ Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious virus that is usually mild, but can severely affect the lungs and respiratory airways in older adults While you may not have heard of it yet, RSV is not a new virus and may be more of a health concern than you think—even if you're healthy. And if you're aged 60 or older, you can get RSV. But don’t worry, by coming here you’ve taken a savvy first step toward learning about RSV so you can be informed. Let’s dive in. What are the symptoms of RSV? ​ Symptoms of RSV can range from mild to severe and can last up to 2 weeks. RSV can cause severe symptoms in older adults. RSV symptoms may include: Fever Cough Sore Throat Runny Nose Congestion Headache Tiredness ​The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that adults at highest risk for severe RSV infection include older adults, especially those 65 years of age and older, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, and adults with weakened immune systems. ~~ How does RSV spread? Similar to some other respiratory infections, a cough or sneeze can easily spread RSV. And while you're typically contagious for 3-8 days, some people, especially those with weakened immune systems, can be contagious for as long as 4 weeks—even after they stop showing symptoms. ~~ There’s a trio of viruses spreading in the U.S. — COVID-19, the flu and RSV — and some in the medical world are calling it a “tripledemic.” Public health officials have seen “elevated” levels of all three viruses circulating in the U.S. If you’re feeling sick, it can be tough to differentiate among COVID-19, the flu and RSV because they share similar symptoms and can also look like the common cold. When it comes to COVID-19, the CDC reports cases and deaths have risen in the past few weeks, as of Dec. 16. Meanwhile, Walenksy said at the briefing that flu and RSV cases are higher than what’s been historically typical this season. It’s possible that you might be sick with one of the viruses. But keep in mind that from late August through March, it’s also a prime time to get a cold ~~ Am I sick with COVID, RSV, the flu or simply a cold? Before getting into symptoms, one characteristic COVID-19, the flu and RSV shares is that they’re respiratory infections affecting the airways, lungs, sinuses and throat. The cold is similar in that it is an upper respiratory infection affecting the nose and throat. COVID-19 and the flu have quite a few overlapping symptoms, according to the CDC, including: Fever Cough Trouble breathing  Feeling tired Sore throat Headache Vomiting Runny or a stuffy nose ~~ Diarrhea is listed as a flu and COVID-19 symptom by the CDC. However, while anyone with COVID-19 can experience diarrhea, it is more likely that children with the flu will experience the symptom, according to the agency. The CDC notes that COVID-19 symptoms may take longer to show up after an initial infection compared with the flu. ~~ Overall, the flu is the most likely to result in muscle aches and a fever compared to COVID-19, a cold and RSV, according to NYU Langone Health. ​In the U.S., the flu and RSV is hitting children hard and overwhelming hospitals, NPR reports. ~~ RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, can affect anyone with “cold-like” symptoms and has the potential to be most severe for babies and older adults, according to the CDC.  The most common symptoms of RSV and a cold Similarly to COVID-19 and the flu, RSV symptoms, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, include: •  Fever • Cough • Trouble breathing, including wheezing and shortness of breath • Feeling tired • Stuffy nose Other symptoms include sneezing, flaring nostrils, lack of appetite, and “head bobbing or chest caving in between and under ribs with each breath,” the American Academy of Pediatrics reports. The common cold also shares overlapping symptoms of COVID-19, the flu and RSV, according to Mayo Clinic. ~~ Some include: • Low-grade fever • Cough • Runny or stuffy nose • Congestion Meanwhile, sneezing, body aches and a mild headache are also cold symptoms.  Getting evaluated for COVID-19 or the flu With COVID-19 and the flu, the CDC reports that “you cannot tell the difference between” the pair based on symptoms. ​Luckily, there is a test that can detect whether you have COVID-19, the flu and even RSV that you can get through a health care provider. If all three are ruled out, there’s potential that you could have a cold. Generally, good habits to prevent yourself from getting sick include washing hands, avoiding touching your face, avoiding close physical contact, staying home and cleaning surfaces (CREDITS: https://bit.ly/3jIWxbG) .

With the winter weather now fully upon us we thought it was a good time to remind everyone about winter safety.  Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 F (37 C). Hypothermia (hi-poe-THUR-me-uh) occurs as your body temperature falls below 95 F (35 C). When your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system and other organs can't work normally. Left untreated, hypothermia can lead to complete failure of your heart and respiratory system and eventually to death. Hypothermia is often caused by exposure to cold weather or immersion in cold water. Primary treatments for hypothermia are methods to warm the body back to a normal temperature. And being the animal lovers that we are we also talk about their safety in the winter.  Our main concern is always for the health and safety of our guests, our listeners and any service animals.

This week we will discuss how you can stay healthy during the upcoming holiday season.  With COVID 19 ramping up once again along with the Flu and RSV you have enough to worry about when it comes to staying safe and healthy as you travel or gather with family or friends.  Food safety shouldn't take a back seat!  No one needs food poisoning to the list of risks this winter!  We all wish you a very happy safe and healthy holiday. Food poisoning, also called foodborne illness, is illness caused by eating contaminated food. Infectious organisms — including bacteria, viruses and parasites — or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning. Infectious organisms or their toxins can contaminate food at any point of processing or production. Contamination can also occur at home if food is incorrectly handled or cooked. Food poisoning symptoms, which can start within hours of eating contaminated food, often include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Most often, food poisoning is mild and resolves without treatment. But some people need to go to the hospital.

On today's show we discuss The Chicago House, founded in 1985 during the height of the AIDS crisis, Chicago House initially served as a housing resource for those living with HIV/AIDS. Over the past three decades, they evolved, remaining steadfast in their roots to provide housing for anyone impacted or vulnerable to HIV/AIDS while expanding their services to empower individuals in the greater LGBTQ+ community.   Chicago House empowers persons living with or vulnerable to HIV/AIDS to lead healthy and dignified lives through housing and compassionate, client-centered support services.  Chicago House is committed to preventing new HIV transmissions and ensuring individuals that are faced with a diagnosis are linked to care. As part of the local and global Getting to Zero effort they provide essential health services to individuals vulnerable to HIV with a goal to eliminate the HIV epidemic by the year 2030.     ​ ​   Our guest is MICHAEL T. HERMAN (HE/HIM/HIS) Chief Executive Officer of The Chicago House.  He is what you call a born and bred Chicagoan. He grew up on the Southwest side of the city in an Irish, German, Lithuanian, and Catholic family.  The three biggest values in his home growing up were family, faith, and education. He lived directly across the street from the church where he went to elementary school. At a young age, he entered the seminary attending Quigley South Seminary located at 79th and Western. He attended college seminary at Loyola University where he received a degree in Computer Programming and a minor in philosophy.  ​ He went on in the seminary to get a masters of Divinity before being ordained a catholic priest in 1989. For 17 years, he served as a priest in the Hispanic communities of Chicago. He loved the priesthood but eventually left active ministry to live as an out gay man. After leaving the priesthood, he joined Chicago House as the CDO, Chief Development Officer. In many ways, Chicago House allowed him to continue his ministry by working with the LGBTQ communities and those most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. After his time as CDO at Chicago House, he secured a role as VP of Philanthropy at Kohl Children’s Museum. He valued his 6 years at the museum and is now thrilled to have began his work as Chief Executive Officer at Chicago House in July 2019.   He met his husband, Bernard, 23 years ago playing volleyball. During those years, they have gotten married three times with the third one finally recognized as a legal marriage.  They adopted their son from the Philippines. Although much has changed in this world during his life, the values of family, faith, and education remain constant for him.

Our guest today is Chelsea Weaver, a 31-year-old living in Tennessee. She has a beautiful little girl that is just over 2 years old, a wonderful husband, and they all live on a quiet farm property.  Before coming down with COVID, she was a surgical technologist.   She used to assist in open heart surgery as well as some other specialties but hasn't been able to function in her career for about two years now.  Unfortunately, her COVID symptoms have morphed into Long COVID (specifically POTs or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.)   While the global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections has slowed, many people suffer long-lasting symptoms, a condition known as post-acute sequelae of COVID 2019 (COVID-19) (PASC), or long COVID. Even though PASC is not widely described, it is most commonly defined as COVID-19 symptoms that continue longer than 30 days. PASC can manifest as a wide range of symptoms, many exhibiting autonomic characteristics. An autonomic nervous system illness, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), strongly connected with a prior viral infection, is the most prevalent autonomic diagnosis correlated with PASC. The most prevalent symptoms were brain fog, exhaustion, shortness of breath with exercise, headache, palpitations, body pains, tachycardia, and lightheadedness, consistent with previous research that found many of the same symptoms in individuals with PASC. A COMPASS-31 score of above 20 was found in 67% of PASC patients, indicating autonomic dysfunction with moderate to severe. The COMPASS-31 consists of 31 questions that fall into 6 domains of dysautonomia: orthostatic intolerance (4 items), vasomotor dysfunction (3 items), secretomotor dysfunction (4 items), GI dysfunction (12 items; includes gastroparesis, constipation, and diarrhea), urinary dysfunction (3 items), and pupillomotor dysfunction (5 items). An answer was scored as zero when it was not assigned a point. A raw domain score was obtained by adding together points within each domain. The total score within each domain was weighted as previously described15 and then added together to give a total score ranging from 0 to 100. The maximum weighted scores for each subdomain are as follows: 40 for orthostatic intolerance, 5 for vasomotor dysfunction, 15 for secretomotor dysfunction, 25 for GI dysfunction, 10 for urinary dysfunction, and 5 for pupillomotor dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: "Our study finds that 67% of individuals with Long COVID are developing dysautonomia. That’s an estimated 38 million Americans with Long COVID dysautonomia, and millions more around the world,” says Lauren Stiles, President of Dysautonomia International and Research Assistant Professor of Neurology at Stony Brook University. (CREDITS: https://bit.ly/3VzS7BQ & https://bit.ly/3VPnU1u )

This week we will discuss how food and exercise affect Fibromyalgia with Dr. Michael Lenz.  Dr. Lenz is the host of the podcast, Conquering Your Fibromyalgia, where he blends the best of lifestyle medicine and medical management of fibromyalgia and related problems   In years past, depression was often ignored as a “real” problem until finally the medical community acknowledged that this mood disorder is a valid problem affecting million and needs to be treated. Now it is time for physicians to step up and realize fibromyalgia is a similarly debilitating medical problem that strongly merits diagnosis and treatment. Conquering Your Fibromyalgia is an important contribution to bringing both doctors and patients up to speed on this profoundly serious problem today, offering them helpful solutions to their perplexing problem.  Dr. Lenz has 26 years of experience as a pediatrician, internist, and lifestyle medicine physician.

This week we had the honor to speak with Christian John Lillis. Christian is executive director of the Peggy Lillis Foundation for C. diff Education & Advocacy (PLF), co-founded with his brother, Liam, following the death of their mother from a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection in April 2010. PLF envisions a world where C. diff is rare, treatable, and survivable. In pursuit of its vision, PLF is building a nationwide C. diff awareness movement to educate the public, empower advocates, and shape policy. C. difficile or C-Diff is short for the name of the germ that causes the infection: Clostridioides difficile.  C. difficile can affect anyone. The risks are greater for people who: Are taking, or have recently taken, antibiotics Have spent some time in a hospital or in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home Have a weakened immune system Are 65 years of age or older ​When C. difficile germs take hold and multiply in the gut (intestines), they can wreak havoc.  This center of gut health is called the microbiome. When it gets out of balance your health is at risk, and infections like C. difficile can result. The most common symptoms—watery diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain or cramps—can last for days.  If not treated right away, C. difficile can lead to serious medical problems for the person who has it. A severe C. difficile infection can be fatal for certain people. Many people may not realize that getting a relapse of the infection is highly possible. This is called recurrent C. difficile.  Did you know? C. difficile is very contagious and can become a serious health threat to others in the home and the community.

On today's show we are speaking with Kathleen J. O'Shea, Professor of English at Monroe Community College, (Rochester, N.Y.)  Kathy is a 43-year migraine sufferer, who has taken her passion for literature and her chronic illness to create "So Much More Than A Headache, Understanding Migraine Through Literature" As we know, migraine is so much more than 'just a headache' but possibly a refresher would help us understand and in understanding, create a level of empathy for those around us living with this chronic disease. A migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It's often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities. For some people, a warning symptom known as an aura occurs before or with the headache. An aura can include visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots, or other disturbances, such as tingling on one side of the face or in an arm or leg and difficulty speaking. Medications can help prevent some migraines and make them less painful. The right medicines, combined with self-help remedies and lifestyle changes, might help. (Credits: Mayo Clinic)