Ask Doctor Dawn

Dr. Dawn Motyka - JivaMedia.com

An hour of medical questions, answers, debate, dialogue, discussion, andamp; health in the news.

  • 52 minutes 21 seconds
    Testosterone Therapy Safety, Medical Innovations, and Science-Based Ways to Prevent Dementia

    Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 1-30-2025:

    • Dr. Dawn explores new research on testosterone replacement therapy's cardiovascular safety, explaining benefits for muscle mass maintenance and diabetes prevention in aging men.
    • She addresses caller concerns about probiotics during antibiotic treatment, explaining how dead bacteria can still provide beneficial effects and help prevent complications.
    • The show examines the current challenges facing 23andMe, including data breaches and financial difficulties, with recommendations for users to download and delete their data.
    • Dr. Dawn discusses breakthrough success in pig kidney transplantation, highlighting a patient's remarkable two-month milestone with normal kidney function.
    • She provides a comprehensive overview of scientifically-proven strategies to reduce dementia risk, including diet, exercise, vaccination, and social engagement
    • The show addresses an email question about migraine treatments, discussing medication options including parthenolide and topiramate as alternatives to expensive newer drugs.
    • Dr. Dawn explains the benefits of honey as a sugar substitute, noting that while raw honey offers some nutritional advantages over processed sugar, it still affects blood sugar similarly.
    • She helps a caller investigate mysterious recurring purple discoloration on her nose tip, suggesting possible vascular causes and recommending documentation of episodes.
    • Dr. Dawn explains the use of colloidal silver nasal spray for viral protection, discussing its effectiveness despite limited clinical trials.
    1 February 2025, 8:00 pm
  • 52 minutes 46 seconds
    Dr. Dawn Discusses Moss Landing Battery Fire Health Risks, Osteoporosis Treatments, and Medical Innovations from Gallstones to Amputee Care

    Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 1-23-2025:

    • Dr. Dawn announces a recall of Mylan's generic levothyroxine due to quality testing failures, affecting lots expiring in 2025 that don't meet FDA's 5% threshold for stated content.
    • She provides comprehensive guidance on health impacts from the Moss Landing California battery fire, discussing cancer risks, heavy metal exposure, and detoxification methods including testing options and protective measures.
    • The show explores promising research on bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis prevention, discussing a study showing one or two doses of Reclast could prevent fractures in post-menopausal women with normal bone density.
    • Dr. Dawn examines innovative research on transplanting foot sole cells to improve prosthetic comfort for amputees, explaining how fibroblast transplantation could create more durable skin surfaces.
    • She discusses alternative treatments for gallstones, particularly focusing on using ursodiol combined with lithotripsy as a potential surgery alternative for high-risk patients.
    • The show addresses listener questions about knee injections for osteoarthritis, explaining cortisone's benefits and discussing vitamin supplementation including vitamins D3 and K2 for bone health.
    • Dr. Dawn provides detailed information to a caller about ischial bursitis treatment, discussing injection techniques and cushioning options for managing tailbone area pain.
    25 January 2025, 8:00 pm
  • 50 minutes 46 seconds
    From H5N1 Updates to Zombie Parasites: Exploring Viral Mutations, Medical Challenges, and Nature's Mind Control

    Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 1-16-2025:

    • Dr. Dawn provides a comprehensive analysis of the H5N1 bird flu situation, explaining viral mutations, transmission patterns, and potential risks in both agricultural and human populations.
    • She examines the concerning implications of research showing rapid viral mutations after human transmission and discusses available antiviral treatments.
    • The show addresses concerns about mirror cell research, warning about potential dangers of creating mirror-image microbes that could be unrecognizable to immune systems.
    • She discusses the alarming rise in hypothermia deaths across America, noting how sudden temperature fluctuations and increasing homelessness contribute to doubled mortality rates since 1999.
    • Dr. Dawn provides detailed analysis of an email from a person post-gastric bypass with dangerous blood sugar spikes, outlining potential causes and suggesting comprehensive testing approaches.
    • A caller presents case of dual ureter injury during C-section surgery, Dr. Dawn explores treatment options and complications.
    • She then responds to another caller with recurring toenail fungus, discussing various approaches from traditional medications to alternative remedies.
    • She shares fascinating insights from the book "How to Win Friends and Influence Fungi," exploring parasites that control host behavior, from shrimp-manipulating worms to fungi that turn insects into spore-dispersing zombies. <
    18 January 2025, 8:00 pm
  • 54 minutes 37 seconds
    2024's Medical Breakthroughs and Health Research Highlights: From Pig-to-Human Kidney Transplants to Exercise Innovation and Nutrition Science

    Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 1-09-2025:

    • Dr. Dawn celebrates major medical breakthroughs of 2024, highlighting the successful pig-to-human kidney transplant using CRISPR technology and a revolutionary HIV prevention injection.
    • She discusses research showing the cognitive benefits of handwriting versus typing, explaining how writing activates more complex brain patterns in memory formation.
    • The show explores recent health findings about the benefits of human touch, internet use for seniors' mental health, and promising LSD research for depression treatment.
    • Dr. Dawn provides detailed analysis of dietary concerns, examining common vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the American population and their health implications.
    • She examines the growing problem of kidney stones in children, linking it to increased sodium consumption and environmental factors like urban heat islands.
    • The show concludes with an explanation of "fartlek" training, a Swedish exercise method combining interval training with spontaneous pace changes for improved cardiovascular health.
    10 January 2025, 8:00 pm
  • 51 minutes 1 second
    From Sepsis Survival to Microbiome Recovery: Managing Health Emergencies, Skin Conditions, and Understanding Methylene Blue's Medical Applications

    Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 01-02-2025:

    • Dr. Dawn provides comprehensive advice to a sepsis survivor about rebuilding her microbiome after extensive antibiotic treatment, emphasizing the importance of fermented foods and probiotics.
    • She discusses long-term recovery strategies and addresses the psychological trauma of surviving a life-threatening infection that reached the patient's eyes.
    • The show explores a caller's concerns about widespread itchy skin, examining various potential causes and treatment approaches while explaining the diagnostic process.
    • Dr. Dawn responds to an email and presents a detailed analysis of methylene blue's diverse medical applications, from its origins as a fabric dye to its current uses in surgery, cancer treatment, and as an antidote for various conditions.
    • She examines a Swedish study revealing increased risk of heart arrhythmias following COVID-19 infection, discussing implications for patient care.
    • The show concludes with a critical analysis of recent recommendations regarding vitamin D and calcium supplementation for older adults, challenging some of the findings. /li/ul
    3 January 2025, 8:00 pm
  • 52 minutes 39 seconds
    Food Industry Lawsuits and Nutrition Labels: Exploring Addiction, Ultra-processed Foods, Omega-3 Balance, and Holiday Health Tips

    Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 12-19-2024:

    • Dr. Dawn examines a groundbreaking lawsuit against major food companies which alleges that these corporations deliberately design and market addictive ultra-processed foods to minors, leading to health conditions like type 2 diabetes.
    • She discusses new FDA standards for "healthy" food labels, most breakfast cereals and snacks will no longer qualify while nuts, seeds, and whole foods gain approval.
    • A caller initiates an in-depth conversation about addiction treatment approaches, comparing Portugal's successful drug policy reforms with current U.S. practices.
    • Dr. Dawn explains omega-3 index and omega-6 fatty acid ratios in context of research implicating excess Omega 6 in colon cancer. There is an alarming rise in colorectal cancer among younger adults. Do processed foods play a role?
    • A caller asks about lung function and morning phlegm production, and concerns about microplastics in the air and their health impacts.
    • The show concludes with a scientific exploration of hangovers, including their causes, symptoms, and evidence-based treatments.
    20 December 2024, 8:00 pm
  • From NSAIDs and Lab Tests to Women's Health Revolution: Deep Diving into Menstruation Research, Hormone Studies, and Natural Remedies

    Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 12-12-2024:

    • Dr. Dawn examines the risks of ibuprofen overuse, discussing how NSAIDs can damage the gut lining, affect kidney function, and lead to various health complications when used long-term.
    • She provides insight into Medicare reimbursement rates for common lab tests, explaining the significant price disparities between Medicare payments and commercial rates.
    • The show explores the current H5N1 bird flu situation affecting egg and dairy production, discussing viral mutations and the promising development of a universal flu vaccine.
    • Dr. Dawn explores the remarkable fact that among placental mammals, only humans, certain bats, elephant shrews, and one species of spiny mouse experience menstruation, leading to challenges in research models.
    • She recounts the fascinating history of menstruation research, from 1940s scientists chasing elephant shrews in South Africa to shipping bats in takeout containers for laboratory studies.
    • The show details modern breakthroughs in menstruation research through organoids and organs-on-chips technology, explaining how these tools are revolutionizing our understanding of women's health.
    • Dr. Dawn addresses perimenopause and hormone replacement therapy, discussing historical misconceptions and current treatment perspectives.
    • The show concludes with research on artemisia, explaining how this traditional herb shows promise in treating polycystic ovary syndrome through its effects on hormone regulation.
    13 December 2024, 8:00 pm
  • 49 minutes 4 seconds
    Home Hospital Care, Health Alerts, and Holiday Gift Safety: A Deep Dive into Medical Innovation, IVF Research, and Toxin-Free Living

    Broadcast on KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-05-2024:

    • Dr. Dawn opens with a health alert about a 500% increase in pertussis cases in California, providing guidance on recognizing symptoms and risks for various populations.
    • She explores the growing trend of hospital-at-home programs, discussing their benefits, challenges, and the pending expiration of Medicare waivers that could affect patient care.
    • The show examines the safety concerns in common household products, particularly focusing on harmful chemicals in laundry detergents and recommending safer alternatives.
    • Dr. Dawn presents an in-depth analysis of fertility treatments and ovarian cancer risk, suggesting enhanced monitoring protocols for women with IVF history.
    • She discusses the surprising toxicity of vintage books, revealing the presence of dangerous chemicals in their colored cloth covers and suggesting safety precautions.
    • The show explores recent research linking dark chocolate consumption to reduced diabetes risk, explaining the scientific evidence and potential health benefits.
    • Dr. Dawn concludes with promising breakthrough research using stem cells to treat macular degeneration in mini pigs, suggesting potential applications for human vision restoration.
    6 December 2024, 8:00 pm
  • 49 minutes 19 seconds
    Inside the Cellular Atlas: From Microbiomes to Holobionts - A Revolutionary View of Life's Complex Interconnections and Disease Patterns

    Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-21-2-24:

    • Dr. Dawn introduces the groundbreaking Cellular Atlas project published in Nature journal, explaining how new technology allows unprecedented analysis of cellular interactions and developmental patterns.
    • She explores the concept of holobionts - viewing symbiotic organisms as composite life forms with their microbiomes as co-equal contributors - challenging traditional views of individual organisms.
    • The show delves into examples of holobiont relationships in nature, from bark beetles carrying fungal spores to the complex bacterial communities in human bodies and plant root systems.
    • Dr. Dawn discusses how the holobiont perspective is revolutionizing our understanding of diseases, from cancer microbiomes to colony collapse disorder in bees.
    • She examines practical applications of holobiont research in agriculture, including drought-resistant crops and methods to reduce methane emissions from cattle.
    • The show explores the gut-brain axis and how microbiome interactions influence various diseases including depression, anxiety, and metabolic disorders.
    • She then discusses research identifying that various cancers co-exist in the body with distinct fungal and bacterial microbiomes of their own
    • Dr. Dawn concludes with a discussion of declining iodine levels in the American population, examining dietary changes and potential health implications.
    23 November 2024, 8:00 pm
  • 50 minutes 23 seconds
    From IV Fluid Shortages to Revolutionary Genetic Treatments: Cystic Fibrosis Breakthroughs

    Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-14-2024:

    • Dr. Dawn discusses a severe national IV fluid shortage caused by Hurricane Helene's flooding of a Baxter International factory which has affected hospital operations and surgical schedules nationwide.
    • She provides a comprehensive explanation of cystic fibrosis, detailing how genetic mutations affect mucus production and impact multiple body systems, particularly the lungs and digestive system.
    • The show explores the daily challenges faced by cystic fibrosis patients and their families, from complex treatment routines to social and financial impacts.
    • Dr. Dawn presents exciting breakthroughs in cystic fibrosis treatment, including new CFTR modulators, targeted antibiotics, and promising developments in stem cell therapy and genetic treatments.
    • She discusses a new universal genomic test developed at UCSF that can identify nearly any pathogen in cerebrospinal fluid, potentially revolutionizing the diagnosis of neurological infections.
    • Dr. Dawn advises a caller about retinal dystrophy, explaining the differences between various eye conditions and suggesting potential dietary and lifestyle interventions.
    • The show concludes with a concerning report about the tenfold increase in congenital syphilis cases over the past decade.
    15 November 2024, 8:00 pm
  • 53 minutes 31 seconds
    Deep Breathing, Stress Tests, and A2 Milk, plus insights on Heart Health, Alcohol Management in Dementia, and Breaking Scientific News in Fertility

    Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 11-07-2024:

    • Dr. Dawn opens with a guided deep breathing exercise to help listeners manage stress and maintain emotional balance in challenging times.
    • She helps an emailer understand a stress test result for a 72-year-old patient, explaining ST changes, ischemia, and the importance of follow-up angiography tests for heart health evaluation.
    • The show addresses another email from a listener asking for advice about managing alcohol use in an 85-year-old dementia patient. Dr. Dawn discusses medical detox options and medications like Naltrexone for treatment.
    • Dr. Dawn explores the use of low-dose Naltrexone for chronic pain management, particularly in diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia.
    • She discusses cataract formation risks associated with St. John's Wort and also mentions the adverse interaction between prostate medications and cataract surgery which increases the risk of complications. Make sure your ophthalmologist knows you are on prostate medications
    • The show features an in-depth explanation of A1 versus A2 milk proteins, their digestive impacts, and potential inflammatory effects in the body.
    • Dr. Dawn concludes with groundbreaking research on creating viable oocytes from stem cells in mice, discussing implications for future fertility treatments.
    9 November 2024, 8:00 pm
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