WJR Michigan Answers

June 23, 2022 ~ What is heat stroke, and how dangerous can it be? The CDC reports nearly 700 heat-related deaths on average every year. University of Michigan Health Emergency Physician Dr. Brad Uren speaks with Paul W. Smith on how to identify the signs leading up to heat stroke and how to prevent heat-related illnesses, especially for those who are most susceptible.

June 16, 2022 ~ What are military burn pits, why were they created, and how do the pits impact the health of military personnel? Michigan Medicine Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Division Dr. John Osterholzer talks about the long term damage done to respiratory systems of veterans who worked in the pits, and how he initially identified the problem.

June 9, 2022 ~ Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, but are you prepared to face it in your own home? More than 300,000 Americans are affected by cardiac arrest every year, and more than 75% of occurrences are in the home. University of Michigan Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Learning Community Project Manager Dr. Michelle Williams talks to Paul W. Smith about how to make your home "Heart Safe," and the importance of the campaign. Visit HeartSafeHomes.org for more information.

May 31, 2022 ~ Who is most likely to get lupus, and how is it diagnosed? Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system loses recognition of your own body, and attacks it. Michigan Medicine Dr. Patricia Cagnoli tells Paul W. Smith about the disease, and the different methods of treatment given.

May 19, 2022 ~ In this edition of "WJR Michigan Answers" Michigan Medicine Neurologist Dr. Joseph Carrera talks about Stroke Awareness Month and has important information on how to recognize the signs of a stroke.

May 12, 2022 ~ Michigan Medicine Geriatrics Center Geriatric Community Programs Assistant Director and Turner Senior Wellness Program Director Jennifer Howard talks about raising money for programs serving older adults. Additionally, she touches on various needs and problems people face as they get older.

May 5, 2022 ~ Can sleep apnea be life threatening? Director of Sleep Disorders Center Dr. Afifa Shamin-Uzzaman talks to Paul W. Smith about the dangers and long-term health complications of untreated sleep apnea.

April 28, 2022 ~ Is infertility a more widespread problem than most realize? In this episode, Michigan Medicine Reproductive Endocrinologist Dr. Samantha Schon talks to Paul W. about the top misconceptions about fertility, and she says it's a problem for many couples.

April 14, 2022 ~ How serious are concussions? Michigan Medicine Neurosport Co-Director Dr. Matthew Lorincz talks about diagnosis and treatment of concussions, and common misconceptions surrounding head injuries.

April 7, 2022 ~ One in eight Americans ages 12 and older has hearing loss in both ears, and 8.5 percent of Americans ages 55 to 64 have disabling hearing loss. How can that be prevented? Michigan Medicine Department of Otolaryngology Clinical Audiologist Dr. Allie Jo Heckman explains the causes, and preventative measures that can be taken to protect hearing.

March 31, 2022 ~ In Washtenaw County, food insecurity is 7% higher than before the pandemic, and inflation is making it harder for lower-income individuals to afford food for themselves and their families. But what can the larger Michigan community do to help those in need? Michigan Medicine Senior Vice President and COO Dr. Tony Denton joins Guy Gordon to talk about their new "Spring Into Action" food drive to help Food Gatherers — and 170 partner organizations across Washtenaw County — to combat hunger in our state.

March 24, 2022 ~ When an organ becomes available for donation, every second counts. Medical professionals have just six hours to get an organ from a donor and into a patient in need. This means that there are a lot of organs that go unused due to time and geography. But what if the stasis of donated organs could be extended? Paul W. speaks with University of Michigan Medical School Professor Emeritus of Acute Care Surgery Dr. Robert H. Bartlett about the Frankel Organ Bank, a research project aimed at improving the number and quality of organs available for transplantation.

Wednesday, March 16, 2022 ~ Sleep is an essential function, allowing a body and mind to recharge and wake refreshed. But what happens when we don’t get enough sleep? Paul W. speaks with University of Michigan Health Sleep Disorders Centers Specialist Dr. Anita Shelgikar about the negative impacts of too little sleep, and the sleep disorders to be on the lookout for.

March 10, 2022 ~ Michigan Medicine Professor of Biomedical Engineering Dr. Ariella Shikanov talks with Paul W. Smith about how artificial ovaries could change the lives of girls who suffer from childhood cancers. Learn how this revolutionary procedure could negate the negative effects that chemotherapy has on ovaries, allowing these girls to grow up with normal reproductive capabilities.

Thursday, March 3, 2022 ~ Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in America. It is also the most preventable. WJR’s Chris Renwick speaks with Michigan Medicine Clinical Assistant Professor Dr. Tadd Kaeo Hiatt about the evolving recommendations about colorectal screenings, and how important early detection is in saving lives.

February 24, 2022 ~ Innovations in prosthetics are allowing amputees to feel like they have their limbs again. How is this possible? Paul W. speaks with Michigan Medicine Chief of Plastic Surgery Dr. Paul Cederna about the revolutionary achievements in prosthetics, and the advancements that might be next.

February 17, 2022 ~ February is Heart Health Month! Paul W. speaks with Michigan Medicine Cardiologist Dr. Monica Colvin about risk factors to your heart, plus symptoms to be on the lookout for, the latest innovations in treatments and therapies, and the things we can all do to keep our hearts healthy!

February 10, 2022 ~ Regular preventative screenings are a person’s best chance for surviving a cancer diagnosis, but how do we make sure these screenings are accessible and affordable for all? Paul W. speaks with Michigan Medicine Center for Value-Based Insurance Design Dr Mark Fendrick about the access and affordability challenges that some are facing, and the efforts underway to enact change.

February 3, 2022 ~ With the snow piling up, many families have outdoor winter activities top-of-mind. What can you do to help keep your kids safe while skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or skating? Paul W. speaks with University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Co-Director Dr. Sarah Clark about the measures you can take to help avoid serious wintertime injuries.

January 27, 2022 ~ Critical care medicine, sometimes called intensive care medicine, has existed for less than 40 years. Emergency Medicine and Biomedical Engineering Professor at Michigan Medicine and executive director of the Max Harry Weil Institute for Critical Care Research and Innovation Dr. Kevin Ward talks about how the ICU has progressed, and how it will change in the coming decades.