RadioMD (All Shows)

Did you ever consider that what you're fueling your body with could be the reason you're up and down all night?You're fully aware of the numerous benefits sleep has on your health, but do you really get the right amount of shut-eye each night? It's doubtful; not many people do. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling insufficient sleep a public health epidemic. What's causing insufficient sleep? You may think you've heard all the possible reasons why you're getting horrible sleep at night: You're watching TV or Netflix on your computer in bed, you're constantly checking your phone, you've had too much caffeine in the day or you're stressed about the days to come. What about your diet? Did you ever consider that what you're fueling your body with could be the reason you're up and down all night? Let's face it, how you eat during the day strongly influences the sleep quality you'll be getting at night. If you eat a heavy meal before you sleep, it can cause discomfort and keep you up throughout the night. Dieting habits can also play a role in your unhealthy sleep patterns. Making sure you're drinking water throughout the day and eating every couple of hours will help you sleep better at night. What types of foods should you be eating to get a good night sleep? Oatmeal is rich in fiber, helps you stay full and provides a tiny amount of melatonin, a natural sleep aide. Fish like tuna, halibut and salmon are high in vitamin B6, which your body needs to make melatonin and serotonin. What are other foods that affect the way you're sleeping? Clinical nutrition manager at Medifast, Jennifer Christman, RD, LDN, joins Dr. Mike to discuss why your diet is affecting your sleep pattern and ways to get back to a healthy sleep pattern.

According to the National Stroke Association, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in America and the leading cause of adult disability.A stroke, also known as a "brain attack," happens when blood flow to a part of your brain stops. This can cause brain damage and even death. According to the National Stroke Association, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in America and the leading cause of adult disability. If preventing a stroke isn't entirely possible, is there anything you can do to prevent damage to your brain and body? Fish oil is one option. Quickly diagnosing if a stroke is happening and increasing blood flow to those parts of the brain could prevent permanent, untreatable damage. In a study published in the Public Library of Scientists in 2013, scientists administered DHA, a component of fish oil, to mice and found that it reduced the damage inflicted by a stroke. The scientists looked at ischemic stroke, which is a type of stroke resulting from a blockage in the blood vessels that supply blood to your brain. The mice and divided into three groups. One group received a collection of omega-3 fats, a second group was given omega-6 fats and the last group was given a saline solution. In general, the group given omega-3 fatty acids showed 43 percent smaller infarction 90 minutes after the stoke was induced. When they added fish oils, it decreased infarction volume by 53 percent. Fish oil can be obtained by eating fish or by taking a supplement. Aside from these stroke-related benefits, fish oils can have numerous health benefits relating to the heart and blood system. Should you be taking fish oil to reduce your risk of a stroke? Dr. Mike discusses the research and if you should be taking fish oil supplements to help lower your risk of stroke.

Age-related bone loss is a serious condition. The good news is that it can be prevented in most cases.Age-related bone loss is a serious condition. It not only increases the risk for fractures, but it also increases the risk for death; especially if bone loss occurs quickly. This is why it's important to stay active as you age, as this can preserve bone mass and strength. Staying active with weight bearing and resistance exercises is a great way to build up bone density. It's also important to take supplements that are high in vitamin D and vitamin K2. Calcium is important, but if you're low in vitamin D and K2, the calcium doesn't work properly in your body. Have you thought about using melatonin to help with bone density? You might think melatonin is only used to help promote natural sleep, but melatonin has also been shown to improve your bone health. Melatonin is an endogenous hormone that's produced in the pineal gland under the control of the suprachiasmatic nucleus and the light/dark cycle. Melatonin also plays an important role in blood pressure regulation, immune function and now has been linked to bone remodeling. PEW Research in March 2014 looked at effects of bone mass and volume with the use of melatonin in 22 month old rats. The first group of rats was treated for 10 weeks with melatonin, the other group was not. The study looked at proteins in bones, minerals in bones, bone strength, flexibility and density. What the study found was no surprise that melatonin can help improve your bone health. The rats treated with melatonin had higher bone volume and stronger bone density and bone strength than those rats that didn't take melatonin. Dr. Mike discusses what happens to your bones as they age, why it's important to support bone health and how melatonin can improve your bone health.

​According to a new study, large numbers of U.S. high school students who are bullied take weapons to school. Scary, but true.According to a new study, large numbers of U.S. high school students who are bullied take weapons to school. "Victims of bullying who have been threatened, engaged in a fight, injured or had property stolen or damaged are much more likely to carry a gun or knife to school," said study senior investigator Dr. Andrew Adesman, chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York. In this segment, Dr. Adesman explains the study and how parents of bullied teens can help their children learn to cope and take charge of their fear, without resorting to violence.

A growing concern on college campuses is that students are "sharing" their ADHD drugs with others.Does your child take ADHD medication? Are they in college? A growing concern on college campuses is that students are "sharing" their ADHD drugs with others. Prescription drug abuse is the nation's fastest growing drug problem. More people in the U.S. died last year of drug overdoses than from car accidents, making prescription drug abuse the third leading cause of accidental death. This epidemic has been particularly widespread on college campuses. Between 1993 and 2005, the proportion of college students using prescription drugs went up dramatically. Use of stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall increased by 93 percent. Dr. Andrew Adesman, Chief of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics at the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, explains the dangers of sharing prescription ADHD medications and how parents can help their students keep track of those medications and only use them for their intended purpose.

The truth is you don't have to be in the lotus position in a candlelit room to meditate. You can learn to meditate anywhere.Do you have "meditation guilt"? The truth is, you don't have to be in the lotus position in a candlelit room to meditate. You can learn to meditate anywhere. Meditation can relieve stress, lower your blood pressure, give you time to think and reflect, and help you relax.  And yes, you can really meditate anywhere. You just need to learn how to shut off the rest of the world and focus inward. Your heart rate will slow down and your breathing will be easier. Meditation might just be one of the greatest forms of medicine. Melanie Cole, MS, and Grace Desimone are both seasoned fitness experts and in this segment, they explain how you can meditate wherever you are and get the fully relaxed feeling that only comes with a true meditation session... all in just minutes a day.

Do you have one minute? Then you can get in shape with just a few exercises every day.Do you have one minute? Then you have time to do one exercise that will take one minute! It just may be the easiest fitness plan on the planet. In a Minute to Win, you can get in on the concept that is one minute per exercise.  Melanie Cole, MS, and Grace Desimone are both seasoned personal trainers, and in this segment, they share with you how you can use just one minute to get great results. One minute per exercise... that's all it takes to look great and feel even better.

Your back is, believe it or not, part of your core. Get a beautiful back right in the comfort of your very own home.Melanie Cole, MS, and Neal Pire, MS, are both seasoned in-home personal trainers. And now they have a new series on Train Your Body where they will actually train your body... for free. In this segment they focus on your core... and that includes your back. That's right, your back is actually part of your core. And a strong lower back can help you have that beautiful waistline that you've been dreaming about.  The best part? No expensive gym membership necessary! Soon you'll know just how good it feels to have a slim waist, some rockin' abs and a strong lower back. Get ready for a little soreness (but in a good way) as Melanie and Neal get you swimsuit ready.

Learn how to get awesome abs and a belly-baring waistline... all while in the comfort of your own home.Melanie Cole, MS, and Neal Pire, MS, are both seasoned in-home personal trainers. And now they have a new series on Train Your Body where they will actually train your body... for free. In this segment they focus on your abdominal muscles.  Want to wear a belly shirt and not worry about muffin tops? Simply follow their advice and work those abs to the core. The best part? No expensive gym membership necessary! Soon you'll know just how good it feels to have a slim waist and some rockin' abs. Get ready for a little soreness (but in a good way) as Melanie and Neal get you swimsuit ready.

There are several clues your body gives off when your liver is shutting down and is in need of a transplant.Your liver is the second largest organ in your body and has several jobs in order to keep your body running efficiently. One of the main functions is processing your food (and beverages) into energy. You absolutely need your liver in order to survive. A liver transplant is a surgical procedure to remove your diseased liver and replace it with a healthy liver from a donor. According to the American Liver Foundation, more than 6,000 liver transplants are performed each year in the U.S. Why would you need a liver transplant? Most patients who need a liver transplant are those who suffer from chronic liver disease. The second most common reason is if you have liver cancer that cannot be treated with a partial transplant. There are several clues your body gives off when your liver is shutting down or is in need of a transplant. If your skin turns yellow, you bruise or bleed easily, increased forgetfulness or confusion, throwing up blood, if you are tired or weak, if you're losing weight and if you are passing black stools. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial that you get yourself to an emergency room as soon as possible. After you've been put on the waiting list and your time has come for a transplant, you will be notified as early as six hours before the procedure. The operation will take roughly 12 hours you will most likely spend six to nine days in the hospital before you can be released. What else do you need to know about liver transplants? William C. Chapman, MD, FACS, joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss the importance of your liver, the symptoms that indicate you need a liver transplant, the length of the donor waiting list and everything you need to know about having a liver transplant.

Joint pain can happen for several reasons and can range from mild to completely unbearable, leaving you unable to perform simple daily activities.Your joints connect your bones and provide support while your body is in motion. If you've had damage to your joints, you can experience chronic excruciating pain. Joint pain can happen for many reasons such as sprains, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or as a result of an injury. What's the most common reason for joint pain? Typically, the most common reason you experience joint pain in your knees, hips, hands, and ankles is from overuse. This can be from excess activity that your body is not used to. You may experience pain in your joint during certain activities, like weight-bearing exercises or just from walking. As soon as you stop these activities, your joints may not ache as much. However, if you continue to ignore the aches during and after activities, the damage is still done. If the damage is bad enough, it can be irreversible, also known as arthritis. Arthritis occurs when one or more of your joints are inflamed. When is it time to seek medical attention? First, you must specifically note what pains you are feeling, where you are feeling them and when you are feeling the pain. If you've had the aches and pains for several weeks or months, it would be wise not to hesitate any longer to see your physician. Your physician will evaluate your pain, and depending on how long you've had damage, may recommend different treatment options. The most common treatments you can do on your own are strengthening the surrounding muscles to help the joint bear the force more easily. Another common treatment is weight loss. If you're overweight -- even just a little overweight -- you are putting stress on your joints. Can you take medicine to help ease the pain? The best medicine to take are NSAIDS (Nonsteriodal Anti-inflammatory Drugs), such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen and naproxen. What else can you be doing to manage your pain levels? Orthopedic surgeon and adult joint replacement expert with Houston Methodist, Dr. Stephen Incavo, joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss the most common reasons you may experience joint pain and the best treatment options available.

An estimated 60,000 diabetics undergo amputations annually. What signs and symptoms do you need to look out for?Diabetes is a growing problem in the U.S. In fact, according to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million children and adults have diabetes. Of the millions of Americans who have diabetes, 15% will develop a slow-healing wound, or chronic foot ulcer. People who suffer from these wounds aren't likely to have feeling in the affected area and the ulcers often go unnoticed. Once diagnosed, these wounds can be very hard to treat and at times require removal of the afflicted limb. An estimated 60,000 diabetics undergo amputations annually. What causes these non-healing wounds? Non-healing wounds occur from the breakdown of your skin and can happen for a number of reasons, including poor circulation, nerve damage, blood sugar levels not under control and when a wound does appear, not taking care of the wound in a proper way. It is crucial that you make sure that your blood sugar levels are in National Standardized rates, your glycemic index is in control and that you're checking your feet daily for wounds. If a wound is discovered, make sure the area is cleaned so you don't run the risk of developing an infection. No wound is insignificant and you should contact your physician as soon as possible. What if your wound is not treatable? What is your next step? Dr. Michael Kerzner joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss the affects diabetes has on your health, how to prevent and treat non-healing wounds and what your options are if your wounds are not treatable.

Stress can be found in children as much as in adults. How do you know when to step in and help?Stress happens in your world whether you want it to or not. Stress can come from work, school or relationships. You may think that adults are the only ones who are capable of becoming stressed and that your child's life is happy and carefree. Sometimes, however, stress can come from within and can easily be found in children as much as it is in adults. Children who first leave home to go to school can go through separation anxiety, encounter bullying or have a harder time following school curriculum. All of these factors can lead to varying levels of stress. How can you help your child if you're noticing signs of stress? It's important that you set up a healthy, positive environment, starting with the food your child is eating. The food kids eat, just like the food you eat, helps fuel their little bodies and brains to get through a busy day. Another important tip is to make sure your children are getting enough sleep. Even though they may argue about what time they want to go to bed, children and teenagers require more sleep than adults. A way to help your child reduce stress is through physical activity. This can vary depending on how old your child is, but can be as simple as riding bikes after school or playing in a park district sports league. There's no denying that children are observers of their environment, which means whatever habits you have, your child is likely to mimic them. If you handle stress badly by becoming overly frustrated and upset, your child will think that's the proper way to deal with stress. What about the use of technology? Even though your child may have to use the computer for homework, it's still important that you limit the amount of technology your child is using. Overuse of cell phones and social networking can disrupt sleep, cause distractions and limit physical activity. What are other ways to help your child cope with stress? Adelle Cadieux, PsyD, joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss why your kids are so stressed, as well as share eight ways to help your child cope with stress. 8 ways to help your child cope with stress: Provide your child with healthy meals and snacks Help your child get adequate sleep Be active as a family together Be a positive role model by showing effective coping skills Help children learn from their experiences Have clear limits and expectations Reduce technology for kids and for parents Maintain a schedule that helps to balance demands.

News of the week, toxic dangers, and helpful health tips. You don't want to miss this! Straight talk from You Doc, Michael Roizen, MD!  Dr. Mike and co-host Joe Galuski discuss more of the most prevalent health news you need to know from the past week. Plus, find out "What's Toxic & What's Not" from toxicologist and regular contributor, Gary Ginsberg. More from RealAge 5 Superfoods for Spring

If you lie down after a big meal, you could bring on some nasty heartburn. But what if it's something worse? If you lie down after a big meal, you could bring on some nasty heartburn. But what if it's something worse? While uncommon in the U.S., esophageal cancer can be deadly. Most people don't notice anything wrong other than indigestion, and that's why it's important to know about your risk factors -- and prevention factors. In this segment, esophageal cancer expert, Ronan Kelly, MD, will explain what this cancer is, who is at risk, and how it's treated. Dr. Kelly is the head of Medical Oncology for the Johns Hopkins Esophageal Cancer Program, where he focuses on affordable, effective cancer care. He is also a board member with ECAN (Esophageal Cancer Action Network). You can visit the ECAN website at www.ECAN.org. Bonus! Not Satisfied in Bed? Your Partner Can Tell