Juice cleanses. Vitamin supplements. Ice baths. The multi-billion-dollar wellness industry in the United States pushes out products and trends that claim to improve health, but many lack the necessary evidence to back up those claims. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow is joined by Atlanta comedian, writer, and actor Hannah Aselesen to break down current wellness trends. Then, guest Johnathan Stea, PhD, joins to break down the science (or lack thereof) behind wellness industry inter...
Jan 03, 2025•51 min•Ep. 20
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 healthwante...
Dec 20, 2024•19 min
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 v...
Dec 13, 2024•51 min
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...
Dec 06, 2024•51 min•Ep. 18
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 publi...
Nov 29, 2024•17 min
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...
Nov 22, 2024•51 min•Ep. 17
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 g...
Nov 15, 2024•51 min•Ep. 16
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, a...
Nov 08, 2024•51 min•Ep. 15
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 i...
Nov 01, 2024•51 min•Ep. 14
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 W...
Oct 25, 2024•51 min•Ep. 13
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 natu...
Oct 18, 2024•51 min•Ep. 12
As interest in the use of psychedelics as health therapeutics grows, research is uncovering their benefits, potential challenges, and cultural history in medicine. This week on Health Wanted , host Laurel Bristow speaks with experts Ali John Zarrabi, MD; Roman Politsky, PhD; and Caroline Peacock, DMin, from Emory's Center for Psychedelics and Spirituality to explore the evolving landscape of psychedelic therapy. In the Q&A, Bristow answers questions on the availability of estrogen patches, M...
Oct 11, 2024•51 min•Ep. 11
Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, the availability of reproductive health care has become fragmented, with states implementing widely varying restrictions and protections. This week, on Health Wanted , host Laurel Bristow and guest, Whitney Rice, DrPH, cover the current state of reproductive rights in the United States and the impact on reproductive health and care. Bristow also speaks on recent updates in public health news, including new data released regarding opioi...
Oct 04, 2024•51 min•Ep. 10
Clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge and developing life-saving therapies, but it has taken decades for medical testing and human research to become scientifically and ethically sound. On this week’s episode of Health Wanted , host Laurel Bristow and guest Seema Lakdawala, PhD, cover the evolution of clinical trials and highlight their importance in studying flu transmission dynamics. Bristow also answers listener questions on fluoride, DEET, fruit flies, and rapid ...
Sep 27, 2024•51 min•Ep. 9
The opioid epidemic has affected the lives of millions of Americans, including pregnant people experiencing opioid use disorder and their newborns. This week on Health Wanted , host Laurel Bristow and guest Stephen Patrick, MD, speak about the specific effects of the opioid epidemic on pregnant people and the importance of improving their access to life-saving treatment. In the Q&A, Bristow updates on the status of bird flu and answers questions on a new pill for postpartum depression, the r...
Sep 20, 2024•51 min•Ep. 8
Food fortification is a simple solution that has played a crucial role in addressing global nutrient deficiencies and preventing life-threatening diseases. On this week’s episode of Health Wanted , host Laurel Bristow and guest Sharon Bustrak, technical advisor for the Food Fortification Initiative, speak about the health benefits of fortified foods and the next steps for addressing micronutrient deficiencies. In the Q&A, Bristow also catches up on your latest Covid questions and the HPV vac...
Sep 13, 2024•51 min•Ep. 7
With fall approaching, we can expect to see an increase in respiratory illnesses, beyond just COVID-19 and the flu. On this week’s episode of Health Wanted , host Laurel Bristow and guest Benjamin Lopman, PhD, talk about what diseases to look out for this fall and the challenges of developing vaccines for certain types of illnesses. Bristow also answers your questions about microplastics in plumbing, the health risks of wearing shoes in your home, and lice in schools. She finishes the episode wi...
Sep 06, 2024•51 min•Ep. 6
The creation of modern sewer systems solved critical sanitation issues in growing cities. Today, wastewater can even help researchers to detect and prevent disease outbreaks. This week on Health Wanted , host Laurel Bristow and guest Marlene Wolfe, PhD discuss the evolution of sewers and the role of wastewater surveillance in public health. Bristow also answers your questions about timing your COVID and Flu vaccines, if alkaline water has any benefits, the proper way to brush your teeth, if Coca...
Aug 30, 2024•52 min•Ep. 5
While public support of childhood immunizations in the US has decreased over the past two decades, keeping up-to-date on routine vaccinations has become even more important. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Jodie Guest, PhD, discuss the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy, the risks and benefits of getting vaccinated, and how vaccines can be better distributed to populations in times of need. Bristow also answers your questions about what the latest recommendations are for ...
Aug 23, 2024•51 min•Ep. 4
The invention of plastics brought us durable solutions to daily problems. But now, microplastics are harnessing that durability to stick around in our bodies. On this week’s episode of Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Carmen Marsit, PhD, talk about how microplastics and forever chemicals get into the environment and our bodies, how they impact our health, and what we can do about it. Bristow also answers your questions about why some people get bit by mosquitoes more than others, wha...
Aug 16, 2024•51 min•Ep. 3
Climate change is bringing the heat, and, along with it, volatile weather events and health hazards. On this week’s episode of Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow hones in on the ways climate change and heat affect our lives. Her guest, Noah Scovronick, PhD, offers his perspective regarding climate research and ways to move towards a cooler world. Bristow also answers your questions about Olympic surfers on the cruise ship in Tahiti, what it means to be “fully vaccinated,” and when we can expect ...
Aug 09, 2024•51 min•Ep. 2
Mosquitoes—a menace for hundreds of millions of years. Now, thanks to climate change, their territory is growing and with it, the spread of disease. On this week’s episode of Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow takes a deep dive into the global impact of these needle-nosed nuisances and the new and creative ways scientists like her guest Gonzalo Vazquez-Prokopec, PhD, are swatting them away. Bristow also answers your questions about the popularity of ZYNs, who should carry Narcan, what the deal i...
Aug 02, 2024•51 min•Ep. 1
Subscribe now! From WABE and Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health, a brand new show breaking down science in pursuit of better health. Each week host, research scientist, and professional explainer Laurel Bristow tackles the biggest headlines in public health. From Ozempic to the ozone, extreme heat to epidemics, Health Wanted brings context, culture, and conversation to the science behind it all. Follow now to receive our first episode in your feed on August 2nd (that's tomorrow)!...
Aug 01, 2024•1 min
Subscribe now! From WABE and Emory's Rollins School of Public Health, a brand new show breaking down science in pursuit of better health. Each week host, research scientist, and professional explainer Laurel Bristow tackles the biggest headlines in public health. From Ozempic to the ozone, extreme heat to epidemics, Health Wanted brings context, culture, and conversation to the science behind it all. Follow now to receive our first episode in your feed on August 2nd! Have a question for Laurel? ...
Jul 10, 2024•1 min
