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.

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 a new rapid response test for Sepsis with one of the developers, Richard Brandon. ​Sepsis describes a syndrome that occurs when severe infection results in critical illness and affects 750,000 Americans annually. Sepsis occurs when a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection causes a significant response from the body's immune system, causing a high heart rate, fever, or fast breathing. Severe sepsis develops when the infection causes organ damage. Septic shock is the most severe form in which the infection causes low blood pressure, resulting in damage to multiple organs. About three in every 10 patients with severe sepsis, and half of those with septic shock, die in the hospital. ​ Consider asking the following questions: "Does my loved one have sepsis or septic shock?" "Do we know what organism is causing the infection in my loved one?" "Do we know where the infection came from?" "How well are my loved one's organs working?" ​ Antibiotics and intravenous (IV) fluids are two of the most important treatments for sepsis. Studies have shown that delays in receiving the right antibiotics can double the risk of death. Patients are usually started on antibiotics that treat many different types of bacteria—"broad-spectrum antibiotics"—until test results are available to help physicians select antibiotics that treat the specific bacteria causing the illness—"narrowing antibiotics". These tests are often referred to as "cultures", where bodily fluids such as blood, urine, and phlegm, are sent to the laboratory to identify disease-causing bacteria. Preliminary results from cultures may be available within 24 to 48 hours; final results from these tests often take several days. (credits: ATS)    Time is critical as you can see!  With Richard Brandon's new test, the results are rapid!!  ​   ​ Richard Brandon Chief Scientific Officer – BVSc (Hons), PhD, MBA 35 years' experience – veterinary immunologist, molecular biologist, pathologist, animal and human healthcare R&D executive: Cornell, Sloan Kettering Cancer Research, University of Queensland, various private pathology laboratories, Genetrax, Plasvacc, BioNiche. A listed inventor on most Immunexpress patents; architect of IP strategy.

On today's show, we are talking about the complex world of multiple chronic illnesses once again with Anna Cooper. Anna is a 35-year-old female who has an independent spirit inside of a body that holds an alphabet of health conditions. Anna worked as a case manager for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, where she loved to advocate for her clients. When her health forced her to take a step back from working, things have been rough as she looks for a new way to advocate for herself and for others. The Difficult illness we will discuss today is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome or MCAS.  According to the National Institute of Health: Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) causes a person to have repeated severe allergy symptoms affecting several body systems. In MCAS, mast cells mistakenly release too many chemical agents, resulting in symptoms in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, heart, respiratory, and neurologic systems. Mast cells are present throughout most of our bodies and secrete different chemicals during allergic reactions. Symptoms include episodes of abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, flushing, itching, wheezing, coughing, lightheadedness and rapid pulse and low blood pressure. Symptoms can start at any age, but usually begin in adulthood. The cause of MCAS is unknown. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms, clinical exam, and specific laboratory testing. Other conditions may need to be excluded before MCAS can be diagnosed.    

This week we will discuss Achalasia of the Esophagus Achalasia occurs when nerves in the esophagus become damaged. As a result, the esophagus becomes paralyzed and dilated over time and eventually loses the ability to squeeze food down into the stomach. Food then collects in the esophagus, sometimes fermenting and washing back up into the mouth, which can taste bitter. Some people mistake this for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, in achalasia the food is coming from the esophagus, whereas in GERD the material comes from the stomach. ​There's no cure for achalasia. Once the esophagus is paralyzed, the muscle cannot work properly again. But symptoms can usually be managed with endoscopy, minimally invasive therapy or surgery. (Credits: Mayo Clinic) ​Our guest on this episode is Bridget Oyen, known in the TikTok world as @LiveSickDieslowly. Bridget is 30 years old and has been struggling with Achalasia since the age of 15. In addition to that, she has Gastroparesis, Fibromyalgia, and is Autistic and ADHD. She is an advocate for the disabled community, and loves to help educate others on how to be mindful in regards to disability and chronic illness, and aims to break down stigma surrounding these topics. 

This week we will discuss the complexity of being chronically ill with multiple diagnoses.  Our guest for this week is Christy Amos, a compassionate and resilient individual who has dedicated her life to helping others navigate the challenges of living with chronic illnesses. Despite her own battles with multiple chronic health conditions, she has become a powerful patient advocate, leveraging her personal experiences to support and empower others. As a freelance author, she shares her expertise and insights on living with chronic conditions, providing education, comfort, and inspiration to those affected. 

In this episode we will discuss Vectors.  Specifically MOSQUITOES! Mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism -- over one million people worldwide die from mosquito-borne diseases every year. Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases that afflict humans, they also transmit several diseases and parasites that dogs and horses are very susceptible to. These include dog heartworm, West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). In addition, mosquito bites can cause severe skin irritation through an allergic reaction to the mosquito's saliva - this is what causes the red bump and itching. Mosquito vectored diseases include protozoan diseases, i.e., malaria, filarial diseases such as dog heartworm, and viruses such as dengue, encephalitis and yellow fever. CDC Travelers' Health provides information on travel to destinations where human-borne diseases might be a problem. (from the American Mosquito Association)