Health
MPR host Cathy Wurzer on embracing illness and death to live more fully
-Journalist and MPR host Cathy Wurzer and educator Bruce Kramer embarked on a series of broadcast conversations as Bruce dealt with ALS, about how facing death can transform one's outlook on life. "We Know How This Ends: Living While Dying," is the remarkable book that came out of these conversations and their resulting friendship. Cathy spoke with Buck recently about getting to know Bruce at the same time she struggled with her own losses, including her father's decline into dementia. Click here for the archived conversations between Cathy and Bruce. You can learn more about the book here.
Which dietary supplements can you really trust? Mayo Clinic dietitian weighs in
-Recently the NY Attorney General's office uncovered what seemed to be widespread fraud in the dietary supplement industry, accusing four big retailers of selling supplements that were either contaminated or didn't contain what was listed on the label. So how do we know who to trust? Lisa Dierks, a registered dietitian at the Mayo Clinic, talked with Buck Feb. 27 about dietary supplements and how to make informed choices. You can see the Mayo's information on individual dietary supplements here.
Dr. Matt Miller mixes talk therapy and exercise in 'running therapy'
-Instead of sitting in a room, Minneapolis therapist Dr. Matt Miller runs or walks by a client's side during their session. He talked with Buck Feb. 6 explain why he's doing this unusual form of therapy, why he believes it's so good for mental health to get outside and exercise, and how therapy and exercise enhance each other. You can learn more about Dr. Miller's practice here.
Senator Franken Visits Sawtooth Mountain Clinic for Discussion on State of Rural Health
-On Saturday, January 17th Minnesota’s U.S. Senator Al Franken was at the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic for a discussion with local health care providers on the state of rural health.
Back pain expert Dr. Richard Deyo on his new book, "Watch Your Back!"
-Dick talked Nov. 21 with Dr. Richard Deyo about the industry that has sprung up around back pain, and why more invasive intervention might not be effective. They discussed exercise, human touch therapies, and much more. His new book is titled "Watch Your Back! How the Back Pain Industry is Costing Us More and Giving Us Less."
Gratitude: It's good for you
-This is a great time of year to reflect on gratitude. Ann spoke Nov. 14 with Dr. Mary Jo Kreitzer, founder and director of the Center for Spirituality and Healing at the U of MN, about why gratitude and its cousin, mindfulness, is good for our well-being. You can learn more about the Center here.
Shorter days can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)---psychiatrist explains
-Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression triggered by shorter days and reduced light. Loyola University Medical Center psychiatrist talked with Ann Possis Oct. 31 about the causes and symptoms of SAD, and what people can do to address and overcome it.
New study shows yoga & meditation may help train the brain
-Dr. Bin He, a biomedical engineering professor at the U of MN, spoke with Dick Oct. 3 about his latest research showing that people who practice yoga and meditation long term can learn to control a computer with their minds faster and better than people with little or no yoga or meditation experience. This could have major implications for people who are paralyzed or mobility impaired.
Are you addicted to your cell phone? Consumer behavior expert Dr. James Roberts explains
-A study just published in the Journal of Behavioral Addiction found that among college students, men spend nearly eight hours a day on their cell phones, while women spend 10. Ann chatted with the author of the study, Dr. James Roberts of Baylor University's Hankamer School of Business, to learn more about what's happening and how it's affecting academics, relationships, and more.
Less materialism makes for happier people...plus it's better for the environment. Psychologist Miriam Tatzel explains.
-Dick talked with Dr. Miriam Tatzel, a psychologist at Empire State College in New York, about why true happiness involves personally fulfilling activities and social relationships more than the pursuit of money and possessions...and how this happens to be better for the environment, too. You can read more about positive psychology and the pursuit of happiness here.