YOU: The Owner's Manual

We’re all tired. We feel sluggish and unfocused and out of sync with our bodies. We know that circadian rhythms are important, but we aren’t exactly sure how they work. Instead, we’re bombarded with solutions—blue-light blocking glasses, melatonin, light lamps, complicated eating schedules—without a clear explanation of the problem they’re solving or the science behind them. The truth is circadian rhythms are a bigger part of our lives than we ever realized. Their wide-ranging effects can boggle the mind, and researchers are just starting to discover exactly how they function—and how much our modern lives have thrown them out of whack. It’s time to give up that late-night TikTok doom scrolling. Science writer Lynne Peeples is here to help us reclaim the rhythms that profoundly affect our health and well-being in her groundbreaking book THE INNER CLOCK: Living in Sync with Our Circadian Rhythms (Riverhead Books; On Sale September 24, 2024) which has already received glowing praise (below) from James Nestor, Daniel Pink, Mary Roach, Dan Fagin, Deborah Blum and more. Misaligned circadian rhythm disrupt sleep, reduce productivity, and raise the risk of serious, life-threatening ailments. Our bodies are full of tiny timepieces synchronized to the sun and subtle signals in our environment, but they’re up against modern insults like artificial light, contrived time zones, and late-night meals that wreak havoc on our internal clocks and health. THE INNER CLOCK explores the emerging and fascinating science behind circadian rhythms and its transformative applications. Peeples seeks out the scientists, astronauts, athletes, and patients at the forefront of a growing movement. We learn about experts and enthusiasts experimenting with their circadian clocks, with surprising results. Alongside rigorous reporting, Peeples tests the research as she sleeps in a Cold War–era bunker, chases the midnight sun, spits into test tubes, and wears high-tech light sensors to decipher what makes our internal clocks tick and how we can reset them for the better. She discusses everything from jet lag to aging connections with our circadian rhythms, productivity and athletic performance peaks to connections between circadian rhythms and our gut microbiome and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Roizen talks about the latest health headlines that YOU need to know.

Diagnosed with dermatomyositis in 2016, Karen Alexander, a top high fashion model for two decades, has become a powerful advocate for those living with this rare, debilitating condition. Using her platform, she tirelessly raises awareness about the urgent need for better diagnosis, treatment, and care for women of color who are disproportionately affected by myositis. With a career spanning over four decades, Karen broke barriers for Black women in the fashion industry, gracing the covers of prestigious magazines like Vogue and Elle, and working with iconic brands such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Chanel. Now, she channels that same passion into advocating for her “myositis sisters,” emphasizing the importance of increasing diversity in clinical trials, educating healthcare providers about health disparities, and reducing diagnosis times. Myositis refers to a group of rare, chronic, and incurable neuromuscular diseases that cause muscles to become weak, painful, and tired. The disease can affect not only muscles but also the skin, lungs, and heart, leading to severe and potentially life-threatening complications. Women of color, particularly African American women, are more likely to develop severe forms of myositis and face higher mortality rates than their white counterparts. They also experience challenges in diagnosis due to symptoms like unusual rashes and muscle weakness, which may not be easily recognized on darker skin tones.

Dr. Roizen talks about the latest health headlines that YOU need to know.

Prevent Cancer Foundation wants to make sure that every man gets up to on their routine cancer screenings. One good place to start is by encouraging men to take charge of their own health! Prevent Cancer Foundation's Early Detection Survey found that 20% of men don't make their own doctor's appointments! That’s right, nearly 1 in 5 men confessed that a relative or partner usually schedules their health care appointments for them. The Prevent Cancer Foundation’s annual Early Detection Survey found that: 65% of U.S. men are behind on at least one routine cancer screening. 33% of men say they worry about experiencing stress while waiting for the results of a routine cancer screening. More than a third of men reported that they are better about reviewing their bank or credit card statements (33%) or getting their car’s oil changed (32%), than they are about scheduling their routine cancer screenings. The prevalence of certain cancers among men—including colorectal, skin (melanoma), oral and prostate cancers, all of which have routine screenings available—illustrates the importance of empowering men to take charge of their health during Men’s Health Month and all year long. The Prevent Cancer Foundation’s mission is to remind everyone – men and women – that when it comes to cancer, early detection can mean better outcomes.

Migraine affects an estimated more than 10% of people worldwide, occurs most often among people aged 20 to 50 years, and is about 3 times more common in women than in men. In a large US survey, 17.1% of women and 5.6% of men reported having migraine symptoms. What Are Episodic and Chronic Migraine? Dr. Fred Cohen is here to share his thoughts.

Dr. Debra Parker Oliver is here to discuss everything you need to know about Hospice. She is focused on developing, testing and implementing interventions to improve hospice care, palliative care, and caregiving experiences.

Studies have shown that regular exercise can significantly improve fitness, energy levels, and pain management in Parkinson's patients, helping them retain control over their daily lives. Renowned medical fitness expert William Smith, MS, NSCA-CSCS, MEPD. Smith is author of the highly acclaimed book Exercises for Parkinson's Disease: The Complete Fitness Guide to Improve Mobility, Strength and Balance and brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to the Parkinson's community. His expertise and practical insights developed over 25 years working in fitness, healthcare, and medical settings make him a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve the lives of those affected by Parkinson's disease.

Dr. John Chuback, a board certified cardiovascular surgeon and the founder of Chuback Vein Center, is here to discuss Varicose Veins, and lymphedema a common but poorly understood problem in the United States AND Vein Care for Optimal Cardiovascular Wellness FOR ALL. To learn more visit ChubackVeinCenter.com and VitasupportMD.com.

Dr. Dean Ornish, MD is a Lifestyle Medicine Pioneer and Founder and President of the nonprofit Preventive Medicine Research Institute.

Cash Lambert discusses his book, SURF THERAPY: The Evidence-Based Science for Physical, Mental & Emotional Well-Being, which takes a deep look into the surf therapy movement, the therapists at the forefront of this radical new treatment, and its many applications for treating anxiety, PTSD, and more. link to book here: https://books.google.com/books/about/Surf_Therapy.html?id=IcrxEAAAQBAJ&source=kp_book_description

Yizhou Dong, Ph.D is here to discuss recent research on novel lipid nanoparticle-mRNA regimen reverses inflammation and aids recovery as well as "Nano Drug Accelerates Diabetic Wound Healing in Mice."

Bullies exist everywhere: families, workplaces, neighborhoods and communities, politics and government, and organizations of all types and sizes. And in a media landscape where conflict, crisis, chaos, and fear reign supreme, every day we see the worst behavior of celebrities, politicians, and other public figures who serve as role models. Winners and losers. Friends and enemies. Heroes and villains. People with high-conflict personalities think almost solely in these extremes. They regularly express unmanaged emotions, routinely blame others, and do harmful things that 90% of people would never do. Bullies share these characteristics, plus a drive to dominate or destroy their victims. But all bullies act in the same highly predictable patterns, regardless of their demographics and situation. By focusing on the ten hidden powers bullies employ--from their unrestrained nature and bully story to manipulating emotions and playing the victim--Bill Eddy unpacks the way bullies rely on primitive emotions and nonverbal behavior. He helps readers spot these behaviors and offers practical actions before they become immobilized by helplessness, blame, and shame. In today's world, we all may have an adult bully in our lives sooner or later. For anyone who has a bully in their life now, for professionals who counsel victims of bullying, and for anyone who is concerned about the fraying of our culture and society, this book gives effective strategies to prevent bullies from taking over. Eddy's six-step approach includes useful advice on how to: Recognize the patterns of bully behavior; Pull the plug on the bully's story; Set limits with credible threats; Impose serious consequences; Communicate effectively about bullies to others; Stand strong with others against bullies; Our New World of Adult Bullies takes a closer look at the dangerous behavior of bullies and how to stop the behavior before it starts.

With workplace-related stress costing the economy $300 billion per year, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2024's Most & Least Stressed Cities in America, as well as expert commentary, to show where people are struggling and may need assistance. Writer/Analyst Chip Lupo is here to discuss these findings. WalletHub compared more than 180 cities across 39 key metrics. The data set ranges from average weekly work hours to the unemployment rate to divorce and suicide rates. To view the full report and your city’s rank, please visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/most-least-stressed-cities/22759

Meltem Ece Kars, MD, PhD is a postdoctoral researcher at the Personalized Medicine Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York. Her research at the Itan Lab focuses on identifying the genetic underpinnings of complex disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, cardiovascular disease and congenital heart disease using genetic and phenotype data from individuals with diverse ancestral origins.

Patrick K. Porter, PhD is an award-winning author, educator, consultant, entrepreneur, and speaker. With 20 years of experience operating the largest self-help franchise in the world, he has become a highly sought-after expert within the personal improvement industry, having sold over 3 million of his self-help products worldwide. Dr. Porter has been on the cutting edge of brainwave entrainment technology for 32 years. He was a co-developer of the MC2, the first personal light & sound brain training machine, voted “Best New Gadget of the Year” at the 1989 Consumer Electronics Show. And his team was voted the “Best New Health APP” at 2019 Consumer Electronic Show. His newest brain-training platform, BrainTap is distinctively designed to activate the brain’s neuroplasticity. The BrainTap headset uses light & sound technology in combination with Dr. Porter’s proprietary guided visualization audio-sessions to help people achieve brain fitness, overcome stress, lose weight, stop smoking, manage pain, accelerate learning, enjoy superb sleep and make any number of lifestyle improvements. Additionally, he offers personal improvement providers a turnkey system for helping their clients achieve these same goals, and more. Dr. Porter also is dean of mind-based studies at the International Quantum University of Integrative Medicine (IQUIM). https://braintap.com/

A deadly secret lurks within our spice racks, medicine cabinets, backyard gardens, and private stashes. Scratch beneath the surface of a red pepper flake, a poppy seed, a magic mushroom cap, or an apple seed, and we find a bevy of strange chemicals. We use these to greet our days (caffeine), cure our infections (penicillin), calm our nerves (CBD), and even kill our enemies (cyanide). But why do plants and fungi produce such chemicals? And how did we come to use and abuse some of them? Based on cutting-edge research, MOST DELICIOUS POISON: The Story of Nature's Toxins—From Spices to Vices by Noah Whiteman (October 24, 2023; Hardcover) reveals the origins of toxins produced by plants, mushrooms, microbes, and even some animals, the mechanisms that animals evolved to overcome them, and how a co-evolutionary arms race made its way into the human experience, forever changing the trajectory of humanity. This perpetual chemical war not only drove the diversification of life on Earth but is also intimately tied to our own successes and failures as individuals and as a species. You will never look at a houseplant, mushroom, fruit, vegetable, or even human history, the same way again. Among other topics, the following surprising phenomena are discussed: • Pain – caused by toxins – activates a circuit deep in our brains, subsequently creating feelings of pleasure and generating a feedback loop associated with addiction. • Endorphins are opioids made in the brains of all animals, including our own. These opioids evolved to alleviate pain and are triggered by spices like black pepper and wasabi. • Many toxins mimic our own hormones and neurotransmitters. These include caffeine, cardiac glycosides, opioids, psilocybin, and THC, which bind to receptors needed to run our brains and hearts, twisting a molecular logic born into our animal ancestors 500 million years ago. • Nature’s toxins did not evolve with us in mind at all – plants, fungi, and microbes compete to evolve the next best defense, which their animal enemies eventually overcome and may co-opt as weapons. As deadly fungi make national headlines, our current reality eerily resembles a sci-fi movie in which evolutionary biologists like Noah Whiteman are essential in demystifying the unknown and revealing the origins, mechanisms, and nature of toxins. Furthermore, the sensational reaction to The Last of Us and books like Entangled Life, I Contain Multitudes, and Wicked Plants demonstrate a strong curiosity and appetite for tales about hidden (and sometimes gruesome) aspects of the natural world, and how they shape the human condition. Previously featured in The New York Times, Nature, Science, Scientific American, and Popular Science, Noah Whiteman received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2020 to write this book. In his own words, “In my mind, I am scientist, colleague, brother, son, uncle, husband, and friend first. But I am also a gay, first-generation college student with rural, rust-belt roots. To my knowledge, I was the first out LGBTQIA+ tenured faculty member in my department at the University of Arizona and the same is true now at the University of California, Berkeley, in Integrative Biology.” https://www.mostdeliciouspoison.com/