Hosted by Abbey Strauss · EN
Kellen Russoniello, J.D., Public Health Director, Drug Policy Alliance, offers the history and reason for its dangers, the reduction in overdose deaths but not the reduction in overdoses, Narcan, programs that reduce drug abuse and those that failed, the very real problems of program funding cutbacks, community attitudes towards sanctioned actions, contingency and other management involvements,, new drugs coming to the users, how medical systems can better intervene, etc. September 2025
Stuart Isaacson, M.D., neurologist, explains TD, the role of dopamine in psychiatric and then this treatment induced consequential movement disorder, proper diagnosis, how both psychiatric and neurologic treatments are very helpful, but he also weighs the risk-benefits of now the increasing use of antipsychotics for mood disorders. He further talks of the VMAT2 systems empowering the two new medications. Important material. May 2024.
Rachel Earls, Ph.D., outlines the roles, science, and limitations of this powerful clinical tool for the selection of medication. This is a great guide on how an individual metabolizes many medications, and so it helps get proper doses for better efficacy and fewer side effects. It does not predict outcome, but significantly assists with treatment choices. She also speaks to the differences between labs that require a medical prescription versus the direct to the consumer labs. This is a fascinating scientific utensil. July 2024
Achina Stein, D.O., explains the many advantages when mixing these two concepts. Functional medicine has an extensive approach exploring for other causes of illness, including valuable searches for what are often not initially obvious infections or inflammatory states, the role of nutrition, toxin exposure, a detailed history of the illness, lifestyles, etc., and then using that data for directed treatment methods, which may also include traditional medicine use and verbal therapies. Intriguing, grounding, worthy of much study, especially with complex and inadequately responding patients. July 2024.
Matthew Weiss, M.D., eye surgeon, clarifies the nature of this very common medical condition, the types of replacement lens used, the very significant vision and functional impairments from untreated cataracts, healing, Fuchs’ Dystrophy, that 3 million surgeries occur each year just in the USA, etc. A straightforward and essential summary about generally reversible condition that can otherwise markedly interfere with the ability to better enjoy life. Sept 2024
Todd Sack, M.D., 15 years ago created the My Green Doctor program as a guide to setting a functional mindset, with easy but essential actions, in response to the needed behavorial changes that climate actions demand from all of us. He joins us again to detail this potent tool to reduce the climate change ordeal. It can also save money. June 2025.
Devon Dautrich, Ph.D., treats substance abuse in this age group. It is a candid talk of why these behaviors are new, or merely an extension of prior use, why interventions fail, the need to educate patients to accept their problem and the advantages following acceptance and change. Sometimes first treatments do not work, but with persistence, using good recommendations and hard work, very, very often a wonderful conquest prevails. This is her honest overview of a sizable social and medical ultimatum. June 2025
Lisa Sanchez, Executive Director, Mexico Unido Contra Delincuencia (Mexico City), details substance abuse in Mexico, their harm reduction challenges and programs, use of the military in police roles, cultural realities in Mexico, gun and violence issues, drug supply-chain realities, the after effects on families, the impacts of political and social policy actions and events, etc. An open and clarifying dialogue. August 2025
Michael Dennis, Ph.D., reports interesting statistics as he talks about research into how to keep after care people in treatment, the role of reliable follow-up and after care, that early intervention can reduce drug use by 60%, of targeted interventions, the critical need for chronic care models, that hitting bottom is not always needed to start treatment, to train in the use of screening tools,, etc. Proper primary care screening will find 12% or more incidence'S of substance abuse, not or incorrectly screening finds only about 1%. A lively gathering of ideas and stimulating data. March 2024
Take a break from the serious. This 1943 radio show, in the production style of the 1940’s, overviews this widely loved food’s history. It’s 14 minutes long and matches the time to savor a generous portion of a nearly universal treat. Posted here March 2024.