Healthy Talk

Permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes contain dangerous chemicals that have been linked to serious health problems — including cancer.In this day and age, you would be hard-pressed to find a woman who hasn't colored her hair at least once in her life. If you're like many women, you have a standing date with either your stylist or your take-home bottle of color... typically every 4-6 weeks. You may want to re-think that regimen. Permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes contain dangerous chemicals that have been linked to serious health problems — including cancer. The most dangerous hair dye chemicals are Arylamines. They can be absorbed through your scalp or even inhaled during application of hair dye. Arylamines have been established as risk factors for bladder cancer by several clinical studies, including one conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. So, if you're a hair dye enthusiast, you might want to take a closer look at your favorite brand. Join Dr. Mike to learn where all the dangers lie, and if there is a healthy alternative.

Life Extension has published 130 protocols on disease prevention and treatment. Learn how you can make use of their discoveries.Imagine over 1,400 pages of breakthrough information that bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and mainstream medicine, in one must-have volume that you'll find invaluable now and for years to come... all thanks to one organization concerned for you and your health. That organization, Life Extension, has published 130 evidence-based protocols on disease prevention and treatment. This is information you simply won't find anywhere else, generated by an organization passionate about keeping you younger and healthier longer. Learn how you can make effective use of their discoveries, as special guest Luke Huber joins Dr. Mike in this segment of Healthy Talk.

If you're caring for a loved one you may unknowingly be putting your own health at risk.With the Baby Boomer generation reaching age 65, there are a growing number of Americans – 42 million in fact - caring for someone who is ill, disabled or aged. And while being a caregiver can be rewarding, it is often time-consuming and stressful. A recent survey revealed that caregivers were more likely to rate themselves in poorer health compared to non-caregivers. Paul Reyes, from Ask the Pharmacist, offers important tips to help caregivers stay on-top of their own health.

The James Worthy Head Start program addresses the nutritional needs of children living below the poverty line.The causes of poverty have multiple roots involving individuals' health, families, communities, institutions, systems and cultures. The James Worthy Foundation works with alliance and support organizations to carefully select programs for ensuring the nutritional needs of children living in poverty. Specifically, the James Worthy Head Start program addresses the nutritional needs of children living below the poverty line.

The James Worthy Foundation is on a mission to help a "Nutritionally Insecure" American population – at-risk youth.In the low-income communities, where sports are the center of their community interactions and the number one dream of "want to be" sports stars, there is a big information gap about the sources of high-quality and sustainable nutrition and energy. NBA star, James Worthy, wants to get young athletes off "energy" drinks - which are full of empty calories, sugar and potentially harmful chemicals - and replace them with an all-natural drink that meets their nutritional needs.

Asking four simple questions can help reveal the truth behind scary medical headlines.One headline read, "Taking a multivitamin won't help you and might even be dangerous to your health." Before believing the sensational hype, ask yourself the investigational questions Who, Why, How and What. You'll soon discover that sensational headlines are often conclusions from poorly designed, biased research.

Elevated homocysteine is now associated with cognitive decline in older adults. Might you be at risk?It's well established that at high levels, homocysteine, an amino acid metabolite, can damage the arteries feeding your heart. However, new research shows it can also do some damage to your brain, resulting in poor memory, cognition and worsening hand-eye coordination. Dr. Mike will discuss the latest research and offer safe and effective solutions for lowering homocysteine.

As much as you'd like to trust your doctor, there are things they may neglect to tell you regarding heart health.Conventional heart doctors unwittingly place their patients at risk because they mismanage high blood pressure, neglect vitamin deficiencies, expose patients to drug side effects and inadvertently exchange one risk factor for another. Dr. Kira Schmid, associate director of Scientific Affairs for Life Extension, joins Dr. Mike to discuss important, potentially life-saving information they've recently published. You'll learn what optimal blood pressure is, which vitamins are heart healthy, and how to avoid the side effects of statin prescription drugs.

New research suggests that a compound abundant in the Mediterranean diet takes away cancer cells' "superpower" to escape death.One way that cancer cells thrive is by inhibiting a process that would cause them to die on a regular cycle, which is subject to strict programming. This study in cells, led by Ohio State University researchers, found that a compound in certain plant-based foods, called apigenin, could stop breast cancer cells from inhibiting their own death. So, while apigenin doesn't exactly outright kill cancer cells, it does help stop their proliferation. In this segment of Healthy Talk, health expert, Helayne Waldman, joins Dr. Mike to discuss this new discovery and how it's changing the world of cancer.

Breast cancer survivors can increase their odds of living a long, disease-free life by eating whole foods.If you're a breast cancer survivor, chances are you have renewed your commitment to maintaining your good health and taking care of your body. As one of the best preventative measures known to doctors and nutritionists today, a robust, cancer-fighting diet is vital to your personal plan against a relapse of breast cancer. Join Dr. Mike and special guest, Helayne Waldman, as they explain all the benefits of a whole food diet, especially when it comes to breast cancer survivors.

Recent evidence indicates that coffee drinking can improve endothelial function, reducing your risk of stroke.Arterial dysfunction is a major risk factor for strokes because it impairs blood flow through the brain's major arteries. Strokes can occur when the cells lining the inside wall of arteries become damaged and dysfunctional, leading to sudden loss of blood flow. But recent evidence indicates that coffee drinking can improve endothelial function, reducing your risk of stroke.

Even though it contradicts conventional thinking, the facts are undeniable: cancer surgery can increase the risk of metastasis.The surgical removal of a tumor has been the cornerstone of treatment for most types of cancer. The rationale for this approach is straightforward - if you can get rid of the cancer by removing it from the body, then a cure can likely be achieved. Unfortunately, this approach does not take into account that following surgery, the cancer will frequently metastasize. Dr. Mike discusses how to protect yourself before and after surgery.

Dogs that chew on plastic toys may be exposed to hormone-altering chemicals. Is your furry friend at risk?If you have a dog, you probably also have several toys or training tools that your furry friend regularly plays with. Unfortunately, those toys may be doing extreme harm to your pet. In a recent study, researchers found that bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates – ingredients of hard plastics and vinyl – readily leach from bumper toys, which are used to train retrieving dogs. The new study is one of the first to examine dog products as a potential source of exposure for pets. Dr. Kimberly Wooten joins Dr. Mike to discuss the latest findings and offer safer alternatives for man’s best friend.