The Wellcast

Nootropics also known as smart drugs and cognitive enhancers are drugs, supplements, and other substances that improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation in healthy individuals. Similar to the use of PEDs in athletics, the use of cognition-enhancing drugs by healthy individuals in the absence of a medical indication is one of the most debated topics among neuroscientists, psychiatrists, and physicians. In this interesting segment, Jesse Corry, MD., explains what you need to know about the risks and benefits of using Nootropics.

Parents and children learning about tragedies that are all over the media may find it difficult to discuss and process. Many young people likely hear about these attacks through social media and have formed opinions, impressions and questions. This can leave parents and other adults struggling with what to say and share amid the frightening news. Here to speak with us about coping with tragedies and how to speak with your children about them is Dr. Ethan McCallum, he is a licensed psychologist at Allina Health Hopkins Clinic.

Have you ever felt a sense of unease if you weren't able to check your phone regularly? Or had a little burst of pleasure when friends and colleagues "liked" something you posted online? How and why you feel that way is no accident. Here to talk with us about brain hacking is Dr. Jesse Corry, a neurologist at Allina Health's United Hospital.

Falls are not a normal part of aging, yet one out of every four adults age 65 and older falls every year, and most have significant health and lifestyle consequences as a result. The good news is, falls can be prevented. Listen to this important segment as Chris Wellner, PT, shares the most common dangers and some of the best tips and advice to prevent falls if you're found to be at high risk.

Robotics and advanced technology are transforming treatment and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries, strokes and other neurological conditions. Today, there is hope for a much fuller recovery and a much brighter future following these devastating conditions. In this segment of The Wellcast, we hear from two physical therapists from Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Minneapolis to tell us more. Brian LeLoup, PT, is director of Sub-Acute Services, and Jeanne Olson, PT, is rehabilitation services manager for Activity Based Locomotor Exercise, Aquatics and Fitness.

Many people have a food intolerance. This term refers to heartburn, cramps, belly pain, or diarrhea that can occur after they eat certain foods. However, if you feel things such as an itchy mouth after taking a bite from an apple, you might have symptoms of Oral Allergy Syndrome, also known as pollen-food syndrome. In this segment, is Dr. Kenneth Johns joins the show to discuss oral allergy syndrome and how by identifying the triggers, you can prevent further problems, and how careful management of diet can ensure that people with the syndrome can lead otherwise normal lives.

Just like the rest of your body, your brain needs the right food and exercise to perform well. Studies show a strong link between regular exercise and a boost in verbal memory and learning. In this segment, Gail Ericson, physical therapist with the Penny George Institute's LiveWell® Fitness Center, joins the show to give great advice on how exercise can improve brain function, and possibly even ward off diseases such as Alzheimer's, depression and many others.

Scientists have known for quite some time that bacteria that occur in the gut affect a person’s health, from digestion to allergies. More recently, studies are finding that the microbes that colonize the gut also have an effect on the brain, and can play a role in conditions such as autism, depression and anxiety. Here to explain more is Dr. Jesse Corry, neurologist at Allina Health’s United Hospital.

It’s been over a year since the World Health Organization declared the association of Zika infection with microcephaly and other neurological disorders as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” A lot has happened since then including several confirmed cases in the United States. In April 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report of babies born in the US whose mothers possibly had been infected with Zika virus. Dr. Meiling Parker, maternal-fetal medicine specialist with Minnesota Perinatal Physicians, a part of Allina Health, is here to give the latest update on Zika virus and what women and men who are planning for a family should know.

According to Breastcancer.org, about one in eight U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. However, there has been much confusion and controversy on when to begin and how often to have a mammogram. Listen in as Lisa Schneider, MD, clears up some of the confusion and how experts are still recommending that starting at age 40, most women should have a mammogram every year. This will help catch breast cancer early on, when it's most curable.

Here you are, loving life and enjoying the change of seasons when all of a sudden your skin is itchy, nose is running and eyes are burning. Just because you've been allergy-free your whole life doesn't mean you can't grow into one. For millions of Americans, this is the unfortunate truth. Listen as Allergist Kenneth Johns talks us through late onset adult allergies and how to identify triggers that might aggravate your allergies.

A trip to the pharmacy can be an overwhelming experience for someone simply trying to choose an over-the-counter medication to treat a symptom. Not only are there so many choices but people also have to worry about how a new medication might interact with a medication you’re currently taking. How do you know which OTC medication is best for you? Allina Health pharmacist McKaya Kastner shares how you can navigate the confusion of OTC medications and how to decide which medication is best for you.

After a lifetime of listening, you might find that your hearing does not seem as sharp as it used to be. Our hearing tends to change gradually over time. However, there are some steps you can take to protect your precious hearing. In this segment of the Wellcast, Erin Voye, Doctor of Audiology at the Allina Health Woodbury Clinic, discusses the prevention and effects of untreated hearing loss.

Scientists have known for some time the teen brain is wired to produce reward signals in response to irresponsible or dangerous behaviors. And while parents may not like these risky behaviors, a new study says it’s the same brain process that also helps teens be better learners, too. Dr. Jesse Corry, neurologist with Allina Health’s United Hospital in St. Paul is here with more information on the unique and often misunderstood teenage brain.

In the U.S. the average age of a woman's first period is 12.3 years old, which means most women have menstrual cycles a significant portion of their lives. Because of this, some of the most common questions asked are about periods and what is considered "normal." Listen as Dr. Sara Ackerman, obstetrician/gynecologist with Allina health, discusses the most common menstrual cycle questions many women have.

In the U.S. the average age of a woman's first period is 12.3 years old, which means most women have menstrual cycles a significant portion of their lives. Because of this, some of the most common questions asked are about periods and what is considered "normal." Listen as Dr. Sara Ackerman, obstetrician/gynecologist with Allina health, discusses the most common menstrual cycle questions many women have.

Unfortunately just because you're an adult doesn't mean you don't need vaccinations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the specific immunizations you need as an adult are based off of your age, lifestyle, high-risk conditions, type and locations of travel, and previous immunizations. Vaccines work with your immune system by imitating an infection. Vaccines are made from weakened or dead germs that cause the disease, but they will not cause you to get it. Is it important to keep up on your vaccinations? Listen in as Dr. Leslie Swartz-Williams discusses adult vaccinations and the importance of keeping up with the current recommendations by the CDC.

Your health is your most important asset. That's why at Allina Health we recommend regular physical exams for adults. In this segment, Dr. Leslie Swartz-Williams discusses how at your visit, you'll meet with your care provider to ensure you're up-to-date on health screenings, identify risks for future health concerns, review your medicines, and set wellness goals.

You may not know where or how to begin to start a regular exercise routine, or the best way to safely and effectively step up your current workout. Working with a Physical Therapist, an exercise physiologist or fitness specialist can help you with motivation and planning to reach your fitness goals. In this segment, Gail Ericson, PT, MS, physical therapist with the Penny George Institute's LiveWell® Fitness Center, discusses exercise as medicine and the way you can use exercise as one of the best medications out there.

Deodorant and antiperspirants cause breast cancer; sugar feeds cancer;. hormone replacement can cause breast cancer; mammorgrams spread existing cancer. These are a few of the myths that surround breast cancer. There are many myths that have made their way into the public thought, but how are you to know what to believe. Listen as Lisa Schneider, MD, puts to rest some of these myths and explains the real facts about breast cancer.