Critically Speaking
On each episode of Critically Speaking, your host, Dr. Therese Markow, interviews foremost experts in a range of fields. We discuss, in everyday language that we all can understand, fundamental issues that impact our health, our society, and our planet. Join our weekly journey where we separate fact from fantasy for topics both current and controversial.
info_outline
145 Fewer Sperm, More Infertility
02/02/2022
145 Fewer Sperm, More Infertility
Infertility is on the rise, leading otherwise healthy young couples to seek a form of assisted reproductive technology appropriate for their particular situation. This increase infertility of considerable concern. Is one sex affected more than the other? What are the long-range implications if the trend keeps going? Is it only humans that appear to be affected? And the critical question is why? In today’s episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Shanna Swan, author of the new book Count Down, answer many of these questions, including discussion of the types of chemicals and other factors that may contribute to the rising infertility. Key Takeaways: The number of “good” sperm observed in human populations (as indicated by the WHO) has dramatically decreased. Other characteristics for function, such as abnormal shape, inability to swim correctly, and chromosomal abnormalities are increasing as well. Male and female infertility is about 50/50. Newborn babies are being born “pre-polluted” with up to 100 environmental chemicals. One solution you can undertake yourself is to determine where your food comes from, as that’s what’s going into your body. "I'm convinced that a large proportion of the decline we're seeing is due to chemical exposures, man-made chemicals." — Dr. Shanna Swan Connect with Dr. Shanna Swan: Professional Bio: Website: Book: Count Down - LinkedIn: Instagram: Twitter: Reference: Environmental Working Group: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/21858839
info_outline
144 Our Failing Education System
01/26/2022
144 Our Failing Education System
Dr. Richard P. Phelps is founder of the Nonpartisan Education Group, editor of Nonpartisan Education Review (), a Fulbright Scholar, and fellow of the Psychophysics Laboratory. He has authored, or edited and co-authored Correcting Fallacies about Educational and Psychological Testing (APA); Standardized Testing Primer (Peter Lang); Defending Standardized Testing (Psychology Press); Kill the Messenger (Transaction), and several statistical compendia. Phelps has worked with several test development organizations, including ACT, AIR, ETS, the OECD, Pearson, and Westat. He holds degrees from Washington, Indiana, and Harvard Universities, and a PhD in Public Policy from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Richard Phelps discuss the education system in the United States, especially in comparison with Western Europe and other industrialized societies. They look at how Common Core, No Child Left Behind, and the changes to the SAT test have affected the curriculum, learning, and student preparedness both for further education as well as life after school. These trends in educational standards and standardized tests continue to impede our students compared to those of the industrialized world. Students from all levels and backgrounds are affected by these programs and the changes that need to be made are discussed. Key Takeaways: The U.S. is falling behind other countries, even those with less spending on education. Common Core and No Child Left Behind have caused progress to be lost in elementary and secondary education standards. The SAT has become less of an aptitude test and more of an achievement test, and can discriminate against talented students from underrepresented groups that attended lower quality high schools. "Most information is not on the world wide web, much of what is there is wrong, and search rankings are easily manipulated by money and interests." — Dr. Richard Phelps Connect with Dr. Richard Phelps: Twitter: Website: & Research Gate: SSRN Scholarly Papers: Academia: LinkedIn: LinkedIn Learning: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email:
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/21858821
info_outline
143 The mental health crisis: dreams and nightmares
01/19/2022
143 The mental health crisis: dreams and nightmares
In this culture where dreams and nightmares are such a part of our everyday language, the question becomes, what is dreaming? We all dream, so what does it mean, and how does it impact other areas of our lives, such as our mental health? In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Michael Nadorff discuss these questions, as well as diving deeper into the different cycles of sleep, the changes in our dreams and sleep as we age, different types of nightmare therapies, and the relationship between nightmares and suicide. Key Takeaways: All dreams, good and bad, occur during the REM cycles of our sleep. The amount of REM sleep increases as the night goes on and, consequently, dreams get longer too. Sleep loves the cold. If you fall asleep in too warm of an environment, during REM sleep when your temperature drops, you are more likely to wake up feeling overheated. Having nightmares significantly increased the likelihood of future suicide attempts in those who had previously attempted suicide. "REM is so important to us that, if you are sleep deprived, your body actually prioritizes REM, and it makes it even that much more intensive." — Dr. Michael Nadorff Connect with Dr. Michael Nadorff: Professional Bio: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/21715493
info_outline
142 Cold and Colder
01/12/2022
142 Cold and Colder
Various forms of cold therapy, from ice on wounds to cold showers, have been successfully used for ages. And ice baths help athletes after an event. But these temperatures don't fall below freezing, or 32°F, and are usually above this. Recently, tanks providing whole body cryotherapy have been promoted for a wide range of health problems, some serious and progressive. This involves subjecting the body to anywhere from minus 160°F to 250°F, for several minutes. While this extreme exposure, even if for only a minute or so, definitely causes physical reactions, there have been no clinical trials to demonstrate their efficacy for the medical conditions supposedly helped. Furthermore, the tanks are not FDA approved. Key Takeaways: Whole body cryotherapy is being promoted for a wide range of medical conditions. The WBC tanks are not FDA approved medical devices. The facilities offering WBC rarely have any medical personnel present during the treatments. No standard clinical trials have been conducted demonstrating their efficacy, as claimed, for the medical conditions mentioned. People considering using the treatment should consult their physicians, rather than the internet, as to the benefits, prior to spending the money to expose themselves to these extremes. "Don't get all your information from celebrity testimony or social media promotions. Things that pass for research on the internet are not what serious investigators would define as quality research." — Therese Markow, Ph.D. Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/21715481
info_outline
141 Breast Cancer Risks: Underarm Products
01/05/2022
141 Breast Cancer Risks: Underarm Products
Breast cancer is on the rise, especially in women under 40. This is pretty scary and the increase points to something environmental. In today’s episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Kris McGrath talk about one of these environmental factors and how our individual underarm hygiene may play a role in our risk for breast (and prostate) cancers earlier in life. Dr. McGrath has had a long time interest in this trend and they discuss some of his work on the relationship between underarm shaving and the use of deodorants and antiperspirants. Key Takeaways: The majority of breast cancer is environmental or lifestyle. Only 5-10% of breast cancer is due to genetic causes. So what are the factors? Both breast cancer and prostate cancer are hormone-driven cancers. More research needs to be done, but there already is a significant and scary relationship between underarm hygiene and beast and prostate cancers. "In my paper, I showed that the earlier you began underarm habits, shaving your underarm and applying antiperspirant deodorant three times a week or more, the diagnosis of breast cancer began at a younger age, especially if you started using these products before the age of 16." — Dr. Kris McGrath Connect with Dr. Kris McGrath: Professional Bio: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/21652667
info_outline
140 Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld: The Placenta and the Fetal Brain
12/29/2021
140 Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld: The Placenta and the Fetal Brain
What's the placenta? Some people think of it as a bag filled with fluid that protects the fetus inside from accidental blows, or a structure that sends maternal nutrients to the fetus while removing its waste products. Well, it's actually much more than this. When we may think that the placenta is protective, it can also create detrimental effects to the fetus - effects that can be lifelong. In fact, the placenta is a complex organ on its own and we've only recently been discovering some of the things that the placenta really does, and also what it can't do. Every new person that has arrived on this planet developed in a placenta, so to ensure the health and wellbeing of future generations, understanding what goes on with the placenta has become more critical. Today's guest is a leader in the field of placental biology. Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld is professor of biomedical sciences and her cutting edge research on the multiple roles of the placenta and fetal development provides critical guidance for prenatal maternal lifestyle and care. Key Takeaways: The placenta does have some ability to metabolize things, and it does offer some buffering capacity to the fetus. The placenta is an endocrine organ. It also produces neurotransmitters. Endocrine disrupters can be found in household items and everything around us. Understanding the green chemistry movement can help us lead a healthy life style. "Even though we can't really, completely, eliminate our exposure to environmental chemicals. We can try to offset it by living with good healthy practices." — Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld Connect with Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld: Professional Bio: The United States Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Society: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/21602303
info_outline
139 Dr. Jon Lieff: Consequences of Head Injuries
12/22/2021
139 Dr. Jon Lieff: Consequences of Head Injuries
Just about everybody has bumped their head at least once in their life. A number of these bumps on the head, especially those resulting from more obvious head injury, are more serious than most of us imagine. What is a concussion? When should head trauma receive more attention? Given the recent reports about long term effects of head injuries in athletes, and the risks of head traumas for sports and accidents, let's learn a little bit more. After all, each of us has a head. Today's guest neuro psychiatrist, Dr. Jon Lieff, has been treating head injuries for decades, he even founded several programs for treating patients with head injuries. And interestingly, he's also the author of a book called, The Secret Language of Cells, a fascinating and very accessible description of how the cells in our body talk to each other in health and in illness. Key Takeaways: Here is no exact definition of a concussion - we do not have the imaging devices accurate enough to see the tiny breaks in neurons and axons and it is based on the symptoms as a judgment call by the doctor. Studying brain injury is still individual and still difficult. Some people are more resilient to head injuries over others. For example, young women and girls are particularly vulnerable for head injuries. "Younger kids should avoid hitting their head. They’re more sensitive to it. They’re not going to notice it as much, and there is very good information that multiple hits are far worse than one or the occasional." — Dr. Jon Lieff Connect with Dr. Jon Lieff: Professional Bio: Twitter: Website: Book: LinkedIn: Additional Resources: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/21496679
info_outline
138 Egg Donation: Long Term Risks?
12/15/2021
138 Egg Donation: Long Term Risks?
Millions of women are undergoing ovarian stimulation to harvest either their own eggs or to donate, for monetary compensation, to egg banks that can help infertile couples, gay couples, and single infertile women to, through in vitro fertilization, conceive. Donors can receive considerable payments for their donations and, in fact, many young women undergo multiple cycles of ovarian stimulation treatments. These payments can help with student loans, living expenses, and other things. The treatments consist of hormone injections for over a week in order to get the ovaries to produce a lot of eggs. The short term risks, like the painful ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, are infrequent and women are usually informed of this. But there have been mixed reports as to the long term risks of cancers associated with these hormone treatments. The studies are mixed because they have not been conducted with sufficient rigor. Women undergoing treatments, either to retrieve their own eggs or to donate, are mostly unaware of these long term risks as they can manifest some years later. Women need to be fully informed before undergoing injection with ovarian stimulation hormones. Key Takeaways: Egg donation clinics are mostly "for profit" organizations and businesses. There needs to be a national registry of all egg donors in the US. The registry must contain the ages, types of hormones used, number of cycles of stimulation, history of birth control pill use, ethnicity, and the clinic where they donated. Only then can we conduct the long term studies to clearly assess risks and properly inform women about the potential risks of these treatments. "We already know that long term hormone replacement therapy is a risk for breast cancer and other female cancers. It's only logical to wonder if a possibility exists that the hormones injected to harvest eggs also increase the risk of certain cancers down the road." — Therese Markow, Ph.D. Resources: Schneider J, Lahl J, Kramer W. Long-term breast cancer risk following ovarian stimulation in young egg donors: a call for follow-up, research and informed consent. ReprodBiomed Online. 2017 May;34(5):480-485. Brinton LA, Sahasrabuddhe VV, Scoccia B. Fertility drugs and the risk of breast and gynecologic cancers. Seminars in Reproductive Medicine. 2012 Apr;30(2):131-145. Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/21410021
info_outline
137 Who Believes in Conspiracy Theories?
12/08/2021
137 Who Believes in Conspiracy Theories?
In a world full of media, which may contain misinformation or fake news, there are conspiracy theories abounding. However, conspiracy theories, and the spreading of those theories, is not a new practice, it has been around and transmitting in any way that people communicate. In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Joseph Uscinski talk about the origin of conspiracy theories and how these formal theories differ (and are similar) to the fake news and misinformation that fills our media screens today. They discuss some of the earliest US conspiracy theories, as well as some of the more modern ones, and how they are different now, with our current political climate, from what they may have done in the past. They also discuss why people believe these conspiracy theories, as well as why people believe in them, even in the face of refuting evidence. Key Takeaways: The internet did not introduce the spread of conspiracy theories. They will always be spread in any way that people communicate. Our worldviews impact the media that we access, which then can filter which conspiracy theories we are likely to believe. The two most consistent predictors of those who believe in conspiracy theories are education and level of income. "Most of the arguments about evidence, really aren’t about evidence - they’re just about subjective judgments about evidence, which gets us away from evidence and gets us back into how people interpret information and what the world views are they bring into interpreting that information." — Dr. Joseph Uscinski Connect with Dr. Joseph Uscinski: Twitter: Website: Books: & Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/21345446
info_outline
136 Dr. Ryan Townley: Dementia Drug Trials
12/01/2021
136 Dr. Ryan Townley: Dementia Drug Trials
Among the biggest health fears adults have are getting a diagnosis of cancer or developing Alzheimer's disease. An estimated 6.2 million Americans aged 65 and older, actually are living with Alzheimer's today. That number could double by 2050. The worldwide number is estimated to be about 50 million. Alzheimer's develops later in life, and class can last anywhere from three to 10 years before the patient dies. And currently, there's no cure for the disease. Well, today's guest is uniquely suited to address these questions and tell us what's on the horizon in terms of research and treatment. Dr. Ryan Townley, of the neurology department at the University of Kansas Medical Center is a primary investigator at the university's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Not only does he see patients, but his role as Associate Director of the Alzheimer's Clinical Trials Consortium puts him in a unique position, he's at the cutting edge of the potential new treatments being tested. In todays’ episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Townley discuss the causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatments (both current and in trials) of Alzheimer’s. Key Takeaways: We know that amyloid plaques are kind of a hallmark of the disease, but we don't know if they're causative of the disease or the symptom. 35 to 40% of patients that develop Alzheimer's disease don't have an APOE e4 allele. Some supplements, individually, have gone through clinical trials. However, none of them have been done through classic clinical trials and supplements are not regulated and may not contain what they say. Sleep, and good sleep, is the most overlooked important lifestyle factor in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. "Our early detection methods are really going to have to improve for us to make a major dent in changing the course of this disease." — Dr. Ryan Townley Connect with Dr. RyanTownley: Professional Bio: YouTube: LinkedIn: Article: Alzheimer’s Disease, Aduhelm, and The Fear of False Hope Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/21314276
info_outline
135 Dr. Ajit Nirmal: How and Why Cancers Spread
11/24/2021
135 Dr. Ajit Nirmal: How and Why Cancers Spread
When we hear the term tumor or cancer, the image that often comes to mind is a bunch of bad cells next to normal ones, and growing. Like many things, it's just not that simple. How do the normal cells turn bad? Can our immune systems detect the cancer cell and kill it? Why does some, initially successful, chemotherapy stopped working? Why does cancer spread? These are all great questions, since cancers of one kind or another, will affect so many of us either as patients, friends, or loved ones. Well, basic science is providing some critical answers. In today’s episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Ajit Nirmal discuss just these questions. Key Takeaways: If we didn't have an immune system, we'd all get cancer. Drug resistance continues to be the principal limiting factor to achieving cures in patients with cancer. Once a normal cell has turned cancerous, it is likely dividing much faster than a normal cell. This rapid cell division is error prone, and can lead to accumulation of mutations at a much faster rate. "I truly believe, with adequate basic understanding of the molecular underpinnings of cancer evolution, and how the tumor microenvironment helps it or promotes it, we will be able to predict the best course of action to target all cancer cells up until the very last one, and consequently to the patient." — Dr. Ajit Nirmal Connect with Dr. Ajit Nirmal: Professional Bio: LinkedIn: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/21271460
info_outline
134 Fluoride: Your Teeth and Your Brain
11/17/2021
134 Fluoride: Your Teeth and Your Brain
Evidence is emerging that fluoride, a chemical that helps prevent dental cavities or caries, also is a neurotoxin that can cross the placenta and enter the developing brain. Recent studies reveal that excess fluoride during fetal development can result in impaired intelligence and cognition in children. Key Takeaways: Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. An excess during gestation can produce dental "fluorosis" , discolored and even pitted teeth in the children Fluoride is also a neurotoxin, detectable in the parts of the brain involved in learning and memory Recent studies show an association between fluoride in maternal urine during pregnancy and impaired behavior in children People are getting more fluoride now because it is used in beverages, personal care products, and polluted air. "Strong associations exist between the level of maternal urinary fluoride, in other words, how much the mother was exposed to, and the test scores of their children." — Therese Markow, Ph.D. Further Reading: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/21171341
info_outline
133 Your Brain: How It Remembers
11/10/2021
133 Your Brain: How It Remembers
What happens when we remember something? Therese Markow talks with neuroscientist Dr. Ben Albensi about how memory works, involving both chemical and structural changes. They talk about the signals in the brain, the connections among different brain regions underlying memory, and the role of sleep in consolidating the memory process. Dr. Albensi also describes what happens when a person suffers amnesia. Key Takeaways: Memory begins in the brain region called the hippocampus, from which chemical signals and neural connections then extend to other regions. These connections are important for memory. Enriched environments result in more connections. Sleep is critical to the memory process. "We’ve learned from scientific evidence and experiments that sleep is critical to quality of memory and memory consolidation." — Dr. Ben Albensi Connect with Dr. Ben Albensi: Hôpital St-Boniface Hospital Profile: Email: Cell Phone: 973-668-0206 LinkedIn: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/21095699
info_outline
132 Males at Risk: Sperm Declining
11/03/2021
132 Males at Risk: Sperm Declining
Infertility is on the rise, leading otherwise healthy young couples to seek a form of assisted reproductive technology appropriate for their particular situation. This increase infertility of considerable concern. Is one sex affected more than the other? What are the long-range implications if the trend keeps going? Is it only humans that appear to be affected? And the critical question is why? In today’s episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Shanna Swan, author of the new book Count Down, answer many of these questions, including discussion of the types of chemicals and other factors that may contribute to the rising infertility. Key Takeaways: The number of “good” sperm observed in human populations (as indicated by the WHO) has dramatically decreased. Other characteristics for function, such as abnormal shape, inability to swim correctly, and chromosomal abnormalities are increasing as well. Male and female infertility is about 50/50. Newborn babies are being born “pre-polluted” with up to 100 environmental chemicals. One solution you can undertake yourself is to determine where your food comes from, as that’s what’s going into your body. "I'm convinced that a large proportion of the decline we're seeing is due to chemical exposures, man-made chemicals." — Dr. Shanna Swan Connect with Dr. Shanna Swan: Professional Bio: Website: Book: Count Down - LinkedIn: Instagram: Twitter: Reference: Environmental Working Group: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/21012104
info_outline
131 Dr. Amanda Giordano: Behavioral Addictions
10/27/2021
131 Dr. Amanda Giordano: Behavioral Addictions
Many people have addictions. While much of the time we think of substance addictions, such as drugs or alcohol, there is an increasing rise in behavioral addictions as well, which are often not viewed in society as addictions however real they are and however many issues they cause. Where are these addictions coming from? How do they form? How can they be treated? In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Amanda Giordano, author of A Clinical Guide to Treating Behavioral Addictions, discuss just these questions and go into further details regarding the topics, including cyber sex addiction, genetic predispositions to addiction, and how the itnernet has affected the rise of behavioral addictions. Key Takeaways: Our brains pay attention to what causes a release of dopamine and pay more attention to those behaviors, increasing the desire and motivation to seek out those rewards associated with that release. There is a difference between high involvement in a behavior and addiction in a behavior. If it doesn’t hit the 4 C’s of addiction (compulsion, loss of control, negative consequences, cravings) it may not be an addiction. There are resources available for behavioral addictions, like there are for substance addictions. We're seeing that online relationships don't take the place of the offline connection and that need to belong. "For the longest time, addiction was seen as a moral failing or the result of a character flaw. Unfortunately, that view is still very present today. But we know that it's not a morality issue - it's a biological, psychological and social issue." — Dr. Amanda Giordano Connect with Dr. Amanda Giordano: Professional Bio: Blog: Facebook: Book: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/20954222
info_outline
130 Science and Sexual Assault
10/20/2021
130 Science and Sexual Assault
Sexual assaults of women, men, and children are always in the news. We know a lot about this when it comes to little children, but for adults, especially women, what constitutes a sexual assault? Lack of consent, forced intimate relations? How does one prove an assault took place? Often the information provided by medical forensic experts is brought to bear on these cases. Today's guest, Dr. Felice Gersh, is not only a distinguished OBGYN and Integrative Medicine Specialist, but she often serves as an expert witness when medical forensics are required to clarify if or what type of sexual assault took place. This is an important, interesting, and sometimes very fuzzy topic. In today’s episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Gersh discuss this process and the challenges of sexual assault cases. Key Takeaways: When reporting acute sexual assaults, there are special nurses in the hospital called SANE nurses, sexual assault nurse examiners, that will do a detailed forensic examination on the victim. These exams are standardized nationally. In the courtroom, you speak about genitalia as the body parts they are. It makes everyone feel more comfortable when you speak of things anatomically rather than treating them as hush hush. As a forensic medical expert, it is important to report the facts and what can or cannot be possible, not to decide if someone is innocent or guilty. "My job [as a medical forensic expert] is really an educator. My job is to review the evidence, then explain everything in as clear, plain, and understandable language as I can to a jury so that they will understand what the evidence really means." — Dr. Felice Gersh Connect with Dr. Felice Gersh: Professional Bio: Website: Twitter: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Book: PCOS SOS: A Gynecologist's Lifeline To Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones, and Happiness Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/20875535
info_outline
129 Dr. Jason Maley: Long Haul COVID
10/13/2021
129 Dr. Jason Maley: Long Haul COVID
As the world experiences the continuation of the COVID-19 virus, we see a growing number of COVID-19 survivors who continue to have symptoms for weeks and even months after the acute phase of their disease subsided. These individuals have gained the name COVID-19 Long Haulers. What's this all about? What's happening to these patients and how can they be helped? Well, there's no better person to address these issues than today's guest, Dr. Jason Maley. In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Jason Maley discuss just these questions and Dr. Maley’s research and clinical work focuses on recovery and the long term outcomes for these patients and their families after COVID-19. Key Takeaways: Long Haul COVID symptoms can manifest differently depending on each person. While there are common patterns, each patient is unique. We know how to treat the symptoms of Long COVID-19, but we do not yet know how to treat the underlying conditions. Currently, the best studies have found evidence of inflammation and injury in the brain, but not evidence of the virus itself, however, research is still ongoing. "There are theories, and some papers have been published that are early and not yet definitive, discussing the possibility of antibodies directed against other parts of patient’s bodies, autoimmune antibodies, that could play a role in Long COVID and be explaining why, in the absence of the virus itself, people continue to have months or even years of symptoms." — Dr. Jason Maley Connect with Dr. Jason Maley: Professional Bio: Twitter: LinkedIn: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/20792921
info_outline
128 Living to be 100
10/06/2021
128 Living to be 100
Some people live more than a hundred years with no health problems and very little cognitive decline. How come? While healthy lifestyles certainly play a part in healthy aging, these “centenarians” share a number of special biological attributes. Furthermore, these attributes, along with attaining an age of 100 or greater, show a strong genetic component. Dr. Stacy Andersen of the Boston University School of Medicine has been studying these centenarians and the factors that are associated with not only their attaining an advanced age, but doing so with no history of major physical or mental health problems. In her interview, Dr. Andersen discusses what she and her colleagues have discovered about this unusual group of older people. Key Takeaways: Centenarians are people who have reached 100 years of age, while “supercentenarians” are 110 and older. Recent studies of these groups of adults reveal that during their lives they have “escaped” the diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular problems, dementia, and diabetes that cause earlier mortality among adults born at the same time. Dr. Anderson discusses her work on the genetic bases for being an “escaper”, as well as the lifestyle and personality characteristics they have in common. "The older you get, the healthier you’ve been." — Dr. Stacy Andersen Connect with Dr. Stacy Andersen: BUMC Bio: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/20633204
info_outline
127 Toxic!
09/29/2021
127 Toxic!
The last decades have seen a continuing rise in really serious and often fatal health problems. The list is long: cancer, heart disease, diabetes, infertility, autoimmune diseases, autism, just to name a few. While vulnerability to disease often has an underlying genetic predisposition, there have to be environmental triggers to set these diseases in motion. In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Aly Cohen discuss just these topics and what we can look for on a daily basis, as well as the small changes that we can, individually, do to make our lives a little healthier. Key Takeaways: It's estimated there are about 95,000 chemicals available on the US market for everything we use from cleaning products, makeup, and everything we use. The US has only banned 5 chemicals since 1976. European countries have banned around 1200, on average. There are resources out there to help you to vet the products you are using in your life such as The Environmental Working Group and Skin Deep Database. "The goal is less is more - use fewer products, the products that you use, if you want to use them, just vet them." — Dr. Aly Cohen Connect with Dr. Aly Cohen: Website: TedTalk: Show: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube: LinkedIn: Instagram: Book: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/20633186
info_outline
126 Should Everyone Go To College?
09/22/2021
126 Should Everyone Go To College?
Should everyone go to college? Well, for years, this was considered an important goal in life - a college education. The idea being that with a college degree, a better paying job would result. There are so many college majors from art to business to engineering to language arts, among others. How does one know, besides what they happen to be interested in, if the degree they get is actually going to yield the expected employment benefits? In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Richard Phelps discuss what a college degree signals to employers, inefficiencies in the current US elementary and secondary school systems, the struggle that today’s school counselors have with traditional career guidance, as well as looking at how college systems work in the United States and around the world. Key Takeaways: On average, college grads have higher lifetime earnings than non college grads, but there is overlap. Certified technicians in robotics or computer numerical controlled machining probably have higher lifetime earnings on average then college grads who majored in poetry or fabric art. Shorter programs can provide a career credential to students who would otherwise drop out with nothing to show for their time served The best career tech programs are found where career tech courses are offered in dedicated regional vocational schools. This can vary from state to state are more easily done in states, such as in the Northeast, where there is a denser population of students. "Supporters of the one size fits all US system, often label the European and East Asian systems as elitist...And they'll say that our system is a more democratic Second Chance system. That contrast may have been valid 67 years ago, but I don't think it is anymore." — Dr. Richard Phelps Connect with Dr. Richard Phelps: Twitter: Website: & Research Gate: SSRN Scholarly Papers: Academia: LinkedIn: LinkedIn Learning: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/20538122
info_outline
125 Q & A: Selling Plasma and Inflammation
09/15/2021
125 Q & A: Selling Plasma and Inflammation
In this episode, Therese Markow answers questions from the listeners! Today, she discusses why you can sell plasma or semen, but not something like a kidney. She also talks about the current hot topic of inflammation, including chronic inflammation, and what is and is not, and reminds us all, that knowledge is power for a healthy life. Key Takeaways: It's illegal in the United States to sell a kidney. Laws against kidney selling are designed to keep you healthy, and to keep economically disadvantaged people from being exploited. Data from a large number of studies suggests that over time, chronic untreated, internal inflammation can lead to many serious age related diseases, not just heart disease and cancer, but also neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Knowledge is power - if you think it is inflammation, get tested and you will know rather than potentially treating yourself for the wrong thing. "Knowledge is power. While there are many benefits to avoiding so called inflammatory foods, and to taking some supplements that may appear to reduce inflammation, it's better to find out if you have inflammation and, if you do, what's causing it." — Therese Markow, Ph.D. Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/20474237
info_outline
124 Depression: When Medication Doesn't Work
09/08/2021
124 Depression: When Medication Doesn't Work
Dr. Therese Markow talks with psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Daniel Blumberger about depression that does not respond to medications and behavioral cognitive therapy. Approximately one third of patients suffering from major depression are “Treatment Resistant”. Fortunately, there are a range of brain stimulation techniques that help the majority of these patients. Electroconvulsive therapy or ETC, has evolved into a much more benign procedure than depicted earlier in movies and has the best outcomes in patients with major depression. New techniques, involving stimulation of the brain magnetically, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) also can be effective and are being refined for broader use. Depression is a serious and sometimes fatal disease, and there is hope for those resistant to pharmaceutical approaches. Key Takeaways: Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD, is a debilitating disorder that can be fatal About a third of those suffering from MDD, do not respond to. pharmaceutical treatments. The majority of these patients benefit from ECT, which now has been greatly improved. A newer group of brain treatments, using magnetic stimulation, also are useful for Treatment Resistant Depression. Sufferers should ask their physicians about access to these non-pharmaceutical treatments. "It is very important to intervene early when someone isn’t responding to medication. The more treatments that someone doesn’t respond to, the less likely that they will respond to each subsequent course of treatment. The longer things linger, the harder it is to get someone better." — Dr. Daniel Blumberger Connect with Dr. Daniel Blumberger: CAMH Profile: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. Daniel Blumberger Date of appointment May 8, 2020 Date created May 3, 2020 Critically Speaking Guest Interview https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16987289&action=appt&id%5B%5D=29e531037007b14b2f367229a9f7cb65 Name: Daniel Blumberger Phone: (415) 535-8501 Email: [email protected] Guest Intake Form ============ Provide a link to your website or online professional profile/bio: https://www.camh.ca/en/science-and-research/science-and-research-staff-directory/danielblumberger Provide any links to social media or publications such as articles or books you would like to share with the audience.: Please provide your professional affiliation and areas of expertise and you would like it to appear in our show notes.: Medical Head and Co-Director, Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto Is there anything specific you’d like to share with our audience?: no Are there specific questions you'd like Therese Markow to ask you? Please include them here.: By selecting yes, you grant permission to Therese Markow to record the interview, post content on the internet obtained during the interview, and promote the content. Once published, any editing will not be possible.: yes
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/20337086
info_outline
123 Lorraine Hightower: Dyslexia Can Take Its Toll
09/01/2021
123 Lorraine Hightower: Dyslexia Can Take Its Toll
With up to 1 in 5 people having dyslexia, dyslexia impacts people every single day. In this episode, Therese Markow and Lorraine Hightower discuss what distinguishes dyslexia from other learning disabilities, how to identify and diagnose dyslexia, as well as the impact that dyslexia has on not only individuals, but also society as a whole. As a dyslexia advocate, Lorraine Hightower has spearheaded movements to identify kids with dyslexia early, to advocate for them within the educational system, and help parents of dyslexic kids navigate their journey. This ultimately allows for kids to reach their full potential and avoid unfortunate outcomes as they become adults. Key Takeaways: Dyslexia is neuro-biological and is genetic in origin. It can often be identified even before kindergarten, though is more often identified in early elementary. Dyslexia impacts different individuals in different ways and the severity can vary wildly. When given appropriate interventions or taught reading differently, the outcomes can be very positive for students with dyslexia. "When these children are not taught how to read in our public school systems, the consequences extend well beyond this one individual and it does become a societal problem as well." — Lorraine Hightower Connect with Lorraine Hightower: Professional Bio: Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/20309312
info_outline
122 Autism on the rise
08/25/2021
122 Autism on the rise
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. David Beversdorf discuss what exactly autism is, the theories of the causes of autism, and what we do know from research of autism. Numerous non-evidence based cures for autism are becoming more common and understanding the facts of autism is becoming more critical. In this discussion with Dr. Beversdorf, we will understand more about what is autism, what are the symptoms, who first discovered it, what really causes it (and what doesn’t), and what effective treatments may be out there. Key Takeaways: Vaccines do not cause autism. We do know there is a genetic component and several environmental factors that appear to be important. There is a variability aspect of autism. It may be extremely important to be able to track patients to see what they respond to in treatment research to see why and how they are responding. Without more research, we will not be able to create personalized treatment plans for the bio markers. There are a number of organizations around the world that working to achieve this research, which is where the answers will be coming from. "Two, almost opposite biological aspects, could even be coming to this final common pathway of repetitive behaviors. If you blindly target the repetitive behaviors with a drug, without being aware of this biology, you will get nowhere, because one will get better and one will get worse." — Dr. David Beversdorf Connect with Dr. David Beversdorf: Professional Bio: Twitter: Facebook: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: [email protected] Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/20185205
info_outline
121 Dr. Felice Gersh: Hormones: BC Pills, Menopause
08/18/2021
121 Dr. Felice Gersh: Hormones: BC Pills, Menopause
The last few decades have been filled with confusing information about women's hormones and what's happening with them across a woman's lifetime. How early are male versus female hormones produced? How birth control pills modify hormones and related metabolic processes? What about hormones and postmenopausal women? In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Felice Gersh discuss these questions and more. As an OBGYN and a dual certified integrative gynecologist, Dr. Gersh shares information on the effects of hormones in female puberty, the rise of acne as a disease of western, modern society, and the importance of menstrual cycles as a sign of underlying health conditions. Key Takeaways: From 12 weeks gestation, the placenta produces the hormones of embryonic formation. The menstrual cycle is a vital sign of reproductive age, female health - like blood pressure, vital signs, weight, or temperature. How well the menstrual cycle of a young, reproductive aged female is functioning is a vital sign of her underlying health status. In postmenoposal women, if we give estrogen vaginally, we can help both the bladder and the vagina to be significantly more functional and healthier. In menopause, all estrogen should be given transdermally. "You need hormones, and you need them in the beautiful rhythms and the right amounts that nature was designed to give us in order for a proper development and functioning." — Dr. Felice Gersh Connect with Dr. Felice Gersh: Professional Bio: Website: Twitter: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Book: PCOS SOS: A Gynecologist's Lifeline To Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones, and Happiness Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/20171879
info_outline
120 Maternal Obesity Harms Fetal Brains
08/11/2021
120 Maternal Obesity Harms Fetal Brains
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Cheryl Hawkes discuss the increasing scientific evidence that maternal obesity affects the developing fetal brain. While many of the effects manifest early, in infant temperament and childhood cognitive (IQ) decrements, other effects do not show up until years later, in adult psychiatric and neurodegenerative problems. The physical bases for these changes in fetal brains also are clearly evidenced in laboratory model systems, such as mice, where the maternal diets can be controlled and the offspring not only can be given behavioral tests, but their brains can be dissected to reveal the changes in the blood vessels caused by obese mothers. Key Takeaways: Children born to obese mothers have lower IQs and poorer motor, spatial, and verbal skills. Mice and rodents have similar brain development to humans, which is why rodent study models are so beneficial to science. Brain maturation takes many years. Your brain is fully formed at birth but continues to mature and change into your mid-twenties. "Because of the rise in obesity globally, a lot of people have started to look, rather than looking at famine…, to now shift our attention to looking at the long-term effects of obesity because 30% of women around the world, over the age of 18, are now considered to be obese." — Dr. Cheryl Hawkes Connect with Dr. Cheryl Hawkes: Lancaster University Profile: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: [email protected] Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/20035325
info_outline
119 Safest Seat on an Airplane?
08/04/2021
119 Safest Seat on an Airplane?
In this episode, Therese Markow discusses where the safest seat is on an airplane (and what safety means in different contexts). She passes on the current recommendations for reducing COVID exposure as well as the safest seat in different types of plane crashes. Key Takeaways: There is a difference between safety from COVID-19 and in a crash. There is some reduction in risk of infection by sitting by the window if you are sitting in economy. Wear your mask. Go to the bathroom before you fly so you don’t have to get up and expose yourself to more people. Exit proximity and fitness are important factors in surviving a plane crash. "For both issues, avoiding COVID and having the highest survival after a crash, the safest seats seem to be the window seats at the exit row." — Therese Markow, Ph.D. Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/19935629
info_outline
118 Are You or Do You Know a Hoarder?
07/28/2021
118 Are You or Do You Know a Hoarder?
We've all either heard about, or know, someone whose home is filled with things they have no use for, but won't, or can't, discard. When taken to the extreme, this is a part of hoarding disorder. While hoarding is a word that is thrown around in our common vernacular (such as people hoarding toilet paper early in this pandemic), there is more to hoarding than what most people know. In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Mary Dozier discuss what hoarding is, how it can manifest itself, and what we currently know about hoarding disorder. Key Takeaways: Unlike many psychiatric disorders, hoarding disorder actually tends to worsen as we get older. People tend to hoard the same things that most people hold on to, just in greater quantities. One of the primary reasons that people seek out treatment is often that people want to be able to have other people to their homes. "Having attachments to objects, by itself, isn't necessarily problematic. The problem begins when the attachment is so great, and the number of objects is so many, that the individual is unable to go about their daily lives." — Dr. Mary Dozier Connect with Dr. Mary Dozier: Professional Bio: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/19857416
info_outline
117 Do Animals See in Color?
07/21/2021
117 Do Animals See in Color?
Not all animals see colors the same way we do. Some have less ability to see color and others have better color vision. Color vision will likely fit with the fitness of a particular species. Can they recognize other members of their group? Can they avoid predation? Is their feeding specialized on particular flowers or colorful insects? We talk about these questions today. Key Takeaways: Color detection depends on the number and types of cones in the eye, while rods detect movement. Dogs and bulls, having only two types of cones as opposed to three in humans, see as if they were a color blind person. The bright green or red toys we buy for a dog are more for us to find the toy than the dog. The red cape is not what makes the bull charge. Some birds have four cones and can see at different wavelengths and can see below the ocean surface "Animals see colors if it is important to them for their survival and reproduction - in other words, to find food, to detect, avoid, or fool predators, as well as in courtship rituals." — Therese Markow, Ph.D. Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/19826456
info_outline
116 Dr. Karen Echeverri: Regenerate Arms? Spinal Cords?
07/14/2021
116 Dr. Karen Echeverri: Regenerate Arms? Spinal Cords?
Most organisms have ways to fix a wound. But what about regenerating missing tissues or limbs after that wound has healed? What about crippling spinal cord injuries? Well, today we'll hear about the process of wound healing and subsequent regeneration, and how findings in lower organisms can help us to understand and enhance regeneration in humans. In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Karen Echeverri discuss what happens when you get a wound, the role the immune system plays in regeneration, and the difference between vertebrate and invertebrate regeneration. They also discuss how regeneration shows up differently in axolotls, zebrafish, and even humans. Key Takeaways: The axolotl is the champion of regeneration - it can regenerate portions of internal organs, tail, and lesions in the brain and spinal cord. The amount of regeneration time is in proportion to the size of the animal. Understanding the different mechanisms of regeneration in various animal species is the key to developing effective treatments for these serious human injuries. "Our highest regenerative ability is, when we're youngest, so young babies have the highest regenerative potential. There is some evidence that very young children can regenerate the partial digit tip. As the child grows older, and again, their immune system becomes more developed, they also lose that regenerative ability." — Dr. Karen Echeverri Connect with Dr. Karen Echeverri: Professional Bio: LinkedIn: Connect with Therese: Website: Twitter: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
/episode/index/show/criticallyspeaking/id/19801043