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Health Wanted – WABE — Health & Fitness
Health Wanted – WABE

Health Wanted brings you each week’s need-to-know public health headlines and breaks down the science behind trending topics. Host and social media science influencer Laurel Bristow covers everything from Ozempic to the ozone, interviewing experts and answering your questions, all in pursuit of better health.

A partnership between WABE and the Emory Rollins School of Public Health.

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This public health show is intended solely for general information purposes, and is not intended to provide medical advice, to be used in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease or other conditions. The information in the show should not be relied upon in a manner that would either delay medical treatment or result in unnecessary medical treatment. Always consult a physician or health care provider with your health or treatment concerns.

Copyright: © 2025 WABE Studios, 2024.

Latest Episodes:

Public Health and the Black Community Jan 31, 2025

Historically, health and medical systems have mistreated and exploited Black communities, and the impact of these injustices continues to affect Black health today. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Matthew McCurdy discuss systemic racism, health disparities, and the important public health and medical contributions that Black scientists, doctors, and everyday people have made to public health.

In the Q&A, Bristow answers questions on the country's WHO status, the federal health agency communications ban, bird flu risk in cats, the safety of shopping local, and Sick of the Week breaks down the Red Rye No. 3 ban.

Referenced this episode:

Medical Apartheid by Harriet A. Washington

Racism: Science and Tools for the Public Health Professional, by Dr. Chandra Ford

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Screen Time and Mental Health Jan 24, 2025

From televisions and smartphones to laptops and tablets, screens surround us at all times of day. But what might this mean for our health? This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Daniele Fallin, PhD, explore the complex effects of screen time on mental health and brain function.

In the Q&A, Bristow answers questions on soy products, foot detoxes, looking at the sun through airplane windows, Ozone therapy, and Omega-3s before discussing concierge healthcare in Sick of the Week.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sexual Health Jan 17, 2025

Sexual health plays a critical role in overall well-being, and having open conversations about it is vital to decreasing stigma and increasing wellness. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Candice Hargons, PhD, discuss some of the most common sexually transmitted infections, effective prevention methods, and the importance of sexual education.

Note that this episode contains mature or sensitive material.

The Q&A features Bristow answering questions on Hepatitis B, food recalls, the Surgeon General's warning on alcohol, a black plastic utensils update, and seed oils tee up the Sick of the Week.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weight Loss Jan 10, 2025

Weight loss! It’s one of the most common resolutions to make, which means it’s also one of the most common resolutions to break. But a new class of drug is making a significant impact in a traditionally challenging journey. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Meghana Anugu, MD, talk about GLP-1 agonists, their role in weight management, and their social implications.

In the Q&A, Bristow gives updates on two Health Wanted recurring characters: Fluoride and Bird Flu.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellness in the New Year Jan 03, 2025

Juice cleanses. Vitamin supplements. Ice baths. The multi-billion-dollar wellness industry in the United States pushes out products and trends that claim to improve health, but many lack the necessary evidence to back up those claims. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow is joined by Atlanta comedian, writer, and actor Hannah Aselesen to break down current wellness trends. Then, guest Johnathan Stea, PhD, joins to break down the science (or lack thereof) behind wellness industry interventions.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ask Laurel Anything (ALA), Part 2 Dec 20, 2024

The ALA is back! We had so many listener questions, the Health Wanted team once again dives into the listener mailbag to Ask Laurel Anything, from her recommendations on science comms and sewing to her thoughts on Atlanta and music in 2024.

Laurel’s referenced science resources:

Bad Science by Ben Goldacre

Carl T. Bergstrom

We'll be back in the new year to break down more science, in the pursuit of better health.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630.

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted. To support Health Wanted and other public media programing this Giving Season, visit wabe.org/give

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ultra-Processed Foods Dec 13, 2024

Diets high in ultra-processed foods have been linked to increased risk of developing certain health conditions, but scientists are uncertain about the exact cause. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Kevin Hall, PhD, explore the prominent role of ultra-processed foods of in American diets and next steps for uncovering what about them might be contributing to poor health.

Then, Bristow answers questions on Glucola and gestational diabetes testing, nasal sprays, the HHS and vaccines, the latest in bird flu, and the recent outbreak in Congo before Sick of the Week: background reading.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted. To support Health Wanted and other public media programing amplifying Atlanta this Giving Tuesday, visit wabe.org/give

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World AIDS Day Dec 06, 2024

Since the start of the HIV epidemic in the 1980s, an estimated 88 million people have been infected with HIV, and 42 million people have died due to complications from AIDS worldwide. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Carlos Del Rio, MD, cover the global impact of HIV/AIDS, the progress made in treatment and prevention options, and the next steps to continue the fight against the disease.

In the Q&A, Bristow discusses sunglasses and UV protection, nicotine content in vegetables, and (of course) fluoride, which sets up Sick of the Week: Health Equity.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted. To support Health Wanted and other public media programing amplifying Atlanta this Giving Tuesday, visit wabe.org/give

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ask Laurel Anything (ALA), Part 1 Nov 29, 2024

In this special bonus Q&A, the Health Wanted team jumps into the listener mailbag to Ask Laurel Anything, from getting to know Laurel to axolotl updates to holiday favorites. Thanks to everyone who submitted a question or comment!

We'll be back next week to break down more science, in the pursuit of better health.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630.

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted. To support Health Wanted and other public media programing this Giving Tuesday, visit wabe.org/give

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI and Healthcare Nov 22, 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds great potential to improve and expedite a variety of processes in health care. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Sayash Kapoor explore AI's capabilities, current limitations, and highlight the next steps in using its power to reach better health outcomes.

In the Q&A, Bristow breaks down the roles of the HHS and CMS, gives an update on the latest food contamination story in a new segment (Total Recall), and answers listener questions on hookah, fluoride in Europe, vitamin patches, and mouth taping. This week's Sick of the Week salutes scientific research via a recent stem cell transplant story.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diabetes Nov 15, 2024

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects over 10% of the world’s population and is the eighth leading cause of death worldwide. This week on Health Wanted, in honor of World Diabetes Day, host Laurel Bristow and Mohammed Ali, MD, professor of global health, discuss the factors driving the global rise in diabetes cases and the latest advancements in diabetes research.

In the Q&A, Bristow answers questions on exercise recommendations and the safety of black plastic kitchen utensils before giving updates on bird flu, including recent detection in Los Angeles wastewater and the diagnosis of bird flu in a teenager in Canada.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smoking Nov 08, 2024

From anti-smoking campaigns to advertisements for fruit-flavored vapes, marketing has played a huge role in how Americans interact with smoking products for over a century. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Johannes Thrul, PhD, associate professor of public health, explore the evolution of smoking and the latest research into helping people quit.

In the Q&A, Bristow answers questions about flesh-eating bacteria, a possible link between COVID-19 and type 2 diabetes, and winter respiratory illness season. She then reflects on the importance of context in public health during the Sick of the Week.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Misinformation Nov 01, 2024

Health misinformation is a growing public health crisis, shaping behaviors, fueling skepticism, and undermining trust in science. Today on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Jessica Malaty Rivera discuss common origins of misinformation and ways to combat its spread.

In the Q&A, Bristow answers questions about State Based Exchanges for healthcare, GLP-1 capsules, and current food-borne outbreaks, setting up the Sick of the Week: federal regulations .

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. You can also leave a comment on YouTube. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halloween Oct 25, 2024

Halloween is here, listen if you dare! Turns out some of the most popular horror myths are based in public health reality. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow is joined by two special guests: comedians Mark Kendall and David Perdue. The three talk through some of the science behind vampires, zombies, mummies, and other things that go bump in the night.

In the Q&A, Bristow answers questions about one of her favorite treats, candy, before coming to its defense in the Sick of the Week.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. You can also leave a comment on YouTube. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aging Oct 18, 2024

Lifespans have increased significantly in the past century, and while plastic surgery and eye cream may slow the visible effects of aging, getting older is both an inevitable and natural stage of life. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow talks with Regina Shih, PhD, professor of epidemiology, about the current challenge in the U.S. to ensure quality care and support for aging adults. 

Bristow also answers questions on West Nile, air and water quality, and misinformation following natural disasters in the The Q&A, before discussing the recent Marburg outbreak in Rwanda in Sick of the Week.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. You can also leave a comment on YouTube. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Psychedelics Oct 11, 2024

As interest in the use of psychedelics as health therapeutics grows, research is uncovering their benefits, potential challenges, and cultural history in medicine. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow speaks with experts Ali John Zarrabi, MD; Roman Politsky, PhD; and Caroline Peacock, DMin, from Emory's Center for Psychedelics and Spirituality to explore the evolving landscape of psychedelic therapy.

In the Q&A, Bristow answers questions on the availability of estrogen patches, MHT, the presence of toxic metals in feminine hygiene products, and the surge in childhood illnesses. The show ends with this week’s Sick of the Week, a close (too close?) look at Guinea worm.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. You can also leave a comment on YouTube. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reproductive Health Oct 04, 2024

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, the availability of reproductive health care has become fragmented, with states implementing widely varying restrictions and protections. This week, on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest, Whitney Rice, DrPH, cover the current state of reproductive rights in the United States and the impact on reproductive health and care.

Bristow also speaks on recent updates in public health news, including new data released regarding opioid-related overdoses and a rise in bird flu cases. She also answers listener questions on take-home flu vaccines and using zinc as a treatment for the common cold before breaking down homeopathy in Sick of the Week.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. You can also leave a comment on YouTube. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clinical Trials Sep 27, 2024

Clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge and developing life-saving therapies, but it has taken decades for medical testing and human research to become scientifically and ethically sound. On this week’s episode of Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Seema Lakdawala, PhD, cover the evolution of clinical trials and highlight their importance in studying flu transmission dynamics.

Bristow also answers listener questions on fluoride, DEET, fruit flies, and rapid at-home flu tests before scrubbing through the details of toxic mold in Sick of the Week.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. You can also leave a comment on YouTube. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maternal Opioid Crisis Sep 20, 2024

The opioid epidemic has affected the lives of millions of Americans, including pregnant people experiencing opioid use disorder and their newborns. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Stephen Patrick, MD, speak about the specific effects of the opioid epidemic on pregnant people and the importance of improving their access to life-saving treatment.

In the Q&A, Bristow updates on the status of bird flu and answers questions on a new pill for postpartum depression, the rise early onset cancer cases, and silicone vs plastics. Sick of the Week takes a dive into the ongoing listeria outbreak: what is it, how did it happen, and what you need to know.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. You can also leave a comment on YouTube. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Fortification Sep 13, 2024

Food fortification is a simple solution that has played a crucial role in addressing global nutrient deficiencies and preventing life-threatening diseases. On this week’s episode of Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Sharon Bustrak, technical advisor for the Food Fortification Initiative, speak about the health benefits of fortified foods and the next steps for addressing micronutrient deficiencies.

In the Q&A, Bristow also catches up on your latest Covid questions and the HPV vaccine before discussing decriminalization and its impact on substance use and overdose in Sick of the Week.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. You can also leave a comment on YouTube. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winter Respiratory Viruses Sep 06, 2024

With fall approaching, we can expect to see an increase in respiratory illnesses, beyond just COVID-19 and the flu. On this week’s episode of Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Benjamin Lopman, PhD, talk about what diseases to look out for this fall and the challenges of developing vaccines for certain types of illnesses.

Bristow also answers your questions about microplastics in plumbing, the health risks of wearing shoes in your home, and lice in schools. She finishes the episode with a special Sick of the Week detailing the current Mpox outbreak in Africa and why it's been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. You can also leave a comment on YouTube. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630 - the possibilities are endless!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ode to Sewers Aug 30, 2024

The creation of modern sewer systems solved critical sanitation issues in growing cities. Today, wastewater can even help researchers to detect and prevent disease outbreaks. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Marlene Wolfe, PhD discuss the evolution of sewers and the role of wastewater surveillance in public health.

Bristow also answers your questions about timing your COVID and Flu vaccines, if alkaline water has any benefits, the proper way to brush your teeth, if Coca-Cola can prevent e. Coli, and of course - the Sick of the Week.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vaccines Aug 23, 2024

While public support of childhood immunizations in the US has decreased over the past two decades, keeping up-to-date on routine vaccinations has become even more important. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Jodie Guest, PhD, discuss the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy, the risks and benefits of getting vaccinated, and how vaccines can be better distributed to populations in times of need.

Bristow also answers your questions about what the latest recommendations are for people who have covid, whether to be concerned about “cortisol face,” how to handle heat rash, and the health effects of air pollution. Plus, the Sick of the Week.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Microplastics and PFAS Aug 16, 2024

The invention of plastics brought us durable solutions to daily problems. But now, microplastics are harnessing that durability to stick around in our bodies. On this week’s episode of Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Carmen Marsit, PhD, talk about how microplastics and forever chemicals get into the environment and our bodies, how they impact our health, and what we can do about it.

Bristow also answers your questions about why some people get bit by mosquitoes more than others, what good the HPV vaccine has done, what’s the deal with mpox, and if you should use ivermectin for general wellness. Plus, the Sick of the Week.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Extreme Heat Aug 09, 2024

Climate change is bringing the heat, and, along with it, volatile weather events and health hazards. On this week’s episode of Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow hones in on the ways climate change and heat affect our lives. Her guest, Noah Scovronick, PhD, offers his perspective regarding climate research and ways to move towards a cooler world.

Bristow also answers your questions about Olympic surfers on the cruise ship in Tahiti, what it means to be “fully vaccinated,” and when we can expect the updated COVID vaccines. Plus, Sick of the Week.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mosquitoes Aug 02, 2024

Mosquitoes—a menace for hundreds of millions of years. Now, thanks to climate change, their territory is growing and with it, the spread of disease. On this week’s episode of Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow takes a deep dive into the global impact of these needle-nosed nuisances and the new and creative ways scientists like her guest Gonzalo Vazquez-Prokopec, PhD, are swatting them away.

Bristow also answers your questions about the popularity of ZYNs, who should carry Narcan, what the deal is with “Ozempic babies,” if you need to be worried about bird flu in milk or meat, and—of course—the SICK OF THE WEEK.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG. Or, leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming soon: Health Wanted Aug 01, 2024

Subscribe now! From WABE and Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health, a brand new show breaking down science in pursuit of better health.

Each week host, research scientist, and professional explainer Laurel Bristow tackles the biggest headlines in public health. From Ozempic to the ozone, extreme heat to epidemics, Health Wanted brings context, culture, and conversation to the science behind it all.

Follow now to receive our first episode in your feed on August 2nd (that's tomorrow)!

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG.

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Premiering on August 2nd: Health Wanted Jul 10, 2024

Subscribe now! From WABE and Emory's Rollins School of Public Health, a brand new show breaking down science in pursuit of better health.

Each week host, research scientist, and professional explainer Laurel Bristow tackles the biggest headlines in public health. From Ozempic to the ozone, extreme heat to epidemics, Health Wanted brings context, culture, and conversation to the science behind it all.

Follow now to receive our first episode in your feed on August 2nd!

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or @healthwantedshow on IG.

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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