Expert Interview

ENCORE: Heart Disease Early Detection, Part 1
December 27, 2018
Albert Barrette, Managing Director of Inner Imaging in New York City, is a pioneer in diagnostic radiology. He was an early proponent of EBT (Electron Beam Tomography) for early detection of heart disease. What is calcium scoring? Why is it more sensitive than a stress test? Why is it that traditional risk factors (family history, cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, obesity, etc.) are poor predictors of heart disease risk? Why do a large percentage of patients who suffer heart attacks have normal cholesterol? And, why, paradoxically, are some patients with multiple risk factors free of coronary calcium? Does a "zero" score on the EBT test guarantee freedom from heart risk? Who should get screened, and at what age? Why don't all doctors recommend this test? Why do only some states mandate insurance reimbursement for it? Do you need a prescription to get a scan? How much radiation does it expose you to? Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: Heart Disease Early Detection, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Albert Barrette, Managing Director of Inner Imaging in New York City, a pioneer in diagnostic radiology. Click HERE for part 1.

ENCORE: Master Your Brain, Part 1
December 25, 2018
Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen bring you "The Brain Warrior's Way: Ignite Your Energy and Focus, Attack Illness and Aging, Transform Pain into Purpose," a new book as well as the subject of a current PBS Special. Why the urgency of this brain initiative? What factors are undermining Americans' brain health? What insights are neuro-imaging studies providing us about the role of diet, lifestyle, and environment on brain function? Can people actually "rewire" their brains? Why is the advice to consume "heart-healthy" alcohol not helpful for the brain? What type of diet best supports brain function (there's also a "Brain Warrior's Way Cookbook")? What supplements bolster brain health? What's the role of exercise? Of sleep? Of positive affirmation and imagery? Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: Master Your Brain, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen, authors of "The Brain Warrior's Way: Ignite Your Energy and Focus, Attack Illness and Aging, Transform Pain into Purpose." Click HERE for part 1.

ENCORE: The Over-Diagnosis of ADHD, Part 1
December 20, 2018
Alan Schwarz, author of "ADHD Nation: Children, Doctors, Big Pharma, and the Making of an American Epidemic" issues a clarion call about the over-diagnosis and medicalization of childhood behavioral problems. It’s to the point where 15% of children, and 20% of boys, will be diagnosed with ADHD by the time they turn 18. Schwarz explains the origins of the use of amphetamine-like drugs for ADHD over 75 years ago. Vague, subjective diagnostic criteria and aggressive marketing by the pharmaceutical industry along with complicit doctors created a bonanza for drug companies. It’s estimated that 50% of kids diagnosed with ADHD don’t actually suffer from it. ADHD medications have a strong potential for abuse and dependency. Drug company advertising and medical education programs have minimized the risks. Schwarz believes that awareness can help stem the tide of overuse, but with current incentives so strongly aligned for prescribing, it might take time to return to rational deployment of ADHD drugs. Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: The Over-Diagnosis of ADHD, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Alan Schwarz, author of "ADHD Nation: Children, Doctors, Big Pharma, and the Making of an American Epidemic." Click HERE for part 1.

How to Prevent Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, Part 1
December 4, 2018
Psychopharmacologist Dr. Timothy Jennings shares a broad array of strategies for averting mental decline in his book, "The Aging Brain." To what extent is dementia pre-ordained by our genes? Can we overcome our genetic predispositions? What roles for exercise, sleep, stress reduction? What evidence supports lifetime learning? What medications rob memory? What type of diet has been shown to stave off brain deterioration? Are there “brain foods”? What supplements have memory protective effects? Does hormone replacement help? Is there scientific evidence to support the benefits of spirituality? Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: How to Prevent Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Psychopharmacologist Dr. Timothy Jennings, "The Aging Brain." Click HERE for part 1.

Intelligent Medicine Radio Show for December 1, Part 2
December 3, 2018
The unforeseen hazards of robotic surgery; Weightlifting outperforms aerobic exercise for heart protection; Fit septuagenarians are physically comparable to 20 somethings; How to fade “age spots”; The little-known supplement that protects against cognitive decline in diabetes; Dr. Michael Lewis explains why he has added CBD to his arsenal of brain-protective nutrients. Click HERE for part 1. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

ENCORE: Gastrointestinal Health, Part 1
November 29, 2018
Everything you ever wanted to know about gastrointestinal health with Thomas Guilliams, Ph.D. Why is the GI tract central to overall health? What role for hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes? With all the choices, how do you find the right enzyme supplement for you? What are the possible causes of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)? Is it “all in your head?” What is SIBO? How can it best be treated? What role does the low FODMAP diet play in addressing GI complaints? What is “Leaky Gut Syndrome?” Is “Candida” for real? What diet and nutraceutical treatments help patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease? Click HERE for part 2.