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Health Wanted

Health Wantedbrings you each week’s need-to-know public health headlines and breaks down the science behind trending topics. Host Laurel Bristow, MSc, draws on her experience as an infectious disease researcher and epidemiologist to cover everything from Ozempic to the ozone, interviewing experts and answering your questions, all in pursuit of better health. A collaboration between WABE and the Emory Rollins School of Public Health. --- This public health show is intended solely for general

science

All Episodes

52:14

From The Archive: CTE (with update)

Health Wanted ·

2026/10/02

This episode includes an update from Dr. Nowinski sharing new research about the prevalence of CTE published after the episode first went live in February. Let’s be honest, Americans love to watch a contact sport. We cheer at hockey fights, make highlight reels of the most brutal football tackles, yell, “kill him!” When our favorite wrestlers get their opponent in a headlock. We know massive hits can take a toll on the old noggin', but as it turns out, it might just be the lesser

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52:35

Sea Ailments

Health Wanted ·

2026/09/25

Bleeding gums, disability stigma, Polly Lobster, the volleyball scene from Top Gun. What do they all have in common? An inextricable link to the foundation of public health. This week on Health Wanted, we’re setting sail on a course to educate you about the unbreakable bond between public health and those who commit their lives to the high seas. We also talk with author Kevin Brown about how the British Royal Navy responded to the particular health needs of sailors. Plus: How hard is it to get

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52:38

“Gas Station Drugs” One Year Later

Health Wanted ·

2026/09/18

A lot can happen in a year: new beginnings, sad endings, a patchwork of controlled substance legislation that varies from state to state and may or may not be influenced by underhanded payments to remove competitors from the market, the changing color of the leaves. This week on Health Wanted, we’re doing a one-year check in on the status of 7-hydroxymitragynine, which some claimed could be the next opioid epidemic. We also talk with Harvard professor and physician Dr. Pieter Cohen about

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51:30

Postpartum Psychosis

Health Wanted ·

2026/09/11

Having a baby is supposed to be a joyous occasion, a time to be surrounded by love and support for your growing family. But for some people, the postpartum period comes with mental health changes that put them in crisis. This week on Health Wanted, we’re talking about what we do, and don’t, know about postpartum psychosis. We also talk with Dr. Toby Goldsmith of PEACE for Moms about what is lacking when it comes to postpartum mental health. Plus: What’s the difference between Down

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52:28

AI Bioweapons

Health Wanted ·

2026/09/04

Pre-World War II, it wasn’t the weapons that were the primary reason soldiers died, it was the infections that came after. But what happens when the infection becomes the weapon? This week on Health Wanted we’re testing the limits of both large language models AND your ability to compartmentalize your existential dread, by talking about the future of bioterrorism. We also talk with Microsoft’s Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Eric Horvitz about how AI companies are working to prevent

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52:08

From the Archive: Autism

Health Wanted ·

2026/08/28

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how people communicate, learn, and interact. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Daniele Fallin, PhD, talk about ASD and what could be behind its rising prevalence across the world. Bristow then covers a range of topics in the Q&A: genetic testing and insurance, vaccines before cruises, and trusted resources for menopause information before addressing two recurring co-stars: bird flu and measles

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52:23

Caffeine

Health Wanted ·

2026/08/21

You say you can’t sleep? Baby I don’t know. Is it that “me espresso?” Or is it something else? This week on Health Wanted, we’re talking about America’s favorite psychoactive substance: caffeine! We also talk with UCSF cardiologist Dr. Greg Marcus about the potential cardiovascular benefits and drawbacks to drinking caffeinated coffee. Plus: Are cold plunges worth the pain? Are there any benefits to “touching grass?” Debunking recent public health

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52:46

Autonomous Vehicles

Health Wanted ·

2026/08/14

When the Beatles said “baby you can drive my car” they may not have realized they’d one day be talking to a robot. This week on Health Wanted…we’re talking about autonomous vehicles impact on health and safety, and looking at the world of tomorrow! Today! We also talk to Yonah Freemark of the Urban Institute about what policy should be considered to make the technology a net positive. Plus: Is it bad to mix bananas and berries in your smoothie? How to protect yourself

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52:15

Peptides

Health Wanted ·

2026/08/07

It’s no longer just for bodybuilders and diabetics—it feels like everyone in America is self-injecting for aesthetics or health. This week on Health Wanted, the (pep)tide is high, but we’re holding on. We’re gonna be your number one…source for getting up to speed on the science behind the newest injectables craze. Plus: What’s going on with the low COVID activity? Cyclospora false positives explained. Is canned sparkling water exposing you to microplastics

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51:32

Outbreak Response

Health Wanted ·

2026/07/31

Whether it’s an Ebola outbreak that threatens to cross borders or an explosion of cyclospora cases in our own country, it seems like every tom, dick, and harry has opinions on how outbreaks should be handled. This week on Health Wanted, we’re asking “how DO you to respond to a disease outbreak?” Plus, what’s going on with pediatric vaccine coverage? How do you stop “old people smell?” Is there lead in your turmeric? West Nile virus in your mosquitos? And the

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51:30

Inflammation

Health Wanted ·

2026/07/24

There’s a war raging. No, not that one—a smaller one, inside your body. It’s your immune system vs your immune system. This week on Health Wanted, we’re talking about the wellness industry’s hottest new catch-all: inflammation. Plus - Cyclospora drama. Medicaid work requirements explained. And what direction are disability rights moving in? (Hint: it’s not forward). For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes

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52:28

Data Centers

Health Wanted ·

2026/07/17

Sure the thousands of new data centers cropping up around the country are expensive eye sores that seem to be for the sole purpose of destroying creativity and independent thought in the pursuit of capitalism. But they’re also probably a threat to your health. This week on Health Wanted we ask the chat (GPT) if data centers have us cooked. Plus - Who’s afraid of a little explosive diarrhea? What’s the deal with oil pulling? And an update on COVID vaccines for the fall. For a full

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52:05

USA vs the World

Health Wanted ·

2026/07/10

It’s been 250 years of being the best! The best national parks, the best novelty food containers at sports arenas, the best fireworks displays! America is the best at everything!...Or are we? This week on Health Wanted, we’re asking the question, when it comes to health, is U.S.A. number one? Plus - Flu shots are back on the menu for basic training. Is fancy genetic testing worth it? How much lead is in your toothpaste? Why does it take so long to get new sunscreen ingredients? Whatever

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51:36

From the Archive: Fourth of July and Summertime Safety

Health Wanted ·

2026/07/03

While every holiday comes with the risk of dinner devolving into arguments about politics, the fourth of July comes with physical health risks as well. This week on Health Wanted, from hot dogs and heat to fireworks and alcohol: how to safely get the most out of your summer parties. Plus - Can you get ringworm from your pets? What causes the “asian glow” when drinking alcohol? Does viral load mean someone who’s sicker than you can make you sicker? Could a case of mono cause scarlet

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51:55

Mosquitos

Health Wanted ·

2026/06/26

Itchy, itchy, scratchy, scratchy, ooh I got one down my back-y. Nothing takes the fun out of a lovely day outside like being eaten alive. This week on the Health Wanted, we’ve got the buzz on summer’s greatest pest: mosquitos. Plus - A new baby formula recall. Is orofacial myofunctional therapy real? Why don’t we give the shingles vaccine to people under 50? Is the barbell flu real? And New World screwworm is back! For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's

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16:46

You Asked, Laurel Answered Part 2

Health Wanted ·

2026/06/19

We’re off for some much needed vacation, but fear not! We’re bringing you answers to some of our favorite questions you’ve asked and Laurel has answered, including: How scientific are personality tests? How dangerous is raw chicken? Is it safe to pee in an unflushed toilet? Does the Shingrix vaccine protect against cancer? How long can pathogens live on surfaces? Does taking melatonin lead to heart failure? And, should we all be testing our VO2 max? Have a question for Laurel? Send

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52:24

Cruises

Health Wanted ·

2026/06/12

The smell of salty air, the sun on your skin, the wind in your hair, the…gastrointestinal distress and lax criminal justice system. No, we’re not talking about a pirate’s life. This week on Health Wanted, we’re cruising for a bruising by laying out the potential hazards on one of America's favorite recreational activities: cruises. Plus - Does magnesium cure all? And why are there so many kinds? Do 1 in 6 people actually have long COVID? How much iron can you get from

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52:16

Pride

Health Wanted ·

2026/06/05

Pride month might be the perfect excuse to practice a glitter makeup look or dust off your rainbow colored shorts, but it’s also an important time to remember the trailblazers that contributed to health and science before there was a parade to attend.This week on Health Wanted, we’re checking off the next item on the gay agenda: celebrating the resiliency of the queer community. Plus - Hantavirus and Ebola updates. Did someone make a mistake when calculating how many microplastics are in

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51:53

Wildfires

Health Wanted ·

2026/05/29

Sometimes it may feel like the world is metaphorically on fire, but it’s important to remember that it’s also often literally on fire. This week on Health Wanted, we’re taking a look at the increasing impact of wildfires on both the environment and your personal health. Plus - Is Parkinson’s more genetic or environmental? How often should you change your car’s HVAC filter? Is MAHA bringing back cancer? And what is going on with psychedelics as treatment? For a full

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7:43

Hantavirus and Ebola Update

Health Wanted ·

2026/05/22

We had a phenomenal episode prepared for you today but sadly, circumstances beyond our control have had to delay it at the last minute. But don’t worry! There’s a lot of infectious disease business going on right now and you know Laurel would never leave you hanging, so here’s a bit of an update and overview on hantavirus and Ebola. Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630! For more, visit healthwanted.orgSee

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