PodcastDX
This week we will discuss M-RNA vaccines. Our guest is Thomas VanCott, PhD. Thomas VanCott is currently the Chief Scientific Officer for Combined Therapeutics, a Boston based biotech company developing targeted mRNA therapies. Prior to this he served as the Chief Technology and Strategy Officer for Catalent Cell & Gene Therapy, a global CDMO manufacturing viral vectors for gene and cell therapies as wells as plasmid DNA & mRNA platforms based in Baltimore, MD. He was responsible for strategically enhancing CMC services to meet the market demand of increasingly...
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This week we will discuss how important it is to continue masking and keeping away from crowds as a chronically ill or immunocompromised person. Our guest today is Veronica Hanway. Immunocompromised individuals are not optimally protected by COVID-19 vaccines and potentially require additional preventive interventions to mitigate the risk of severe COVID-19. Veronica, a Latina mother and first generation Geography PhD student in her second year, is 35 years old and has had a lifetime of chronic migraines. With her first migraine at just three years old, she is no stranger to...
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This week we will be talking about Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS) with Audrey Brown. Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a disease in which the heart's natural pacemaker located in the upper right heart chamber (right atrium) becomes damaged and is no longer able to generate normal heartbeats at the normal rate. It may be a result of other medical conditions that damage the sinoatrial node (SA node) over time or may be a result of certain medicines. This can result in heartbeats that are too slow, too fast — or heartbeats that alternate between slow and fast. Audrey is 35 years old and...
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This week we are talking once again with Dan "Dry Dock" Shockley on "Staying Healthy as a Veteran" For Veteran's Day this year we are featuring Dan because even though he has been dealt a hard blow with a hereditary colon cancer gene he is not letting that slow him down one bit! As a matter of fact he is thriving and advocating for others around the globe as a hereditary colon cancer ambassador! Here is some more about Dan: Dan Dry Dock Shockley, retired U.S. Navy veteran; Operation Desert Storm; Enduring and Iraqi Freedom veteran and 9 hereditary colon cancer...
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On today’s show, we are talking about knee replacement surgery with Dawn Richardson, a friend I met in my last couple of years in the Army. Dawn is a retired Navy Captain, former restaurant manager, and former Bed and Breakfast owner who is delighted to say she's now retired and finds fulfillment in her volunteer activities and personal pursuits. About 4% of people 50 and older have knee replacements. At age 80, that number is above 10%. The average age is 65 and more women than men have knee replacements. Three facts we were surprised to hear after speaking with...
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Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone or posture. It's caused by damage that occurs to the immature brain as it develops, most often before birth. Our guest today is Zain Bando, a Chicago area, 21-year-old college student and is studying journalism at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a junior. He hopes to pursue a career in broadcasting after graduation and currently resides in Downers Grove, IL with his family.
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This week, we address the reemergence of leprosy, a disease rarely seen until now, with particular attention to the warning by New York University physician Marc K. Siegel. While the United States generally reports only 150 to 250 leprosy cases yearly, globally, 2 to 3 million people grapple with leprosy-related disabilities. Siegel emphasizes the risk in certain US cities, such as Los Angeles, where unsanitary conditions among the homeless population create fertile ground for diseases like leprosy to thrive. Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, can spread more easily in overcrowded,...
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This week we discuss the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine is revolutionizing healthcare, contributing to improved outcomes, more efficient processes, and reduced costs. Here are some key benefits: Enhanced Diagnostics: AI algorithms, especially those based on deep learning, can analyze complex medical data like X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and genomics with a high degree of accuracy. They can detect patterns and anomalies that may be invisible to the human eye, or interpret large volumes of data quickly, leading to early and more accurate diagnoses. Personalized...
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This week we will discuss mental health impacts from living with a chronic illness with our guest, Christy Amos (aka Christi Winstead) Christy Amos is a compassionate and resilient individual who has made it her mission to help others navigate the challenges of living with chronic illnesses. With a Master's degree in Counseling, she has acquired a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological impact that chronic conditions can have on individuals and their loved ones. Despite facing her own health battles, Christy's determination and empathy have driven her to become a patient...
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This week we will discuss Eye Safety for children. Eye injuries affect about 2.4 million people every year. Household products cause more than 125,000 serious eye injuries. Hospital emergency rooms treat nearly 23,000 victims of eye injuries from sports. Toys and home playground equipment cause more than 11,000 injuries to young eyes. Below are tips for preventing injury to your child’s eyes. Here are some tips for eye safety for children: Avoid sharp, broken toys and objects. Wear sport goggles and sunglasses. Do not play around lawn mowing and fireworks. Avoid...
info_outlineOn this week's episode we are running a rare re-run on the aftermath of 9/11.
The tragic events of September 11, 2001, remain etched in the collective memory of not only Americans but also people worldwide. Beyond the immediate devastation, the aftermath of the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks brought forth an enduring health crisis among those who selflessly rushed to aid their fellow citizens. First responders, the courageous individuals who braved the smoke, debris, and toxic fumes of Ground Zero, now face a formidable foe: cancer. This essay delves into the harrowing issue of cancers among first responders as a result of their heroic work at the World Trade Center on 9/11.
The Heroic Sacrifice
On that fateful Tuesday morning in 2001, first responders raced against time to rescue victims, provide medical aid, and extinguish fires at Ground Zero. Their unwavering commitment to their duty and fellow citizens was nothing short of heroic. However, in their pursuit of saving lives and clearing the wreckage, these valiant individuals unwittingly subjected themselves to a hazardous environment, the consequences of which continue to haunt them.
The Toxic Fallout
The collapse of the Twin Towers released a vast plume of dust and debris, laden with a toxic cocktail of chemicals and substances. This included asbestos, lead, dioxins, and various carcinogens. The first responders breathed in these harmful particles, exposing themselves to long-term health risks. Moreover, the fires at Ground Zero burned for months, releasing even more hazardous pollutants into the air, further endangering the health of those on the front lines.
The Alarming Statistics
Over the years, an alarming number of first responders have fallen victim to cancer. The statistics are sobering, with many developing rare and aggressive forms of the disease. A study conducted by the World Trade Center Health Program in 2020 revealed that cancer has become a leading cause of death among 9/11 first responders. The incidence of certain cancers, such as prostate, thyroid, and multiple myeloma, among this group is significantly higher than in the general population.
The Struggle for Recognition and Assistance
First responders who survived the immediate aftermath of 9/11 are now faced with another daunting battle – the fight for recognition and assistance. Many of these heroes have struggled to receive adequate medical care and compensation for their illnesses. The process of proving that their cancer is linked to their exposure at Ground Zero can be arduous, and the burden of proof often falls on the shoulders of the afflicted.
Legislation such as the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act has provided some relief by establishing healthcare programs and compensation for affected individuals. However, the fight for ongoing support and comprehensive healthcare continues, as the prevalence of cancer cases among first responders only grows.
The Psychological Toll
Beyond the physical health challenges, the psychological toll on first responders cannot be understated. Witnessing the loss of colleagues and experiencing the long-term health impacts has led to significant mental health struggles within this community. Many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, adding to the already burdensome weight of their physical ailments.
The cancers afflicting the first responders who valiantly served at the World Trade Center on 9/11 represent a tragic and enduring consequence of that fateful day. These individuals sacrificed their health and well-being in the pursuit of saving lives and aiding their fellow citizens. As a society, it is our moral duty to recognize their sacrifice, provide them with the necessary medical care and support, and continue research to better understand and combat the long-term health effects of their selfless actions. The cancers among first responders of 9/11 are a stark reminder that their heroism should never be forgotten, and their needs should always be a priority.