This week we will discuss childhood trauma with author, speaker, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Shari Botwin.  Shari has been practicing since 1996 and is a certified trauma expert treating those with eating disorders, anxiety, depression and trauma. She's here today to talk about her work helping individuals recover from childhood trauma. ​ Few of us will escape our lives without some sort of trauma—some more or less severe than our peers. Whereas previous discussions around trauma were conducted only on therapists' couches or in private diaries, they are now being more normalized. With this decrease in stigma, we are paving the way for more possible healing. ​ Family-of-origin trauma is a form of trauma that comes from our home—from the place where we are programmed to want to feel safe. If this environment feels unsafe during our developmental years, it affects everything from our personality and how we feel about ourselves, to our future relationships, and even our relationship with food and substance use (Mandavia, 2016). (Credits: Mandavia A, Robinson GG, Bradley B, Ressler KJ, Powers A. Exposure to Childhood Abuse and Later Substance Use: Indirect Effects of Emotion Dysregulation and Exposure to Trauma. J Trauma Stress. 2016 Oct;29(5):422-429. doi: 10.1002/jts.22131. Epub 2016 Sep 13. PMID: 27622844; PMCID: PMC5064859.

In this episode we are talking again with our audio editor Jack Scaro.  The topic again is: spontaneous pneumothorax, or collapsed lung. Spontaneous pneumothorax is an abnormal condition of the lung characterized by the collection of gas in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This condition occurs without an obvious etiology and can be classified as either primary or secondary. Patients may present with symptoms such as tachycardia and dyspnea. The diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion and can be confirmed with imaging.  Jack had this condition which surprised everyone since he was a healthy 20 year old with no risk factors except.... you'll have to listen to this week's episode to find out what it is and whether you or a loved one could be at risk!

This week we will discuss Bile acid malabsorption (BAM),  a gastrointestinal disease. It's a common cause of chronic diarrhea. When bile acids aren't properly absorbed in your intestines, they build up, upsetting the chemical balance inside. Excess bile acids trigger your colon to secrete extra water, leading to watery stools. ​ What are bile acids? Bile is a substance your liver makes while filtering your blood. Your liver sorts waste products, such as toxins, dead blood cells and excess cholesterol into bile. Bile acids come from synthesizing these products together. The different acids in bile help to stabilize the lipids in the mix and keep them in a liquid form. Your liver sends bile through your bile ducts to your small intestine to help with digestion. Bile acids in your small intestine help break down fats for absorption. When that work is done, they are supposed to be reabsorbed themselves, returning to your circulation and then your liver to be recycled into bile again. ​ What is malabsorption? Malabsorption is any failure of your intestines to absorb all of the chemicals they're meant to. Malabsorption can be a problem with your intestines themselves, or it may result from a chemical imbalance. For example, you may have too much or too little of a certain chemical for your intestines to absorb. ​ Who does bile acid malabsorption affect? BAM has been historically underdiagnosed due to a lack of accessible ways to test for it. But studies now show that at least 30% of those diagnosed with functional diarrhea disorders may have BAM. Functional disorders are those that have no apparent cause and are likely to go undetected during a medical examination, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). BAM is seen in people with conditions such as: Microscopic colitis. Crohn disease. HIV-related enteritis. Diarrhea that persists after a bacterial infection. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. It can also happen in people who receive certain medical treatments including: Surgical bypass or resection of the ileum, the last section of the small intestine. Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). Radiation therapy, especially in the abdominal-pelvic region. Chemotherapy. Metformin, a treatment for type 2 diabetes. ​ What are the symptoms of bile acid malabsorption? Typical symptoms include: Watery diarrhea. Frequent bowel movements. Painful stomach cramps. Urgency and difficulty holding bowel movements in. Some people also have: Abdominal bloating. Gas and gas pain. Steatorrhea (fatty stools.) Indigestion. Long-term symptoms can include: Dehydration. Fatigue. Headaches. Dizziness. Nausea. Weight gain. Weight loss. About half of people have constant symptoms, and the other half only report occasional symptoms. What causes bile acid diarrhea? The symptoms of bile acid malabsorption — primarily, bile acid diarrhea, or BAD — result from the buildup of bile acids in your colon, where food waste turns to poop. Normally, 95% of the bile acids in your small intestine are reabsorbed in the last segment (the ileum) before passing on to your colon. When too many are left over, however, they pass into your large intestine with the rest of the waste. Bile acids in your colon irritate the mucous lining, triggering it to secrete extra fluid and speeding up the muscle contractions that move poop along. This causes frequent, urgent diarrhea and cramping. What causes bile acid malabsorption? What causes bile acids to build up in your intestines is another question. Researchers have classified the possible causes of BAM into four different types. Sometimes they classify BAM as either primary or secondary. ​Primary BAM is caused by your liver overproducing bile acids (types 2 and 4.) ​Secondary BAM is caused by damage to your small intestine due to disease, surgery or radiation treatment (types 1 and 3.) Type 1 BAM is caused by a problem with your ileum itself. This is considered true malabsorption, because the problem begins at absorption stage of the bile acid cycle. You may have type 1 BAM if you've had the last part of your small intestine surgically removed, altered or bypassed to treat another condition. Certain diseases, such as Crohn's disease, and treatments such as radiation therapy can also damage the ileum. Significant damage impairs its ability to absorb. ​Type 2 BAM has sometimes been called "idiopathic," which means that it happens spontaneously or for unknown reasons. However, current research suggests that it's a problem with the chemical signaling between your intestines and your liver. This signaling is what normally regulates your bile acid cycle (enterohepatic circulation.) Chemicals in your blood signal when your liver should produce and deliver more bile acids and when it's time to stop, reabsorb and recycle them. But with type 2 BAM, your liver doesn't get the memo to stop. So, it keeps sending bile acids — too many for your ileum to absorb. ​Type 3 BAM is caused by gastrointestinal diseases that can affect your ileum along with other parts of your digestive system. These include celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). ​Type 4 BAM is caused by excessive bile acid production as a side effect of taking Metformin.

Continuing a mini-series on obesity, we welcome once again Dr. Ifland.   She founded the online Addiction Reset Community (ARC) in 2016, www.foodaddictionreset.com. The Facebook group, 'Food Addiction Education' (2014) and www.foodaddictionresources.com (2014) provide free support.  Reset Week  is the first online live video program for withdrawal (2018).  ARC Manager Training is a program training future Addiction Reset Community leaders (2020). Dr. Ifland is the lead author of the first scholarly description of processed food addiction and definition of addictive foods. Dr. Ifland earned her PhD in addictive nutrition at Union Institute and University (2010); her MBA at Stanford Business School (1978) and her BA in Economics and Political Science at Oberlin College (1974). She currently resides in Seattle. Social Media links:  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1806154526275515 ​Twitter  https://twitter.com/JoanIfland ​Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/foodaddictionreset/  

This week we will discuss the obesity problem for children in the US.  Our guest, once again, is Dr. Joan Ifland.  Dr Ifland has been creating breakthroughs in recovery from food addiction from 1999 with her first popular book to 2018 when her textbook, Processed Food Addiction: Foundations, Assessment, and Recovery was released by CRC Press.   ​ She founded the online Addiction Reset Community (ARC) in 2016, www.foodaddictionreset.com. The Facebook group, 'Food Addiction Education' (2014)  and  www.foodaddictionresources.com (2014) provide free support.  Reset Week  is the first online live video program for withdrawal (2018).  ARC Manager Training is a program training future Addiction Reset Community leaders (2020). Dr. Ifland is the lead author of the first scholarly description of processed food addiction and definition of addictive foods. Dr. Ifland earned her PhD in addictive nutrition at Union Institute and University (2010); her MBA at Stanford Business School (1978) and her BA in Economics and Political Science at Oberlin College (1974). She currently resides in Seattle. Social Media links:  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1806154526275515 Twitter  https://twitter.com/JoanIfland Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/foodaddictionreset/    Childhood obesity is a complex disease with many contributing factors, on including genetics, eating patterns, physical activity levels, and sleep routines. About 1 in 5 American children has obesity. Compared to children with healthy weight, children with obesity are at a higher risk for asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, type 2 diabetes, and risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure.  "Childhood obesity continues to rise around the world, and the World Health Organization has called it "one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century." Yet the prevalence of childhood obesity appears to vary across countries. Island nations in the Pacific, such as Nauru and the Cook Islands, appear to have the highest obesity rates among children 5 to 19, but the countries Ethiopia and Burkina Faso appear to have the lowest rates. The number of obese or overweight children 5 and younger climbed from 32 million globally in 1990 to 41 million in 2016, according to WHO data. If current trends continue, the number of overweight or obese children in that age group could increase to 70 million by 2025." (CNN Health News)

This week we will discuss the confidence building in children with returning guest, Casey Hersch!   ​ ​Casey Hersch is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, author, Latin ballroom dancer, health journalist, and animal advocate. She uses holistic and resilience-based models to help children and families cope with trauma, stress, and illness. ​A Regent's scholar and CSU Chico's social worker of the year, she has devoted her career to helping children, parents, families, and communities build resilience and minimize the effects of stress, trauma, and adverse childhood experiences throughout the lifespan. During her childhood, Casey witnessed the toll of trauma and stress on her health. She has spent most of her adult life overcoming Crohn's disease (autoimmune) and mental illness (anxiety), which further motivates her to create resources for children. Her passion for giving voice to the health benefits of animal rescue and pet companionship granted her recognition for excellence by the Cat Writer's Association. Her work is published in a variety of venues. Casey's diverse clinical experience as a psychotherapist, child custody investigator, educator, and community organizer inspired I Am Pawso. All too often Casey sees toddlers, tweens, teenagers, and adults who missed out on early interventions. These mental health resources in schools, homes, and communities can reduce the long-term consequences of stress and trauma, such as chronic illness, mental illness, anger and behavior management issues, depression, and violence. Casey's evidence-based philosophy is simple: When we provide children the lessons and resources they need to build resilience, emotional intelligence, and healthy brain neural pathways, we give them the best opportunities to thrive. I Am Pawso is Casey's gift to children: An intervention providing them the tools and confidence they need to live healthy and successful lives. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​       I Am Pawso is a family labor of love. Casey's rescue cat, Pawso, is the main character. Her husband, Scott, illustrated the book by taking real photographs of Pawso. When Casey is not writing, she is Latin Ballroom dancing, serving her community, and playing with her cats, Pawso and Samba.

This week we will discuss severe Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).  Our guest is Galen Warden, the mom to six adult children, one being her son James Strazza.  Galen is now a full time caregiver to James due to the severity of his disease.  Here are her words:  "James was a healthy young man until he very slowly, because of medical ignorance and poor advice, became weaker and sicker following a severe case of the Epstein Barr Virus when he was just 19. After a few years, he slowly lost his ability to drive, to stand in his kitchen and prepare food for himself, then to walk more than a few steps, to use an electric wheelchair, and finally, to even sit up if carried onto a commode. He's been 100% bed bound for three years. What is this bizarre disease that so many medical doctors prefer to pass off as psychological, psychosomatic or self-inflicted? Myalgic Encephalomyelitis was, in the past, known only as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. An unfortunate name because it's so easily dismissed as simple chronic fatigue, familiar to many with autoimmune diseases. ME/CFS is entirely different. It's a disease not known, not taught, but not rare. Just rarely acknowledged, and more rarely understood.... ME appears to be a post-viral disease. The onset can be caused by Epstein Barr, Dengue Fever, Covid 19, and other viral illnesses. Now, research is so urgent because Long Covid is impacting thousands who are unaware of the potential that they could end up like James. Post-viral Covid could easily continue to progress to Severe ME/CFS if patients are not aware of how to manage their overwhelming weakness and fatigue. They must rest and never push themselves. They need the early support of their families to pick up the burden of making meals, driving them, helping them rest as much as possible. Because, if they don't allow them to rest now, caring for them will become a very heavy burden. These patients, with their desperate families, their disbelieving caregivers and puzzled doctors, are why I'm compelled to add documenting our experience to my long list of weighty obligations."

This week we are talking about a rare condition, FOXG1.  This  syndrome is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation in the FOXG1 gene. FOXG1 gene is one of the first and most important genes for early brain development and when impaired, causes cognitive and physical disabilities as well as medical complexities including epilepsy. Every child born with FOXG1 syndrome is unique as FOXG1 manifests as a spectrum where symptoms and severity vary between individuals. Our patient data shows characteristics of children with FOXG1 syndrome include: nonverbal, non-ambulatory, experience seizures, feeding problems, cortical vision impairment, movement disorders, and developmental delays. Less-severely-affected FOXG1 children often present with (ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorder as FOXG1 is an autism related gene. FOXG1 syndrome is found equally among both females and males and is geographically more prevalent where diagnostic testing is more advanced. (credits: The FoxG1 Foundation) Our guest is a mother to a child with FoxG1, Ilissa Reich.  Ilissa is a former fashion executive who transformed her career into being a fierce advocate for families of children with special needs. When her now-3-year-old son, Eli, was diagnosed with FOXG1 Syndrome, a rare brain disorder with no cure, she spun into action and co-founded Believe in a Cure (webelieveinacure.org), a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation working to develop a treatment for FOXG1. Founded in 2019, Believe has raised millions of dollars and funded over 40 research and development projects around the world. long the way, the foundation has partnered with preeminent institutions ranging from the National Institutes of Health to Harvard, MIT, and Tel Aviv University, to biotechnology companies in Europe, Asia, and the United States. ​Renowned scientists from industry and academia serve on the scientific advisory board of the foundation, and several notable leaders serve on the foundation's lay advisory council, including former U.S. senators Joe Lieberman and Paul Kirk, the former CEO of Staples Ron Sargent, mediation czar Ken Feinberg, and many more. This journey has opened Ilissa's eyes to the experiences of countless other families who struggle each day, and despite her own anguish, Ilissa endeavored to create a platform for mothers of kids with special needs to build community and offer support. ​She has appeared on the Today show, in People magazine, and a host of other outlets profiling her efforts. A native Long Islander, Ilissa previously worked in fashion at notable brands Tibi, Free People, Splendid, and Alternative Apparel. She studied business in college at The George Washington University. She lives in Port Washington with her husband, Scott, and their three children. ​ When asked: 'What has enabled you to be successful?' she responded- "I always aspire to be a good role model for my children. I want to be someone they're proud of."

This week we will discuss M-RNA vaccines.  Our guest is Thomas VanCott, PhD.  Thomas VanCott is currently the Chief Scientific Officer for Combined Therapeutics, a Boston based biotech company developing targeted mRNA therapies.  Prior to this he served as the Chief Technology and Strategy Officer for Catalent Cell & Gene Therapy, a global CDMO manufacturing viral vectors for gene and cell therapies as wells as plasmid DNA & mRNA platforms based in Baltimore, MD.  He was responsible for strategically enhancing CMC services to meet the market demand of increasingly complex gene and cell therapy products as well as leading the product development and internal R&D teams.  Prior to this, he was the CEO for 10 years at a Maryland-based CMO/CRO (ABL) where he was responsible for the strategic international growth of the company.  He has been involved in biologics product development for over 25 years.  He has a PhD in physical chemistry and started his career as a Captain in the US Army stationed at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) studying and developing HIV vaccines for international deployment from initial construction through preclinical development, GMP manufacturing and clinical development. ​Vaccines help prevent infection by preparing the body to fight foreign invaders (such as bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens). All vaccines introduce into the body a harmless piece of a particular bacteria or virus, triggering an immune response. Most vaccines contain a weakened or dead bacteria or virus. However, scientists have developed a new type of vaccine that uses a molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA) rather than part of an actual bacteria or virus. Messenger RNA is a type of RNA that is necessary for protein production.  Once cells finish making a protein, they quickly break down the mRNA. mRNA from vaccines does not enter the nucleus and does not alter DNA. ​mRNA vaccines work by introducing a piece of mRNA that corresponds to a viral protein, usually a small piece of a protein found on the virus's outer membrane. (Individuals who get an mRNA vaccine are not exposed to the virus, nor can they become infected with the virus by the vaccine.) By using this mRNA, cells can produce the viral protein. As part of a normal immune response, the immune system recognizes that the protein is foreign and produces specialized proteins called antibodies. Antibodies help protect the body against infection by recognizing individual viruses or other pathogens, attaching to them, and marking the pathogens for destruction. Once produced, antibodies remain in the body, even after the body has rid itself of the pathogen, so that the immune system can quickly respond if exposed again. If a person is exposed to a virus after receiving mRNA vaccination for it, antibodies can quickly recognize it, attach to it, and mark it for destruction before it can cause serious illness. Like all vaccines in the United States, mRNA vaccines require authorization or approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be used. Currently vaccines for COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, are the only authorized or approved mRNA vaccines. These vaccines use mRNA that directs cells to produce copies of a protein on the outside of the coronavirus known as the "spike protein". Researchers are studying how mRNA might be used to develop vaccines for additional diseases.  (credits: Medline Plus)

This week we will discuss mental health impacts from living with a chronic illness with our guest, Christy Amos (aka Christi Winstead) ​ Christy Amos is a compassionate and resilient individual who has made it her mission to help others navigate the challenges of living with chronic illnesses. With a Master's degree in Counseling, she has acquired a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological impact that chronic conditions can have on individuals and their loved ones. Despite facing her own health battles, Christy's determination and empathy have driven her to become a patient advocate. Drawing from her personal experiences with multiple chronic illnesses, she uses her expertise to support and empower others in similar situations. Her dedication to improving the lives of those affected by chronic illnesses has made her an invaluable resource in the social health community. In addition to her advocacy work, Christy is a freelance author. She shares her wealth of knowledge and personal insights on chronic hives and asthma through her contributions to respected platforms such as chronic-hives.com and asthma.net. Her writing not only educates and informs, but also serves as a source of comfort and inspiration for individuals living with these conditions. ​ Christy's unique perspective as both a patient and a professional counselor allows her to approach chronic illnesses holistically. She understands the complexities of managing physical symptoms while also addressing the emotional and psychological impact of these conditions. Through her writing, counseling, and advocacy efforts, she strives to promote understanding, raise awareness, and facilitate meaningful conversations about chronic illnesses. ​Christy's commitment to making a difference in the lives of others shines through in everything she does. Her courage, resilience, and unwavering determination serve as an inspiration to those who have the privilege of knowing her or benefiting from her work. With her profound understanding of the challenges that chronic illnesses present, Christy Amos continues to transform the lives of individuals and families affected by these conditions, bringing hope and support to countless people in need.