Health
Happiness affects health in many ways--researcher explains
-Most of us have heard the common wisdom that our happiness can affect our physical health--and now a team of researchers has confirmed it. Prof. Ed Diener and his team, in a comprehensive review of studies on subjective well-being, has found that there is a connection between happiness and health in some instances. Prof. Diener is a leading expert on happiness, and he joined Dave recently to talk about these findings. You can learn more about the link between happiness and health here.
Bystander CPR can make big difference in outcome for drowning victims
-When bystanders start CPR on a drowning victim before emergency personnel arrive, the victim has a better chance of a more complete recovery. That's the conclusion of a study led by Dr. Joshua Tobin, a medical school professor at the University of Southern California. Dr. Tobin joined Dave to talk about CPR, how simple it is, why it's important, and much more. In Cook County, CPR classes are offered at the YMCA, Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, and some volunteer fire departments.
New book offers roadmap to happiness by looking to dog behavior
-What can we learn from our furry friends about being happier? Plenty, it turns out, as you'll hear in this great conversation CJ had with Garry McDaniel, an award-winning professor and international public speaker, and author of "The Dog's Guide to Your Happiness: Seven Secrets for a Better Life from a Man's Best Friend." You can learn more here.
Exploring the link between immune system diseases and the environment
-The recent rapid rise of diseases that affect the immune system (like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease) suggest that factors in the environment are contributing. Lindsey Konkel, a freelance journalist who writes about science, health, and the environment, joined CJ the day before Earth Day to discuss current thoughts and research on this topic.
Clear Lungs Adventure, based in Silver Bay, promotes healthy breathing & exercise
-Phil Huston is an adventurer, climber, speaker, and cancer survivor who now resides in Silver Bay. He joined Dave in Studio A to tell his personal story of how and why he came to found Clear Lungs Adventure.
What is metabolism, and how can you make yours work better? Dietitian explains
-Between leftover Halloween candy and the upcoming holidays, it's easy to add extra pounds this time of year. Dick spoke with Taylor Newhouse, a registered dietitian at Texas A&M School of Public Health, about what you can do to make your metabolism more efficient.
Extreme rock climber who thrives on risky behavior might have different brain than most of us
-We ran across a fascinating article about a famous free solo (unroped) rock climber, Alex Honnold, and how his brain works. Dave chatted with the article's author, Canadian independent journalist J.B. MacKinnon, about why JB became interested in finding out about Alex's brain, and what he learned.
Happy 100th to the National Park Service! Researcher discusses the intangible value of our parks
-Aug. 25 marked the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. Dick spoke with Professor Michael Tarrant, who believes the parks are significant because they add to our Gross National Happiness. Tarrant studies natural resources and suggests that there are other important indicators of social progress besides the traditional economic measures.
Forest bathing---improve your health by immersing yourself in nature
-Ever hear of forest bathing? It's an idea that comes from Japan, of literally immersing yourself in nature to improve your mental and physical health. Dr. Jean Larson of the Center for Spirituality & Healing and the U of MN Arboretum joined Dave recently to explain why getting out into the forest, away from the bustle of modern urban life, is good for body and soul.
Nearsightedness skyrocketing all over the world--and the reason is probably not what you think
-Severe myopia (nearsightedness) is on the rise among youth everywhere, and scientists think they know why. And it's likely not, as might seem obvious, from kids and teens staring at their phones. Dr. Joshua Hou of the department of opthalmology and visual neurosciences at the U of MN talked with Ann Possis recently about this epidemic and the leading theories about it.