Medical Notes: Week of November 14, 2021

Special Olympics is working to close major gaps in healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A new global report reveals widespread problems – from poor provider training to communication barriers – that prevent individuals with IDD from receiving informed, respectful, and effective care. The organization hopes to create a more inclusive system by improving physician training and empowering people with IDD to participate in their own health decisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When nerves lose the energy they need to function, it leads to numbness, pain, and loss of mobility for millions of Americans. New research is uncovering how risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and food insecurity disproportionately affect certain communities. As scientists work to refine treatments and explore promising therapies that include GLP-1 medications, early detection, dietary changes, and improved access to healthcare remain critical to stopping the progression of this condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are sound waves the next big thing in cancer treatment? Tackle football isn’t as kid-friendly as you think. Why you may want to spend more time on your phone. Light therapy could mend your heart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hypothyroidism And The New FDA Ruling The thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating key body functions, but when it’s dysregulated, the typical treatment involves synthetic T4 and T3. A small number of patients still use desiccated thyroid extract derived from animals, but the FDA plans to phase it out due to safety and dosing concerns. Our experts explain why patients are still using DTE and why they’re being transitioned to other options. Saving A Life: How To Reverse An Overdose Many people know what to do in emergencies like fires or animal encounters, but far fewer understand how to respond to an opioid overdose. A nonprofit is teaching the public to recognize key signs of an overdose and use tools like naloxone and fentanyl test strips to save lives. As education and access expand, the goal is to make harm reduction strategies as familiar as any other life-saving precaution. Medical Notes: Why You Should Spend More Time On Your Phone, The Dangers Of Kids Playing Tackle Football, And How Light Therapy Can Mend Your Heart Are sound waves the next big thing in cancer treatment? Tackle football isn’t as kid-friendly as you think. Why you may want to spend more time on your phone. Light therapy could mend your heart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many people know what to do in emergencies like fires or animal encounters, but far fewer understand how to respond to an opioid overdose. A nonprofit is teaching the public to recognize key signs of an overdose and use tools like naloxone and fentanyl test strips to save lives. As education and access expand, the goal is to make harm reduction strategies as familiar as any other life-saving precaution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating key body functions, but when it’s dysregulated, the typical treatment involves synthetic T4 and T3. A small number of patients still use desiccated thyroid extract derived from animals, but the FDA plans to phase it out due to safety and dosing concerns. Our experts explain why patients are still using DTE and why they’re being transitioned to other options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hidden dangers of your vape. Which exercise is best for your health? Why you may want to spend more time on your phone.You need to be eating more fiber – here’s how. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are Cluster Headaches The Worst Pain A Human Can Experience? Cluster headaches are rare but devastating for the people who experience them. These attacks can strike repeatedly in a single day and may go undiagnosed for years. Specialists say greater awareness, research, and individualized treatment are urgently needed to help those living with this invisible, and often debilitating, condition. Why Kids With Autism May Want To Learn Multiple Languages During Celia Romero’s research on kids with autism, she uncovered a widespread misconception: many families had been advised to avoid teaching their child a second language. That guidance wasn’t backed by science. In fact, new research suggests that multilingualism may actually support executive functioning and social skills in kids on the spectrum. While more data is needed, this work opens the door to greater opportunities for learning and connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During Celia Romero’s research on kids with autism, she uncovered a widespread misconception: many families had been advised to avoid teaching their child a second language. That guidance wasn’t backed by science. In fact, new research suggests that multilingualism may actually support executive functioning and social skills in kids on the spectrum. While more data is needed, this work opens the door to greater opportunities for learning and connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cluster headaches are rare but devastating for the people who experience them. These attacks can strike repeatedly in a single day and may go undiagnosed for years. Specialists say greater awareness, research, and individualized treatment are urgently needed to help those living with this invisible, and often debilitating, condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices