Health Wanted
Health Wanted brings you each week’s need-to-know public health headlines and breaks down the science behind trending topics. Host and social media science influencer Laurel Bristow covers everything from Ozempic to the ozone, interviewing experts and answering your questions, all in pursuit of better health. A partnership 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
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.
In the Q&A, Bristow addresses questions on plague, Coca-Cola's new cane-sugar-sweetened Coke, and - hold ont...
Disability has always existed, but ensuring equal rights for people with disabilities has not. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and filmmaker/disability rights advocate James Lebrecht talk about his documentary, "Crip Camp," review the history of the disability rights movement and the importance of continuing to advocate for equality.
And Laurel answers your questions about C-sections and colon cancer, uncured vs. cu...
Gambling is no longer limited to Vegas casinos—today, it is as easy as a few taps on a mobile device. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Rachel Volberg, PhD, discuss the rise in problem gambling and why it is a public health issue.
In the Q&A, Bristow has an update on the number of measles cases in the U.S., if there is a link between brain damage and COVID-19, and whether or not a tech millionaire&...
Symbolically and scientifically, snakes have long played a significant role in medicine. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Steve Mackessy, PhD, dig into the history of snakes in health care and recent breakthroughs in venom research.
And, Bristow addresses listener questions covering fire extinguisher disposal, meningitis risk in youths, and thimerosal in the Q&A.
The ALA is back once again! The Health Wanted team takes a dive into the listener mailbag for a Special Summer Edition of Ask Laurel Anything. Included are questions on summer faves, Sew Sew, and - of course - the lightning round.
We'll be back next week to break down more science, in the pursuit of better health.
Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630.
It’s time for summer fun! But before you head to your Fourth of July barbecue, make sure you know how to keep yourself safe and healthy. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest George McKeehan go over helpful safety tips for Fourth of July activities like swimming, spending time outside, and enjoying firework displays.
And in the Q&A Bristow tackles listener questions about PFAS in dental floss, the dang...
The U.S. has the highest population of incarcerated people in the world, but quality health care is severely limited in correctional facilities. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guests Mark Spencer, MD, and Wanda Bertram discuss the current state of health services for incarcerated people in the U.S., the decline in care due to cost-cutting measures, and how improving these services could benefit public health.
B...
This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow celebrates her birthday by sharing her origin story, from a wide eyed youth to a voice of public health. Learn about Laurel‘s background and the moments that led to her interest, and then commitment, to research and science. Special guest Pamela, Laurel‘s mother, talks about early signs that her daughter would go on to become the science communicator she is today.
The Q&am...
Homelessness has been rising in the U.S., and when people end up on the street, their health is at risk. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Kelly Doran, MD, MHS, talk about housing as health care and the policies that can help lift people out of poverty.
In the Q&A, Bristow addresses timely questions on prescription drug costs, Covid vaccine availability, and Hydroxyapatite before a look at the drop in ov...
As Summer glides in, the temptation to grab and enjoy a refreshing beverage is ever-present. But what's the science behind the claimed "benefits" of energy drinks and other wellness elixirs? This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Dr. Amelia Lake discuss the research around the beverages designed to make us think they'll make us feel better.
In the Q&A, Bristow covers topics including the safet...
This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Otis Brawley, MD discuss the current state of cancer in the country, giving insight to current trends in diagnosis and recovery rates, as well as examining disparities in access to screening and treatment.
In the Q&A, Bristow answers questions on the availability of the Covid vaccine under new proposed policies, the benefits of sourdough bread, vinyl flooring, phthalates...
The return of summer brings fresh air, time outside, and a rising chance of running into ticks. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Brandon Jutras, PhD, explore the science behind Lyme disease and the latest research on its prevention and treatment.
Bristow then addresses a series of topics in the In the Q&A including: placebo controlled trials for vaccines, babies and seasonal allergies, the recent synthe...
As summer approaches, the threat of extreme weather begins to rise. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Craig McLean discuss climate, severe weather, and how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) works to keep the public informed and prepared for what’s ahead.
In the Q&A, Bristow shares research and insights on topics ranging from waterparks and splash pads, to Band-Aids for moti...
Gun violence is a major public health crisis in the U.S. and the number one cause of death for children aged 1-19. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Nandita Somayaji explore how gun violence affects health and why research and prevention efforts are more critical than ever.
Bristow then answers questions in the Q&A on a range of topics: CJD in the Pacific Northwest, veganism, measles and immune amnesia, ...
The ALA is back once again! The Health Wanted team once again dives into the listener mailbag to Ask Laurel Anything, including important topics like cookies, favorite 80s movies, the risk assessment of riding a motorcycle, and a visit to Pet Corner. We hope you enjoy.
We'll be back next week to break down more science, in the pursuit of better health.
Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave ...
Many Americans have diets deficient in fresh produce, whole foods, and important nutrients, and it isn’t all due to personal choices. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Megan Winkler, PhD, discuss the cost, access, and availability of healthy food in the United States.
In the Q&A, Bristow fields listener questions on COVID vaccine side effects, licking uncooked brownie batter, the TB outbreak in Kan...
The Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) is a uniformed governmental service that protects public health in the U.S. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow marks the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week by highlighting the Corps’ vital role in protecting the nation's health.
In the Q&A, Bristow answers questions on a range of topics: a followup to the Trans Day of Visibility sho...
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how people communicate, learn, and interact. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Daniele Fallin, PhD, talk about ASD and what could be behind its rising prevalence across the world.
Bristow then covers a range of topics in the Q&A: genetic testing and insurance, vaccines before cruises, and trusted resources for menopause informat...
Access to gender-affirming health care is a critical and evolving issue that encompasses both medical and societal challenges. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Chase Strangio, JD, discuss health care for transgender people and how current legislation makes it harder to access.
For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.
In honor of World Tuberculosis Day, Health Wanted presents author John Green in conversation with host Laurel Bristow for his new book, “Everything is Tuberculosis.” Live from Glenn Memorial at Emory University on March 21, 2025, John and Laurel discuss the book, the persistence of tuberculosis, and what happens when people confuse him for his brother, Hank.
Have a question for Laurel in a future episode? Send it to hea...
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