This week, I talked about getting a PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection in my right knee to treat osteoarthritis. It was a fairly easy experience! I have minor swelling, and Dr. Zach said expect it to improve slowly over a couple of weeks. I also got diagnosed with NARROW ANGLES in my eyes WITHOUT increased eye pressure, but I need to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. I am at risk for acute angle closure glaucoma, which is vision-threatening. However, I think because I have normal pressure I'm at less risk. I'd be happier if I were seeing the ophthalmologist TOMORROW. Then I discussed the new upside food pyramid from the USDA. I am mostly in favor of it! It encourages people to cut way back on processed food, starches and sugars, and to consume more protein and produce, things I have been encouraging my patients to do for years. Nutritionists complain that it encourages more red meat, but that advice is more nuanced and I discuss that.

This week, I talked about lingering nerve issues for both myself and Ron since our respective surgeries. I have discovered that compression is helpful, specifically compression wear! I have most of my discomfort in my lateral left thigh, and when I wear a sleeve in that area, it significantly calms the discomfort, at least while I'm wearing it. Ron finds leg/foot sleeves helpful for his foot neuropathy. It at least feels better for a while! I also talked about, you guessed it, New Year's Resolutions. They mostly have to do with being kind to yourself, especially around food. More of that next week!

This week, I gave the wrapup for popular health news and topics in 2025. People were interested in longevity and healthy aging; those notorious GLP-1 and GIP drugs for weight loss; the best vitamins, minerals, and supplements for health. Big stories dealt with when the body starts aging rapidly; protein powders and lead levels; measles outbreaks and vitamin A. We finished with a discuss of a study that shows that most people in the world don't get enough essential fatty acids, and ways to do that.

This week, I talked about this cold that's going around, that prevented me from making a new show last week! It makes you tired, the mucus goes backwards and gives you a sore throat, and the thing sticks around for 2-4 weeks. Good times! Here's all sorts of natural ways to address it. I also talked about how higher levels of serum Vitamin D can be protective against repeat heart attacks and strokes, and what blood levels are ideal.

This week, it was a hodgepodge of good stuff! First, we talked about Japanese fitness walking, or interval walking training (IWT). Gentler than high intensity interval training, and so many health benefits! Then we discussed how longer, sustained walks positively affect health. And the five essential Japanese morning exercises! We touched on red light therapy for healing, then went on to how dehydration increases anxiety. Who knew? And sleep: get better sleep to prevent dementia, and power naps for better focus, cognition, and productivity.

This week, I talked about the removal of the black box warning on hormone replacement therapy. Evidence shows that supplemental hormones overall provide more benefit than harm, for cardiovascular, sexual, and mental health. There is still a general warning about the risk of endometrial cancer. But it will be left to pharmaceutical companies to provide information, such as on package inserts, about possible risks of taking these medicines. The idea is that the risks that were stated after the Women's Health Initiative Study were overblown, and millions of women since then have been denied information and opportunity to benefit from supplemental hormones during menopause. However, herbalist Susun Weed doesn't agree with this, and believes it's not necessary to use exogenous hormones during menopause. There are definitely many non-hormonal, helpful lifestyle changes to make that can mitigate menopausal symptoms. Where do I fall? Somewhere in the middle. I have definitely seen patients' lives change for the better while using supplemental hormones. I have also seen patients do very well with non-hormonal menopause therapies. Let's sort this out!

This week, I talked about PRP, and how it's a solution for joint pain that can make it so that you can hold off having a joint replaced, if it works. I'm definitely interested, so I'll return to my orthopedic doctor and see what he thinks. Then I gave a big reminder about winter hydration, since people tend to suddenly hydrate less with the sharp turn from early October shorts weather to mid-November fleece and woolies! Then, in keeping with day-before-Thankgiving show tradition, we talked about yummy, healthy things to eat on Thanksgiving.

This week, I talked about a number of timely subjects! We started with why bioflavonoids are good for you. It's the antioxidants! We talked about the specific, precious herb saffron, which is turns out is good for mood, PMS, cardiovascular disease, and much more! Then we finished off menorrhagia, heavy menstrual bleeding, which affects so many women from early to late child-bearing age. We ended with something sweet: the health benefits of honey! You can even have some if you have Type 2 diabetes!