Health Fusion
327 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratingsHealth care journalist Viv Williams delivers daily health tips. Meet amazing people who’ll share their stories of illness, wellness and how they find joy.
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Episodes
Health Fusion: Avoid winter health hazards with these safety tips
December 30, 2022 22:44 - 2 minutes - 2.34 MBFracturing a bone when you fall on the ice and wrenching your back while shoveling snow are two common injuries that happen in winter. In this episode of Health Fusion, Viv Williams gets winter safety tips from a University of Minnesota doctor.
Can extreme cold damage your lungs? Get answers from an expert who studies the lungs of winter athletes
December 29, 2022 16:16 - 12 minutes - 14 MBWhen arctic blasts cause temperatures to plummet, stepping outside can be dangerous. Frost bite can set in quickly. And if you've ever taken a deep breath in extreme cold, you know that it feels as if your lungs are freezing too. In this Health Fusion episode, Viv Williams talks to a researcher from Canada who studies what intensely cold air could do to athlete's (or anyone's) lungs.
Health Fusion: Holiday travel and disrupted routines can be hard for people with Alzheimer's. Get tips that can help
December 22, 2022 20:18 - 2 minutes - 2.73 MBLoading up the car to visit family and friends during the holidays can be hectic. And when one of the travelers has Alzheimer's disease, the process may be even more stressful. In this episode of "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shares tips from the American Alzheimer's Association of Minnesota-North Dakota on how to make holiday travel and disrupted routines less difficult.
Health Fusion: 3 ways those sneaky elves on shelves and other traditions may help you handle the holiday blues
December 15, 2022 21:30 - 3 minutes - 3.89 MBWhy, at a time when people are supposed to be full of holiday joy and cheer, do you feel sad when you walk by a tree that's decorated in full, twinkling regalia? In this episode of "Health Fusion," Viv Williams gets tips on how to handle the holiday blues from a University of Minnesota expert and learns lessons from — believe it or not — the Elf on a Shelf.
Health Fusion: Practice the 4 "P's" of pickleball to stay injury-free. Tips from a Mayo Clinic expert
December 08, 2022 21:41 - 1 minute - 1.35 MBIf you're thinking of joining the pickleball craze, or are already a player, listen up. A Mayo Clinic hand and wrist surgeon has tips to help you avoid injuries on the court. Viv Williams has details of the four "p's" of pickleball in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."
Health Fusion: True of false. Test your holiday health smarts with this quiz
December 06, 2022 21:38 - 3 minutes - 4.04 MBChristmas cards can kill. True or false? Or, how about this one — during the height of the holidays, more people die from heart attacks than any other time of the year. True or false? In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shares health trivia in her holiday quiz. See how well you do!
Health Fusion: Want to unlock the secret to waking up refreshed and alert? Do these three things
December 01, 2022 18:48 - 2 minutes - 2.36 MBWhen your alarm clock goes off, do you hop out of bed feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day? Or are you groggy, tired and would rather hit snooze and sleep longer? A new study shows that the secret to feeling more energetic in the morning is to do three things. Viv Williams has the details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."
Health Fusion: The Winter wonderland effect: How a walk in the snow may boost body image
November 29, 2022 19:22 - 1 minute - 1.81 MBDo you ever feel down about your body? Bundling up and taking a walk in the snow may help improve your body image. Viv Williams has details of a new study in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."
Health Fusion: Don't let too much salt, fat and caffeine cause "holiday heart" this Thanksgiving
November 22, 2022 20:32 - 1 minute - 1.39 MBDo you overindulge on Thanksgiving? A lot of people do. It can be hard to resist recipes you only get during the holidays. But if you chow down on foods and drinks that are high in salt, fat or caffeine, you may be at risk of "holiday heart." Viv Williams has details from Mayo Clinic cardiologists in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."
Health Fusion: Late sleepers at higher risk of depression than early risers. Here's what you can do about it
November 08, 2022 20:23 - 1 minute - 1.59 MBWhen temps drop and days shorten in the fall, are you temped to hibernate and stay in bed a little longer? In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shares what experts now know about a possible connection between how early you wake up and your risk of depression.
Health Fusion: Who shot Nick
November 04, 2022 21:09 - 11 minutes - 12.6 MBWhen a neighbor found an Iowa farmer lying in a field with what looked like a bullet hole in his back, he called 911 and triggered a series of events that solved a mystery and saved a life. The ordeal involved teams of medical experts in two states, emergency innovations at Mayo Clinic and even a mysterious stranger who arrived on the scene to help, but hasn't been seen since. Viv Williams tells the story in this Health Fusion medical mystery. https://www.postbulletin.com/podcasts/health-f...
Health Fusion: Celebrate November by making a gratitude pumpkin for a month full of thanks
November 01, 2022 22:43 - 1 minute - 1.21 MBWhen you're in the midst of a bust day, it's easy to forget about the people and things for which you're grateful. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams demonstrates how to create a gratitude pumpkin so you and your family can be mindful of a month full of reasons to give thanks.
Health Fusion: Are you a mosquito magnet? Your body's aroma may be the allure
October 28, 2022 20:42 - 1 minute - 2.02 MBWhat is it about certain people that makes them mosquito magnets? In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams checks out a new study that may have an answer as to why the stinging pests find some people irresistible.
Health Fusion: ADHD is underdiagnosed in adults. What to do if you think you have it
October 25, 2022 21:08 - 3 minutes - 3.92 MBAre you one of those people who spends big chunks of time cleaning up after themselves, feeling overwhelmed with daily tasks or fighting distraction? Those behaviors could be symptoms of adult AHDH. In this episode of "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shares info from a University of Minnesota psychiatrist.
Health Fusion: Boost Veggie Intake With This Easy And Delicious Frittata Recipe
October 20, 2022 21:23 - 1 minute - 1.77 MBWant a quick and tasty way to work more vegetables into your diet and clear out your fridge at the same time? Try this fast frittata recipe. Viv Williams has details in this episode of "Health Fusion." Leah's Fabulous Veggie Frittata Ingredients* 10 eggs 1/4 cup cold water 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil Black pepper to taste Trader Joe's Cuban style citrus seasoning 2 small heads of broccoli chopped medium fine Fresh herbs of choice Sea salt 2 TBSP Feta cheese 1 ts...
Health Fusion: Adding More Gardens And Greenspace May Help Shrink The Lifespan Gap Between Rich And Poor Areas
October 20, 2022 20:57 - 1 minute - 1.67 MBIf you're stressed, stepping out the door and into the fall colors can help calm frazzled nerves. New research shows that the health benefits of adding trees and other elements of nature to urban areas go way beyond stress relief. They may help close the lifespan gap between people living in the most and least deprived areas. Viv Williams has details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."
Health Fusion: Caffeine can get you moving and help you stay alert. But what might it do to the health of your wallet?
October 13, 2022 21:33 - 1 minute - 1.41 MBDo you browse online for stuff to buy during coffee breaks? Or grab an energy drink or latte on your way to pick up groceries? In this episode of "Health Fusion," Viv Williams explores a study about how caffeine may influence spending.
Health Fusion: Not ready to go under the knife for a knee replacement? Other options to consider
October 11, 2022 21:55 - 2 minutes - 2.82 MBMany people suffer from pain due to wear and tear arthritis. In this episode of "Health Fusion," Viv Williams talks to a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon about osteoarthritis of the knee and options to consider if you're not ready for surgery.
Health Fusion: Easy, aromatic and healthy homemade applesauce that's not just for kids
October 07, 2022 19:27 - 3 minutes - 4.36 MBCan't decide what to do with the pile of apples you picked at the local orchard or bought at the store? Make applesauce! In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shares a traditional family recipe for homemade applesauce that's rich and yummy but still nutritious and low calorie.
Health Fusion: How to help your teen get more sleep
October 04, 2022 15:30 - 1 minute - 1.51 MBMost teens don't get enough sleep. And that can make them exhausted and moody. A new study reveals ways to help teens get the shut eye they need during the school year. Viv Williams has details in this episode of "Health Fusion."
Your dog may know when you're stressed out by smelling your breath
October 03, 2022 19:30 - 1 minute - 1.59 MBA dog's sense of smell has helped to find missing people, detect drugs at airports and find the tiniest morsel of food dropped from a toddler's highchair. A new study shows that dogs may also be able to sniff out when you're stressed out.
Health Fusion: Protect your flowers and plants from the first frost to enjoy health benefits of gardening longer
September 27, 2022 20:38 - 1 minute - 1.75 MBAn early frost can mean a sudden end to the growing season. But there are ways to protect plants from dipping temperatures. In this episode of "Health Fusion," Viv Williams has tips on how to cover your flowers and vegetables so you can enjoy the health benefits of gardening longer into the fall season.
Health Fusion: How interval training works to boost health
September 21, 2022 22:17 - 1 minute - 1.46 MBInterval training, or high intensity interval training (HIIT), is a way to pack the health benefits of exercise into a short amount of time. No matter what your fitness level. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams talks to a Mayo Clinic exercise expert about why intervals are so effective.
Health Fusion: Seven habits to help cut risk of dementia if you have diabetes
September 15, 2022 19:08 - 1 minute - 1.42 MBIf you have type 2 diabetes, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing dementia with seven healthy lifestyle habits. Viv Williams has details of a new study in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."
Health Fusion: What more frequent heatwaves are doing to your sleep
September 12, 2022 22:19 - 1 minute - 1.15 MBWhen heat waves strike, your sleep can suffer. Sleep researchers offer tips on how to prevent high temperatures from disrupting your nights. Viv Williams has details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."
What happened to Elyn? A medical mystery about strange, life-changing symptoms solved by Mayo Clinic sleuths
September 08, 2022 18:40 - 18 minutes - 35 MBLife couldn't have been better for Elyn and Guy Simmons. They were young, successful and ready to start a family. But then the strange symptoms started. And Elyn began to change. In this special, medical mystery episode of NewdMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shares the the story of how a hard-to-diagnose disease hijacked Elyn's health. Then she met a team of Mayo Clinic experts who followed the clues and sleuthed out a solution.
Health Fusion: What Bedtime Snacks Will Promote Good Sleep?
September 07, 2022 18:39 - 1 minute - 1.14 MBAre you a person who likes to have a bedtime snack before you hit the sack? Or are you the type who can't sleep if there's food in your belly? In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams explores the link between nutrition and a good night's sleep.
Health Fusion: Ultra-processed foods and the link to colorectal cancer in men
September 01, 2022 18:55 - 1 minute - 1.15 MBThink twice before you grab ready-made meals or snacks. A new study links ultra-processed foods to colon cancer in men. Viv Williams has details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."
Health Fusion: How to freeze summer vegetables to use all winter long
September 01, 2022 17:44 - 1 minute - 1.16 MBGardens and farmers' markets are popping with heart healthy fresh produce. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shows how to freeze late summer vegetables that you can enjoy throughout fall and winter.
Health Fusion: A kale recipe even kale haters will like
August 29, 2022 22:13 - 57 seconds - 1.08 MBIf you're not a vegetable fan, give this recipe a try. It features kale, is packed with nutrients and even people who turn their noses up at the thought of this vegetable have agreed that the fast and easy recipe is tasty. Viv Williams has the details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."
Health Fusion: Want a quick, healthy dinner but nothing's in the fridge? Try cooking up the weeds some call a superfood
August 25, 2022 22:06 - 1 minute - 1.14 MBWho knew that the weeds growing the in cracks of many sidewalks may be the next big superfood. Viv Williams has the details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."
Health Fusion: Can your dog or cat give you tapeworms?
August 24, 2022 18:55 - 1 minute - 1.33 MBIf you see little white grains of rice in your dog's or cat's feces or Rover can't stop dragging his butt across the carpet, your beloved pet might have a tapeworm. Does this mean your family will get them too? Ew! Canine tapeworms are the topic in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion with Viv Williams."
Health Fusion: Do you have a doppelganger? Your double may look and act like you because of similar DNA
August 23, 2022 21:25 - 1 minute - 1.16 MBHow can two unrelated people look so much alike? That question has stumped people for a long time. But new research may have found an answer. Viv Williams has the details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."
Health Fusion: The battle over butter and margarine: Which is better for your heart health?
August 23, 2022 19:09 - 1 minute - 1.16 MBWhich is better, butter or margarine? Figuring out which fats are healthiest can be confusing. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams finds out what some researchers say is the healthier option.
Health Fusion: A pinch less of salt each day could mean dramatic reductions in heart attack and stroke
August 19, 2022 15:14 - 59 seconds - 1.12 MBCan reducing salt really help reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke and other diseases? A new study shows cutting out about 1/4 of a teaspoon of salt each day could ward off certain diseases and death over time. Viv Williams has details in this episode of NewsMD's "HealthFusion."
Health Fusion: In one week, two friends were treated for tick-borne illnesses. Time for a tick trouble update
August 12, 2022 21:55 - 19 minutes - 22.6 MBTicks can survive a Minnesota winter, but their go time is March through October. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams goes in-depth with a tick expert who helped discover two pathogens that ticks can carry. And both of them can make you sick.
Health Fusion: Sound and electrical stimulation may help relieve chronic pain
August 11, 2022 20:00 - 1 minute - 1.16 MBSound and electrical stimulation may offer hope for people suffering from chronic pain and other conditions. Researchers are exploring the combination with the goal of developing treatments that are safer and more accessible than opioid medication. Viv Williams has details of a new study in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."
Health Fusion: How to care for baby teeth to promote a life of good dental health
August 10, 2022 22:09 - 59 seconds - 1.13 MBWhen those first baby teeth appear, it's time to start teaching little ones about good dental health. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams consults a pediatric dentist about when kids should have their first dental appointment and she shares tips on brushing.
Health Fusion: Low levels of vitamin D linked to chronic inflammation
August 08, 2022 15:58 - 1 minute - 1.17 MBWhen you sprain your ankle or have an infection inflammation helps to heal tissues. But when inflammation is chronic, or long term, it can contribute to conditions such as heart disease and autoimmune diseases. Researchers have found a link between chronic inflammation and low levels of vitamin D. Viv Williams has details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."
Health Fusion: Sleep And Your Heart. Why The American Heart Association Added Sleep As A Measure Of Heart Health
August 08, 2022 06:42 - 11 minutes - 13.6 MBBlood pressure, body weight, cholesterol and blood glucose are some of the numbers that measure heart health. The American Heart Association has added sleep to that list. Why? Because research about how sleep effects those numbers keeps emerging. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams talks to a Mayo Clinic cardiologist and sleep expert about why sleep is vital to your heart health.
Health Fusion: Breathe in the smells of nature to improve your sense of well-being
August 04, 2022 18:51 - 1 minute - 1.16 MBWhat is it about our sense of smell that can both transport us back to Grandma's cozy kitchen or send us fleeing, noses pinched shut, for fresh air? Aromas can be powerful. New research shows that the smells of nature can improve your sense of well-being. Viv Williams has details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."
Health Fusion: Find out what being a victim of financial fraud or a scam could do to your blood pressure
August 03, 2022 20:10 - 1 minute - 1.14 MBWhen a scammer calls about your car's warranty or overdue taxes that must be paid immediately or you'll be hauled off to jail, do you get mad, scared or irritated? In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams checks out a new study that explores what being a victim of financial scams and fraud can do to your blood pressure.
Health Fusion: What gout flare-ups may mean to your risk of heart attack and stroke
August 02, 2022 21:51 - 1 minute - 1.15 MBIf you're ever had gout, you know how painful and debilitating the flare-ups can be. But your feet may not be the only things that need attention. A new study shows a bout with gout may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke temporarily afterwards. Viv Williams has details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."
Health Fusion: Baby blues or postpartum depression? How to tell the difference and when to seek treatment
August 01, 2022 19:03 - 1 minute - 1.14 MBMany women feel tired, anxious and a little down after delivering a baby. Persistent symptoms could mean it's more than just the baby blues. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams talks to an OBGYN physician about warning signs and treatment options.
Health Fusion: Pets May Help Slow Memory Issues Over Time
July 28, 2022 17:40 - 1 minute - 1.14 MBHere's some good news for pet owners. Your dog, cat or other animal friend may help slow cognitive decline over time. Get the details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion with Viv Williams."
Health Fusion: Being close to nature may help boost kids' lung health
July 28, 2022 15:47 - 1 minute - 1.14 MBExposure to nature — city greenspaces, suburban prairies or even natural forests — may help kids breathe better. Get the details in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion with Viv Williams."
Health Fusion: Smoking and vaping may increase risk of severe COVID-19 complications
July 26, 2022 18:29 - 1 minute - 1.16 MBHere's another good reason to quit smoking and vaping. Both are linked to a higher risk of COVID-19 complications, including death. Viv Williams has details of a news study in this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion."
Health Fusion: Link between napping, high blood pressure and stroke
July 25, 2022 23:23 - 1 minute - 1.17 MBA quick power nap can boost energy and help you feel refreshed. But a new study links frequent napping to high blood pressure. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shares that it's likely not be the naps themselves that are the issue, but rather the health and nighttime sleep patterns of the people who take them.
Health Fusion: Summer screen time and your child's risk of eye problems
July 20, 2022 17:58 - 1 minute - 1.19 MBRelaxed summertime schedules may mean that kids have more screen time than they do during the school year. But only half of all parents recognize that excessive time spent staring at digital devices may be hurting their kids' eyes. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams shares details from a recent poll, plus what the eye issues are and what parents can do to avoid them.
Health Fusion: Get a dose of well-being on a tour with Master Gardeners
July 19, 2022 12:25 - 1 minute - 1.16 MBYou don't have to own a garden to get the health benefits that can happen when you spend time around nature. All you have to do to for a plant-based mind and body boost is visit a greenspace in bloom. In this episode of NewsMD's "Health Fusion," Viv Williams highlights this season's "Tour with the Masters" garden tour and shares info about how an activity like that can be good for your health.