Episodios

  • Your brain is full of microplastics: Are they harming you?

    Your brain is full of microplastics: Are they harming you?
    Apr 29 2025

    The source highlights microplastics, tiny plastic particles, as a significant global environmental and health concern due to their widespread presence in ecosystems and the human body, including recent findings confirming their existence in the human brain. The text explains what microplastics are, how they might reach the brain, and potential health risks such as inflammation and neurodegenerative issues. It also discusses the challenges in studying these effects, the broader implications for public health, and suggests various actions at individual, policy, and technological levels to mitigate the impact of microplastics and address plastic pollution.
    Más Menos
    29 m
  • How does sleep apnea affect your life?

    How does sleep apnea affect your life?
    Mar 22 2025

    This episode thoroughly examines sleep apnea, a disorder marked by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep. It explains the two primary types, obstructive and central, and details how these disruptions lead to oxygen deprivation and fragmented sleep. The text further explores the wide-ranging physical consequences, including cardiovascular strain, metabolic disruption, chronic fatigue, and weakened immunity. Beyond the physical, the piece highlights the significant mental and emotional toll, impacting cognition, mood, and relationships, while also discussing professional, social, and financial implications. Ultimately, the article offers hope through diagnosis and various treatment options, emphasizing the potential for improved health and quality of life.
    Más Menos
    16 m
  • What are microplastics?

    What are microplastics?
    Jan 16 2025
    Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter, are a growing concern. These particles, originating from various sources like personal care products and the breakdown of larger plastics, contaminate environments worldwide, including oceans, soil, and even the air. Their impact on ecosystems is significant, affecting marine life and potentially impacting human health through ingestion, inhalation, and chemical exposure. While the full extent of health risks is still under investigation, concerns include inflammation, potential disruption of gut microbiota, and interactions with other toxins. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach involving policy changes, technological innovation, and increased public awareness.
    Más Menos
    17 m
  • Foot pain - A look at why your feet might hurt

    Foot pain - A look at why your feet might hurt
    Dec 3 2024
    Foot pain is a common problem with various causes, ranging from injuries and overuse to underlying medical conditions and improper footwear. The text explores common sources of pain in different areas of the foot, including the heel, arch, ball, toes, and top of the foot, describing specific conditions like plantar fasciitis and bunions. It also offers self-care strategies such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief, while advising when professional medical attention is necessary. Finally, the importance of supportive footwear and regular exercise is highlighted for prevention and management.
    Más Menos
    25 m
  • Wildfires - How to cope when smoke affects air quality and health

    Wildfires - How to cope when smoke affects air quality and health
    Dec 3 2024
    Wildfire smoke poses significant health risks, impacting air quality far beyond the immediate fire zone. Harmful particles and gases in smoke can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems, particularly for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions. The episode emphasizes preparing for wildfire emergencies through evacuation planning and stockpiling supplies. It also provides strategies for minimizing exposure during poor air quality, including using air purifiers, improving indoor air quality, and limiting outdoor activities. The information, however, should not replace professional medical advice.
    Más Menos
    15 m
  • Are your blood pressure readings wrong?

    Are your blood pressure readings wrong?
    Nov 13 2024
    A new study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that measuring blood pressure with the arm hanging by the side or resting on the lap can lead to higher readings than measuring it with the arm resting on a table at heart level. Researchers from John Hopkins Medicine determined that the difference in readings is likely due to the increased distance between the arm and the heart in the incorrect positions. This finding reinforces existing guidelines for taking blood pressure, as the researchers estimate that 16% of U.S. adults could be falsely diagnosed with high blood pressure if the wrong arm position is used.
    Más Menos
    12 m
  • Is tea good for you?

    Is tea good for you?
    Nov 13 2024
    Recent studies suggest that drinking tea regularly over a long period of time may be associated with a lower risk of death from heart disease. The research examined several studies, focusing on the long-term effects of tea consumption on heart health. While the findings are promising, the studies did not prove a direct causal link between tea and reduced heart disease risk, and further research is needed to confirm the benefits. The research also examined the effects of other beverages like coffee, sugary drinks, and alcohol on heart health, finding that sugary drinks were associated with an increased risk of heart disease, while coffee consumption was linked to a lower risk of death for men, but not women.
    Más Menos
    10 m
  • Ultra-processed foods? How bad are they for your health

    Ultra-processed foods? How bad are they for your health
    Nov 13 2024
    Ultra-processed foods, which include items like ice cream, packaged bread, and some alcoholic beverages, are gaining increasing attention for their potential health implications. While these foods are convenient and heavily marketed, research suggests they may contribute to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and even early death. The NOVA food classification system categorizes food based on processing levels, with ultra-processed foods at the highest end. However, researchers acknowledge that more investigation is needed to understand the precise mechanisms by which ultra-processed foods affect health. The episode emphasizes the importance of balancing ultra-processed foods with minimally processed foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and recommends reading food labels to make informed choices.
    Más Menos
    10 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup