Your Doctor Friends

Health Headlines: Critical blood shortage/Full Body MRIs?/Narcan OTC/Ineffective cold medicine

New format, who dis? :)

Your Doctor Friends want to help YOU feel more empowered to appraise health stories in the news. We picked 4 topics (that we came across either in our inboxes, in the news, or on social media) and digested them and are spitting that out to YOU, dear listener!

Honing your BS detector when it comes to health topics is HARD, and we are here to help!

This week's HEALTH HEADLINES include:

The Red Cross announces a CRITICAL BLOOD DONATION SHORTAGE.

Kim Kardashian wants YOU to get a FULL BODY MRI scan!

Narcan (naloxone) is now over-the-counter. The power stop an opioid overdose is in your hands!

FDA panel declares that common OTC decongestant PHENYLEPHRINE DOESN'T HELP your cold symptoms!

Resources for today's topics include:

Washington Post article: "Red Cross declares blood shortage, blaming weather, busy travel season."

America's Blood Centers and ADRP's US Blood Donation Statistics and Public Messaging Guide.

Consider donating blood through the Red Cross!

You can check the blood donation eligibility guide to see if you can donate safely!

Kim Kardshian's (lol who we wouldn't consider a reputable scientific, evidence-based source, for the record) recent Instagram post about Prenuvo full body MRI scans.

New York Times article: "The New Status Symbol Is a Full-Body MRI."

New York Times article: "Treating Overdoses Over the Counter".

NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse - Naloxone DrugFacts.

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) - Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit.

FDA Drug Advisory Committee press release on the effectiveness of phenylephrine, a common oral decongestant.

American Pharmacists Association article - "FDA advisers say oral phenylephrine is not effective as a nasal decongestant".

For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!

Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network

 

Find us at:

Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 

 

Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!

 

(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)

 

Connect with us:

@your_doctor_friends (IG)

@yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube)

@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)

@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

@HealthPodNet (IG)

Can Adults Have ADHD?: Unraveling the Complexities (with Leslie Guidotti Breting, PhD)

Discussion of ADHD is EVERYWHERE in the news and social media. Often we hear patients, friends, and family members stating “I saw a post on FB/Instagram/Twitter/TikTok about ADHD that resonated with me, should I get tested?” 

While many people experience periods of inattention, unfocused motor activity, and impulsivity, those with ADHD experience these symptoms to a much greater degree, and these behaviors can often interfere with their social lives, working lives, and general mental health.

Depending on your age and many other social factors, screening and evaluation for ADHD may have passed you over during your young, formative years. 

Thankfully, meaningful research exists to provide helpful data on how to diagnose and manage this condition!

So let’s learn more, shall we? Thankfully we have a wonderful expert guest in the field of Neuropsychology to educate us today. 

Welcome, Leslie Guidotti Breting, Ph.D., ABPP

Dr. Leslie Guidotti Breting is a board-certified, clinical neuropsychologist and director of Neuropsychology at NorthShore University Health System where she has practiced since 2010.

• She serves at a national level on the Board of Directors for the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology and is the Chair of the Student Affairs Committee for the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology.
• She has been engaged in clinical research, publishing extensively on the topics of ADHD, epilepsy, mTBI, and concussion.
• She conducts neuropsychological evaluations for adults, including those concerned about ADHD.
• She has also evaluated professional and collegiate athletes for therapeutic use exemption for stimulants related to treatment for ADHD.

The key moments in this episode include:

00:01:15 - Prevalence of ADHD,

00:02:39 - Increase in ADHD Diagnosis Rates?

00:05:07 - What is a Neuropsychologist?

00:16:20 - Genetics and Heritability of ADHD

00:17:22 - Screening for ADHD

00:19:08 - Overdiagnosis of ADHD?

00:21:45 - Diagnosing ADHD in Young Children

00:23:17 - Challenges in Diagnosing ADHD

00:31:26 - ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder Co-Occurrence

00:32:10 - Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

00:35:23 - Pathophysiology of ADHD

00:36:50 - Executive Functioning and ADHD

00:49:19 - Medication and Treatment Options

00:58:16 - "Growing out" of ADHD

01:02:29 - Algorithm of Probability for ADHD Diagnosis - new research

01:03:03 - No Blood Tests

RESOURCES FOR TODAY'S EPISODE:

CHADD- Children and Adults with ADHD website.

American Academy of Child and Adult Psychiatry ADHD Resource Center.

Find a board-certified Clinical Neuropsychologist through the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology website.

Dr. Leslie Guidotti-Breting's professional NorthShore University page.

For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!

• This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt that Julie wears in this episode :)

Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network

 

Find us at:

Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 

 

Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!

 

(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)

 

Connect with us:

@your_doctor_friends (IG)

@yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube)

@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)

@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

@HealthPodNet (IG)

Are We Ready For Fall Viruses? Updates on Vaccines, COVID-19, Flu, and RSV (with Rob Citronberg, MD)

Let’s take a little walk down Vaccine Memory Lane. Do you remember how it felt when you got access to the first Covid vaccine in late 2020/early 2021? Julie remembers DRESSING UP to go and get her vaccine. (She wore a turkey hat with little Santa hats on its feet since it was close to the holidays).

Now, do you remember last winter’s TRIPLEDEMIC??

How can we avoid the same situation this year? What are the options and recommendations for folks for prevention of flu, COVID, and RSV?

Today we have invited our doctor friend and expert in Infectious Diseases to explain the viral landscape in the US in the autumn of 2023. After today’s episode you will feel empowered to make your personal vaccine choices based on your risk factors, epidemiologic evidence, and straight-from-the-source data-backed recommendations from CHICAGO’S FAUCI HIMSELF!!

Welcome, Dr. Rob Citronberg!

You may remember Dr. Citronberg from our previous episode about Monkeypox, Covid and Polio posted almost exactly a year ago! 

"Get your COVID vaccine when you can, don't worry too much about timing it perfectly. It's a step towards getting back to a normal life, protecting ourselves and our loved ones." - Rob Citronberg, MD

In this episode, you will be able to:

Find out how vaccinations stand as the frontline defense against COVID-19, Flu, and RSV.

Understand the significance of safeguarding pregnant people and infants through planned vaccinations.

Find out how to create memorable and safe holiday gatherings during pandemic times.

Learn to access the most credible and valuable health and public information from respected medical experts.

Decide which vaccines this fall/winter are most important for you based on your individual risk factors.

Determine whether masking in public makes sense for you.

Key moments in this episode include:

00:02:16 - Vaccine Landscape,

00:10:10 - Impact of Prior Pandemic Restrictions,

00:11:48 - RSV Overview,

00:14:22 - The Importance of COVID-19 Vaccines,

00:16:01 - Transition to Annual COVID Shots vs "Boosters",

00:22:52 - RSV Vaccines for Infants and Pregnant People,

00:29:17 - Monoclonal Antibodies as a Game Changer,

00:37:06 - School Safety and Recommendations,

00:46:08 - "Handling Holiday Plans during the Pandemic",

00:51:17 - "Effects of Masks and Mask Mandates",

00:56:50 - Importance of Listening to Credentialed Experts,

Dr. Citronberg recommends the following resources if you want to learn more about vaccines this fall:

The CDC website, specifically their pages about vaccine recommendations.

Johns Hopkins University of Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center.

Your Local Epidemiologist Substack by Katelyn Jetelina PhD, MPH.

The New York Times - their coverage of vaccines has been well-presented and evidence-based.

For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!

This includes the famous "Advice from the last generation of doctors that inhaled lead" shirt that Julie wears in this episode :)

Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network

 

Find us at:

Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 

 

Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!

 

(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)

 

Connect with us:

@your_doctor_friends (IG)

@yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube)

@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)

@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

@HealthPodNet (IG)

Series on Symptoms (SOS): Heartburn

Have you FELT THE BURN?? Heartburn, that is. It's THE WORST.

“Heartburn” typically refers to an uncomfortable burning sensation in the stomach and chest, which can occur after eating. The medical terms for heartburn are “GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)”, “pyrosis” and “dyspepsia”. Heartburn is super common, can be terribly uncomfortable, and can sometimes be a sign of more serious issues. 

Thankfully in most cases, heartburn symptoms can be relatively easily addressed, and their root cause treated effectively.

We continue our "Series on Symptoms"- where we take a deep dive into common symptoms that we experience, why they exist, and what to do about them.

In this episode we cover:

What causes heartburn? What is acid reflux?

What is actually happening in our bodies when we experience these symptoms?

What are evidence-based treatments for heartburn?

What are risk factors for heartburn?

When should I seek urgent medical care (i.e. call my healthcare provider, go to the ER)?

Can chronic heartburn lead to other problems?

Our bodies are often trying to tell us things, but our symptoms are often spoken in code, so we may need a little “decoding” from time to time to understand them and respond to them effectively!

For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!

Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network

 

Find us at:

Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 

 

Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!

 

(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)

 

Connect with us:

@your_doctor_friends (IG)

@yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube)

@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)

@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

@HealthPodNet (IG)

Why Can’t I Breathe Through My Nose? (with Michelle Fisher, MD)

Have you ever been unable to breathe through your nose?

Isn’t it THE WORST?? We’ve talked on this podcast with other experts (including Dr. Dave Stukus, pediatric allergist about seasonal allergies and our beloved pharmacist Greg Castelli about OTC meds to try for cold symptoms)- but what do you do when you’ve tried the “regular” stuff to unclog your nose, and IT’S NOT WORKING???

According to University of Michigan Medicine, nasal and sinus disease affects 31 million Americans, and accounts for 16 million outpatient visits annually in the US.

The obstruction of airflow can come from a variety of sources, and the common factor is usually inflammation and swelling of the mucosal lining of the nasal and sinus passages. Sometimes other things can physically obstruct the flow of air, like polyps, or a deviated septum, or sometimes, (if you’re Julie's big sister and its the mid-1980s) a Mike and Ike. 

So what should we do if we find ourselves mouth-breathing?? What if the neti-pot is a NETI-NOT? (and you’re full of NETI-SNOT??)

Welcome to our esteemed guest, Otolaryngologist, Dr. Michelle Fisher!

• Dr. Fisher is a board certified Adult and Pediatric Otolaryngologist who practices near Tampa, FL at Florida ENT and Allergy.
• She studied at Emory for UG, Rush for med school (with Julie!) and did residency at Medical College of Georgia.
• She has authored several publications in the field of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and has lectured at conferences and national meetings.
• She is also an all-around badass and lovely human being :)

Key topics in this episode include:

What are the main root causes of nasal passage obstruction?

What kinds of physical obstructions get in the way of keeping the nasal passages open?

What are nasal polyps? Why do they occur?

How much does inflammation come into play? How can we treat it/prevent it?

What is chronic sinusitis? Who gets it? What are the risk factors?

What causes it? Bacteria? Viruses? Fungi?

Does sinusitis always need antibiotics?

How can we treat it? When is surgery indicated?

What is a deviated septum? Why does this happen? How can it be treated?

What are some of the simple, in-the-office treatments/procedures that ENTs (Otolaryngologists) can do to treat these issues?

Learn more about Dr. Fisher on her profile, HERE.

Dr Fisher recommends checking out the American Academy of Otoloaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery website for great resources.

For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!

Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network

 

Find us at:

Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 

Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!

 

(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)

 

Connect with us:

@your_doctor_friends (IG)

@yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube)

@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)

@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

@HealthPodNet (IG)

What Can I Do To Save A Life? (with Sarah Lorenzini, RN)

Medical emergencies are common and the vast majority happen outside of hospitals. On the street. In the airport. In line at Starbucks. In the movie theater.

That means that the true “first responder” is often someone without any medical training at all. Many people don't feel prepared for these situations. Certainly, it's unfair to blame the everyday layperson for not being immediately ready to give someone CPR, however it's well-established that delaying lifesaving care often leads to worse outcomes. So what do we do? 

We thought we should call up one of our friends (who is an absolute EXPERT in saving lives) and bring them on to teach you all the ways YOU can save a life. 

We will cover the obvious (like cardiac arrest and choking), but also some lesser-discussed emergencies such as stroke.

How do you recognize these emergencies? What should you do first? What should you not do? When to call the ambulance? And that's just the surface! 

Today, Your Doctor Friends present the every person’s guide to What Should I Do In a Medical Emergency?

Welcome to our esteemed guest, THE RAPID RESPONSE RN herself, Sarah Lorenzini, RN!

• She is an expert in emergency medical care as a Rapid Response nurse.
• Even better, she is an expert in teaching others on how to recognize and respond to emergencies.
• You may know her as TheRapidResponseRN on social media and the host of the Rapid Response RN podcast where she teaches other nurses the ins and outs of rapid response/critical care.

FOLLOW SARAH on social media (@therapidresponsern) and listen to The Rapid Response RN podcast!

Key topics in this episode include:

How do we recognize someone having a cardiac emergency?

What's the first thing we should do when we suspect someone is in cardiac arrest?

When should we call 911?

What is "hands-free CPR"? Is it effective?

How do we use an AED? Where/how can we find them?

What are the consequences if bystanders don’t help before EMS arrives?

What are the signs of choking?

How can we immediately help a choking victim? Is the Heimlich still recommended?

What are the signs of stroke?

How do we know if it is a stroke or something else?

What should we do if we are concerned that someone is having a stroke?

I’ve been told if I help and it doesn’t go well, I can be sued. Is that true? How do I know if I should help or not?

What are "Good Samaritan Laws"? Do they apply to everyone who is rendering first aid?

What if I feel like I can drive the person faster to the hospital, rather than waiting for an ambulance?

Check out Sarah's own Rapid Response and Rescue courses online to learn more about how to save lives!

For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!

Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network

 

Find us at:

Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 

Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!

 

(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)

 

Connect with us:

@your_doctor_friends (IG)

@yourdoctorfriendspodcast1013 (YouTube)

@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)

@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

@HealthPodNet (IG)

Why Are Athletes Experiencing Cardiac Arrest and Can We Prevent It? (with Jon Drezner, MD)

Does you feel like you've been seeing more and more stories about young athletes collapsing from sudden cardiac arrest?

Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills collapsed after a collision in sudden cardiac arrest last year during Monday Night Football. A few weeks ago, Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, suffered cardiac arrest at a USC basketball practice. 

Is there a trend we should be aware of? Is this new?

What's the deal? Is cardiac arrest common? Can it be prevented?

What better way to find answers than to grab OUR DOCTOR FRIEND, maybe one that happens to be nationally recognized in the area of Sports Cardiology and screening for cardiac conditions in athletes, and ask him these great questions! 

Welcome, Jon Drezner, MD!

Dr. Jon Drezner is a Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Director of the UW Medicine Center for Sports Cardiology at the University of Washington.

• He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the British Journal of Sports Medicine
• He is Team Physician for the Seattle Seahawks (NFL), OL Reign (NWSL), and the University of Washington.
• Dr. Drezner is past-President of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM, 2012-13) and has dedicated his career to the prevention of sudden cardiac arrest and death (SCA/D) in young athletes and the development of effective models for prevention.

This is a great episode, friends! Give it a listen and perhaps we can figure out how to STOP THE HEART-STOPPING!

Key highlights in this episode include:

Why do these elite athletes, the picture of peak performance, experience cardiac arrest?

How common is sudden cardiac arrest in athletes? Does the prevalence change when looking at different types of athletes/sports?

Who is at risk? How do we know?

Are there warning signs for sudden cardiac arrest? What are they?

Why do some people (like Bronny and Damar) have better outcomes than other people who suffer cardiac arrest?

How can we screen for conditions that can cause sudden cardiac arrest?

What about people out of high school and college age who are athletic, what are their risks of sudden cardiac arrest?

Dr. Drezner recommends the following resources to learn more about sudden cardiac arrest in athletes:

Parent Heart Watch website.

The American Heart Association website.

Take a lifesaving CPR class through the American Red Cross!

The University of Washington Center for Sports Cardiology E-Academy, learn about ECG interpretation in athletes!

You can find Dr. Drezner via his UWashington profile HERE, and on Twitter at @DreznerJon.

DID WE MENTION HE HAS HIS OWN WIKIPEDIA PAGE??? :)

For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!

Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network

(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!)

 

Find us at:

Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 

Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!

 

(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)

 

Connect with us:

@your_doctor_friends (IG)

@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)

@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

@HealthPodNet (IG)

Will Artificial Sweeteners Give Me Cancer?

Have we soured on artificial sweeteners??

Recently the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) released statements about artificial sweeteners and potential risks to our health. The IARC went as far as to list aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”

So, what’s all the hubbub about? Are artificial sweeteners actually bad for us? Does data exist to support a link between artificial sweeteners and cancer? Metabolic disease? Any other health concerns?

Do we have to stop drinking "sugar-free" beverages? Should we panic??

NO!

Listen to Your Doctor Friends! Let us help you understand the relevant data, and provide some context. We're your friends. Its what we're here for :)

Major points-of-interest (i.e. SWEET SPOTS) in this episode include:

Where do artificial sweeteners come from? Are they all "chemicals"?

What does the WHO's statement on non-nutritive sweeteners mean? What's the context? What are the data origins which spurred this recommendation?

Is there evidence that links artificial sweeteners to cancer? What kind of evidence?

How does the IARC classify carcinogenicity of substances?

What are examples of substances that are "Group 1- Carcinogenic to Humans" vs "Group 2A and 2B- Probably and Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans, respectively"?

What is JECFA? How do they classify substances and determine "safe levels" to consume on a daily basis?

What are stevia and monk fruit extract? Are they "better" for us since they're "natural"?

What is lycasin and why are the reviews of "Sugarfree Haribo Gummi Bears" so hilarious??

For more episodes, limited edition merch, or to become a Friend of Your Doctor Friends (and more), follow this link!

Also, CHECK OUT AMAZING HEALTH PODCASTS on The Health Podcast Network

(For real, this network is AMAZING and has fantastic, evidence-based, honest health information, and we are so happy to partner with them!)

 

Find us at:

Website: yourdoctorfriendspodcast.com 

Email: yourdoctorfriendspodcast@gmail.com 

 

Call the DOCLINE on 312-380-5005 and leave us a message. We will listen and maybe even respond/play it on the show!

 

(Disclaimer: we will not answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional with any and all personal health questions.)

 

Connect with us:

@your_doctor_friends (IG)

@JeremyAllandMD (IG, FB, Twitter)

@JuliaBrueneMD (IG)

@HealthPodNet (IG)