Health Wanted

Health Wanted

Health Wanted brings 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 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.

Episodes

August 21, 2026 52 mins

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...

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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 ...

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August 7, 2026 52 mins

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 expl...

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July 31, 2026 51 mins

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 th...

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July 24, 2026 51 mins

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 ...

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July 17, 2026 52 mins

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 oi...

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July 10, 2026 52 mins

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?...

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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 si...

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June 26, 2026 51 mins

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...

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June 19, 2026 16 mins

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, s...

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June 12, 2026 52 mins

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 p...

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June 5, 2026 52 mins

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 ...

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May 29, 2026 51 mins

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?...

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May 22, 2026 7 mins

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 ...

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May 15, 2026 51 mins

Everybody put on your party hats and grab a slice of cake. It’s a birthday party for the births that never were. This week on Health Wanted, we’re celebrating a very merry un-birthday in the truest sense, because May 9 was the 66th anniversary of the FDA approving the first oral birth control pill, a divisive medication people still love to hate.

Plus - Is mushroom tea worth the hype? Can you get enough fiber from suppl...

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May 8, 2026 52 mins

Moms! They do so much for their children, but somehow, according to everyone else's opinion, all of it is terrible and wrong. As Mother’s Day approaches, we wanted to say thank you to all our moms for doing their best by presenting data to silence the haters.

This week on Health Wanted…we’re defending moms.

Plus - Do GLPs have anything to do with why people are drinking less? What exactly is a “gut biofilm?...

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May 1, 2026 52 mins

While celebs and their stylists prepare to make an impression at the Met Gala, we’re preparing for what I like to call the “Code Met” Gala. This week on Health Wanted…we have a passion for surgical fashion.

Plus - Are roundabouts bad for pedestrian safety? Are “whole grain” foods just as bad as refined flour? Should we be rethinking cremation?

For a full rundown on all the information shared in ...

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April 24, 2026 52 mins

Hey men! Are you feeling as manly as you could be? Do you have enough man juice flowing through your veins? Did you know hormones aren’t just for girls anymore? They’re manly! This week on Health Wanted…Are you man enough to learn about testosterone therapy?!?

Plus - Is ivermectin effective against head lice? What should you look for in electrolytes? Does the phrase “GLP-1 Like” mean anything? Why is ...

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April 17, 2026 52 mins

This week on the show: cannabis! Is it bad for you? Is it good for you? Better than alcohol? And how does it seem to be EVERYWHERE…even in states where you know it’s illegal?

Plus - Is red light therapy a scam? Is there any truth to the idea that the FDA doesn’t withhold good products? And what does “holistic health” actually mean?

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, t...

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April 10, 2026 51 mins

Private equity is not just taking over companies—it’s increasingly gaining control of health care facilities as well. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Megan Greenwell explain private equity and how it can lead to lower-quality care for patients and financial instability for hospitals.

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

For more, vis...

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